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Global news/insight

• Member Appointment – ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR
  Zahid Safi appointed as a member of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR, Paris [...]

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• Fresh guidance on L-1 visa petitions
  USCIS clarifies proxy vote use for certain intra-company transferee L-1 visa petitions [...]

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• RIAA Baker Gillette launches in the Middle East
  [...]

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• RIAA Barker Gillette contributes to IFC Solar Developer’s Guidebook
  New IFC Guidebook Supporting Solar Investments in Pakistan Supporting Solar Investments in Pakistan [...]

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• Rules for shareholders’ protection fund approved
  Islamabad [...]

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• CGT on securities increased for non-filers
  Karachi [...]

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• Non-resident companies: FBR issues separate procedures/conditions
  The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has made it mandatory for non-resident companies (having no Permanent Establishment in Pakistan) to be registered to provide tax registration or incorporation document from relevant regulatory authorities of the for [...]

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• E-2 visa update
  Law Firm wins approval of non-immigrant E-2 status for Korean business investor [...]

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• Income tax exemption limit to be increased
  Islamabad [...]

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• Company law changes in 2016
  Company Law Changes in 2016 - The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 Note: The requirement to keep a PSC register came into force on 6 April 2016. [...]

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• Company law changes in 2016
  Company Law Changes in 2016 - The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 Note: The requirement to keep a PSC register came into force on 6 April 2016. [...]

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• RICS arbitration service launched
  RICS arbitration service for construction and engineering disputes [...]

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• The Bribery Act 2010
  In January 2016 the first UK company to be prosecuted for corruption was sentenced to a fine of just over £1.3m, had over £800k confiscated and was ordered to pay £25k in prosecution costs; with two directors being convicted and sentenced (in 2015 [...]

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• Implied terms
  The Supreme Court has recently clarified the law on implied terms in Marks & Spencer plc v BNP Paribas Securities Services Trust Company (Jersey) Ltd. [...]

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• Investor Alert
  Investment Scams Exploit Immigrant Investor Program [...]

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• RIAALAW and Barker Gillette LLP merge to give global reach
  The formation of RIAA Barker Gillette ushers in a whole new era for both firms. [...]

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What clients say...

RIAA has provided environmental advice on a number of domestic projects.

Legal 500: 2015

RIAA’s ‘strong’ litigation department advised Clariant Chemical and Clariant International on a High Court dispute, and is also acting for K-Electric on a constitutional matter.

Legal 500: 2015

RIAA’s ‘exceptionally good’ practice is ‘always available’ and ‘has excellent knowledge of the energy sector’.

Legal 500: 2015

RIAA Barker Gillette advises on corporate and commercial agreements relating to power, water and construction projects, and is becoming increasingly involved in matters concerning wind and other renewables.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette’s disputes department handles cases spanning constitutional, employment, trade mark, energy and family law.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA is ‘strong on telecoms-related work’, and has acted on for a number of high-profile clients in this sector.

Legal 500: 2015

RIAA’s ‘experienced’ tax department is praised as ‘top notch’. It is advising several multinational corporate clients on tax structuring to minimise fiscal exposure in Pakistan. Ahsan Rizvi leads on tax mandates.

Legal 500: 2015

Highlights for RIAA’s ‘renowned’ corporate practice included advising Unisys International on the sale of its majority shareholding in Unisys Pakistan to International Brands Limited.

Legal 500: 2015

RIAA Barker Gillette provides notable expertise across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious banking matters, and counts numerous financial institutions among its clients. On the borrower side, the team has experience representing companies in the power, energy and transport sectors.

