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Rami Smayra

Managing Partner

Mr. Rami Smayra is our firm’s managing partner. He essentially practices in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, and he represents a wide variety of clients in highly technical banking, construction, corporate and M&A transactions. He is also particularly experienced in arbitration. He has advised clients from Africa, Europe, North America and Asia, including most countries in the Middle East.

Tel: +961 1 350 771
Email: rami.smayra@smayralaw.com

Professional memberships:

  • Beirut Bar Association (Lebanon). Admitted 2004

  • New York State Bar Association (USA). Admitted 2008

Languages:

Arabic (native), French (language of legal education) and English (language of legal education)

Education:

  • Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Georgetown University Law Center (Washington, D.C., USA)

  • Lebanese Degree in private law from Université Saint Joseph (Beirut, Lebanon)

  • University Diploma in Information Technology Law from Université Saint Joseph (Beirut, Lebanon) and Université de Montpellier (Montpellier, France)

Sample of experience:

  • Represented a regional group in the acquisition of an insurance company active in Lebanon

  • Represented a Lebanese insurance company in the legal due diligence relating to its acquisition of an international insurance company’s business in the GCC and Lebanon

  • Advised one of the world’s largest financial groups in the setting up of its Bank Insurance (Bancassurance) services in Lebanon

  • Advised a production company active in the GCC and Lebanon in its joint venture in the MENA region with an internationally recognized and award winning European production company

  • Represented a US engineering group in its acquisition of an engineering group active in the GCC

  • Represented the founders of an African based beer production and distribution company in the divestment to a major European beverage company

  • Advised clients on a variety of Financial technology (FinTech) products, including a touch-to-pay product, as well as the development of the legal framework of an e-banking product that allows higher security in transactions by check without breaching the Lebanese banking secrecy regulations

  • Advised real estate development companies in relation to the development and execution of their projects

  • Advised a private commercial seaport in its restructuring in preparation for its acquisition by international investors

  • Advised and represented the developers of the mixed-use tower that was planned to be the highest building in Lebanon throughout their disputes with the consultants and contractors resulting from the cancellation of their project shortly following commencement of the works

  • Advised Saudi investors in relation to their dispute with the Republic of Egypt resulting from the expropriation of lands included in their touristic resort in Egypt, and the withdrawal of building permits. Also advised them in relation to the presentation of their claims against the Republic of Egypt before the ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes)

  • Advised a regional insurance company in its dispute with an industrial group in Syria resulting from a political risk insurance