LEGAL RESEARCH CENTRE
LEGAL RESEARCH
The legal research is carried out using a variety of resources like newspapers, books, journals, periodicals and several other online sources. An apparent knowledge about the goal facilitates our professionals in extracting information that is valuable. Our rigorous quality control measures ascertain that the information gathered is from reputable sources. For case specific research, our experts perform their task in tandem with the main attorney to make sure that the purpose is fulfilled. We additionally conduct comprehensive research of past cases and judgments passed, and present an overview to have feasible expectations concerning the case.
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
We have remained at the forefront of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) law, having launched one of the world’s first dedicated ADR legal practices committed to settling disputes, whether pursued independently or in parallel to litigation or arbitration.
Our lawyers are highly experienced legal practitioners who frequently represent clients in ADR processes, including acting as mediators and arbitrators under the world’s leading ADR and arbitration institutions. Likewise, they are experienced in advising on administered or ad hoc arbitrations and mediations across a variety of key industry sectors worldwide.
Part of our approach includes working closely with our clients to determine the best dispute resolution process to meet their needs – our clients have increasingly found that the privacy, flexibility and relative speed of ADR make it a logical choice in business disputes of all kinds, including those featuring complex financial issues. We keep an open mind as to how we can best – and most cost effectively – secure our clients’ goals, advising them on the proper drafting of ADR provisions for both domestic and international transactions.
MEDIATION:
As commercial lawyers, our primary aim, when instructed in any legal dispute, is to produce a result favorable for our client without resorting to a trial or even legal proceedings. One way of avoiding the costs and expense of a full trial is for the parties to agree to have the dispute settled by mediation or arbitration. Both are quicker, more informal and almost always less costly means of settling disputes. There are also other alternative dispute resolution routes available. We will always advise our clients as soon as possible whether such a route could work for them.
NEGOTIATION:
Perhaps the most common and straightforward form of ADR, negotiation is a process whereby the parties and their legal advisors seek to resolve the dispute by reaching an agreement either through written correspondence or a meeting between all concerned. Negotiations can take place on a “without prejudice” basis. This means that any statements made by either side seeking to settle the dispute cannot later be submitted to court so as to be used against another party in determining the dispute. Negotiation and settlement tends to be more cost effective than court proceedings or a protracted dispute.
ARBITRATION:
If the parties prefer a method of ADR where the decision/agreement reached is binding upon the parties, arbitration may be preferable to mediation. Whilst it is more Costly than mediation, arbitration is generally less costly than court proceedings. The process is overseen by an arbitrator who generally has a professional background in the same field as the dispute (for example: an Information Technology expert may also act as an arbitrator in disputes relating to computer software). The arbitrator acts in a quasi-judicial capacity to determine the issues in dispute, and make a final decision based on the evidence presented by the parties. The fact that an arbitrator may have professional expertise in the same field as the dispute renders arbitration a useful method of ADR where the dispute has arisen in relation to a specific type of contract (such as construction or IT) or a narrow issue (such as valuation of a particular agricultural holding or country property).
ADJUDICATION:
When disputes arise in relation to an ongoing contract (such as a construction contract or an ongoing supply contract) it is important that commercially minded parties are able to swiftly resolve disputes without jeopardizing the balance of the contract value. With this in mind, adjudication is a process whereby the parties have often agreed, at the time of entering into the contract, to refer any dispute to a third party adjudicator for a swift decision rather than to terminate the contract and commence lengthy and costly court action. Adjudication is generally a very swift process whereby an adjudicator is appointed, is presented with both parties’ evidence, will convene a hearing and make a decision on the disputed issue, all within a 28-day period. The process therefore lends itself well to disputes where the issues are fairly limited and where the parties intend on concluding the balance of the contract. Adjudication is also of benefit where both parties require a swift decision in order that their contractual relationship may continue.
MED-ARB:
The practice of combining the mediation and arbitration processes is known as both “med-arb” and “arb-med”, depending on which process was initiated first. This process involves the same person acting both (i) as a mediator in seeking to facilitate a settlement between the parties, and (ii) as an arbitrator to determine the issues in dispute and issue a final and binding award. Med-arb is a relatively familiar practice in civil law jurisdictions, where both judges and arbitrators are used to taking on the role of mediator to encourage settlement between the parties during the proceedings
HR Issues:
We are an international non-governmental human rights organization that believes that leadership is essential in the struggle for human rights. Thus, the organization’s mission is to pressure the Pak government and private companies to respect the rule of law and human rights. We demand justice, reform and accountability of those that violate human rights. Areas of HR research includes Labour Law, Child Law, Family law, Women law and Free Legal Aid law.
Labour Law:
Labour law also known as employment law mediates the relationship between workers, employing entities and the government. Collective labour law relates to the tripartite relationship between employee employer and union. Individual labour law concerns employees' rights at work also through the contract for work. We work with our Research Center members to provide these laws to labours.
Child Law:
Family breakdown is difficult, but it need not be devastating. We provide constructive and pragmatic advice in a supportive way.
We prepare prenuptial and cohabitation agreements, advise on divorce and separation, including all financial aspects, as well as handling issues involving children. Our forming families team can also advise on issues of fertility, surrogacy and adoption – both within the Pakistan and overseas. We have a strong track record in achieving the best results for our clients. While every case is unique, all share one common feature – the need for straightforward advice and careful guidance.
Women Law:
Women around the world continue to fight for their rights and are disproportionately affected by various forms of human rights abuse. We work with our Research Center members to correct these imbalances.
