Local governments and private sectors are  indispensable to one another. In most realistic sense, local government facilitates and secures businesses, while private sector provides a significant portion of its expenses. There is no argument that both parties seek to increase their benefits.
Normally, most governments resort to additional taxes and imposing new business taxes to ensure the completion of state’s developmental projects and improve their budgets.
However, placing disproportionate taxes on private companies and industries not only reduce their profits, but “puts a business at a serious competitive disadvantage.” Multinational companies, on the other hand, face more heterogeneous taxations which are not often devoid of financial consequences.
To overcome such struggle, MLF can be proved most sufficient advisor. Our tax experts are highly trained on national tax laws, regulations, rulings, procedure, and treaties along with being well-connected to respective authorities. We are tenacious to satisfy our clients and ensure their tax profits.
Scope of MLF’s services and consultation includes, but not limited to:
<ul>
<li>Tax planning;</li>
<li>Tax refunds;</li>
<li>Tax rulings;</li>
<li>Appeals of assessments;</li>
<li>Advise on tax laws;</li>
<li>Guidance on all state and local taxes, including sales tax, use tax, income tax, gross receipts tax, property tax, utility tax, real estate excise tax, leasehold excise tax, business receipt tax, fixed tax, and other business taxes;</li>
<li>Tax assessment;</li>
<li>Tax settlement;</li>
<li>Tax exemption;</li>
<li>Determination of taxable and Non-taxable income;</li>
<li>Tax assessment of gain or loss from the sale and net income, exchange or transfer of assets;</li>
<li>Tax and net income determination for partnership companies, insurance companies, banks and investment corporations;</li>
<li>Tax filing;</li>
<li>Tax Dispute resolution;</li>
<li>Tax audit; and</li>
<li>Tax identification Number.</li>
</ul>

tax-3

Market and business are living institutions, strongly surfing through waves of global market. Real estate is not an exception in this manner, rather influenced by global and domestic economic changes more rapidly.
MLF’s professionals on real estate are perfectly tailored to assist clients on anticipation of major changes. To provide clients “latest trends in deal structure, regulation, profitability, leverage, and liability protection” is not merely our job, but our commitment. We are fully involved in several national and multinational transactions which give us the upper hand in market.
In short, MLF’s knowledge about manner of domestic and beyond markets let “to calibrate our advice to maximize clients’ advantage under any circumstances.”
MLF’s comprehensive assistance includes, but not limited to:
<ul>
<li>Acquisitions, Substitutions, Interchanges and Dispositions;</li>
<li>Registration of Agricultural Estate;</li>
<li>Construction and Development;</li>
<li>Liquidation and Refinement ;</li>
<li>Leasing/Subleasing;</li>
<li>Sale and Purchase Agreements;</li>
<li>Negotiations;</li>
<li>Foreclosure;</li>
<li>Industrial Parks</li>
<li>Judicial Dispute Resolution; And</li>
<li>Inheritance</li>
</ul>

realstate

Notwithstanding the fact that modern democratic governments count media as forth pillar of government, it faces many challenges and vast regulations. Afghanistan constitution as well secures the right of freedom of express and freedom of the press, but draws a thick line to justify the legality of freedom.
MLF’s ranges of services in support of media and entertainment industries are as follow:
<ul>
<li>Negotiating and drafting a wide range of agreements, including sponsorship, content licensing, film and television production, distribution, recording, music publishing, rights of publicity, live performance, talent agreements, personal management, talent and screenplay option and purchase agreements;</li>
<li>Counseling clients regarding the structuring of partnerships, joint ventures and co-productions, entertainment venue leases and licenses, union and guild agreement compliance, child talent contracts, rights acquisitions and related due diligence and rights clearances for entertainment properties (motion pictures, television programs, video games, software, books, music and websites);</li>
<li>Counseling clients involved in the provision of entertainment content via emerging digital media technologies, such as online retailers of digital music, motion pictures, videogames and other audiovisual content;</li>
<li>Defending the right of freedom of thoughts and speech;</li>
<li>Right to obtain information and to avoid disclosure;</li>
<li>Establishment of independent associations; and</li>
<li>Obtaining licenses from Ministry of Culture for media enterprises.</li>
<li>Media and broadcasting rights and disputes.</li>
</ul>

