DLA Piper extends Middle East footprint with official launch of Oman office

The move enables DLA Piper to further service its national, regional and global clients in Oman.

The office will extend DLA Piper's capabilities in Oman to expand on the 12 years of legal practice by international practitioners Robert Gruendel and Bruce Mullins and will focus on sectors including: infrastructure; projects and finance; construction; banking; corporate; real estate; telecommunications and technology; media and entertainment; and regulatory.

Members of DLA Piper's Global Board present at the official launch included Joint CEO Sir Nigel Knowles, who was recently knighted in HM The Queen's New Years Honours 2009 for services to the legal profession, The Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean, Former UK Minister for the Middle East and Senior International Advisor to DLA Piper, Former US Defense Secretary, William Cohen, who is Senior Adviser to DLA Piper,and David Church, Regional Managing Partner for the Middle East at DLA Piper.

"The policies of HM Sultan Qaboos have created a prosperous, modern, outward-looking nation for the 21st century. The opening of DLA Piper Oman, with its legal expertise, global knowledge and in-depth sector specialisation, will further extend our global services in Oman to ensure that we continue to play a prominent role in the strategic development of Oman and its business environment. By providing full service, multi-disciplined expertise DLA Piper Oman will enable clients to achieve the vision of the Sultanate's government."

said Bruce Mullins, Oman Managing Partner.

The Oman practice is already well established with the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and its investment entities. Managing Partner, Bruce Mullins has more than 12 years' experience in the country and long-term dealings with all the major ministries, senior government officials and private sector CEO's on strategic national and international deals. In cooperation with New York-based Robert Gruendel, Co-Chair of the Global Energy Sector, Bruce has played a key role in Oman's major development projects.

"The opening of DLA Piper's office in Oman builds on long-standing government relations and reflects our commitment to the Sultanate," commented David Church, Regional Managing Partner, Middle East. "We believe that Oman offers a sound opportunity for further growth in the region with its diversifying economy, ample reserves, high domestic demand and strong programmes of infrastructure, and development projects drawing investment both regionally and globally. We look forward to providing legal counsel that will continue to support the ongoing needs of Oman's growing economy."

DLA Piper already has a leading legal practice comprising over 150 lawyers across the Arabian Gulf, which includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Kuwait. The Oman office reinforces DLA Piper's commitment to the Middle East and in line with its full service offering will provide businesses and ministries with legal advice across a range of disciplines.