Simmons & Simmons Expands Presence in Middle East with New Office in Saudi Arabia

Simmons & Simmons Expands Presence in Middle East with New Office in Saudi Arabia

Seeking to capitalise on the burgeoning legal market in Saudi Arabia, global law firm Simmons & Simmons has unveiled plans to launch an office in Riyadh. This strategic expansion underscores the kingdom's rising importance as a hub for international business and legal services.

Having built his own firm and previously served as a partner at DLA Piper in Riyadh, veteran Saudi lawyer Amer Al Amr has been tapped to lead Simmons & Simmons' new office in the city, marking the UK firm's third Middle Eastern base.

Subject to regulatory approval, Simmons & Simmons' planned The Riyadh office launch is set to significantly enhance the firm's service offerings in the region across its core sectors: asset management and investment funds, financial institutions, healthcare and life sciences, and technology, media, and telecommunications.

Managing partner Jeremy Hoyland described the Riyadh launch as a "pivotal moment" for Simmons' Middle East practice, poised to significantly reshape its regional presence.

“Saudi Arabia is an engine for growth in the region and its economic ambitions are closely aligned with the firm’s sectors and our clients’ focus. We already have a record of working with clients on their KSA inbound and outbound business, which we will now be able to take to the next level. We look forward to working with new partner Amer Al Amr and building our presence in the region,” Hoyland said.

According to the firm, Niall Clancy, a disputes partner, will be relocating from Simmons’ Doha office to support Al Amr in the new office. Another partner and a team of associates, trainees, and business services professionals will also be joining them.

Al Amr has over 20 years of legal experience and will be bringing his expertise to his new firm. He has worked on a variety of litigation and arbitration cases in the kingdom, including insurance and reinsurance matters. Additionally, he advises clients on corporate and commercial matters such as IPOs, joint ventures, acquisitions, foreign investment, company incorporation, and services and distribution contracts.

“It’s a privilege to be leading Simmons’ new office in Riyadh. This is a breakthrough moment for the firm and one that will strengthen its capabilities across the Middle East. I am confident that my team’s local expertise, combined with Simmons’ international reputation, will enable us to capitalise on the opportunities that lie ahead,” Al Amr stated.

Simmons & Simmons’ decision to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia is a result of the recent amendments to the kingdom’s Code of Law Practice. These amendments, which came into effect last year, require foreign law firms to obtain a license from the Saudi Ministry of Justice to operate in the country, instead of operating through an association with a local firm.