UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Duane Morris LLP opens joint law venture in Oman

Duane Morris LLP in a bid to establish presence in the Gulf region announced the opening of its first office in the Middle East through a joint venture with the Al Mashaikhi and Partners Law Firm, a multi-practice law firm in Muscat, Oman. The newly established joint venture, to be known as the Dr. Said Al Mashaikhi and Partner Law Firm, aims to be the GCC representative office of Duane Morris and significantly expands the capabilities and geographic reach of both firms. The Omani firm was founded by partner Dr. Said Al Mashaikhi, who will become co-managing director of the joint venture.

A partner Jeffrey Rodwell who formerly based in the firm’s London office, has relocated to Muscat to serve as the other co-managing director.

The firm previously expanded its global footprint with the formation in 2010 of an enhanced joint law venture with Selvam LLC in Singapore, creating Duane Morris & Selvam LLP, followed in 2011 by a strategic alliance with Mexico City firm Miranda & Estavillo.

Duane Morris also has offices in London as well as in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, in addition to its 20 U.S. locations.

“We are excited about the opportunities that our new venture with Dr. Al Mashaikhi and his colleagues opens for our clients and the firm,” said Duane Morris Chairman and CEO John Soroko. “Oman’s key location and role in international commerce, as well as an affluent population and a modern, open economy, create an abundance of business possibilities. Our two firms have been in talks for more than a year, and by formalizing our relationship as a new joint venture with Dr. Al Mashaikhi’s firm, Duane Morris greatly expands not only its transactional capabilities in Oman, but also throughout the Gulf region.”

“We are pleased to join forces with such an excellent and long-established American firm,” said Dr. Said Al Mashaikhi, founder of the Al Mashaikhi law firm. “Duane Morris has a strong presence in the United States and globally, as well as an impressive reputation for client service. We look forward to leveraging the global Duane Morris platform and working with the firm’s lawyers to expand the services we offer. We believe our mutual reputation for superb legal service will have a great impact on the business community that we will now serve together.”

The firm will coordinate its Omani involvement through its London office. The firm’s initial interest in Oman was sparked by its relationship with ICT, LLC, an influential investment banking firm with significant interests in the country.

Jeffrey Rodwell, partner, Duane Morris