media

Through years of practical experience, MLF is strongly convinced that court room is not the only place for dispute resolution. It does not mean our professional attorneys are not well skilled to defend clients before judges, but we simply prefer “achieving the right result for the clients in an efficient and cost effective manner”. MLF’s lawyers and international partners know perfectly that mediation and arbitration will end commercial disputes quite rapidly as much as dispute resolution committee will finalize non-commercial disputes promptly.
However, when the disputes and criminal defense go through three levels of judiciary branch, there is no need for empathy any more. MLF’s lawyers are known in domestic courts for their decisiveness, skills, analysis, and winnings.
Our litigation practices and services include but not limited to:
<ul>
<li>Antitrust;</li>
<li>Intellectual Property;</li>
<li>Government Investigations and Criminal Defense;</li>
<li>Bankruptcy;</li>
<li>Securities &amp; Corporate;</li>
<li>Products Liability;</li>
<li>Professional Liability;</li>
<li>Transportation and Logistics;</li>
<li>Commercial Litigation;</li>
<li>Construction Litigation;</li>
<li>Environmental Litigation;</li>
<li>Shipping Litigation;</li>
<li>Trade Litigation;</li>
<li>Labor and Employment Litigation;</li>
<li>Securities Enforcement And Litigation;</li>
<li>All Stages of Civil and Commercial Disputes;</li>
<li>Family Disputes; and</li>
<li>Mediation and Arbitration.</li>
</ul>

litigation-arbitration-and-dispute-resolution-2

LITIGATION, ARBITRATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Globalization and excessive expansion of virtual space and internet gravely impress intellectual property (IP). Symbol of a company, trademark of an industry, patent of an inventor, etc., are the most invaluable asset of every business. In domestic and global markets in doesn’t matter who is sitting behind the CEO’s desk and you are known by your sign or intellectual property. “A strong IP portfolio creates competitive advantage, captures market share, underwrites research and development and promotes growth.”
MLF’s experts on IP are well known in government’s institutions and determined to secure your absolute right and give you back what is yours.
We acknowledge our client’s tiresome endeavor in representing its inner soul and ingenuity by a sign, logo type, trade mark, emblem, device, symbol, design, seal, stamp, article or book and will never allow misusers to take advantage of this indisputable possession.
MLF provides following services in relevance with IP Law:
<ul>
<li>Trademark registration</li>
<li>Trademark Renewal,</li>
<li>Trademark opposition</li>
<li>Trademark search</li>
<li>Recordal of Change of Name,</li>
<li>Recordal of Change of Address,</li>
<li>Recordal of Assignment and Merger,</li>
<li>Oppositions</li>
<li>Trademark infringement watch</li>
<li>Counterfeit infringement</li>
<li>IP Litigation</li>
<li>IP Investigation</li>
<li>IP dispute resolution;</li>
<li>Rights of publicity and privacy;</li>
<li>Copyrights;</li>
<li>Patents;</li>
<li>E-business;</li>
<li>Trade secret, counterfeiting, and price discrimination issues; and</li>
<li>Online enforcement protocols, privacy policies, user, and membership agreements.</li>
</ul>

intellectual-property-1024x574

Intellectual-property-1024x574

Due to complexity of insurance procedures, there are few legal firms in Afghanistan to provide legal assistance and advice for insurance companies on one hand and insurant on the other.
MLF’s professionals comprehend every dimension of insurance and are fully equipped with respective domestic and international legal codes and how to bargain with authorities when bothersome and complicated claims arise.
MLF secures the “covenant of good faith and fair dealing” through providing below services:
<ul>
<li>Represent clients before insurance regulators;</li>
<li>Represent insurers in major coverage claims arising from diverse casualties;</li>
<li>Third Party Liability;</li>
<li>Draft corporate policies regarding privacy, document retention, codes of ethics, conflicts of interest, anti-fraud, subrogation policies, and claims handling;</li>
<li>License and register insurance companies, producers, and other intermediaries;</li>
<li>Dissolution of insurance companies;</li>
<li>Insurance contract, privilege, and compensation; and</li>
<li>Financial inspection.</li>
</ul>

