Awards Issue Final_Full_Version

12 th Edition Awards Edition 2020-2021 OMAR RISING FIRM BASSIOUNY OF THE YEAR LAWYER ADSERO - Interview With OF THE YEAR Ragy Soliman, Ahmed Abdelgawad, FIRM OF Mohamed Abdelgawad THE YEAR MOSTKhaled El Zoghby Award for SHAHID LAW FIRM INFULENTIAL JUDGE Girgis AbdelShahid Tarek Kamel REGIONAL FIRM RECOGNITION OF OF THE YEAR LEGAL EXCELLENCE Zulficar & Partners Law Firm Amal Afifi Tharwat AbdelShahid Prof. Mohamed Salah AbdelWahab RISING BEST INHOUSE STARS TEAM Ibrahim Shehata Titan Cement Dr.Micheal Boutros Maha El Meihy Islam El Ghazouly Andrew Afifi

Maha El Meihy Rising Star Dr.micheal Boutros Tharwat AbdelShahid Tarek K Rising Star Recognition Of Legal Excellence Khaled El Zog For Most Infule

Andrew Afifi Rising Star Kamel Amal Afifi Ibrahim Shehata ghby Award Recognition Of Legal Excellence Rising Star ential Judge

TFHIREMYEOAFR SHAHID LAW FIRM

Girgis Abd El-Shahid

Prof. Mohamed Salah AbdelWahab Zulf icar Team 2 WWW.THELAW.ME

RTFEHIGREIMOYENOAAFRL Zulficar & Partners Law Firm WWW.THELAW.ME 3

RISING FIRM OF THE YEAR ADSERO - Ragy Soliman & Partners 4 WWW.THELAW.ME

ADSERO Team WWW.THELAW.ME 5

Islam El Ghazouly Head of Legal Department 6 WWW.THELAW.ME

BEST INHOUSE TEAM Titan Cement Group WWW.THELAW.ME 7

Ziad Ali President and CEO T Lawyer Of The Year Award presented to Omar Bassiouny, Founding Partner at Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy. Firm Of The Year Award Presented to Shahid Law Firm. Regional Firm Of The Year Award Presented to Zulficar and Partners. he Egyptian legal market is flourishing, and Rising Firm Of The Year Award Presented to ADSERO - Ragy with it many firms and law practitioners are leaving their Soliman & Partners. mark. This issue is highlighting and honoring this year’s award winners for their valiant efforts. Best In-House Team Of The Year Award Presented to Titans Construction. To our award winners, I truly believe that you have reshaped the law industry in Egypt, and perhaps even the Middle East. Khaled El Zoghby Award For Most Influencing Judge Presented From the employment opportunities you provide, to the justice to Tarek Kamel, Assistant to The Minister of Justice for the you ensure to your clients, and even to helping businesses grow, Technical Development Sector and Judicial Information you are making the law’s role in the Egyptian society Center. clearly prominent. Recognition Of Legal Excellence Awards Presented to Tharwat You have not simply done your job, but you went above and Abdelshahid, Founding Partner at Shahid Law Firm and Amal beyond. This year’s winners are especially impressive due to Afifi, Managing Partner at Afifi Law Office in Association their ability to stand out and make a difference during a global with Dentons. pandemic that has shaken the entire world. Rising Star Awards presented to Andrew Afifi, Associate I am proud to be a member of such an esteemed law society at Afifi Law office, Ibrahim Shehata, Managing Partner at that is continuing its growth and moving forward. Our awards Shehata & Partners, Maha El Meihy, Senior Associate at shed light on only a handful of legal firms and individuals, but Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy and Micheal Boutros, Partner our entire unit of legal professionals is truly impressive. You at Shahid Law Firm. are all making our society better and leading it towards a more promising future for the upcoming generations. These efforts cannot go unnoticed, especially those who stood The Law Magazine’s mission has been to aid legal practitioners out during this difficult year. Thus, we would like to show our in spreading their message, acquiring new information and appreciation by presenting those firms and individuals with seeing different perspectives. We have been dedicated to this awards based on our many categories. mission since our inception. We have built strong partnerships along the way that have aided in our growth and we are proud of the accomplishments we’ve made so far. Partnerships - Global Lawyers Connect based in the UK - Federation of African Law Students based in Ghana - Goals Afrika based in Africa We would also like to thank Greenline couriers for being our official Magazine distributors. 8 WWW.THELAW.ME

Gregg Belsford Chairman Of Board Of Trustees D ear Readers, Our road to success started with Ziad Ali and early members of The Law family in 2015, and it is an honor to present this 12th edition of The Law in 2021. Our magazine started with a passionate vision to engage a new generation of Egyptian men and women in changing the world through strengthening the rule of law and the legal profession. In six short years, The Law has grown from a small group of bold and spirited visionaries to become the premier champion for justice and rule of law for the new generation of Egyptians. The Law pioneered Egyptian-grown practical skills training courses for law students, new law school graduates and experi- enced law professionals. We also launched dynamic interactive conferences comprising practical training and cutting-edge legal issues through Law Talks. Finally, our polished law magazine is available in analog and digital formats to bring all of these ideas and discussions to tens of thousands of law community members throughout Egypt and worldwide. You are the 21st century generation of lawyers and legal professionals in Egypt; you are Internet savvy, law savvy, and business savvy. Look at you! You are the most amazing legal community in Egypt’s history - a core community of dedicated, dynamic, innovative people who want to vitalize and improve the legal world in this beautiful, great, ancient country of Egypt. Imagine what you can do. Now is the time to take your enthu- siasm, skill and leadership to the next level - helping the weak and vulnerable in society. This is the great noble call of the 21st Century to legal professionals around the globe: strengthening the rule-of-law and equal access to justice. Is this in your heart? ‫ مين ؟‬... ‫لو مش انتوا‬ ‫ فين ؟‬... ‫لو مش هنا‬ ‫امتى ؟‬...‫لو مش دلوقتي‬ WWW.THELAW.ME 9

TABLE OF CONTENTS 12 13 14 Meet the Team John Wealth Omar Lawyer Of Heath Management Bassiouny The Year Interview 32 36 40 Adsero Tarek Amal Rising Firm Kamel Khaled El Zoghby Afifi Recognition Of Of The Year Award for Most Legal Excellence Interview Infulential Judge Interview Interview 56 60 65 Maha El Rising Andrew Farah Meihy Star Afifi Rising Elleuch Oil & Gas Industry Star Players Converting To Interview Interview Renewables Amid The Covid-19 Crisis 70 71 73 Mohamed Continuing Education Paul Mostafa Sharaf Abroad Sills Crypto Currency and Adel Before it’s Too Late: Smart Contract Disputes Missing Laws in the Real Estate Sector 78 79 80 Economic Legal Business News Updates News 10 WWW.THELAW.ME

20 24 28 Girgis Firm Of Prof. Regional. Firm Islam El Best AbdelShahid The Year Mohamed Salah of the Year Ghazouly InHouse Team Interview AbdelWahab Interview Interview 44 48 52 Tharwat Recognition Of Ibrahim Rising Dr.Micheal Rising AbdelShahid Legal Excellence Shehata Star Boutros Star Interview Interview Interview 66 67 68 Dr. Sarah Moataz Mostafa Selim Ghorab Public Law: Theory Aidrus Women Judges and Violence Against Versus Practice Prosecutors: Hopes and Women Specialized Courts A Judicial Challenges Gender-Based Lens In Egypt 74 75 77 Efat With Growth Comes Jihane Highlights About The Law Firms News El Sherif Discomfort Aroufi Decree Of Protection From Domestic Violence 82 84 Legal Where You Directory Should Go WWW.THELAW.ME 11

Ziad Ali Hoda Nafee Yassmin Soliman Waleed Arafaat President and CEO Chief Editor Head of Operations Marketing Advisor Noran AbdelBaki Khaled El Khashab Mariam Bahaa Zeina El Bakry Senior Editor Senior Editor HR Manager Art Director Eman Nafee Wefak Al Kabour Mahmoud Hesham Noor El Gohary Editor Business Development Associate Media Production Editor Manager Nada Nabil Maryam Fawzi Farida Abdallah Mostafa Al Sayed Farida Mohamed Youssef Gouda Editor Editor Fellow Fellow Fellow Fellow Rawan Macdy Nada Nayel Chaden Soliman Hana Shokry Clara Mokhtar Mohamed Nabil Fellow Fellow Fellow Fellow Fellow Media Consultant MEET Haidy Fahmy Salma Mostafa Omar Mostafa Zeina Jowett THE TEAM Communication Photographer Photographer Editor & Admin coordinator 12 WWW.THELAW.ME

