Team size: eight 

Major legal advisers: Al Tamimi, Clifford Chance, and Allen & Overy  

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 starts with having the right skillset and diversity within the team. I have built a diverse team with different skillsets; my team, including myself, is composed of nine staff with seven different nationalities. We always need to review our day-to-day operations and see how we can enhance efficiency and effectiveness. 

This year, we identified the most common requests to deviate from the standard agreement templates and agreed to review them and take appropriate corrective action by either amending the problematic clauses or providing available options to the business unit. This will ease the business units’ operations as well as reduce the workload on the legal team. 

How do you balance your responsibilities as a GC with your involvement in dispute resolution and M&A matters? 

Since we own and manage a huge portfolio of properties, litigation is a key function in my job. I have built a dedicated team for dispute resolution and developed a matrix of what needs to be handled in-house and what needs to be outsourced. 

Additionally, I have built an escalation matrix and delegation of authority within the team to ensure only complex situations which require my intervention and support are escalated to me. Lastly, the overall process is supported by a monthly update session with the team to ensure all is in order.  

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?  

With the fast development of technologies and artificial intelligence, the legal ecosystem is changing and there will be a need to restructure the legal departments by introducing new skillsets for the team This will certainly include new technologies and assessing the application of AI as an alternative operating model. For example, we recently explored an AI system which manages contracts, and we are considering its implementation as it will reduce the workload on drafting and reviewing agreements.  

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? 

It seems artificial intelligence will have the most significant impact. Many tools are currently developed from simple admin tasks up to complicated matters even issuing judicial decisions. Of course, there will be a need to fundamentally change the legal ecosystem and introduce major changes to many legislations. 

I do not think the role of general counsel or lawyers will disappear, but there will be fundamental changes in the role, and it will be necessary to adapt.