In November 2008, iQ announced its strategic alliance with Covington & Burling LLP, one of the most prominent U.S.-based international law firms. Founded nearly a century ago in Washington, D.C., today Covington has some 700 lawyers practicing in Beijing, Brussels, London, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington, D.C.. Covington has particularly strong experience of working with the U.S. Government, and is also highly regarded for its expert advice to energy companies on antitrust and regulatory matters.

The firm advises and represents major companies of all types, including leading software and high-technology companies, major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, firms operating in the oil and gas sector, defence contractors, manufacturing and consumer products entities, financial institutions, and media companies, as well as national governments and international organisations.

In addition to its prominence in the U.S.A., Covington is renowned for the scope and breadth of its international practice, including its work for clients in the Arab World. For more than a decade, it has handled matters from and in the region, much of it focused on inbound investment to the U.S.A., financial institutions, and export controls. Covington also handles transactional matters in the region, and has advised on investigations and disputes involving Middle Eastern operations. Its attorneys frequently serve as advisors or advocates on projects and transactions presenting novel and complex issues of Middle Eastern scope and importance. It also has significant experience advising national governments and international organisations.