WEALTH MANAGEMENT A In order to accurately advise clients at The old adage “Physician Heal Thyself” the right place and the right time, we though from a different profession, as attorneys must have the requisite is applicable here too. An attorney’s training, skill and judgment to provide neglect to their own personal and appropriate pieces of advice to our business wealth management can often clients. turn into a distraction taking away from There are several suitable resources for that attorney’s clients. this type of training. Though broad It is not only good practice, but it is also s a young attorney, based, the American University in Cairo very important to put the same efforts I worked in a boutique law firm. Many offers a master’s degree in Comparative into your own portfolio that you would of the firm’s clients had both significant and International Law. This program put into the portfolios of your clients. personal and business wealth for which offers courses in international economic Clients should be aware that you they were responsible. law and business regulation. Both courses “Practice What You Preach.” In other These clients trusted us to accurately would be very helpful to train an words, you should follow your own advise them in areas as diverse as attorney in some of the analytical advice. This effort should be focused taxation, business regulations and thinking required in the client wealth on planning ahead for things like your estate planning. management practice area. retirement, a legacy for your family and for philanthropic pursuits that you may Now, I work in a firm that provides Another excellent resource is provided be interested in. pieces of advice to a wide range of through the American Bar Association clients, many of whom find themselves (ABA) through their Business Law Wealth management is both a complex in more modest financial circumstances. Section, Real Property Section, Trust and and diverse practice area that tackles My practice now ranges from basic Estate Law Section and the International specific and often complex areas of law. budgeting, how to pay one’s bills or Law Section. All three sections provide Though there are many ways to obtain obligations on time, how to maintain a training opportunities and resources that training in this area, it is through the positive credit rating, which is important are helpful in equipping attorneys with practice of law that you will gain for prospective employers and business the knowledge to advise their client in experience and the confidence of your opportunities. Also, how to challenge the wealth management practice area. existing and prospective clients. items on credit reports that are These sections also provide access to unfair, accurate or substantiated. experienced attorneys who may be will- ing to guide less experienced attorneys. While the economic backgrounds of Furthermore, you may be able to obtain the clientele of these firms are wildly advice from practitioners who practice different, the practice is very similar. It locally in this area. Here, reputation is is the practice of helping clients man- important. You should seek out an age their personal and business wealth. attorney who is respected by his or her Specifically, it is the practice of properly peers, regulatory authorities, the judi- advising these clients regardless of their ciary and most importantly, an attorney economic backgrounds. that you know is not only qualified to advise you regarding this practice area. We live in a complex business and regula- Although it can be somewhat daunt- tory environment. This environment ing to reach out to an experienced and demands that we provide sophisticated respected attorney, it can also turn out to pieces of advice to our clients in relation be very rewarding. Many times, experi- John Heath to tax planning, business management, enced and respected attorneys are willing real estate management, marketable as to share tips and training in their respec- Managing Attorney well as non-marketable investments, tive practice areas in order to improve Lexington Law firm testamentary planning, transfers and the practice of law in that specific area. philanthropic giving. Internationally, this environment consists of a patchwork Additionally, it is important to note that of law, regulation, and tradition that can while attorneys provide some excellent be challenging for even the most advice and services to their clients, many experienced attorneys. times, the same attorneys neglect their own wealth management. WWW.THELAW.ME 13

E We did the research and we reached out to our friends in the international firms to find out how they were dealing with this evolving drastic situation which gave xcellence and skill are not always enough for a lawyer to rise through us some ideas and methodologies as to the ranks; it requires hard work and immense dedication as well. Omar Bassiouny has how to manage the covid-19 situation. proved himself as an individual who took his skills to the next level. Interestingly, we launched our Algeria As the founding partner of Maatouk Bassiouny, the firm quickly grew under his office two months before the pandemic, guidance. The firm stood out amongst others in the field, but Bassiouny himself has so in terms of timing, we were not the also become well-known in the field of corporate law. His business sense helped in luckiest. the growth of his firm, however his renowned global reputation is due to his nego- tiation skills and abilities as a lawyer. This is why Bassiouny has been chosen as this It has been challenging working with our issue’s Lawyer of the Year to honor his accomplishments this far. partners in the UAE, Algeria and Sudan because we could not travel and there was no face-to-face contact, which in my 1. It’s been a very busy two years from the During that time, some of our peers opinion is essential. Yes, there were virtual continued expansion throughout the Middle took the approach of mass redundancy, meetings, but it is not the same, especially East and North African region, to the some took the approach of having across when you have just launched an office and covid-19 outbreak. How did you and the firm the board salary reductions; we decided you need to be shoulder to shoulder with endure the many highs and lows that we to take a different approach based on your partners. have experienced over the last two years? individual utilization. Despite the fact that our work flow took a massive hit, In terms of activating things and manag- I will be very candid; I think the last two some of our lawyers were working 24/7 ing the office, it was very challenging. years have been historically challenging and even weekends, hence we thought That is the essence of partnership in these by all means. So, when the pandemic was that it would be quite frustrating for said drastic situations, partnerships become announced in around February 2020, the lawyers to take a 20% salary cut with that more solid. In summary, it was pretty world and the global economy came to amount of effort. tough, but I think we managed success- a stop. fully to a very large extent, and I think we While it was difficult to manage and are now more resilient as a firm than we The most challenging part was the uncer- difficult to regularly monitor, we were pre-pandemic. tainty and lack of visibility that lasted undertook our adjustment based on until the end of August 2020. the utilization of each and every lawyer 2. Could you tell us a little bit more about the No one knew what was happening and on a weekly basis. Some lawyers got a history of Matouk, Bassiouny & Hennawy. whether the global markets were going three-day weekend, some lawyers got a When and why did you decide to start a law to persist with the phenomenal global four-day weekend, while others worked firm? equity markets crashing and taking a regularly since we found that this continuous relentless noise dive, the approach was the most equitable. The firm initially started in 1953, many business community coming to a stand- years before I was born, by my late grand- still with massive complete lockdowns Suddenly, starting September, most father Hassan Pacha Bassiouny, who was a and governments shutting down borders. of the transactions that were on hold judge at the time at the Court of Appeals. As the lockdown persisted, we had resumed again, which came along with its He set-up the firm after retiring from the to learn how to operate the business own set of difficulties. It was quite chal- judiciary in 1952. remotely, which I don’t think anyone was lenging for us to maintain responsiveness ready for. However, we were relatively and ensure that the quality of our work My father was initially an ambassador, saved by the major investments that we products met our standards. who then revived his father’s practice had continuously undertaken in our IT after retirement from the foreign service. infrastructure during the preceding years. Hence, we were compelled to decline Interestingly, at the outset of my career, We were working on the basis of predic- acting for some of our clients in certain my professional relationship with the tions, which were sometimes right and cases due to the lack of resources and family was extremely short-lived. In fact, sometimes wrong. Most of the transac- capacity. A very difficult but necessary it took me a month to realize that family tions that we were working on froze. To decision to maintain our responsiveness and business don’t mix. provide you with an example, we were and quality, which remain our corner- working on around 40 transactions in stones in terms of values and philosophy. Therefore, following my graduation from February 2020, and by the time that the Cairo Faculty of Law and AUC in the lockdown was enforced, 37 of those During the period between September 1999 (where I enrolled simultaneously), I transactions were either terminated or and Christmas, some lawyers did not started my career with White & Case in put on hold. take a single weekend off for as long as Germany and then joined Dentons. When a month. But, thanks to everyone’s hard my father passed away in 2002, I felt When you’re managing around 200 work, we successfully managed to navi- compelled to give it a shot and took over lawyers and the pipeline freezes, it’s the gate through the mountains of work. the practice, which at the time was taking physical reincarnation of stress since the When 2021 started, I think we were more a severe nosedive following the passing of utilization was at around 20%. ready to deal with the pandemic. We my father. knew it was not going to end, we knew that the waves were going to be there. 14 WWW.THELAW.ME

LAWYER OF THE YEAR Omar Bassiouny FOUNDING PARTNER & HEAD OF CORPORATE M&A at Matouk Bassiouny and Hennawy Interviewed By : Zeina Jowett WWW.THELAW.ME 15

To make matters more difficult, since I international office network and assisted At the time, we had four partners and didn’t work with my late father, I did not us with talent acquisition. We had both 28 lawyers. Today, we have 24 partners have any connections with the clients, the international and local hat, which and over 200 lawyers. In my opinion, one nor did I know the lawyers working there gave us flexibility when it came to build- of the main reasons as to why that move when I first joined. Most of the lawyers ing the firm. stimulated that growth was because of left when I joined the company at the age the circle of trust forged with the inter- of 24. Age, at the time, was my greatest However, when we were approaching national law firms. enemy. It was definitely a challenging 2012, we realized that the affiliation and We did not expect when we de-branded time, to say the least. the DLA branding was obstructing our that being independent would have such relationship with other international a charm and such an ability to attract That being said, things started getting firms doing business in Egypt. We were work and talent. better after the difficult period. Shortly seen as competition by international One of my concerns when we left DLA after, John Matouk and I teamed up and firms seeking to retain Cairo counsel, was talent acquisition and talent reten- the firm rebranded as Matouk Bassiouny despite our efforts to explain that it is tion. I tell my partners every morning in 2004. After that, DLA Piper came to merely an affiliation with DLA. Firms that talent acquisition and talent us hoping to acquire the firm, but our would explain that in order for us to be retention should remain our number small size didn’t warrant an acquisition. one of their preferred Egyptian counsel, one priority. These are snapshots of the we would have to be independent. history of the firm over the last 50 years. We were only two partners, two law- The last step is that we decided in 2017 yers and an office boy. Therefore, we Therefore, after a unanimous decision to start embarking on a regional expan- both elected that an affiliation was from the partners, we de-branded from sion, so we started with Sudan, then the more appropriate at the time. That DLA on January 1, 2012. I think that was UAE, followed by Algeria. Of course, the was monumental in terms of the firm’s the most strategic step in our history. pandemic temporarily froze any other growth between 2004 and 2012; they gave expansion plans for us. us systems, boosted referrals via their 16 WWW.THELAW.ME

