Lara Barbary

Lara Barbary is a Partner in the Corporate and M&A practice at BSA LAW, based in the Dubai International Financial Centre. With over a decade of experience advising on high-value, cross-border transactions and complex corporate matters, she is recognized for her strategic counsel, technical precision, and innovative legal problem-solving across the Middle East.

Lara holds a Master’s in Law specializing in Sustainable Development Law from Université Paris Descartes (Sorbonne) and an LLB from the Lebanese University. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, she brings a global perspective and deep regional insight to her work, making her a trusted advisor to multinational corporations, regional conglomerates, and high-growth enterprises.

SERVICES

• Commercial
• Corporate & M&A
• Environment, Social & Governance
• Employment
• Family Business
• Private Client Services

INDUSTRY

• Energy & Natural Resources
• Insurance International Trade, Transport & Maritime
• Leisure & Hospitality
• Life Sciences & Healthcare
• Real Estate
• Retail & Luxury Brands

HUBS

• Family Business
• Start-Ups

• Landmark Sustainable Energy Projects: Advised a global energy leader on the development and operation of the UAE’s first public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and large-scale roof-mounted solar installations. Lara’s role encompassed structuring legal entities, navigating complex regulatory frameworks, securing government approvals, and crafting robust lease and access agreements. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing the client’s sustainability agenda and establishing new benchmarks for green infrastructure in the region.
• Cross-Border Corporate Restructuring: Led a comprehensive restructuring for a major international workforce solutions group, involving nine UAE-based entities and aligning local operations with European holding standards. The project required navigating approvals from multiple licensing authorities, transitioning to 100% foreign ownership, and implementing governance and tax structures to future-proof the business for growth and investment. This restructuring is recognized as one of the most sophisticated in the UAE, setting a benchmark for cross-border legal innovation.
• Strategic Acquisitions in Real Estate and Maritime Sectors: Acted for a publicly listed investment company in the acquisition of a regional real estate and property management group with operations spanning the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Lara managed extensive legal due diligence, negotiated share purchase agreements, and advised on risk mitigation strategies involving minority shareholders and multi-jurisdictional compliance. She also advised on the acquisition of a leading maritime and leisure business, providing in-depth analysis of complex ownership structures and regulatory risks.
• Governance and Regulatory Advisory: Provided ongoing counsel to a prominent public chamber of commerce on its organizational restructuring and the development of a new corporate governance framework. Lara’s work included reviewing and drafting bylaws, aligning internal policies with international best practices, and ensuring regulatory compliance to support the chamber’s mission as a leading business hub.
• Succession and Inheritance Planning for Family-Owned Conglomerates: Supported the board of a major regional family business through a sensitive succession process, advising on inheritance principles, share transfers, and the legal standing of management authorities. Her guidance ensured business continuity and risk mitigation during a period of significant transition.

• Master’s in Law (Sustainable Development Law), Université Paris Descartes (Sorbonne)
• LL.B, Lebanese University