Firas Trabulsi discusses the company's evolving strategies to meet the industry requirements.

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

I believe that the main differentiator is the client satisfaction that lies in providing organized services meeting the international standards and professional practices observed in top-tier law firms. My focus as a managing partner is that the firm is committed to delivering high-quality services promptly, as we recognize that delivering subpar quality quickly is as unacceptable as delivering high-quality services late. I believe that the key factor clients seek in a legal service provider is a solid relationship based on mutual trust and a deep understanding of their needs. Clients are not just looking for conventional legal solutions, they want a lawyer who can provide proactive advice aligned with their business and personal goals. The continuity of the relationship hinges on the lawyer’s commitment to delivering high-quality services, effective communication, and a relentless focus on protecting the client’s interests in all circumstances.

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

We are seeing a significant development of the business ecosystem in the Kingdom, coupled with economic enhancements which is a fertile environment for foreign investors in the key sectors of entertainment, education, industry, and telecommunications. In my opinion, specialized commercial legal services will be a rich area for professional law firms to focus on, offering their expertise to companies seeking to enter the Saudi market. We are being approached by a lot of foreign business owners and we are building an understanding regarding two critical aspects. The first is understanding the nature of the investor’s business and determining their primary activities in the Kingdom. Adding unnecessary or irrelevant activities to their scope can lead to financial and regulatory obligations that may burden the investor and sway them away. The second aspect is understanding the investment regulations related to the investor’s business. I always make sure that our support for the investor goes beyond simply establishing their commercial entity under the Investment Law. The real support is in assisting the investor with ongoing legal matters, such as tax consultations, VAT, labor regulations, and other ongoing compliance requirements.

What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?

From the very first day of transitioning from a solo lawyer to establishing Trabulsi & Co., my focus has been on establishing four key frameworks for operational performance. These include the administrative framework, which involves governance within the firm, and the operational framework, which concerns the execution of tasks and interactions with government and judicial entities. The third framework is the financial one, which ensures that resources and expenditures are directed towards the development of the firm’s practices and team. Finally, the business development framework focuses on acquiring specialized knowledge in particular areas and attracting high-quality clients who need our firm’s expertise.

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

We are always looking for the latest tools to help enhance our operational efficiency and expand the range of services we offer. My focus is to streamline our operations, facilitate communication, and to provide more efficient legal services. The use of secure client portals such as our custom solution C-Gate allows for seamless collaboration and exchange of information with our clients, regardless of their location. This increases the accessibility of our services, making legal consultation more convenient and responsive.

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

Before engaging with any client, comprehensive conflict-of-interest scans and confidentiality agreements are conducted. Detailed consultations are then provided to grasp the client’s unique circumstances and the case's feasibility. The firm proceeds with a contract only after ensuring a robust legal position to meet client expectations. Integration of various internal electronic platforms has enhanced client communication and operational efficiency. Governance regulations have been established to streamline the client journey, minimize errors, and protect client interests. For instance, we assisted one of the leading listed companies in Gulf region in restructuring their commercial registrations, enabling them to venture into new sectors and diversify their investments, thereby adding significant value to their business.

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

My vision for the firm over the next three years is to establish a robust presence across the Kingdom, leveraging the strategic location of our Jeddah and Riyadh office as springboards. The ambition is to cultivate a network of international affiliations, enhancing the firm's global reach and expertise. This vision aligns with the aspiration to rank among the top law firms in the region, a challenging yet attainable objective and I think we are on the right track. I acknowledge the complexities of this journey, emphasizing a commitment to excellence, innovation, and client-centric services as the driving forces behind this ambitious growth strategy. I believe that the firm, along with my partners, is poised to navigate the challenges of legal services, creating an environment that aligns with the values and expectations of its clientele.