Behnam Khatami
Managing Partner
Professional background
Behnam Khatami is the Founder and Managing Partner of Nami Associates, with over 18 years of distinguished legal experience. Renowned for his commercial acumen and legal expertise, he has played a pivotal role across diverse market cycles, equipping him with deep insights and unparalleled proficiency. His extensive experience and strategic approach consistently set him apart as a leader in the legal profession.
As a top lawyer in Iran, Behnam has led significant corporate transactions, including joint ventures and M&As. He serves as a trusted legal advisor to numerous multinational corporations and their international counsel across diverse industries such as automotive, aviation, e-commerce, electronics, food and beverage, fintech, fast-moving consumer goods, healthcare, oil and gas, power (conventional and renewable), rail, road, and tobacco. Behnam possesses exceptional negotiation skills and has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in high-stakes negotiations, including in JVAs, M&As, contract terminations, and dispute settlements.
His strategic approach and deep understanding of complex legal and commercial dynamics helped clients navigate complex legal challenges in Iran and have consistently delivered favorable outcomes for them.
Behnam’s expertise is recognised by leading legal directories, including Chambers, Legal 500, Lexology Index and IFLR1000, where he is consistently ranked as a thought leader and top-tier lawyer.
Areas of expertise
Corporate, M&A
Projects
Tax
Real estate
Intellectual property
Disputes
Qualifications
Iran Central Bar Association, since 2006
Memberships
Iran Renewable Energy Association, Legal Counsel
Iran Switzerland Chamber of Commerce
Iranian Business Council – Dubai
Education
Bachelor of Laws, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran (2001-2005)
LLM, International Commercial Law, Shahid Beheshti University and Queen Mary University of London (2006-2007)
Testimonials
Chambers & Partners – Global Guide 2026
“Behnam Khatami consistently demonstrates the ability to handle complex and demanding client needs with composure and precision. His clear communication and practical approach are key.”
“He has great knowledge, is pleasant to work with and very client-centric.”
“Behnam Khatami is highly professional, very skilled, and has great experience with international big players. He is unequivocal in his communication, legal advice, and guidance. Our cooperation so far is excellent, and I am looking forward to working with Behnam on future projects.”
“The individual we work with most closely is Mr Behnam Khatami, and our experience with him has been exceptional. What makes him stand out is his professionalism, his clarity in explaining legal issues, and his ability to provide advice that is practical and easy to apply. He is always responsive and dependable, which sets him apart from many others in the industry. We have especially valued his dedication, thoroughness, and the trust he builds through his work.”
“Behnam Khatami is a very knowledgeable and practical lawyer who provides succinct and clear advice. His extensive experience means he has encountered and expertly navigated almost every issue we’ve faced, making him a pleasure to work with.“
Lexology Index – Corporate Governance, M&A 2026
“Behnam Khatami has extensive experience guiding companies through Iran’s legal and regulatory environment, where he supports governance decision-making with a business-oriented approach, providing clear, practical and solution-oriented legal advice suited to challenging corporate contexts.”
“With extensive experience across M&A transactions in sectors from energy to life science, Behnam Khatami supports investors navigating Iran’s most demanding legal environments, with clients praising his proactive, responsible and hardworking approach driven by quality, integrity and timely execution.”
Language
Persian
English
Behnam Khatami
Managing Partner
T: +98 21 2241 8899
M: +98 912 378 9896
M: +971 56 269 4045
Professional experience
Behnam Khatami is a co-founder and the managing partner of Nami Associates, bringing over 18 years of legal experience. His extensive involvement in various market cycles has endowed him with profound insights and expertise, distinguishing him in the legal field.
Throughout his career, Behnam has led significant corporate transactions, including joint ventures and M&As. He serves as a trusted legal advisor to numerous multinational corporations and their international counsel across diverse industries such as automotive, aviation, e-commerce, electronics, food and beverage, fintech, fast-moving consumer goods, healthcare, oil and gas, power (conventional and renewable), rail, road, and tobacco. His guidance has been instrumental in helping clients navigate complex legal challenges in Iran.
Behnam’s expertise is recognised by leading legal directories, including Chambers, Legal 500, Lexology Index and IFLR1000, where he is consistently ranked as a top-tier lawyer.
Areas of expertise
Corporate, M&A
Projects
Tax
Real estate
Intellectual property
Disputes
Qualifications
Iran Central Bar Association, since 2006
Memberships
Iranian Business Council – Dubai
Iran Renewable Energy Association
Education
Bachelor of Laws, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, 2003-2006
Master of Laws, Shahid Beheshti University and Queen Mary University of London, 2006-2007
Testimonials
“Behnam is a reliable attorney who provides solutions which are to the point and practical, both from a legal and commercial point of view.”
He is knowledgeable, affable and available. I feel incredibly privileged to have Behnam as one of my lawyers.”
“He finds solutions in very complicated situations. His litigation strategy is impressive.”
“Behnam Khatami is well-versed in airport, port, and railway infrastructure projects.”
“Behnam Khatami comes highly recommended as a very active and professional practitioner who is incredibly skilful in providing legal services in the M&A sector.”
Language
Persian
English