In an evolving legal market in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, seats at the biggest law firms are prepared for top legal talent looking to advance their careers in the Middle East.
With Saudi Arabia’s New Companies Law of 2022, which allows international law firms to operate in the Kingdom without entering local partnerships, the stage is set for more firms to establish a foothold in the rapidly developing region. There is a long list of opportunities that accompany Saudi Arabia’s development plans, which means massive growth potential for top legal professionals, especially for Saudi nationals, as law firms compete to secure exceptional legal talent, adhere to the requirement of at least 70% local lawyers, and bolster their practices in the Kingdom.
Similar to the Saudization initiative, the United Arab Emirates also requires a minimum number of employed Emirati nationals, depending on the total number of skilled professionals in a firm.
Visions are set, and opportunities await: how can foreign lawyers enter the rapidly evolving legal scene in the Middle East and rise through the ranks alongside homegrown talent?
Advantage of global experience
Just a year ago, on 30th of October 2023, the world’s largest international law firm by revenue, Kirkland & Ellis, announced its expansion to the Middle East, specifically the opening of its regional headquarters in Riyadh. As of writing, the firm has grown to over 20 legal professionals and is continuously expanding to ‘build the best law firm culture and brand in the Kingdom,’ as shared by Kamran Bajwa, Kirkland & Ellis’ founding partner and Middle East practice head.
Earlier this October 2024, Kirkland & Ellis promoted Husni Almousli to its partnership in Riyadh. Almousli, who joined the firm in 2022 after working at Latham & Watkins for five years, has been leading its capital solutions and financial restructuring practice in the region.
Stephenson Harwood has also recently relocated a partner from London to Dubai to strengthen its construction practice in line with the firm’s goal of developing its offering over the next five years. Ron Nobbs, with three decades of experience in the said practice area, mentioned in an article that there are “vast and hugely complex” projects in the construction market that they aim to support and advise on. Similarly, Baker Botts is responding to the growing client demands in the Middle East by relocating its global head of construction, Stuart Jordan, from London to Dubai. Having been an exceptional member of the firm since 2016, Jordan is looking to bolster the practice and expand the team in the region.
Aligning their strategies with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which includes the themes “A Vibrant Society, A Thriving Economy, and An Ambitious Nation,” international law firms are looking to grow various practice areas to meet increasing client demands across sectors. To further strengthen the practice and establish their reputation as the leading law firm for real estate, CMS will relocate Austin Judson to Riyadh in early 2025, coming from commercial law firm Walker Morris and bringing in nearly three decades of legal experience. Meanwhile, Clyde & Co, the largest international law firm in the Middle East, has welcomed back Tom Bicknell to its global financial services regulatory practice after he led the financial services practice at Pinsent Masons in the region.
These recent moves at top international law firms signify the strong position and high leverage of partners who have a wealth of expertise and diverse experience in leading law firms globally. Legal recruitment and movements are ongoing as each firm builds its strong presence in the Middle East, and we can expect to see names with extensive expertise and impressive track records attached to them. Moreover, this highlights the weight, prestige, and advantage of being a lawyer in the UK and the US when bringing a legal career to the global stage.
Local talent rising
In line with Saudization and Emiratization, law firms are competing for top local legal talent to bolster their practices in the Middle East with lawyers who can expertly navigate Islamic Law, or Sharia, as well as the local legal landscapes of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Recent lawyer moves have been seen at one of the largest international law firms, Baker McKenzie, which added Khalid Alyafi to its partnership and transactional practice group, bringing his experience from Khoshaim & Associates (K&A) and Allen & Overy (now A&O Shearman). In its UAE office, Baker McKenzie recently hired Sally Kotb, the former head of arbitration at Habib Al Mulla & Partners, and Dino Wilkinson, who now heads the firm’s Middle East data, cyber, and technology practice after coming from Clyde & Co.
Meanwhile, HFW, the only international law firm in Kuwait, continues to grow its practice as it eyes ‘significant further expansion in the Middle East and globally,’ as mentioned by Kuwait office head Rula Dajani Abuljebain in an article. HFW recently brought in Kashif Syed, who has more than 16 years of experience and a wealth of expertise from International Legal Group, DLA Piper, and Dentons.
UK firm Bird & Bird is also focusing on becoming ‘the Gulf’s leading international technology law firm,’ bringing in Nick O’Connell, who led Al Tamimi & Company’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) practice. The addition of O’Connell to the firm’s Middle East team bolsters the firm’s reputation and momentum, especially with Saudi Arabia’s tech revolution underway in line with its goal to lead the digital economy.
Lawyers’ path to Middle East partnership
Looking at the recent lawyer moves across international law firms in the Middle East, it is evident that firms are seeking legal talent who can provide unrivaled offerings to their clients, especially in the fast-growing economies of the region. Competition is tight, and firms that aim to be the top providers of legal services in certain areas require a wealth of expertise, strong local knowledge, and decades of experience from lawyers who have proven themselves to be strong contributors.
Practicing law in London provides an excellent foundation for lawyers seeking to advance their careers in the rapidly developing region of the Middle East. While the global legal career journey may be lengthy, the opportunities presented in this evolving market render the effort profoundly worthwhile. As an international legal recruitment firm, we at nrol aim to help lawyers bring their careers and expertise to the global stage by connecting them with leading firms across the Middle East, Australia, London, New York, and the Cayman Islands.
If you’re a lawyer Down Under aiming to practice at a London- or New York- based firm, our expert legal recruiters can help make your career aspirations a reality. Let us assist you in planning your career for a future relocation to the Middle East, where you can engage in complex cross-border transactions and contribute to landmark projects aligned with national visions like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Similarly, nrol is offering legal recruitment services to Saudi nationals and Emiratis looking to make a career move locally.
Get in touch with us today to discuss available opportunities and our plans to ensure your seamless transition.
