How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

As a general counsel who also serves on the leadership team, I have strategically embedded resilience into the core of our corporate governance framework. Understanding the broad spectrum of challenges that companies face today—from cyber threats to financial instability—I have taken decisive steps to ensure that our organisation is not only prepared but also agile in adapting to new challenges as they emerge. In this process, the legal function has played a pivotal role. I have redefined the legal team’s responsibilities to go beyond traditional compliance and risk management. The legal function now acts as a key driver of resilience, proactively identifying potential threats, advising on risk mitigation strategies, and ensuring that our crisis response is swift and effective. By integrating legal insights into every aspect of our governance strategy, I have ensured that our firm is equipped to navigate the complexities of today’s volatile business environment, allowing us to not just withstand adversity, but to thrive in it.

What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?

Recently, I have been involved in two significant projects that highlight my strategic approach to governance and talent retention.

I led a comprehensive project to enhance the efficiency of our governance model in the MEA region. This initiative was structured into a three-phased approach; I began by conducting a thorough assessment of the existing governance structure to identify gaps and areas for improvement. Developing a governance enhancement framework, based on the insights gathered, I designed a new governance framework centered around three core pillars, supported by several enablers and initiatives. The framework was meticulously crafted to enhance agility and resilience within the organisation. Finally, I oversaw the implementation of this framework, ensuring that it was effectively integrated into the region’s operations.

What role does the legal department play in promoting and ensuring corporate social responsibility in your organisation?

Our legal function plays a vital role in promoting and ensuring corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the firm. This involvement begins with developing and implementing CSR policies that align with legal requirements and the firm’s ethical values. The team ensures these policies comply with local, national, and international regulations, providing oversight to maintain adherence. Additionally, the legal department assists in identifying and mitigating legal risks associated with CSR initiatives, such as those related to environmental regulations and labour laws. This includes conducting due diligence in contracts with suppliers and partners, monitoring compliance, and addressing any breaches.

The legal team also contributes to CSR by providing training to employees on policies and ethical practices, developing awareness programmes, and ensuring transparent reporting of CSR activities. They offer strategic advice to the leadership team, aligning CSR initiatives with the organisation’s overall strategy and guiding adaptation to emerging trends and regulations. By supporting ethics programs and managing ethical concerns, the legal department ensures the organisation not only meets its legal obligations but also upholds its CSR commitments, enhancing its long-term sustainability and societal impact.

What is a topic of business (or otherwise) that you are passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about studying the intersection between modern contemporary law of contracts as applied in Middle Eastern jurisdictions and the traditional Islamic and Sharia-based legal systems. This area of study captivates me because it requires navigating the intricate complexities of integrating modern legal principles with deeply rooted cultural and religious norms. Understanding how these two systems interact, complement, or at times conflict with each other is essential for crafting contracts that are not only legally sound but also culturally sensitive. This exploration enriches my legal expertise, enabling me to provide more nuanced and effective legal advice within the region, particularly in contexts where both legal traditions must be harmonised.

In addition to this, I am also passionate about integrating management consulting skills into the legal field. I believe that the convergence of legal acumen and management consulting techniques can significantly enhance the strategic value of legal advice. By adopting a more holistic approach that combines legal analysis with business strategy, risk management, and organisational efficiency, I can offer clients more comprehensive solutions that align with their broader business objectives. This integration allows me to address not just the legal dimensions of a problem but also its operational and strategic implications, making my legal counsel more impactful and aligned with the dynamic needs of today’s business environment.