A&O seals Saudi alliance after former sponsor ties up with Linklaters

A&O has entered into an exclusive association in Saudi Arabia with Zeyad S Khoshaim Law Firm, which is led by Zeyad Khoshaim. Khoshaim joined A&O as a partner in 2010 from the magic circle firm’s then Saudi sponsor Abdulaziz AlGasim (4 August 2010). He is qualified to practise in Saudi Arabia and New York and will continue as an A&O partner.

A&O will second lawyers to Zeyad S Khoshaim Law Firm, including banking partner Julian Johansen and corporate partner Johannes Bruski, both of whom were already on the ground in Riyadh.

In a statement, A&O senior partner David Morley said: “Our association with Zeyad underscores A&O’s continuing commitment to Saudi Arabia. Zeyad’s practice is strategically aligned with A&O’s and we trust that our association with him will enable us to better serve our global and regional clients.

“Securing an association with Zeyad and his team we will also provide great continuity for our clients and ensures our high standards of service will be maintained during this transition.”

Last week The Lawyer reported that Linklaters had signed a cooperation deal with Abdulaziz AlGasim (14 December 2012).

A&O and Abdulaziz AlGasim called time on their relationship in June (19 June 2012), having initially signed up to the deal for a five-year term (11 May 2007). The association with Zeyad S Khoshaim Law Firm has no fixed term.