Our Team

Abdul Rahman Al Haroun established the International Counsel Bureau in the State of Kuwait in 1994 and serves as its Chairman. His practice primarily is advising various governmental, semi-governmental entities and state-owned enterprises, as well as public and private companies (both local and international) on all aspects of Kuwaiti Law.

Areas of his expertise include oil and gas, corporate mergers and acquisitions, license agreements, construction contracts, local and international arbitration, and local litigation. He has advised on multinational BOT projects in Kuwait, in addition to acting as counsel on major EPC contracts and for major hotel management companies in the GCC. Mr. Al Haroun also was legal adviser on several strategic projects in Kuwait, such as the establishment of EQUATE Petrochemical Company (K.S.C.C.) and Kuwait Telecom Company.

Mr. Al Haroun began his legal career in the energy sector at Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) beginning in 1976. By 1987, he was appointed KNPC’s General Manager of the Corporate Legal Department and served there till his resignation in 1994 to establish ICB. As an example of Mr. Al Haroun’s recognition for applied expertise, he served as a member from 1996 to 2009 of the State of Kuwait’s Supreme Petroleum Council, the highest governing body of oil and gas matters in Kuwait. He is a well-known lecturer and acknowledged legal expert on Kuwait law. He has taken part in many international conferences, seminars and courses and served as an expert witness in his areas of expertise.

Mr. Al Haroun holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Kuwait University, and he is a registered member of the Kuwait Bar Association.

Aisha Al Nesef is the Managing Partner and is leading the General Corporate Department. She has over ten years of experience in a number of sectors, including financial services, telecoms, media, and the energy sector.

Prior to joining ICB, Aisha was previously an Associate Lawyer at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer office in Dubai, spending over three years working on a variety of private and public M&A and joint ventures. She has worked on numerous strategic transactions in Kuwait, including advising Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) on its acquisition of c. 22 percent, the stake of Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain) with a total equity value of c. $2.2bn, and advising KAMCO Investment Company, one of the large asset managers in the Gulf region, on its acquisition of c. 70 percent stake in Global Investment House.

Ms. Al Nesef was a Senior Legal Advisor to the Board of Commissioners of the Kuwait Capital Markets Authority, where she worked on revising and restructuring the CMA Executive Bylaws in line with best practice and international standards.

Aisha Al Nesef holds a Bachelor of Law degree from Kuwait University, a Master of Laws degree in Business and Finance Law from George Washington University Law School, and is a member of the Kuwait Lawyers Society.

Abdullah Alharoun is a partner at ICB. He has a multidisciplinary professional and educational background. Abdullah is a seasoned attorney with a wealth of experience having worked on complex matters with several major local and multinational clients across a range of industries.

Alharoun’s practice focuses primarily on providing strategic counsel. He is an expert in general corporate matters. Furthermore, Alharoun was an integral member of the legal team that advised the Capital Markets Authority on the modernisation of its executive by-laws (the largest regulatory exercise in the history of Kuwait).

Since joining ICB, Alharoun has created and developed the finance practice. He advises borrowers, lenders, and issuers on all Kuwaiti law aspects related to debt and equity transactions (conventional and Islamic).

Alharoun was appointed as strategic counsel to manage several multijurisdictional transactions and assemble legal teams. He has a very close relationship with many of Kuwait’s flagship institutions. He acted as the Secretary to the Board of Directors of EQUATE Petrochemical Company K.S.C.C. (EQUATE) and has been retained to lead and manage the delivery of legal services to the organisation. Alharoun has led every transaction (including day to day corporate matters) and was involved in almost every dispute involving EQUATE. Abdullah dedicates a significant portion of his practice to advising on pro bono matters and nurturing and mentoring young talent.

Alharoun holds a Master of Laws degree from Columbia Law School, a Bachelor of Laws degree from London University (Queen Mary), and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences from Dalhousie University. He is a admitted to practice as an attorney in the State of Kuwait, New York, and Massachusetts.

Abdulwahab Al Fahad is a Partner and leads the Dispute Resolution practice. He provides professional legal services to many and varied clients across different sectors with a focus on litigation.

Mr. Al-Fahad holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Applied Science University in Jordan, a Master’s degree in Private Law from the Applied Science University in Bahrain, and is currently a doctoral researcher at the College of Law, University of Bahrain.

Mr. Al-Fahad is a registered member of the Kuwait Bar Association and is licensed to appear before the Constitutional and Cassation Courts in the State of Kuwait.

