WWW.THELAW.ME 47 This includes the acknowledge- data processed for media pur- necessary for international ment of all the data processed by poses and therefore subject to judicial cooperation, the holder, controller or pro- media laws and regulations and monetary transfers, and implementing an interna- cessor, and having the right to data related to judicial reports, tional treaty where Egypt is a member. retrieve or review them. The sub- investigations, and claims. It also ject can also revoke their consent includes data processed by the E-Marketing for holding or processing their president’s office, the Ministry of personal data, as well as correct- Defense, the Ministry of Interior, E-marketing, however, follows different rules. ing, amending or deleting the General Intelligence, and the Before initiating the contact, whether e-marketing data. Additionally, they can limit Administrative Control Authority, took place via email or SMS messaging, the pro- the usage or processing of said as well as data processed by the cessor must have the explicit consent of the data data. The subject should have Central Bank of Egypt and banks subject. The identity of the sender must also be the knowledge of any breach or subject to banking laws and included, as well as how to contact them. violation of their data. Finally, the regulations. Additionally, it must be stated that the message subject can refuse the processing is for marketing purposes and the data subject of their data whenever it conflicts Who is a Data Protection must have the direct means to request halting the with their personal rights and Officer? receival of any marketing communications. Lastly, liberties. a folder must be kept containing the subject data’s According to article 9 of the consent for a three-year period, starting from the What are the legal basis for new law, the companies shall last form of communication. controlling data? hire their own Data Protection Officers. However, these officers Violation of the Data Protection Law According to article 4 of the have to meet specific require- law, in order to have valid legal ments. The officer must be an Article 35-45 of the law has imposed sanctions in grounds to control data, you in-house employee, registered at the case of any violation. The law imposes fines as must meet various conditions. the Data Protection Center as a well as criminal and administrative sanctions in These conditions include having Data Protection Officer, in charge the consent of the data owner, of managing the application .case of non-compliance with the law. ensuring the data accuracy and of the DPL within the entity for A fine reaching a maximum of EGP 1,000,000, safety, erasing the data after which they work. The position and/or imprisonment of no less than six months for using it for the purpose of which entails ensuring the compliance any holder, controller, or processor that collects, it was collected and obtaining of the organization with the law, processes, discloses, or circulates personal data by a permit or license to work with carrying out regular inspections, any means other than in the cases authorized by personal data. Moreover, a file communicating issues related to must be kept in order to track compliance with the center, .law or without the consent of the data subject. the sensitive data at hand, the conducting training for A fine reaching a maximum of EGP 2,000,000, reasons for processing this data, employees to ensure their and/or imprisonment of no less than six months for the means of processing it and a understanding and implementa- any holder, controller, or processor that collects, license or permit for controlling tion of the law. processes, discloses, or circulates personal data by the data. Additionally, they are to observe, any means for a financial or moral benefit or with correct, and report any data What is the legal basis for breach, as well as communi- .the intent of endangering the data subject. processing data? cating with data subjects and A fine reaching a maximum of EGP 5,000,000, assisting them in practicing their and/or imprisonment of no less than three months There are other conditions in rights. for any holder, controller, or processor that collects, order to have valid legal grounds processes, discloses, circulates stores, transfers, or to process data according to Extra-territoriality keeps sensitive personal data in violation with the article 4 of the law. These condi- tions include content from the According to article 14 of the .Data Protection Law. data owner as well as specifying new law, it’s unauthorized to A fine reaching a maximum of EGP 2,000,000 the purpose for processing the transfer or share data to any for any legal representative of a juristic person who data, using the data for the rea- foreign country unless this sons agreed upon, only keeping country adopts an adequate level .fails to appoint a DPO. the data for the period neces- of data protection, and after A fine reaching a maximum of EGP 5,000,000, sary, maintaining the safety of acquiring a permit from the and/or imprisonment of no less than three months the data, keeping track of all the center to transfer the data. on any holder, controller, or processor who trans- events in which the data was However, article 15 stated that fers personal data to any country with little to no processed and obtaining a li- in case the foreign country did cense or permit for not attain the same level of data .data protection level. controlling data. protection, the data can only be A fine reaching a maximum of EGP 5,000,000, transferred for a specific set of and/or imprisonment of no less than three months Data Excluded from the Law reasons, given that they have the for anyone who breaches the licensing, permits consent of the data subject. and authorization requirements in this law. However, some data is excluded These reasons include imple- from this law. That encompasses menting an agreement for the Competent Courts data obtained or held by nat- benefit of the data subject, ural persons for others and for protecting the life of the data According to article 5 of law no. 151/2020, the personal use, data acquired to be subject, claiming or defending Egyptian economic court is entitled to look at the processed for official statistics, their rights before the judiciary, matters pertaining to data protection law implementing a procedure violations. Additionally, managers of an organization can be held jointly liable with the or- ganization and penalized with the aforementioned penalties in case they commit the violation under their name and for their account and benefit.
48 W O M E N I N L A W \"ESTABLISHED 2005, WE ARE HERE TO PROVIDE LITIGATION, ARBITRATION & CORPORATE SERVICES FOR MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS, FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT INSTITUTIONS, AND GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES\" CAIRO • ALEXANDRIA • DUBAI WWW .M-EFIRM.COM • +201000078092 • [email protected]
WWW.THELAW.ME 49 A BRIEF GUIDE INTO WEFAK ALKABOUR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIGITAL ASSOCIATE AT BD PARTNER TRANSFORMATION FOR LAW FIRMS There is no The impact of the pandemic on various businesses, including law doubt that the COVID-19 firms, has made it imperative to be present online. Even those pandemic has who have not yet launched a website or created social media accounts are encouraged to do so to overcome the aftermath furthered the sta- of the pandemic. Some simple steps can be taken by your tus of the internet as the most import- law firm to ensure the success of your digital transformation. ant means of market- ing and branding. A great start to branding your law firm is online marketing, which can be accomplished by increasing activity and content writing on your website and social media platforms. You should also maintain regular activity on your online platforms, as your website has to be constantly updated and the social media accounts should be consistently active. In addition, being online makes it easier for clients to submit feedback and share their testimonies. Feedbacks from clients have many advantages, mainly focusing on maintaining an efficient relationship by improving any weaknesses in your client relation- ships. Client testimonials are also considered very effective when included on the firm’s website, since they greatly support building the trust of potential clients when viewing it. Moreover, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) should be an essential part of any law firm’s marketing strategies to build a digital pres- ence. Search engines, such as Google, have become heavily relied upon when seeking any service. Therefore, increasing the probability of your website appearing among the top results is deemed to develop your branding process and increase publicity. One of our clients, Shehata & Partners, is a law firm hitting the radar in the Egyptian community . It has established a successful presence through social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. This exponentially led to the expansion of its brand and establishing its position between the rest of the law firms. In light of these events, undergoing digital transformation is currently considered to be a main corporate priority. Therefore, law firms should follow the steps of other service providers into the world of online marketing. This is believed to be the most efficient means that businesses can depend on due to the exceptional and challenging circumstances caused by the global pandemic.
