Independent Recognition
"Clients speak highly of Stuart Walker, who brings considerable regulatory expertise to the team."
Chambers Global: The Client's Guide 2010
Amjad Ali Khan is a generalist whom peers describe as "respected and of high quality." His skills encompass Islamic finance, projects and asset finance.
Chambers Global: The Client's Guide 2009
One of the firm's founders, Amjad Ali Khan is both a valuable rainmaker and a frequent presence on deals, with peers saying: "We all respect him, and he attracts some big international users."
Chambers Global: The Client's Guide 2009
Charles Laubach comes highly recommended by his clients. A US attorney with Arabic and Urdu skills, he has much experience in the region.
Chambers Global: The Client's Guide 2009
C. Chakradaran is the most visible and well known figure at this firm. He has a rich history in law, and his practice is dominated by marine dispute work, although he continues to build upon this foundation with disputes in the real estate, corporate, banking and other commercial sectors. His background at the US firm, Chadbourne, Parke & Afridi, gives him an international perspective and client base to match, on top of his "all round superb expertise and long experience" in the region.
C. Chakradaran "One of the legends in the maritime arena," he is a defining feature of the UAE shipping law. A co-founder of the firm, he has been resident in Dubai since 1979 and is hugely successful on marine casualty cases.
Chambers Global: The Client's Guide 2009
Partner, Shahram Safai heads the real estate department which "produces work of superb quality thanks to its excellent team of lawyers, with a diverse array of backgrounds. Its long-standing local presence gives the firm a deep understanding of the market and of clients' needs."
Chambers Global - The Client's Guide 2009
Partner, Stuart Walker, who "knows his stuff", is regarded as one of the leading regulatory specialists in Dubai and as a result is known to be a key advisor in relation to DFSA investigations.
Legal 500 - 2009 Edition
At Afridi & Angell, Amjad Ali Khan stands out as "a sharp, progressive lawyer," who combines conventional and Islamic work. In line with the firm's "impressive" links with the US, Gulf States and India, Khan's cross-border work is much admired in the region.
Who's Who Legal - UAE 2008 - Banking
The Official Research Partner of the IBA
Co-founder of Afridi & Angell, and a partner in the firm's Dubai office, C. Chakradaran is considered the "elder statesman" of the UAE Shipping Bar.
Who's Who Legal - UAE 2008 - Shipping & Maritime
The Official Research Partner of the IBA
The "superb" C. Chakradaran of Afridi & Angell also appears in this chapter. He has been practising in Dubai for nearly 30 years and has gained renown throughout the Middle East and Asia, in particular for his work for sole insurers and reinsurers, and numerous dispute resolution cases.
Who's Who Legal - UAE 2008 -Insurance & Reinsurance
The Official Research Partner of the IBA
Partner, Shahram Safai is "very involved in the market," according to sources who praise his "energy, thoroughness and knowledge."
He publishes a column on real estate and construction matters in the Property Weekly magazine and is a regular figure on the lecture circuit.
"Premier local firm" Afridi & Angell "covers all the bases" regarding real estate transactions, and its multi-jurisdictional dispute resolution work also received compliments from peers.
Who's Who Legal - UAE 2008 - Real Estate
The Official Research Partner of the IBA
"One of the best lawyers there," Amjad Ali Khan has built a conventional and Islamic practice that is universally admired. Peers portray him as "an unheralded great - so many leading banks and lawyers go to him direct."
Amjad Ali Khan is "an excellent lawyer who certainly knows his stuff" across the finance and corporate spectrum.
Chambers Global: The Client's Guide 2008
The "practical and prompt" Charles Laubach acts on a range of commercial issues, and is valued for his "rare blend of intelligence and efficiency."
Chambers Global: The Client's Guide 2008
Bashir Ahmed is a Pakistani and US lawyer who handles finance, M&A and capital markets for a broad UAE client base.
