EXPERTISE

SMC offers a variety of expertise in all areas of major legal practice. We thus offer a full complement of legal services in the following fields of law:

  • Administrative Law

SMC is outstandingly qualified in providing legal assistance to Federal and Provincial government agencies, their functions, implementations and enforcement. The breadth and capacity of the firm’s public and administrative law team is therefore matchless.

  • Arbitration and Alternate Dispute Resolution

SMC provides a wide range of exceptional services that assist in dispute resolution and satisfies the client’s needs as per their choice of medium. The depth of our dispute resolution practice is unmatched. The alternates we entertain vary from Arbitration to Mediation, Adjudication to Early Neutrals, and Litigation to Consultancy.
We are distinguished for our advocates and consultants that hold international certificates and are accredited by international bodies. Thus, they are capable of representing our clients as members of arbitration panels and as pleaders before such panels too, due to their constant contact with local and international arbitration centers. Additionally, it is pertinent to mention here that our keen interest in arbitration derives from the fact that it is one of the fastest means of settling disputes arising between parties, particularly those requiring special expertise in the court to figure out the nature of relevant disputes.

  • Aviation and Maritime Law

SMC has its grasp on all cases and suits relating to maritime law including carrier liability for delay, damage or loss of goods with notifying the carrier as the case may be, arresting vessels in domestic ports, objecting to their arrest and lifting the arrest from them, furthermore, drafting contracts, charter parties and vessels mortgages agreements, pursuing mortgages execution proceeding and handling marine insurance dispute relating to vessels/goods with claims of compensation for damages and losses. Our distinguished legal experts proactively offer advice to our aviation and maritime clients at an early stage in order to avoid possible disputes. Our highly experience, Members can deal with matters at any level, including court proceedings, arbitrations, mediations, inquests, regulatory hearings and public inquiries; whether acting as counsel, arbitrators or mediators.

  • Banking And Finance Law

SMC provides expert advice in relation to the whole range of financial projects. Our Banking and Finance capabilities are recognized across the board. Our team has experienced advocates in the field of local and international banking and finance law, regulation and customs. We have executed complex transactions for corporate bodies, banks, funds and financial institutions. We have advised on different spectrum of projects, rescheduling debts and preparing loan documentation. In addition, we provide legal advice on banking issues such as letter of credit, commercial mortgages and loans. 

  • Business Rescue

When business entities go through certain distress, the professional and licensed team of SMC with their expertise and competency provide legal assistance and advice for the restoration and rehabilitation of a business or company which strives to survive. Our team has assisted many clients in rescue and rehabilitation of their business.

  • Civil and Commercial Litigation:

Our team has always been on the forefront in Civil and Commercial Litigation. Our Members areactively engaged in different areas of Civil and Commercial Litigation. Our team is highly skilled in creative problem solving as well as information analysis and research which adds up to assistance and legal guidance provided to our clients in Civil and Commercial matters. Our team specializes in teamwork and pays much attention to detail which becomes the key for such litigation. 

  • Companies and Close Corporations:

Any legal entity whether it being a company or a close corporations, SMC has much experience in resolving their disputes and further advising on reducing the risk of  future issues. Our team pays close attention to its clients and places their interest at top priority. 

  • Competition Law:

Antitrust and competition laws around the world are rapidly evolving and companies face new risks and challenges in keeping up with the complex and changing rules.SMCis well aware of the situation and it works in the best interest of its clients and provides parameters of legal behavior which work in eradicating unfair trade practices.

  • Compliance and Corporate Governance:

SMC is renowned for its legal knowledge, experience and resources in the affairs of Compliance and Corporate Governance. We tactfully deal with such matters by leading and advising our clients on the best practice in governance, risk management and compliance. They function in order to safeguard national integrity and also promote ethical and corporate behavior. 

  • Contracts/Agreements:

SMC has vast knowledge and experience in contract drafting and offers a wide range of categories in contract drafting. We look into the requirements of our client and construct the Contracts likewise between individuals as well as a variety of businesses and companies. The Chamber regularly represents its clients in drafting and negotiating contracts, including Non-Disclosure Agreement, Distribution Agreement, Employment Contract, Service Level Agreement, Settlement Agreement to name a few.

  • Constitutional Law:

Our Chambers’ possesses extensive experience in the field of Constitutional Law. Our team is well aware of the rules and regulations dictated in the Constitutional law of Pakistan. We represent and satisfy our clients in their respective filed petitions as per the Constitution. The Chambers’ work in this area frequently involves advising clients on the constitutional implications of new legislation, and trying cases in courts across the country. We frequently handle appeals involving Constitutional issues in High Courts.

