We are pleased to share that ABS & Co has secured stellar rankings in this Legal500’s 2023 rankings.
The rankings represent the strength and depth of the firm’s expertise across different practice areas. As one of Pakistan’s top law firms, ABS & Co has been ranked as a “Leading Firm” in the following categories
- Corporate and M&A
- Dispute Resolution
- Projects and Energy
- Labour and Employment
- Real Estate and Construction
- Telecommunication, Media and Technology
- Tax
CORPORATE AND M&A (TIER 2)
ABS & Co. focuses on corporate advisory issues and M&A for the Pakistan government and government-owned entities, public sector organisations, statutory bodies, regulatory agencies, and companies, as well as banks and financial insitutions. The corporate practice is renowned for its work within the fintech, real estate and construction spaces. Practice head Sarjeel Mowahid operates from the Lahore office and advises on a range of matters relating to corporate finance and restructuring, banking and finance, foreign direct investment and labour law. Co-head Samar Masood Soofi was promoted to the partnership in May 2022, and regularly supports start-ups at all stages of investment. Islamabad-based Shahrukh Iftikhar completes the leadership team.
Testimonials
‘The firm performs exceptionally well and gives each client one-to-one attention.’
‘Sarjeel Mowahid exceeded the expectations of many clients with his innovative ideas and tries to resolve the issues amicably between the parties through dispute resolution.’
‘ABS advise the business according to its needs. They have multiple solutions to a given problem and after evaluating the business requirement of the client, ABS provides its input with the primary intention of minimising the legal exposure of the client.’
‘Consistently great.’
‘Super talented.’
DISPUTE RESOLUTION (TIER 2)
ABS & Co acts on commercial, constitutional, tax and employment disputes. The practice also deals with major construction disputes, encompassing the road, infrastructure, hospitality, energy and power sectors. Ahmer Bilal Soofi, also an advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, leads the team. Islamabad-based Usman Jillani represents banks and other financial institutions before various courts, tribunals and administrative bodies with respect to asset recovery, bankruptcy proceedings and enforcement of securities. Associate Bakhtawar Bilal Soofi operates from the Lahore office, offering considerable experience in handling construction disputes under FIDIC.
Testimonials
‘Ahmer Bilal Soofi is already well known in the market as one of Pakistan’s best litigators’.
‘Usman Jillani and Bakhtawar Bilal Soofi stand out.’
‘Usman Jillani is extremely thorough and diligent and has built a fantastic team. He is well respected in the Islamabad High Court.’
‘Bakhtawar Bilal Soofi’s advocacy and performance in the courtroom stands out.’
‘Their turn-around time and responsiveness is exceptional.’
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION (TIER 2)
ABS & Co’s real estate team regularly assists major property developers with the development and construction of housing societies, condominiums and apartment buildings. On the construction side, the firm acts for contractors across contentious and non-contentious issues. Clients of the practice include developers, sponsors, local governments and development authorities. The department is overseen by the Lahore-based trio consisting of Salman Hanif, Sarjeel Mowahid and Bakhtawar Bilal Soofi, as well as Islamabad-based Shahrukh Iftikhar.
Testimonials
‘ABS & Co offers a one-stop shop for multi-disciplinary transactions. They are a cohesive unit and excel at understanding what the client wants.’
‘Solutions are simple and easy.’
LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (TIER 2)
ABS & Co handles the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment law issues. The practice deals with disputes related to wages, industrial action and employee benefits. The team also helps draft labour and HR policies. Ahmer Bilal Soofi heads up the practice, alongside
Testimonials
‘The firm comes up with innovative ideas and provides legal guidance on all fronts. They have expertise in all areas.’
PROJECTS AND ENERGY (TIER 3)
ABS & Co advises on the construction, development and financing of housing societies, industrial estates, 5-star hotels, resorts, shopping malls, golf clubs, apartment complexes, dams, energy projects and other high-rise buildings. The practice also deals with matters pertaining to international and domestic airports in Pakistan. The Lahore office is led by Ayasha Warsi, Amna Warsi and Sarjeel Mowahid. Shahrukh Iftikhar oversees the Islamabad department.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA & TELECOM (TIER 3)
ABS & Co focuses on the registration of IP, including copyrights, trade marks and patents. The practice is recognised for handling complex transactions involving software and technology licensing; royalty arrangements in stacks; and patent arbitrage. Islamabad-based Majid Bashir offers considerable experience advising multi-nationals, music houses, producers and innovators on issues related to IP. Bashir’s Lahore-based counterpart, Samar Masood, deals with issues relating to IP law, cyberlaw, fintech and the regulation of innovative and disruptive technologies.