insurance

Vicissitudes of global markets effect multi-national and domestic companies in many ways. In order to minimize financial loss and maximize benefit, companies and industries need to assess current status of global market along with anticipation of upcoming changes on time. Any delay in market assessment and anticipation may bring serious financial damages and harm companies’ credibility. Insolvency and bankruptcy are apparent examples of such delay.
Having partners and business experts in more than 100 countries, MLF can provide up to date advices on global market changes.
We are determined to show you the future achievement and reduce your business damages. Besides, MLF is committed to stay with clients to the end. Our insolvency and bankruptcy professionals “provide clients with a high quality and effective way to ensure legal compliance.” Abstract legal knowledge is not perfectly suited for bankruptcy and restructuring. MLF’s attorneys are vastly experienced in analysis of global markets and decisively represent clients before authorities in times of depression.
Our scope of works includes, but not limited to:
<ul>
<li>Represent large private and publicly held businesses;</li>
<li>Represent trustees;</li>
<li>Represent creditors’ committees;</li>
<li>Represent clients in all forms of litigation arising from bankruptcy and insolvency;</li>
<li>Represent lenders, developers, and investors in real estate insolvencies and restructurings;</li>
<li>Advise boards of public and private companies in the midst of financial crises;</li>
<li>Reorganization options;</li>
<li>Cross-border cooperation in insolvency proceedings; and</li>
<li>Counsel creditors on reorganizations, foreclosures, and liquidation proceedings.</li>
</ul>

insolvency-2

insolvency

Globalization forces individuals and entities to move beyond their home frontiers. Due to security concerns, geopolitical confusions and immigration crisis in last decade, however, cross-border movement is not an easy task. On the other hand, every day delay in processing movement can bring serious damages to business.
MLF’s professionals in immigration matters are highly trained and experienced to reduce your damage. We believe that you deserve to reach your objectives as soon as possible. Therefore, it is not acceptable to waste any second.
Our primary objective is “identifying strategies that protect clients and enable the timely pursuit of business opportunities wherever they arise.”
MLF assists multi-national corporations, domestic companies, non-profit institutions, investors and individuals about:
<ul>
<li>Work and Business Visas</li>
<li>Work and Study Permits;</li>
<li>Intra-Company Transfers;</li>
<li>Hiring of Foreign Nationals;</li>
<li>Citizenship Requirements;</li>
<li>Regulatory Compliance;</li>
<li>Obtaining Citizenship; and</li>
<li>Granting, Abandoning, Forfeiting, and Restoring the Citizenship.</li>
</ul>

immigration-3

immigration

Since 2001, the quantity and quality of Afghanistan health care industries has been improved significantly. While, there is no doubt that private health centers do their bests, it still cannot satisfy our fellow countrymen. In addition, governments feel responsible to oversight the health care industries by bringing more and more regulations.
MLF is perfectly aware of the challenges that health private sector faces today. We know that this sector does not need long lectures about the codes, but practical and realistic advices allowing them to reach their goals without junking the laws. This means, “Using our regulatory experience to secure maximum reimbursements, limit, liabilities and complete transactions efficiently and profitably.”
MLF’s professionals are highly trained in health care regulations and fully experienced in uncommon solutions. Our advice and assistance will simply make the private health sector to believe that we are on their side.
Scope of MLF’s experience in support of health care industry includes but not limited to:
<ul>
<li>Structure joint ventures;</li>
<li>Identify and resolve antitrust, tax, and bankruptcy issues for health care organizations;</li>
<li>Counsel clients on Medicare, Medicaid, and other third-party reimbursement matters;</li>
<li>Medical Tourism;</li>
<li>Incorporation of health care entities;</li>
<li>Production of medicine and other medical accessories;</li>
<li>Importation of medicine and other medical accessories;</li>
<li>Vending of medicine and other medical accessories; and</li>
<li>Protection of medical privacy.</li>
</ul>

