Rupert Harper

U.S. firm Covington & Burling has hired Clifford Chance corporate partner Rupert Harper as part of an extended push to expand in the Middle East.

Harper joins Covington's Dubai base after nearly 15 years at Clifford Chance.

He joined in 2005 as a senior associate at the Magic Circle firm's London base, before moving to its Dubai operations in 2008.

He was appointed counsel in 2010 in its Abu Dhabi office and promoted to partner two years later. Most recently, he led the firm's corporate and M&A practice in the city.

Covington Dubai head Bruce Wilson told Law.com's U.K.-affiliate Legal Week that Middle East government initiatives tend to drive law firm strategies, as they are the major clients in the region. Covington's approach is no different.

"We are trying to position ourselves as trusted advisers to governments and companies – there is significant global interest in the evolution of Middle East economies and we believe our regulatory strength gives us a unique angle," he said.

He added that the firm is focused on a "21st-century client base", including data and technology companies.

Covington recently hired international arbitration partner Philip Norman to its Dubai office. Norman joined from Simmons & Simmons and specialises in construction and energy disputes work.