LPA Law strengthens its arbitration practice in the Middle East and Africa with the arrival of Salma El-Nashar as Local Partner
2 February 2026
LPA Law strengthens its arbitration practice in the Middle East and Africa with the arrival of Salma El-Nashar as Local Partner
LPA Middle East reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its Arbitration & Disputes practice in the Middle East and Africa with the appointment of Salma El-Nashar as Local Partner, Arbitration & Disputes.
With a presence in the Middle East, through its Dubai office, and on the African continent for over fifteen years, notably in Algeria, Morocco, and Cameroon, LPA Law offers a unique cross-disciplinary and cross-border platform in private and public business law. The firm’s Africa practice relies on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, bringing together lawyers based on the continent and dedicated Paris-based teams, enabling the firm to assist European, African, and international clients with investments, partnerships, financing transactions, and complex disputes across Africa.
As a Local Partner in the Dubai office, Salma El-Nashar specializes in commercial litigation and international arbitration across a broad range of industry sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, shareholders’ disputes, banking, technology, media, retail, and financial services. She has extensive experience advising developers, consultants, contractors, and subcontractors on major construction and infrastructure projects, including disputes arising under FIDIC forms of contracts, and other complex cross-border contentious matters throughout the Middle East and Africa.
Salma regularly acts as counsel and arbitrator in both ad hoc arbitrations and proceedings administered by leading arbitral institutions, including ICC, DIAC, LCIA, CRCICA, and QICCA. Her practice also encompasses the drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts, advising on risk mitigation strategies and dispute avoidance throughout the project lifecycle. She is a RICS Accredited Mediator.
In addition to her practice, Salma is actively involved in the international arbitration community. She serves as Regional Representative for the LCIA Young International Arbitration Group (YIAG) for the Middle East and as Regional Representative for the Association of Young Arbitrators (AYA) for North Africa, reflecting her strong engagement with arbitration practitioners across the region.
Commenting on her appointment, Salma El-Nashar stated: “I am delighted to join LPA Law at a time of growth for its arbitration and disputes practice in the Middle East and Africa. The firm’s longstanding regional presence, international outlook, and deep understanding of client needs create a powerful platform to further develop complex cross-border disputes and arbitration work across the region.”
Lazhar Sahbani, Partner and Head of LPA Middle East, added: “We are proud and delighted to welcome Salma El-Nashar to our Dubai office. Her strong track record in commercial litigation and international arbitration further strengthens our Arbitration & Disputes offering and supports our growth across the Middle East and Africa.”
With this appointment, LPA Law continues to strengthen its Arbitration & Disputes offering in the Middle East and Africa, reinforcing its position as a key player in international arbitration matters involving the region.