Stephenson Harwood expands into Saudi Arabia with new offices
London-based Stephenson Harwood has established operations in Saudi Arabia through new locations in Riyadh and Al Khobar, joining a wave of foreign legal practices entering the kingdom. The firm recruited German corporate attorney Marcus Latta from Curtis Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle to lead alongside two other partners. Latta brings over two decades of experience counseling Saudi clients on regulatory matters, joint ventures and foreign investment since 2003.
Shipping specialist Khurram Ali will manage the Al Khobar branch while Tammy Samuel, a transport and logistics partner since 2013, assumes leadership duties while dividing time between London and the kingdom. The offices will concentrate on marine, energy, infrastructure and construction work, plus conventional and Islamic finance advisory services and dispute resolution.
Chief executive Eifion Morris described the Middle East as vital for client interests and future expansion plans. The move follows solid financial performance announced in June, when the firm reported revenues exceeding 300 million pounds and profit per equity partner surpassing one million pounds. Recent arrivals in Dubai included promoted partners Jordan Ellis and Toufic Safie in May, along with Iwan Walters from EY and Ryan Whelan from Akin Gump. Other British firms recently opened Saudi offices, with Reed Smith launching in Riyadh earlier this month while BCLP added two locations in February.
