Energy and natural resources expert Karim Maalioun joins DLA Piper

Energy and natural resources expert Karim Maalioun joins DLA Piper

A partner from the Canadian law firm, Fasken, joined DLA Piper in London to work on Africa-focused projects.

With over 20 years of experience occupied on projects in the Middle East and Africa, Karim Maalioun is an expert in the energy and natural resources sector. Previously, he worked as general counsel for EMEA at US oil and gas giant Contour Global and as a partner at Squire Patton Boggs in Paris and London, before joining Fasken in 2018.

The international projects director at DLA Piper, Colin Wilson, said that "Karim's appointment builds on our previous investments, supporting one of our main strategic areas — increasing our competency in the African and Middle Eastern markets." Karin adds a depth of specialist knowledge, considerable in-country experience and cultural sensitivity to our team, which works in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors.

The clients of Maalioun include buyers, sellers, lenders, developers and equity investors in complex, high-value transactions and projects. His background advising African governments, financial institutions and indigenous populations on matters of law and policy, especially with renewable energy and mining, was emphasized by DLA Piper.

A number of the firm's partners have joined in the energy and natural resources area over the past year, including Iain Elder, who joined in December from Shearman & Sterling. Caroline Hoste of the Brussels office of Lydian CV and Perth's Owen Alcorn of Herbert Smith Freehills has also joined the firm as partners.