-- Former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, Returns to Region for Firm's Historic Event

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global energy law firm Baker Botts L.L.P. continued to expand its Middle East operations today by announcing an alliance with the International Legal Group (ILG) of Kuwait. This is the firm's first foray into Kuwait, a country with a significant strategic role in the region.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120831/MM66344LOGO)

Through the alliance, Baker Botts and ILG will provide expanded resources to their combined client base, including access to local and international legal experience across a range of subjects, disciplines and jurisdictions. A principal objective of the alliance is the enhanced ability of both firms to better serve foreign companies active in Kuwait and Kuwait-based companies active internationally.

"We are excited about the prospects our alliance offers and see a genuine fit between the practices and cultures of Baker Botts and ILG," said Andrew Baker, the Managing Partner of Baker Botts. "Many of our key clients are active in Kuwait, and our arrangement with ILG will enable us to work for them more effectively."

Dr. Rashid Alanezi, the Chairman of ILG, said: "We believe our alliance with Baker Botts will enable us to offer our Kuwaiti client base a breadth of experience that is superior to that otherwise available in the Kuwaiti legal market. We are delighted to be associated with the firm , and look forward to our working together on major representations across the board."

The ILG alliance adds Kuwait to well-established Baker Botts offices in the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. After 40 years in the region, the firm has built a vibrant practice with more than 25 lawyers addressing a wide spectrum of issues for clients with operations or interests in the region.

The alliance was announced at an event in Kuwait City, featuring James A. Baker, III, who was the U.S. Secretary of State when the U.S. forged a coalition of allies during the first Persian Gulf War that liberated Kuwait from an invasion and short-term occupation of the country by Iraqi armed forces. Baker is a senior partner at Baker Botts. His family has been involved in the development and management of the firm for more than 140 years.

"I hold a special place in my heart for Kuwait and the people of this wonderful country," Baker said. "And so, it is especially rewarding for me to see that the law firm my great grandfather, my grandfather, my father, my oldest son and I all have helped develop will now have representation here."

About Baker Botts L.L.P.
Baker Botts is an international law firm of approximately 725 lawyers practicing throughout a network of 14 offices around the globe. Based on our experience and knowledge of our clients' industries, we are recognized as a leading firm in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors. Throughout our 173-year history, we have provided creative and effective legal solutions for our clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit www.bakerbotts.com.

About ILG of Kuwait
It is a blend of academic background with profound practical experience dating back to 1984 that has given ILG its reputation of professionalism, reliability and success amongst its clients in Kuwait. ILG specializes in litigation and local and international arbitration. We are a leader in constitutional law, commercial and corporate laws, financing and banking law as well as all local laws. We have also conducted legal studies for our clients in fields of law such as oil and gas, telecommunications and real estate. As our partners are trusted to participate in the drafting of laws, ILG is uniquely positioned and equipped to deal with the most complex legal matters in Kuwait. Our advice and studies are conducted in both Arabic and English.

Join us on Linkedin and follow us on Twitter.