KWM, having relaunched as a miniature, resurrected firm in the Europe and Middle East earlier this year, has now decided to shrink further by closing its operation in Saudi Arabia.

The old KWM set up shop in the sovereign state in 2014, by forming an exclusive association with a Riyadh firm run by Majed Almarshad, with the unambiguous name "The Law Office of Majed Almarshad". When KWM went bust at the beginning of the year, the new KWM entity decided to keep its base in Saudi. However it seems the firm has already rethought the strategy, as it will terminate its relationship with the local firm and exit Riyadh. KWM will now service the Middle East from Dubai, its sole office in the region. It is not known whether disputes partner Tim Taylor, head of the Dubai office, will be marking the occasion by releasing another a video of him being held aloft by staff surfing in his robes, or engaging in another email dual with a fellow partner.

   An oldie, but a goodie
 

KWM's decision to consolidate in the Middle East, seems to be in line with other firm's recent strategy in the region. Herbert Smith Freehills and Clifford Chance announced in February this year that they would axe their respective offices in Qatar. And Latham & Watkins, Baker Botts, Simmons & Simmons, and Hogan Lovells have all closed offices in the Middle East in recent years.

A KWM spokeswoman said that the firm remains "committed to its Dubai office", and that the office "will continue to support clients in dispute resolution, corporate and construction matters".
Tip Off ROF

Comments

Anonymous 07 April 17 11:37

Interesting how the tables have turned. This has been on the cards from the outset and I'm surprised they funded this set up for as long as they did. Did KWM pull out of its own volition or did its local partner ask for better terms?