MEMBERS

  • Sharif Fareed Akkad (Founder)
  • Sameh Qandil (Senior Legal Consultant)
  • Rizwan H. Panchbhaya (Senior Legal Consultant)
  • Mohammed Al-Garni (Attorney at Law)
  • Tala T. Abdulmajeed (Legal Consultant)
  • Salma M. Al-Haddad (Paralegal)
  • Ahmmad Ibraheem (Office Manager)

For profiles of MAK members, please see below.

 

Sharif Fareed Akkad (Founder)

  • Nationality: Saudi
  • Mobile #: +966 (0)568 111-333
  • e-mail: s.akkad@maklawfirm.net
  • Education:
    • Administrative Law Diploma, Cairo University, Faculty of Law, Cairo, Egypt, 1994.
    • L.L.B., Bachelor of Law, Cairo University, Faculty of Law, Cairo, Egypt, 1993.
  • Admitted:
    • Practicing Lawyer, Ministry of Justice, Saudi Arabia, 1998.
  • Member:
    • The Franchise Committee at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2007.
    • The Franchise Committee at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2008.
    • The Franchise Committee at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 2008.
    • Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in London (Associate).
    • Egyptian Bar Association.
    • Law Instructor, Dar Al-Hekma College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2009.
  • Practice:
    • Corporate, commercial, franchise and commercial agencies matters, real estate transactions, foreign investment laws, joint ventures and merger & acquisition transactions, litigation, arbitration and Islamic finance.
  • Publications:
    • "A brief idea about franchise agreements", published by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Makkah, 2006.
    • "The definition of franchise agreements", Al-Eqtasadiah NewsPaper, 2007.
    • "The law of franchising in KSA", the Franchise Market Place Magazine (the largest franchise magazine in the Middle East published in Dubai), April 2008.
  • Experience:
    • (Managing Partner), Mikwar, Akkad & Metawea Law Firm (“MAK”), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2004 – present.
    • (Legal Advisor), National Commercial Bank, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, April 2004 – August 2005.
    • (Associate), the Alliance of Abbas F. Ghazzawi & Co and Hammad & Al-Mehdar law firm, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, August 2000 – March 2004.
    • (Trainee Junior Associate), Hammad & Al-Mehdar law firm, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, December 1997 – August 2000.

Mr. Sharif Fareed Akkad has extensive experience (over sixteen years) in corporate, commercial, franchise matters, real estate transactions litigation and Islamic finance. Sharif Akkad is one of the leading lawyers in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East with respects to franchising, distributorship, agencies and license agreements. To date, he has closed more than (250) franchise agreements, distributorship agreements and license agreements.

Mr. Akkad has worked on numerous franchise, distributorship and license agreements including but not limited to: Subway International, Calvin Klein, D&G, Guess, Fossil, Esprit, Rebook, Second Cup, Ikea, Levis, Cartier, Applebee’s, Outback Steakhouse International, Reply, Betty Barclay, Max Mara, Stefanel, French Connection, Barnies, Ebel Watches, Mugg & Bean, Sleep High, Go Sport, Tom Tailor, Free For Humanity, KiKa, Tartine & Chocolate, Vans Co. Ltd., Yves Rocher, Arabian Oud, KAS Australia, Tony Roma’s Restaurant, Wing Zone and “Isuzu”.

His diverse practice includes: Intellectual property and trademark matters, international transactions, Saudi Foreign Investment Law matters, methanol projects (he was involved in the Japanese shareholder consortium Japan Arabia Methanol Company “Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Daicel Chemical and Ion Shipping” in the development, financing and construction of a methanol plant in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, acquisitions, initial public offerings (he was involved in the first ever IPO for the NCB, Jeddah).

He has advised major foreign entities in relation to establishing joint ventures in KSA and associating mixed and foreign limited liability companies in KSA before SAGIA, including advising one of the foreign prospective investors in “Al-Shobily Project”; referred to as a “mega project” on the SAGIA web site (The project is set to attract (60) billion Saudi Riyals investments in KSA), a major British real estate company in establishing a joint venture in KSA and AMLAK Group, the second largest real Estate company in UAE in establishing a joint venture in KSA to carry out a real estate project in KSA.

