Girgis Abd El-Shahid

Overview

With over 20 years of experience, Girgis Abd El-Shahid is a distinguished legal expert in arbitration, renowned for his special expertise in complex multiparty arbitrations across different jurisdictions. As the head of the Arbitration practice, Girgis is globally recognized for handling some of the largest and most high-profile arbitration cases before various arbitral institutions, including ICC, ICSID, CRCICA, and DIAC.

His work spans several key sectors, such as oil and gas, media and telecommunications, investment, construction, and real estate. He has consistently achieved favorable outcomes for clients, demonstrating a strategic approach to arbitration and a deep understanding of diverse industries.

Under his leadership of the Arbitration practice, Girgis has overseen the development and implementation of best practices in arbitration, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of legal developments and industry standards. His dedication to excellence and innovative approach have solidified his reputation as a trusted advisor and a leading figure in the field of arbitration.

Notably, Girgis is one of the youngest Egyptian lawyers to be appointed to some of the most challenging arbitration cases in Egypt and the Middle East, including commercial arbitration, investment treaty arbitration, and international law. His ability to navigate intricate legal frameworks and his strategic acumen have been instrumental in achieving significant outcomes for clients, making him a sought-after expert in arbitration.

Selected Matters

1. Recent Nominations as Sole or Presiding Arbitrator

• Acting as Sole Arbitrator: DIFC-LCIA arbitration over a Subcontractor Final Account Deed of Release.
• Acting as Presiding Arbitrator:
  • Multi-million EGP CRCICA arbitration on a construction subcontract.
  • Multi-million EGP CRCICA arbitration on a construction contract for a “Food & Beverages Complex” project.

2. Recent Nominations as Co-Arbitrator

• The Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA)
  • Multi-million USD shareholder agreement disputes among Egyptian, Emirati, and Saudi investors.
  • Multi-million USD JV contract dispute for a project in Iraq.
  • Multi-million USD entertainment consultancy agreement dispute.
  • Multi-million USD tender dispute in the mid-stream oil and gas sector.
  • Multi-million EGP arbitration on agreements for installing electric elevators and escalators.
  • Multi-million EGP arbitration regarding media broadcasting contract breaches.
  • Multi-million EGP oil & gas downstream supply contract breach.
  • Multi-million EGP supply and installation agreement breach between two major telecom companies.
  • Multi-million EGP ad-hoc arbitration between a governmental entity and a construction company.
• Dubai International Arbitration Center (DIAC)
  • Multi-million AED arbitration regarding construction contracts for commercial and residential buildings.
  • Multi-million AED shareholder agreement breach and unauthorized liquidation dispute between two major regional investment companies.

3. Arbitration Experience as Counsel

• Represented claimants in significant disputes, including:
  • Multi-million USD CRCICA capital market breaches dispute (debt/equity swaps, loan repayments).
  • ICSID claims: CTIP Oil and Gas International Ltd. and Tantalum International Ltd. against Egypt.
  • Breach of distribution agreement for a major pharmaceutical company (EGP 100 million).
  • Multi-party DIFC-LCIA arbitration for a multinational automation company.
  • FIDIC construction contract breach claims.
  • Material inspection disputes for a global inspection company (CRCICA).
  • Shareholder/share-purchase agreements for “tag-along” and “right of first refusal” violations (ICC).
  • Hotel management agreement disputes, including termination claims.
  • Construction disputes under multiple FIDIC contracts.
  • Investor/state cross-border gas disputes (ICSID, PCA).
  • Gas Sale & Purchase Agreement breaches (ICC, CRCICA).
  • FIDIC contract disputes for a major Korean heavy industries company.
  • Broadcasting agreement breaches for a regional broadcasting group.
  • BOO agreement dispute for a water desalination plant developer.
  • Quasi-class action arbitration in Egypt’s oil and gas sector, referred to the Supreme Constitutional Court.
  • Factoring agreement disputes, warehousing contract breaches, and their settlements.

Background

He is a former Public Prosecutor with an LL.M. in International Legal Studies from Georgetown University Law Center (2004), an LL.B. from Cairo University (2003), and a BA in Economics and Business Administration from the American University in Cairo (2001). Appointed by the ICC World Council, Girgis serves as a member of the International Court of Arbitration and the Advisory Committee of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration. He frequently speaks at conferences on arbitration, energy, and infrastructure projects, and teaches The Legal Aspects of Finance at the American University in Cairo.

Rankings

Girgis is a globally ranked legal practitioner who has been recognized by numerous international legal directories such as The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, IFLR1000, Who’s Who Legal, GAR100, and many others.

