Ghazzawi Professional Association (GPA) is planning a faculty of law in Saudi Arabia, according to Dr. Belal T. Al- Ghazzawi, managing partner, GPA, Attorneys at Law. “It will be more for master's and PhDs and areas of specializations in law rather than general graduation – more than just an L.L.M.,” Al-Ghazzawi told Saudi Gazette following the official announcement of the partnership with Herbert Smith, the London-based law firm, at Laylaty Hall here on Tuesday night. “We have Jeddah in mind and we are waiting to see what kind of assistance we can get from an international well-known university,” he said, and added that there is also a plan to train Saudis in the legal profession. About the partnership with Herbert Smith, Al-Ghazzawi said that it was concluded some time ago, and explained, “We were working on getting to know each better before making an official announcement to the clients and the local business people.” Besides clients, and the elite in the profession in the Kingdom, the guests included Herbert Smith partners from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, Paris, Moscow, and Tokyo, and representatives from Gleis of Germany, and Stibbe of the Netherlands. Dr. Talal Amin Ghazzawi, founder and chairman of GPA, welcomed the guests to the “special event that brings together two of the leading law firms in the Middle East and the world to provide seamless and comprehensive legal services to local and international clients taking advantage of the huge networks of offices in Saudi Arabia and throughout the world.” He said that GPA and Herbert Smith know each other well, having worked together on a regular basis. “Our formal association allows us to offer clients a combined international and local law service in the Middle East and North Africa,” he added. He said that GPA, based in Saudi Arabia, is a full service firm with a strong international profile, and Herbert Smith is a leading and full service international legal practice with a 1,300 lawyer network across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It has seven partners and more than 50 lawyers based in offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and on secondment to GPA's offices in Jeddah and Dammam. GPA recently advised Grand Real Estate and National Bank of Dubai in relation to a SR12-billion mixed use of development project in Makkah. Richard Fleck, global relationship partner, Herbert Smith, said it was a privilege to have the opportunity to form an association with GPA. “Both have had continuous and firm standing and reputation with a staff that is among the top in the profession,” he said. Fleck said that the firm that Talal Ghazzawi formed 40 years ago is a remarkable achievement, and is the only law firm to have offices in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam – all well-established and highly regarded. “The achievement is also even more remarkable because his two sons Belal and Hussam are also lawyers highly regarded and partners in the firm,” he said. He said that Herbert Smith attaches great importance to working for and with businesses in the Kingdom. “Saudi Arabia is a vitally important country and has huge significance for world economy. This association, in my eyes, and the firm's eyes, is a partnership where we are trying to work together for mutual benefits of both firms, and not for our individual self interests,” Fleck stressed. Bertrand Besancenot, French Ambassador to the Kingdom, said it was a joyous occasion to witness two world renowned law firms joining hands. “GPA has served the Kingdom and the business community by providing help and advice in legal services. Herbert Smith has offices all over the world, including France. This association will not only help the business community in the world in terms of getting access to the Kingdom, in order to explore business opportunities, but also effectively strengthen Saudi-French trade and business relations,” he added. Kate Rudd, British Consul General in Jeddah, and also director, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), said Herbert Smith has a proven track record of doing business in the Saudi market, and have been involved in a large number of high-profile transactions in Saudi Arabia, including advising Sumitomo Chemical on its $9.8 billion joint venture with Saudi Aramco to develop the Rabigh refinery and petrochemical plant. “GPA is one of the largest and oldest law firms in Saudi Arabia, with a broad base of international and domestic clients throughout the Middle East and North Africa region,” she said. Rudd said that both law firms know each other well, but the UKTI-sponsored mission in February 2008 helped the two parties form the association in April 2008. Neil J. Brimson, Herbert Smith managing partner, said that while not immune from the worldwide economic turmoil, the combination of Saudi Arabia's enormous wealth and the commitment of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to continue the impressive and far-reaching program of investment throughout the country means that Saudi Arabia offers unparalleled opportunities for non-Saudi companies. “The association of the two established and well-recognized firms will offer quality legal advice in relation to specific investments, and a wide range of legal services,” he stressed.
