Patton Boggs is to launch an office in Dubai in November, becoming the second base in the Middle East for the Washington DC-based law firm.

Patton Boggs has been given a licence to practice by the Dubai International Finance Centre and it is understood the new office will operate initially from temporary space supplied by Regus.

Dallas real estate partner Raymond Termini is to relocate to Dubai to head up the new office, where he will be joined by one senior associate.

The firm, which also has an office in neighbouring Qatar, said the new branch was set up to service existing client interests in the area.

One Patton Boggs partner told Legal Week: "This is just a project office for one client – we hope down the road it develops but it is not appropriate to say what will happen."

Another partner added: "We are opening a small office but we're not going to have a big marketing campaign."

Patton Boggs became the first US firm to open in Qatar when it made its local debut in 2003, citing long-standing work for the Qatari Government as a prime driver behind the move.

The move comes after Legal Week revealed today (12 October) that top 40 UK firm LG has also launched a Dubai office, only its second outpost beyond its domestic market.