Charbel Maakaron named managing partner of Squire Patton Boggs in Doha

The international law firm Squire Patton Boggs has appointed Charbel M. Maakaron as the managing partner of the firm's office in Doha, Qatar; Maakaron succeeds Susan B. Bastress, who served as managing partner in Doha since she established the office there in 2003 -- she has decided to leave Doha so that she can return to her real estate practice in the firm's Washington, D.C., office.

Maakaron practices corporate law and advises a broad range of prominent clients on mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring, commercial litigation, capital markets and regulatory laws. He has been described by a regional publication as "one of eight people to know in Qatar," thanks to his expertise in international commercial law and practical understanding of local laws.

"In Charbel, we have one of Qatar's leading corporate attorneys: a dynamic, highly experienced and well-respected colleague, who will lead our Doha office forward in an exciting period of growth for our firm's Middle East practice," Squire Patton Boggs European and Middle East Managing Partner Peter Crossley said.

Maakaron has close ties with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as the Qatar Chapter of the International Chamber of Commerce.

Before joining Squire Patton Boggs in 2007, Maakaron worked for four years in one of Beirut's top law firms, where he handled complex litigation matters in civil and commercial law.

"I'm delighted to have this opportunity now to take on the mantle at an exciting time for our firm,” Maakaron said. “We are representing many leading Qatari and multinational companies, as Qatar itself is seeing unprecedented activity and moving forward with its National Vision for 2030."