healtcare

The conflict between private sector and public sector is not a matter of novelty. All governments are seeking new approaches to ensure their superiority.
While it is apparent that the source of highest authority is government of each country, private sector holds the string to influence government’s decisions.
MLF professionals are fully experienced to design strategic approaches for clients and ensure that their voices will reach to authorities. Being lawyer in MLF simply means being part of the law. Therefore, whenever public sector’s regulations overlap private sector’s benefit, we come forward to secure your business and satisfy the government. Through years of experience in public and private sectors, we are confident to have enough professional relations and knowledge to get the job done.
“We use our knowledge to help clients achieve [legal] compliance quickly and efficiently, and with minimum business disruption…. We identify areas where clients might leverage government regulation or available incentives to grow their business or become more competitive. Where others see restrictions, we find opportunities.”
Our scope of work includes:
<ul>
<li>Formulation of message(s);</li>
<li>Drafting of legislation, amendments to legislation and legislative report language;</li>
<li>Preparation of testimony, position papers, advocacy letters, and regulatory briefs;</li>
<li>Represent clients in their relationships with governmental entities from the legislative bodies to the various departments, agencies, boards, and commissions;</li>
<li>Coalition-building and media outreach;</li>
<li>Coordination of demonstrations and other interactive events for key decision makers;</li>
<li>Representation of clients at congressional and regulatory hearings and adjudicatory proceedings;</li>
<li>Regulatory compliance;</li>
<li>Initiatives and referenda; and</li>
<li>Coordinate legal and government relations strategy.</li>
</ul>

government

After agriculture, Afghanistan is globally known for its natural resources. This sector which requires involvement of different types of entities and enterprises, including countries’ governments “renewable energy producers, suppliers, distributors, manufacturing, real estate developers and lenders, energy consumers, and energy investors” has attracted not only local but foreign attentions.
MLF’s experts are perfectly capable to assist and advise local and foreign individuals and entities about energy and natural resources regulations, transaction, and litigation.
We believe in bigger picture. Professionalism does not summarize only in understanding of local laws and international covenants; it also covers our effort to know “our clients, business model, financial position and long term aspirations.”
Besides, legal skills are not the only benefit that we present for our clients. We have strong professional relationship with high rank officials in legislative, judiciary and executive branches of government which “facilitate communication, ensure fair consideration, and often enable us to reach out directly to resolve potential issues quickly.”
Area of MLF’s expertise includes:
<ul>
<li>Energy Litigation;</li>
<li>Mineral And Mineral Ownership;</li>
<li>Mining Contracts;</li>
<li>Mining License;</li>
<li>Mining Tax Settlement;</li>
<li>Minerals Transaction;</li>
<li>Dispute Resolution;</li>
<li>Dispute Trial; and</li>
<li>Local Laws Versus International Conventions.</li>
</ul>

energy

While it is important for a company or business to ensure its existence, gain benefit, and satisfy its workforce, it is also a must to obey government’s regulations and provide transparency.
MLF’s professionals endeavor to make sure clients reach their goals lawfully!
We represent clients and remove obstacles from their way and let them reach to the golden gates of their goals. Through MLF, clients find legal compliance whenever compensation concerns arise. We “Identify how even small changes in one area could affect a company’s benefit and compensation position in other areas.” Therefore MLF is committed to harmonize legal concerns and company’s objectives. Speed, decisiveness, and liability are the MLF’s primary action plan toward employment and labor issues.
Our scope of work includes:
<ul>
<li>Prepare employment contracts, retention agreements, and change-in-control agreements;</li>
<li>Design qualified retirement plans, including defined benefit pension plans, and defined contribution plans;</li>
<li>Counsel clients regarding multi-employer pension plans and withdrawal liability;</li>
<li>Plan design and operational compliance;</li>
<li>Provide advice regarding health and welfare benefit plans’ statutory requirements in order to protect clients from liability;</li>
<li>Prohibition of forced labor;</li>
<li>Organize labor relations;</li>
<li>Application of labor law on foreign citizens;</li>
<li>Employment disputes on remuneration, wages and discrimination;</li>
<li>Local labor law versus international conventions; and</li>
<li>Obtaining work permits.</li>
</ul>

