Interview with: Areen Jayousi, Partner

Areen Jayousi is a Partner at Horizons & Co., who specialises in dispute resolution. In the below interview, he explores significant trends in the UAE legal market and beyond, observing key developments that will impact clients and shape the future trajectory of the firm. He particularly highlights the growing sophistication of arbitration in the Middle East and how the approach taken by Horizons & Co. to client relationships and matter management adds tangible value.

 

1) What do you see as the main points that differentiate Horizons & Co. from your competitors?

I feel that Horizons & Co. stands out in the legal landscape for the deep understanding of local and international dispute resolution offered by our highly specialised legal professionals across our litigation and arbitration teams.

We have a client-centric approach, prioritising individualised and strategic guidance.  We foster strong, long-term relationships to address unique client needs.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and we are proud of a multi-national team that brings together diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences.   Our team possesses a wealth of knowledge and skills that empower us to offer sophisticated legal guidance to our diverse roster of local and international clients. We take immense pride in representing clients with a broad geographic footprint, reflecting our commitment to providing exceptional legal services to organisations and individuals across borders.

Collectively, I believe that these differentiators position Horizons & Co. as a law firm that not only meets but exceeds client expectations, making us the preferred choice in a competitive legal market.

 

2) Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

We anticipate a growing preference for arbitration as a primary method of dispute resolution in the coming 12 months. This shift is propelled by several key drivers.  For example, arbitration is often perceived as a more efficient and timely alternative to traditional litigation. The streamlined process, flexibility in scheduling, and the ability to select arbitrators with expertise in the relevant industry contribute to faster dispute resolution.

The global enforceability of arbitration awards under international conventions, such as the New York Convention, enhances the appeal of arbitration. This feature provides parties with the assurance that awards can be recognised and enforced across various jurisdictions.

The recent introduction of arbitrateAD’s new rules reflects Abu Dhabi’s aspiration to position itself as a central hub for dispute resolution. This development not only propels the growth of arbitration within the UAE but also contributes to its expansion across the broader region.

Similarly, neighbouring nations such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and others are actively advancing their arbitration centres. A prime example is the unveiling of the updated SCCA Arbitration Rules which introduce significant enhancements aligned with international best practices.

Further, the disruptions caused by the global pandemic have accelerated the adoption of virtual and remote dispute resolution mechanisms. Arbitration, with its adaptability to online platforms, has gained prominence as an effective means of resolving disputes.

Leveraging our firm’s rich legacy of experience, profound expertise in the regional landscape, and strong affiliations across the Middle East and beyond, these recent advancements not only underscore our commitment to excellence but also open new avenues for us to offer unparalleled expert guidance.

 

3) What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

Our commitments to continuously improving the service we offer our clients is supported by the integration of technology and sophisticated modelling allowing us to streamline our internal processes, resulting in increased cost efficiency. This, in turn, enables us to offer more competitive and flexible fee structures that align with our clients’ budgets and objectives.

Our innovative fee arrangements are designed to prioritise transparency and predictability. Through advanced modelling, we can provide clients with clear insights into the cost implications of legal services, fostering a more open and collaborative relationship.

Technology-driven fee arrangements enable us to tailor our services to the specific needs of each client. This customisation ensures that clients receive value-driven legal solutions aligned with their unique circumstances and objectives.

By combining technological advancements and sophisticated modelling techniques, we are confident that these innovative fee arrangements will not only optimise our internal processes but, more importantly, enhance the overall client experience by offering cost-effective, transparent, and tailored legal solutions.

 

4) Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Technology has profoundly influenced the way we engage with our clients and the spectrum of legal services we can offer at Horizons & Co. The impact of technology is multifaceted and has led to transformative changes in our approach to client interactions and service delivery.

Technology has revolutionised communication channels, allowing for seamless and instant interactions with clients. We leverage various platforms, such as secure messaging systems, video conferencing, and collaborative document-sharing tools, to ensure efficient and real-time communication.

