Simmons cites market turbulence as it trims Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Readers' comments (22)

• Anonymous | 24-Jan-2012 6:23 pm

  As a regular user of some of the "established" international firms' associated offices in Saudi, I must say that I have been very disappointed on a regular basis. Poor quality, often contradictory advice, lack of responsiveness, lack of commerciality and general complacency. If Simmons provide their usual high quality advice and service in Saudi, they will do very well.

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• The Septic Skeptic | 25-Jan-2012 3:49 pm

  @anonymous 6.23pm
  What a strange comment. The whole point being made above is that Simmons has no presence in Saudi Arabia and therefore can hardly "provide their usual high quality advice and service" in Saudi Arabia.
  Based on what you have said, I very much doubt that you are a regular user of the established big boys in Saudi Arabia and suggest that you actually try one before you get too excited by Saudi law advice given by someone who doesn't live in Saudi Arabia, have daily dealings with Saudi law, or have up to date contacts inside the Kingdom.
  Thanks for playing.

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• Anonymous | 25-Jan-2012 4:46 pm

  Anonymous | 24-Jan-2012 5:59 pm - you can try hard, but they will still not pay you a bonus this year...

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• Anonymous | 27-Jan-2012 10:34 am

  I am in the legal recruitment space and I know a lot of firms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have quietly been reducing head count recently. Some firms are just more transparent on this than others. The only firms still recruiting are some of the speculative US firms who are newer to the market. Some of the US firms who have been here for longer are also managing people out as they realise the business is not there in certain areas and there is more competition from established firms than they anticipated.

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• Anonymous | 27-Jan-2012 10:50 am

  The markets are so unpredictable that firms need to keep their strategies and related resourcing under constant review. Those firms that remain focused locally and work their international networks more effectively and seamlessly across borders, can quickly align their resourcing to support market demand. Those that are complacent and don't take decisive action now to ensure they are focused and aligned may well struggle in the months and years ahead.

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• Anonymous | 27-Jan-2012 11:35 am

  I am also a regular user of Saudi firms and can confirm that big does not always mean best. There is a huge disparity in the quality, commerciality and responsiveness of the advice we have received over the years from the so called "big boys". There is definitely room for improvement and competition in this market and some high quality alternatives would help.

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• Anonymous | 27-Jan-2012 11:41 am

  I agree with the above comment. For too long the "big boys" have relied on their size and mothership's brand, rather than their own quality. However, times are changing and the clients, even the local ones, are wizening up.

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• The Septic Skeptic | 8-Feb-2012 7:00 am

  What fantasy land are you living in?
  
  The "big boys" in Saudi continue to lead the legal market by a long way. If times are changing then which firms are taking major work off Clifford Chance, Baker & McKenzie, Allen & Overy and White & Case.
  
  Please do give some specific instances and names and don't tell me Simmons & Simmons because they just are not a player in this market.

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• The Septic Skeptic | 21-Feb-2012 10:13 am

  I am overwhelmed at the response to my last post.

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• Anonymous | 22-Feb-2012 10:07 am

  I am not in disagreement, but I will play along for your usual repartee. What about Norton Rose, Dentons, Clydes, Trowers, Eversheds, Fulbrights, Vinsons, Dewey, Freshfields, Baker Botts, Jones Day, King & Spalding? There is no shortage of firms with offices/associations in Saudi.

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