Baker Botts has moved its Riyadh branch to larger facilities in Laysen Valley, marking the 25th anniversary of the firm’s operations in Saudi Arabia. This relocation follows sustained investment in the region, with the Riyadh staff expanding to include 22 lawyers and business professionals since 2025.
Office Relocation and Growth
The firm opened its first Middle East office in Riyadh in 2001 and specializes in energy, life sciences, and technology matters. The expanded office features modern facilities and technology intended to support client service and collaboration as the firm continues to develop its Saudi practice.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic markets in the world, and the scale of opportunity here is extraordinary,” said Danny David, managing partner of Baker Botts. “This move is more than an office relocation. It reinforces our commitment to the Kingdom, rooted in the legacy of Secretary Baker and carried forward by generations of Baker Botts colleagues,” he added.
Former US secretary of state and Baker Botts senior partner James A. Baker III, whose longstanding relationships with Saudi Arabia helped establish the foundations of the firm’s presence in the country, said the new office reflects long-term partnership commitments and confidence in the Kingdom’s future. In remarks, Joza Al Rasheed, partner in charge of the Riyadh office, attributed the expansion to strong client relationships and the firm’s sustained dedication to Saudi Arabia.
Expansion of Services and Future Plans
“Over the past 18 months, we have expanded our team and strengthened our capabilities across M&A, projects, energy and LNG, banking and Islamic finance, sports and media,” Al Rasheed said. “We are seeing a market that is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with significant opportunities for investment and international collaboration.” She identified deep Saudi market knowledge combined with global reach and specialist expertise as a key differentiator.
Looking ahead, the firm intends to invest in local and international talent, expand its energy, finance, and corporate transactions capabilities, and grow its dispute resolution practice.
“Our legacy in the Kingdom gives us a powerful foundation, but it also creates a responsibility to keep raising the bar,” Al Rasheed said. “We are investing for the future, strengthening our offering, and positioning ourselves to support the Kingdom’s most significant and complex matters.” The relocation aligns with a broader trend of law firms expanding in Riyadh as they strengthen their regional presence.
Greenberg Traurig also recently relocated its Riyadh office and regional headquarters to Kingdom Centre, occupying the 56th floor, as reported in August.