Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?  
 
Innovation and cost-effective innovation within a legal team can take different forms, depending on the specific needs and challenges of the organisation. Innovation can be as simple as implementing a cloud document management system through which the legal team can securely store and access documents from anywhere, facilitating collaboration and streamlining workflows, or by implementing a project management tool designed specifically for legal services – such as, Clio Manage, Filevine, Zola Suite, PracticePanther, and LeanLaw. Such tools can help streamline workflow, track deadlines, improve collaboration among team members and with stakeholders, and many other features that improve legal team performance and save time and cost.   

How do you balance your responsibilities as a GC with your involvement in dispute resolution and M&A matters?  
 
The GC plays a critical role in providing not only legal guidance but also strategic and business direction. To achieve a balance between the GC’s responsibilities and their role in resolving disputes, mergers and acquisitions, and other important matters for the organisation, the GC must ensure that the daily legal operations and his strategic role are addressed appropriately.  
 
The GC must first understand the organisation’s strategic goals and priorities. Then, they should first prioritise legal operations accordingly, second, establish efficient processes to streamline legal functions, allocate resources optimally, and maintain alignment through clear communication and coordination with their team and external counsel, and third empower their legal team to manage everyday legal matters, enabling the GC to concentrate on the organisation’s priorities.  
 
Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?  
 
Several trends will shape the role of GC in the upcoming years, with one of the most important being the increasing complexity of the regulatory landscape. New laws and regulations are emerging in numerous Middle East countries, including those related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and environmental sustainability, leading to a complex and extensive regulatory landscape. The GC must stay abreast of these developments and ensure organisation-wide compliance.  
 
Meanwhile, the GC must enhance legal processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This includes adopting legal project management methodologies, utilising technology solutions, and considering alternative service delivery models like Alternative Legal Services Providers (ALSPs) and engaging external legal services in cost-effective jurisdictions. 
 
What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?  
 
There are many emerging technologies that require scrutiny from the GC, especially with regard to legal provisions in the near future. These technologies encompass predictive analytics, e-discovery, and legal process automation. AI-driven data analytics empower legal professionals to predict litigation outcomes, assess success probabilities in legal matters, and optimise strategies using historical data and patterns.  
 
Given the increasing volume and complexity of electronic data in legal proceedings, e-discovery tools play a crucial role in streamlining the discovery process and cutting costs associated with manual review as they efficiently identify, collect, and analyse relevant evidence.  
 
Finally, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can automate repetitive tasks such as contract generation, document review, and legal research. Embracing these emerging technologies will enable legal professionals to minimise manual work, allowing them to concentrate on high-value activities.