Interview with: Benzakour Rachid, Partner

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

The firm is acting both on upstream and downstream sides (Assistance to Foreign Investment in Morocco and Dispute Resolution/Business Litigation and Arbitration).

BLF is an independent law firm, with an international practice, multiple foreign references and several alliances.

BLF is offering a full portfolio in business law, including corporate, competition law/merger control-concentrations, shipping, aviation, energy and mining, oil and gas, tobacco, automotive, contracts, distribution, labour law, real estate, tax, foreign exchange regulations, reorganisation, financing, and dispute resolution/arbitration.

More particularly, the firm is advising and representing multinational clients with international business stakes in different sectors of the economy.

BLF has a considerable track record in dispute resolution/litigation.

 

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

• Competition law, after the recent implementation of a new law and a new Competition Council,
• Energy, mining and desalination, given the investments made in this sector,
• Aviation, in accordance with the plan launched by Royal Air Maroc (RAM) for the acquisition of aircrafts and the aeronautic outsourcing ecosystem created in the country,
• Shipping, roads, railways and logistics, due to the development of the traffic and infrastructure in Morocco,
• Healthcare, given the ambitious generalization plan of the cover/insurance for the benefit of the population,
• Litigation, given the outstanding debts due between companies.

 

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

Enhancement of skills and expertise, cover of new regulatory areas in business law, immediate responsiveness and total commitment to clients.

 

4) 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.

 

5) 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 and make an investment.

In dispute resolution, we built a strong strategy, in order to lock the case and reach an extraordinarily good results and success.

 

6) 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 markets and should continue to serve more clients, due to the high level of satisfaction received from clients and given the team’ strong commitment, expertise and knowledge.