An interview with Ahmed El Hadidi, VP (Confidential) in Saudi Arabia.
How would you describe the state of the GC Community in your region?
The legal community has undergone significant evolution, growing remarkably in terms of professionalism, networking, and influence. There’s increased recognition of the strategic role GCs play in driving business decisions and shaping organizational success.
How has it changed since you first moved in-house?
Since moving in-house, I’ve observed:
– Increased collaboration: our community is more willing to share experiences, best practices, and knowledge.
– Professional development: more opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences tailored to the community.
– Regional networking: stronger connections in the legal community across the region, facilitating knowledge sharing and cooperation.
– Growing influence: the Legal community is increasingly involved in key business decisions, reflecting its strategic importance.
However, challenges persist, such as:
– Regulatory complexities: navigating diverse regulatory landscapes across borders.
– Talent development: attracting and retaining skilled legal professionals.
– Digital transformation: adapting to rapid technological changes and their implications.
Overall, the GC community has made significant strides, and its continued growth and collaboration will shape the region’s legal landscape.
Why is expanding your network important to you?
– Knowledge sharing: facilitates exchange of best practices, experiences, and insights on legal issues, regulatory developments, and industry trends.
– Peer support: provides a platform to connect with peers, share challenges, and seek advice.
– Professional development: enhances skills and expertise through networking, training, and access to resources.
– Business opportunities: fosters potential collaborations, partnerships, and business opportunities.
What kinds of connections or discussions would be most valuable to you?
Connections:
– Industry-specific connections: networking from similar industries or sectors.
– Regional connections: connecting with legal peers from specific geographic regions.
– Cross-functional discussions: exchanging ideas with colleagues from different functional areas (e.g. compliance, contracts, litigation).
– Thought leadership: engaging with experts and thought leaders on emerging legal topics and trends.
Discussions:
– Regulatory updates: sharing insights on changing regulations and their implications.
– Best practices: discussing effective strategies for managing legal risks, contracts, and disputes.
– Industry trends: exploring the impact of emerging trends (e.g. technology, sustainability) on legal functions.
– Leadership and management: sharing experiences on leadership, team management, and professional development.
What do you want to achieve by collaborating with other GCs and senior in-house lawyers?
By collaborating with other senior in-house lawyers, I aim to gain valuable insights, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships that can help me stay ahead in the ever-evolving legal landscape.
Knowledge sharing and best practices
– Exchange experiences: share challenges, successes, and lessons learned in navigating complex legal issues, regulatory environments, and business landscapes.
– Best practices: learn from others about effective strategies for managing legal teams, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.
Networking and community building:
– Build relationships: establish connections with peers who face similar challenges and opportunities, fostering a supportive community.
– Mentorship: potentially mentor or be mentored by experienced legal role models, gaining valuable insights and guidance.
Staying Ahead of industry trends:
– Industry insights: discuss emerging trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements impacting the legal profession.
– Innovation: explore innovative approaches to legal service delivery, technology adoption, and process improvement.
Addressing common challenges
– Risk management: share strategies for managing risk, compliance, and crisis management.
– Talent development: discuss approaches to developing and retaining top legal talent.
Are there specific topics, challenges, or experiences you’d like to share or learn more about?
– Digital transformation: how we can leverage technology to enhance legal operations, improve efficiency, and drive business value.
– Regulatory compliance: strategies for navigating complex regulatory environments and ensuring compliance.
– Leadership and management: effective leadership and management techniques senior in-house lawyers.
– Innovation and disruption: how we can drive innovation and adapt to disruption in the legal industry.
