Global Guide 2026 : Lebanon
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm
Abou Jaoude & Associates is the largest multi-practice law firm in Lebanon, with a commanding market share of complex transactions of first impression in the region in Corporate, M&A, Banking, Finance, Real Estate and Energy. In addition to their thorough knowledge of the law, the Firm’s team is distinguished by an in-depth specialization, a sharp understanding of its clients' businesses and the industries they operate in, and a strategic pragmatic approach to legal advice. The Firm acts as legal counsel for prominent international groups, and provides strategic advice on market-entry conditions, corporate and tax reorganizations, and company formation and capitalizations. The Firm has unparalleled expertise in complex and cross-border M&A and private equity transactions across all industry sectors, advising on structuring, pre-acquisition due diligence, licensing, compliance and post-acquisition integration.
The Firm represents a dominant portfolio of domestic and global banks on matters of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, extensions of credit and syndicated facilities, complex issuances and offerings of financial products, and cross-border banking activities.
The Firm has a remarkable record with notable mandates in real estate development, power, renewable energy, and oil & gas, advising key markets players on project finance, energy contracts, bankability issues, public procurement, and government relations.
Provided by Chambers
Abou Jaoude & Associates maintains a leading position at the forefront of the Lebanese legal market. Its lawyers are often called upon for their expertise in finance and M&A transactions, as well as corporate reorganisations. The team is also eminently capable in regulatory banking work and has a strong track record of acting for big-name clients on a wide variety of cutting-edge matters.
Provided by Chambers
Abou Jaoude & Associates advised Credit Suisse Lebanon on its exit from the Lebanese market subsequent to the merger between UBS and Credit Suisse.
Provided by Chambers
Abou Jaoude & Associates has deeply skilled and experienced team members.
The thorough analysis Abou Jaoude provides is second to none.
Abou Jaoude & Associates provides individualised solutions in a timely manner and its lawyers are always readily available.
The Abou Jaoude team has excellent lawyers and knows how to handle sophisticated matters.
Abou Jaoude possesses a robust and deeply embedded network across all relevant jurisdictions, allowing them to seamlessly navigate international legal complexities and provide comprehensive support.
Provided by Chambers
Founding partner Carlos Abou Jaoude has considerable expertise in transactional and commercial advisory matters. He is particularly active on banking and finance, M&A and energy mandates.
Carlos Abou Jaoude is business-savvy and very knowledgeable.
Carlos is a very knowledgeable lawyer with deep understanding of law and finance and has the ability to simplify matters to set the direction of the firm.
Carlos Abou Jaoude has great negotiation skills. He thinks several steps ahead.
Carlos Abou Jaoude is an excellent negotiator and he knows the ins and outs of the Lebanese market.
Carlos Abou Jaoude consistently demonstrates exceptional client service, combining deep legal expertise with commercial acumen and strategic foresight.
Souraya Machnouk handles a variety of high-value mandates across a range of disciplines, from M&A and finance to real estate. She offers additional expertise in energy and project mandates. She is also noted among sources for her extensive legal knowledge and formidable negotiating skills.
Souraya Machnouk's advice is sophisticated and well considered, and she consistently demonstrates strong commercial awareness, aligning legal guidance with our business goals.
What truly sets Souraya Machnouk apart is her ability to combine sharp legal insight with a strategic, business-oriented mindset, delivering practical solutions in highly sophisticated matters.
Souraya is extremely reliable and has built an impressive team.
Souraya Machnouk is highly intelligent, knowledgeable and competent, combining deep expertise with exceptional reliability.
Souraya's advice and execution capabilities are highly commended and valuable to us.
Simon El Kai maintains a robust corporate and finance practice. He is highly proficient in transactional matters and offers additional expertise in litigation.
Simon El Kai's clarity and solution-oriented approach make him a trusted adviser in high-stakes negotiations.
Simon's resourcefulness is impressive.
Simon El Kai has broad knowledge on corporate law and amazing interpersonal skills.
Head of Corporate & Finance
Corporate & Finance
Head of Corporate & Finance
Provided by Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm
Ibrahim Barraj
Head of Department
Hachem El Housseini
Souraya Machnouk
View profile of Souraya Machnouk
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