Professional Profile
CREDENTIALS & EXPERIENCE
- gavelNew York State Bar
- gavelAdvocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan
- verifiedFellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) — passed the international arbitration award writing exam with a 98% score for judicial merit
- verifiedAccredited Mediator, Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI)
- verifiedMember, Approved Faculty List (AFL) of CIArb — first lawyer based in Pakistan
Rana Sajjad is a dual-qualified lawyer (licensed in New York and Pakistan) having over 20 years' experience of practicing law in Pakistan and the U.S. in practice areas including contracts, cross-border transactions, commercial litigation and domestic and international arbitration.
Before starting his practice in Pakistan in 2008, Sajjad worked in the United States for leading large law firms including Fulbright & Jaworski (now Norton Rose Fulbright) in practice areas including international commercial arbitration, securities and capital markets, antitrust law, and mergers and acquisitions.
Sajjad has acted as co-counsel in international arbitration proceedings including arbitration proceedings under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Dubai International Financial Centre — London Court of International Arbitration (DIFC-LCIA), and the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). He has also advised and represented clients in court proceedings in connection with the enforcement of international arbitration agreements and foreign arbitral awards.
Sajjad also advises clients in the energy, technology, telecom, manufacturing and construction sectors and represents them before courts and arbitral tribunals in matters involving contractual, commercial and investment disputes.
Sajjad is the Founder and President of the Center for International Investment and Commercial Arbitration (CIICA), Pakistan's first international arbitration center. He was appointed by the Government of Pakistan as a member of a Working Group comprising around 20 international arbitration lawyers to analyze Pakistan's International Investment Regime and provide recommendations.
He is a global speaker and has spoken at conferences in China, Malaysia, and the United States. He has written extensively on international arbitration and his articles and commentaries have been published in all major English newspapers in Pakistan and the International Journal of Arab Arbitration (IJAA). He is also a contributing author of the book titled "Force Majeure and Hardship in the Asia Pacific Region" published by JURIS, one of the world's leading legal publishers specializing in international law.
Education
ACADEMIC FOUNDATION
LL.M.
Columbia University, New York
Specialization in international arbitration and commercial law.
LL.B.
Pakistan College of Law, Lahore (University of the Punjab)
BSc (Hons) Economics
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
B.A. Political Science, Economics
Government College, Lahore
Panels of Arbitrators
Appointed to panels of leading international arbitration institutions worldwide.
World Intellectual Property Organization
Arbitration and Mediation Center — Jan 2024
Asian International Arbitration Centre
Panel of Arbitrators — Aug 2023
European Court of Arbitration
Irish Branch — Mar 2020
Hangzhou Arbitration Commission
Arbitrator — Nov 2019
Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration
Panel of Arbitrators — Feb 2019
Boutique Philosophy
THE ONE-PAGE STANDARD
Although a majority of the leading law firms in Pakistan are general practice law firms, the idea behind having a boutique law firm is to offer legal services in specialized areas such as commercial law and arbitration.
Our goal is to offer more personalized services to a niche clientele, predominantly foreign, and complete the work in shorter timeframes while ensuring high work product quality.
Our boutique approach prioritizes personalized service over volume. We deliver concise, often one-page opinions — built to be read by a founder or a board, not filed away unread.
Shorter Timeframes
Boutique structure eliminates bureaucratic delays. Direct partner involvement from day one.
Personalized Service
Every client works directly with the Managing Partner. No junior associates learning on your matter.
Niche Expertise
Deep specialization in technology, telecommunications, and energy sectors — not general practice.
Global Pedigree
30+ YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE
Lawyers at our firm have a combined experience of over 30 years working on multi-jurisdictional matters with leading international law firms and global professional services firms.
DENTONS
GLOBAL LAW FIRMDLA PIPER
GLOBAL LAW FIRMHERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS
GLOBAL LAW FIRMWILMER HALE
GLOBAL LAW FIRMCURTIS
GLOBAL LAW FIRMNORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT
GLOBAL LAW FIRMMCKINSEY
CONSULTINGKPMG
PROFESSIONAL SERVICESIndustry Recognition
Recommended Lawyer
Recommended by the Legal 500 Asia Pacific for expertise in dispute resolution: "Rana Sajjad stands out as a highly engaged, determined, and skilled lawyer. His advice is clear, on point and always timely. His dedication to developing Pakistan's arbitration practice is second to none."
2021 — 2022Corporate Matters Expert
"Rana Sajjad Ahmad, who is dual-qualified in New York and Pakistan and is predominantly active in the energy, technology, telecoms, manufacturing and retail sectors... frequently advises on the establishment of businesses, regulatory compliance and various contractual issues."
2019 — 2020Corporate Matters
"Rana Sajjad Ahmad is well respected for corporate matters."
2018 — 2019Pakistan's International Arbitration Expert
Recommended as Pakistan's international arbitration expert. GLE is the only organization that recommends just one legal expert in each key practice area and country.
2017Client Testimonials
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
"Rana Sajjad's analytical ability and attention to all relevant aspects of an issue enable him to provide thorough and reliable legal advice. He has provided us with important insights into the legal implications regarding the type of legal entity to incorporate in Pakistan as well as the entity's shareholding structure. He is always accessible and responsive also."
German Engineering Consultancy
Renewable Energies Sector
"Rana Sajjad is thorough in his advice and responds promptly and clearly to my queries. His analytical ability enables him to provide thoughtful, thorough, and practical legal advice. He has also provided me with excellent insight and knowledge while reviewing a couple of my business agreements with individuals/entities in Pakistan to help me make a more informed decision."
BearIT
Finland — Technology Sector
"Every time I have met and communicated with Rana Sajjad, it was his personal characteristics and strengths with regard to client care, sound and honest legal advice and strategic thinking that made me feel comfortable and confident in hiring his firm. Rana Sajjad was always available and accessible to respond to my queries and to provide prompt updates on the legal proceedings."
Huawei Technologies
Pakistan — Telecommunications
Selected Publications
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
"Force Majeure and Hardship in the Asia Pacific Region"
Contributing author of the Pakistan chapter. Published by JURIS, a leading publisher of international law books. 2022.
"If You Build It, They Will Come: The Story of Institutional Arbitration in Pakistan and CIICA's 9-Year Journey"
The American Review of International Arbitration, April 2024.
"Metaverse's First Arbitration Proceeding"
The American Review of International Arbitration, September 2023.
"Blockchain Arbitration: Promises and Perils"
The American Review of International Arbitration, March 2023.
"Arbitration Story Time"
The American Review of International Arbitration, February 2023.
Multiple Commentaries in Major Pakistani Newspapers
Published in Dawn, The Express Tribune, and The Nation on international arbitration, investment disputes, and CPEC-related legal issues.
Ready to Discuss Your Matter?
Whether you need contract advice, arbitration representation, or a legal opinion on a complex transaction, we are here to help.
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