50 W O M E N I N L A W MA'AT GODDESS OF JUSTICE
WWW.THELAW.ME 51 Maat, also known as Ma’at, is the Goddess NADA NAYEL of truth, justice, wisdom and cosmic FELLOW AT THE LAW order. She appears in the form of a lady with the ostrich feather on her head﹣the symbol of justice. She holds the key to life, Ankh, in one hand and holds in her other hand the scepter of judgment. The ostrich feather alone sometimes symbol- izes the Goddess of truth and justice. The illustration of Maat as a Goddess began to appear as early as the middle of the Old Kingdom. Maat represented the most fundamental religious concept of the Egyptian view of the world. It was a concept of demand to the world that the Gods, pharaohs and ordinary people had to obey. Maat was the harmony of the universe. The lack of Maat and her departure meant an inevitable return to the original chaos, Nu, and the end of the known world. According to the Ancient Egyptians’ belief, Maat’s role in the afterlife can be demonstrated in the importance of the ostrich feather during the final judg- ment. The people believed that before entering the afterlife, the deceased were expected to deny all the evil deeds they may have committed in their lifetime. They appeared before the Goddess of truth, Maat, to go through confrontation. This confrontation is called the ‘Weighing of the Heart’ ceremony. In the ceremony, the feather's lightweight was used as a counterweight to the human heart, which was believed to be the base of the soul. If the heart was heavier than the feather, that means the evil deeds of the person were too massive and their soul would be consumed by Ammut. She was a female demon and Goddess with a body that was a combination of lion, hippopotamus, while the head was that of a crocodile. If the soul was consumed by Ammut, the person went to hell. However, if the heart was lighter than the feather of Maat, or if it was of equal weight, the soul could live on in the afterlife, which means go to paradise and help Osiris, the God of the afterlife. The soul would help in judgment, associate with other souls, or even return to Earth periodically to visit family and certain places. The Ancient Egyptians also had an advanced legal The 42 Ideals of Maat, also known as Positive Affirmations, were system to ensure that Maat remained in their daily compiled by a group of priestesses as a parallel to the Negative Con- lives. It is thought that the Priests of Maat were fessions of Maat as these ideals declare what good deeds the soul involved in the justice system as well as tending carried out. to the needs of the Goddess. Pharaohs depicted Some of the ideals from the 42 are: Maat to affirm their commitment to order and justice. 1- I honour virtue. Also, to affirm the importance and impact of 2- I benefit with gratitude. Maat’s role amongst ancient Egyptians, there 3- I am peaceful. were laws and ideals called, ‘The 42 Laws of Maat 4- I respect the property of others. and ‘The 42 Ideals of Maat’. The 42 Laws of Maat, 5- I affirm that all life is sacred. also known as The Declaration of Innocence or 6- I give offerings that are genuine. Negative Confessions, are composed of a list of 7- I live in truth. 42 sins that the soul of the deceased honestly 8- I regard all altars with respect. declares it has never committed when it faces 9- I speak with sincerity. judgment in the afterlife. A few examples from 10- I consume only my fair share. these laws are: Maat’s role among the ancient Egyptians was a magnificent one. 1- I have not committed sin. Maat basically ruled anything and everything on land. It showed 2- I have not committed robbery with violence. truth, wisdom and justice. Also, it made sure that every soul got what 3- I have not stolen. it deserved, whether the soul was consumed or taken by Ammut or 4- I have not slain men and women. got to live in the afterlife. The whole purpose of Maat was to show 5- I have not stolen food. real justice to the world and that good souls will be rewarded, while 6- I have not swindled offerings. evil deeds will be punished. The fact that this big impact was all 7- I have not stolen from God. made by a Goddess shows how women played an extraordinary role 8- I have not told lies. in Ancient Egypt. Not only that, but the fact that a Goddess﹣a wom- 9- I have not carried away food. an﹣was justice itself and the legal system of Egypt at that time, just 10- I have not cursed. affirms the importance of women and how powerful they are. Maat made sure that justice is served, took care of an entire country, and even the entire world.
52 W O M E N I N L A W THE POWERFUL WOMEN UNDER THE EGYPTIAN REGIME: EQUALITY & PROTECTION STANDARDS One of the central values of Ancient Egyptian civilization, ostensibly the central esteem, was Ma'at – the concept of concordance and balance in all perspectives of one's life. As a mediator between divine beings and people, the pharaoh would demonstrate the critical obligation to living a well-balanced life. During the most recent decades, women in modern Egypt have demonstrated their critical part and importance in all perspectives of life, and they were one of the crucial generators for the development within the Egyptian society. Under Egypt’s Constitution, women have a wide scope of rights and protective provisions in numerous fields. This article will give a brief on the rights that women have through the different Egyptian laws.
