Secretariat partners with boutique firm Lsquare Consulting to enhance dispute resolution services

Secretariat enhances its dispute resolution capabilities by acquiring Lsquare Consulting, a boutique firm with a presence in the EMEA region. Founded in 2022 by Khalid Lachheb and Taoufik Lachheb, Lsquare Consulting specializes in overseeing and resolving disputes related to large and intricate projects in the construction industry. The firm, headquartered in Paris, also has branches in Casablanca, Morocco, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The consolidation of Lsquare Consulting into Secretariat was confirmed in a joint announcement today. This move will see Lsquare Consulting cease operating as an independent entity while integrating its clients and expertise into Secretariat, marking the boutique’s evolution into a part of the global consulting firm. Secretariat expressed enthusiasm in welcoming the new clients and capabilities that the merger will bring into their expanding organization.

Secretariat, a leading player in disputes, litigation, and economic advisory within dispute contexts, operates globally with a significant presence across five continents and a workforce exceeding 600 employees. With a focus on serving law firms, corporations, and financial institutions, the company boasts one of the largest pools of arbitration experts in the industry, working closely with over 90% of the top 100 global law firms.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Taoufik Lachheb, one of the Co-Founders of Lsquare Consulting, will assume the role of Managing Director at Secretariat, while the team of about 10 professionals from Lsquare Consulting will transition to the global consultancy. Expressing his sentiments on this new chapter, Taoufik Lachheb remarked on the alignment of values between both firms, emphasizing technical proficiency, integrity, and a global perspective founded on trust and collaboration.

Khalid Lachheb, the other Co-Founder of Lsquare Consulting, has chosen a different path post-acquisition. Highlighting a new direction centered on aiding corporate teams in structuring projects effectively, preventing disputes, and navigating claims with strategic foresight, Lachheb bids farewell to Lsquare Consulting as it becomes part of Secretariat.

The acquisition of Lsquare Consulting signifies an important strategic move for Secretariat, broadening its offerings in the dispute resolution space and expanding its expertise in managing complexities associated with disputes in large-scale projects in the built environment. The move underscores Secretariat’s commitment to continued growth and diversification of its service portfolio.

In conclusion, the joining of forces between Secretariat and Lsquare Consulting represents a symbiotic relationship aimed at leveraging the strengths of both firms to offer enhanced dispute resolution services to clients globally. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Secretariat’s journey towards establishing itself as a dominant force in the realm of disputes and litigation, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the industry.