Recognized Litigator James Harbridge Joins Curtis Muscat Office, Expands Dispute Resolution Capabilities in Oman

Muscat, Oman, July 14, 2009 – Continuing its global expansion, leading international law firm Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP announced today the arrival of noted litigator James Harbridge to the firm as partner. Harbridge joins the firm's Muscat office, where he will head up the growing dispute resolution team in Oman.

Harbridge is the fourth addition to the firm's expanding dispute resolution practice since January, following close behind New York litigation partner Hermann Ferré, London international arbitration counsel Christian Leathley and Washington, D.C., international arbitration consultant Claudia Frutos-Peterson. His arrival signals the establishment of on-the-ground litigation capabilities for Curtis in Oman and the surrounding region.

"We are extremely excited to have James as a member of the Curtis team in Oman," noted Muscat Office Managing Partner Bruce Palmer. "His arrival represents a significant expansion of the services this office can provide, enabling us to more fully support the litigation and arbitration needs of government and private-sector clients operating in the region."

Harbridge advises local and international clients on all types of litigated matters, specializing in high-quantum tax cases, agency litigation, banking, insurance and maritime disputes. He has had major successes in all tiers of the Oman Courts and also in construction arbitration cases. Over the past year Harbridge has been involved in several high-profile cases, acting on behalf of a major local bank in the Supreme Court and assisting government bodies and international energy companies in commercial disputes, contested tax claims, debt recovery, construction litigation and arbitration. In 2009, Chambers Global recognized him as one of the top lawyers handling dispute resolution matters in Oman.

Harbridge received his BSc. from University College, London, and earned his law degree from the College of Law in London. Prior to joining Curtis, he was a partner with Trowers & Hamlins' Muscat branch, where he headed the dispute resolution team.

"Curtis ranks among the highest echelon of firms practicing internationally, especially here in Oman," said Harbridge. "I am extremely happy to join such a well-respected firm, and look forward to serving the needs of its many clients here."

Curtis is the only licensed American law firm in Oman. Established in 1997, the firm's Muscat office advises both private- and public-sector clients, including various ministries and related entities, on a full range of international and domestic legal matters. The firm has been lead adviser on some of the largest and most significant projects in Oman, and is regularly recognized as one of the country's foremost law firms. The core practice areas of infrastructure, project finance, privatization and litigation are complemented by experience in banking, energy, arbitration, insurance, shipping and port development, tourism, real estate, employment, public procurement, corporate and commercial law, among other areas. For more information, visit the Curtis Oman blog at https://omanlawblog.curtis.com/.