An interview with Yasser-Al Attar, General Counsel at NASS Group & Corporation in Bahrain.
What are the biggest external forces or trends currently shaping your role as General Counsel and how are you responding to them?
One of the most impactful trends in recent years has been the rising complexity of regulatory landscapes across multiple jurisdictions. As General Counsel with a focus on both Bahrain and the broader GCC region, I’ve seen increased scrutiny in compliance, data governance, and cross-border commercial practices. My response has been to build strong internal controls, engage early with regulators, and maintain close collaboration with external counsel to anticipate and navigate legal shifts proactively.
How are you balancing the increasing demands of legal risk management with the expectation to drive business value and strategic insight?
I’ve always viewed legal as a strategic enabler, not merely a gatekeeper. Over the past three years, I have focused on driving significant value by negotiating favourable outcomes in complex disputes and managing risk proactively. In fact, I’ve successfully led out-of-court settlements and collections exceeding BHD 4 million, directly contributing to the organisation’s bottom line. This has required not just legal skill, but commercial insight and strong stakeholder alignment.
What’s one lesson or insight from your in-house journey that you wish you’d known earlier and would share with a fellow GC today?
One key insight is the importance of developing legal strategies that align with the business’s risk appetite and long-term goals. Early in my in-house journey, I often sought to mitigate all risk. Over time, I’ve learned that thoughtful risk-taking, when supported by clear legal frameworks and contingency plans, often creates the greatest value. Being embedded in the business, rather than just advising it, has made all the difference.
