Marie Maalouly Torbey

Marie has a career spanning four decades, primarily in Lebanon and currently in the United Arab Emirates. She is a Partner at Eptalex Law Firm LLP and heads the Corporate and International Commerce Practice. Her expertise encompasses a range of legal services, including commercial transactions, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, international trade law, and cross-border transactions.
Marie obtained her Master’s in French and Lebanese law from Saint Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon, graduating with honors. She began her career at Eptalex Aziz Torbey Law Firm in Beirut. Quickly, she established herself in the corporate and commerce sector and headed the international commerce practice.
In 2022, Marie joined Eptalex Law Firm LLP, where she developed a team of talented lawyers, fostering a culture of excellence in the corporate and international commerce practice.
Marie advises high-profile clients, including multinational corporations and SMEs, with a detail-oriented and scientific approach to the law, leading to meticulous solutions and strategies. She considers each client’s personal circumstances when designing and implementing wealth planning strategies to reduce tax burdens and create corporate governance principles that promote business longevity, especially in family-owned enterprises. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, her multilingual abilities enhance her capability to serve a diverse clientele.
As head of the corporate and international commerce practice, Marie is committed to providing tailored services to national and foreign companies. She advises International clients on business operations in the Emirates and the MENA Region, manages the registration of local branches and representative offices, and ensures compliance with applicable tax and company regulations. She has negotiated and finalized a wide range of complex international contracts and trade agreements, including import agreements related to the commerce of vegetable seeds, research and secondment agreements, shipment agreements, international distribution agreements, franchising, commercial representations, joint ventures, licensing, service provider, employment agreements, and others.
She regularly advises on the formation, corporate structure, annual regulatory maintenance, and day-to-day operations of local and cross-border businesses. She takes a holistic approach, evaluating both the purpose and location of a company and the nationality and personal details of the owners to recommend, create, and maintain the appropriate business vehicle in the most suitable jurisdiction. She has extensive experience handling complex corporate governance matters, including board structures, shareholders’ rights, and regulatory compliance. She advises clients on developing and implementing risk management strategies to mitigate legal exposure and safeguard their interests in dynamic business environments.
With studies in psychology sciences, Marie is adept at managing intricate negotiations and resolving disputes efficiently. She has successfully represented local and foreign clients in high-profile cases, litigation, and arbitration, achieving favorable outcomes. Marie’s dedication to her clients and meticulous approach make the clients see her as a partner genuinely invested in the success and growth of their businesses.
Beyond her professional achievements, Marie is committed to giving back to the community. She is involved in various pro bono activities, providing legal assistance to non-profit organizations and underprivileged groups. She also actively supports initiatives to empower women in the legal profession, mentoring young female lawyers and advocating for gender equality in the workplace.
With decades of knowledge, Marie has made significant contributions to the success of the Eptalex Law Firms in Lebanon and the Emirates.
She joined the Beirut Bar Association in 1978.