John J. Maalouf Named to U.S. Lawyer Rankings 2012 List of Top 10 International Finance Lawyers

New York, NY, May 11, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Maalouf Ashford & Talbot, LLP, one of the world’s leading international business law firms, today announced that John J. Maalouf, Senior Partner of the Firm, has for the seventh consecutive year been ranked as one of the Nation’s Top 10 International Trade & Finance Lawyers by the United States Lawyer Rankings. Mr. Maalouf is ranked 4th in the United States this year and is the top New York City based lawyer to make the list.

This recognition comes on the heels of Maalouf Ashford & Talbot being named “Law Firm of the Year” in the United States in an unprecedented 8 separate categories including: International Finance Law Firm of the Year, Banking Law Firm of the Year, Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year, Mining Law Firm of the Year, M&A Law Firm of the Year, Project Finance Law Firm of the Year, Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year and Cross Border Law Firm of the Year.

About the U.S. Lawyer Rankings

United States Lawyer Rankings, the definitive guide to legal excellence in the U.S., was established on order to identify the Nation's Top 10 lawyers in each of 12 different practice areas. Lawyers are nominated by corporate general counsels, judges, and fellow practitioners, however, a lawyer cannot self-nominate, and a law firm is prohibited from nominating their own lawyers. In determining the ratings, the United States Lawyer Rankings examines general legal abilities and knowledge, oral advocacy skills, negotiating skills and the ability to develop creative solutions. Lawyers must also meet the highest degree of ethical standards in order to be included in a Top 10 List. United States Lawyer Rankings does not accept payments of any kind from lawyers or law firms.

About John J. Maalouf

John J. Maalouf, Senior Partner of Maalouf Ashford & Talbot, LLP, is an internationally recognized expert in the areas of international business law, oil gas & energy law and banking & finance law. Mr. Maalouf has represented clients throughout the world, including the U.S., China, Middle-East, EU, Japan, India, Australia, Russia and South America in complex matters involving international trade & finance, mergers & acquisitions, public offerings, international banking, private equity and international oil, gas, coal and energy transactions. John was ranked among the Nation’s Top 10 International Trade & Finance Lawyers for the past seven years in a row due to his commitment to excellence and outstanding client service in the areas of international business law.

In addition, John is co-author of the book: "Inside the Minds: Best Practices for Mergers & Acquisitions in China," published by Thomson West, the world's most respected name in legal publishing.

About Maalouf Ashford & Talbot, LLP

Maalouf Ashford & Talbot, LLP is an international financial services law firm based in New York City with offices in London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Riyadh and Boston.

Maalouf Ashford & Talbot has been named “Law Firm of the Year” in the United States in an unprecedented 8 separate categories including: International Finance Law Firm of the Year, Banking Law Firm of the Year, Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year, Mining Law Firm of the Year, M&A Law Firm of the Year, Project Finance Law Firm of the Year, Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year and Cross Border Law Firm of the Year.

The Firm’s attorneys provide representation across the following key areas of the law: International Trade & Finance, Business, Corporate, Banking, Securities, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Investment Funds, Energy, Oil & Gas and Complex Business Arbitrations. Combining a dedication to excellence with a commitment to superior client service, Maalouf Ashford & Talbot provides clients with a breadth and depth of expertise uniquely suited to their legal needs.