Overview

As a globally ranked and recognized lawyer, Girgis Abd El-Shahid heads the Litigation department at Shahid Law Firm, one of the oldest and largest in the Egyptian legal market, renowned both domestically and internationally. With over 20 years of experience, Girgis is a prominent figure known for his expertise in handling high-stakes litigation cases across various industries, including energy, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, construction, insurance, tourism and hospitality, technology and media, automotive, and real estate.

Girgis’s litigation practice is distinguished by his focus on international dispute settlement, energy-related disputes, civil and commercial litigation, and commercial contracts. He has represented clients in some of the largest and most high-profile litigation cases, involving sums amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. These cases have not only achieved significant outcomes for his clients but have also set legal precedents in the Egyptian legal market, influencing the practice and interpretation of law at all levels of courts.

Under his leadership, the Litigation department has thrived, becoming a beacon of excellence in the legal community. His strategic and innovative approach to litigation, combined with his deep understanding of various industries, has enabled the department to secure landmark victories and establish new legal benchmarks.

Girgis’s impact on the practice extends beyond individual cases. He is seen as a thought leader and a pioneer, consistently pushing the boundaries of legal practice in Egypt. His contributions have helped elevate the standards of litigation in the country, earning him a reputation as a trusted advisor and a leading legal mind. His work has not only shaped the success of Shahid Law Firm but also contributed significantly to the development of the legal profession in Egypt, making him a pivotal figure in the realm of litigation.

Selected Matters

• Representing Qatari Diar’s subsidiary Bawabet Al Sharq Egypt Real Estate S.A.E., in connection to a dispute after The New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA) imposed a fine of EGP 1.38 billion on the subsidiary for changing a contract for a project called City Gate and successfully overturning this fine in favor of the client.
• Acting as a legal counsel for Vitabiotics Egypt in various disputes related to corporate law issue (minority rights) before the Egyptian Economic Courts and the Public Prosecutor’s Office as well as representing the Company in a class action lawsuit.
• Representing Ferro Egypt for Glaze, a subsidiary of Ferro corporation, in all their litigation cases in Egypt, including leading the settlement discussions with Royal Company for Ceramics, to pay amount due on Royal to Ferro amounting to more than EGP 24.5 million, including drafting the settlement agreement and negotiating its terms.
• Representing Robert Bosch Egypt (RBEG) officials before Egyptian Public Prosecutor in criminal investigations pertaining to charges of signature counterfeiting. These charges were ultimately dismissed, and we won the case.
• Successfully representing one of the lead US based companies specializing in agricultural bio-stimulants and fertilizers, in relation to several IP disputes before Egyptian courts.
• Acting as legal counsel of Medtronic in a tax evasion claim amounting to approximately EGP 5 million, in relation to payment of invoices for products sold to Medtronic, that included VAT, which was collected by the seller and should have been declared/paid to the Tax Authority; however, the seller kept the funds. Subsequently, the firm handled the tax evasion claim with the Tax Authority, until the settlement was approved since it was the seller’s liability to pay VAT.
• Representing a major Chinese geophysical company before the Egyptian courts in a lawsuit involving several breaches of a series of Agency Agreements by its Egyptian agent.
• Representing one of the most renowned international charity institutions for alleged breaches committed thereby before Egyptian courts.
• Representing an airline company in case filed by Egypt attempting to block an investment treaty claim filed by the client, seeking US$ billion in damages from Egypt for banning it from operating in Egypt and flying over its airspace.
• Representing a major American industrial automation company in a dispute under the DIFC-LCIA rules concerning breaches of a distribution agreement, with a UAE governing law.
• Advising Unicharm Corporation, a leading manufacturing selling baby and health care products across Middle East & Africa against a company named “Uni Sham” for the latter’s violation of the Egyptian Intellectual property law in having a similar trademark and product named “Baby Boy” diapers. The Firm worked closely and heavily with the Prosecution Office and the Trademarks Registry to issue a report on the similarities between Unicharm and Uni Sham, similar product and trademark. In addition, the Firm represented Unicharm in the misdemeanor filed against responsible managers in Uni Sham for the violation as well as handling procedures at Trademarks Registry to strike out the “copied” trademark and register the original trademark.
• Acting for Doosan Enerbility Limited Company, for what is believed to be the first time an Egyptian court has recognized and enforced an interim measures order issued by a foreign arbitral tribunal in an ICC dispute.
• Representing PTT Energy Resources, a Thai company, in a USD Billion dispute involving the breach of a bilateral investment treaty in the first ever BIT claim brought before Egyptian courts. The case is part of a series of four arbitrations brought by the shareholders of East Mediterranean Gas (EMG), which were ultimately settled with the Egyptian government.
• Representing MBC in several litigation cases before courts of a wide range of instances and degrees. Some of the latest successes include defending the client against multiple attempts of staying the airing of one of the most widely viewed television shows during the month of Ramadan.
• Representing certain Libyan banks in the dispute against other local banks, with respect to an imposed precautionary attachment on funds, shares and bonds of the Libyan banks, amounting to US$261,371,715.
• Representing Qatari Diar’s subsidiary Bawabet Al Sharq against a fine of EGP 1.38 billion imposed by the New Urban Communities Authority allegedly identified as a “change of control fine”.
• Representing L’azurde Company for Jewelry in their criminal breach of trust complaints, resulting from failure by various trustees to honor their obligations.
• Representing Nokia in several litigations in Egypt, ranging from labour, commercial, to civil matters.
• Representing Shifa Pharmaceutical Industries – a subsidiary of a UK-based investment holding – in the annulment of a tax attachment imposed on the company valued at over than EGP 200 million.
• Representing Youniksa Egypt [Formerly known as Ferro Corporation], a subsidiary of Ferro corporation, in all their litigation cases in Egypt, including leading the settlement discussions with Royal Company for Ceramics, in order to pay amount due on Royal to Ferro amounting to more than EGP 24.5 million, including drafting the settlement agreement and negotiating its terms.
• Representing Vezeeta, a leading digital healthcare platform operating in the Middle East and Africa, has raised a $40 Million Series D funding round led by UAE- based Gulf Capital, alongside further investment from existing Riyadh-based investor Saudi Technology Ventures (STV), which previously led Vezeeta’s Series C round in September 2018.
• Acting as an Egyptian law expert before the United States District Court of Texas in proceedings seeking to enforce a sham arbitration award against Saudi Aramco. The opinion tackled several issues under Egyptian Criminal law intertwined with other issues under the Egyptian Arbitration law. The Court denied the enforcement petition. The firm was also consulted on procedural matters pertaining to a set-aside proceeding against the sham arbitration award, initiated by two of the sham award creditors before Egyptian Courts. The consultation tackled several issues of representation before Egyptian Courts and the impact thereof on the binding nature of the judgment that is to be issued.