labor-law-2

labor law

Afghanistan as one of the growing countries provides an emerging market for businesses as well as individuals. Knowing the importance of due diligence and corporate investigations as key tools for analysis and evaluation and success of business, a wide number of companies are not even familiar with it. Masnad Law Firm with understanding the importance of real-time, crucial and comprehensive decision making, all types of transaction and risk management is passionate to offer due diligence and corporate investigation services in Afghanistan.
We offer the following due diligence and corporate investigation services in Afghanistan:
<ul>
<li>Financial due diligence;</li>
<li>Risk and insurance due diligence;</li>
<li>Commercial due diligence;</li>
<li>Business due diligence;</li>
<li>Transactions due diligence;</li>
<li>Acquisition due diligence;</li>
<li>Vendor due diligence;</li>
<li>Criminal background check;</li>
<li>Documents authentication;</li>
<li>Legal researches and investigations; and</li>
<li>Employment screening.</li>
</ul>

due-diligence

2001 and establishment of Afghanistan’s new government can be highlighted the most for bringing a revolution of construction. Many local and international private companies have arisen as contractors or subcontractors. Although, it seemed indisputable at the time, a large amount of disputes has been arose during previous years.
MLF’s experts are deeply familiar with such situations and are known for their services. We believe that court is the last option to solve a dispute. It is our professional skill to end a dispute through mediation and arbitration, however if litigation becomes the only option, we have the most extensive experience and professional relations in local courts. MLF is committed to clients and its endeavor is nothing but their satisfaction.
Our assistance has no limits and includes:
<ul>
<li>Contractor and Sub-contractor disputes;</li>
<li>Design errors and omissions claims;</li>
<li>Personal injury claims;</li>
<li>Property damage claims;</li>
<li>Construction delay damages claims;</li>
<li>Business interruption;</li>
<li>Bankruptcy; and</li>
<li>Contract negotiation and drafting.</li>
</ul>

construction

Good faith and trust is the ground works of doing business. However, there is no guarantee that every businessman follows these groundwork.
In our era of globalization and rapid growth of technology, business crimes mostly do not limit to borders of one state, but expand to other countries as well. The manner of trans-nationality of business crimes may affect significantly subsidiaries or parent companies, and several authorities may conduct investigations.
With thorough understanding of  laws and procedures and professional connections with authorities, MLF represent and protect clients’ interest in criminal, civil, and commercial investigations. Our lawyers’ expertise is included but not limited to:
<ul>
<li>Responding to criminal investigations and defending proceedings against individuals and companies;</li>
<li>Advising individuals or companies on investigations and proceeding of regulatory or other authorities;</li>
<li>Providing support during searches and seizures at home and abroad;</li>
<li>Gathering of information for criminal investigations and inspection of files;</li>
<li>Designing and implementing compliance programs;</li>
<li>Reviewing compliance rules;</li>
<li>Providing legal assistance in dawn raids;</li>
<li>Anti-corruption, fraud and misappropriation of funds;</li>
<li>Accounting offenses;</li>
<li>Insolvency offences;</li>
<li>Export control and embargoes;</li>
<li>Work and labor offenses;</li>
<li>Cartel and fair trade offenses; and</li>
<li>Tax and customs offenses;</li>
</ul>

business-crime

In past decade, local and international companies have witnessed the unstable manner of Afghan currency and Afghan markets. Although, the 2014 was seen as a new financial era in Afghanistan, survivors know that today’s markets, need wisdom to anticipate and manage potential financial risks, while initialing realistic approaches to create opportunities with deep knowledge about local and global markets. MLF advise clients on legal aspects of banking and finance “whether within a single jurisdiction or in cross-border transaction.”
Our professionals provide solutions in “all aspects of leverage finance” including but not limited to:
<ul>
<li>Bank Regulatory Matters;</li>
<li>Banking and Financial Regulation;</li>
<li>Consent Solicitations;</li>
<li>Corporate Finance;</li>
<li>Investment Funds;</li>
<li>Inter-Creditor Negotiations;</li>
<li>Project Finance;</li>
<li>Recapitalizations;</li>
<li>Secured and Unsecured Loans;</li>
<li>Security and Guarantees;</li>
<li>Structured Finance;</li>
<li>Financial Disputes;</li>
<li>Monetary Transaction; and</li>
<li>Monetary Crimes.</li>
</ul>

