Established in 1994, S&A Lawyers is a leading full-service law firm base in Maldives. The practice initially began with a focus on litigation, now the firm is becoming the leading practice in the country for corporate and commercial work.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is renowned for strength across a range of corporate and commercial transactions, including foreign investments, acquisitions, and banking and finance-related matters.
The firm also advised clients on both cross-border and domestic transactions from multiple jurisdictions including Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Germany, Sri Lanka, India, China, Thailand and the US.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include the International Finance Corporation, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank , Export-Import Bank, BNP Paribas, HSBC, OCBC Bank, DBS Bank, DEG, ING, Standard Chartered, Bank of Ceylon, SC Capital, Hilton, Four Seasons, Verizon Communications, and Japanese International Corporation Agency.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was very active in banking and finance and corporate M&A practices.
The finance team was occupied with advising both lenders and borrowers in aviation financing and real estate financing. The firm also advised buy-side clients on cross-border mergers and acquisitions as well as joint ventures.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking and finance
“They are responsive and very knowledgeable of the Maldivian legal and regulatory environment.”
Project development
“S&A Lawyers provided us with end-to-end support from inception to delivery of our new Maldives-based private and ad hoc flight and flight support company.”
M&A
“Our organisation had a dispute with the local partner in a joint venture. Zain Shaheed advised us on how to get out of the joint venture, and potential remedies.”
Fathimath Lamaan
“Responsive and approachable.”
Mohamed Shahdy Anwar
“He is very well known in his area of practice in the Maldives. Responsive and approachable.”
Zain Shaheed
“Zain is just excellent. He really knows his stuff and makes us very confident when he is present at negotiations. He has a keen eye for detail and does not let anything slip!!”
“Pleasant to deal with, used to dealing with American companies, speaks excellent English, and a problem-solver.”
“Zain Shaheed is excellent and knowledgeable. He delivered all our needs, including outstanding negotiation and pragmatism, and he stands out in his practice. The drafts were completed very promptly, and we were informed of all the various applications and approval very promptly.”
“Zain brings a lot of experience, knowledge and breadth. He is always available 24/7 and very prompt and pragmatic with his advice. He is just superb!”