WWW.THELAW.ME 53 The Egyptian Constitution confirmed that women are equal to men in all civil, political, DAHLIA HAKIM economic, social, and cultural rights. The Constitution obliges the state to take all SENIOR ASSOCIATE & necessary measures to ensure the appropriate representation of women in the TRAINING CONSULTANT AT EFE councils of representatives. The state shall also guarantee women’s right to occupy public and senior administrative positions and to be appointed in the judicial bodies and authorities without discrimination. The state is required to protect women against all forms of violence, to enable them to balance between family duties and work requirements, and to provide due care and protection of motherhood and childhood, elderly women, breadwinners and vulnerable women. WOMEN’S WOMEN IN CRIMINAL LAW POLITICAL PARTICIPATION The Criminal Law of year 1937 and its amendments ensure the protection of women against violence, mutilation, organ trade Nowadays, women in Egypt reached the highest and torture, incitement of violence against women or specific level of female political representation within the women-based groups, “impingement of individual honor”, sexual history of the nation. A new clause added to the exploitation and assault, and human trafficking. Egyptian Constitution reserves 25% of the seats in all local councils to women. GENDER EQUALITY WOMEN However, Egypt ranks low in its fight for gender equality compared AND WORK to other countries worldwide, according to the 2018 Global Gender Gap Index. The index, which measures disparities between males and As per the Egyptian Labor Law no. 12 of 2003, females worldwide, ranks Egypt at 136 out of 145 countries worldwide women are not restricted from getting a particu- on the gender equality scale. Egyptian women have significantly lar career or work. The Egyptian woman’s right to lower participation within the labor pool than men (26% vs. 79%). get a job is not limited to merely her ability to do Additionally, female literacy rates are also lower than that of males so, but the law also avoids any discrimination in (65% vs. 82%). regards to pay rates or work conditions stemming from sex, origin, language, religion, or belief. One of the most persistent challenges facing Egyptian women stems from negative cultural traditions that are based on false religious WOMEN biased conceptions. However, concerned government institutions, AND CUSTODY with the assistance of the National Council for Women, constanty try to fight these extremist ideologies by shedding light on the importance of the role of women in society. They also build groups of enlightened religious scholars, opinion leaders and intellectuals to debunk these claims. The Guardianship Law no. 119 of 1952 does not Additional efforts in the form of campaigns and cooperation between differentiate between a man and a woman in their the civil society and the government are needed in order to empower eligibility of guardianship. But, there are some women as well as integrate them as active participants in different restrictions expressed by the Islamic Sharia’ Law fields. There also needs to be economic development strategies with and the other pertinent laws with respect to a focus on education to provide equal training and professional minors for protection purposes. However, the child development opportunities for both males and females. shall remain in the custody of the mother or the Furthermore, an enhancement of governance is required in order maternal grandmother in the case of divorce to build women’s self-confidence, develop their negotiation skills, until the child reaches 15 years of age. networking skills, and identifying sources of information and support. Finally, we should work to strengthen women’s managerial and technical skills to encourage their participation in the community as well as improving the cooperation between local organizations to reduce gender-based violence. Consequently, women will be able to identify, prioritize, and take action to address their needs. Also, they will be able to create a work-life balance. “Balancing career with motherhood isn’t always easy, but it can be beyond fulfilling to have the best of both worlds,” said Erica Carrico.
54 W O M E N I N L A W FARIDA ABDALLAH A guide from our favourite TV FELLOW AT THE LAW show’s iconic female characters. Annalise Keating How to get away with murder, an American legal thriller television series, has been for a while now, a dream come true for the sus- pense-filled, adventurous, and eventful life a woman in law could dare to face in real life! With a bit of realism, this article will allow you to witness our favourite female char- acter traits you could possibly need to become a successful woman in law. Perfection is not Annalise Keating HOW TO GET AWAY WITH If there is one sure thing about Annalise Keating, the main character, is that her character was far from perfect. Yet, she had exceptional students, brilliant teaching techniques that keep every single student on edge while listening to her lectures. Her insistence and hard work towards being a remarkable pro- fessor and a thriving lawyer brings up the question: can one become an Annalise Keating one day? Confidence, bold and blunt! Michaela Pratt Despite having a very soft Extremely ambitious side at home, another re- markable trait was how Michaela Pratt, one of Keating’s confident Keating was students, never failed to show the in all the career-re- audience the importance of achiev- lated moments of ing what they put their mind to. She her life. She taught would never underestimate herself every woman that and always followed her goals and knew it does not matter her capabilities well. Because, if not how vulnerable she ambitious, how else would a person know gets, or how much life what they are capable of? brings her down every now and then, success Never giving up will always lift them up. Keating never feared No matter how good or bad life is being, one saying her opinion, and was can always find an excuse to give up. Pratt always ready for risks. always found a reason to never let that happen, and always believed that anything worthwhile “I am not a woman who takes time, effort and sacrifice. gets afraid” – Annalise Keating. “That’s called giving up. You might do that, but I don’t.” – Michaela Pratt
WWW.THELAW.ME 55 Laurel Bonnie Winterbottom Castillo Honesty is key Beware the quiet Bonnie Winterbottom, an As- ones sociate Attorney at Keating’s firm, always found that hones- Laurel Cas- ty is the best policy. Bombard- tillo, anoth- ed by lies and misdirection her er student whole life, her character became in Keating’s one of the strongest and inces- class, was santly blunt. She taught viewers viewed as along the way to never let life trau- the low-key, mas get in the way of their careers quiet one at and to always go on. the beginning of the show. Laurel’s parents raised her to always Second boss, but first in loyalty keep her mouth shut; ironically, now she rarely ever does. Castillo is a respectable example of a Winterbottom never failed to prove shining woman who does not allow anyone to throughout the show how insignifi- limit her. cant labels are. A person does not have to be the boss in order to be successful. Wise people remain humble She always demonstrated how loyal she is working for Keating, and that shows a lovely Despite coming from an extremely wealthy fam- humble perspective. ily, Castillo always remained humble and always disagreed with anyone who did not respect “No matter what obstacles stand in her way, no matter how hard the challenge, Ms. Winter- everyone equally. For all the future lawyers out bottom is defined by her sense of loyalty” there, that is one significant trait to keep in – Annalise Keating mind. “Or you’re a classist elitist who thinks every- one who didn’t go to Ivy is beneath you?” – Laurel Castillo Finally, good things Tegan Price cannot be achieved without an active effort Presence! of working towards achieving them. Know what it takes to understand Tegan Price, an attorney that practiced 15 years how to become a successful woman in of law, showed the fans the importance of simply your life’s search for success. Despite all having presence. When Tegan enters a room, her the previous characters being fictional, confidence and body language speak for themselves. they still have many lessons and traits that Despite not being a main character, Price played a translate into the real world. successful working woman, and it was clear how in- timidating that could be. So ladies, how proud are you of yourselves today? Keep your friends close, and enemies closer As cliché as that sounds, Tegan always insisted on showing the im- portance of being supportive around competitors. Bitter treatment is considered weakness, and that is not what a successful woman is.
