Herbert Smith gains foothold in Saudi with Al Ghazzawi alliance

Herbert Smith has set up an exclusive association with Saudi Arabian firm Al Ghazzawi ;Professional Association (GPA), as first revealed on www.thelawyer. com (8 April).

Thirty-lawyer firm GPA has offices in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, and the tie-up will enable Herbert Smith to offer international and local law advice in the region.

Herbert Smith Middle East head Neil Brimson said: "We're fortunate to have secured an association in the crucially important Saudi market with a law firm of the standing of GPA, whose deep understanding of the Kingdom's expanding business sector and marked international outlook make them a good fit with Herbert Smith."

GPA was established in 1969 by Talal Amin Al Ghazzawi, who currently serves as chairman of the firm.

Al Ghazzawi said: "Given the tremendous expansion of the Saudi economy and the welcome influx of foreign companies, we thought it important to link up our local expertise with the international capability of a firm like Herbert Smith."

Herbert Smith has had its sights set on the high-growth Middle East region for some time. The firm opened in Dubai last year with the hire of Norton Rose finance partners Nadim Khan and Zubair Mir.

It has since bulked up there, relocating a number of lawyers from throughout its network, and is on the verge of opening in Abu Dhabi.