Meet Ashraf
Ashraf is a lawyer who has practiced law in various jurisdictions throughout his career, gaining experience from both the public legal arena as well as working in the private legal practice. He has complemented his legal practice with academic knowledge and expertise of diverse law systems practiced across the world (Civil Law, Common Law, and Sharia) which has given him a competitive edge to fundamentally understand the specifics of each legal system and be able to guide and advise clients from all over the world in their best interests. His diverse legal educational background, LL.B. from Cairo University, School of Law; LL.M from Paris I – La Sorbonne, Paris; LL.M. from SMU Dedman School of Law, Dallas; and Advanced Certificate in International Arbitration – Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb) – London, allowed him to provide legal services and represent clients before different Courts of Law and International Arbitration Institutions in Arabic, English, and French.
He started his law journey career in the public legal domain after being appointed, via a Presidential Decree, as a Public Prosecutor in Egypt. During his tenure as representative of the state/public interest, he gained particular experience in interrogating complex criminal cases, deciding on cases for trials, attending courtroom prosecutors, and supervising the execution of criminal judgments.
Moving from the public domain, he started his private practice as an Associate at Baker & McKenzie (Cairo, Los Angeles, and Dallas offices) where he gained substantial experience in the areas of corporate and commercial laws. He was involved in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal agreements and cross-borders commercial transactions. He advised on all legal aspects of real estate transactions and disputes.
In 1997, Ashraf moved to Dubai to act as In-House Legal Counsel for Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), one of the leading drivers of economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa. During his tenure, he managed complex commercial, retail, hospitality, and real estate transactions to include mergers and acquisitions, franchises, and joint ventures with fortune 500 companies.
He was later appointed by the Swiss Company, Nestlé S.A. to act as their first Regional Counsel in charge of MENA and Gulf Region. He was involved in every aspect of the business, and its strategic expansion throughout the region. He was responsible for handling the commercial and legal aspects to include supply, manufacturing, distribution, licensing, and agency agreements. Ashraf played a vital role in implementing Nestlé Middle East’s new business model by taking over numerous long-term agencies and distribution agreements in the Mena region.
In 2002, Motei and Associates was born.
Area of Expertise
Today Ashraf’s practice extends to advising clients on complex civil, commercial and corporate litigation including contracts disputes, joint ventures, shareholders disputes, business crimes (management misconduct, fraud, theft), construction, professional negligence, agency and employment disputes. He has over two decades of significant expertise in real estate disputes and has represented buyers in numerous real estate cases including sale and purchase fraud cases, delayed handover, discrepancy in saleable area, canceled projects, and rent disputes.
Ashraf has recognized expertise in international arbitration. He represented clients in numerous arbitration cases under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC-LCIA), Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), and Ras Al Khaimah Arbitration Centre.
He advises on all aspects of the arbitration proceedings commencing from selecting Arbitrators throughout the enforcement of arbitral awards, either locally or worldwide. He has served as Arbitrator in proceedings including Ad hoc cases. He is admitted on the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) selected Arbitrators panel, as well as admitted for pleading before Dubai International Financial Centre – DIFC Courts.
Ashraf provides services in Arabic, English and French with equal proficiency.
Education & Certifications
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) – SMU Dedman School of Law, Dallas
- Master of Laws – Paris I – La Sorbonne, Paris
- Bachelor of Laws – Cairo University School of Law
- Advanced Certificate in International Arbitration (MCIArb) – Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London
- Certified Practitioner of Nero Linguistic Programing (NLP), London
- Certified Blockchain & Law Professional from Blockchain Council, California
Bar & Other Admissions
- Egypt – Registered Pleading Advocate before the Court of Cassation
- DIFC Courts – Registered Practitioner Lawyer with Rights of Audience
- DIFC Court Wills Registry – Registered Wills Draftsman
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – Arbitrators panel
Memberships
- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb)
- London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
- Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC)
- International Bar Association (IBA)
