Lovells’ new association with Saudi law firm Al-Yaqoub Attorneys and Legal Advisers (AYALA) has helped it secure its second office in the Kingdom, with a base in Jeddah. Associate Mustafa Kamal will be based in the new office.
Lovells first launched in the Middle East in 2007 with an office in Dubai, and founded its Saudi association with AYALA only last September. It will now be one of two international firms with dual presences in the Kingdom. “Jeddah has historically been the commercial centre – many of Saudi's largest corporations are headquartered there – and Riyadh the capital and banking hub,” said the firm’s Middle East and Asia managing partner, Crispin Rapinet (pictured). “[We’re now] well-placed to take advantage of the key economic activity in both Eastern and Western Saudi Arabia.”
Lovells’ US merger partner Hogan & Hartson also has an alliance with Saudi firm Salah Al-Hejailan, which it secured in 2004. Following the official merger in May this year, Hogan will gain Lovells’ office in Dubai, and both firms will bolster their existing presence in Abu Dhabi. Earlier on Monday (8 February), Rapinet was appointed to the new firms’ key decision making panel, the International Management Committee. He will serve a three year term overseeing the firm’s management and expansion in the Middle East and Asia.
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