Imagine a global law firm taking a bold leap into one of the world’s most dynamic and untapped markets—Africa. That’s exactly what Ashurst is doing with its groundbreaking move into Casablanca, Morocco, marking its first-ever office on the African continent. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this isn’t just about opening doors; it’s about assembling a powerhouse team to solidify their presence and expand their Africa practice in ways that could reshape the legal landscape in the region.
Ashurst’s Casablanca office isn’t starting small. The firm has strategically hired a team of seasoned lawyers, including senior associates Meriem Komiha and Youssef Tork, and associate Yasmine Hitane. Leading the charge is Ouns Lemseffer, Partner and Head of Morocco, who joined Ashurst in September with a clear vision for growth. This multilingual team isn’t working in isolation—they’re backed by Ashurst’s robust Africa-focused teams in London, Paris, Madrid, and the Middle East, creating a seamless network of expertise.
But this is the part most people miss: the Casablanca team isn’t just another branch; they’re bringing a unique blend of international standards and deep local insights. Their focus? Supporting clients across project development, financing, structured finance, capital markets, and M&A/Private Equity matters. And here’s the controversial bit: while some firms dip their toes into Africa, Ashurst is diving in headfirst, with a particular emphasis on Francophone Africa, where their expertise in project finance and private capital mobilization could give them a significant edge.
Ouns Lemseffer shared her enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “Building Ashurst’s newest office in Casablanca is more than just a milestone—it’s a strategic move to position ourselves at the heart of Africa’s growth story. Our team combines the best of global standards with an intimate understanding of local laws and regulatory landscapes. This isn’t just about being present; it’s about being impactful.” She added, “With so many opportunities emerging in the region, having boots on the ground allows us to act swiftly and decisively for our clients. I’m eager to lead the charge on complex, innovative transactions that will define Africa’s future.”
David Charlier, Co-Head of Projects & Energy Transition EMEA at Ashurst, echoed this sentiment, calling the Casablanca launch “a new chapter in Ashurst’s 120-year history in the region.” He emphasized, “Africa isn’t just a market for us—it’s a priority. With Ouns at the helm, I’m confident we’ll not only grow our market share but also set new benchmarks for client service in this fast-evolving landscape.”
But here’s the question that’s bound to spark debate: Is Ashurst’s move into Casablanca a game-changer for the African legal market, or is it just another firm trying to capitalize on the continent’s potential? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think this bold expansion will pay off, or is the competition too fierce? One thing’s for sure: Ashurst’s Casablanca office is a move worth watching closely.
