Baker Botts launches in Dubai

Baker Botts LLP has opened a Dubai office to expand its Middle East and North Africa practice.

Stephen Matthews, Middle East managing partner, will move to Dubai from Riyadh, and associates Aaron Adkins, Patrick Campos and Nabil Issa will join him.

Matthews commented: "With its vibrant economy and proximity to other Middle East energy capitals, Dubai is an ideal location to base our rapidly growing Middle East practice."

Baker Botts is involved in large-scale energy infrastructure and capital markets work in the Gulf region. Chair of global projects, Stuart Schaffer, welcomed the new office from which to serve the firm’s LNG, petrochemical and electric power projects.

Walt Smith, managing partner, noted: "Dubai is a base for energy companies and financial institutions and will increase our ability to serve and expand our base of clients."

Baker Botts hopes to increase its corporate, banking, finance, telecommunications, construction and dispute resolution work as well.

As well as Dubai and Riyadh, the firm has offices in Austin, Baku, Dallas, Houston, London, Moscow, New York and Washington D.C.