3. How did this transition from a local firm The Ministry will not grant are there, with the exception of certain to an affiliate of an international entity, to approval unless there are four other reactive policies, but I think the vast an independent regional firm contribute to authorities granting the approval. majority of the policies and initiatives we your perspective as one of the leaders of this Intriguing becomes bureaucratic, which are seeing are pro-FDI and we are hoping entity? becomes highly regulated and becomes for this to continue. challenging. I think the regional component is becom- 6. A question that our younger audience ing more and more essential. There is a That being said, I see where the govern- members always have: why did you as one of lot of work that we could not take while ment is coming from, as healthcare for the founders of MBH decide to break through operating in Cairo alone. Being a region- many is national security. I always tell practices such as joint ventures and projects al firm definitely increases our ability to our friends in the government to regu- in financing and other transactions? I sup- attract regional transactions and clients. late, but without killing FDIs (foreign pose, generally speaking, why corporate law? direct investment). The government has It also gave us a new ability to attract made a tremendous effort putting the It is something I was passionate about different kinds of work and different economy on the right track. Some of the since I was a junior associate. I have kinds of clients who would choose to very difficult decisions have been taken always liked and followed M&A. As deal with only one firm rather than over the last four years including lighten- a young lawyer, I tried fields such as multiple firms across the region. That is ing oil and gas subsidies. finance and litigation, but I did not like probably the most important transition anything as much as M&A. That is what that happened. There are discussions now about how to motivates you when you’re marking-up rationalize the subsidy of bread. These SPA at 2:00 a.m. The regional expansion came at a price are very unpopular and difficult decisions for me and my fellow partners as it to implement, and I have to give credit to You need to love what you are doing, and definitely increased our workload at the the government opening the debate. that is key in this profession. As I always expense of our personal lives. The busi- say, the business of law is very chal- ness of law is a challenging business; it’s 5. Given that the legal landscape is one of lenging and mentally and intellectually based on human interaction, and accord- the few accurate indicators of the general exhausting. Ultimately, if you like what ingly, traveling a lot becomes part of your business environment of the country, do you do, it eases the pain. daily routine, which is often inconve- you believe that Egypt is indeed on the nient and annoying. verge of a boom in business and investment 7. From your experience with international friendliness? companies, what would you say is the key 4. Diving into your experience, we’ve recently to handling the difference in culture and seen plenty of successful mergers and acquisi- Egypt is by all means on the verge of a managing the expectations of international tions in the Egyptian market with a share of major boom; we have seen a boom in the clients? those transactions being handled by MBH. At last 12 months in terms of M&A activity this career stage, what industries would you and FDI, notwithstanding the pandemic I always tell new international clients say are the most intriguing when it comes to and all the economic challenges we have coming to the firm the same thing; mergers and acquisitions? seen. The M&A team has never been busy welcome to the land of 7000 years of like it has been over the last 12 months, bureaucracy, which we Egyptians are I will tell you which ones are the very across the sectors; of course, certain very proud of, so please align your hot sectors, and then we can get into the sectors more than others, and certain expectations. ‘intriguing’ dimension. I think health- investors more than others. care, education, FMCG [fast-moving Whatever gets done in Paris and London consumer goods], and renewable energy. You would find more UAE and GCC in a week will take us a few months here. These happen to be the most interesting investors coming in, but today we are There are a lot of good things about sectors as they are fueled and stimulated seeing M&A transactions coming in Egypt, but you need to make sure to by demographics. Egypt has around 110 from clients in the USA, Asia, the GCC, manage the expectations of international million human beings and the economy Europe, and Japan. What we’re seeing clients. In my view, bureaucracy is the is doing well; these four sectors are today is the result of all the hard work flipside of corruption. There is a lot of probably the most attractive sectors that the government has initiated for effort that has been done by the govern- that we are seeing. the last five or six years. Today, Egypt is ment to streamline bureaucracy, limit an oasis of stability in a very turbulent corruption and limit all the side effects When it comes to ‘intriguing’, I think geopolitical Middle East. of bureaucracy, but ultimately, regulated sectors are the most intriguing. For example, healthcare is a very interest- If you look left, right, south, with the I would say bureaucracy remains the ing sector for a vast array of investors, exception of Morocco, there is no FDI biggest challenge. Culturally, not every- especially private equity. There was a destination. That did not come as a one understands this. We, as Egyptians, reaction from the government to try and surprise, and it did not come because understand it, we know it and we live over-regulate the sector. For example, we were lucky; it came because of all in it, but for international clients it there was a regulation a few months these difficult reforms and measures that becomes difficult. If you don’t get them ago, whereby you cannot buy a single maybe should have been taken years ago. to manage their expectations, there will share in a healthcare facility without the be misperception and misalignment, approval of The Ministry of Health and Hence, Egypt is in a very good position which effectively will prejudice the rela- Population. in terms of having a major boom. We are tionship between you and your client. seeing that all the components and ingre- dients for a successful FDI destination WWW.THELAW.ME 17

8. So, would you say that bureaucracy is the As a firm, what we are trying to do is 11. You’re known for making yourself consis- biggest challenge of exporting legal services? expanding the numbers and growing tently available for your clients, how do you I think so. If I had to choose one, I would the firm with the best talent we can maintain this unique quality? say bureaucracy remains the most chal- identify to lighten the load on the exist- Not all of my clients would agree to that, lenging, notwithstanding all the efforts ing lawyers, which goes back to talent but I try. Clients are looking for three that the government has done. It is not acquisition and talent retention things: responsiveness, quality and avail- bureaucracy itself; it is not changing the 10. Let’s talk about competition, how did the ability. It comes with a price. Sometimes regulation. You have an enshrined cul- elevation of MBH’s status as a regional law that availability is outside of working ture of bureaucracy in the public sector firm change the scale of competition? hours, on weekends, at midnight, and unfortunately, which in my view, will I have absolute respect for a lot of our sometimes you have multiple engage- take many generations to change. You peers. There are many great firms and ments where you wish you can clone need to change the culture. lawyers in town. I think there are two yourself. It is just a matter of trying to be Overemployment in the public sector things we can claim; one being the available. is a reason why you have bureaucracy regional aspect. I think we are the only For example, if a client reaches out when for example. A lot of initiatives were Egyptian firm that has four direct offices you’re busy, just let them know and done, but there are a lot of initiatives in the region, and this has allowed us to tell them you will call them back later that need to be done to streamline and attract a certain clientele and a certain instead of ignoring them. These small change the culture of bureaucracy, rather nature of work that we would typically gestures to manage the client and manage than just changing the regulation to try not get as a Cairo-based firm. their expectations are critical. It is not and streamline bureaucracy. GAFI, for I think the other point that is important always successful, but as long as you try, example, created a one-stop-shop many to note is that we are probably the only eventually you will get there and most of years ago, but it has never been activated. firm that has elected over seven years ago the clients will appreciate the effort and Why? Because the employee in that to implement very strict practice groups. the initiative. authority is still living in a certain We decided in 2014/2015 that we need to culture of bureaucracy where efficiency is do what the international firms did and 12. What would you say the future holds not the name of the game. learnt from their success. We learned for MBH? Is international expansion on the 9. On a more personal note, it is unfortunate- two things from looking at international horizon? ly known that the legal industry can take firms and what they did to succeed; the You never know when the right oppor- its toll on the physical and mental health of first being practice groups. I have not tunity arises, but our key priority right lawyers. What would you say is the key to been practicing anything except M&A now is reinforcing and strengthening our handling the pressures of the industry? for the last seven years or so and simi- regional footprint, which remains one of I always tell my lawyers and my partners larly all our other departments have only the most strategic objectives of the firm. to try and have a work-life balance, exclusively focused on their own practice There are important jurisdictions in the which is easier said than done. groups. region that we think we should be in; I preach that, but I don’t always have the When you do the same thing over and Saudi Arabia is the first one that comes opportunity to implement it. However, over, you do it better, you do it faster, to mind and Libya is the second, once it work-life balance is absolutely key. There and because we work on an hourly basis, stabilizes.yourself. It is just a matter of is no way you can sustain this profession, we do it cheaper for our clients. The trying to be available. if that is what you want to do for years second initiative that we launched a few For example, if a client reaches out when and years, without having some form of years ago is sector groups. Today, we you’re busy, just let them know and work-life balance that suits you. There is have about seven or eight sectors that we tell them you will call them back later no magic recipe; I think it is very per- focus on. We divided ourselves among instead of ignoring them. These small sonal. It is specific to each individual, but the sectors. gestures to manage the client and manage a person needs to find a way to unleash So, for example, as a sector I focus on their expectations are critical. It is not the stress somehow. private equity. Some of my colleagues do always successful, but as long as you try, For example, I try to work out whenever automotive, some do energy, and some eventually you will get there and most of I get the chance. Unfortunately, when do renewables and so forth. We have the clients will appreciate the effort and you have a 7 a.m. breakfast with a client, seconded some of our lawyers to our the initiative. then it is not always feasible. I try to have clients to allow them to understand their family time, however if you are doing an business. It is important that the lawyer M&A transaction on a Friday and your understands how his client’s business kids are on the table next to you, it is functions and the operational issues always challenging. Work-life balance that said client faces on a daily basis. is something that people need to keep Understanding the sector gives us the in mind continuously, otherwise you ability to understand the business of burn-out. If you burn-out, you do not do the client, not just the legal side of it, anything. but the commercial side as well, which then gives us the ability to synchronize the two. 18 WWW.THELAW.ME

13. You are recognized for your practice and record in multiple jurisdictions and publications. You were also recognized as the Lawyer of the Year for a second time this year in The Law Awards. Can you tell our readers what the essence is of being recognized by a research publication? I like publication, because it fulfills a dimension that is distinct from the pragmatic, commercial side of things. The business of law has always been and will always be based on the academic component. I do not do it for any purpose other than keeping that component alive and not being dragged too much into the commercial and pragmatic side of things. I would encourage all lawyers to take part and to co-write with me. A decent number of the publications I have done had a co-author, usually a colleague. When they see the first publication, especially if it’s an M&A review, it gives them confidence and it gives them the ability to be more involved. 14. What advice would you offer to the next generation of growing legal professionals who are ready to rise up in the ranks? You need to do what you love and what you’re pas- sionate about. If you do not like what you are doing early on, don’t waste your time. This is a difficult job that takes a toll on your mental health and family life. Hence, I think that it is crucial in this profes- sion to actually enjoy what you’re doing. I have not met any successful lawyers that do not have a passion for what they are doing. Secondly, know what you want from your career. Not everyone has to have the same objective. This is something that we try to help lawyers with in our firm. Thirdly, never regret any mistake you make. I don’t think any successful lawyer has been able to get to where they are without mistakes. As I always say, the path to success is paved with mistakes. The important thing is to identify them, learn from your mistakes and improve. Lastly, if you want to have that career, you need to have the endurance and the stamina to do it. If you like what you do as a lawyer, it is the most rewarding, not just financially or socially, but also intellectually. I think that’s key; being psychologically content with yourself and with what you achieve intellectually, financially and socially.a co-author, usually a colleague. When they see the first publication, especially if FM“ALRNIESODATMRAIMNKYPOERSUORVE” it’s an M&A review, it gives them confidence and it gives them the ability to be more involved. WWW.THELAW.ME 19