Background

He is a former Public Prosecutor with an LL.M. in International Legal Studies from Georgetown University Law Center (2004), an LL.B. from Cairo University (2003), and a BA in Economics and Business Administration from the American University in Cairo (2001). Appointed by the ICC World Council, Girgis serves as a member of the International Court of Arbitration and the Advisory Committee of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration. He frequently speaks at conferences on arbitration, energy, and infrastructure projects, and teaches The Legal Aspects of Finance at the American University in Cairo.

Rankings

Girgis is a globally ranked legal practitioner who has been recognized by numerous international legal directories such as The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, IFLR1000, Who’s Who Legal, GAR100, and many others.

Overview

With over 20 years of experience, Girgis leads the Banking and Project Finance practices. He advises on landmark facility loans for both borrowers and lenders, project finance, equity finance, and the financial structuring of complex domestic and cross-border mandates, covering the entire project lifecycle from acquisition to finance and completion.

Girgis provides counsel on the issuance and performance of bank guarantees, ensuring regulatory compliance for hedge funds, and structuring and negotiating loan agreements and syndicated loan facilities for efficient funding solutions. In acquisition finance, he offers strategic advice on financing acquisitions, including leveraged buyouts and other structured finance transactions. Additionally, he guides clients through restructuring processes and insolvency proceedings to achieve optimal outcomes and assists in managing various credit facilities to support business operations and growth.

Renowned for his expertise in project finance, Girgis excels in structuring and negotiating financing documents for large-scale projects. His work includes preparing financing documents for infrastructure developments in sectors such as energy (solar, wind, biomass), transportation, and petrochemical facilities. He advises on financing mechanisms for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, including BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) and BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) models, crafting and negotiating security agreements to ensure robust legal frameworks for project financing.

