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?

I find that navigating such challenges effectively requires a multifaceted strategy, which I can show in the following:

First, I focus on leveraging technology to streamline legal processes. This not only lowered costs but also allowed our team to handle a higher volume of cases without compromising quality.

Risk management is another crucial area. I prioritise identifying potential legal risks early and developing contingency plans. This proactive approach helped us minimize exposure and maintain operational stability.

Alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and settlement, are also vital. By encouraging these approaches, we were able to resolve numerous legal disputes swiftly and amicably, which alleviated some of the pressures on our legal team and preserved valuable business relationships.

Additionally, I place a strong emphasis on team morale and capacity building. In times of crisis, I work to inspire and support my team through various activities and professional development opportunities. This approach not only helps reduce work-related stress but also enhances productivity and fosters a resilient team environment.

Ensuring that we utilise the best available tools and technologies is another key aspect of my strategy. During periods of instability, I advocate for adopting any useful technological solutions that can enhance our team’s efficiency and effectiveness. This might include advanced communication tools or legal research databases that can provide valuable insights and streamline our operations.

In conclusion, while managing legal aspects during crises can be exceptionally stressful, it also offers an opportunity for positive transformation. Such periods challenge legal departments to innovate and adapt, revealing new strengths and leadership capabilities. Embracing these challenges not only helps in navigating the immediate crisis but also contributes to long-term growth and resilience for both the legal team and the organization as a whole.

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

I firmly believe that a general counsel should embody a dual focus of both business acumen and legal expertise within the company. In today’s dynamic corporate environment, the role of general counsel extends beyond traditional legal oversight to include a strategic partnership in business operations. This integrated approach ensures that legal strategies align with corporate objectives, offering solutions that not only mitigate risks but also drive growth and innovation. By understanding the intricacies of the business, a general counsel can provide more informed, practical advice, fostering a synergy between legal considerations and business goals that enhances overall organizational success.

As the group legal manager for one of the region’s most prominent and diverse family-owned conglomerates, my role transcends the traditional boundaries of legal oversight. Managing a portfolio that spans sectors such as engineering, oil and gas, food and beverage, real estate, education, hospitality, healthcare, technology, and industrial operations, I am tasked with ensuring that legal strategies align seamlessly with the company’s diverse business interests.

For example, in the oil and gas sector, my responsibilities are deeply intertwined with joint venture (JV) agreements. These agreements are complex and require meticulous attention to detail. The process involves navigating a labyrinth of national laws and regulations. My role often entails facilitating clear communication between parties to resolve legal ambiguities and provide alternative solutions that allow business activities to proceed smoothly. This demands not only a thorough understanding of legal frameworks but also the ability to mediate and negotiate effectively. I have been involved in many tasks and transactions to reach a JV upon such approach.

In the industrial sector, where supply agreements are critical, my focus is on mitigating legal risks associated with delivery timelines, product inspection, storage conditions, and down payment guarantees. I ensure that all contractual terms are rigorously defined to prevent potential disputes. This requires a detailed review and analysis of each contract to ensure that all contingencies are addressed and that the agreements are robust against possible legal challenges. I have been engaged in numerous supply contracts applying such an approach.

The hospitality sector presents its own unique set of challenges. In this field, I must comprehend the intricacies of various service agreements with hotels and other service providers. This involves not only reviewing the contracts but also negotiating terms that safeguard the company’s interests while maintaining good relationships with service partners. My role here is to ensure that all agreements are aligned with industry standards and provide clear terms of service. I have been involved in a big number of services and maintenance Agreement to our company’s hotel applying this approach.

In education, particularly with our international school, my role extends to overseeing the clarity and fairness of tuition fees and subscription policies. This involves ensuring that all terms and conditions are communicated transparently to parents and that the school’s policies comply with educational regulations. My goal is to preempt conflicts by ensuring that all contractual terms are straightforward and comprehensible, while also adhering to guidelines issued by educational authorities.

The technology sector demands up-to-date knowledge of data protection laws and internal policies. I am responsible for ensuring that our tech company’s data protection practices are in line with current regulations. This includes reviewing technology contracts from both a legal and technical perspective, ensuring that all contractual obligations are met, and that technological solutions are legally sound.

In the construction sector, my duties involve reviewing construction agreements to ensure they are comprehensive and fair. This includes understanding general and special provisions, ensuring that both parties fully grasp the scope and variations of the contracts, and resolving issues in accordance with national laws and international standards such as FIDIC. This requires a blend of legal acumen and industry-specific knowledge to address and resolve any discrepancies effectively.

Overall, my role as a group legal manager involves more than just addressing legal issues. It requires a deep understanding of the various industries within our portfolio to provide practical and strategic legal advice. My aim is to not only resolve legal challenges but also to contribute to the seamless functioning and continued success of the company by ensuring that all legal frameworks support our diverse business operations effectively.

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

I am passionate about tech laws, including data protection regulations and IT agreements and all the skills should be adopted to ensure that lawyer are fit enough to deal with them, such as, cyber security, data analysis, operation system, networks, and digital forensics.

Data protection laws, like the Saudi Data protection law and its regulation, GDPR in Europe or CCPA in California, serve as a vital shield for personal information and economic growth.

Similarly, IT agreements play a critical role in defining the parameters of technology use and partnerships. They set clear expectations and obligations, whether it’s a software licensing agreement, a service level agreement (SLA), or a cloud computing contract. These agreements are essential for mitigating risks and ensuring that all parties are aligned on the terms of service, data handling practices, and liability issues. They help prevent disputes and provide a clear path for resolution if things go wrong.

What excites me about tech laws is their dynamic nature. As technology evolves, so do the legal frameworks that govern it. Keeping up with these changes, understanding how they impact different stakeholders, and advocating for strong, effective regulations is both challenging and rewarding. It’s about striking a balance between innovation and protection, ensuring that technological progress doesn’t come at the cost of fundamental rights and safety.