FIRM OF THE YEAR Mr. Girgis Abd El-Shahid Managing Partner at Shahid Law Office Interviewed By : Maryam Fawzy 20 WWW.THELAW.ME

I n the myriad of excellent law firms in Egypt, one in particular stood out to win the Firm of the Year award. Shahid Law Firm was estab- lished in 1987 and now has a lengthy track record filled with monumental milestones. Shahid Law Firm houses several legal giants and has crossed the confines of the Egyptian borders to expand around the world. Through the years, the firm saw the need for modernization and it has broken through barri- ers in order to create a diversified list of operations. The firm now not only operates in several countries around the world, but it also provides various specializations that can cater to all clients. It is through their dedication and hard work that they have been chosen to be this year’s winners. 1. Even with the immense competition in 3. Your firm is constantly recognized as 5. Statistics rising from covid-19 have shown this category, Shahid Law Firm managed technologically aware as well as knowledge- that employees are more productive at home. to stand out and win the firm of the year able with e-commerce. Can you tell us how How does this apply to the legal field? award. What distinguishes your firm and you achieved that and the benefits of having I will go back to the concept of teams; team from others in the field? that knowledge? I think our institution or law profes- sion requires dialogue and interaction I like to describe Shahid Law Firm as I have been commended regarding this, between lawyers. Also, from the youngest a firm that has been out there in the yet the real gratitude should be for the associate to the oldest partner, this kind market for a long time, yet, with old and younger generation at Shahid Law Firm, of interaction is needed. fresh blood all intertwined together. This because without them this wouldn’t have So, it might have been very effective for combination gets you the best results happened. I honestly don’t even have employees to work from home. However, in the market. This is the uniqueness of social media accounts, so it is all thanks lawyers aren’t employees, they are people Shahid Law Firm. to them. of innovation; they need to be grouped, either technologically through those 2. As a firm that is known for having well- 4. Based on the variety of your well-known kinds of virtual meeting programs and so structured teams, can you tell us how you clients, how do firms with multiple special- on, which don’t allow a personal touch, achieved that and how you hold on to your ties such as Shahid Law Firm vary from one or they should stay in the office. I think teams’ cooperation? another in their dealings? we have managed in the past couple of years to fight Covid through our firm, Teams are the modern way of managing a We have a client that comes to us for a however we remained operational dur- law firm. The idea of sole proprietorship special mandate, so this is one type that ing this time, because we encouraged the or a Ms./Mr. Know-It-All does not exist deals with one team. There is another dialogue within the firm. anymore. Clients want specialization, so client that does everything with Shahid 6. What challenges did you face because of they expect the existence of teams. We Law Firm, and that client, opposite to covid in your firm? have teams for Arbitration, Transactions, what it used to be in the past, actually Ensuring the safety of our team and Renewables, etc. and this is where the likes to deal with multiple teams. So, the our institution. Another challenge was future is headed. second type of client works with the HR making the decision to stay open, even and Labor Law Department, they work though we minimized the workforce a with the transaction team, they work little bit, we did not completely shut with the corporate team and they work down. Luckily we have passed this dif- with the litigation and arbitration team. ficult time, thanks to our office manager We have to cater for all of the needs of in particular. the client so that we can sustain them within the firm. WWW.THELAW.ME 21

Mariam Fawzy from THE LAW interviewing Girgis Abd El-Shahid 7. As a firm that operates around the world How you maintain that relationship is So, this is very important. Multinationals serving a variety of international clients, by attending conferences, doing courtesy have become very conscious about what is the importance of building relation- visits, etc., which we didn’t have a chance efficiency with the least cost, however, ships with international firms? What is your to do during the past couple of years. at the end of the day, you are presenting firm’s approach towards achieving that? So, what you’ve built throughout the them with a good brand. For Egyptian firms, international firms past years is what helped throughout the So, the balance between that is very are like clients. So, you can have a Covid years. important. The most important of company that would like to work with Once the pandemic is over, conferences, all is the regional outreach. Just like international firm X, even when they do events and meet and greets are the most international clients want to have a mul- business in Egypt, so you have to have a important part. Lastly, of course, the tinational firm that they helped expand relationship with that international firm quality of your work is a huge factor. to the world, Egyptian firms should be so that you make sure that you indirectly 8. What changes have you seen in client doing that now. They can be the point of get that client’s work. demands in recent years? How were you able contact for the regional outreach of these This makes these relationships very to adjust to these changes? international clients. important. Also, there are cross-border It is very clear now that clients want 9. Which areas of practice do you believe will transactions that require the Egyptian quick responses in the most cost-efficient become the most important for your firm portion, and it is managed by the inter- way. So, technology and e-commerce are over the next five years? Why? national firm, so you need to be at the big helpers. There are a lot of clients that Regional growth is the most important top of the list of those international we have worked with throughout the thing for Egyptian firms now. firms in order for them to choose your years that we have never seen; we only firm. interact via email and so on. 22 WWW.THELAW.ME

Jacqueline Saad - Executive Partner 10. What advice would you offer the next 23 generation of growing firms ready to rise in the ranks? I would tell my fellow colleagues that are already in well-established firms that before taking the decision to go out and venture on their own, to have that very well thought of and calculated. The market is now looking at either specialized law firms - for example firms focusing on solely arbitration or transac- tions - or the existing big firms in the market. So, before taking the decision of simply saying I want to open a firm, they have to have an edge, somehow, somewhere. “LAWYERS AREN’T EMPLOYEES, THEY ARE PEOPLE OF INNOVATION” WWW.THELAW.ME

REGIONAL FIRM OF THE YEAR Prof. Mohamed Salah AbdelWahab Founding Partner & Head of International Arbitration, Construction, and Energy Groups at Zulficar and Partners Interviewed By : Yassmin Soliman 24 WWW.THELAW.ME

R or taking work beyond the territory that we are physically present in. This is mainly because arbitration is inherently international, and these physi- cal boundaries are anyway disappearing egional growth has been a goal that many legal firms because of covid-19. So, even though aspire to achieve. Zulficar and Partners has achieved that goal and aspires we have one physical office in Egypt, to go even further. However, they did not simply achieve that goal, but the expertise we bring to the field, the they also excelled at what they do and have become one of the best law knowledge of several laws of the MENA firms in the region. region, has helped us in prosecuting cases above and beyond the region in this With a wide range of legal services and incredible dedication to their respect. clients, Zulficar and Partners has been chosen as this year’s Regional Firm of the Year. 3. How did you and the team manage to oversee and win cases of various The firm’s constantly praised and ranked as the top tier firm in several industries and jurisdictions while main- practice areas, and its partners are regularly awarded for their taining Zulficar & Partners’ standard achievements and skills. quality given the challenging nature of your regional dominance and the requirements of the process? 1. From a practical point of view, could There may have been some delays in hear- you please tell us how your team and ings, etc. but arbitration services have In arbitration, it is very interesting the cross border arbitration landscape not stopped globally, where the majority because you prosecute cases governed adapted to the changes caused by the of cases went ahead with fully fledged by many laws, not only Egyptian law, covid-19 pandemic? remote or virtual hearings. and I think we were not only courageous but we had the necessary and requisite It is an honor to receive this prestigious I have actually developed a virtual expertise in prosecuting cases under award from The Law magazine, which is hearing protocol in this respect, so the these laws. dear to my heart. firm and the team is very well aware of To answer your question, let me share the developments globally, and we are Personally, we all know that Egyptian some thoughts; I think that we are at the able to align ourselves with what other law has influenced many laws in the full front of adapting to the pandemic, international firms globally have been MENA region and that’s a blessing for and it has been that way since March doing in this respect. us. Jurists, judges and scholarly writings 2020. We decided to ensure that the firm’s on Egyptian law have helped shape the services and operations remain flawless 2. Being with a firm that is distinguished legal systems of many jurisdictions in and uninterrupted even if we are fully by its unmatched arbitration specialty the MENA region and beyond actually, operational online, to be able to adapt and its regional dominance from a single which might not be known to many, to the restrictions, curfews and differ- office has surely helped in increasing its that the impact is actually beyond the ent lockdowns in different jurisdictions, regional footprint. Can you tell me more MENA region itself. So, in that sense, we especially since international arbitra- about that? invested a lot of effort and time in study- tion transcends territorial barriers and ing these legal systems, in understanding national borders. I think we are all blessed in having an the specificities and distinctions that arbitration team that is really one of the these systems have, and in international In order to match what is happening in leading, if not the leading, in the arbitration, if you dedicate the time and arbitration worldwide, we had to adapt jurisdiction and of course in the region effort in doing so, you are able to success- to this by investing in the IT infrastruc- and even internationally. fully prosecute those cases. ture, ensuring that whatever we are able to do, or have been doing physically, We have been one of the GAR 100 for Today, we are even prosecuting cases is replicated and transferred online. seven consecutive years now and we under Swiss law, we won cases under So, we heavily invested in the firm’s are very keen on ensuring that we are English and French laws. So, basically knowledge base, IT systems and security always leading the region in this respect. it’s not just the region, it’s well above infrastructure. Basically, we believe that hard work and and beyond. If you have a team with the dedication are key to what we do. Even necessary and the requisite expertise, I The lawyers and staff have been very though we have one physical office in think the sky’s the limit. adaptive in working remotely, and in Cairo, the footprint and the work we do fact I have to say, very efficiently, which across the globe is really very interest- 4. You did talk to us on many occasions is why I have to thank each and every ing, and indeed enriching for the team. about your vision of overseas expan- one of them for the hard work that We have handled cases in London, Paris, sion whilst operating from Egypt. With they have done so far. And because in Geneva, Zurich, Singapore, Tokyo and your vision being realized, what was the arbitration we represent several clients all across the MENA region in Oman, significant aspect of operating in foreign globally, I must say that arbitration has Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Libya, etc. territories? How challenging is physical been very adaptive to remote operations, It is really across the board, and we have absence from the target territory? such that it can be easily characterized been prosecuting cases in a very capable as the Snowpiercer (from the movie way and I think the blessing we have in As you may recall, from day 1 with The Snowpiercer). the arbitration field is that physical pres- Law magazine, I mentioned that the idea ence in a given territory is not required, is that physical presence should not be a and does not really hinder our expansion WWW.THELAW.ME 25

