Interview with: BENZAKOUR RACHID, LAWYER- PARTNER 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Benzakour Law Firm (Morocco) from your competitors?

We are acting both on upstream and downstream sides (assistance to foreign investment in Morocco and business litigation).

The firm is an independent law firm with an international practice and numerous references and alliance.

We offer a full portfolio in business law, including shipping, aviation, competition law/merger control-concentrations, energy and mining, tobacco, automotive corporate, contracts, distribution, labour law, real estate, tax, foreign exchange regulations, and dispute resolution/arbitration.

More particularly, the firm is advising/representing mainly multinational clients with international business interests in different sectors of the economy.

We have a considerable track record in litigation.

We are multilingual, dynamic and totally dedicated to the clients’ needs.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

• Competition law, due to the implementation of a new law and a new Competition Council
• Energy and mining, given the investments made in this sector
• Aviation, due to the program launched by RAM for the acquisition of aircrafts
• Shipping and logistics, due to the development of maritime traffic and construction of ports in Morocco
• Litigation given the outstanding debts due between companies

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

Enhancement of expertise and immediate responsiveness and commitment.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Yes, we are continuously connected, available and dedicated to our clients.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

We not only respond to our client’s requests but may direct and advise them on the best way to restructure an make an investment.

In litigation, we built a strong strategy in order to lock the case and obtain an extraordinary level of satisfaction and success.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

The firm should continue to be a key reference in the Moroccan legal and judicial market and should continue to serve more clients due to the level of satisfaction received from the current clients and the strong knowledge and expertise of the team.