Proelium Law is delighted to announce a permanent presence in Iraq, visit our Iraq page here.
Originally providing legal services for companies operating in Iraq from their London-based head office, Proelium Law’s Iraq presence has come about as a natural result of the increasing demand for the firm’s in country legal and specialist risk services.
Proelium Law was set up based on the experiences of partner Adrian Powell whilst working for a large private security company as a legal advisor in Iraq. Adrian realised the requirement for a law firm specialising in the legal issues arising from operating in such high-risk jurisdictions.
The type of clients that the firm has attracted since its original inception has repeatedly proved Adrian’s initial thoughts to be right, the majority of such clients being Private Security companies, but also increasingly coming from the development and insurance sector. The most in-demand legal services include commercial, corporate and litigation advice.
Adrian said: “Working in complex environments carries significant risk for businesses. In particular, those operating in the Private Security, NGO, International Development, Extractives and Comms/Tech sectors are recognising the benefits of identifying and dealing with legal risk when faced with the complexities and geo-politics of focusing some or all of their business development in often highly volatile circumstances.”
Whilst there isn’t as yet a Proelium Law Iraq office, Adrian visited Iraq in January to look into the opportunities available for a dedicated office. Until this is set up, the firm will operate via the offices of their Iraq consultant, Dr Wadhah Al Safi, in Baghdad. The legal services offered, however, extend across the whole country.
As an Iraq national, Dr Wadhah is a qualified lawyer and an experienced legal practitioner, specialising in commercial legal matters relating to international companies operating and registered in Iraq. With additional expertise in Intellectual Property, Dr Wadhah is licensed to register trademarks in Iraq by the Iraq Supreme Judicial Council and by the Companies Registration Department at the Ministry of Trade.
His background as a geologist means that he is well-versed with the oil sector, and can ably assist extractives clients already operating in, or seeking to do business in Iraq. Besides his native Arabic language, Dr. Al Safi is also a fluent English speaker.
Prices will be cost-effective too; Adrian commented that charges by Iraq law firms for legal advice can be high, hence Proelium Law will offer their services based on UK prices, so ensuring that they are accessible to all, including small to medium-sized businesses. In addition, clients are able to instruct Proelium law with the benefit of their professional indemnity, something not available in Iraq.
Adrian has extensive experience of working on legal issues with governments and commercial organisations in high-risk jurisdictions, having qualified as a solicitor in 2004 following 11 years in the British Army. Since 2006 he has spent the majority of his time in Iraq and Afghanistan.
One of the tools available to businesses to help quickly identify legal risks, is Proelium Law’s Legal Risk Map®. The Map is a review of an organisation’s legal health, revising how well the legal infrastructure covers the business across 11 themes, such as corporate structures, policies, commercial contracts, duty of care, use of weapons and insurance.
The assessment can be particularly useful in high-risk jurisdictions, such as Iraq, and raises awareness for businesses, who appreciate the need to understand the reality of their operations for their business and staff.
The basic Legal Risk Map® is completely free, bespoke to the individual organization and confidential. Following an initial assessment, a more detailed assessment can be commissioned if needed.
For further information, and for a no-obligation discussion, please contact Adrian Powell, [email protected] and have a look at our interview with Adrian.
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