barrier to expansion in the work that you 5. From a personal view, what are the challenge that we managed to overcome, do, and I think over the years we have hardships that you faced when starting and we do that with hard work and proved that this is a reality in terms of and growing the arbitration powerhouse results. I think the results show clients the portfolio of the cases we prosecute. that is your department? and peers that you are not simply an We have prosecuted cases as I mentioned I am very grateful for the character- Egyptian firm, you are regionally and in several countries. Even though we are ization of our arbitration team and internationally recognized as a truly physically present in Egypt, what covid- department as a powerhouse. Again, it is international practice. 19 has shown us is the vision that I had a blessing, and I must say that the chal- 6. Your recent appointment to the Rules initially, that is: it doesn’t really matter lenges we face are actually interesting. Advisory Committee (RAC) of the where you are, but it’s what you do that First of all, making it as the leading law Saudi Center of Commercial Arbitration counts. To the extent that even though firm in the jurisdiction is a challenge (SCCA) and your other arbitral our platform is in Cairo, because of the in itself, once you have done that and centres’ affiliations raise a question of our expertise and the specialization the team you in fact lead the jurisdiction, the readers’ interest. To which extent could has amassed over the years, we are able to second challenge would be to regionally arbitral rules affect the friendliness of a prosecute cases across the globe, and we establish a footprint, as we mentioned territory? What are the rules that make have done that, and we have won those earlier. That is not easy because of course an impact? cases. there are many prominent colleagues and The recent appointment of the Saudi So, I think the idea of physical presence practitioners whom we hold in very high Arbitration Center is a great honour since within a territory defining the legal esteem and respect, both in the jurisdic- it is a prominent center in the MENA limitations of your expertise is a flawed tion and regionally, and with whom we region and they are doing idea. It is clear, and even now with the work. excellent work. pandemic, that international firms are Let me say the following, being a leader They have kindly invited me to join their now rethinking the physical presence in the jurisdiction does not mean that rules’ advisory committee to modernize model in different jurisdictions. So, you you are on your own there, there are so the rules and they have an excellent team, could be present online or doing work many capable colleagues, practitioners both on the ground in Saudi Arabia and across the border and not simply within and firms that are doing very well, and an excellent team dealing with all aspects the territorial boundaries of one jurisdic- the market is open to many to establish of the Saudi Center and the rules. Your tion, and you can do that well. themselves. However, I think that the question about how institutional rules I understand that this is one of the challenge is to position yourself region- can play a role in the friendliness of specificities of international arbitration ally and to break free from the shackles arbitration in any jurisdiction is a very and the possibilities may not be available of restraint or the national stigma. pertinent one. Modern user-friendly for other areas of practice. In litigation When it comes to disputes related to rules are indispensable, and of course for example, you need to generally be non-Egyptian laws, this is a challenge in we have the CRCICA in Egypt, which is physically present in the jurisdiction to itself. It is a challenge to say that you are the oldest operating arbitral institution appear before the courts of that jurisdic- able to prosecute a case that is subject to in the MENA region and it is constantly tion to be able to be licensed to practice foreign laws and you are able to go head modernizing its rules. there. However, in arbitration, you don’t to head with leading practices in those We also have prominent institutions need that and you’re able to freely roam jurisdictions and win those cases. These in the UAE and in Bahrain as well, but the globe to the extent that you have the are achievements that I hold dearly to the Saudi Center has been investing a knowledge and the expertise to prosecute my heart. Even though we are based in lot in aligning their rules and practices cases, you can do it. So I think we have Egypt, the reputation that we are able to with best practices in international been proven right in doing so, and our prosecute cases under foreign laws and arbitration, and this brings me to the case portfolio continues to grow globally. in other legal systems was the greatest question. The answer, simply put, is yes, institutional rules do help in promoting Zulficar Arbitration Team the friendliness of a certain jurisdiction to arbitration, but the most important factor is the judicial acknowledgement of arbitration and the support that the judiciary provides to arbitration and arbitral awards. If you have an institution that is functioning properly, and aligning itself with best practices, gradually the judicial system in this jurisdiction aligns its practices, understanding and applications of legal principles with these best practices. Thus, you have a sort of harmony between the institutional rules, practices and the judiciary in that jurisdiction. So it incentivizes, motivates and acceler- ates the friendliness of a jurisdiction, 26 WWW.THELAW.ME

but I think ultimately the pandemic has shown people that there is a different way of doing business. It showed them that there is a different way to handle disputes. It has shown lawyers that their comfort zones of prosecuting cases physically is not the only way we can do work, you can do that remotely and efficiently as well. We have indeed learned new things and we continue to learn new things and that reminds us that it there are other ways to do things properly. There are more ways or many different ways, and being reminded of this with the pandemic is an advantage in itself. but really ultimately, the crown jewel However, once I ended my term, this 9. What advice would you offer the next of a friendly jurisdiction comes when means that you are open to new oppor- generation of growing individuals ready the judiciary takes that leap of faith tunities. In any event, I see that the to rise in the ranks? in supporting these good and credible opportunities outweigh the challenges, practices of international arbitration. and having to serve on boards of these Let me tell you the following, my advice institutions and continuing to do so adds to the younger generation, whether in 7. Do you face any challenges from being value to me personally, and to my team Egypt, the MENA, Africa or more glob- in different centers? at large. I would like to think that it also ally beyond, is to work hard, be patient, helps these institutions understand our and love their work. I see that with the Well, I enjoy them a lot. The benefit of legal cultures, which could help shape younger generations, patience is not their this is that you get to see the world from these institutional practices and make comfort zone, because of the accelerated above and beyond, you see everything them more inclusive and truly global. The pace of life. and you know the various institutions MENA region and Africa are not devoid and regions, who is doing what and what of legal talent. They deserve to be known However, if you invest in yourself, build is beneficial. to the world at large and deserve to be your skills, soft and hard, and you do taken into consideration when these work hard, you will undoubtedly achieve. I try to transfer the know-how to the institutions or organizations shape their If there is no pain there is no gain, and extent that is in the public domain to rules and norms in practice. knowledge is indeed power. Basically, you my students, colleagues and team, so need to equip and arm yourself with the that they are kept apprised of prevailing 8. Do you believe that your firm was needed knowledge to have a competitive international practices, hot topics and positively impacted by the pandemic edge and a competitive advantage. new developments in the arbitration according to your earlier responses? field that is in a constant state of flux. Connections and networking are helpful, This also helps the team whenever we are That is a very good question. Of course but they will not, on their own, advance prosecuting a case internationally, such the pandemic shocked (and continues you much far in your career. If you want that we are able to understand foreign to shock) all of us. But, there is a silver to excel and become a rising star in the cultures, and the nuances of each and lining, and I like to see the good side field of international arbitration, hard every jurisdiction in a way that helps our of things to the extent possible, at least work is indispensable. So, the more you client’s case. However, time is a huge professionally, to see how we could make invest in that, the more it pays back in a challenge. I always try when I take on the most out of it, and I believe that we short period of time. board any new instruction or assign- managed to do that in the Firm. ment to give it 100%, as I do not like to compromise on quality irrespective of “ IT DOESN’TThe silver lining for us during the pan- the nature, value or importance of the assignment or instruction. demic was basically being able to adapt our work to the new virtual reality. I REALLY MATTER think that this is definitely worth the The other challenge is to avoid conflicts investment, and being able to do the of interest. These institutions are com- same work that we have been doing WHERE YOU ARE, peting against each other, and so you physically is indeed very warming and would want to make sure that your scope comforting. In fact, I have to say that, BUT IT’S WHAT YOU of work or your role does not create any based on the statistics that we have done DO THAT COUNTS”conflict. Let me give an example; I have in the Firm, it has been more efficient to just ended my term as vice president proceed virtually compared to physical of the ICC Court after serving two presence. full terms for six years. During those six years, I could not take on board Amongst the disadvantages of course equivalent roles in other competing is that financially clients may have had institutions. issues in terms of collecting their dues, paying fees or paying arbitration costs, WWW.THELAW.ME 27

