The firm and its lawyers are consistently recognised in the annual editions of leading legal directories in its core practice areas of banking and finance, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution, real estate, employment, energy and infrastructure and shipping. Below is a sampling of client testimonials over the years.
“Proactive, with the capacity for legal strategy,” and able to offer “business-oriented solutions.”
“They go the extra mile to meet our prioritisation and urgency needs,” further noting: “They also have a very solid understanding of the regulator’s expectations.”
“I was impressed with Afridi’s strength in corporate matters and with the firm’s attention to personal relationships.”
“What makes them my go-to local law firm is the fact that they’re commercial and highly responsive.”
“They are extremely knowledgeable on local and international laws and have a strong presence in the local market.”
“Very good advocacy and drafting skills,” adding: “They are very well conversant with applicable laws and regulations.”
“A very dependable law firm, always ready to help.”
“Responsive and quick to react to the task at hand.”
“A (Afridi & Angell) great team, particularly for local litigation work.” The same source also appreciated that “the partners’ arguments are always useful in helping us make a good commercial decision.”
“Delivers international quality advice on local law matters.”
“Very affordable and pleasant.”
“The responsiveness and their clear presentation of advice is a big positive. I know I can rely quite heavily on them.”
“Very good at strategic direction,” and provided both “a detailed understanding of technical areas” and the “ability to marshal complex evidence.”
“Very responsive, professional and educated.”
“Good at what they do,” adding: “You know they are going to be effective.”
“Professional, well informed, presentable and knowledgeable of local industry regulations and best practices.”
“Responsive and good value.”
“They handle a wide variety of local law; they’re fantastic with those issues, knowing the ins and outs. They’re good at finding where that uncertainty lies and giving us the pros and cons.”
“They are always available, when needed, to meet at senior level to discuss and strategise accordingly.”
“They are well researched and well versed in local law. The way they come across is approachable and friendly, yet professional. I would definitely recommend them. I have been very impressed.”
“Clients like them. They are responsive and get on with the job.”
“A customer-focused team with a high quality of service.”
“Fast response time,” further highlighting that they are “very communicative.”
“They exceed expectations in almost every aspect.”
“They provide timely advice, they are well versed in local and international issues, and they are very professional in their engagements and communications.”
“They have a clear understanding of not just the law but also precedents and grey areas.”
“They certainly know their way around the courtroom.”
“They were very responsive to us.”
“They’re always prompt.”
“They have an experienced team with strong employment lawyers.”
“They are very professional and very knowledgeable.”
“Lawyers go out of their way to meet a client’s needs. They are great advisors, so they walk the clients through all the steps. I can really count on them for anything.”
“They’re very efficient, straight and clear – furthermore they’re always available.”
“The team is professional, attentive to our transactions and flexible in billing arrangements.”
“They have got a very broad range of expertise. One of the benefits of using the group is that you can get resources. With Afridi work is done quickly and it’s done right.”
“They do business on a personal basis and value working with long-term clients.”
“It was a very positive experience working with them; they understood the situation very clearly and gave us very clear guidance.”
“Very good understanding of UAE and English law.”
“The turnaround times are very good and the lawyers do the work in the shortest possible time.”
“Would strongly recommend for complex stuff.”
“Proactive, pragmatic and hands-on.”
“It’s a practical and reliable team that gets the job done, is always accessible, and we appreciate their flexibility.”
“A good, solid local firm.”
“They are good at what they do, knowledgeable, and with a sound understanding of UAE laws and corporate operations. A very practical approach to doing business.”
“They have good knowledge of local law, especially when it comes to distribution agreements.”
“They fight the client’s cause in a strong and realistic way.”
“Very pragmatic in their dealings.”
“Very knowledgeable and very experienced.”
“Brings a wealth of experience.”
“Simply outstanding.”
“Always very happy with everything they produce. Of the local firms on the ground, they are one of the main protagonists.”
“Clients speak highly of Stuart Walker, who brings considerable regulatory expertise to the team.”
