DLA Piper strikes up new partnerships in Middle East, Africa

DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary has embarked on two alliances as its continues to expand in the Middle East and Africa.

The firm has entered into an affiliation agreement with Saudi Arabian lawyer Abdulaziz H Al-Fahad, who is based in Riyadh. Al-Fahad has practised law in Saudi Arabia for 20 years and is recognised for his expertise in litigation, privatisation, securities offerings and project finance.

DLA Piper has also hired two Saudi-based lawyers from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. Tom Travers, an English and Hong Kong-qualified lawyer focusing on finance and litigation, joins the firm as a partner. Chadi Hourani is a US-qualified lawyer specialising in banking and securities law.

The alliance will be a boost to DLA Piper's new Dubai office, which opened for business in January.

International development partner David Church said: "We have a new office in Dubai, but client demand and the levels of foreign investment in Saudi Arabia make our affiliation with Al-Fahad an important step."

DLA Piper has also scooped its third African ally in the form of Zambia's Chibesakunda & Co. Mwelwa Chibesakunda, who will lead Chibesakunda & Co, is a former partner and head of banking at Corpus Globe. He has also worked for the Zambia Ministry of Justice and his practice areas includes banking and M&A. Supporting Chibesakunda at his new firm will be two associates and two other fee earners.

DLA Piper's other alliances comprise DLA Matouk Bassiouny in Egypt and South African law firm Cliffe Dekker.