The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, tier 5

Baker Botts L.L.P.’s presence is very much in the project finance domain. Over the years it has advised Saudi Electric Company on the development and financing of a series of independent power plants. Saudi Arabia remains its most active jurisdiction.

Within Corporate and M&A, tier 5

Baker Botts L.L.P.’s record in the energy sector and in Saudi Arabia especially speaks for itself. Head of the corporate practice, Stephen Matthews had a seven-year stint in Riyadh, before moving to Dubai. Although much of the firm’s work relates to energy, it is becoming more involved in transactions relating to the real estate sector. David Emmons’ transfer from Dallas to Dubai in 2007 has also enhanced the firm’s corporate credentials. Clients include Saudi Electric Company, Cisco Systems and Noble Corporation.

Within Projects and energy, Baker Botts LLP is a third tier firm,

Baker Botts L.L.P. is recommended for its ‘ good understanding of Middle East issues’, its ‘ commercial’ approach, and its excellent negotiation and drafting skills. It has enhanced its presence in the Middle East through key hires such as Sean Korney and Nigel Thompson in recent years, and the transfer of David Emmons from the firm’s Dallas office. Much of its work relates to Saudi Arabia, including advice to Saudi Electricity Company on its IPP programme, an example of its increasing exposure to the power sector. The firm’s status is at its highest in the oil and gas sector (including LNG), where ‘ excellent counsel’ Sean Korney has developed the firm’s standing throughout the region and beyond.