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CMS strengthens Middle East Corporate and Tech offering with new partner hire in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

16 July 2019

Feras Al Shawaf Law Firm in association with CMS is pleased to announce the appointment of Karim Fawaz, who joins the firm as a partner to be based out of Dubai. The appointment marks a strategic push by CMS in the Middle East to further grow its sector capabilities, and adds further firepower to its budding TMT practice, which over the last year has seen significant growth. In May 2019, TMT Head Robert Flaws was appointed to partner, shortly after the appointment of TMT Senior Associate Rachel Armstrong.

Karim is a corporate and commercial specialist with a particular focus on Technology and Corporate Finance sectors. He has significant experience advising across regulatory, investments, digital transformation and fintech projects for public and private sector clients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East. Karim joins the firm from Clyde & Co, where he was a Legal Director.

John O’Connor, Co-Managing Partner of CMS Dubai, comments: "We are delighted that Karim has joined us. Karim is a highly respected practitioner and will make a fantastic addition to the team as we look to further strengthen our capabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East. The KSA economy continues to grow and diversify, with technology being a key driver of transformation. Karim’s strong track record in the Corporate and Technology space will enable us to better support local and international clients looking to grow and invest in the region.”

Feras Al Shawaf, Managing Partner of Feras Al Shawaf Law Firm in association with CMS, adds: “Karim is a very talented lawyer and his considerable experience in technology and finance transactions will be of enormous benefit to our clients."

Commenting on his appointment, Karim Fawaz comments: “One of the features that drew me to CMS was its strong sector focus, particularly in the TMT space where it is recognised as a global market leader. I look forward to working with colleagues across the region to further expand the Corporate and Technology practices, and take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the firm’s strong platform to deliver exceptional service to clients.”

CMS’ Middle East practice has made a number of strategic hires over the last year, including the appointment of Energy partner Mary Allen in Oman and Construction Disputes specialist Patrick McPherson in Dubai. In Saudi Arabia, CMS operates in association with Feras Al Shawaf Law Firm, a leading law firm headquartered in Riyadh.