  • Corporate and Commercial Law:

SMC is a full service Corporate and Commercial Chamber and is much reputable in the corporate world for itspractices. We provide guidance and assistance to our clients whether they are companies, banks, start-ups, businesses, or firms in the market, in their transactions, documentation and paperwork at the same time also functions as their legal consultant and advisor to avoid issues arising in future. We act on behalf of Public and Private Organisations as well as family business groups and entrepreneurs.

  • Criminal Law:

Our Chambers’ provide legal services in the area of Criminal Law by defending and pleading cases before criminal courts and departments, also with the defendant’s claims of personal rights as the case maybe to extent of all necessary services to them beginning with police station, public prosecution offices and ending with the final case hearing and best possible outcome. SMC functions in the following criminal areas:

  • Criminal Complaints
  • Criminal Writs
  • Domestic Violence
  • Bank/Financial Institutions Fraud and Forgery
  • Misappropriation of funds
  • Embezzlement
  • Violation of Intellectual Property Rights /Cyber Laws
  • Piracy
  • Dishonor of Cheques
  • Criminal Breach of Trust
  • Cheating
  • Narcotics and Drugs violations
  • Bails
  • Trial
  • Evidence
  • Suspension of Sentence
  • Appeals
  • Revisions
  • Defamation
  • Traffic violation
  • Fraud
  • Development Finance (local and international):

The competent team at SMC operates the legal framework of both local and international entities in terms of Development Finance. We skillfully distinguish and identify legal and non-legal resources and such material which is relevant to development finance and provide law binding advice on how to best mobilize and structure the development finance. 

  • Employment Law:

Thepractitioners at SMC advise with national companies, international companies and individuals on the full spectrum of employment matters from social security to payroll and workers’ welfare obligations. Our team is also recommended for its expertise in advising on employment period, recruitment, employment contracts, terminating employment, workplace matters that arise with respect to prior employment. Our Chambers’ deals with the complete approach of employment from the beginning. 

  • Family Law:

For anyone with family related matters in Pakistan and beyond, SMC provides bespoke services. From wealth management and succession planning to dispute avoidance, the Chamber strives to seek the best outcome. Many of our clients are foreign nationals who have encountered marital difficulties while residing in Pakistan and are unsure about their legal position. Often such situation requires consideration of multi-jurisdictional strategies and we are able to provide clear and practical advice or guidance.SMC provides legal guidance in the following Family Law areas: 

  • Divorce
  • Court Marriage in Pakistan
  • Child Custody
  • Adoption 
  • Maintenance 
  • Inheritance 
  • Letter of Administration
  • Heir-ship Certificate
  • Mutation of Property & Estate
  • Gift or Hiba 
  • Power of Attorney
  • Government Regulation:

SMC offers significant experience in its government regulation practice. Our Members’ have represented clients before several federal and local authorities and have in-depth understanding on various laws and regulations in Pakistan. With our expertise, we advise clients about any updates like banking issues, labor updates, negotiation, documentation of tenders, counter trade, aviation, tourism, and other issues related to contracts in Pakistan and abroad. 

  • Healthcare Law:

SMC has developed stature for its notable health care law practice. SMC pays huge consideration to its healthcare clients by deeply examining the services, quality, delivery and benefits provided by the healthcare industries. We understand the regulatory environment in which health care organizations operate and offer the right mix of experienced lawyers to provide practical and creative solutions.

  • Immigration Law:

SMC is tremendously qualified in guiding and assisting citizens applying abroad in their visa applications, the requirements a country sets for foreigners, green card purposes and all matters regarding immigration. Our top priority is to satisfy our clients by means of our legal services. Members of our Chamber have expertise in all areas of general immigration law, including but not limited to citizenship, deportation cases and political asylum claims. Our services include, but are not limited to:

  • Immigration
  • Naturalization
  • Citizenship
  • Deportation
  • Diplomatic Immunity
  • Visas
  • Refugee
  • Immigration Discrimination
  • Family Immigration
  • Employment Visas
  • Political Asylum

  • Insolvency Law (including appointment as Liquidator and/or Curator):

As the business world grows and prospers, it is not necessarily possible for every business entity to flourish. They are consumed with insolvency and that is where the legal practitioners come to the rescue. The experienced team at SMC engages itself in insolvency process at any stage being it negotiation or administration. SMC is also very active in participating as being appointed as a Liquidator or Curator to further resolve the matters. 

