Casablanca-based M&A lawyer Nathalie Zanardo elevated to partner in A&O Shearman’s latest global promotions

The elevation of talented corporate lawyer Nathalie Zanardo to partner, among A&O Shearman’s new global round of promotions, is tribute to her remarkable career, marked by technical excellence, strong client relationships, and a deep commitment to delivering on complex, high-profile matters, says Hicham Naciri, Managing Partner of Naciri & Associés A&O Shearman, the global firm’s African hub in Casablanca. 

“A recognized expert in M&A, private equity, and foreign investments, Nathalie has built an outstanding track-record advising on transactions across Morocco and Sub-Saharan Africa, spanning sectors as diverse as infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy and financial services,” adds Naciri. “Her promotion also reflects the continued growth of our M&A practice, expanding footprint across key markets, and the standing of our Casablanca office as a leading force in African M&A.”

On Wednesday, 15 April, A&O Shearman announced the promotion of 33 lawyers to its partnership, effective May 1, 2026, deepening its capabilities across practices and markets worldwide. The leading global law firm noted that the new partners - who span 18 offices in 14 countries - cover every major market in which the firm operates, with 14 promotions across continental Europe, nine in the UK, four in the United States, three in Asia Pacific, two in the Middle East, and one - Nathalie - in Africa.

“It is a proud moment to see this group step into the partnership,” says Khalid Garousha, Senior Partner & Co-Chair of the Executive Committee at A&O Shearman. “They bring expertise and judgment our clients rely on for their most complex, cross-border challenges. Each of our new partners champions the commitment to excellence, client service, collegiality, and ambition that defines our firm.”

Sharing the news of her elevation to partner, Nathalie said she was “thrilled and honoured”, and offered heartfelt thanks to Hicham Naciri for his “trust and guidance”, and to all the teams and clients she’s been privileged to work with over the years. 

A Master in Business Law graduate of the Université Paris-Saclay (formerly Paris XI), Nathalie is a corporate and commercial lawyer with a strong track record in mergers & acquisitions, private equity and foreign investments across Africa. She joined what is now A&O Shearman in late 2021, after three plus years in the Casablanca office of Clifford Chance, and nearly 11 years at Gide Loyrette Nouel in France and Morocco.

Recognised as a leading practitioner by several international directories and publications, Nathalie has extensive experience advising on both domestic and cross-border transactions in Morocco and Sub-Saharan Africa. She regularly advises clients across a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and consumer goods, on strategic transactions and investments throughout Africa. She has led numerous complex and high-profile M&A transactions involving listed and non-listed companies, joint ventures, and greenfield projects, often spanning multiple jurisdictions and legal systems.

“We congratulate Nathalie on this well-deserved achievement and look forward to her continued contributions to the firm and our clients across Morocco and the African continent,” says Hicham Naciri.