Chambers Global: The Client's Guide 2008
"A man of proper solutions," C. Chakradaran is a veteran shipping specialist who has worked on disputes in the UAE for the last 30 years. Peers identify him as "a delightful lawyer who has many major shipping cases under his belt," while clients say "for the most complex matters, he is the one to go to." He is also a top contact for general insurance disputes.
Chambers Global: The Client's Guide 2008
Masood Afridi is a power projects lawyer who has recently relocated from the firm's Pakistani affiliate, Risvi, Isa, Afridi & Angell. He has traded places with his father, M.A.K. Afridi, who returns to Pakistan.
Chambers Global: The Client's Guide 2008
Partner, Shahram Safai has "impressed peers" and has been acknowledged as "one of the most knowledgeable young lawyers in this area. His real estate capabilities, as well as his thoroughness, integrity and attention to detail, earn him hearty client praise."
Partner, Shahram Safai leads the real estate practice, which consists of "a number of bright, internationally trained lawyers, ... the team has captured a significant share of the market. ... it has followed the changing face of the UAE's real estate laws very closely. Accordingly, it has earned client plaudits for its standout level of expertise and professionalism."
Chambers Global - The Client's Guide 2008
The firm acted as UAE counsel to Sorouh Real Estate PJSC in the Shariah-compliant first ever securitization of Middle East real estate installment sales receivables, winning:
Structured Finance Deal of the Year
UAE Deal of the Year
Islamic Finance News 2008
"Advised Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre Authority on Dubai Law issues in its Sukuk (Islamic finance) issuance. The deal gives investors the opportunity to receive periodic payments in gold bullion instead of cash, a first for a public Islamic finance capital market transaction."
Asia Law & Practice Profiles 2007
"Afridi & Angell conducts a general practice and also has one of the most active maritime law practices in the region."
Asia Law & Practice Profiles 2007
"The firm's presence in the UAE dates back to 1975, giving the firm unrivalled experience within the rapid legal and economic developments that have taken place in the UAE and the Gulf region... Capital Markets is a primary area of the firm's growth."
Asia Law Profiles 2007
"With offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, Afridi & Angell has a strong presence in the UAE that is augmented by resources in the USA as well as an affiliate in Pakistan. Distinct from other international outfits, the firm impresses peers by creating a niche combining international standards with local knowledge."
Chambers Global - The Client's Guide 2007
Partner, Amjad Ali Khan is the "streetwise and smart" figure who has won the group many plaudits. An "easygoing, knowledgeable and experienced" attorney, his understanding of the market is highly valued.
Chambers Global - The Client's Guide 2007
"Afridi & Angell is a multi-office outfit in the UAE. Active on inbound and outbound investment, the team is rated for its 'clear and precise' approach, and its knowledge of local issues. International lawyers, including the 'forthright and reliable' partner, Charles Laubach, add extra value. In conjunction with its Pakistan [associated] offices this 'respectable ship' has good market visibility. Clients include international private equity firms, investment banks and local institutions."
Chambers Global - The Client's Guide 2007
"Afridi & Angell is highly recommended for its Dispute Resolution capabilities as well as its banking and debt finance practice."
Practical Law Company Yearbook 2007
"Afridi & Angell acts for international and domestic banks and financial institutions. Areas of expertise include credit facilities, syndications, workouts and licensing on regulatory matters. The firm also provides advice on Islamic banking products and transactions. It has offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and an [affiliated] office in New York."
"Afridi & Angell provides expertise in litigation and all aspects of commercial arbitration. The firm is also experienced in acting in multi-jurisdictional disputes."
"Afridi & Angell acts for insurers, brokers, and agents, providing advice on licensing and regulation. It also provides advice on insurance coverage disputes."
The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa 2007
"Afridi & Angell, ('A&A'), is an international law firm with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. A&A conducts a specialized practice related to business and investments in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and other areas of the Middle East and also in Pakistan and India on behalf of American, European and other foreign companies, as well as local companies. A&A also represents Arab and other regional interests with respect to their investments and operations outside the region, including the United States."
Lex Mundi Directory of Members 2007