Selected Matters

• Advising ICON Investment, Talaat Moustafa Group’s hospitality arm, in all its dealings with financial institutions and equity providers in securing the necessary financing, letters of guarantee, escrow, etc., to complete TMG’s acquisition of a significant stake in a group of 7 historic hotels in a transaction valued at more than USD 800 million. The transaction involved dealing with FAB Misr Bank, FAB UAE, AAIB, AUB of Egypt and Bahrain.
• Acting as Borrower’s local counsel to Banque Misr SAE in its largest-ever syndication to date worth approximately USD 1.2 Billion, involving 22 banks from 11 countries, including banks from the USA, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
• Advising Arab Banking Corporation on the USD 120 Million financing for EgyptAir. The transaction involves procuring the required securities, reviewing and advising on the facility agreement and related documents from and Egyptian law standpoint, assignment of receivables, and mortgaging aircraft.
• Advising UKEF and KFW in multi-million-dollar aircraft and engine finance transactions across several jurisdictions.
• Advising Air Leisure in the negotiation of the finance of aircraft from one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies.
• Advising a group of leading Spanish Banks in the cancellation and registration of a Euro 20 million pledge of shares owned in Arabian Cement Company, one of the leading cement companies operating in Egypt.
• Advising China Development Bank on the financing of the largest project with Egypt’s Suez Special Economic Zone, a zone created specifically to encourage investment under a special law.
• Advising China Development Bank on multiple loans and financial transactions, including a USD 50 million credit facility to an Egyptian company operating under the law on special economic zones; and also, in relation to extending a USD 100 million credit facility to Afreximbank.
• Advising Scatec Solar in the landmark structuring deal of its six portfolio project companies developing a total of 300MW of solar PV power under the Egyptian Feed-In Tariff programme. The transaction has won the Islamic Finance News (IFN) Egypt Deal of the Year 2017 award and the EMEA Finance Best Renewable Energy Deal in Africa and Best Solar Deal in EMEA for 2017.
• Conducting a compliance audit on the legal department of one of the biggest Egyptian banks. The scope of work included reviewing the sample contracts used by the bank, reviewing all legal cases to which the bank is a party, and opining on the facility arrangements granted by the bank (or in which the bank is a member in the syndication) of USD 50 million and higher.
• Advising a major regional pharmaceutical company in relation to an excess of EGP 200 million in financing obtained from a syndication of banks for the expansion projects it undertook.
• Advising FMO (the Dutch development bank) on the first three-year, EGP-denominated loan facility entered into with the First Microfinance Company Egypt (FMFC) worth the equivalent of USD 700,000 used to extend loans to female and young entrepreneurs.
• Advising Voltalia, an international company in the renewable energy sector, on the implementation of the local security related to their 25 MW solar PV power project facility under the Egyptian feed-in tariff program.
• Advising four separate developers (including Scatec Solar, which was the second-lowest bidder) on the tender for the development of a 200MW solar PV power plant in Kom Ombo in the South of Egypt. The Firm advised on the regulatory framework, local review of the project documents, as well as assisted with respect to the bids’ preparation and submission. Additionally, the Firm advised Scatec Solar on its agreement with Banque Misr for the financing of the USD 4 million bid bond for the project, which remains in place until the execution of the Power Purchase Agreement of the project with the winning bidder.
• Representing the Egyptian Ministry of Finance in one of its first bond offerings in foreign stock exchanges, as well as in its negotiations with an international investment bank for derivatives arrangements under the ISDA Master Agreement.
• Advising a regional real estate developer on a transaction and representing it in negotiations with the Arab African International Bank regarding the financing of a project relating to the construction of a shopping mall, and commercial and administrative buildings in the citadel area of Cairo, Egypt.
• Advising the world-leading electricity utility EDF Renouvelables on the acquisition of a non-controlling stake in and equity financing of the young Egyptian market-leader Karm Solar which is the pioneer of the independent power producer field in Egypt. The target owns, builds and operates renewable energy facilities and generates and distributes electricity produced from renewable sources to commercial and industrial customers and real estate developers.
• Advising the National Bank of Greece (NBG) on accepting commercial mortgages as guarantee against financing and financial facilities granted.
• Advising Hybrid Capital Inc. on the equity financing of a dry bulk port in Adabiya (Egypt), and structuring the acquisition transaction, including the full legal due diligence exercise and local law review of the facility agreement. We are also advising on the potential assignment and scope amendment of the concession agreement. We are further advising on the potential restructuring of the financing on a project financing basis.
• Advising AFD in relation to the financing granted to the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater for the improvement of the public infrastructure of several wastewater plants across Egypt; and in relation to the credit facility extended to the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) for the purpose of supporting the development of Egyptian small and medium enterprises.
• Advising Globeleq on all aspects of the acquisition, including obtaining the consents of the Egyptian authorities and project lenders, assisting with the legal due diligence on the two project companies, review of the financing documents and project documents, etc. until the drafting and review of the transaction documents and closing.
• Advising Cementos La Unión S.A. and Áridos Játiva S.L. on the development and financing of their Arabian Cement subsidiary in Egypt.
• Advising OiLibya on issues related to the financing of its oil blending facility owned jointly with Total for the production of a wide range of top-grade lubricants for manufacturing, agricultural and construction machinery as well as vehicles.
• Supporting El Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company (NASCO) in the extensive negotiations with Dongfeng’s affiliates, leading to the signing of two milestone collaboration agreements. The framework agreement sets out the guiding principles for the bilateral partnership between the two parties, while the second agreement aims at renovating one of NASCO’s affiliated factories in cooperation with one of Dongfeng’s subsidiaries. Further agreements for the project development shall be executed throughout 2021.
• Acting for JPMORGAN CHASE & Co., UK Export Finance and other creditors (ECAs) in connection with the re-financing acquisition by EgyptAir of Two (2) Rolls Royce Trent Aircraft Engines. Advice included handling all aspects relating to the transaction and ensuring compliance with Egyptian law.
• Advising JPMorgan Chase Bank, UK Export Finance, and other creditors (ECAs) on a re-financing acquisition by EgyptAir of [Three Airbus A320 NEO Aircrafts] as part of its renewal of its aircraft arsenal. Our firm is handling providing advice to the ECAs from an Egyptian law standpoint, and working with borrowers, Egyptair and the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority towards closing the transaction.
• Advising UK Export Finance; KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH; and Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft (ECAs) on a re-financing acquisition by EgyptAir of [Three Airbus A320 NEO Aircraft] as part of its renewal of its aircraft arsenal. Our firm handled providing advice to the ECAs from an Egyptian law standpoint, and working with borrowers, EgyptAir and the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority towards closing the transaction.

