Biglaw

Revolutionary Changes Ahead for Saudi Presence: Global Law Firms Prepare for New Rules
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

Two major global law firms have announced new plans to establish or deepen their presence in Saudi Arabia, following changes in the oil-rich kingdom’s rules governing international legal practices. Squire Patton Boggs announced on Monday that it is terminating its association with a local Riyadh law firm to open its own office and hire attorneys within the region. Meanwhile, Greenberg Traurig has announced an affiliation with the Khalid Al-Thebity Law Firm and is entering the Saudi legal market for the first time.

Greenberg Traurig, founded in Miami and did not previously have a presence in Saudi Arabia, stated that it intends to register with its Saudi partner as a joint venture within the kingdom to comply with new law firm rules. Last year, the Saudi Arabian government announced plans to allow law firms to operate independently within the country, removing the previous requirement that they work through affiliated Saudi law offices. These associations will no longer be allowed once the new rules come into effect later this year.

Squire Patton Boggs announced that it had given notice that it planned to terminate its affiliation with Khalid Al-Thebity Law Firm in November 2022. This is part of an effort to “position itself for maximum growth in Saudi Arabia over the coming years under the new legal, regulatory structure there,” according to the firm’s chair and global CEO, Mark Ruehlmann. He stated that Squire Patton Boggs is committed to being in the kingdom and becoming “the ‘go-to’ firm in Saudi Arabia for years to come.”

  
What
Where


Greenberg Traurig’s executive chairman, Richard Rosenbaum, said in a statement that the new Saudi guidelines allow global law firms to have a “genuine presence” within the country. He said the partnership with the Khalid law firm and its existing regional contacts “will allow us to make a material impact from day one.”

Let us help you navigate the legal job market – submit your resume to BCG Attorney Search today.

Earlier this month, three other global law firms, Latham & Watkins, Clifford Chance, and Herbert Smith Freehills, announced they were among the first to obtain a license from the Saudi Ministry of Justice to practice independently within the country.

Get JD Journal in Your Mail

Subscribe to our FREE daily news alerts and get the latest updates on the most happening events in the legal, business, and celebrity world. You also get your daily dose of humor and entertainment!!




However, Saudi work was a divisive issue for some law firms with a US presence, with some cutting ties with the kingdom after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. That year, a CIA assessment found Saudi Arabia responsible for Khashoggi’s killing. Squire Patton Boggs did not comment on Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, and Greenberg Traurig did not respond to a request for comment.

These moves by international law firms are set to help reshape the legal market in Saudi Arabia, with the country’s government hoping to attract more international investment and support for its Vision 2030 plan, which aims to reduce the country’s reliance on oil and diversify its economy. The opening up of the legal sector is part of a broader effort to modernize and liberalize the country, with other reforms including the relaxation of social restrictions and the promotion of tourism.





 

RELEVANT JOBS

Associate Attorney

USA-PA-Exton

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY McKenna Snyder LLC, a law firm in Exton, PA has an immediate opening for an ex...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Sturgis

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Coldwater

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Deputy General Counsel / Senior Deputy General Counsel

USA-CA-Sacramento

Cal Cities Culture and Mission Cal Cities is dedicated to creating a collaborative and inclusive ...

Apply now

BCG FEATURED JOB

Locations:

Keyword:



Search Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with ...

Apply Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-Carlsbad

Carlsbad office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with 4-...

Apply Now

Education Law and Public Entity Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law and public ent...

Apply Now

Most Popular

SEARCH IN ARCHIVE

To Top