Yousuf Aftab
Global Guide 2024
Band 2 : Business & Human Rights Law
Band 2
About
Provided by Yousuf Aftab
Practice Areas
Yousuf is a sustainability lawyer and strategist with over a decade of experience advising an array of Fortune 100 companies on all dimensions of human rights strategy, from governance design and due diligence to crisis management and disputes. Yousuf has also advised governments, international organizations—including the OECD, UNICEF and UN Global Compact—and prominent civil society groups on the practical implications of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises. Yousuf is the co-author of Business and Human Rights as Law (LexisNexis 2019), which has been cited by the Supreme Court of Canada. He previously designed and launched the Business Integrity Group at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP; specialized in international commercial disputes at Latham & Watkins LLP; and clerked at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Chambers Review
Global
Operating from New York, Yousuf Aftab advises high-profile multinational clients on human rights strategy, the development of risk assessment procedures and grievance mechanisms. He also provides expertise on OECD national contact point disputes.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Yousuf Aftab is a precise and analytical leader with exceptional client service. His knowledge of the laws and international standards that dominate this space are unmatched, and his ability to work with us to balance the commercial and operational lens of our business is incredibly helpful and admired."
"Yousuf is an outstanding professional with invaluable knowledge and expertise in a highly sensible and strategic area of practice."
"Yousuf Aftab provides sound strategic counsel and pragmatic, forward-looking solutions to complex challenges, always taking into consideration all relevant internal and external stakeholder priorities, and also anticipating potential hurdles or issues well in advance. I feel reassured having Yousuf as our partner for addressing our current human rights challenges but also for helping us to prepare for the future challenges ahead."
"Yousuf Aftab is a precise and analytical leader with exceptional client service. His knowledge of the laws and international standards that dominate this space are unmatched, and his ability to work with us to balance the commercial and operational lens of our business is incredibly helpful and admired."
"Yousuf is an outstanding professional with invaluable knowledge and expertise in a highly sensible and strategic area of practice."
"Yousuf Aftab provides sound strategic counsel and pragmatic, forward-looking solutions to complex challenges, always taking into consideration all relevant internal and external stakeholder priorities, and also anticipating potential hurdles or issues well in advance. I feel reassured having Yousuf as our partner for addressing our current human rights challenges but also for helping us to prepare for the future challenges ahead."