Background

He is a former Public Prosecutor with an LL.M. in International Legal Studies from Georgetown University Law Center (2004), an LL.B. from Cairo University (2003), and a BA in Economics and Business Administration from the American University in Cairo (2001). Appointed by the ICC World Council, Girgis serves as a member of the International Court of Arbitration and the Advisory Committee of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration. He frequently speaks at conferences on arbitration, energy, and infrastructure projects, and teaches The Legal Aspects of Finance at the American University in Cairo.

Rankings

Girgis is a globally ranked legal practitioner who has been recognized by numerous international legal directories such as The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, IFLR1000, Who’s Who Legal, GAR100, and many others.

Overview

Girgis Abd El-Shahid is a distinguished expert in corporate law and mergers and acquisitions. With over 20 years of experience, he has provided counsel on hundreds of cross-border corporate deals, corporate restructuring mandates, and flagship M&A transactions. His extensive work spans various industries, including energy, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, construction, insurance, tourism, technology, media, automotive, and real estate.

Girgis’s expertise in corporate law encompasses advising multinational corporations and private equity firms on complex legal matters, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, and structuring deals to maximize client value. He has a proven track record of successfully navigating intricate corporate restructurings, optimizing organizational efficiency, and enhancing shareholder value. His proficiency in mergers and acquisitions is highlighted by his strategic guidance in high-stakes negotiations, due diligence processes, and the seamless execution of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.

Background

He is a former Public Prosecutor with an LL.M. in International Legal Studies from Georgetown University Law Center (2004), an LL.B. from Cairo University (2003), and a BA in Economics and Business Administration from the American University in Cairo (2001). Appointed by the ICC World Council, Girgis serves as a member of the International Court of Arbitration and the Advisory Committee of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration. He frequently speaks at conferences on arbitration, energy, and infrastructure projects, and teaches The Legal Aspects of Finance at the American University in Cairo.

Rankings

Girgis is a globally ranked legal practitioner who has been recognized by numerous international legal directories such as The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, IFLR1000, Who’s Who Legal, GAR100, and many others.

Overview

Girgis Abd El-Shahid is the head of the Projects and Infrastructure practice at Shahid Law Firm, bringing extensive expertise in managing large-scale investment projects. With a focus on sectors such as renewable energy, petrochemicals, transportation, and infrastructure, Girgis excels in structuring, preparing, and negotiating complex financing documents.

His expertise in this practice involves advising on a variety of financing models, including Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT), and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). His contributions to these models have been instrumental in advancing significant infrastructure developments across the region.

In the renewable energy sector, Girgis has played a crucial role in facilitating projects related to solar, wind, and biomass energy, ensuring that financing structures are robust and compliant with regulatory standards. His expertise extends to the petrochemical industry, where he has successfully negotiated financing for large-scale facilities and projects that drive industrial growth and innovation.