56 W O M E N I N L A W INTERNATIONAL ADVISORS GROUP \"Our services reflect OUR commitment to our values in all aspects of our serviceS. we pride ourselves with not what we provide, but what interests we put forward\" Address: 6 El-Khalifi St., Sheraton El-Matar, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Phone Number: +202222884542 Email: [email protected]
WWW.THELAW.ME 57 BARRIERS ARE HALA RIAD FOUNDER OF HEKOUKY BRMEANT TO BE A week ago at a global conference, I was asked a question by my peers; “why is there such little innovation in the Middle East?” I usually do not expect such bluntness. Then, I started thinking about it; are the social and financial barriers thick enough that they are impenetrable? Then, I did the math. The metrics were astonishing, on average 2-3% of companies at the very top incubators and accelerators were found- ed by Middle Eastern people. We are at a standstill economically, socially and financially, and unfortunately, it seems like we only have ourselves to blame. What is worse, is that this number decreases tenfold for women, in fact, in some startup batches, the number is #1 THERE ARE GAPS IN zero. Instead of explaining why this is the case, I have EVERY MARKET, LITERALLY decided to take a different route. EVERYWHERE Let me tell you why the barriers you think exist are only in your head. Let me tell you why Take a look at whichever market today is the prime time to build your own you serve; odds are there are about company. Let me tell you why this is the 10 different start-ups that could start region―Egypt and the Middle East tomorrow and be widely successful. This in general―that will allow you to is in sharp contrast with the USA or Europe maximise your wealth, to make where at the current stage, the markets seem an unprecedented social im- to be saturated when it comes to innovation. pact and to, as cliché as it might sound, do your part #2 EVERYONE ENCOURAGES INNOVATION IN EGYPT to change the world. When you have the right drive, the right education and the right idea, people will support you. Since there is very little innovation, everyone treats new ideas like they could be the next big thing. That is the case because they will be. #3 EGYPT’S CURRENT ECONOMIC GROWTH This country has been through a lot, and the truth is no matter what your political affiliations are, we cannot ignore one reality: economically, Egypt is booming. FINALLY I’m talking to you my dear women, let us be honest \"USE THIS GRIT, with each other and ourselves. Yes, it will be harder for BE AN ALLY you because you are a woman. Yes, you will have to deal AND PLEASE with things that I cannot even put into words here in SET US ALL FREE fear that it might trigger sadness in you. Yes, you will IN THE PROCESS\" be belittled. Yes, yes, yes. However, you are stronger than anything that will be thrown your way. You have grit. You have passion. You have a voice. You are what these men will never be, yourself. Free, honest, and ten times stronger than they could ever dream to become.
58 W O M E N I N L A W WHERE COMMERCIAL, CORPORATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION: YOU AND M&A LITIGATION SHOULD GO Afifi Law Office Afifi Law Office Al Kamel Law Office Al Kamel Law Office Al Tamimi & Company Dreny & Partners Dreny & Partners Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & Helmy, Hamza & Partners McKenzie International) (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International) International Advisors Group International Advisors Group M & E Law Firm M&E Law Firm Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy NAL & Partners NAL & Partners Shahid Law Firm Shahid Law Firm Shalakany Law Office Shalakany Law Office Shehata & partners Shehata & partners Zaki Hashem & Partners, Attorneys at Law Zaki Hashem & Partners, Attorneys at Law Zulficar & Partners Law Firm Zulficar & Partners Law Firm SHIPPING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Al Kamel Law Office Afifi Law Office Eldib Advocates Dreny & Partners El-Saghir Law Firm NAL & Partners Shalakany Law Office Zaki Hashem & Partners, Attorneys at Law
WWW.THELAW.ME 59 DISPUTE RESOLUTION: BANKING AND FINANCE ENERGY ARBITRATION Al Kamel Law Office Al Kamel Law Office Afifi Law Office Al Tamimi & Company Dreny & Partners Dreny & Partners Dreny & Partners Helmy, Hamza & Partners International Advisors Group Helmy, Hamza & Partners (member firm of Baker & M & E Law Firm (member firm of Baker & McKenzie International) Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy McKenzie International) International Advisors Group Shahid Law Firm International Advisors Group M & E Law Firm Shalakany Law Office M & E Law Firm Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy Shehata & partners Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy Mazghouny & Co. Tarek Riad - Legal Consultants Shalakany Law Office Shahid Law Firm and Attorneys at Law Shehata & partners Shalakany Law Office Youssef & Partners Attorneys Zaki Hashem & Partners, Shehata & partners Zaki Hashem & Partners, Attorneys at Law Zaki Hashem & Partners, Attorneys at Law Zulficar & Partners Law Firm Attorneys at Law Zulficar & Partners Law Firm Telecoms and Media EMPLOYMENT PROJECTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE Al Kamel Law Office Afifi Law Office International Advisors Group Al Tamimi & Company Afifi Law Office M & E Law Firm Dreny & Partners Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy Helmy, Hamza & Partners Al Kamel Law Office Shalakany Law Office (member firm of Baker & Zaki Hashem & Partners, McKenzie International) Dreny & Partners Attorneys at Law International Advisors Group M & E Law Firm Helmy, Hamza & Partners Shahid Law Firm (member firm of Baker & Shehata & partners McKenzie International) Zaki Hashem & Partners, Attorneys at Law Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy Shahid Law Firm Shalakany Law Office Shehata & partners Zaki Hashem & Partners, Attorneys at Law
