Charles Russell has made its long-awaited debut in the Middle East with the top 50
London firm this week unveiling its new office in
Bahrain.
The firm, which launched its first international office in Geneva last year, has recruited the ex-head of Norton Rose’s Bahrain office, Carol Roberts, to head the new office, which opened for business last week.
Roberts, who specialises in Middle East project finance, joined Charles Russell as senior counsel this summer to oversee the launch of the new branch, which will focus on corporate and private client work.
Prior to joining the London firm, Roberts ran her own legal consultancy in Saudi Arabia. She was also previously a partner at Norton Rose, heading the City firm’s local office between 2002 and 2005.
The news comes as Denton Wilde Sapte announces it is set to continue its own expansion in the Middle East with the launch of an office in Qatar. The new venture was given the go-ahead last week (4 September) after a partnership vote.
The latest launch comes after Dentons secured a Saudi Arabian base in June by setting up an alliance with Riyadh-based practice Wael Abdulrahman Alissa.
However, Dentons has also suffered recent departures in the region, including Dubai-based global Islamic finance head Rahail Ali, who quit the firm in May to launch a local practice for Lovells.
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