Kirkland & Ellis, the world’s largest international law firm by revenue, is expanding with the opening of its first Middle East office and regional headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The move is made with the full support and facilitation of the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) program of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment (MISA) and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC). With the expansion to Riyadh, Kirkland has 20 offices around the world.
HE Khalid Al Falih Saudi Minister of Investment
“Saudi Arabia presents some of the most compelling investment opportunities anywhere in the world. The opening of the Kirkland & Ellis Middle East headquarters in Riyadh reflects the importance leading international businesses attach to the Kingdom and the dramatically increased demand for global best-practice legal services in support of their investment goals. We welcome Kirkland & Ellis and all leading global firms to Saudi Arabia and look forward to the contribution they will make to our diversified national growth ambitions.”
Commenting on the opening of the new regional headquarters in Riyadh, Kirkland & Ellis’ Executive Committee Chairman Mr. Jon A. Ballis said that, “Saudi Arabia is undergoing a social and economic transformation unprecedented in speed, scale and reach. Through robust government spending and high volumes of domestic and foreign direct investment, the Kingdom is attracting some of the world’s most respected businesses, many of whom are Kirkland clients.”
“Kirkland ranks number one globally in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, and restructuring legal services that are central to the emergence of a diversified Saudi economy. Our new regional headquarters in Riyadh will support international clients and a fast-growing roster of domestic Saudi clients as they navigate the vast opportunities presented by the rapidly growing economy,” Mr. Ballis added.
According to the statement, Kirkland has been granted a Foreign Law License by the Saudi Ministry of Justice to operate directly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following reform to the country’s legal licensing model.