Advanced legal research tools and analytics have significantly expedited the process of gathering information and staying abreast of legal developments. This not only enhances the quality of our legal advice but also allows us to provide timely insights to clients on emerging issues relevant to their cases.

Technology has played a pivotal role in fortifying data security and confidentiality measures. We employ robust cybersecurity protocols to safeguard client information, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and instilling trust in our clients regarding the protection of their sensitive data.

In summary, technology has become an integral part of our legal practice, influencing the way we communicate, collaborate, conduct legal research, and deliver services to our clients. These advancements empower us to provide efficient, secure, and client-focused legal solutions in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

 

5) Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business

In my capacity as a legal expert specialising in UAE disputes, I undertook a pivotal role representing a distinguished construction firm embroiled in a complex arbitration scenario, posing substantial threats to both its financial stability and market standing. This intricate dispute, centred around alleged contractual breaches, demanded an astute comprehension of construction law intricacies and a nuanced understanding of the legal landscape in the UAE. Employing a meticulous approach, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of the contract, diligently gathered critical evidence, and strategically leveraged my negotiation prowess.

The culmination of these efforts not only led to a successful defence during arbitration proceedings but also resulted in securing a highly favourable settlement that safeguarded the client’s crucial business relationships. This pivotal achievement not only averted potential losses exceeding AED 10 million but also elevated the firm’s standing as a reliable and legally compliant entity. Consequently, this triumph played a pivotal role in the client’s ability to secure additional lucrative contracts, substantially amplifying the overall value of their business. The positive ripple effects of this success reverberate not only in financial terms but also in the enhanced reputation for legal resilience and adherence to stringent compliance standards.

 

6) Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Yes, increasingly, clients are seeking both stability and strategic direction from their law firms. The legal landscape has evolved, and clients now view their legal partners as more than just service providers; they look for long-term collaborators who can contribute to the stability and strategic vision of their business.

In my experience, clients prioritise law firms that can consistently deliver high-quality and reliable legal services. This stability ensures that their legal needs are met consistently, fostering trust and confidence in the client-law firm relationship.  In an ever-changing business environment, clients value law firms that not only address legal challenges but also contribute to effective risk management. Law firms that can provide predictable legal outcomes and anticipate potential issues play a crucial role in helping clients navigate uncertainties.

Law firms that demonstrate a deep understanding of their clients’ industries and business environments are highly valued. Clients look for legal partners who can provide insights beyond legal advice, offering strategic guidance that aligns with industry trends and market dynamics.

Clients seek law firms that are willing to engage in strategic collaboration. This involves actively participating in discussions about the client’s long-term goals, contributing legal expertise to shape business strategies, and aligning legal services with broader corporate objectives.

In a dynamic business environment, clients appreciate law firms that demonstrate adaptability to change. Firms that stay abreast of legal developments, emerging trends, and technology advancements can guide clients through evolving landscapes, ensuring they remain legally resilient and strategically agile.

In summary, clients increasingly look to law firms not only for legal expertise but also for stability, strategic direction, and a collaborative approach. Law firms that understand and respond to these evolving client expectations are better positioned to build lasting, value-driven partnerships.

We are excited to develop our strategic plans for expansion, in terms of market presence in our geographical location and services offered.  I believe that our forward-looking approach reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our clients and enhancing our overall capabilities.

As part of our expansion strategy, we are actively scaling our team with the addition of talented professionals. This growth aims to bolster our existing expertise, ensuring that we can continue to provide top-tier legal services across various practice areas. Our focus is on recruiting individuals with diverse skills and experiences to enrich the depth and breadth of our team.

We are strategically expanding our market presence to reach new geographies and industries. This involves a targeted approach to establishing a stronger footprint in key markets, building relationships, and raising awareness about our legal capabilities. By broadening our reach, we aim to better serve clients and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

By pursuing these strategic initiatives, we aim to position our firm for sustained growth, strengthen our reputation as a leading legal service provider, and most importantly, continue delivering exceptional value to our clients. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead as we expand our team, broaden our market presence, and enhance the range of services we offer.