Ashurst has opened its first Africa office in Casablanca led by former Clifford Chance partner Ouns Lemseffer.
The move places Ashurst alongside other global firms with on-the-ground African offices, with Casablanca acting as a common entry point for international practices.
Ashurst has expanded into Africa with a new office in Casablanca, marking its first physical presence on the continent and adding momentum to a year already defined by the firm’s headline merger agreed with US firm Perkins Coie.
The new base will be led by former Clifford Chance partner Ouns Lemseffer, who becomes managing partner for Morocco. Lemseffer joined the firm in September after 15 years at Clifford Chance, ten of those based in Morocco, and has assembled a team including an associate and two senior associates.
The launch bolsters Ashurst’s Africa platform, which spans London, Paris, Madrid and the Middle East, and will focus on project development, financing, structured finance, capital markets, M&A and private equity across Morocco and the wider Francophone region.
Casablanca becomes Ashurst’s 32nd office globally - a footprint set to grow to more than 50 once the Perkins Coie merger completes next year.
Rising capital inflows
Ashurst is positioning itself to capitalise on rising investment and infrastructure activity, especially in energy, financial services, technology and real estate.
When Lemseffer joined the firm, David Charlier, co-head of projects & energy transition EMEA at Ashurst, said: “Over recent years, investment flows from private capital and corporates into Africa have surged, and that is only set to increase.”
Lemseffer said "being on-the-ground means we can continue to seize the significant market opportunities."
Who is already there
Ashurst joins a group of international firms that have opted for a physical foothold on the continent rather than relying solely on alliances. North Africa has long been a preferred entry point, giving firms access to French-speaking Africa.
The region’s business laws and strong economic links with Europe make it an attractive entry point for international firms. Clifford Chance, Norton Rose Fulbright, DLA Piper, Dentons and Baker McKenzie all have offices in Casablanca.
Broader reach
South Africa remains a magnet for international firms thanks to its mix of a sophisticated legal system and a resources-driven economy that produces steady disputes, mining and regulatory mandates. International firms with a Johannesburg presence include HSF Kramer, DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie and White & Case.
Norton Rose Fulbright spans both ends of the continent, with offices in Casablanca, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town in South Africa - though it recently announced that its South Africa arm will be spun off in March 2026.
Dentons has also built one of the broadest continental footprints in Africa through a series of combinations.
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