Law is an expansive realm of knowledge, requiring years of dedicated practice and experience to truly excel. While many attorneys specialize in one or two areas, Nadia Kettani stands out with over 25 years of practice, making her a highly accomplished attorney. A graduate of Casablanca Law University with Master’s degrees in Business and Civil Laws, she boasts an impressive educational background.

Nadia Kettani is a seasoned legal expert, having dealt with a diverse array of legal matters. Collaborating with major corporations globally, she has played a pivotal role in facilitating billion-dollar deals. With a family background deeply rooted in the legal profession, including her renowned lawyer father, Nadia Kettani is steering the Kettani Law Firm toward uncharted territories and greater achievements.

Her legal career began in 1992, achieving qualification as an attorney in 1994. Starting as an intern at the Kettani law firm, she ascended through the ranks, eventually assuming an advisory role in the consulting department due to her comprehensive understanding of laws and fluency in English. At a time when the legal landscape prioritized litigation and domestic clients, Nadia approached the situation with a distinct perspective.

She proactively reached out to international clientele, maintaining an exceptional client retention rate. Periodic check-ins with the firm’s existing international clients, coupled with her team’s consistency, reassured clients of their capable legal counsel. With over 25 years of diverse practice, Nadia Kettani has worked in nearly every area of law, specializing in Corporate law, Foreign Investment, Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking and Finance, Project Finance matters, Aircraft Finance, Capital Markets, Energy/Renewable Energy, Telecom laws, and Antitrust issues. She has played a crucial role in some of the most valuable M&A deals in recent history.

I played a pivotal role as the advisor of Jorf Lasfar intial coal fired power plant project in 1996 as well as its extension between 2012 and 2014. The projects were undertaken at a cost of nearly $1.4 billion. I have also advised on the Safi Project, a $2.6 billion power plant project. I have also advised in the renewal energy sector as counsel in the Tarfaya and Koudia El Beida wind farms in Morocco.

I have also advised investment banks to arrange the sovereign bond issue of the Kingdom of Morocco for an amount of USD 1.5 billion and EUR 1 billion to face the Covid 19 health crisis, assisted AfricaConnect GmbH & Co KG acting through CREDION Kapitalverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH in connection with several facility agreements with Moroccan companies also suffering from the Covid 19 pandemic as well as advised BMCE Bank in the framework of a bond issue of 1 billion MAD, investment banks in the financing of large-scale

investments including a recent investment of 3 billion MAD in the cement industry, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in their investment projects in Morocco as well as international funds.

I provided counsel to Vivendi during the divestment of its share in Maroc Telecom (EUR 4 billion).

The concept of success is subjective; how do you define it personally? Can you pinpoint a moment in your career when you recognized that you had achieved success as a lawyer?

Success, to me, is not a fixed destination but rather a continuous journey—a process that unfolds over the years. The realization that I had achieved success as a lawyer came when individuals, whom I had never met but had heard about my accomplishments and work ethic, began referring clients from different countries to Kettani Law Firm, seeking my advice. This recognition, driven by positive word-of-mouth recommendations, resulted in clients reaching out to me from all continents, including referrals from my peers.

Another measure of success emerged when an opposing client in a particular deal, impressed by my skillset, approached me to assist them on some of their own deals. These instances, where my expertise garnered respect and recognition beyond the immediate scope of a transaction, affirmed to me that I had indeed achieved success in my legal career.

What standard of service do you guarantee for your clients, and how do you cultivate and enhance the trust factor in your interactions?

I prioritize the wishes of my clients and gain an indepth knowledge of their needs. I am a deal maker and always keep in mind that time and cost are of the essence.

While it takes decades for a young attorney to establish a positive reputation and earn the goodwill of their clients, my work ethic shortened this time to just under five years. In under a decade, I have managed to leave a positive impression on the clients I have worked with. As a result, clients who have experienced working with Kettani Law Firm refuse to consult anyone else. There would be hardly any bigger compliment that a lawyer could ever hope to get!

Can you share some significant challenges you encountered during your career journey?

Each deal comes with its own distinctive challenges, especially the larger transactions involving billions of dollars, which can be particularly demanding. In my role as legal counsel, I bear the responsibility of meticulously scrutinizing every facet of the projects to meet the specific needs of the clients. This entails conducting thorough due diligence and maintaining unwavering focus. I have now reached a stage in my career where I can offer advice to the best of my abilities based on this comprehensive understanding of complex deals.

I consider my job to be one of the most fascinating career paths. The diversity of legal matters I encounter on a daily basis ensures that I am never bored. Each case brings its own distinct challenge, constantly keeping me engaged. It is also a humbling experience, as I am exposed to various perspectives on deals and legal issues.

Although the job can be demanding and occasionally stressful, I have always embraced challenges. I am quick on my feet and able to handle matters efficiently, always prioritizing my clients’ desire for an interesting deal with strong legal protection. My father, an internationally renowned Lawyer, Professor, and Arbitrator, has been the biggest influence in my life. We continue to work together at the Kettani Law Firm, alongside my two sisters and partners, Rita Kettani and Zineb Kettani, who contribute significantly to the firm’s success.

My father serves as not only my role model but also the finest lawyer I’ve encountered. Despite his high expectations for those he collaborates with, I find it invigorating rather than intimidating. Recognizing that he only demands the best, I appreciate how he consistently motivates everyone around him to exceed their own expectations. Our shared profound passion for the law reinforces my confidence in affirming that I am fulfilling the vision I held as a child.