RIAA Barker Gillette is one of the largest full-service law firms in Pakistan, with offices in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar. The firm also notably represents Pakistan in Lex Mundi.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is ranked among the market leaders for its high quality financial and corporate offering. The firm is experienced in advising on matters such as debt and equity offerings, inbound investments, Islamic and conventional finance, and project development.
Key clients
Clients include Din Energy, Lakeside Energy, Indus Wind Energy, MCB Bank, Allied Bank, Vinci, and VentureDrive.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
M&A
"Very quick turnaround and well-drafted legal opinions highlighting the pros and cons. Always available to provide support as and when needed. "
Active since 1952, Orr Dignam & Co is one of the oldest and largest law firms in Pakistan. The firm has seven partners across offices in Karachi and Islamabad.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is active in the financial and corporate space and is ranked among the market leaders in the jurisdiction. The firm’s offering covers a wide range of matters, including asset financing, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, derivatives and corporate restructuring.
Key clients
Notable clients include OMI, PARCO, Total PARCO Marketing and Axiata Group.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"Experts were able to outline the training content and deliver it."
Active since 1997, Kabraji & Talibuddin is among the market-leading firms in Pakistan and excels in financial and corporate work. The firm has an office in Karachi.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on M&A and projects work and significant experience in aviation financing. The firm maintains an office in Karachi.
Sectors of focus include aviation, entertainment and media, logistics, retail, healthcare and energy.
Key clients
Notable clients include International Finance Corporation, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Export-Import Bank of Korea, Export-Import Bank of China, CDC Group, China Development Bank, Commercial Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Bank Al Habib.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Project finance
"1. They are clear in their understanding of the law and transaction to provide us with advice accordingly.
2. They communicate with the lender’s lawyers discreetly, considering the company's point of view."
The full-service law firm Vellani & Vellani can trace its roots back to 1937. The firm has offices in Islamabad and Karachi. Key figures at the firm include senior partner Badaruddin Vellani.
Focusses/ specialisms
Ranked among the top-tier firms in Pakistan, Vellani & Vellani is known for banking, M&A and projects work.
While the firm’s banking team advises on matters such as syndicated loans, credit facilities and project financings, it also has expertise in Shariah-compliant structures including murabaha (cost-plus financing), istisna’a (Islamic project financing), ijara (capital leasing), musharakah (partnership finance) financings, and takaful (Islamic insurance) deals.
In M&A, the firm advises on matters including joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, demergers, spin-offs, divestments and franchises.
In the projects space, the firm has a particular focus on the oil and gas sector.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Banking and finance
"The ease of approaching partners and associates at V&V is a big plus. They are excellent at reverting in a timely manner and with easy-to-understand advice."
Project finance
"Legal knowledge and market knowledge is excellent. Provide practical advice."
