Baker Botts appoints Shadi Haroon to lead Middle East global projects practice

Baker Botts L.L.P has appointed Partner Shadi Haroon as chair of its global projects department in the Middle East. This strategic leadership role reflects both Haroon’s outstanding track record and the firm’s success growing its offering in the Middle East.

Operating in association with the Law Office of Mohanned bin Saud Al-Rasheed, Haroon has been a key figure in Baker Botts’ Middle East practice for the last 19 years. His elevation comes at a pivotal time, as Saudi Arabia’s ambitious development agenda and expanding energy and infrastructure sectors continue to attract global attention and reflects the firm’s expansion in the Riyadh office.

Haroon’s practice spans corporate structuring, equity offerings, M&A, and complex cross-border transactions and projects. He advises leading Saudi and international companies across diverse industries including financial services, telecommunications, defense, mining, and oil & gas. His work has been instrumental in guiding clients through regulatory complexities and challenges in a fast-changing legal environment.

In recognition of his achievements, Haroon was named one of the Top 10 Most Influential Corporate Lawyers in Saudi Arabia by Business Today and a Stand-Out Lawyer by Thomson Reuters.

“Shadi’s appointment marks a significant milestone for our Global Projects practice in the Middle East,” said Danny David, Managing Partner of Baker Botts. “Shadi is a trusted advisor and a force in the region. His abilities to build enduring relationships and navigate complexity have been central to shaping our presence in Saudi Arabia and beyond. As global projects become more interconnected and capital-intensive, Shadi’s leadership will continue to be key to helping clients unlock new opportunities.”

Jason Bennett, chair of firmwide global projects, added that, “Shadi is an incredible partner and has led our Riyadh office extremely well, and we have great confidence in his ability to lead our department’s growth in the Middle East region over the next 5 years.”

Commenting on his appointment, Haroon said, “I’m honored to take on this role at such a transformative time for the region. The Middle East is at the forefront of global investment and infrastructure development, and our clients are at the heart of that momentum. I look forward to helping them navigate change, seize opportunities, and shape the next chapter of their growth.”

Haroon joined Baker Botts in 2006 and has played a central role in the firm’s growth in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East.