60 W O M E N I N L A W LEGAL Afifi Law Office ALC - Alieldean Weshahi & Partners DIRECTORY 6 Salah El Din St. Zamalek 5 Abd El-Kawy Shams - 11211 Cairo, Egypt Dokki, Giza 12611 +20 2 2735 4010 +20 (0)2 3336 4313 [email protected] [email protected] Helmy, Hamza & Partners - International Advisors Group Matok Bassiouny & Hennawy Baker & McKenzie 12 Mohamed Ali Genah, 6 El-Khalifi St., Sheraton Garden City, Cairo, Egypt Nile City Building, North El-Matar, Heliopolis, Cairo, Tower 21st Floor 2005C, Egypt. Tel: +2 02 2796 2042 Cornich El Nile Ramlet Beaulac - Cairo Egypt 222684542/222684543/22268 [email protected] 4563/222684564/222684565/2 +20 2 2461 5520 22684567 https://www.bakermcken- [email protected] zie.com/en/locations/emea/ egypt Rizkana & Partners Shahid Law Firm Shalakany 20B Adly Street, Downtown, 2 El Marashly St., Zamalek, 6 Wezaret El Zeraa Street, Cairo 11511, Egypt Cairo 11211, Egypt City Capital Building, 10th Floor, Dokki, Giza, Cairo, +202 2393 5557 +202 27288888 Egypt [email protected] [email protected] +2(02)3760-4100 [email protected]
WWW.THELAW.ME 61 Al Kamel Law Firm Al-Tamimi & Co. El-Sherif Foundation Dokki Building 17, Nabil El Wakkad Street Dokki, Giza, Building No. 5&7 (Star Capital Building No. 2, Ramo Egypt Building), 10th Floor, Geziret Building, 4th Floor 406, Nasr El Arab Street, Mohandseen, City, Cairo, Egypt +202 3761 5271 Giza, Cairo, Egypt 01222255504 [email protected] +20 2 3368 1000 nohasherif@elsherifounda- [email protected] tion.com Mazghouny & Co M&E - Eslam Adel & Associates NAL & Partners Tower 112 - Kattameya one Cairo Business Plaza, Plot 15 Abou El-Feda Street, - Maadi Ring Road - New 424 Street 90 North, Unit 306, Zamalek Cairo., Cairo, Cairo 11936 New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt Floor 5, Unit 18 11211 Cairo, Egypt +201000078092 +201110609311 (+202) 2735 2678 / 2735 2682 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Sharkawy & Sarhan Shehata & Partners (S&P) Zulficar & Partners Cairo Business Plaza, Unit Nile City Building South Arabella Plaza - Building 2, 204, Fifth Settlement, New Tower, Eighth Floor, Cairo, Gamal Abdel Nasser Axis, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt Egypt Fifth district, New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt +201022256100 +202 24612161 +202 23225400 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
62 W O M E N I N L A W With a two- LEGAL third majority UPATES vote, the Parlia- ment approves a new law-making face masks obligatory in public areas for all citizens and violators of the law will face a EGP 300 – 5,000 fine. June 18, 2020 Egypt’s Egypt Law Daily News Egypt House of adopts its first Representatives ever data protec- The Egyptian parliament ap- approves a govern- tion law. The proves a draft law that requires ment-proposed draft provisions under the the dismissal of employees of law amending some of new Law are modelled on state agencies without taking the provisions of the mental the EU General Data Protec- disciplinary measures, as a step health care law no. 71 of 2009. tion Regulation (GDPR) and the in combating the spread of ex- The law aims to protect the rights Law adopts similar concepts and tremist ideologies. of people with mental illnesses, definitions. on July 5, 2020. eliminating any form of abuse. November 2, 2020 November 8, 2020 Arab news August 24, 2020 Global Compliance News Law Daily News Egypt The Ministry of Petroleum and Oil hits its highest level since Mineral Resources, alongside the The new customs law no. 207 of March 2020, rising toward $47 Ministry of Electricity and Renew- 2020 is adopted following the a barrel, as a third promising able Energy showcase their plans Parliament’s approval. Conse- coronavirus vaccine spurred and efforts towards achieving quently, the old customs law no. demand recovery hopes and sustainable energy by 2035 and 66 of 1963 and law no. 186 of 1986 US President-elect Joe Biden modernizing the energy sector in of customs exemptions are now received the go-ahead to begin Egypt, under the auspices of the cancelled. his transition. European Union. November 16, 2020 November 25, 2020 November 25, 2020 PWC Arab News Egypt oil & gas news The Egyptian Prime Minister Petromaint and Petro Scope sign El Sewedy Electric, the leading issues decree no. 2371/2019 a memorandum of understand- wires and cables and integrated amending the investment law's ing (MOU) to utilize technology energy solution provider in the executive regulations. The decree to rationalize energy consump- Middle East and Africa, announc- included the addition of two tion, according to a statement by es its subsidiary, El Sewedy Elec- articles, 126 bis and 126 bis, which Petromaint. tric for Trading and Distribution, stipulate the commitment of signature of a new EPC contract public and private authorities to with the Egyptian Electricity provide the General Authority for Transmission Company worth Investment and Free Zones with EGP 846 million. information and data required to calculate direct and indirect November 14, 2020 foreign investment assets. Energy Egypt November 13, 2020 Daily News Egypt November 24, 2020 Egypt oil & gas news
WWW.THELAW.ME 63 BUSINESS El Sewedy The Interna- NEWS Electric subsidiary tional Finance signed a new contract Corporation (IFC) Egypt’s with the Egyptian govern- and the Agricultural steel ment for a smart highway Bank of Egypt (ABE) an- information traffic system worth nounced a partnership to production help Egyptian farmers access increased by $90 million. financing in order to purchase solar 8% during the past irrigation systems for a switch from 10 months, January November 16, 2020 diesel-powered generators. to October, reaching a Egypt Today whopping 6.5 million tons November 19, 2020 during this period. The Transport Information Tech- Egypt Today nology Company, which is the ALBORSA NEWS technological arm of the Egyp- Orascom Construction PLC’s con- sortium with Mitsubishi Corpora- The Ministry of Petroleum and tian Ministry of Transport, signed Mineral Resources has an- an agreement with Huawei tion has signed an $800 million contract