banking

Aviation private sector is a new business in Afghanistan, which is strictly regulated by national and international procedures, regulations, and agreements. Besides, aviation industry effects “Where workers can travel, how fast cargo moves, what goods and services cost and which business can access import-export markets.”
Through complexity of aviation codes and changeable manner of market, MLF seeks realistic solutions to ensure legality of clients’ performance before authorities and maximize their economic benefits.
Our experts advise clients on each and every regulatory compliances before legislative, judiciary, and executive authorized agencies, and act as your wise and know-how representative in all investigation and enforcement matters.
MLF’s services in support of Aviation sector includes but not limited to:
<ul>
<li>Defend clients in investigations and enforcement actions;</li>
<li>Obtain necessary authorizations and licenses from authorities;</li>
<li>Serve as liaison between clients and agency representatives;</li>
<li>Monitor and interpret aviation’s regulations;</li>
<li>Advise on compliance requirements for all types of aviation clients;</li>
<li>Address the regulatory aspects of corporate transactions, including aircraft leases, carrier agreements, and agreements with airports, ground handlers and agents;</li>
<li>Promote client’s interest before legislators, policy makers and regulators;</li>
<li>Defend aviation client in complex litigation matters; and</li>
<li>Reimburse of aviation damages.</li>
</ul>

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aviation

Agriculture plays the most significant role in Afghanistan’s food security and economy development. Almost 60% of Afghan workforce relies on agriculture in order to ensure their sustainability. This sector guarantees 40% of Afghanistan&#8217;s gross domestic product. However, in reality, formers only own 13% of lands and cultivating 22% of crop land.
No policy baggage, no access to functioning markets, and large institutional and capacity deficit impedes agricultural and agro- industrial development.
Our experts and professionals are fully familiar with Afghanistan’s Agricultural and agro-industrial sectors.
We have the fundamental knowledge about Agriculture regulations, land policy, and agricultural finance on one hand, and the importance of water, technology and market on the other. We are dedicated to assist you from seeding to export of your product to home and global markets. “Our dedication to a sustainable and dynamic agricultural sector drives innovative thinking and approaches to serve our clients.”
MLF’s services in support of agriculture sector includes but not limited to:
<ul>
<li>Crop License;</li>
<li>Crop Import/Export;</li>
<li>Crop Protection;</li>
<li>Crop Insurance;</li>
<li>Crop Disputes;</li>
<li>Environmental Damages;</li>
<li>Agricultural NGOs;</li>
<li>Livestock Producers And Markets;</li>
<li>Agricultural Product Distributors;</li>
<li>Land Policy;</li>
<li>Unutilized Lands;</li>
<li>Irrigation;</li>
<li>Agricultural Projects;</li>
<li>Cooperatives;</li>
<li>Animal Protection And Support;</li>
<li>Food Quality Control;</li>
<li>Food Processing Companies;</li>
<li>Financial Institutions Dedicated To The Agribusiness Sector;</li>
<li>Form Organizations; And</li>
<li>Family Farmers.</li>
</ul>

Practice Area

Tax

Real Estate

Media and Entertainment

Litigation, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

Intellectual Property

Insurance and Reinsurance

Insolvency, Bankruptcy and Restructuring

Immigration

Health Care Industries

Government Affairs

Energy and Natural Resources

Employment and Labor Law

Due Diligence and Investigations

Construction and Infrastructure

Business Crimes and Compliances

Banking and Financial Services

Aviation

Agriculture, Agro-industry, and Agribusiness

Real Estate