Dewey & LeBoeuf has kicked off a restructuring of its Middle East operations that could result in the closure of the firm’s Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha offices.

Confirmation of the restructuring, which is being led by the managing partner of Dewey’s Riyadh base, Khalid Al-Thebity, comes after a 12-lawyer walkout from the firm’s Dubai office to Dechert earlier this week.