The board of DLA Piper has appointed Abdul Aziz Al-Yaqout as the new regional managing partner for the Middle East. Al-Yaqout will lead DLA Piper’s seven offices (see table) across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

“Although market conditions in 2009 have been very challenging in the region, we see the Middle East as having long-term strategic importance for DLA Piper…” said Sir Nigel Knowles, joint CEO at DLA Piper.

Al-Yaqout acknowledges the challenges that he faces as the new regional managing partner. “I know the market in 2009 has made life difficult for law firms following the substantial influx of lawyers in 2008. There will be a period of adjustment but I share DLA Piper’s vision for the region…” Al-Yaqout said.

Al-Yaqout, a Kuwaiti national, joined DLA Piper’s Cologne office in 2004 and was the office managing partner until he relocated to Kuwait earlier this year. Before his appointment as regional managing partner, Al-Yaqout also led the DLA Piper team in Kuwait and Bahrain in his role as office managing partner.

Al-Yaqout succeeds David Church, who was regional managing partner from 2006.

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