Case Studies

Iraq law presence

by Mark Rowe

A law firm has announced a permanent presence in Iraq. Originally providing Iraqi legal services from their London-based head office, Proelium Law says its Iraq presence has come about as a result of the demand for the firm’s in-country legal and specialist risk services.

London-based Proelium Law was set up based after Adrian Powell worked for a large security company as a legal advisor in the early 1990s. He realised the call 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 are in the main 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 recognizing 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.”

He points to the Iraq Government’s recent announcement of its desire for private investment in a significant number of redevelopment projects, which were launched at the Kuwait Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq in early February.

Adrian added: “The announcement has already evoked significant international interest in the potentially lucrative financial returns on offer. And yet with Iraq listed by Transparency International’s annual ‘Corruption Perceptions Index’ report for 2017 as the 12th most corrupt country in the world, businesses are well advised to ensure they take appropriate professional advice to ensure that contracts are robust. Clients are able to instruct Proelium law with the benefit of their professional indemnity, something not available in Iraq.”

Whilst there isn’t as yet a Proelium Law Iraq office, Adrian visited Iraq in January to look into 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 extend across the country.

As an Iraq national, Dr Wadhah is a qualified lawyer and an experienced legal practitioner, specializing in commercial legal matters relating to international companies operating and registered in Iraq. 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.

Adrian qualified as a solicitor in 2004 following 11 years in the British Army. Since 2006 he has spent most of his time in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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