with Egypt’s National nounced that 11 mining compa- Egypt for the transfer of expe- Authority for Tunnels (NAT) for nies were awarded a gold ore rience to the TransIT company Cairo metro line 4. exploration concession. These staff. Simultaneously, Huawei is looking forward to implementing November 24, 2020 companies are; Australia's Cen- several projects in the transport Ahram Online tamin CEY.L, Canadian compa- sector in collaboration with the nies B2Gold BTO.TO, Barrick Gold, GAFI approves the establish- Lotus Gold, Red Sea resources TransIT company. ment of a new investment area for Emaar Misr with investments and Britain's AKH Gold. April 23, 2020 reaching EGP 40 billion resulting Mubasher - Egypt in the creation of nearly 77,000 November 19, 2020 Ahram Online job opportunities. November 22, 2020 Egypt Today Vodafone Egypt and Maven Developments signed a memo- randum of understanding for the transfer of digital technology and communication services to be used for Maven Development’s new project, Bay Mount Sokhna. December 1, 2020 Cement Egypt
64 W O M E N I N L A W The Ministry of Pe- The OIL & GAS troleum and Mineral Egyptian NEWS Resources announced government that the African Energy In- will reduce Sie- vestment Corporation and the Suez Canal fees col- mens African Export-Import Bank lected from passing ships Energy have reached an Egyptian- transporting crude oil from partners with brokered preliminary framework North East Europe to South East Linde Engineer- agreement. Thus, boosting Africa’s Asia by 48%. ing to accelerate de- oil investments. carbonization efforts in December 21, 2020 the petrochemical sector. November 20, 2020 Egypt Today Both companies will explore BLOOMBERG EGYPT how renewable technologies and The Idku gas liquefaction plant energy storage can be leveraged to Saudi Aramco signs long-term is preparing to export its first support customers’ contractor agreement with natural gas shipment in three decarbonization initiatives. Enppi. This step comes as eight months. The Cape Ann tanker ar- companies have been awarded rived at Idku Port yesterday from November 22, 2020 Long-Term Agreements (LTAs). Norway in order to transport the Energy Egypt These agreements are for a six shipment, according to Marine- year base period and extendable Traffic. for an additional six years. October 27, 2020 November 18, 2020 Energy Egypt Energy Egypt Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Europe’s leading independent (ADNOC) announces the discov- oil and gas company Wintershall ery of 22 billion barrels of un- Dea has announced its ambi- conventional oil, which is made tious climate change plans with up of unconventional reserves, targets of achieving net-zero including shale oil, as the compa- operations by 2030. ny pledges $122 billion in capital expenditure over the next five November 25, 2020 years. Egypt Oil & Gas November 23, 2020 Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest Egypt Oil & Gas oil company, has completed the issuance of $8 billion worth of senior international bonds. According to a press release, A total of 40,000 bonds were is- sued at a value of $200,000 each, bringing the total to $8 billion. November 25, 2020 Egypt Oil & Gas
WWW.THELAW.ME 65 LAW FIRMS' Karim NEWS Youssef has been featured as one of the ‘Top 10 Business Leaders to Follow in 2020’. He is the Founder, Chairman and Head of International Ar- bitration and International Law at Youssef and Partners Attorneys. Al Tamimi Appoint- October 20, 2020 and Company ment of Hani Industry Wired Egypt success- Sarie Edin in the fully completes its Senate, A presiden- Shalakany's Muhammad Ussa- first aircraft registration tial decree was issued ma promoted to partnership. post-pandemic of Airbus to for the appointment Ussama, who is a key figure in A320-214 for Air Cairo Airlines. of Dr. Hani Sarie Eldin, the The team was led by Senior Asso- Founder and Managing Partner the Shalakny roster, specialises in ciate Zeinab Shohdy and Associ- of Sarie-Eldin and Partners, as a dispute resolution and is a former ate Alia Omran, who advised by member of the Senate. completing the delivery and reg- state council judge. istration of the aircraft and acted October 18, 2020 on behalf of both the owner of Al Wafd News November 17, 2020 the aircraft, Sky High 104 Leasing Shalakany Law Firm - Facebook Company Limited, Ireland, and Khaled El Shalakany, the Man- the lessor of the aircraft, ICIL ME aging Partner of El Shalakany Shahid Law Firm acted for lead- SPV Company Limited, UAE. Law Firm was shortlisted for the ing European banks and export African Arbitration Association’s December, 2020 Lifetime Achievement and con- credit agencies in the $ 130 tribution Award for his contribu- million cross-border refinancing Al Tamimi & Company - LinkedIn tions to the Arbitration society in of the purchase of three Airbus The global law firm Dentons has Egypt and Africa. 320neo aircrafts ultimately oper- appointed partner Piotr Szafarz as Head of the CEE Real Estate June 5, 2020 ated by Egypt’s national carrier. Practice, where he will be re- African Arbitration Association The transaction was the first sponsible for strengthening insti- Zulficar and Partners’ Head of of its kind in the Egyptian avia- tutional client relationships and Banking and Finance Ashraf Ihab tion market due to its complex enhancing Dentons’ position as structure, since it involved the the leading real estate practice has ranked in Chambers Global sale, leasing, subleasing of these in Central and Eastern Europe. 2020 as a band 3 Banking and aircraft across multiple layers of In his new role, he will collabo- Finance Lawyer. special purpose vehicles around rate closely with Pascal Schmitz, Head of the Europe Real Estate December, 2020 the world. Practice, based in Paris. Zulficar & Partners - Website November 25, 2020 Andersen Egypt, Maher Milad Shahid Law Firm - Website Iskander and Co., has been rec- ognised as one of the top 10 law Baker McKenzie Law Firm won three awards at the Middle East firms in Cairo in excellence of Legal Awards 2020. The firm won legal representation in Top10 Cai- ‘Arbitration Team of the Year’ and ro’s 2019 run of Law Firms based ‘Real Estate Team of the Year’ on performance. for the first time, and ‘Corporate Team of the Year’ for the second December, 2020 Top10 Cairo year running. November 5, 2020 Baker McKenzie - Website November 26, 2020 Dentons - Website
