Basrah Obelisk Law Firm

Overview

Basrah Obelisk Law Firm stands as a distinguished legal advocacy entity, officially registered with the Iraqi Companies Registration Directorate at the Ministry of Trade (MOT) and accredited by the Iraqi Bar Association. Since 2012, the firm has been at the forefront of the legal industry, providing top-tier legal services both in Iraq and on the international stage.

Headquartered in Basrah, Iraq, and led by the Managing Director, Dr. Buraq al-Hamdy, we maintain strong relationships with Iraqi authorities, civil society and international clients with notable engagements including oil and gas and EPC companies, and taxation authorities. Equally important is our strategic growth vision to drive regional expansion across the Gulf and forge key partnerships to shape the future of legal excellence.

Basrah Obelisk Law Firm has been a full member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) since 2021. This prestigious membership, certified by the ICC, underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal excellence and our active participation in the global legal community.

The growing potential of the firm has also been recognized for the second year in a row by Chambers and Partners. Basrah Obelisk Law Firm continues to excel in delivering top-tier legal services across the region. This accolade is a testament to the firm's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional legal counsel and its standing as a trusted advisor in the legal industry.

Vision & Mission

Our vision is to be the foremost legal firm in Iraq, renowned for our innovative approach, exceptional client service, and ability to navigate the evolving legal landscape. We aim to lead the industry in providing insightful legal advice and fostering long-term relationships with our clients and partners.Our dedication to excellence compels us to provide high-quality legal solutions that are meticulously designed to address even the most intricate and challenging legal issues. We possess a deep understanding of the complexities within the legal landscape and are resolute in offering strategic, tailored advice to meet the distinct needs of each client.

By harmonizing an in-depth understanding of Iraqi law with a keen awareness of the diverse and evolving needs of our clients, we provide a holistic approach to legal services. Our expertise not only encompasses the intricacies of local legislation but also extends to a comprehensive grasp of the socio-economic factors influencing our clients' businesses and personal affairs.

Drawing on our deep expertise, we are committed to offering comprehensive and practical solutions that not only address complex challenges but also meticulously safeguard our clients' interests, ensuring their long-term success and peace of mind.

Core Values

Confidentiality

At Basrah Obelisk Law Firm, confidentiality is a core value. We are committed to protecting client information with rigorous protocols, ensuring discretion and trust at every stage of our legal services, as part of our ethical and professional standards.

Innovation

We embrace new technologies and methodologies to continually enhance our service offerings. By staying ahead of industry trends and integrating cutting-edge solutions, we ensure that our clients benefit from the most efficient and effective legal strategies available.

Excellence

We are committed to delivering superior legal services through a team of highly qualified professionals. This is achieved by continually investing in our team's development, ensuring they remain updated on the latest legal knowledge and skills.

Client-Centricity

We prioritize our clients' needs by offering tailored solutions that directly address their unique challenges. By understanding clients’ goals and concerns, we ensure that our services are aligned with their best interests, providing a personalized and responsive approach in every interaction.

While we specialize in guiding international clients through the complexities of Iraqi law, ensuring seamless compliance and successful cross-border operations, Basrah Obelisk Law Firm offers regional clients deep expertise in local legal matters, providing practical solutions that address the unique challenges of doing business within the region.

Legal Services

Basrah Obelisk Law Firm has been providing specialized legal and accounting services in Iraq for the last decade-plus. With our extensive experience and wide network of connections, we understand what is required to operate in Iraq and meet clients' expectations while being part of their success.

Main services include

1. 1. Preparation of legal opinion upon client’s request
   2. Drafting and reviewing contracts
   3. Preparation, legalization and notarial certification of official documents
   4. Registration of companies branches in Iraq (and Southern Iraq, in particular)
   5. Renewal of Branch registration licenses
   6. Business and Commercial laws of Iraq
   7. Employment law advice
   8. Tax advice and tax registration (as may be required)
   9. Representation of the Operator in Iraqi courts, including arbitration courts, and preparation of the necessary litigation documents
   10. Social Security advice
   11. Consultancy services in the field of applicable legislation on environmental protection
   12. General business consultancy services

Also, we provide expert accounting services tailored to meet the needs of businesses operating in Iraq. With a deep understanding of local regulations, we ensure that the clients’ financial operations are managed with precision and compliance.

Services include:

1. 1. Preparation, auditing, and attestation of annual financial statements
   2. Calculation and payment of outstanding staff monthly Social Security subscriptions
   3. Calculation and payment of staff monthly Personal Income Tax
   4. Assistance in tax advisory services and follow-up on tax compliance processes
   5. Assistance in obtaining tax clearances
   6. Issuance or renewal of companies tax IDs
   7. Deposit of WHT receipts at the General Commission for Taxes
   8. Issuance of Work Permits for Expat employees
   9. Obtaining Social Security clearance letters

Our Clients

At Basrah Obelisk Law Firm, we take pride in serving a diverse clientele across various industries and regions. Our esteemed clients include leading international oil services companies, EPC, construction firms, power and logistics enterprises, and multinational corporations. Clients hail from countries such as Turkey, the United Kingdom, Korea, the United States, Canada, Germany, Kuwait, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and China, all of whom are actively investing in Southern Iraq.

In addition to serving our international clientele, we have been providing expert legal representation to major Iraqi companies since 2012. We offer specialized legal services tailored to the complexities of the Iraqi market, with a focused expertise on southern Iraq. This includes navigating local regulations, supporting business operations, and addressing industry-specific challenges in the region.

What Makes Us Different

Our legal team is committed to diversity, bringing together an international group of legal professionals from various backgrounds. Despite their diverse experiences, they are united in one goal: delivering exceptional legal expertise and ensuring client satisfaction.

As we endeavor to offer quality service across the board, we do always explore ways to go above and beyond what our clients expect. To that effect, the main added-value strategies we employ range from providing (often unsolicited) regular legal updates to implementing robust follow-up procedures. And from paying periodic in-country and out-of country visits to clients to devising the most competitive rate structures. Any "extra" service makes a difference, from our perspective. Not only does exceeding our clients' expectations form a reliable source of satisfaction, but it also solidifies the mutual bonds and leads a good majority of them to retain our services. There is no better translation of an added-value-driven service than a client base constantly satisfied.