Upholding the rule of law is fundamental to making progress in the fight for women's rights. We connect leading NGOs in the field with top Research Centers providing crucial pro bono support across a range of issue areas where women's rights are threatened. In addition to providing NGOs with free legal assistance, these lawyers produce authoritative pro bono research, giving those on the frontlines effective tools to demand policy change and ensure the rule of law is used to drive the fight for women's rights.
Family Law:
Family law is a specialized practice area dealing with issues arising from domestic relationships of all kinds, including marriage, domestic partnerships, civil unions, and other family structures, both traditional and non-traditional. Dissolution of these relationships through divorce or separation gives rise to matters most commonly handled by family law practitioners.
Free Legal Aid:
Legal aid is the provision of assistance to people who are unable to afford legal representation and access to the court system. Legal aid is regarded as central in providing access to justice by ensuring equality before the law, the right to counsel and the right to a fair trial. Most developmental legal aid services are provided by grassroots organizations, human rights-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL LAW:
Commercial litigation is at the heart of much of what we do. We have decades of combined experience acting in disputes both in this jurisdiction and abroad.
We also have extensive contacts with commercial lawyers in other jurisdictions whom we know personally and with whom we have often worked. This ensures that if our client’s dispute has an international aspect to it we will be able to ensure they receive the best advice and representation in whatever jurisdiction is involved.
We have unparalleled experience in providing the services usually provided separately by solicitors and barristers to our corporate and individual clients. By doing so we substantially reduce our clients’ costs by avoiding duplication and, most importantly, we are able to keep a tight rein on the provision of advice, the conduct of litigation and legal drafting. At all stages, our legal team is involved hands-on with your case.
CORPORATE LAW:
We specialize in acting for entrepreneurs, owner managed businesses (OMBs) and investors. We advise in relation to corporate transactions, banking, financing, commercial contracts and on all aspects of running and growing a business in Pakistan. Our lawyers combine strong technical expertise with a track record in delivering flexible and creative solutions for our clients. We also work closely with our Real Estate team to advise those investing in or developing commercial property on all of their financing, banking and related security issues.
Commercial law, also known as business law or corporate law, it is the body of law that applies to the rights, relations, and conduct of persons and businesses engaged in commerce, merchandising, trade, and sales. It is often considered to be a branch of civil law and deals with issues of both private law and public law.
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Commercial Arbitration
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Commercial Fraud
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Commercial Liability
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Commercial Litigation
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Commercial Torts
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Commercial Transactions
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Corporate Finance
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Corporate Governance
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Corporate Investigations
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Corporate Litigation
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Corporate Reorganization
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Negotiable Instruments
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Nonprofit Organization
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Sale of Goods
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Secretarial Services
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Secured Transactions Mergers and Acquisition
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Uniform Commercial Code
Criminal Law
Pakistan Criminal Law has many provisions derived from Islamic Sharia Law. Criminal law is one of the central practice areas of our center. Criminal law is one of the extreme fields of law to work in. It covers all the aspects of criminal conduct. Every action that violates the state and moral laws and goes against the legislative authorities is considered to be a crime. Having an excellent, successful and proven track record in criminal legal advisory. We assists you with a wide variety of cases not limited to cyber-crime, drug crimes, financial crimes, extradition law, violent crimes, other common crimes.
We are at the cutting edge of white collar and criminal Defense cases, having been involved in many of the most significant cases. Our experience in this field is second to none. Covering:
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Criminal Defense and Police Investigations
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White Collar and Financial Crime
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Corporate Crime
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Financial Conduct Authority Advice
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Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering
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International Crime and Extradition
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Corporate Manslaughter and Health & Safety
Our criminal lawyers are highly sophisticated, astute and supportive. We are particularly well known for our skill in providing strategic advice and for our ability to keep high profile cases out of the public eye.
BANKING AND FINANCE
Banking and financing capabilities of our firm are universally recommended. Our moves for several major banks in landmark constitutional challenges and has also represented banks and financial institutions in a variety of recovery proceedings. We are involved in major local and cross-border financing, and have initiated the use of new financial gadgets and structures.
Over the past years’ our partners have worked with different institutions which includes domestic, multinational, Islamic banks & financial institutions. This huge knowledge and experience is just one of the benefits of using our banking and finance team. Our top ranked banking lawyers act on the most challenging banking and restructuring transactions. The following represents just a small part of our focus:
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Asset finance: Asset finance is the practice of using a company’s balance sheet assets (such as investments or inventory) as a security to borrow money or take out a loan against what you already own. It can provide a secure and easy way of getting working capital for your business.
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Debt capital markets: Debt capital markets (DCM) groups are responsible for providing advice directly to corporate issuers on the raising of debt for acquisitions, refinancing of existing debt, or restructuring of existing debt. These teams operate in a rapidly moving environment and work closely with an advisory partner-the investment banking Division (IBD). Being part of such a team means being extremely up-to-date on fixed income markets, including, bonds, treasuries, money market instruments, and more.
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Private placements: As the name suggests, a “private placement” is a private alternative to issuing, or selling, a publicly offered security as a means for raising capital. In a private placement, both the offering and sale of debt or equity securities is made between a business, or issuer, and a select number of investors. There may be as few as one investor for any issue.
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Project finance: Project finance is the funding (financing) of long-term infrastructure, industrial projects, and public services using a non-recourse or limited recourse financial structure. The debt and equity used to finance the project are paid back from the cash flow generated by the project.
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Real estate finance: Finance is the study of money and real estate is simply property consisting of land and buildings. So, real estate finance can be defined as the study of cash flows associated with real estate.
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Trade finance: Trade finance represents the financial instruments and products that are used by companies to facilitate international trade and commerce. Trade finance makes it possible and easier for importers and exporters to transact business through trade. Trade finance is an umbrella term meaning it covers many financial products that banks and companies utilize to make trade transactions feasible.