TIMELINE OF IMPORTANT 66 LEGAL EVENTS IN WOMEN HISTORY • Egyptian women could deal with property on the same terms that • Law no. 6 of 2020 amending some provisions men did and they could make the appropriate contracts in their of the Penal Code promulgated by law no. 58 2020 own names. They were also held of 1937 to harshen the punishment of those accountable for economic evading alimony payment or intransigent in transactions and contracts paying the debts of expenditures. that they were a part of. • Governmental approval on the protection of • Preservation of women’s rights was assured through ‘marriage persoTnhael fdirasttafeomf vaicletimjudsgoef steoxtuaakleausspatuhlte. contracts’. There were contracts where “the man lists the value of all the expensive property that she brought with her into the marriage. He notes that he will give her an amount of money as a ‘bridal gift’, and he declares that, if they get divorced﹣whether the divorce was instigated by him or her,﹣he must give her the monetary equivalent to everything she bought. If he defaults on his payments, she remains legally entitled to any and all arrears.” ANCIENT EGYPT judges’ panel in Egypt’s Criminal Court (Fatma Qindil). • The first female judge to take up the 2019 1923 • The 1923 Constitution made basic education an judges’ panel in Egypt’s Criminal Court obligation for males and females. (Fatma Qindil). • The number of appointed female judges in 2018 1933 • The graduation of the first female Egypt reaches 66. lawyer in Egypt (Naima Ilyas al-Ayyubi) •The appointment of the first female Assistant to the 1937 from Cairo University, becoming the Minister of Justice by the Supreme Judicial Council. first woman to complete a Bachelor’s • The 2018 decision of the Minister of Housing to add Degree in the Faculty of Law. breadwinning women among the priorities of applicants for apartments in the Ministry’s projects. • Law no. 58 of 1937 criminalizing all sorts of violence against women • In March 2017, the President of the Republic declared 2017 the 2017 year of the Egyptian Woman for the first time, and adopted the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women WOMEN IN LAW 2030 developed by the National Council for Women in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and its Sustainable Development Strategy. Investment Law no. 72 of 2017 stipulates in article no. 2 equal opportunities between men and women. • Enforcing stricter penalties for female circumcision. 2016 1953 • The 1953 Constitution declared equal- • The Civil Service Law introduced articles related to ity between the sexes, religious affil- working mothers and others related to working women, iations, origins and language. It also as well as granting additional benefits to working states that the state shall facilitate a mothers, including maternity leave for a period of 4 balance for working women between months instead of 3 months. their home and work-lives. • Law no. 106 of 2015 amending some provisions of Law 2015 1956 • Women obtained full political rights such as the no. 396 of 1956 regarding the organization of prisons, as it right to vote and participate in elections. stipulates the protection of the imprisoned mother and her right to keep her child until he/she reaches the age of four and to obtain the right to visit after this age. In addition, delaying the execution penalty until the child reaches two years of age.
• Article 214 of the 2014 Constitution 1959 • Law no. 97 of 1959 on labor law puts WWW.THELAW.ME grants the National Council for Women working men and women on equal indepedence and immunity and the right to footing in regards to the applicability of review all legislation related to women before its provisions. its issuance. 2014 1962 • Article 180 of the 2014 Constitution stipulates that 25% of the local council seats • The appointment of the first female are reserved for women, and thus the minister, Hekmat Abou Zeid. number of seats allocated to women becomes 13,500 seats. • House of Representatives Law no. 46 of 2014 that stipulated a number of female members. • The Ministry of Interior established the Department of 2013 1971 • The 1971 Constitution asserts the Combating Violence Against Women to raise awareness, state’s obligation to protect children and encourage women to report crimes of violence to the mothers. It also affirms the principle of police, inform women of their rights, and refer women to equality between the sexes in all fields; proper support sources, including the National Council political, social, cultural and economic. for Women and the Office of the Public Prosecutor. 1981 • Egypt ratified the Convention on the • Amendment of tax law no. 91 of 2005, and the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination abandonment of the masculine tendency in its texts and Against Women (CEDAW). its recognition of women as the breadwinner of the family. The criminalization of 2008 1996 • Law no. 12 of 1996 that female circumcision. includes a chapter on the protection of working mothers’ rights, such as maternity leave. • The Nationality Law of 1975 was amended in 2004 to 2004 1999 • Article 291 of the Penal Code, that stipulated grant Egyptian women married to foreign men the right that there was no penalty for male rapists who to pass their nationality to their children. married a female victim, was removed. • Tahany El Gebaly was the first female to be 2003 2000 • Republican Decree no. 20 of 2000 67 appointed to the advisory body of the establishing the National Council for Supreme Constitutional Court. Women. • Law no. 1 of 2000 granting equal rights to litigation for males and females.
