The Legal 500

Within Foreign firms, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a first tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP is ‘super responsive’, and is able to advise in English, Arabic and French; it is one of only three foreign firms in the country licensed to provide Qatari legal advice. It is one of the few firms operating in Qatar that is able to structure and advise on Islamic repurchase agreements. The firm has invested in its dispute resolution capabilities, and has earned instructions in significant international arbitration and ADR work from government or state-linked entities, as well as major corporations and businesses including Qatar Petroleum and the Commercial Bank of Qatar. Financing highlights included acting for HSBC as arranger of the financing of Mannai Corporation’s acquisition of a 35% stake in Axiom Limited, and corporate deals included advising the Qatar Ministry of Finance on the first ever cash offer made for a company listed on the Qatar Exchange. Andrew Wingfield is recommended. Samer Eido joined Allen & Overy LLP.

Within Legal market overview,

Several leading international law firms are consolidating their positions in the market, although the influence of some others is waning and there are also new entrants. Allen & Overy LLP’s decision to open an office in Doha is paying dividends and the firm added a third partner on the ground when it recruited the highly regarded Samer Eido, formerly Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP’s Middle East financial markets head. In May 2011, Eversheds LLP completed a merger with law group KSLG (in association with Dhabaan & Partners), bringing into the fold four new offices to complement the firm’s existing Middle East presence, which now spans five countries. McGrigors LLP - QFC Branch opened its doors in Doha in March 2011.