Addleshaw Goddard, a London-based international law firm offering a full range of commercial legal services, has announced plans to expand its footprint in the Middle East region with its new office in Oman.

This investment builds on the successful launch of Addleshaw Goddard’s Dubai office in September last year and is part of the firm’s strategy to increase its client offering in another growth market.

The firm’s second offering in the Gulf region will be led by Roger Byrne, Trowers & Hamlins' former head of Banking & Project Finance in Oman, and Charles Schofield, former head of Corporate, from the same office.

Addleshaw Goddard has joined hands with Nasser Al Habsi, a corporate law specialist and former colleague of Roger and Charles from Trowers & Hamlins in Muscat, for the new venture.

The new office is expected to formally open for business in February.

Commenting on the foray, Paul Devitt, Addleshaw Goddard's managing partner, said: "We are excited by the potential of a broader proposition in the Middle East generally, and Oman specifically. There is great potential for our services in Oman and we are delighted that Roger and Charles are joining our association with Nasser Al Habsi."

"Our plans include the full and active participation of Omani lawyers at all levels to bring the best solution of local expertise and international experience to existing and future clients," he stated.

“Roger, Charles and Nasser are very well respected in their specialist fields and their experience, combined with our growing reputation in Dubai, will provide us with a strong foothold in a strategically important and growing market,” he added.

Roger Byrne specialises in banking, finance and project finance law, and has worked in the region since 2008; Charles Schofield specialises in corporate and projects law and moved to Oman in 2005.

The appointments will broaden Addleshaw Goddard’s service lines internationally beyond the current core areas of international arbitration and construction - creating more opportunities for cross-referral work and greater collaboration between the firm's UK and overseas offices.-TradeArabia News Service