Mahmud Mukhtar was the initial founder of the firm in 1988, following a long career as General Counsel of American Overseas Petroleum Ltd, Umm Al Jawaby Petroluem Ltd and Oasis Oil Company (a joint venture between Marathon Oil, Conoco, Amerada Hess and the National Oil Corporation of Libya). Mr Mukhtar was later joined by Bahloul Kelbashin 1991, who developed experience and expertise in litigation, labour matters and oil and gas from positions as legal advisor to the Ministry of Labour, Senior Attorney at the Supreme Court of Libya, legal advisor to the Ministry of Justice and as legal adviser to the National Oil Corporation of Libya. The firm's partnership was completed with the addition of Abdudayem Elgharabli in 1992, following a career as Senior Advisor and later General Counsel of the National Oil Corporation of Libya. The firm initially focused on the oil and gas sector, being the biggest sector of the Libyan economy, advising international exploration and production companies and oilfield services companies on various aspects of the Libyan Petroleum Laws, corporate and labour laws and regulations as well as representing them before various Libyan courts and tribunals. The firm also developed a comprehensive construction practice, advising international contractors on major projects of the time. With the continued growth and liberalization of the Libyan economy, highlighted by new emerging sectors in various commercial and corporate fields, as well as banking and finance, telecoms and tourism, the firm further developed its expertise in these areas by expanding its focus to cover foreign investment, banking and finance and corporate laws, amongst others. As well as continuing to advise some of the biggest names in the Libyan and international oil and gas sector, the firm has developed a solid client base which include major international contractors, telecoms firms, commercial and investment banks and private equity funds, defense companies and others. The firm has also developed strong working relationships with international law firms based in the Middle East, the US, the UK and Europe. The firm has grown in size to meet the demands of its clients and growing interest in the Libyan market, with three partners, two senior associates and two associates as well as a team of support staff, based in new modern office facilities located in Dahara business district in the heart of the City of Tripoli. |
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