Lebanon's largest firm joins CMS alliance

The CMS alliance has bolstered its Middle East presence by launching an association agreement with The Levant Lawyers, the largest law firm in Lebanon.

Levant is headquartered in Beirut and has offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait.

Although Levant will not take on the CMS brand, it will enjoy many of the benefits associated with the alliance, including work referrals, staff exchanges and combined marketing campaigns.

CMS executive partner Robert Derry-Evans said: "While our centre of gravity remains firmly in Europe, we view this cooperation with Levant as an important step in capitalising on our existing work in the region and a chance to develop new and exciting opportunities together."

The CMS network will focus initially on expanding into the corporate transactions, energy, project finance and asset finance sectors in the region.

UK-based CMS Cameron McKenna partner Bob Palmer said: "There are significant opportunities for the further development of our business in the Middle East region, as well as opportunities to take advantage of the very significant Middle East funds into the UK and Europe."

Levant has 50 lawyers working across its offices.

Chairman Emile Kanaan said: "We're very pleased to be able to enter into this cooperation with CMS. We will be able to offer our clients access to around 2,500 lawyers and to the most extensive network of law firms in Europe."

The association agreement comes into force today (17 March).