In the transportation and infrastructure sectors, his guidance has been pivotal in the development of key infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, and pipelines. His ability to navigate the complexities of project financing ensures that these projects are not only feasible but also financially sustainable. Through his leadership, Girgis continues to drive forward critical developments that support economic growth and infrastructure modernization. His strategic approach and deep understanding of financing mechanisms make him a valuable asset to clients seeking to undertake ambitious and transformative projects.

Selected Matters

• Advising EDF International Network, a subsidiary of the EDF group in charge of developing projects of engineering, consulting and management services in the field of networks, in connection with a joint venture between Egyptian French Electricity Distribution Company and the New Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD) for the distribution of electricity to the New Administrative Capital.
• Advising El Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company (NASCO) in the extensive negotiations with Dongfeng’s affiliates, leading to the signing of two milestone collaboration agreements estimated at EGP 2.5 billion. The framework agreement sets out the guiding principles for the bilateral partnership between the two parties, while the second agreement aims at renovating one of NASCO’s affiliated factories in cooperation with one of Dongfeng’s subsidiaries. NASCO’s first-ever Electric Vehicles (EVs) manufacturing and assembly project in the country in collaboration with the giant Chinese automobile manufacturer ‘Dongfeng’.
• Advising El Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company (NASCO) on the potential course of action relating to the termination of retrofit agreement for El Nasr cars concluded with a Brazilian supplier of automation systems.
• Acting for PTT Energy Resources Company Limited (PTTER) in a first-of-its-kind investment USD 1 billion treaty claim brought before Cairo’s Administrative Court, the claim is based entirely on a bilateral investment treaty (BIT).
• Advising The Egyptian National Railways Authority on the legal environment, introducing the legislations relevant to the restructuring, and advising on the appropriate legal methodology of achieving restructuring plan. The restructuring of the current governmental controlled freight business to include private sector they players.
• Advising New & Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), alongside PwC and Eversheds, in connection with the development of a 200MW wind farm project in the Gulf of Suez with UAE company Masdar.
• Advising Globeleq Africa Limited on the structure of the shares acquisition and economic rights of the local entities (Egyptian SPVs) on the onshore level and their offshore parent companies on the offshore level to comply with the requirements of the PPA and other Principal Project Agreements, and obtaining a waiver from the relevant authorities, as well as handling any notification, and obtaining any approval which may be required to/from the competent authorities in Egypt (e.g. EgyptERA, EETC or NREA).
• Representing Engineering Automotive, Manufacturing Co. (EAMCO), an affiliate to the Ministry Public Business Sector, in signing a cooperation agreement with “Brightskies Company” to locally develop and manufacture primary components of electric vehicles. This agreement comes within the framework of Egyptian government direction to expand on using electric vehicles, and to localize this growing industry in Egypt.
• Advising Voltalia on the implementation of the local security related to their PV power facility in Egypt, as well as on the engineering, procurement and construction regulatory and labour requirements of the project. Voltalia is developing a USD 25 million 25MWac solar PV power project under the Egyptian feed-in tariff programme.
• Advising SYSTRA Group on the criminal exposure of the client’s Egyptian branch, specifically, its officials, following the famous collision of two trains in Tahta, Sohag, on 26 March 2021. The death of several and injury of approximately 200 persons was reported thereafter. The Egyptian branch of the French Corporation was involved in the modernization of the signalling systems on the concerned railway line.
• Advising a Fortune 200 world leading power company on Egyptian law following its pre-qualification by the Egyptian Electricity Authority to submit a proposal for the development of two BOOT 325 MW steam cycle units capable of firing natural gas and fuel oil in Sidi Krir, Egypt, including aspects relating to financing, design, procurement, construction, completion, testing, operation and maintenance of the plant.
• Advising Italgen on its negotiations with New and Renewable Energy Authority and EETC in connection with the development of 320 MW wind power project under the merchant scheme in the Gulf of Suez, subsequently converted to a BOO project, as well as on potential exit options.
• Representing Waterworks, a global environmental engineering company specializing in water treatment, against an Egyptian oil company in a dispute involving the construction of a water treatment facility and breaches of a build-own-operate (BOO) contract.

Background

He is a former Public Prosecutor with an LL.M. in International Legal Studies from Georgetown University Law Center (2004), an LL.B. from Cairo University (2003), and a BA in Economics and Business Administration from the American University in Cairo (2001). Appointed by the ICC World Council, Girgis serves as a member of the International Court of Arbitration and the Advisory Committee of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration. He frequently speaks at conferences on arbitration, energy, and infrastructure projects, and teaches The Legal Aspects of Finance at the American University in Cairo.