For instance, to make it more clear, 4. What are the future plans for the legal from 2011 till 2013 we faced instability department in terms of development? in some issues globally for which all the And how does the department stay ahead legal departments of Titan had a duty to of its game and fulfil the needs of work and cooperate together to face this a company that is the size of Titan? situation. We are always keen on acquiring talents 2. A massive company like Titan must and gaining various experiences. One have a full-fledged legal department, in of our main projects, which we were terms of quality and quantity. Could you working into before the pandemic, was tell us about the company’s legal e-legal. The whole world is dependent on department structure? technology in many ways, including legal work. So, we decided to build a strong Titan’s legal department includes e-legal system that acts as a backup to all around 13 members divided between the legal department members and future highly expert lawyers and administrative members. assistants distributed among the four locations of the company in Egypt. Regarding being ahead of its game, we What makes our department different is always try to achieve all the company’s that we deal as if we are a law firm that targets. Moreover, our team enjoys the works as one team exchanging all of the concept of precognition. We always study legal experiences and knowledge we have. everything, even if it does not seem Additionally, the legal department enjoys necessary at the time, but it might be diversity in manners of knowledge, years needed later. One of our top priorities of experience, titles, age and legal back- is to look forward to the future and try B ground. Our main aim is to cooperate to specify what problems the company and work hard in a way that keeps Titan might face. at the top at all times. We always amend contracts, study laws, 3. What are the areas that are being out- try to learn from each other, learn from sourced to law firms? And what are the other departments in the company and factors behind the outsourcing decision? even learn from legal departments in other companies. eing a multinational com- I cannot specify a certain legal sector pany with various jurisdictions, how does regarding this issue. As a legal depart- 5. In mega transactions, how much Egypt's legal department work in ment, we are always keen on gaining control could we say that the legal cooperation with these jurisdictions? experience and enriching our team in department has over it (in terms of the all of the legal majors. However, we are outside council's decision making)? As a multinational company, we have our aware of the importance of building head office and the subsidiaries of the connections with law firms in order to I am proud to say that in mega trans- company with all their legal departments. remain updated and to gain support actions, the legal department plays a Fortunately, Titan’s legal department as whenever needed. strong, effective role. The department a whole has been able to create a strong We do believe that exchanging experi- does that in manners of all the condi- department based on harmony and ences and knowledge among the team tions required based on each transaction cooperation. We all learn and exchange is highly required whenever it is for type, the contracts needed, the company experiences from each other, as the com- the company's benefit. The law changes benefits and the risks that might meet pany has lots of massive projects globally. everywhere, keeping up with all the the company during the transaction So, it was crucial to cooperate together recent laws is one of the main lawyer process. Additionally, passing through all and to gain various national and tasks, if not the most important espe- the negotiations, the authorities involved international legal knowledge. cially when you work in a multinational and even the other party to avoid any institution. problems that might appear later. 28 WWW.THELAW.ME

BEST 29 INHOUSE TEAM Islam El Ghazouly Head Of Legal Department at Titan Cement Egypt Interviewed By : Hoda Nafee WWW.THELAW.ME

6. After the pandemic, all sectors 7. The law changes every once in a while, 8. From your personal and professional came up with new ideas to push their how does the legal department keep up view, what is Titan's role in the Egyptian business through. What was the legal with law changes, especially tax laws? construction boom? department’s course of action during that In tax governance, it depends on two It is widely known that the cement time at Titan? things: the national legislation and the sector has suffered a lot during the past Although the pandemic was a new international conventions that govern three years as the supply of the cement experience that all countries, sectors and all the tax issues, including a very critical has reached nearly double the demand, all types of businesses went through, it part, which is double taxation. despite all the mega projects that are added to our overall experience, Moreover, we always keep up with the being made. In addition, there were new especially in regards to the practical side competent authorities to stay updated types of regulations regarding the imple- of the law. For example, it made us more with all the tax changes, and we also stay mentation of new taxes, fees, fines and aware of the necessity of technology in in contact with all the company legal and the suspension of the building permis- our lives and in our field. financial consultants. sions, which led to huge losses, especially In addition, force majeure clauses in I am proud to say that till now we have financial losses. contracts have become more valued in not faced any tax problems or any tax However, despite all these issues, we the time of the pandemic. The way of its dispute that might affect our work are glad that the CEO of the Egyptian interpretation and the major decisions negatively. Competition Authority has approved the that have been taken based on this clause decree of decreasing the production of were totally different from how it was cement to match the demand in order to used before. avoid any future losses. This decree will It also taught us how to get out of such support all the companies and help them harsh situations with the least losses and avoid any losses as well as allow them to to attain profit, even during such harsh join more projects with a lower risk of times. facing financial crises. 30 WWW.THELAW.ME

9. What are the necessary qualifications 10. In the end, what advice would you “ STUDY for a construction lawyer? give Titan’s legal department and in-house lawyers? Firstly, to make it clear, our department Regarding Titan’s legal department, I HARD is so attached to other departments, so it would like to thank them for their hard is essential to be aware of how the other departments work. For example, being a work and the effort that they put in construction lawyer requires you to put that makes Titan excel and remain at AND yourself in the engineer’s place. You will the top at all times. Their attention to be required to know how they work, the detail and work ethic are crucial for all legal procedures and the safety measures of Titan’s departments. I deeply appre- that should be present during their work. ciate the role they played in all of our STAY Furthermore, the financial department, accomplishments. as we are all aware, is the department For our in-house lawyers, I would like to that mostly affects the construction field urge them to always study hard and stay work or progress. If any financial issues updated, especially in relation to the field arise, you might be forced to halt your UPDATED”that they work in. They should always be work or at least decrease it because of the aware of all the new laws and rules that lack of sufficient funds. are constantly being issued regarding their fields and the fields related to them. Hoda Nafee from THE LAW Interviewing Islam El Ghazouly WWW.THELAW.ME 31

RISING FIRM OF THE YEAR Interview with Ragy Soliman Ahmed Abdelgawad Mohamed Abdelgawad Partners - Adsero Interviewed By : Maryam Fawzy 32 WWW.THELAW.ME

A 1. What is the key to operating a rocket-like Ahmed Abdelgawad: I would say that part- s the Egyptian legal law firm that quickly took the Egyptian legal ner-alignment on the same objectives is market continues to grow, more and market by storm? the key reason behind our success. Most more firms try to penetrate the market Ragy Soliman: When the founding of us have different experiences in many and join the giants that are already partners established Adsero, they did not law firms, with both positive and nega- established. This is in no way a simple plan to go at a rocket-like pace or take tive aspects. We keep these experiences task; it requires extraordinary amounts the market by storm. We were eager to in mind and we try to fix what we have of effort and a dedication like no other. set up a quality law firm, complementary witnessed as deficiencies in our previous However, some firms manage to rise to the existing great law firms in the experiences for our colleagues’ benefit, through the ranks and enter an already market, which we highly respect. We are who will one day be our partners. established market, just like Adsero - client-centric, but in a different way. As Ragy Soliman and Partners. Adsero had a professional services firm, services are to face the intimidating legal field as a provided by individual lawyers. We focus startup, while also fighting the effects of on our people and heavily invest in them covid-19 on the legal world. so that they can provide the clients with Adsero managed to quickly rise through the best service. Our simple equation is the ranks with the collective experience to align the interests of all parties in one that the firm’s partners have, which is direction: the clients, the lawyers and the why they are this year’s Rising Firm of firm. the Year award winners. So, it’s just the right time with the right preparations that got us there. You do your best to prepare and when the opportunity is out there, preparation meets opportunity, and that’s success. WWW.THELAW.ME 33

2. In less than two years, the firm was able Ahmed Abdelgawad: I believe that we were We don’t see many startups in Egypt to attract both prominent talents of the legal lucky during that period because our focusing on legal technology, but we do market and build a highly regarded and clients trust us. We are also very lucky see a lot of startups abroad focusing on diversified client portfolio. What is the key to have had very responsible lawyers legal technology, and a lot of them are to achieving a solid result in such a short during the pandemic. Working from growing and becoming very successful period? home surprisingly increased our people’s with the innovative solutions that they Mohamed Abdelgawad: As Ragy said, productivity, so we were very lucky. are providing. we decided from the first day to focus 6. We’ve recently seen the eagerness of prac- on people. During our previous experi- 4. The firm quickly established a track record titioners and law students in competing in ences, we have seen the classic challenges of completing high-profile transactions in a Adsero’s first writing competition? What was related to career progression. There is very short period, could you walk us through the motive behind this initiative? usually also unnecessary conflict between some of the most recent transactions con- Mohamed Abdelgawad: I think knowledge rising talent, their firms and existing cluded and cases won by the firm? is one of the key pillars for Adsero. We partners. Ahmed Abdelgawad: One of the most believe that we have a role to play in the Our strategy is based on three core important transactions that we’ve community, to the legal community and aspects: worked on, and it’s due to close soon, the legal profession. • Complete meritocracy in hiring and is the Atyab transaction. Another one We saw that most of the valuable initia- promoting with no exceptions. included the sale of the Egyptian Starch tives carried out by other law firms to • Full protection of the environment and Glucose Manufacturing Company as engage the legal community have been through building all policies on the basis a listed company in the EGX, and I think focused around the moot court tool. of collaboration and eliminating any that the transaction was very challenging However, we thought that writing and incentives for unhealthy competition. because it was during the peak of the research is an important tool for students • Absolute ownership of all lawyers pandemic. We have also represented the and legal practitioners in order to dif- on the outcomes of their work and Egyptian government in the issuance of ferentiate talents and to engage the legal efforts, including clients, knowledge and sovereign bonds earlier this year. community. Therefore, we started this relationships. We do not have any non- initiative in order to contribute on our compete or non-solicitation obligations 5. Of all the modern industries, what do you part to leverage the knowledge around on our colleagues. think are those that go hand in hand with legal practice. We intend to publish the 3. It is no secret that the covid-19 pandemic the development of the legal landscape? outcome of the competition so that the and the subsequent global lockdown have Mohamed Abdelgawad: I think that the knowledge is leveraged and the practitio- caused many businesses - including law industry impacting all other industries ners or participants in such competitions firms - to either limit their growth or cease at the moment is technology. We see its are recognized. activity. How was Adsero able to maintain impact on all businesses, including ours. its growth during such difficult times? Ragy Soliman: With every challenge, Ragy Soliman, Osman Mowafy, Ahmed Abdelgawad comes opportunity. We decided to look Partners at Adsero - Ragy Soliman and Partners forward and operate with our vision through the pandemic. We trusted that the Egyptian market would continue its growth. We made the utmost use of the pandemic by investing heavily in our internal organization and sys- tems to apply the best practices of our profession. So, we’ve been successful in obtaining recognition by Lexcel, which is an accreditation by The Law Society of England and Wales for law firms excel- ling in legal practice quality. In addition, the market response by the majority of firms towards the uncertain- ties caused by the pandemic created a great opportunity for us to attract talent at these challenging times. Therefore, by the time the pandemic started we were already building a solid technological infrastructure allowing our people to remain plugged in and helping them deliver quality services outside of the office, without risking their wellbeing. 34 WWW.THELAW.ME

