Amjad Hussain has been appointed office managing partner for K&L Gates in Doha and Dubai, taking effect immediately. This role succeeds Tony Griffiths, who will now focus exclusively on client work after 22 years in leadership positions. The transition highlights the firm’s growing commitment to Qatar and the broader Gulf area, where it has maintained offices since 2011 in Doha and since 2009 in Dubai. These locations serve as critical hubs for the firm’s expanding Middle East practice, reflecting the region’s increasing importance in global legal markets.
Hussain oversees the firm’s Corporate, Banking, Islamic Finance, and Asset Management practices across the Middle East. His career includes advising on major transactions, such as Qatar’s first ETFs and REITs, drafting over 40 laws and regulations, and facilitating the $2 billion merger between Masraf Al Rayan and Khaliji Bank. His expertise extends to Islamic finance, where he has been recognized as a leading advisor. Independent legal assessments, including those in the Lexology Index, consistently rank him among Qatar’s top lawyers, particularly in banking and fintech, where he is recognized as the sole Highly Recommended Lawyer in Banking & Fintech – Finance in Qatar by the 2025 directory.
Stacy Ackermann, the firm’s global managing partner, described the appointment as a logical next step. “The relationships and trust he has built with clients, colleagues, and the broader legal community position him exceptionally well to lead our Middle East presence and further strengthen our client service throughout the region,” she stated. The firm’s Gulf presence complements its global network, providing clients with integrated cross-border legal services. Ackermann emphasized that Hussain’s deep connections—spanning over two decades, will be instrumental in maintaining K&L Gates’ reputation for seamless collaboration between regional and international teams.
Bridging Gulf and Global Legal Expertise
Hussain’s immediate focus will be deepening collaboration between Middle East teams and international offices. “Qatar and the UAE sit at the crossroads of global commerce and our Doha and Dubai offices are uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge, connecting clients across the Gulf and linking them to K&L Gates,” he commented. The firm’s ability to integrate local expertise with global capabilities has been a defining strength, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and financial services. He also recognized Griffiths’ contributions, emphasizing that he will expand on the firm’s established foundation in the region.
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With Hussain at the helm, K&L Gates will continue supporting major state-backed entities, family-owned conglomerates, and multinational corporations throughout the GCC. The firm’s full-service capabilities will address high-value transactions, disputes, and regulatory challenges in the area, including advising on sovereign wealth fund investments, cross-border M&A, and compliance with evolving financial regulations. His leadership will further solidify the firm’s position as a trusted advisor for clients working through the region’s dynamic legal and economy.
Expanding Role in Regional Growth
This development aligns with industry trends, as law firms increasingly turn to local expertise to handle sophisticated cross-border transactions. The firm’s strategic expansion in the Middle East shows its commitment to serving clients at the intersection of regional growth and global business.
The firm’s offices in Doha and Dubai will continue advising clients on complex domestic and cross-border matters across the Middle East. Under Hussain’s leadership, K&L Gates will further align its Middle East operations with its global practice, ensuring clients receive cohesive legal guidance across jurisdictions. The firm’s ability to leverage its international network, spanning over 50 offices worldwide, will enhance its capacity to deliver tailored solutions for clients operating in both the Gulf and beyond.
