Norton Rose Fulbright strengthens Middle East banking and finance practice with Riyadh and Dubai partner moves

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has further strengthened its Middle East banking and finance practice with the appointment of new partner Amar Meher in Riyadh and the relocation of projects partner, Paul Mansouri, from London to Dubai.

Amar Meher

Amar joined the firm on October 1, 2025 from Addleshaw Goddard LLP, where he led the Saudi banking, finance and restructuring practice. Prior to this, Amar spent 10 years at Latham & Watkins in the same role.

Amar advises on a wide range of financing matters, including debt restructurings and both conventional and Islamic finance, spanning various asset classes. His experience also extends to Shari'ah-compliant structured products, such as derivatives and investment funds.

He represents a diverse client base of prominent corporates, banks, and financial institutions, and has played a key role in numerous landmark debt financing and restructuring transactions - many of which were industry firsts.

Amar is regularly ranked as a go-to lawyer for debt restructurings and structured financings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) by the Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 directories.

Amar said:

"I'm excited to join Norton Rose Fulbright in Riyadh at a time of dynamic growth and opportunity. The firm's long-standing presence in the Middle East, combined with its integrated global platform, creates a powerful foundation for delivering sophisticated, cross-border solutions and even greater value to my clients. I look forward to contributing to the continued expansion of our banking and finance practice."

Mohammed Paracha, Head of Middle East at Norton Rose Fulbright, said:

"We're delighted to welcome Amar to the team. His exceptional depth of experience across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, particularly in debt restructurings and Islamic finance, makes him an outstanding addition to our Riyadh office and regional practice. Amar's arrival reflects our continued investment in top-tier talent and our commitment to providing clients with market-leading advice on complex and high-profile transactions. As the firm continues to integrate its Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia operations, Amar's skillset will be instrumental in driving our growth and delivering seamless, high-impact legal services to our clients."

Mohammed Altammami, Head of Saudi Arabia, said:

"Amar is widely recognised as a leading lawyer in Saudi Arabia for debt restructurings and structured financings, having played a pivotal role in some of the region's most significant and complex transactions. His arrival strengthens our Riyadh office and further reinforces our position as one of the most established and respected banking and finance practices in the Middle East."

Paul Mansouri

Paul relocated to Dubai in September 2025 to lead the projects team in the region. Paul, who was formerly based in the Middle East and has advised on many pioneering projects in the region, has extensive experience of PPP and project finance transactions with a focus on the energy, renewables and infrastructure sectors.

Madhavi Gosavi, Head of Banking and Finance, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific (EMEAPAC), said:

"As we continue to execute our growth strategy across the EMEAPAC region, we're pleased to welcome Amar Meher to our Riyadh office and announce Paul's relocation to Dubai. These developments reflect our commitment to evolving our teams in response to client needs, deepening our regional expertise and fostering a diverse and dynamic partnership. Amar brings market-leading experience in debt restructurings and structured financings, while Paul's move strengthens our Dubai offering and builds on the momentum of recent strategic hires - including Aditi Sanyal, Prakruthi Gowda, and Hamed Afzal. Together, these moves reinforce our position as a leading banking and finance practice in the region and globally."

These appointments also follow the recent transfer of partner Robin Springthorpe to Riyadh from London. Robin, who is the firm's Head of Aviation Disputes, has conducted some of the largest and most significant cases in the aviation sector, advising on aircraft and engine leasing, financing and redelivery disputes. Robin is one of a few lawyers ranked in Band 1 by Chambers and Partners in the Aviation: Dispute Resolution category. He is also ranked by Legal 500 in its "Hall of Fame".