Morgan Lewis strengthens International Finance Team

Morgan Lewis has strengthened its international finance capabilities with the addition of Tarek El-Assra as a partner in Dubai. With his background handling matters for clients in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, El-Assra will collaborate with the firm’s global finance, debt capital markets, and restructuring teams in Dubai, New York, London, Frankfurt, and Singapore in offering world-class services. Mr. El-Assra was previously the leader of the Islamic finance practice at another global law firm.

El-Assra focuses on general banking and finance, Islamic finance and investment, leveraged and acquisition finance, asset finance, real estate finance, trade finance, infrastructure and project finance, and restructurings. Among the clients he represents are major financial institutions and corporate and family offices in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. He has worked on high-profile Islamic financings across various product areas, including the banking market, capital markets, and Shari’ah-compliant funds, and has led numerous ‘first-of-their-kind’ Shari’ah-compliant financings and products.

“We are excited that Tarek, a senior lawyer with pedigree and experience in Islamic finance, international finance, and restructuring, is joining us at such an exciting time for our regional practice and as part of Morgan Lewis's continued expansion in global financial centres,” said Ayman A. Khaleq, managing partner of the firm’s Dubai office and a partner in the finance and investment management practices. “Tarek will further strengthen our Gulf Cooperation Council and international transactional practices while greatly enhancing our already leading cross-border Islamic finance and investment capabilities.”