Rankings

Girgis is a globally ranked legal practitioner who has been recognized by numerous international legal directories such as The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, IFLR1000, Who’s Who Legal, GAR100, and many others.

Overview

Girgis Abd El-Shahid is the Managing Partner at Shahid Law Firm, where he leads the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) practice. Renowned for his deep expertise and strategic insight, Girgis has built a reputation as a leading legal advisor in the TMT sectors, guiding clients through the complexities of these rapidly evolving industries.

With over 20 years of experience, Girgis has an extensive track record of handling a wide range of matters in telecommunications, media, and technology. He provides comprehensive legal services, including advising on regulatory compliance, intellectual property rights, and technology transactions. Girgis is particularly adept at navigating the intricate regulatory landscapes that govern telecommunications and media, ensuring that his clients are fully compliant with local and international laws.

In the technology sector, Girgis offers strategic counsel on issues ranging from data protection and cybersecurity to software licensing and digital transformation. He assists companies in structuring and negotiating complex technology agreements, ensuring that they are equipped to leverage emerging technologies while mitigating legal risks.

Girgis is also well-versed in media regulations, advising clients on content distribution, broadcasting rights, and digital media strategies. His deep understanding of the legal challenges and opportunities in the media industry makes him a valuable advisor to both traditional media companies and digital platforms.

Moreover, Girgis has a strong focus on the intersection of technology and telecommunications, where he advises on matters such as the deployment of new telecommunications infrastructure, spectrum licensing, and the legal implications of new communication technologies. His ability to anticipate industry trends and their legal implications ensures that his clients remain at the forefront of innovation while maintaining compliance.

Under Girgis’ leadership, the TMT practice at Shahid Law Firm has become a trusted partner for companies navigating the complex and dynamic world of technology, media, and telecommunications. His ability to provide tailored legal solutions that align with the strategic objectives of his clients has solidified his position as a leading figure in the TMT legal landscape.

Selected Matters

• Advising Vivo, one of China’s largest technology and mobile phone manufacturing companies, to provide legal advice and assistance in relation to purchasing a factory in the 10th of Ramadan City in Egypt, with investments estimated at USD 30 million.
• Advising TLScontact, a subsidiary of Teleperformance that works with governments to provide visa and consular services to travellers and citizens, on general legal and corporate advice with respect to compliance of their digital services with Egyptian tech and privacy legislation.
• Representing Nokia, a multinational data networking and telecommunications company, on multi-million-dollar matters relating to international sanctions as they relate to the use of banking services in light of bank’s invocation of the international sanctions regime to deny the provision of banking services.
• Advising Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company on technology-related laws (electronic commerce, website licensing, and cybercrimes) and the newly promulgated Egyptian Personal Data Protection Law, while highlighting the significant differences between the Egyptian Personal Data Protection Lawand the European Union General Data Protection Regulation.
• Advising HyperPay Inc, an online cashless gateway service connecting merchants, banks, and online customers, on the ultimate Egyptian company structure along with all the required licenses and permits.
• Advising a British multinational consumer healthcare company on Egyptian bribery legislation and reporting requirements regarding certain conducts in its Egypt branch relating to its employees.
• Representing Unilever in connection with advising a multinational consumer goods company on technology-related laws (electronic commerce, website licensing, and cybercrimes) and the newly promulgated Egyptian Personal Data Protection Law, while highlighting the significant differences between the Egyptian Personal Data Protection Lawand the European Union General Data Protection Regulation.
• Advising a leading software and information technology service provider, in connection with providing certain services through its Egyptian subsidiary, by advising on its local subsidiary which intends to offer its data center services, end-user tech support and day-to-day IT operational responsibility to customers in Egypt.
• Advising Glaxosmithkline Egypt, a leading pharmaceutical company on data privacy and technology related matters and ensuring their compliance with the Egyptian laws and regulations.
• Advising a global media and news network on a multi-million-dollar investor-State arbitration against the State of Egypt before ICSID claim following the closure of its premises in Egypt.
• Advising a global consortium on pursuing work for Egypt Permit Applications aiming to extend subsea cable that serves the African continent and Middle East region. The Firm advised from a legal perspective and according to the Egyptian Laws and Regulations by conducting a full review of all the obtained licenses and permission.
• Representing an international media agency in criminal proceedings relating to its alleged publication of false news. Representation includes meeting with the prosecution to defend the Client against potential charges under penal provisions criminalizing certain acts by journalists and making defense submissions.
• Representing the managing director of a leading Egyptian media service provider in criminal proceedings for alleged illegal possession of broadcasting equipment.
• Advising one of the top UK-based law firms on matters relating to the technology and e-commerce sector, including advice on cybersecurity and data protection law matters in relation to several of their clients.
• Representing a leading media service provider in a case in relation to the Syndicate of Applied Arts Designers Stamp Tax imposed as a result of its execution of multi-million-dollar technology and telecom supply contracts.
• Representing Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC) in various civil, commercial, & criminal cases involving their work in Egypt in a major case before Egypt’s administrative court related to the blocking of multiple attempts of staying the airing of one of the most widely-viewed television shows during the month of Ramadan Namely “Ramez Magnoon Rasmy” which means “Ramez Is Officially Crazy”.
• Advising various internet companies on the licensing and operational requirements for the installation of subsea cables in Egyptian territorial waters.
• Providing Huawei with extensive legal briefs on compliance with Egyptian telecommunications legislation.
• Advising Netflix IO Productions, LLC, on various matters and rendered various legal opinions, in light of the Egyptian laws and regulations, with regards to force majeure and effects of COVID-19 on Netflix business in Egypt, as well as the regulatory and licensing requirements for Netflix to comply with the Supreme Media Council recent regulations in Egypt.
• Representing Yahoo! Egypt Services LLC in their day-to-day business activities. providing advice on a number of issues including the regulation of VoIP services, employment matters, advertising guidelines, and corporate matters under Egyptian law.
• Counseling Facebook on all matters relating to the regulation of online activities in Egypt, including defamation complaints and infringement of IP rights.
• Advising Bupa International on the application of Egyptian laws relating to the marketing and sale of international private medical insurance over the Internet.