He formerly worked in the legal department of the NCB in Jeddah specialising in banking and Islamic finance. His expertise in Islamic Finance covers a broad range of matters: dealing with complex legal issues arising from the transferring of “Tawarak” into the local Saudi market for the NCB, with an approximate value of (10) billion Saudi Riyals, involved in the largest Islamic finance transaction by “Mudarabah” of the second GSM licenses in Saudi Arabia, the first project for asset Islamic finance by leasing in Saudi market in NCB with an approximate value of (2) billion Saudi Riyals and associate in a major project for issuing Islamic bonds “Sukuk” in NCB.

Mr. Akkad provides advice on Islamic finance and banking issues to both local and international clients and helps many clients to structure their finance according to Islamic finance tools, such as preparing a "promise to sell letter" to sell offices in the largest business tower in the Western province at The Head Quarter Business Park, valued in excess of (1.5) billion Saudi Riyals, preparing an Islamic lease agreement "Ejar Mantahi baltamleek" to develop a real estate project and preparing an "Ejar Mawasoof falzamah" for a major shopping mall in Jeddah.

Sharif has advised Fortis Bank and NAS Co. Ltd. in relation to sophisticated banking issues in KSA.
Sharif Akkad has worked on many construction agreements, development agreements, construction supervision agreement, consultancy and technical services agreements, contracting agreements and numerous sophisticated FIDIC Contracts.
Sharif Akkad has pleaded many cases and arbitration disputes in connection with commercial, banking, civil, labor, and intellectual property disputes before all courts and judicial committees in Saudi Arabia.

Sharif F. Akkad has appeared in many local and international seminars and events speaking on topics such as Islamic contracts, Islamic finance and franchise agreements.

Sharif Akkad is a regular speaker at the Saudi Chamber of Commerce & Industry and has spoken in seminars at Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh, Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jeddah, Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Madinah and Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Makkah since 2005.

Sharif was the only Saudi speaker at the Gulf Franchise Expo (the Expo will have speakers form UK, Germany, France, Malaysia, Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, India) which was the largest Franchise Expo in the GCC States, and was held in Manama, Bahrain in April 2006.

Sharif Akkad was the only Saudi speaker at the Franchise Middle East Expo [“FME”] held in Dubai, which is the largest Franchise Expo in the Middle East and North Africa held in Dubai, UAE, March 2007, the FME held in Dubai, UAE, May 2008, the FME held in Dubai, UAE, March 2009 and the FME held in Dubai, UAE, March 2010.

Sharif was the only lawyer speaking at the International Conference and Expo for Franchise, which is the second largest Franchise Expo in the Middle East and GCC States held in Riyadh, KSA, June 2008.

He regularly writes on franchise matters in international and local journals and in the print media.
Sharif Akkad has written a draft paper on the Saudi franchise law as per the instructions of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh, which is currently being reviewed by the Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry. The paper codifies the law of Franchising.

Mr. Akkad due to his knowledge and experience in franchising and intellectual property matters has been asked to contribute, among other 13 lawyers worldwide, in a publication titled “In Good Company, Managing Intellectual Property Issues in Franchising” to the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO), which is the most important intellectual property organization worldwide and also monitoring the most important intellectual property conventions (Paris and Berne). This publication is considered as a source of knowledge regarding intellectual property in franchising matters by businessman and professionals worldwide. Mr. Akkad holds the esteem of being the only Attorney from the Middle East to be a part of this dynamic group.

Sameh Qandil (Senior Legal Consultant)

  • Nationality: Egyptian
  • Mobile #: +966 (0)538 070-215
  • e-mail: s.qandil@maklawfirm.net
  • Languages: Arabic and English
  • Education:
    • Arbitration Diploma in English,Ain Shams University- Egypt, 2001.
    • Bachelor of Law,Ain Shams University- Egypt, 1997.
  • Member:
    • Cassation Lawyer at EBA.
  • Practice:
    • Arbitral disputes, investment, litigation, criminal, civil, commercial, corporate and labour laws and matters.
  • Experience:
    • (Senior Legal Advisor), Sharif Akkad Law Firm (MAK), Jeddah, KSA, present.
    • (Senior Legal Advisor), Legal Services Bureau, Jeddah, KSA, March 2016.
    • (Legal Head),SUNRISE Resorts & Cruises, Egypt, January 2010-February 2016.
    • (Legal Manager), Smart Villages Company, Egypt, January 2006-December 2009.
    • (Senior Lawyer), GMC Group, Egypt, January 2003-December 2005.
    • (Lawyer), Emad Soliman Law Firm, Egypt, October 1997-December 2002.

Mr. Qandil is a well-experienced (over 20 years) bilingual senior legal consultant. He earned his bachelor’s degree from one of the top law schools in the Egypt, as well as an Arbitration Diploma.  

