DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrews Kurth LLP announced today the opening of Andrews Kurth (Middle East) JLT in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This new office will extend the firm's reach in the Middle East and allow the firm to better serve clients worldwide.

The UAE is the principal hub for international energy transactions (and particularly oil and gas work) in the Middle East and North Africa, and increasingly for East Africa, India and the Caspian. The Andrews Kurth Dubai office will represent clients primarily in energy-related matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and project development, infrastructure and finance.

Noted Scottish energy attorney Hugh Fraser, who has more than 10 years of experience based in the Middle East as the founder and Managing Partner of Hugh Fraser International Legal Consultancy (HFI) and 25 years in the international oil and gas industry, including eight years as Group Head of Legal at John Wood Group PLC, will serve as the Office Managing Partner. He will be joined by attorneys Kerry Calvert, Tim Hannah, Ian McNeill, Heather Williams and others who have been key members of his team and legal alliance network. The HFI team has focused on the internationalization of specialist North Sea technology and know-how companies to the Middle East region.

"Our new Middle East office is another step in our firm's strategic plan to increase our international presence in order to better serve our clients doing business around the globe," says Bob Jewell, Managing Partner of Andrews Kurth. "Hugh and his team are a great foundation for continued expansion of Andrews Kurth's core oil and gas and other energy practices in this dynamic region."

"I am delighted that the HFI team will now be joining forces with Andrews Kurth to provide a superb combination with our Middle East regional expertise and North Sea connections," said Hugh Fraser, Office Managing Partner in Dubai. "This will allow us to provide exceptional client service, specialist resources and increased global reach to our clients around the world."

This new office demonstrates Andrews Kurth's commitment to serve its clients in the energy business from the Gulf of

Mexico, the North Sea, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, creating an energy practice that circles the globe and draws upon the firm's full resources and strengths.

Andrews Kurth (Middle East) JLT is registered and licensed as a Free Zone Company under the rules and regulations of the DMCCA.

About Andrews KurthSince 1902, Andrews Kurth has built its practice on the belief that "straight talk is good business." Real answers, clear vision and mutual respect define the firm's relationships with clients, colleagues, communities and employees. With more than 400 lawyers across 10 offices worldwide, Andrews Kurth represents a wide array of clients in multiple industries. For more information about Andrews Kurth, please visit andrewskurth.com.

SOURCE Andrews Kurth LLP