Herbert Smith relocates corporate partner to Riyadh

5 November, 2009

Herbert Smith announced today that it is strengthening its Middle East capability by relocating London-based corporate partner Christopher Rees to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

Chris will be based in the offices of Al-Ghazzawi Professional Association, one of the Kingdom's largest and leading law firms, with which Herbert Smith began a formal and exclusive association in early 2008. GPA also has offices in Jeddah and Dammam.

Chris will work closely with GPA to develop the practice in the all-important Riyadh market and to raise awareness of GPA's expertise across Herbert Smith's global client base. When he relocates to Riyadh in early 2010, Chris will become the firm's eleventh partner in the region.

Chris has over 30 years experience across a broad range of international transactional, advisory and contentious matters. He will work on the full range of corporate and projects matters in the Middle East and will also be the focal point for the firm's TMT work in the Gulf, as an increasing number of telecoms and IT infrastructure projects are rolled out in the region.

Herbert Smith already has a successful secondment programme with GPA, with four associates currently on long-term secondment in Saudi Arabia.

Chris commented:"This move is a good opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with GPA and build awareness in Riyadh, the capital and largest city in the Kingdom, of the combined international and domestic capability provided by GPA and Herbert Smith. Saudi clients have been encouraging me to come out to the region for a number of years. Saudi Arabia is a pivotal player on the world stage and the demand for legal services is growing significantly, both from Saudi clients and international companies and financial institutions investing in the Kingdom. Herbert Smith's association with GPA and its strong Middle East presence ideally positions us to assist."