MEET THE TEAM
Jean-François Rycx
Founder & Managing Partner - Doctor of Law, Attorney at the Marseille Bar
Jean-François Rycx holds a PhD in Law from the Universities of Paris and Aix‑en‑Provence, specializing in Private International Law, and is also a graduate in Arabic Language & Civilization (INALCO, Paris). He founded RYCX Legal Consultants in Dubai in 1997 after years of practice in France and Cairo.
His expertise covers French civil and commercial law, international business law, and arbitration. Fluent in Arabic, he advises clients across Europe and the Middle East. He has served as professor of law at Aix‑en‑Provence and Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, and has successfully assisted clients in arbitration cases before the ICC in Paris, the DIAC in Dubai and the National Association of Security Dealers in New York.
Pierre-Yves LUCAS
Partner - Attorney at the Paris Bar, International Law & Corporate Structuring
Pierre-Yves Lucas is admitted to the Paris Bar since 1985. He studied law in Rennes, Exeter, and Tulane University (New Orleans), specializing in Admiralty and European law.
He has extensive experience gained at Gide Loyrette Nouel (Paris & Riyadh), Trillat & Associés, and Bonnard Lawson, as well as through academic teaching at Paris V – René Descartes.
Since joining RYCX Legal Consultants in 2023, he brings recognized expertise in international commercial law, transportation law, corporate structuring, and arbitration. He regularly advises on complex cross‑border contracts, project financing, and company law matters.
Damien Gere
Company Formation & Business support
Damien Gere manages company registrations and compliance at RYCX Legal Consultants since 2011. He assists clients with incorporation under UAE local and federal laws, including major Free Zones and offshore jurisdictions.
His expertise includes corporate governance, HR and administrative support, and visa and residency procedures. Fluent in French and English, he combines legal and operational know‑how with a background in software development and IT solutions.
Shaji Varghese
Public Relations Officer with over 20 years of experience in the UAE, Shaji 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
Lawyer admitted to the Cairo Bar Association, Ahmad assists clients with all matters involving local authorities such as the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Dubai Economic Department (DED). He also provides support in disputes and debt collection. Fluent in Arabic, he combines legal expertise with valuable linguistic and cultural insight.
Ashmira Rasika Deepani Thuwan
Personal Assistant to the Partners, Ashmira brings organizational support to the team. She holds a Higher National Diploma (Pearson BTEC Level 5) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, combining technical knowledge with administrative expertise.
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.
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 Hakim IZOUGARHEN – Notary
- Family, succession and donation matters. Notarisation of deed in the UAE.
Registered with the French Notary Association.
Macon (France)
Maître Michel CABAJ - Lawyer
- Corporate, tax, financial and general Swiss law.
Registered with the Geneva Bar Association. Bellum & Avocats
Geneva (Switzerland)