Amjad Ali Khan is a generalist whom peers describe as “respected and of high quality.” His skills encompass Islamic finance, projects and asset finance.
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.”
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.
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.”
“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.
The “practical and prompt” Charles Laubach acts on a range of commercial issues, and is valued for his “rare blend of intelligence and efficiency.”
“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.
Masood Afridi is a power projects lawyer who has recently relocated from the firm’s Pakistani affiliate, Risvi, Isa, Afridi & Angell.
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.”
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.”
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
C. Chakradaran is considered the “elder statesman” of the UAE Shipping Bar.
The “superb” C. Chakradaran of Afridi & Angell. He has been practicing 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.
Shahram Safai is “very involved in the market,” according to sources who praise his “energy, thoroughness and knowledge.”
“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.
“Afridi & Angell conducts a general practice and also has one of the most active maritime law practices in the region.”
“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.”
“Afridi & Angell is highly recommended for its Dispute Resolution capabilities as well as its banking and debt finance practice.”
“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.”
“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.”
“A&A combine international counsel’s approach to responsiveness and commerciality with local law expertise.”
“For me personally there are two specific people at Afridi and Angell who stand out in the firm with their dedication, knowledge, professionalism and have 100 percent my trust in any legal cases or questions I have. These two people are Bashir Ahmed and Sulakshana Senanayake. Having these two people on my side made an incredible team. They worked very hard and diligently on my cases and I cannot express from the bottom of my heart what all of their hard work has meant to me. “
“Tremendous local knowledge, combined with the sophistication to interact with legal counterparts and other stakeholders in mature markets and jurisdictions.”
“Deep experience over many years. Strong on local law advice and current practice of UAE regulators. Very good on advising on current developments and market practice. Good value for the legal spend. Strong bilingual lawyers. Practice standards akin to international law firms. Excellent co-counsel / local counsel for UAE.”
“Afridi & Angell is by far the best lawyers I have worked with in Dubai.”
“Afridi delivers international quality advice on local law matters. The team meets deadlines and bring a commercial understanding to their work product. They are also responsive and personable in their dealings.”
“The team had strength in depth, and a real understanding of the practice and procedure of the DIFC courts, as well as the instinctive feel for the approach of the judges in the Court.”
“Excellent individuals and team with great technical skills and well-able to hold their own against top firms from London and elsewhere.”
“The team at Afridi was a pleasure to work with.”
“Afridi & Angell have a very qualified team who are well versed with the local laws and provide correct advice to their clients. They are very prompt and efficient and always well researched.”
“The team has a sophisticated attitude combined with real on-the-ground experience of how the UAE legal system works in practice.”
“Very down-to-earth and approachable firm.”
“The firm is unique in that it can provide international quality services and advice on local law issues.”
“A thoroughly professional and hardworking team that is very accessible and easy to work with.”
“Impressive response times” and “Accurate advice.”
“The partners understand the local terrain and lend their opinion on the potential implications in the less transparent areas of the law.”
“Provides excellent service from commercially astute and experienced lawyers.”
“Practical and knowledgeable.”
Afridi & Angell has “a small but very knowledgeable arbitration team”, which “provides good advice and guidance in managing clients’ legal issues.”
“Place an emphasis on long-term objectives and building lasting client relationships.”
“High-quality service and in-depth technical advice.”
Work to “international standards”, while maintaining “a local foundation which contributes to its interpretation of matters and advice.”
“A lot of experience of the federal laws and commercial laws of the UAE.”
“Quick at grasping the matter and giving solid advice.”
“The right balance between legal knowledge and business acumen.”
“Vastly experienced and respected.”
“Extremely knowledgeable and approachable.”
“Very clear and crisp advice.”
“Much better than larger international firms’ offices; they aren’t greedy and the client comes first.”
“Thorough in all areas, and always available.”
“Better response times than any other firm in Dubai.”
“Consistently high service.”
“A creative and solution-oriented approach.”
“Have been exposed to virtually all legal issues in the region.”
“Always knowing the answer and delivering advice that is consistently on point, practical and commercially oriented.”
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.