Aktham Harfoush is a legal and commercial professional with more than three decades of experience in legal advisory, contract management and commercial operations, with particular expertise in the energy, oil and gas, construction, procurement, international contracting and dispute resolution sectors.

Throughout his career, Mr. Harfoush held senior legal and contracts positions at Al Furat Petroleum Company, a joint venture involving Shell International, other partners and the Syrian Government. He progressed from supervising legal cases to heading the Legal Section and subsequently served as Head of the Legal & Contracts Services Department from 2006 to 2021. This experience provided him with extensive practical exposure to contract administration, claims and disputes, compliance, procurement and commercial processes within an international operating environment.

His experience covers the preparation, review and negotiation of a broad range of agreements, including service, supply, construction, FIDIC, investment and oil & gas contracts, as well as EPC, service, price agreement and BOOT arrangements. He has also developed and reviewed contractual terms and conditions, managed performance guarantees, advised on contracting strategies, and analysed and supported the resolution of claims and disputes.

In dispute-related matters, Mr. Harfoush has managed and followed up labour, customs and commercial lawsuits and arbitration matters, providing legal analysis and advice to management on risks and potential outcomes. He has also represented company interests in arbitration proceedings and coordinated the preparation of responses and supporting documentation with contract holders and relevant business teams.

Since joining Khaddour Law Office in 2021, Mr. Harfoush has advised on service, purchase, construction, investment and oil & gas contracts. His current practice also includes following proceedings before the Syrian State Council and commercial courts, as well as arbitration matters under Syrian law and international arbitration rules, including ICC Rules.

His legal expertise is complemented by substantial training in international arbitration, contract management, tender management, commercial management and contract administration from award through completion. His professional background also reflects extensive experience working within multicultural and highly structured international business environments.

Areas of Expertise

• Legal Advisory & Contract Management

• Oil & Gas and Energy Contracts

• Construction & FIDIC Contracts

• Commercial Contracts, Procurement & Tendering

• EPC, Service, Price Agreement & BOOT Contracts

• Contract Terms, Conditions & Guarantees

• Claims & Dispute Management

• Commercial & International Arbitration

• Commercial, Labour & Customs Litigation

• Regulatory Compliance & Legal Procedures

• Investment & Commercial Projects