Legal 500: 2016

The firm has an active transactional practice and is instructed by clients across the energy, telecoms, financial services and construction sectors. Complementary expertise in tax, employment and competition benefits a practice covering mergers, acquisitions, takeovers, joint ventures and privatisations.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette maintains an active energy practice, where it advises clients on compliance and liability under environmental law, and assists with licensing and regulatory approvals.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette receives instructions from insurance company clients in relation to both contentious and non-contentious matters. Past work includes handling corporate transactions and international arbitrations.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette’s longstanding experience in the construction sector, with past work including the construction and development of hospitals and various power and infrastructure projects. Acquisitions, sales, transfers and property leasing are other mainstays, as is project finance…

Legal 500: 2016

In the media space, the team has experience in licensing, and advises radio, television and print clients on operational matters.

Legal 500: 2016

Telecoms is an area of strength at RIAA Barker Gillette, with the team providing expertise in corporate, commercial and regulatory matters.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette advises multinational corporate clients on tax structuring and restructuring. It is also active in tax litigation and appeals before the High Court.

Legal 500: 2016

RIAA Barker Gillette…"It is a powerhouse."

Chambers Guide: Asia Pacific 2016

Renowned for his expertise in the power sector, peers highlight Ahsan Zahir Rizvi as "one of the most experienced projects lawyers in Pakistan."

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

Ahsan Zahir Rizvi continues to be revered by market commentators, who single him out for his "sharp legal mind."

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

Ahsan Zahir Rizvi is singled out by clients for the depth of his transactional experience and for "bringing a colour and vibrancy to the table."

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

Sources describe Ahsan Zahir Rizvi as "an exceptional practitioner" and "a backbone of the firm."

Chambers: Global Guide 2016

“Large and well-reputed practice”

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

"RIAA’s banking and finance department is noted for its ‘vast experience’ and ‘strong track record’"

Tier 1: IFLR1000 2015

“Our relationship with the firm started 20 years ago and we have never looked back.”

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

“They really take the time to listen to the case.”

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

“I only use RIAA and no other firm in Pakistan – I have the utmost regard for them.”

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

“’Strong’ litigation department”.

The Legal 500: Asia Pacific 2015

“’Renowned’ corporate practice”

Tier 1: IFLR1000 2015

“Excellent bench of practitioners with a full-service corporate offering. Often mandated on big-ticket M&A deals”

The Legal 500: Asia Pacific 2014

RIAA’s banking and finance department is noted for its ‘vast experience’ and ‘strong track record’ on project finance. Clients include the ‘pragmatic’ Bilal Shaukat, and Ahsan Rizvi, who is rated as ‘excellent’.

Legal 500: 2015

"We have a very positive relationship with them. They are proactive, down-to-earth, thorough and extremely knowledgeable when finding solutions."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

"I have the utmost regard for the firm; they are first class."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

"They have vast experience of the power sector, and always provide alternative solutions to problems - they really take ownership of the projects they are working on."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

What the team is known for: Active on a wide range of conventional and renewable projects, including notable activity on the conversion of power plants to coal.

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

What the team is known for: Offers high levels of expertise in the power sector, advising the sponsors on development, financing and regulatory issues.

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

Ahsan Zahir Rizvi keeps things on an even keel and so people trust him, even those on the other side."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

Sources highlight Ahsan Zahir Rizvi’s strong negotiation capabilities, with one noting: "He can see the other side's perspective, that is his greatest strength.

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

Ahsan Zahir Rizvi is held in high regard for his depth of expertise in the power sector.

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

[Ahsan Zahir Rizvi] is also praised for "his precision in giving advice. He is very to the point."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

Senior partner Ahsan Zahir Rizvi is one of Pakistan's most highly reputed transactional lawyers: "He is one of the most individually outstanding people, both from a commercial point of view and a legal point of view."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

"RIAA has a very strong reputation for handling commercial and corporate matters."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

"They have been absolutely outstanding. I don't think there is a team more dedicated."

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

Excellent bench of practitioners with a full-service corporate offering. Often mandated on big-ticket M&A deals, particularly for corporations in the energy and power sectors.

Chambers: Asia Pacific 2015

“We mainly use RIAA, as they’re very reliable and always there to help”

The Legal 500: Asia Pacific 2014

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