68 W O M E N I N L A W LIST OF LEADING EGYPTIAN FEMALE LAWYERS Amira Sherif Arig Ali Dahlia El Hakim Senior Partner Partner Founder Sarie Eldin & Partners Zaki Hashem & Partners DH Group Banking, Investment, Corporate Practice, Drafting Contracts Labour, Commercial, Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate laws and Capital Markets. Donia El Mazghouny Eman Riad Fatma Salah Managing Partner Partner Partner Mazghouny & Co Riad & Riad Law Firm Riad & Riad Law Firm Energy Law Commercial law, Corporate law, Corporate Law, Trade Law, Contracts, Pharmaceuticals, Energy & Renewables, and and Employment Cross-border Transactions Heba El Naggar Hoda Abdel Saleh Ingy Badawy Partner Founding Partner and Zaki Hashem & Partners Karim Adel Law Firm Head of Mergers and Corporate, Commercial, Bankruptcy, Corporate Law, Acquisitions Group and M&A. Collection of Bad Debts, Commercial Zulficar & Partners Law Firm Law, Commercial Registry, Mergers and Acquisitions Laura Kassim Establishing Companies and Foreign Branches Lojayne Shaheen Legal Group Head Counsel CIB Lina Hamdy Zulficar & Partners Law Firm Corporate, International Commercial Capital Market Partner and Investment Arbitration and Finance Anderson Tax and Legal Intellectual Property, Cyber Marwa Elkhodary Mariam Fahmy Security and Data Protection, Partner Negotiation and Contract Alieldean Weshahi & Partners Partner Drafting Pharmicutical Shalakany Banking and Finance, Marriette Rafik Corporate, Projects Labour and Employment,Capital Markets Legal Director Orascom Construction Nehad Abulkomsan Nermien Al-Ali Nermine Tahoun Gender and Development Managing Partner Managing Partner Consultant, Senior Lawyer, NAL & Partners Tahoun Law Firm Chairwoman of the Egyptian Drafting Services Agreements, Joint Centre for Women’s Rights Intellectual Property rotection &manage- Venture Agreements, Management (ECWR). ment, high tech business establishment& Agreements, Concession Agree- Gender Consultancy corporate management, finance &com- ments, and Finance Agreements mercial transactions, related litigation Omnia Gadallah Rehan El Bashary Rasha Mouris Founder Partner HerHonorSettingTheBar Partner El Shahid Dispute resolution (Arbitration), el shahid Competition and Compliance, Business Law Corporate/Commercial, Labor E-commerce,Corporate/Com- and Employment, Social mercial/ M&A, Insurance and Income Tax Sara Abdel Gabbar Sara Hinton Shahira Khaled Senior Partner Senior Partner Partner Zaki Hashem & Partners Ibrachy Legal Constultants Al Kamel Law Office Commercial, M&A, Finance, Corporate and M&A, Competition and Anti-trust Intellectual Property, and Finance and Capital Markets, and M&A Telecoms. Projects and Infrastructure,
WWW.THELAW.ME 69 Disclaimer: This magazine features only a fragment of the woman who practice law in Egypt. As a result of the large number of leading women in law, we were not able to include all but we do acknowledge each and every one of them. Thus this list is placed in alphabetical order. Dania El Samad Dina Eldib Dina Kamel Partner Partner Partner Zulficar & Partners Law Firm Eldib & Co Zaki Hashem & Partners Banking and Intellectual Property , Telecommunication, Project Finance Trade marks Corporate, M&A, Arbitration, and Data Protection. Gehad Al Saeed Ghada El Ehwany Hala Hashem Legal Counsel Samcrete Engineers Partner Senior Partner and Contractors Helmy, Hamza & Partners Zaki Hashem & Partners Corporate and Commercial Commercial, Corporate, Jacquline Saad Transactions; M&A, Healthcare Contracts, Insurance, Executive Partner Regulatory, Insolvency, Compli- and Labor Laws. El Shahid ance, and Dispute Resolution. Anti-corruption, Competition Lamya Gadelhak and Compliance, Commercial, Lamiaa Youssef Corporate and M&A, Partner Employment and Antitrust Partner Helmy, Hamza & Partners Maha Jüstel Sharkawy & Sarhan Law Members of Baker Mckenzi Corporate Law, Employment Law, Banking & Finance, Energy, El Shahid M&As, Oil & Gas, Dispute Settlement, Mining, Infrastructure Commercial Dispute Resolution NGOs, Knowledge Management and Legal Automation Mariam Auda May El Shaarawy Partner Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy Partner Corporate Law and Mergers Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy and Acquisitions Corporate, M&A, Capital Market Mona Zulficar Nada El Ezaby Nayla Ramsay Founding Partner Partner Partner Zulficar & Partners Law Firm Zaki Hashem & Partners Sharkawy & Sarhan Law Restructuring, Project Finance Corporate and Business Law, Project finance and M&A Transactions M&A, Capital markets, labor issues, and Arbitration. Nora Salem Head of Internatinal Legal Nevine Abou Alam Noha Sherif Department German University of Cairo Senior Partner Founding Partner International Relations, Security Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy Zaki Hashem & Partners measures, Status law, Criminal Corporate, Commercial, M&A Litigation and law, Labor law, and Capital Market Transactions Contract Drafting Samaa Haridi Sally El Sawah Salma Khashab Partner International Dispute Managing Partner Eldib & Co Resolution Partner and Head Sawah Law Trade Marks - Legal Translation of Middle East Practice International and Commercial Hogan Lovells law, and in articular rbitration, Suzan E. Farid Arbitration international enforcement, trac- Partner ing of assets and debt recovery Rizkana & Partners Yosr Hussein Hamza Corporate, Employment and Soad Fayek Commercial Law and Mergers Director, Legal Council -Middle and Acquisitions East . Anderson Tax and Legal Senior Partner Legal Risk Management, Compli- el shahid ance Risk Management, Corporate, Civil and Commercial Litigation Commercial,Technology and and Enforcement of Arbitral Mergers &Acquisitions Fields Awards
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 2020 First awarded in the 2018 annual This Award is presented to pay Law Talks, The Rising Star award tribute to a distinguished is presented to young lawyers member in the administration who share similar attributes to of justice in the Arab Republic of Egypt, In the memory of Khaled the “Lawyer of The Year” El-Zoghby who was a true exam- nominees. ple of a fair and impartial jurist. This award is presented annually Making its debut in the 2019 Another award that debuted in as a part of The Law Talks. The Law Talks, this award is given to the 2019 Law Talks, this award is award is given to the managing presented as a recognition of the partner/Principal of a selected distinguish the best in-house Law Firm that sets the standards firm or office. The nomination legal department in the Egyptian for the award is not only based in client relations, enhanced on the legal achievements of market, in recognition of their work environment, and quality of the lawyer, but also on his role efforts for the legal stability of in developing the community. the legal product. “Lawyer of the Year” is awarded their entities. to shed the light on prominent members of the legal community who are regarded as role models to next generations, and respected by their peers. Visit our website www.thelaw.me for more information
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