Lawyer John Quinn: Saudi Arabia is the most opportunistic place in the world

In a world where disputes prevail in many cases of monopoly, competition and commercial disputes around the world in a globalized and interrelated nature, such cases are handled by specialized offices such as Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, the office founded by John Quinn in 1986 in Los Angeles. Today, after 38 years, the company owns 35 offices. Around the world, including Riyadh.

John Quinn believes that Saudi Arabia is one of the most attractive places in the world at the moment through the business opportunities it creates, and a lot of business activity and capital being deployed in the Kingdom.

John Quinn succeeded in representing major companies, entities, and businessmen, such as Google, Elon Musk, and the Public Investment Fund, through his representation of “Leaf Golf,” where he and his team succeeded in reaching a settlement of disputes between the Golfers Association and the “LIV Golf” league.

Regarding your representation of LIV Golf and achieving a mutually beneficial settlement, can you share the details of the deal and the challenges you faced?

We believe we have developed a very strong case with respect to the PGA by aggressively pursuing the disclosure of documents and other evidence of wrongdoing. The support of our client, LIV Golf, has been essential to the success of this effort, and we have closed a major deal to purchase LIV Golf with the Public Investment Fund. I believe this The case lasted for about a year, and the matter was settled between the two parties.

Quinn added, “The matter was settled before going to court and no trials were ever taken. During the preparation of the case, we collected some very important information, and as you know, documents are exchanged before the trial, and witnesses testify, and I think we collected some important information that enabled us to reach a conclusion.” To a settlement.”

It was a difficult dispute and the PGA had two offices with very good, very smart and hard-working lawyers, but the facts were what they were. The evidence was what it was, and I think LIV Golf had a very strong case, and that’s why it settled and the deal was made.

The Public Investment Fund, the Professional Golfers Association and the DP World Tour announced the signing of an agreement aimed at unifying the sport of golf globally through the PGA and LIV Golf, which is supported by the Public Investment Fund, agreeing to a surprise merger. To create the largest entity in the game of golf globally, ending the dispute between the two parties.

Q: It has been two years since you opened your office in Riyadh. Why did you choose Riyadh, and what are the opportunities and business volume that the office expects in Riyadh?

We established our presence in Riyadh several years ago and have witnessed firsthand the dynamic scene that Saudi Arabia has to offer. It’s one of the most interesting places on Earth right now. There are a lot of business activities and capital being deployed in the Kingdom. There are huge opportunities for Quinn Emanual.

Q: Would you share insights into your expansion plans for 2024, and what your office’s revenues are for 2023?

Our office has achieved $2 billion globally for the company, and this includes all our offices, including our office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As for expansion, Quinn Emanual does not have any specific expansion plans. Last year, we successfully opened offices in Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Beijing, and we are focused on growing our practices in these new locations and across all of our global offices. As we continue to expand, we are always looking for leading dispute lawyers to add to our team.

Q: How many employees are in the Riyadh office and what percentage are Saudis?

We currently have a team of 10 lawyers, all of whom are Saudi nationals. Although I do not have exact figures for our total headcount readily available, it is worth noting that our entire workforce is made up of Saudi employees. We are committed to enhancing talent within the Saudi community and contributing to the development of the legal sector in the country.

Q: Do you have any estimates of the size and value of legal services in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region?

We do not have specific numbers available. As a global company, our extensive network plays a crucial role in developing business around the world. It is difficult to assign specific links to only a particular area or office rather than to the network as a whole.

Q: What do you think of the commercial systems in the Kingdom, and do they encourage foreign investment?

There is significant activity aimed at modernizing laws, especially civil law. In addition, efforts to improve and expand arbitration centers, modernize the court system, and generally improve the judiciary have been notable. I believe the Kingdom is doing all the right things to attract investment and create a more transparent and efficient legal framework.

Q: As a foreign investor, what are the challenges you face in Saudi Arabia, and what areas do you think the government should develop?

As in any country, we need to learn local business practices, especially when dealing with the government. Sometimes, it seems like government work can require a lot more paperwork than necessary, which can pose challenges.

As a lawyer, how do you view this profession, and what is your advice to young lawyers?

I love what I do; I learn about interesting people and problems around the world every day, and I’m constantly learning. Young lawyers must work hard and learn the necessary legal skills to form a solid foundation for their career from the beginning.

You are very lucky to be a young person in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at this particular time and in such an exciting time. What I would say is that there are many, many opportunities here, and young people must strive without shortcuts by practicing law and practicing litigation in complex cases. You must be… Willing to work very hard and learn the business and the laws involved, to learn how to be a good lawyer early in your career, raise your hand, volunteer for things, look for opportunities.