Our experience of advising Iraqi institutions stretches back over twelve years advising on matters as diverse as market entry, IPOs and IPP projects in the power sectors across Iraq and Kurdistan.  We have been privileged to have advised on high profile, sensitive and complex matters for some of our Iraqi clients and international clients seeking to work and working in Iraq.  We believe that our ability to treat each matter with respect and sensitivity has contributed to a reputation as a trusted adviser that delivers results.

The geographical proximity, alongside the similarities in the legal systems and commercial codes between Iraq and Dubai enable us to seamlessly apply our banking, financial and commercial field experience in Iraq from our office in Dubai. We assist regional and multinational companies with legal advice in Iraq. We advise, in association with Iraqi law firms, assigned on all legal matters across a broad spectrum, practice areas include; general corporate, oil and gas, construction, regulatory, licensing, labour issues and intellectual property.

The Iraq practice advises both the Iraqi government and private sector companies, both international and Iraqi, carrying on business in Iraq.

"Stephenson Harwood is well known for advising international and domestic companies on market entry work, IPOs, IPP projects in the power sector, and upstream and downstream oil projects; it is also adept at litigation, financial matters and commercial mandates."

The Legal 500 EMEA 2020, Iraq

High-value infrastructure project

The disposal of a 50% stake in one of Iraq’s largest privately held infrastructure projects for approximately $1 billion.

Iraqi government

Advising government of Iraq in debut bond offering of $2 billion in international financial markets.

Iraq's largest telecoms provider

The offering, pursuant to license requirements, of 25% of the outstanding common stock of Iraq’s largest telecoms provider, as well as general regulatory, financing and litigation advice for this client.

Iraq-Jordan pipeline consortium

Advising a consortium on the Iraq-Jordan pipeline project.

Federal Iraq's first private refinery

Advising a consortium in connection with federal Iraq’s first private refinery.

Iraqi real estate developer

Advised a real estate developer on the development of an oil and gas services hub in the Basra region.

Iraqi bank acquisition

Advised a UK based investor group in connection with an acquisition of an Iraqi bank.

Leading international port operator

Advised one of the leading international port operators in connection with a joint venture to operate berths in the Umm Qasr port.

Iraqi government

Advising the Iraqi government on various IPP projects being launched across the country with a total value in excess of $1 billion.

Leading salvage company

Acting for a leading salvage company in connection with a dispute it has with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil (MOO) in relation to the performance of a contract between 2013 and 2014.

Oil and gas development company

Advised an oil and gas development company in connection with a joint venture with the Free Zone Authority of Iraq to develop an oil and gas hub in Al-Zubair in Southern Iraq.

Iraqi government

Acting for the Ministry of Electricity and Ministry of Oil of the Republic of Iraq on a wide range of matters. At the moment we are assisting with the MOE in relation to its programme of IPP projects being launched across the country.

Government entities

Advising government entities on IPOs, IPPs, large construction and EPC projects and real estate development projects.