Law is an extensive reservoir of knowledge! It is a field that necessitates years of practice and experience to excel in. While most practicing attorneys specialize in one or two areas of the law, sNadia Kettani stands out from the crowd. With over 25 years of practice, she is a highly accomplished attorney. Having graduated from Casablanca Law University and holding Masters’ degrees in Business and Civil Laws, she possesses a remarkable educational background.
Nadia Kettani is a seasoned legal expert who has dealt with a wide range of legal matters. She has collaborated with major corporations worldwide and played a crucial role in facilitating billion-dollar deals. The legal profession runs in her family, as her father is also a renowned lawyer. With her expertise, Nadia Kettani is propelling the Kettani Law Firm towards unexplored territories and greater achievements.
Can you brief us on how your legal career began? How did you transition into becoming an expert at dealing with matters concerning corporate and international law?
I began my professional career in 1992 and completed the qualification to become an attorney in 1994. Similar to many lawyers, I started by interning at the Kettani law firm and worked my way up the ranks and took over an advisory role in the consulting department owing to the combination of my grasp of the laws and fluency in the English language. At a time when most lawyers and law firms were prioritizing litigation and domestic clients over consulting and international clients, I made it a point to approach the situation from a different perspective.
I decided to reach out to more international clientele while maintaining a stellar client retention rate and made it a habit to make periodical check-ins on the firm’s existing international client base. Due to my consistency and the one of my team, the clients were assured that they were in good hands and as a result were satisfied with their legal counsel. In my 25+ years of practice, I have experienced working in almost every area of the law. I have worked on numerous matters and specialize 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. I have also been an integral part of some of the most valuable M&A deals in the recent past.
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 have also advised Vivendi in the sale of its stake in Maroc Telecom (EUR 4 billion).
Success is a subjective word, what does it mean to you? At what point in your career did you realize that you made it as a lawyer?
To me success is a journey and not a milestone. It is a process that takes years to come to fruition. When people I had never met but who had heard about my successes and work ethic started referring to Kettani Law Firm clients from other countries to consult with me and seek my advice on their concerns, that is when I knew I had succeeded. Due to word-of-mouth recommendations from other clients who had a positive experience dealing with Kettani Law Firm, I have clients contact me from all continents including my peers.
Another way to measure success is when an opposing client on a given deal was impressed by my skillset and then approached me to assist him on some of their deals.
What level of service are your clients entitled to? How do you prosper the trust factor?
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!
What are some of the major obstacles you have faced throughout your professional journey?
Every deal presents its own unique set of challenges. The larger deals, involving billions of dollars, can be particularly stressful. As the legal counsel, it is my responsibility to thoroughly examine every aspect of the projects in order to meet the clients’ needs. This process requires extensive due diligence and unwavering focus. I have now reached a stage where I am able to provide advice to the best of my abilities.
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 is not only my role model, but also the best lawyer I know. He has high expectations for those he works with, and while some may find it intimidating, I do not. I understand that he only expects the best, and as a result, he consistently pushes everyone around him to surpass their own expectations. We both share a deep passion for the law, and I can confidently say that I am fulfilling the vision I had as a child.