William J. Brown is a partner at ICB. His experience includes advising on strategic planning, governance, risk management, claims management, and management of complex projects and cases (especially dispute resolution). His practice spans sectors such as oil and gas, power, aerospace, construction, asset management and investment banking.

For 16 years Mr. Brown practiced general corporate/securities law with Sullivan & Cromwell in their New York and Washington, DC offices. Additionally, he has spent considerable time working across the Gulf region, living in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait.

Following S&C, in 2000 Mr. Brown joined Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) as Senior Legal Adviser. During this time he was involved in a number of “special projects” for ADIA and the UAE, including: (i) case management of investigations and dispute resolution; (ii) designing templates for contracts which rebalanced risk from an investor perspective such as Investment Management Agreements and Custodian Agreements; (iii) advising the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Retirement Pensions and Benefits Fund with respect to design and implementation of its “Master Plan” (iv) serving as a member of UAE’s Free Trade Agreements negotiation team, which included Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, negotiating the investment, financial services and dispute resolution chapters; and (v) being one of UAE’s representatives to the Sovereign Wealth Funds International Working Group that developed the “Santiago Principles”.

Mr. Brown holds a Juris Doctor degree from Boston College Law School and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is a member of the New York, District of Columbia and South Carolina Bar Associations.

Dr. Robert E. B. Peake is ICB’s tax expert and leads the Tax practice. For thirty years, he has advised clients doing business in the region and regional investors globalizing their activities. Dr. Peake assists in the development of tax policies and strategies, management of tax risks and maximizing return by reducing tax liabilities. He is an expert witness on hydrocarbon taxation in the Arabian Gulf.

Dr. Peake is a former Tax Partner of Ernst Young, where he established the first international tax group in Arabia and was Head of Tax and Legal for Arthur Andersen in Kuwait and Lower Gulf. He was a senior tax advisor to Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and acted as an adviser to Abu Dhabi and Federal government agencies, including Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Abu Dhabi Investment Council regarding international tax, Free Trade Agreements, investment treaties and tax treaties. He was a member of the Drafting Committee of Sovereign Wealth Funds’ International Working Group that concluded the “Santiago Principles”.

With over thirty years’ experience, Dr. Peake is recognized by the Euromoney Guide to the World’s Leading Tax Advisers and is a past Chairman of the UAE Branch of the International Fiscal Association.

Dr. Peake holds a Master of Arts (Hons) degree from Cambridge University (Jesus College), a Doctor of Philosophy degree from London University (School of Oriental and African Studies), and a Diploma in Business Administration from The International Management Centres. He was a fully trained Tax Inspector in the UK.

Prior to joining ICB, in 2009 Mr. Phillips served as Chief Legal Officer and Executive Committee member of the Qatar Financial Centre Authority with a key role to oversee and develop the Centre’s legal environment and regulations working closely with the Minister of Economy and Finance and regulatory authorities. He has extensive corporate and commercial law experience in a number of prominent international law firms in the UK, Europe, Latin America, and Gulf region including Pinsent Masons and Clyde & Co., as well as acting as in-house counsel for publicly listed international groups in financial services, including the Lloyds Banking Group and Old Mutual plc.

Mr. Roger Phillips holds a Master of Laws from Cambridge University (Pembroke College).

Roger Phillips is the Partner of the General Corporate practice. He has specialist sector knowledge and experience in all areas of financial services, insurance, and healthcare industries.

Mohammad Magdy Sayed Elgharably acts on dispute resolution matters, provides legal opinions, and attends hearings before the arbitral and expert sessions.

Prior to joining ICB, Mr. Elgharably worked as a Senior Associate Attorney at Sarie-El Din & Partners Law firm where he handled various lawsuits and litigation procedures.

Mr. Elgharably holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Alexandria University. Mr. Elgharably is a registered member of the Egyptian Bar Association.

Mustafa Zaiki Shalaby acts on dispute resolution matters, provides legal opinions, and attends hearings before the arbitral and expert sessions.

Since 2000, Mr. Shalaby has assisted local and international companies in successfully implementing their projects and closing deals critical to their business in various fields including medical, IT, construction, and industry. He most recently served as Legal Counsel and Contracts Manager for Horizon for Medical Appliance, where he was responsible for all legal aspects of commercial, contractual, and regulatory matters in the medical, logistics, and constructions sectors.

Mr. Shalaby holds a Bachelor of Law from Ain Shams University, Egypt. He is a registered member of the Egyptian Bar Association.

Khaled Zarad handles dispute resolution matters, provides legal opinions, and attends hearings before the arbitral and expert sessions.

Working in both Kuwait and Egypt, Mr. Zarad served as a lawyer and legal advisor for several law firms spanning 22 years.

