Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling announce regional leadership
David Foster has been appointed as the regional managing partner for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa for the combined entity, known as A&O Shearman
This appointment follows the recent election of Khalid Garousha as senior partner of A&O Shearman, a role he will undertake concurrently with Foster's appointment. Garousha has been instrumental in leading A&O's operations in the Middle East and Turkey since 2020, establishing a solid foundation for the firm's regional presence.
Expressing his enthusiasm for Foster's appointment, Khalid Garousha remarked, "David epitomizes the unrivaled quality and excellence of A&O Shearman in the region. His leadership will undoubtedly propel our combined regional practice to even greater success."
Foster, in turn, expressed gratitude for Garousha's leadership and the opportunity to lead one of the region's most esteemed full-service legal practices. He remarked, "I have always felt privileged to be part of the A&O regional team and am extremely excited to have the opportunity to lead one of the region’s most highly regarded full-service legal practices."
As A&O Shearman, the combined entity will leverage the global breadth of the world’s third-largest integrated law firm, along with the deep local expertise of over 200 lawyers in the META region. Foster is enthusiastic about the prospects, stating, "As A&O Shearman, we’ll be able to bring together the global breadth of the world’s third largest integrated law firm, with the deep local expertise of over 200 lawyers in the META region."
The consolidation of A&O and Shearman under the A&O Shearman banner signifies a new era of collaboration and synergy in the legal landscape. With nearly 4,000 lawyers and approximately 800 partners across 29 countries, A&O Shearman is poised to deliver unparalleled service to clients worldwide.
As Foster assumes his new role, expectations are high for the continued growth and success of A&O Shearman in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. With a seasoned leader at the helm and the combined strengths of two industry giants, the future looks promising for the newly formed entity.