Energy-focused law firm Vinson & Elkins has become the latest law firm to shutter its Abu Dhabi office as falling oil prices take their toll on the emirate’s legal industry.
Following a strategic review, the Texas-headquartered firm’s management committee voted to consolidate the firm’s Middle East practice to its two offices in Dubai and Riyadh, and close the Abu Dhabi office, which had been operational since 2007.
As part of the transition, energy and projects partner Rob Patterson and other personnel will relocate to Dubai. “The Middle East remains a key part of our international practice, and we expect this consolidation will have minimal impact on our ability to serve clients in the region,” said V&E chairman Mark Kelly in a statement.
V&E’s closure in Abu Dhabi comes on the heels of Simmons & Simmons’ exit from the region. In February, Simmons also relocated its partners to its Dubai office as part of the consolidation.
