Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP is expanding its Middle East practice, launching in Saudi Arabia with a three-partner team. The firm will be opening offices in Riyadh and Al Khobar.
“Stephenson Harwood has a long-standing presence in the Middle East, a region which is critically important for our clients and a key focus of our growth strategy,” said Eifion Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Stephenson Harwood. “We want to carve out a distinct position by leveraging our strengths as a European, Middle Eastern, and Asian firm, and our offices in the Kingdom are another step in extending our geographic footprint. Off the back of strong financial growth, this strategic investment reflects our confidence in Saudi Arabia as a market full of potential and opportunity, which we are well placed to service.”
As part of this expansion, Corporate Partner Marcus Latta will be joining the firm in Riyadh from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle. Marcus brings a wealth of experience advising clients in Saudi Arabia, having been based there since 2003. His practice includes advising various branches of government and ministries in developing new legal frameworks and regulations as the country has opened to investors and increased its competitiveness as a regional business hub. His clients also include international, regional and local entities, which he advises in relation to corporate and regulatory matters, compliance issues, joint ventures and foreign direct investments. He joins the firm in November 2025 with two associates.
He will work alongside Khurram Ali – a Partner in the firm’s Marine, Trade and Offshore practice who advises clients from Al Khobar and will spearhead the Marine, Trade and Offshore practice in the Kingdom; and Partner Tammy Samuel, a commercial and regulatory transport and infrastructure expert who becomes the firm’s Head of Saudi Arabia.
“With one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Saudi Arabia is attracting substantial interest and investment,” said Tammy Samuel. “Having a presence in the country is a natural next step in the development of our Middle East practice and enhances the support we can provide to regional and international clients investing there. The opportunities in Saudi Arabia align closely with our sector focus, so it’s a natural fit. Initially, we will support clients with transport, marine, energy and infrastructure, construction, litigation, private wealth and finance advice (both conventional and Islamic).”
The Middle East has long been an integral part of Stephenson Harwood’s global network. With decades of experience in the region, the firm’s lawyers regularly advise on high-profile, cross-border transactions and cases that demand both deep local insight and international expertise. This has resulted in significant growth in the firm’s practice there, where we have more than doubled revenue and partner headcount in the last five years.
