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Up and Coming
Provided by Zara Merali
Zara Merali is a senior lawyer, based in Dubai, who helps lead Freshfields' global investigations practice in Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Zara focuses her practice on white-collar criminal defense, crisis management, anti-fraud enforcement and investigations, asset recovery and related litigation.
Zara helps clients navigate critical issues involving allegations of bribery, fraud, market manipulation, money laundering, terrorist financing, and reporting obligations. Zara also advises clients on GCC economic sanctions and export controls, data privacy and cybersecurity, as well as matters related to anti-corruption and anti-money laundering compliance.
Zara has worked in MENA for 13 years, and prior to that, she worked for leading firms in London and Toronto.
Zara serves on the DIFC Courts’ Pro Bono Committee and represents some of the firm’s pro bono clients which include leading international organisations.
Juris Doctor, Osgoode Hall Law School (Canada), junior editor for the Osgoode Hall Law Journal.
M.Phil., Columbia University (New York).
M.A.; Hons. B.A., University of Toronto.
Provided by Chambers
Commentators praise Zara Merali for her in-depth knowledge of the corporate investigations space. She is noted for her broad-ranging experience advising clients on matters relating to fraud and asset tracing, as well as in regard to anti-bribery and anti-corruption mandates.
Provided by Chambers
"Zara is an exceptional lawyer with a broad range of technical awareness and a finger on the pulse of latest market conditions."
"Zara is a flexible, agile and standout professional. She has worked on complex cases, thrown herself at difficult issues and taken ownership, showing real leadership."
"Zara is a strong communicator and helps deliver solutions."
"Zara is an exceptional lawyer with a broad range of technical awareness and a finger on the pulse of latest market conditions."
"Zara is a flexible, agile and standout professional. She has worked on complex cases, thrown herself at difficult issues and taken ownership, showing real leadership."
"Zara is a strong communicator and helps deliver solutions."
