DLA Piper appoints Africa-focused Energy and Natural Resources Projects Partner

DLA Piper has appointed a new London-based Projects Partner in Karim Maalioun. Karim, who specialises in the Energy and Natural Resources sector, boasts a wealth of international Projects work with a 22 year-strong expertise in Middle Eastern and pan-African matters, having advised on deals in over 35 African jurisdictions to date.

Karim’s international practice spans the Projects space having advised purchasers, vendors, lenders, developers, and equity investors on complex large-scale projects and transactions. An expert in complex power (renewable and thermal), mining, and water, Karim has notable experience in engaging with African governments, Government and financial institutions, and indigenous communities, providing legal and policy advice, in particular addressing cost-effective and sustainable energy and mining policy. His appointment further expands a team that is regularly servicing clients across the Middle East and Africa on high profile and value matters. Karim is often quoted and ranked as one of the most influential lawyers in Francophone Africa.

Karim’s appointment is the latest in a series of tactical hires for DLA Piper’s international projects practice as it continues to grow from strength to strength. Karim joins recent hires Iain Elder from Sherman and Sterling, Russell Wilkinson from Baker Botts, Crystal Chen from Linklaters, Caroline Hoste from Lydian CV and Owen Alcorn from Herbert Smith Freehills in the group.

Colin Wilson, Partner and Head of International Projects at DLA Piper, comments: “Karim joins us at a really exciting time, adding further high profile expertise to our International Projects business. His appointment builds on our recent investments, supporting one of our key strategic priorities – expanding our capability in the African and Middle Eastern markets, where our global platform sees us uniquely positioned to address the increasingly global needs of our projects clients. Karim adds a wealth of specialist expertise and significant, culturally minded, in-country experience to our vibrant team that is extremely active in the Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure sectors.”

Karim Maalioun, Partner at DLA Piper, comments: “I’m delighted to join DLA Piper, and its unique and sophisticated international platform. The firm has an impressive track record in the key business sectors that are driving the frontier markets’’ development, and African economies in particular. I look forward to providing clients with a one-stop projects solution, drawing on the combined capabilities and network of the international firm, and in-particular its 20 offices across Africa”.