Team size: Five

What technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

There is currently a lot of excitement around the legal technology market. I feel that the biggest impact of technological advancements will be seen in contract drafting, data privacy, and due diligence.

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?

I care a lot about the environmental and the social contributions that OiLSERV make in the markets in which we work. My work on the ESG Committee of OiLSERV is especially important to me. With COP27 and COP28 approaching, OiLSERV is ready to contribute positively and substantially to environmental change. I am an active member of the advisory board of The Wijit Company, on a volunteer basis. The Wijit Company promotes mobility for wheelchair dependents, it reduces injury, promotes physical activity, and allows more independence for wheelchair dependents. The company is very innovative, but their innovation is not just for corporate gain; it makes a real and significant difference in people’s lives.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

An in-house counsel in the oil and gas industry must understand the actual difference between the various services and products. To do so, the in-house counsel should visit the locations, visit the well sites and if possible, even climb on a rig. Only then would you be able to assist your client properly and in a timely fashion, as you will truly understand what is important to address. It is a very fast paced environment; contracts need to be turned around not in a week but in a day or two. You must be willing to work long hours and over weekends.

What can law firms do to improve their service to the legal department?

I am very satisfied with the services from outside counsel especially in the UAE and broader MENA region. They are very responsive and understand the fact that we, as in-house counsel, do have budget restraints.

The one suggestion for improvement would be for law firms to understand their client’s industry better. In such a way, they would better navigate what risks are material and what are considered nice to have. A way this could be achieved by them is to increase communication and visits to in-house counsel, even in informal settings. A good relationship between in-house and outside counsel is particularly important as you should work together as a team to achieve the best outcome for your client.