Three new partners join Eptalex in Dubai
Lara Dagher, Diane Assaf, and Hala Akl (pictured from left to right) have joined Eptalex as partners in the firm’s office in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, as of December 2024.
The profiles
Lara Dagher has two decades of legal experience. She comes from Beirut Practice Law Firm, where she was the founder and managing partner. She specializes in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property, particularly in the cosmetics, fashion, construction, and technology sectors. Lara Dagher has successfully represented a diverse clientele, including startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations. Her notable achievements include negotiating the acquisition of a top-selling cosmetic brand and handling significant franchising contracts for renowned brands. She is also known for her commitment to defending women’s rights and is an advocate for stronger legal protections.
Diane Assaf comes to Eptalex from Assaf Law Firm in Beirut, where she has been a partner since 2009. She brings extensive experience in litigation, corporate law, alternative dispute resolution, and intellectual property. Diane has represented clients in complex civil and commercial matters, mediated numerous disputes, and advised on corporate restructuring and insolvency. She is also the founder of the popular Instagram page “Lawwithdiane,” which spreads legal awareness.
Hala Akl, with over 15 years of experience, joins from her own legal consultancy firm in the UAE, HAL Legal Consultancy. She has a strong focus on M&A transactions, corporate and company law, private equity deals, financial services, and regulatory compliance. Hala Akl has advised clients across diverse sectors, including financial services, healthcare, real estate, retail, and hospitality in Dubai, Beirut, and Doha. Her previous roles include in-house senior legal counsel at Mawarid Finance PJSC from 2013 to 2020 and having been partner at Sami Nahas Law Firm from 2016 to 2017.
With these additions, partners at Eptalex in the UAE increased to 12, enhancing the firm’s capabilities in the country. Out of a total of 30 partners, 10 are based in Italy, reflecting the firm’s broader expansion strategy in the region.
