DOHA - October 1, 2015

Squire Patton Boggs is pleased to announce that Charbel M. Maakaron has been appointed managing partner of the firm's Doha office. Mr. Maakaron will succeed Susan B. Bastress with effect from October 1. Ms. Bastress, who served as managing partner in Doha first in 2003, when she established the office, until 2006 and then in a second term since 2012, is returning to her real estate practice in the firm's Washington DC office.

"In Charbel, we have one of Qatar's leading corporate attorneys, a dynamic, highly experienced and well respected colleague, who will lead our Doha office forward in an exciting period of growth for our firm's Middle East practice," said Peter Crossley, Squire Patton Boggs's European and Middle East Managing Partner. "We owe a huge debt to Susan who has done a magnificent job in building up our office in Qatar from scratch, and to Rob Hager, who took over as office managing partner in 2006 until 2012. Both Susan and Rob have worked hard to make the office the successful practice it is today, forging unique ties with the local community, and inspiring colleagues through their leadership and commitment."

Corporate partner Mr. Maakaron advises a broad range of prominent local and international clients on mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring, commercial litigation, capital markets and regulatory matters. Described by a regional publication as 'one of eight people to know in Qatar,' Mr. Maakaron combines expertise in international commercial law with a practical understanding of local laws. He works closely with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Chapter of the International Chamber of Commerce. Before joining Squire Patton Boggs in 2007, Mr. Maakaron worked for four years in one of Beirut's top law firms, where he handled complex litigation matters in civil and commercial law.

Mr. Maakaron commented: "I've had the privilege of working closely with Susan and Robert for several years and seeing at first hand their commitment to making our practice in Qatar flourish. I'm delighted to have this opportunity now to take on the mantle at an exciting time for our firm. We are representing many leading Qatari and multinational companies, as Qatar itself is seeing unprecedented activity and moving forward with its National Vision for 2030."

Ms. Bastress served as managing partner of the Doha office from its opening in 2003 and earned the distinction of being the first non-Qatari attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Qatar. With extensive experience of commercial transactions, real estate, infrastructure development and alternative dispute resolution, Ms. Bastress has focused on advising multinational companies and sovereign clients on strategic business issues. She serves as an Advisory Board Member of Qatar University/College of Law and a board member of the Middle East Institute (MEI).

Partner Robert Hager, who served as Doha's second office managing partner, 2006-2012, is Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar and continues to represent Qatari clients both from Doha and Washington DC.

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About Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs is one of the world's strongest integrated legal practices. With 44 offices in 21 countries, the firm is renowned for its local connections and global influence, delivering comprehensive legal services across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. With expertise spanning all key sectors, the firm is also known for its preeminent public policy practice and deep-rooted relationships in Washington DC and Brussels. For more information, visit www.squirepattonboggs.com

© Press Release 2015