Interview with: Joe Huse,Founding Partner

What has been your greatest achievement, in a professional capacity?

I was first an associate at Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison and then a partner at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer for approximately 20 years. I retired as the MENA Regional Managing Partner in 2012. Immediately thereafter, I founded the law firm of Newton Legal in Bahrain. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to mentor approximately 40 young Bahraini lawyers. Notwithstanding my time at Paul Weiss and Freshfields, the positive impact of this mentoring clearly constitutes my greatest achievement.

What do you do differently from your peers in the industry?

My goal is to provide each of my clients with business-friendly solutions to their legal issues. In Bahrain, I work closely with the government, and in particular, the Minister of Oil. I would like to believe that I am recognized as the trusted legal advisor in this market.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

When I was developing my career as a young lawyer, such development efforts were all consuming. For example, during the work week, I would often spend little time with my children. In retrospect, I clearly should have had a better work/life balance.

Can you give me a practical example of how you helped a client add value to the business?

In November of 2017 I was called to the offices of the Minister of Oil in Bahrain. During the ensuing meeting, I was asked to take overall responsibility for the raising of the financing for a new refinery in an amount in excess of USD 4 billion. I could have said no, I am not a finance lawyer and I have never undertaken a significant financing role. Of course, I did not and in May of 2019 the financing was successfully closed. This financing is essential to the development of BAPCO, the Bahraini NOC.

Within your sector, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for clients over the next 12 months?

I work primarily in the oil and gas sector. In this sector clients are confronted with low energy prices, insufficient investment, and the challenges presented by global warming.