Background

He is a former Public Prosecutor with an LL.M. in International Legal Studies from Georgetown University Law Center (2004), an LL.B. from Cairo University (2003), and a BA in Economics and Business Administration from the American University in Cairo (2001). Appointed by the ICC World Council, Girgis serves as a member of the International Court of Arbitration and the Advisory Committee of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration. He frequently speaks at conferences on arbitration, energy, and infrastructure projects, and teaches The Legal Aspects of Finance at the American University in Cairo.

Rankings

Girgis is a globally ranked legal practitioner who has been recognized by numerous international legal directories such as The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, IFLR1000, Who’s Who Legal, GAR100, and many others.

Overview

Girgis Abd El-Shahid is a leading authority in oil and gas and renewable energy law, the firm’s Renewable Energy and Oil & Gas practice. With over 20 years of experience, Girgis provides legal counsel on a wide range of matters in the oil and gas sector, including exploration, production, transportation, and distribution. He also specializes in renewable energy projects, advising on the development and financing of solar, wind, and biomass power plants. His expertise includes structuring complex transactions, negotiating contracts, and ensuring regulatory compliance for energy projects.

Girgis is also well-versed in navigating the regulatory frameworks governing the energy industry, advising clients on licensing, environmental compliance, and government relations. He regularly represents clients before regulatory authorities and courts in matters related to energy sector disputes, including arbitration under various institutional rules. In addition to his transactional and advisory work, he has a proven track record in securing financing for large-scale energy projects, including renewable energy initiatives such as solar and wind projects, and providing legal counsel on mergers and acquisitions within the sector.

Selected Examples

• Advising Voltalia on the implementation of the local security related to their USD 25 million PV power facility in Egypt, as well as on the engineering, procurement and construction regulatory and labour requirements of the project. Voltalia is developing a 25MWac solar PV power project under the Egyptian feed-in tariff programme.
• Advising EDF International Network, a subsidiary of the EDF group in charge of developing projects of engineering, consulting and management services in the field of networks, in connection with a joint venture between Egyptian French Electricity Distribution Company and the New Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD) for the distribution of electricity to the New Administrative Capital.
• Representing a number of international developers in their acquisition of minority stakes with call options for future increase of their equity participation in renewable energy project companies incorporated under the Egyptian FIT Programme.
• Advising various renewable energy developers on the optimal utilization of local and foreign currency and on matters of financing for their projects.

Background

He is a former Public Prosecutor with an LL.M. in International Legal Studies from Georgetown University Law Center (2004), an LL.B. from Cairo University (2003), and a BA in Economics and Business Administration from the American University in Cairo (2001). Appointed by the ICC World Council, Girgis serves as a member of the International Court of Arbitration and the Advisory Committee of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration. He frequently speaks at conferences on arbitration, energy, and infrastructure projects, and teaches The Legal Aspects of Finance at the American University in Cairo.

Rankings

Girgis is a globally ranked legal practitioner who has been recognized by numerous international legal directories such as The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, IFLR1000, Who’s Who Legal, GAR100, and many others.