Ex-King & Spalding Partner Zaid Al-Farisi Joins Eversheds Sutherland As Senior Partner In Saudi Arabia
Ex-King & Spalding Partner Zaid Al-Farisi Joins Eversheds Sutherland as Senior Partner in Saudi Arabia
The global law firm, Eversheds Sutherland has announced the appointment of Zaid Al-Farisi as a partner, strengthening the firm’s banking and finance capabilities in Saudi Arabia. This follows the recent onboarding of corporate finance specialists Mike Rainey and Asal Saghari at the end of 2025, marking the firm’s third senior hire from King & Spalding within two months.
Al-Farisi brings nearly three decades of experience advising clients in Saudi Arabia on complex financial and restructuring transactions. A US- and English-qualified banking and restructuring partner, he specializes in both Shariah-compliant and conventional financings, representing lenders, borrowers, and sponsors across the full spectrum of transactions in the Kingdom. He also advises debtors and creditors on restructurings and bankruptcy procedures. Prior to joining Eversheds Sutherland, Al-Farisi was counsel at King & Spalding since 2009 and served as managing partner of Confluent Law Group in Baghdad between 2012–2014.
Zeid Hannina, Middle East head of corporate finance at Eversheds Sutherland, said,
“Welcoming Zaid marks a significant step in building a powerhouse transactional team in Saudi Arabia and across the wider region. His expertise further strengthens our ability to guide clients through complex regional and international financing transactions with confidence and added value.”
Commenting on his appointment, Al-Farisi said,
“Joining Eversheds Sutherland at this pivotal moment is very exciting. The firm’s strong domestic and global presence provides a great platform to help clients navigate opportunities and challenges, delivering tailored advice and service excellence.”
Eversheds Sutherland also announced that Dubai partner Steve Jennings will support the firm’s Riyadh corporate presence, working closely with the four-strong associate team on the ground while continuing to lead high-profile cross-border mandates across the GCC. Since joining the Dubai office nearly five years ago, Jennings has advised on numerous transactions in the Kingdom.
Al-Farisi’s appointment is part of Eversheds Sutherland’s ongoing growth strategy, which has seen 31 lateral partner hires globally in the last 12 months, aimed at strengthening the firm’s market-leading capabilities and expanding its corporate finance offering across the Middle East.
Click to know more about Eversheds Sutherland
If you have a news or deal publication or would like to collaborate on content, columns, or article publications, connect with the Legal Era News Network Team and email us at info@legalera.in or call us on +91 8879634922.
