Baker Botts continues Middle East expansion with ILG-Kuwait alliance

Through the alliance, Baker Botts and ILG will provide expanded resources to their combined client base, including access to local and international legal experience across a range of subjects, disciplines and jurisdictions.

A principal objective of the alliance is the enhanced ability of both firms to better serve foreign companies active in Kuwait and Kuwait-based companies active internationally.

"We are excited about the prospects our alliance offers and see a genuine fit between the practices and cultures of Baker Botts and ILG," said Andrew Baker, the Managing Partner of Baker Botts.

"Many of our key clients are active in Kuwait, and our arrangement with ILG will enable us to work for them more effectively," he added.

Dr. Rashid Alanezi, the Chairman of ILG, said, "We believe our alliance with Baker Botts will enable us to offer our Kuwaiti client base a breadth of experience that is superior to that otherwise available in the Kuwaiti legal market. We are delighted to be associated with the firm , and look forward to our working together on major representations across the board."

The ILG alliance adds Kuwait to well-established Baker Botts offices in the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. After 40 years in the region, the firm has built a vibrant practice with more than 25 lawyers addressing a wide spectrum of issues for clients with operations or interests in the region.

The alliance was announced at an event in Kuwait City, featuring James A. Baker, III, who was the U.S. Secretary of State when the U.S. forged a coalition of allies during the first Persian Gulf War that liberated Kuwait from an invasion and short-term occupation of the country by Iraqi armed forces. Baker is a senior partner at Baker Botts. His family has been involved in the development and management of the firm for more than 140 years.

"I hold a special place in my heart for Kuwait and the people of this wonderful country," Baker said. "And so, it is especially rewarding for me to see that the law firm my great grandfather, my grandfather, my father, my oldest son and I all have helped develop will now have representation here," Baker added.