M&A and Capital Markets Practice Group at Adsero 7. On a lighter note, given the years of Ahmed Abdelgawad: On the dispute would be the impact on others, where experience that the firm’s members have and resolution landscape, some of the great you need to make sure that you feel the their cross-border experience, is it finally achievements of the Egyptian govern- importance of what you are doing and safe to say that Egypt is an investment and ment is basically the modernization the value that you are adding to others, business-friendly jurisdiction? And does that they’re seeking to introduce in litigation including colleagues, clients and even the extend to our dispute resolution landscape? these days. We see the attempts of the counterparts of your clients. Whenever government to introduce e-litigation, to you feel like there is no positive impact Ragy Soliman: I think that despite all modernize Egyptian courts and intro- occurring to you and those around you, the challenges that Egypt is facing, the duce technology to the profession. We then there is a need for change. If you Egyptian government has done a great also intend to contribute, and continue do not find an existing established place job in modernizing the legal infrastruc- our contribution into the efforts of that can provide added value, you should ture, in opening new industries and new the government to modernize the legal then consider starting your own busi- opportunities as well as removing restric- practice in general. ness. But again, the same objective should tions to industries that were not available remain; a positive impact to yourself and to private investors lately. Egypt has been 8. At the end of this fruitful discussion, the to others. able to sustain a positive GDP, which is young professionals are baffled with a ques- of course not the planned GPD or the tion that we would like to get your opinion budgeted GDP. However, given the pan- on. What is the best time for a lawyer to demic, it is still positive and still going start their own business? at a growing rate. I think that Egypt is definitely on the right track, creating the Mohamed Abdelgawad: The first piece of right investment climate. We still need advice is that starting your own business to do some work. However, we have a should not be an objective in itself. My government that is engaged, that is not advice is that you should always focus shy to stop and correct their actions, and on the impact, starting with the impact that is looking into modernizing the legal on yourself. You need to make sure that infrastructure as much as they’re looking whatever you are doing is creating a at developing the economic infrastruc- positive impact on yourself, develop- ture, which go hand-in-hand. ing your professional capabilities and your personal skills. The other aspect WWW.THELAW.ME 35

Y 3. What are the primary components of 4. Does digital transformation extend to the our professional accomplish- digital development and transformation in handwritten documents of court hearings? ments are well known, but our readers would the judicial sector? When it comes to the handwritten docu- love to learn more about your history before There are two main components in the ments in a court hearing it can be done joining the Ministry of Justice. Could you technical development of the judicial electronically. please walk us through your early years as a system. Currently, we are adopting the idea of law student and as a practitioner? The first component is the strategy of the writing through an automatic transcrip- In 1988, I graduated from law school digital transformation, and the second tion software that quickly converts the from Cairo University, and after component is the concept of working audio record into text and then the secre- graduation I worked as a lawyer for remotely. Both of these components tariat role comes into hand by reviewing about three years. Afterwards, I joined are linked to each other, but I would and editing the electronic text. the Egyptian public prosecution for like to explain each of them separately. In addition, electronic signatures are six years and then I worked in courts. Regarding the digital transformation, critical, but unfortunately the cur- Later on I returned back to work in the it is based on the adoption of digital rent legislation does not allow us to public prosecution during the period technology to eliminate the use of paper widely use electronic signatures because between 2006 and 2014. During that by depending more on paperless digi- it requires the existence of a certain time I was responsible for the creation tized solutions. Digital transformation is hardware called ‘token’ that has to be and development of the public prosecu- the new reality that will be highly ben- available in order to implement elec- tion information center to enhance eficial for the entire judicial sector. This tronic signatures in judicial documents, the function of the public prosecution will improve productivity, which will for example court hearing minutes. in an advanced form. Subsequently, I enhance the efficiency of the work flow There is a plan from the state to amend worked in courts of appeal from 2015 in the judicial procedures; thus less will the electronic signature law in order to until the beginning of 2020. Currently, be spent on hunting through piles permit and authorize the use of ‘software I work in the Ministry of Justice as the of papers. In addition, easier collabora- token’ and to provide it with the required assistant minister of justice for technical tion will be achieved internally and legal protection. If this is achieved, the development. externally among public officials by court hearing minutes, including the 2. The Ministry of Justice signed a finalizing different judicial procedures at entire lawsuit documents will remain in cooperation protocol with the Ministry the same exact time. its electronic state and all of the judicial of Communications and Information Moreover, digital systems provide a and administrative procedures will take Technology to enhance and develop the very important feature, which is the place without handwritten signatures. judicial services. Can you please tell us more electronic collection and tracking feature The judge will issue a verdict with an about this cooperation? to facilitate the control process and the electronic signature, the expert will issue First of all, I would like to clarify oversight mechanism in the judicial its report with an electronic signature that the technological development system. Such technological development and the lawyer will have the privilege to process in any judicial authority or will strongly influence the fight against appeal with an electronic signature, etc. sector is accomplished by the Ministry administrative corruption and fraud by All of the aforementioned regarding the of Communications and Information implementing new detection and moni- electronic signature is a dream that I Technology (CIT). toring capabilities as well as enabling hope to witness in reality and we strive The Ministry of CIT is responsible for the design of smarter enforcement to achieve it within the limits provided providing the components of tech- measures to eliminate the acquisition by the legislation. I look forward to the nological development, whether they of documents that causes delay in the legislation becoming in parallel with the are hardware or software components procedures. surrounding technological development or developing a technical concept. The second component of digital and transformation. Therefore, the Ministry of CIT is the transformation is the concept of working main partner for the Ministry of Justice remotely, which is an advanced phase, in the technical development process. in which lawyers will be able to perform Accordingly, the existence of a coopera- certain litigation procedures remotely tion protocol between both ministries without going to courts. For instance, is inevitable to assure that the entire lawyers will be able to extract a judicial authorities will apply the same certificate, submit documents and mechanism of digital development and file civil lawsuits remotely which will transformation. accelerate the litigation procedures. Consequently, more time, effort and money will be saved as this will facilitate the process of tracking the judicial procedures. 36 WWW.THELAW.ME

KHALED ALZOGHBY AWARD FOR MOST INFLUENTIAL JUDGE Tarek Kamel Assistant to The Minister of Justice for the Technical Development Sector and Judicial Information Center Interviewed By : Noran Abdelbaki WWW.THELAW.ME 37

5. What was your biggest challenge in Accordingly, the state is working on a Accordingly, lawyers will be able to take achieving technological development in the project to replace copper connecting all of the necessary procedures for filing judicial system? cables with fiber connecting cables, a civil lawsuit, which includes the attach- The biggest challenge is the enormity of which will sufficiently connect all courts ment of documents online by scanning the judicial system; we are dealing with with the information center without them and the electronic payment of the a massive number of lawsuits and courts. causing any kind of disconnection. litigation fees by choosing the suitable Therefore, the amount of investment 6. The ministry is currently taking real steps payment method. The lawyer will also be that is required to cover the entire judi- towards facilitating the judicial procedures to notified via email of the date of the court cial sectors and services in all Egyptian ensure the restoration of rights in the easiest hearings. courts is huge and requires continuous and fastest way. Can you tell us more about The ministry invites lawyers to use this work and a stable strategic leadership the process of online lawsuit registration? new service and welcomes their that is continuously implemented. In line with the state’s digital transfor- suggestions. Currently, we are working Also, one of the other biggest challenges mation policy the ministry implemented on implementing the electronic notice that we faced was the issue of connec- the service of filing civil lawsuits elec- service, which will spare the lawyer the tivity. The connection lines between tronically and remotely before courts of time and effort spent in communicating courts and the information center are first instance. Currently, this service is with court clerks. This will facilitate the underground copper cables, which are applied in twelve courts of first instance process of fulfilling the rights of citizens, no longer sufficient and they have a lot out of thirty eight courts. and to accelerate the achievement of of technical issues that cause disconnec- In addition, the service enables the justice. tion between courts and the information lawyer to file a lawsuit, pay fees, and center that has all of the technological determine the dates of court hearings programs. Thus, whenever a disconnec- remotely without going to the court, and tion occurs this will cause an obstruction this service is available through Egypt’s in the judicial system. digital portal website. Noran Abdelbaki From THE LAW Interviewing Tarek Kamel 38 WWW.THELAW.ME

7. Based on your experience, what piece of 8. The government has been taking significant “...THE advice would you like to give to lawyers? measures to empower women by increasing GOVERNMENT I would like to address all lawyers to their contribution in the judicial system. HAS BEEN TAKING tell them that the ministry is taking real What is your opinion about this initiative? SERIOUS STEPS steps to accelerate the achievement of Throughout history, women have proved TOWARDS justice and to facilitate the litigation their indispensable existence in various ACHIEVING procedures. Lawyers hold positions of fields. Therefore, in recent years, the WOMEN great responsibility to serve justice by government has been taking serious steps EMPOWERMENT” representing their clients as they form towards achieving women empower- the backbone of the judicial system. ment, especially in the judicial sector. We Consequently, the ministry’s success now see female judges taking positions in regarding the implementation of the the Court of Cassation, Economic Court, digital transformation in the judicial Appeal Court, etc. system is conditional to achieving In addition, the existence of women is effective communication with lawyers. very important in all kinds of lawsuits, It is our role to serve their needs, and the especially in family lawsuits. I think that ministry welcomes the lawyers to sub- women would have a positive impact on mit their suggestions via the ministry’s those kinds of cases since women play website so that we can always meet their an important role in achieving a sustain- requirements and suggestions. able social structure. In the near future, we will proudly see female judges taking seats in the public prosecution and the state council. WWW.THELAW.ME 39

