Independent Arbitration Practice, Tehran

VioLaw

The Virtue of Law

VioLaw is an independent arbitration practice focused on domestic and international commercial disputes, Iranian law, and cross-border dispute resolution.

What we do

Practices

01

Arbitration Agreements and Dispute Strategy

VioLaw advises businesses, investors, and legal practitioners on the design and assessment of arbitration agreements, dispute resolution mechanisms, and procedural options in domestic and cross-border transactions.

Services include:

  • Drafting and reviewing arbitration clauses in commercial contracts.
  • Assessing the validity, scope, and enforceability of arbitration agreements.
  • Advising on the choice of arbitral institution, arbitration rules, seat of arbitration, and governing law.
  • Reviewing multi-tier dispute resolution clauses, including negotiation and mediation requirements.
  • Analysing jurisdictional risks and procedural options before and after a dispute arises.
02

Domestic and International Arbitration

VioLaw provides legal representation and advisory services in domestic arbitration in Iran and international commercial arbitration. Our practice covers disputes arising from commercial contracts, construction projects, energy transactions, supply agreements, and other complex business relationships.

Services include:

  • Representation and legal assistance in domestic arbitral proceedings in Iran including ACIC.
  • Legal support in international commercial arbitration under the ICC Arbitration Rules and the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules.
  • Preparation of statements of claim and defence, procedural submissions, and legal arguments.
  • Assistance with documentary evidence, expert evidence, damages assessment, and hearing preparation.
03

Setting Aside, Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards in Iran

VioLaw provides legal analysis and advisory services concerning the legal treatment of arbitral awards in Iran. This practice addresses the distinct legal frameworks applicable to domestic arbitral awards and foreign or international arbitral awards.

Services include:

  • Assessing the grounds and procedures for challenging domestic arbitral awards before the competent courts in Iran.
  • Advising on the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in Iran.
  • Analysing potential grounds for refusing recognition or enforcement under applicable Iranian law and international conventions.
04

Investment Treaty Arbitration

VioLaw undertakes legal research and advisory work relating to international investment law and treaty-based investment protection in disputes.

Services include:

  • Analysis of bilateral investment treaties involving Iran.
  • Assessment of treaty jurisdiction, investor nationality, protected investments, and consent to arbitration.
  • Research on substantive protections, including expropriation and fair and equitable treatment, where applicable under the relevant treaty.
05

Iranian Law and Cross-Border Disputes

VioLaw provides legal analysis and advisory services on Iranian law in international commercial disputes and cross-border transactions. The practice assists in understanding Iranian legal issues that may arise in international arbitration and contractual disputes.

About

Dr. Marjan Fazeli

Attorney at Law · Legal Adviser · Arbitrator

Dr. Marjan Fazeli is an Iranian attorney, legal adviser, and arbitrator specialising in domestic and international arbitration.

For more than a decade, she has advised companies on cross-border disputes, commercial litigation, and arbitration. Her experience includes serving as counsel and legal adviser in complex, high-value disputes involving Iranian companies, including international commercial arbitrations conducted under the ICC and UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. She has also served as an arbitrator in proceedings administered by the Arbitration Center of Iran Chamber (ACIC) and in ad hoc arbitrations.

Alongside her practice, Dr. Fazeli is actively engaged in the international arbitration community. She serves as the ICC YAAF Representative for the Middle East for the 2026–2028 term and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb).

Portrait of Dr. Marjan Fazeli
Dr. Marjan Fazeli

An AI Product by VioLaw

VioLex AI

Designing arbitration clauses. Making informed procedural choices.

VioLex AI is an AI-powered arbitration assistant developed by VioLaw to help businesses and legal professionals design arbitration clauses for international commercial contracts.

The tool assists users in assessing:

  1. 1

    Arbitration Framework

    Whether ad hoc or institutional arbitration is more suitable for the transaction.

  2. 2

    Arbitration Rules and Institution

    Which procedural rules and, where applicable, arbitral institution may be appropriate for the proposed dispute resolution arrangement.

  3. 3

    Seat of Arbitration

    Which seat may best meet the parties’ legal, procedural, and commercial requirements.

  4. 4

    Arbitral Tribunal

    Whether a sole arbitrator or a three-member tribunal is more appropriate, considering factors such as complexity, costs, and procedural efficiency.

  5. 5

    Language of Arbitration

    Which language best accommodates the parties and the anticipated proceedings.

Notes from practice

Insights

Article · forthcoming

Iran dual arbitration regimes: domestic arbitration in comparison to international arbitration

Guide · forthcoming

Drafting arbitration clause for international arbitration in Iran: a practitioner’s guide

Contact

Tell us about the dispute.

WhatsApp
marjan_fazeli
Office
Tehran, Iran — consultations by appointment
Response
within 2 business days

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