Shearman & Sterling's London managing partner Nicholas Buckworth has taken on an expanded role as head of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as the firm eyes up expansion in the region.

Buckworth (pictured), who is replacing New York-based corporate partner Creighton Condon in the MENA role, will now split his time between the London office and Abu Dhabi – currently the US firm's sole base in the region.

His remit will include developing the firm's existing Middle East and North Africa client base, as well as exploring opportunities for further growth in the region.

On the agenda is a tie-up with a Saudi Arabian firm, which is required under local Bar rules in order to operate a legal practice on the ground. The firm is also considering office launches in Qatar and Dubai.

Shearman has also appointed a deputy managing partner for the region, with Abu Dhabi-based James Comyn supporting Buckworth in the role. The duo will work closely with Abu Dhabi managing partner Phillip Dundas.

Buckworth commented: "As a projects lawyer and London managing partner, there is a lot of overlap between my practice and the MENA region. I have been appointed with a remit to oversee and expand the client base, as well as executing the firm's expansion plans in the region."

Shearman has worked on several large projects in the region, including advising Dow Chemical on a $20bn (£12.3bn) joint venture with Saudi Arabia's Aramco to build a petrochemical complex in the Saudi city of Jubail, with Buckworth heading up the firm's team.

The US firm's London office recently posted a 5% increase in revenues for 2011, with fee income rising to $109.2m (£69.2m).