Youssef el Khazen

Practice Areas

Youssef is specialized in the set-up of legal strategies and the negotiation of agreements and transactions. He also has a large experience in the legal and operational aspects of telecommunications, mainly the negotiation and finalization of telecommunications licenses and related agreements. He has also participated in arbitral procedures and arbitral strategies in international arbitration procedures (ICC – UNCITRAL) and acts as legal counsel in various disputes before the Lebanese courts.

Youssef has acted for five years as General Counsel and Head of Legal Department for one of the two mobile telecommunication companies operating in Lebanon, namely FTML (France Telecom Mobile Liban), an affiliate of the French telecommunication operator France Telecom. During his mandate, he has inter alia managed and monitored the transfer of the mobile activity from FTML SAL to the Lebanese government through MIC 1.

He also handled the negotiation and finalization of mobile licenses with all related agreements and documents in six different countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Furthermore, Youssef has a wide experience in providing legal counsel and services in various real estate projects, including drafting of related contracts, establishment of companies, setting up of banking and financial structures, conducting due diligence, etc. for these projects.

Career

Founding Partner of Levant Law Practice

Managing Partner of Levant Law Practice for 10 years

Professional Memberships

Member of the Beirut Bar Association since 1995

Work Highlights

A. Telecommunications and Energy Sector Leadership:

His most significant professional "mandate" involved managing a major transition for the Lebanese state:

- Advised on the legal documentation related to a transfer from a BOT system to a mobile license for a value of US$ 500M;

- Advised on the participation, structuring and drafting of legal documentation regarding a distribution network and metering services organized by the Lebanese competent authorities for a value of US$ 100M.

B. Major Real Estate & Development Projects:

His portfolio includes some of the most expensive and complex property developments in the Levant region:

- Acted as lead legal counsel in the negotiation for the sale of a land in the Bahamas and drafted related agreements for a value of US$ 400M;

- Structured and drafted legal documentation regarding a real estate development project in the touristic mountain area of Faqra, Lebanon for a value of US$ 250M;

- Advised on the acquisition of a legal entity owning a major property on the seashore for the construction of a resort for a value of US$ 175M and negotiated and drafted related units sales agreements for a value of US$ 350M;

- Structured and drafted all legal documentation and agreements related to a financial real estate development project in the center of Beirut for a value of US$ 90M;

- Established a US$ 50M real estate fund in Lebanon;

- Structured and drafted legal documentation for the construction of a tower in Beirut for a value of US$ 45M;

- Negotiated and drafted purchase agreements and documents regarding the sale of a commercial building in Beirut Central District for the value of US$ 40M;

- Negotiated and drafted various legal documents regarding the acquisition and management of a hotel in Beirut by a major regional company for a value of US$ 20M;

- Advised on the structuring of the corporate entity for a real estate housing project in Beirut and drafted, negotiated and finalized all related agreements including the project construction and sale agreements for a value of US$ 25M;

- Advised, negotiated, structured and drafted a financial agreement in relation to a FIDIC contracting contract for a value of US$ 18M.

C. Corporate Strategy & M&A:

He specializes in "shielding assets" and complex cross-border acquisitions:

- Advised on the legal measures in relation to the shielding of assets in Lebanon against international criminal proceedings ramifications for a value of € 200M;

- Negotiated the sale of a 100% shareholding of a start-up company operating in Nigeria to a major multinational European group in the laundry and home care sector for a total value of US$ 150M and reviewed all related documentation;

- Negotiated the acquisition of a Lebanese university for a total value of US$ 20M and finalized all related documentation;

- Participated in the negotiations and due diligence process in the relation to a major Pharmaceutical and Consumer Goods Distribution Group for a value of US$ 500M.

D. Energy & Dispute Resolution:

His recent work has shifted toward high-stakes government-level disputes:

- Advised a foreign oil company on an operational services agreement for the development, operation, maintenance and commercial exploitation of a tank farm facility for a value exceeding USD 100M;

- Conducted the negotiations to amicably settle a major dispute between family members of a total value of US$ 35M and drafted the amicable settlement terms;

- Represented and advised a UK based oil company in the discussions and negotiations with the Lebanese government in relation to a dispute relating to a cargo shipment for a total value of USD 27M;

- Advised, negotiated, structured and drafted legal documentation in relation to a split of property between two major real estate developers in Lebanon for a value of US$ 160M.

Industry Sector Expertise

- Real Estate & Large-Scale Development

- Telecommunications

- Corporate, M&A & Project Finance

- Strategies in International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

Expert in these Jurisdictions

- The Middle East & Africa (MENA)

- International & Cross-Border Frameworks

Languages Spoken

Arabic - French - English

Experience

Youssef S. el Khazen’s experience is defined by over 30 years of legal practice, specializing in high-value transactions, government-level advisory, and cross-border dispute resolution.

His professional journey can be divided into three core stages:

I. Leadership at Levant Law Practice (LLP)

As a Founding Partner (and former Managing Partner), he was instrumental in the 2001 merger that created one of Lebanon's top-tier firms.

II. High-Level In-House Mandate (FTML)

For five years, he held a pivotal role at the intersection of private industry and state regulation.

III. Key Transactional Experience

His "hands-on" experience involves some of the largest financial and real estate figures in the region.

Education

Awards