International law firms in the Gulf instruct staff to work from home after regional missile strikes

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International law firms operating across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have taken “precautionary measures” and instructed staff to work remotely following a wave of missile strikes reported across the Middle East over the weekend.

The incidents, involving US and Israel-linked action against Iran and subsequent retaliatory fire, prompted local authority guidance in several GCC states to issue shelter‑in‑place guidance, disrupting travel and raising security concerns for multinational businesses.

Footage shared online in recent days appeared to show missiles and drones passing through or landing in parts of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait – all of which are GCC members hosting US military facilities.

Several law firms have now issued updated security guidance. Baker McKenzie and White & Case LLP confirmed that staff across affected jurisdictions have been asked to work from home, in line with local authority advice. A Baker McKenzie spokesperson said the firm’s “first and foremost priority is the safety and wellbeing of our people”, adding that it’s prepared to implement further contingency measures if required.

A spokesperson from White & Case echoed the sentiment and said: “We have engaged our security protocols and are monitoring the situation in real time to ensure that our teams and our clients have the full firm’s support.”

Meanwhile, Dubai-based managing partner at Nami Associates (one of Iran’s largest law firms) commented on its team: "They are requested to stay indoor avoiding physical visits for court and regulatory follow ups. Follow ups are now done by telephone calls, to the extent possible."

A&O Shearman also emphasised that staff safety is an “absolute priority”, noting that it’ll continue to follow official guidance as the situation evolves.

The developments come at a particularly significant moment for the legal sector in the Middle East, which is home to a range of international law firms. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP has an office in Abu Dhabi, while Kirkland & Ellis International LLP, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP and many others have presence in Saudi Arabia.  

Firms with long‑established presence in the Middle East – including A&O Shearman, Baker McKenzie, Clifford Chance, Clyde & Co LLP, DLA Piper (UK) LLP and White & Case – employ hundreds of lawyers across multiple offices in the region, with several recruiting trainees locally.