Zarad holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Ayn Al Shams University, Egypt. Mr. Zarad is a registered member of the Egyptian Bar Association.

Mr. Ali Abdelazim works on dispute resolution matters, provides legal opinions and attends pre-arbitration and expert hearings.

Ali has over 25 years of experience acting as counsel and litigator, resolving major disputes with a primary focus on public offences and criminal acts. His tenure in the State of Kuwait included his work as a legal advisor for about three years in the advisory office of the Minister of State for Housing Affairs.

Ali holds a bachelor?s degree in Law from Cairo University and is a registered member of the Egyptian Bar Association.

Dr. Sharaf Khaled Alsharaf acts on dispute resolution matters, provides legal opinions, and attends hearings before the court, arbitral and expert sessions. Dr. Alsharaf previously worked as a Public Prosecutor.

Dr. Alsharaf holds Bachelor and Master law degrees from Kuwait University. He also holds a Master of Law from the University of Florida and is a Doctor of Juridical Science from Indiana University. He was a Visiting Researcher at Georgetown Law School.

Al-Anjeri?s practice involves legal counsel and advice on several aspects of corporate law and dispute resolution to local and international clients, particularly matters relating to international arbitration, incorporation and marketing of local and foreign funds, insurance, and regulatory related matters.

Mr. Al-Anjeri holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Kuwait University. He is a registered member of the Kuwait Bar Association and former president of Kuwait?s International Law Society.

Ms. Bashayer Al- Tuwais is a trainee associate supporting both the corporate and dispute resolution teams. Bashayer has experience in advising on corporate and commercial matters including the transfer of shares, shareholders? (including those with a minority stake) rights and general capital markets.

Bashayer also supports clients in the resolution of major disputes in relation to breach of corporate and fiduciary duties as well as shareholders and management in oppression cases.

Bashayer holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Kuwait University and is a registered member of the Kuwait Bar Association.

Rashid Al-Ibrahim is an Associate supporting the dispute resolution team. Rashid specializes in commercial dispute resolution and advises on corporate governance and capital markets issues.

Rashid holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Kuwait University and is a registered member of the Kuwait Bar Association.

Danah Albuloushi acts on dispute resolution matters, provides legal opinions, and attends hearings before the court, arbitral and expert sessions.

Ms. Albuloushi holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Kuwait University, graduating with Honors. During her time at university, she was active in participating and received several awards in the Open Debate Forum and was nominated to represent the women?s team at Qatar University?s Debate Competition in 2018.

Abdulrahman Alroumi helps businesses in Kuwait, the GCC, and internationally navigate complex corporate transactions and disputes. He brings extensive experience and skill to a wide range of legal issues, including entity selection, contract drafting, data privacy, intellectual property, construction, regulatory compliance, and contentious international commercial litigation.

Mr. Alroumi holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin and is a member of the Kuwait Bar Association. He is also a member of the Wisconsin State Bar and is pending admission to the New York State Bar. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

Before pursuing law, Mr. Alroumi honed his skills as a project manager and mechanical engineer for several years. His experience spans the construction, manufacturing, and petrochemical industries in the US, Mexico, and Brazil. Fluent in both Arabic and English, Mr. Alroumi has worked extensively in Kuwait, the United States, and Europe.

Mr. Alroumi’s unique synergy of legal and engineering expertise empowers him to deliver customized, practical solutions to clients. This proficiency proves invaluable in navigating high-stakes transactions, such as multibillion-dollar oil and gas projects, complex infrastructure development initiatives, and government construction contracts. His exceptional communication skills bridge the gap between legal intricacies and technical complexities, ensuring seamless understanding for regional, local, and project-focused contacts.

Lulwah Marafi is a Trainee Associate at ICB. She has attended City, University of London from which she completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Ms. Marafi is involved in various practice areas in which she assists foreign and local clients with corporate and commercial matters. She advises and assists on matters including agency/distribution, establishment of local presence in Kuwait and general commercial agreements.

Ms. Marafi is a member of the Kuwait Bar Association.

Majdy AtaAllah is responsible for following up on cases before the court and all relevant judicial departments, as well as attending hearings before the expert sessions.

Mr. AtaAllah holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from South Valley University, Egypt. He is a registered member of the Egyptian Bar Association.

Mr. Adel Esmat is responsible for following up on cases before the Kuwaiti courts and all relevant judicial departments as well as attending expert hearings and drafting certain case memorandums.

Adel holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Zagazig University, Egypt. He is a registered member of the Bar Association in Egypt.