MEET THE TEAM
Jean-François Rycx
Founder & Managing Partner - Doctor of Law, Attorney at the Marseille Bar
A specialist in private international law, Jean‑François Rycx holds a Doctorate in Law from the Universities of Paris and Aix‑en‑Provence, as well as a degree in Arabic Language and Civilization (INALCO, Paris). He founded RYCX LEGAL CONSULTANTS LLC in Dubai in 1997 after several years of practice in France and Cairo. His expertise covers French civil and commercial law, international business law and arbitration. Fully fluent in Arabic, he advises clients across Europe and the Middle East and has represented parties in arbitration proceedings before ICC (Paris), DIAC (Dubai)and NASD (New York). He has taught law at Aix‑en‑Provence and Sorbonne Abu Dhabi.
Pierre-Yves LUCAS
Partner - Attorney at the Paris Bar
Educated in Rennes, Exeter and Tulane University (New Orleans), Pierre‑Yves Lucas has extensive international experience gained at Gide Loyrette Nouel (Paris & Riyadh), Trillat & Associés and Bonnard Lawson, as well as through his teaching at Paris V – René Descartes. He advises on international commercial law, transport law, corporate structuring and arbitration. He regularly assists clients with complex cross‑border contracts, project financing and corporate matters.
Damien Gere
Company Formation & Operational support
Corporate Manager since 2011 at RYCX LEGAL CONSULTANTS LLC, Damien Gere assists clients with company incorporation under UAE federal and local laws, including major free zones and offshore jurisdictions. His expertise includes corporate governance, compliance, HR and administrative support, as well as visa and residency procedures. Fully bilingual in French and English, he combines legal and operational skills with experience in software development and IT solutions.
Shaji Varghese
Public Relations Officer
Public Relations Officer with over 20 years of experience in the UAE, Shaji Varghese specializes in company incorporation, visa processing, and labour matters. His extensive knowledge of local procedures and regulations ensures effective support for clients navigating administrative and compliance requirements.
Ahmed Gaballa
Attorney - Cairo Bar
Ahmed Gaballa assists clients with procedures before local authorities such as the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Economic Department (DED). He also handles litigation and debt recovery matters. Fully fluent in Arabic, he combines legal expertise with strong cultural understanding.
Ashmira Rasika Deepani Thuwan
Personal Assistant to the Partners
Ashmira Rasika Deepani Thuwan provides organisational and administrative support to the firm. She holds a Higher National Diploma (Pearson BTEC Level 5) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, combining technical skills with administrative expertise.
Maître Hakim IZOUGARHEN – Notary
- Family, succession and donation matters. Notarisation of deed in the UAE.
Registered with the French Notary Association.
Macon (France)
Maître Jean Christophe POMMIER - Lawyer
Civil (family) and Commercial Law.
Registered with the Paris bar association.
Paris (France)
Maître Frederic DAL VECCHIO - Lawyer
- French and international taxation law.
Registered with the Nanterre bar association.
Paris (France)
Maître Armand FESTE-GUIDON - Lawyer
- Criminal Law.
Registered with the Marseille bar association.
Paris – Marseille (France)
Maître Michel CABAJ - Lawyer
- Corporate, tax, financial and general Swiss law.
Registered with the Geneva Bar Association. Bellum & Avocats
Geneva (Switzerland)
Imad DAAS
Banking industry specialist with more than 20 years of extensive experience, Imad supports clients in opening bank accounts, arranging loan facilities, and negotiating letters of credit (L/C). His expertise ensures reliable guidance through complex banking procedures.