Freshfields launches standalone Saudi office under new rules

Freshfields has established its own office in Saudi Arabia, ending a 16‑year association with the Law Firm of Salah Al‑Hejailan (LFSH) as the Kingdom’s legal market continues to open up to foreign firms.

The firm has operated in Saudi Arabia since 2009 through its tie‑up with LFSH, but was granted a licence by the Ministry of Justice last year to set up a majority‑owned practice. The move follows landmark 2023 reforms allowing foreign law firms to operate locally without a Saudi partner, provided at least 70% of lawyers are Saudi nationals and two partners are resident in the country.

Freshfields’ new Riyadh base will be led by partners Fares Al‑Hejailan and Amani Khalifa and will continue the firm's existing client service offering. LFSH will remain part of Freshfields’ "Stronger Together" network of more than 300 firms worldwide.

Riyadh complements the firm’s regional offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. The firm has been active in the Middle East for four decades and now has more than 50 lawyers on the ground across the region.

Bigger picture

Freshfields joins a wave of City firms doubling down on Saudi Arabia under the new rules. Just this year, Simmons & Simmons opened in Riyadh in June, Bird & Bird announced plans to open in May, Pinsent Masons launched in March, and BCLP unveiled plans for offices in both Riyadh and Al‑Khobar in February.

What they said

Regional managing partner Sami Tannous said: "We’re pleased to enter into an agreement to maintain our long-standing relationship with LFSH.

"Our Saudi Arabia and Middle East operations continue to be a core focus for the firm, with the Kingdom established as one of the most dynamic markets across the world, particularly in and around sustainable development projects - a growing priority for the region. We look forward to delivering ongoing market-leading service to our clients."