Top 20 US law firm launches new Doha branch as more firms pile into Qatar market

K&L Gates has launched an office in Qatar, with Dewey & LeBoeuf's former Doha chief, Kenneth Freeling, charged with heading the base.

The firm received its licence from the Qatar Financial Centre late last month (23 August) after applying to open in March, with patent and antitrust litigation partner Freeling leading the venture.

Freeling was previously in charge of Dewey's Doha office, before joining the Washington DC office of K&L Gates in March this year.

The Doha base takes K&L Gates' global office count to 38, with the office marking the firm's second arm in the Middle East following a 
Dubai launch in 2009.

It will offer projects, energy and infrastructure, finance, technology, real estate, intellectual property and dispute resolution advice. A number of lawyers are expected to relocate from Dubai to staff the office, with the firm also planning to make lateral hires.

Freeling said: "I have been practising in Doha for more than three years and have no doubt that K&L Gates is the ideal platform for Doha's growing and dynamic economy. [The firm] uniquely suits the broader needs of 
our Qatari clients in Doha, as well as our multinational clients doing business there."

Global chairman and managing partner Peter Kalis added: "The firm is formally entering an exciting and increasingly diverse legal marketplace which reflects Qatar's admirable commitment to develop an advanced and diversified economy on the strength of its energy endowments."

Growing numbers of firms have been targeting Qatar in recent months.

Herbert Smith announced its intention to open in Doha last month, while Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy both announced their plans earlier this year. Baker & McKenzie confirmed plans to launch in Qatar in May this year.