RECOGNITION OF LEGAL EXCELLENCE Amal Afifi Managing Partner at Afifi Law Office in Association with Dentons Interviewed By : Eman Nafee 40 WWW.THELAW.ME

T he legal field is nothing without the legal experts who lead it. This is where Amal Afifi comes in as one of the leading legal experts in the country. Afifi did not solely excel on his own, but he chose to bring others alongside him, which is why he started his own law firm - Afifi Law Office. His experience encompasses several fields of the law, but his current expertise lies in intellectual property law. Afifi’s vast experiences and successes are the reason that we chose him for the Recognition of Legal Excellence award. 1. Your firm is specialized in various legal 2. Based on your vast experience, including Over the years, our association is based majors; with such vast experience, how did over 50,000 cases and representing differ- on the foundations of respect, coopera- the firm manage to stand out in all these ent major foreign companies, how do you tion and the exchange of experience and fields within such a competitive market? And manage dealing with different international information with transparency as well as how was the firm able to gain experience corporations? credibility. in all these fields as the market is moving Dealing with foreigners is very com- 4. During your 40 years of experience in towards specialization? fortable due to their understanding of various specialties, what challenges did you I would first like to talk about the vari- the legal culture, even if they do not face along the way and how did you over- ous specializations in the firm. In the specialize in law. They are aware that the come them? past, firms were named after the person. judiciary in all countries is time consum- I have been in the judiciary for 40 years, Then, after the application of the policy ing, unlike arbitration. each case I worked on or litigated mat- of economic openness and the issuance Moreover, it is important for a lawyer tered and had the same importance and of the Arab and Foreign Investment Law to have multiple connections, especially value. As I write any defense, appeal or of 1974, firms started taking a foreign if there is a door to help them recognize memorandum, I tend to focus on every shape, using the experience of different others’ cultures, especially in the field aspect, which in return brings some lawyers and advisors. Our firm was one they work in. Our association with stress with it, which makes every small of the pioneers in this major since the Dentons has been long standing for over detail in the case matter. firm includes most of the legal special- 25 years, which helps in connecting and I learned a lot, and I still need to learn a izations in business law. For instance, expanding our expertise and knowledge lot because the fields of law are numer- company law, arbitration, litigation, on an international scheme. ous and unlimited. No one can claim intellectual property, real estate proper- Moreover, attending conferences is an that they know everything, especially ty, aviation and international contracts. eye-opener to engage with international since the law must meet the needs of When a lawyer faces new topics and corporations and/or firms, enhancing people, and these needs vary from time cases, they begin to know, learn, research business on a wider scale. to time. The law is flexible and coincides and collect the information based on 3. The firm has an association with Dentons, with reality, and by amending the law or their own perspective of tackling differ- how does this work and in what fields of law replacing it with a new law, it proves that ent matters. The main consideration for is it especially prominent? the law is not just written regulations or a lawyer is to be talented; a lawyer is a Dentons is one of the oldest firms that behavioral rules, but rather expresses the writer, thinker, researcher and of course has been associated with a coopera- needs of society. It necessitated projects a good speaker. tive relationship to work in the field of to intervene to codify these needs and set When I was a college student, there was attracting large entities and institutions the necessary controls to oblige everyone a phrase that I was fond of that said, “a to invest in Egypt. with it. For example, civil law is one lawyer should know everything”. In order It was established over 50 years ago and of the most important laws that have to achieve that, one must continuously achieved a number and wide experience governed people’s actions for hundreds of keep researching. I believe that a lawyer in handling a diverse amount of work, years and is amended from time to time. should strive to research, regardless and of course, this was reflected in the Similarly, the law of commerce regulates of having an urge to undertake such service and support of the national commercial and economic life, the laws research or not. Moreover, it is always economy. of money, banks, criminal laws and many essential that a lawyer is familiar with other laws. So, the lawyer must follow legal phrases which sets him/her apart up, study new material and be ready from others. to answer any question about it. This is why it’s crucial for a lawyer to know Our office has been associated with everything. Dentons since 1995, whereby the associa- tion aims to deliver the highest quality of broad legal services and continue our success stories. WWW.THELAW.ME 41

Eman Nafee from THE LAW interviewing Amal Afifi 5. What would you consider to be the best 6. What are some of your long-term goals They are dealt with as administrative part of your career? within the legal field? staff and subordinate to judges without Litigation. In the past, the lawyer We are always striving for the best, regard to the importance of the work was only known as a judiciary lawyer. whether in knowledge or business. We performed as an integral part of the judi- Corporate lawyers and/or arbitrators are keen on participating in the forums cial work system. This requires amending did not exist at that time; even in France to which we are invited by the official the laws and regulations of this system to there was no existence of such diverse authorities to express the legal and prac- ameliorate the work environment as well fields, it was limited to litigation. This is tical obstacles we encounter that stand in as the functional and material level of it. why we advise the younger generation to the way of delivering people their rights. look into all aspects of law that relate to We demand the amendment of laws that “LAWYERING the case. Litigation requires intense focus were issued decades ago and are no longer IS A and gives you the opportunity to know suitable in light of scientific and techno- MESSAGE” many aspects of other legal fields. logical advancement in various fields of life. Which makes using them raise mock- ery and wonder, as well as prolonging the consideration of cases, failure to access rights to its owners and the draining of effort and expenses. We also demand the reform of the administrative system in the courts - the bodies that assist the judiciary - whether it be experts, book pens (secretaries) or bailiff’s office. The work of these bodies, whether procedural or technical, is crucial since they work in an unsuitable environment under old and outdated regulations and in isolation from oversight and supervision. 42 WWW.THELAW.ME

7. What makes you stand out within the legal Of course, the first couple of years It could be done through NGOs or profession? require more effort and complete focus through the general civil society. I obtained my high school degree in 1977 on gaining knowledge, rather than 9. Q9: Last but not least, what advice would with distinction, which allowed me to financial means. you offer the next generation of growing legal join colleges that required such grades at 8. In regard to your resilient pro-bono individuals ready to rise in the ranks? that time. practice throughout the years, how did you Earlier this month, there was a group of However, since I was young, I constantly maintain it? What made you maintain it? interns at our firm and I congratulated thought about what I wanted to study And what benefits does that sector add to the them for choosing law school. I explained after obtaining my high school degree. lawyer? to them that you could not be good At that time, there were seven facul- There’s a saying that I truly believe in, lawyers without being serious in work ties of law in Egypt, so I applied to all which is, “a lawyer must be a human and loving your job. Most importantly, seven, and I was lucky to enter Assiut being,” meaning that he/she is able to to promote yourself. A lawyer’s wealth is University. I successfully graduated from work and help, whether that person can not what he/she owns but their wealth law school in 1981 and immediately afford to or not. And the human lawyer comes in the knowledge that he/she started training. As for the second part is the one whose message stems from constantly seeks to accrue. of the question, it is an extension of what the defense of fate. Therefore, a lawyer I mentioned, that the legal profession should deliver such a message of defend- is a practical realization of hopes and ing those incapable who resort to him/ ambitions that were never existent. There her. This duty is not limited to only those is an opportunity to work, and whoever in need, but as a pioneer in society, he/ desires to work in this profession must she has duties to initiate and participate, be in love with it and has his/her own whether professionally or materially passion and willingness. towards helping others and society. WWW.THELAW.ME 43

RECOGNITION OF LEGAL EXCELLENCE Tharwat AbdelShahid Chairman and Founder of Shahid Law Firm Interviewed By : Yassmin Soliman 44 WWW.THELAW.ME

S ome men and women inspire countless generations by example. These examples must address the quest of each generation, and much like hard work was once the quest of a generation, smart work is this generation’s theme. There are a few firms in Egypt that grasped this equation and managed to incor- porate it into various performances and generational revolutions. At its high table, there lays Shahid Law Firm, a law firm that stood the test of time by remaining a relevant market player, regardless of any dramatic changes to the landscape. We sat with Tharwat AbdelShahid, the founder and managing partner of the firm, and talked about his remarkable four-decade-long career in law and how the legal landscape has evolved through time. 1. As a remarkable legal figure with over 40 2. From your point of view, what is the most 3. Can you tell us how you managed to years of experience, could you tell us what significant development role a lawyer could successfully impact and guide the develop- was the stage you were most proud of? play? ment of your legal community and your I am proud that in my younger days, I The most significant thing a lawyer could firm? Which event was the most impactful took the decision of leaving a prominent do is to provide responsible administra- milestone? judicial career. It was a very hard deci- tive bodies with advice and to expedite Normally, we receive a lot of requests for sion, but in the end, I took it and started the judicial system. lobbying for various changes in the laws this firm with only 2 lawyers; myself and This is very important for promoting and and regulations needed for the parlia- my colleague Nabil El Bedewy. facilitating FDI, by easing the path of ment and the judicial authorities in order Now, we are more than 70 lawyers and these investments through the to promote the legal systems. fee earners, representing many bureaucracies of developing countries. Furthermore, providing space for multinational enterprises doing business younger generations, particularly female in Egypt. lawyers, to have a role in the legal system and community. WWW.THELAW.ME 45

Tharwat Abdelshahid Founding Partner at Shahid Law Fitm 46 WWW.THELAW.ME