  • Insurance Law:

SMC has a diverse and busy practice that frequently advises clients on insurance matters. It is well-versed in all aspects of insurance matters as well as having considerable experience in assisting clients with insurance related issues. We deliver our law binding services and assistance which comes into use in matters like insurance fraud or disputes in the payment of insurance policies.

  • Intellectual Property Law:

By identifying, protecting and securing intellectual property rights at each stage of the innovation lifecycle, our qualified team of lawyers offer tactical advice covering all aspects of IP law. The valuable services our Chamber provides in the sphere of Intellectual Property are as follows:

  1. Registration of Trademarks and Patents Protection Law
  2. Registration of Patents and Industrial Samples
  3. Registration of Copyrights
  4. Transfers and sale of Intellectual Property Rights
  5. Representing case parties before competent courts in dispute arising in these spheres
  6. Protecting local and international Trademarks and standing against their infringement Brand Protection
  7. Intellectual Property Investigations
  8. IP Commercialization
  9. Licensing Agreements
  10. Unfair Competition
  • Mergers and Acquisitions:

Completing a merger or acquiring another business is a major event for any company and it requires legal assistance. Our Chamber is highly capable to provide complete services related to the mergers and acquisitions. Well qualified in the corporate world both locally and internationally, SMC serves its clients for matters concerning mergers and acquisitions which include the negotiation, drafting and enforcement of contracts, also what schemes and policies should be adapted to further progress of any entity.  

  • Pension Funds Law:

Our experience and capability enables us to advise efficiently and effectively on issues related to the Pension Funds. Client satisfaction is a huge responsibility that falls onto the team of SMC. The legal duty that we perform in pension funds is to manage and provide clearance to the lifetime income or capital and to fulfill the legal proceedings required to attain such capital. 

  • Personal Injury And Professional Liability Claims:

Having the right to obtain damages when one is wronged or harmed should be accessible to all. SMC, while keeping its professionalism intact, looks into the matters of the clients and assist them with the legal procedures required, gives necessary requirements that come with injury claims.

  • Property Development Law:

We are skilled in the full range of property development projects from the acquisition and redevelopment of large high profile developments that may take place over the time. Our specialistsensure that the clients are made fully aware of all the legal obligations involved in property development law and also deliver the best possible advice to them for better outcomes. SMC provides legal guidance prior to initiating the development and deals with any sort of development ranging from commercial or residential. We ensure that our clients are provided with effective legal advice.

  • Public Law:

Public law covers the government’s relationship with the public on both constitutional and administrative matters. There are certain types of law that come in the barrier of public law such as:

  • Constitutional Law
  • Administrative Law
  • Tax Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Procedural Law 
  • Human Rights Law

The experts at SMC deal with all sorts of matters regarding Public Law. We take an active part in satisfying our clients with respect to their requirements. 

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):

We are renowned for providing effective assistance on PPPs in all over the country. We advise on a range of sectors including, but not limited to:

  • Roads and bridges
  • Airports
  • Ports
  • Highways
  • Rail infrastructure
  • Schools 
  • Social housing

For serving different sectors in the country, SMC represents both clients belonging to public or private sectors. We tactfully and skillfully construct partnerships contracts and provide the best of our abilities to fulfill what our client’s desire. We have always been praised by our clients both in Public and Private sector for our distinguished work in Public-Private Partnership Sector.

  • Real Estate And Construction Disputes:

SMC has a long and extensive experience in representing landlords and real estate companies as well as lessees and tenants before rent committees and is offering its judicial services to all parties in all cases relating to rent, lease contracts and disputes including:

i) Real Estate Investment and Dispute arising thereof before Rent Committees

ii) Draft and Executing Lease Contracts 

iii) Draft and Executing Real Estate Investment Contracts

iv) Providing Legal Opinions in matters relating to Lease contract/Tenancy matters

v) Assist with Rent Committee decisions and appeals.

Thanks to our clients, we are able to anticipate and understand issues and provide innovative and robust solutions for complex disputes.

  • Tax Law: 

The skilled team of SMC is much known for serving clients with respect to tax. We effectively draft as well as review tax analyses and tax computations. Research work and applying knowledge and tax risk management procedures to the disputes of our clients appropriately is the way we function. Our team closely looks into the matters relating to tax and accounting of individuals, companies and government agencies. Our clients value our straightforward and pragmatic advice. We work in an integrated way with our Clients and approach issues from a variety of perspectives, taking into account the wider legal context.


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