The first foreigner to establish a law firm in the country, the eponymous Lebanese founder and managing partner of the Law Office of Gebran Majdalany has since been granted Qatari citizenship and is described as the "doyen of Qatari law." Unencumbered by his advanced years, Majdalany is still active in the market: "He's 81 years old and he still goes in to the office every day," says one peer....
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The first foreigner to establish a law firm in the country, the eponymous Lebanese founder and managing partner of the Law Office of Gebran Majdalany has since been granted Qatari citizenship and is described as the "doyen of Qatari law." Unencumbered by his advanced years, Majdalany is still active in the market: "He's 81 years old and he still goes in to the office every day," says one peer. The reaction to Majdalany is divided. Rather than seeing it as an admirable quality, several commentators feel Majdalany might not be the lawyer he once was: "He's been around for a long time, some say he's a bit long in the tooth," says one rival.
Several commentators observe the firm is still capable of providing first class advice, however: "They have a good reputation and a good name and they provide a good service," is one peer's summary. With roles in mandates significant enough to verify this, the firm retains its top-tier rank.
Islamic finance has been the most active sector for the firm and it has advised on two multibillion transactions in the last 12 months. Sharon Coutinho advised Barwa Bank on issuing a $2 billion murabaha (deferred sale) facility in June 2010, while Rejinah Arokiasamy acted for Barclays on refinancing an existing agreement in the same amount for the government.
Further transactions saw the two lawyers collaborate, advising on a $1 billion ijara (leasing) facility agreement and a $500 million bond issue by a Qatari insurance company, in deals which closed in December and November 2010, respectively.
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