RIAA BARKER GILLETTE is distinguished for representing leading multinational banks, corporations, and developers across a swathe of sectors. The firm boasts full-service capabilities in the banking and finance arena and handles a wide range of financing and security arrangements, including enforcement actions, debt to equity conversions, and syndicated and substantial loan transactions, as well as Islamic modes of financing; one client praises it for its 'in-depth understanding of project financing transactions'. Taking an innovative approach to new financial instruments, the firm has represented high-profile banks and financial institutions, for example the Export-Import Bank of China, Citibank, IFC, ADB, and the World Bank. The team is led by Bilal Shaukat, who has particular expertise in power projects financing and is supported by Ahsan Zahir Rizvi, an expert in statutory enactments and regulatory frameworks. Hasnain Naqvee leverages his corporate knowledge and operates from the Lahore office. Adil Tirmizey is another key practitioner who advises some of Pakistan’s largest banks on multiple local and cross-border deals.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The ability of the partners to draft agreements in accordance with the innovative structures of deals and also provide legal guidance on transaction structures is exceptional.'
- 'Availability and knowledge of partners as well as team members are impressive. This is a major reason why this firm is our first choice for recent transactions.'
- 'The experience of the firm in certain sectoral transactions are major strengths of the firm.'
- 'The team has excellent negotiations skills and in-depth understanding of project financing transactions.'
- 'Thorough knowledge of security packages agreements, professional understanding, good negotiation skills, and a problem solving approach.'
Key clients
- National Bank of Pakistan
- Lucky Electric Power Company Limited
- Allied Bank Limited
- Faysal Bank Limited
- United Bank Limited
- Askari Bank Limited
- Bank Alfalah Limited
- The Bank of Punjab
- Habib Bank Limited
- Meezan Bank Limited
- Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for National Bank of Pakistan in the provision of a finance facility of up to PKR65bn for Government Holdings Private Limited in connection with the settlement of the disputes to enable the reconstitution of the Reko Diq Project.
- Representing a syndicate of banks including the Bank of Punjab in relation to the provision of additional working capital facilities for the 1200mw RLNG based power plant at Jhang.
- Advised a syndicate of banks including Habib Bank Limited on the privatisation of two power plants.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Bilal Shaukat