Joza _AlRasheed

Herbert Smith Freehills launches its Riyadh office  

International law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has successfully established its presence in Riyadh, being one of the first global law firms to receive a license for operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

The newly launched office will initially focus on key practice areas such as energy, infrastructure, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), projects, and project & structured finance. With a dedicated team of professionals, including two partners and a managing partner, the firm aims to provide top-notch legal advice and support to both Saudi and international clients operating in the Saudi market. 

The managing partner of the Riyadh office, Joza AlRasheed, brings extensive expertise as a corporate lawyer, specializing in advising governments, private entities, and public bodies on domestic and international M&A transactions, joint ventures, regulatory compliance, and structuring. Her proficiency spans across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, mining, metals, construction, and engineering. AlRasheed is well-versed in high-profile M&A deals in the energy transition, including renewable energy, power, hydrogen, green ammonia, and upstream and downstream projects. She also holds significant experience in advising on innovative and market-leading solutions for Saudi government projects. 

Joza AlRasheed, managing partner of the firm’s Riyadh office, commented:  

“Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and our Riyadh office provides us with the ideal platform to continue to service key Saudi, regional and international clients. We look forward to delivering through our Riyadh offering the top-quality legal services that our existing and future clients require in the Kingdom. I look forward to working closely with Alexander, Phil, the Riyadh team and our Middle East and international practices to provide bespoke support to our clients on their significant and innovative mandates both locally and internationally.”   

Joining AlRasheed are two partners, Alexander Currie (pictured left) and Phil Hanson (pictured right), further strengthening the firm’s capabilities in energy, infrastructure, and projects. 

Alexander Currie_Phil Hanson
Alexander Currie and Phil Hanson

Alexander Currie, an accomplished energy and infrastructure lawyer with over 25 years of experience, will contribute his extensive knowledge in project development, project financing, and the acquisition and divestment of energy and natural resource assets. His expertise encompasses diverse sectors such as oil and gas, energy transition, power, natural resources, and infrastructure across multiple jurisdictions. Currie has garnered significant international experience, having worked extensively in London, the Middle East, Moscow, and Sydney. 

Phil Hanson, a seasoned projects and project finance lawyer, specializes in advising sponsors, lenders, and procurers on international project finance and projects. With over a decade of experience working on Saudi Arabian and Middle East projects, Hanson’s focus lies in the energy and infrastructure sectors, particularly in power, water and wastewater, social infrastructure, and transportation. He has played a crucial role in some of the region’s most prominent projects in recent years.  

Stuart Paterson, the firm’s managing partner of the Middle East region, commented:   

“The opening of our Riyadh office is a milestone for our Middle East practice and the firm. It charts a new chapter in the exceptional growth of our leading practices across EMEA. Our Middle East strategy is focused on investing in the firm’s energy, infrastructure and natural resources offering. This includes a commitment to enhance our Corporate and Project Finance capabilities to complement our thriving Projects practice. We look forward to expanding the Riyadh team and continuing to build our presence in the region.” 

suzan.taha@lcpublishinggroup.it

SHARE