During his work experience, Mr. Qandil has gained vast local and international legal experience in commercial and corporate legal matters: franchise, agency and distributorship matters; management agreements (cross border and national).

Mr. Qandil has worked on and assisted international and local clients in merger and acquisition transactions, joint ventures as well as foreign investment strategy and reorganization of corporate structures in Saudi Arabia.  

Mr. Qandil is always eager to work closely with his clients to find viable legal solutions to practical business matters.

Rizwan H. Panchbhaya (Senior Legal Consultant)

  • Nationality: Indian 
  • Mobile #: +966 (0)560 528-680
  • e-mail: r.panchbhaya@maklawfirm.net
  • Languages: Arabic and English
  • Education:
    • LLM, Master of Business Administration (Human Resources & Marketing), Mentoris School of Management, Punjab Technical university – Hyderabad, India, 2011.
    • LLB, Bachelor of Law (Common Law/ Corporate Law),Sultan-ul-uloom College of Law, Osmania University – Hyderabad, India, 2012.
    • LLB, Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource & Marketing), Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce, Pune University – Pune, India, 2009.
  • Certificates:
    • (Certificate of Practice in INDIA) from ‘The Bar Council of India’.
    • (Certificate from The Bar Council of the State of Andhra Pradesh), India’ as an enrolled ‘Advocate’.
    • (Certificate from GITAM School of International Business) for outstanding Participation and Achievement of 1stprize in the event of ‘HR Stress Game’.
    • (Certificate from Disha Education Society) for securing 80% in ‘Advance Excel 2007’.
  • Practice:
    • Arbitration, investment, litigation, commercial, corporate and labour lawsand matters. 
  • Experience:
    • (Senior Associate),Sharif Akkad Law Firm (MAK)- Jeddah, KSA, May 2017–present.
    • (Legal Associate), Alnowaiser Law Firm (formally known as Dr.Khalid Alnowaiser Law Firm and Partners- Jeddah, KSA, September 2013 – 2017.
    • (Business Development Executive),Global Pulse General Contracting- Jeddah, KSA, December 2012 – August 2013.
    • (Legal Intern), Law firm of Hassan Mahassni- Jeddah, KSA, March- April 2012.
    • (Business Development Executive), WizIQ AuthorGEN Technologies- Hyderabad, India, October 2011- February 2012.
    • (Customer Sale’s Representative),Zensar Technologies- Pune, India, February- July 2008.

Mr. Panchbhaya is an international attorney, who has been a member of MAK’s legal team since May 2017. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Common Law from one of the top law schools in India, concentrated in Corporate Law.

He has been assisting international corporate houses & investors in relation to foreign investment through SAGIA for entering and enduring in Saudi Arabia and company formation in the UAE (from approvals to free zone registrations), as well as providing Legal advice on Contracts, Joint Ventures, Mergers & Acquisition, Corporate Governance, Litigation, Arbitration issues. 

Mr. Panchbhaya has worked in advising various embassies/consulates as per their request, alongside foreign clients in business structuring in Saudi Arabia. He has been involved in advising the firm with various business aspects and development, as well as litigation cases which are to be handled by the firm. 

He worked with clients overseas in a variety of aspects of the law including US Tax (FATCA) related matters, assisted international clients for enforcement of foreign awards in Saudi Arabia as well as in UAE and Oman. He is experienced with handling arbitration aases which are registered with 'International Chambers of Commerce'(ICC), 'Dubai International Arbitration Center'(DIAC), and as per the 'Laws of Saudi Arbitration'.

Mohammed Al-Garni (Attorney at Law)

  • Nationality: Saudi 
  • Mobile #: +966 (0)531 819-999
  • e-mail: m.algarni@maklawfirm.net
  • Languages:       Arabic and English
  • Education:
    • LLM, Master of Law, Southwestern Law School (Southwestern University) – California, USA, 2015.
    • Intensive English Language Training Course, University of California- California, USA, 2014.
    • LLB, Bachelor of Law, King Abdulaziz University- Jeddah, KSA, 2011.
  • Member
    • Student Mentor with the Department of Law at King Abdul Aziz University, 2009-2011.
    • Saudi Club at California State University Los Angeles, 2012- 2013.
  • Practice:
    • Litigation, commercial, corporate and labour.
  • Experience:
    • (Lawyer), Sharif Akkad Law Firm (MAK), Jeddah, KSA, Feb 2017 – present. 
    • (Lawyer Trainee), Bin Qaoud Law Firm, Jeddah, KSA, 2016 – Feb 2017.
    • (Intern), Dar Fasl Alktaab Law Firm, Jeddah, KSA, Oct 2011– Feb 2012.

Mr. Algarni is a Saudi attorney, with law degrees from both KSA (LLB) and USA (LLM), and through MAK’s local and international practice, gained valuable ongoing practical experience in the provision of legal services in both Arabic and English. 

Mr. Algarni has a good record in all kind of commercial, civil and labour cases and disputes before different courts in KSA as well as arbitration cases. He has litigated and represented multiple local and international clients before judicial and semi-judicial bodies in KSA. He is currently handling the litigation department at MAK. 

He has also worked on the establishment of many limited liability and joint stock companies as well as mixed-capital companies before the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (“SAGIA”).

He worked on different commercial and corporate matters, projects and contracts, including, agency, distribution, franchise and M&A agreements, SAGIA matters, and IP matters. 

He has provided varies legal opinions and advices in Arabic and English to local and international clients and helped them in structuring and conducting their business in KSA. 

The combination of his professional and mindful demeanour and his methodical and meticulous approach in his practice, makes Mr. Algarni a valued member of MAK’s multinational practice, as well as a client favourite.

Tala T. Abdulmajeed (Legal Consultant)

  • Nationality: Saudi 
  • Mobile #: +966 (0)530 234-343
  • e-mail:t.abdulmajeed@maklawfirm.net
  • Languages: Arabic and English
  • Ministry of Justice: 
    • Record at the Saudi Ministry of Justice, 2018.
  • Education:
    • LLB, Bachelor of Law, Dar Al-Hekma University (English School of Law)- Jeddah, KSA, 2018.
  • Practice:
    • Commercial, corporate, labour and litigation.
  • Experience:
    • (Legal Consultant), Sharif Akkad Law Firm (MAK)- Jeddah, KSA, 2018 – present. 
    • (Legal Intern), Hammad & Al-MehdarLaw Firm.

Ms. Abdulmajeed is a young bilingual Saudi attorney, who has been a member of MAK’s legal team since 2018. She earned her bachelor’s degree from one of the top law schools in the Saudi Arabia.

Being a member of MAK’s team, Ms. Abdulmajeed had the chance to work on many international corporate matters, such as agency agreements, license agreements, incorporation of KSA companies, amendments of articles of association, drafting policies and procedures for companies. She has handled intellectual property matters, such as IP license agreements and trademarks and copyrights registrations. She has worked on sophisticated real estate matters. 

Ms. Abdulmajeed has a good record in litigation related matters before different Saudi courts.

Salma M. Al-Haddad (Paralegal)

  • Mobile #: +966 (0)565 959-052
  • e-mail: mak@maklawfirm.net
  • Languages: Arabic and English
  • Education:
    • LLB, Bachelor of Law, Al-Imam Mohammad Bin Saud Islamic University- Jeddah, KSA, current.
  • Practice:
    • Commercial, corporate and litigation.
  • Experience:
    • (Paralegal), Sharif Akkad Law Firm (MAK)- Jeddah, KSA, 2018 - present.
    • (Office Manager), Khalid Al-Suraihi Law Firm- Jeddah, KSA, 2015 - 2017.
    • (Executive Secretary), Nissab Contracting & Trade- Jeddah, KSA, 2012 - 2014.
    • (Executive Secretary), Rehlati Saudi Co.- Jeddah, KSA, 2008 -2012.

Ms. Salma joined MAK in 2018 as a senior paralegal, augmenting the firm’s caliber with 10 years’ experience in various international corporations and industries, as well as legal firms.

In particular, Ms. Salma has spent 6 years of her career as an executive secretary, gaining a wealth of knowledge and specialization in KSA corporate and commercial practices. She then continued her ambitious plan and worked as an office manager while completing her bachelor’s studies in law.

Ahmad Ibrahem (Office Manager)

  • Nationality: Egyptian
  • Mobile #: +966 (0)503-926554
  • e-mail: a.ibrahem@maklawfirm.net
  • Education:
    • Bachelor of Accounting, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt, 2007.
  • Practice:
    • Administrative affairs and accounting and auditing matters.
  • Experience:
    • (Office Manager), MAK, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2012 – present.
    • (Senior Accountant), Al-Mira Company, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2008 - 2012.
    • (Accountant) Ocean Foods Factory, Alexandria, Egypt, 2007-2008.