The Most Visionary General Counsels to Watch in 2025
Basmah
Breaking Barriers: Meet the Trailblazing Woman
Redefining Legal Leadership in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Basmah Kutubaldin Dr.
Kutubaldin Dr.
Intoday’sever-evolvingbusinesslandscape,theroleof
aGeneralCounselhasexpandedfarbeyondlegal expertise.Theseleadersarenolongerjustthe gatekeepersofcompliance;theyarestrategicadvisors,risk navigators,andkeydecision-makerswhohelpshapethe futureoftheirorganizations.Asbusinessesfacegrowing complexities—rangingfromregulatoryshiftsand cybersecuritythreatstoESGinitiativesandAI-driven transformations—GeneralCounselshavebecome indispensableinguidingcompaniesthroughuncertainty withforesightandresilience.
Withthisinmind,weproudlypresent The Most Visionary General Counsels to Watch in 2025—adistinguishedlineup oflegalprofessionalswhoareredefiningtheroleof corporatecounsel.Theseindividualsstandoutnotonlyfor theirdeeplegalacumenbutalsofortheirabilitytothink ahead,innovate,anddrivemeaningfulchangewithintheir industries.Theyarechampionsofcorporateethics, stewardsofsustainablebusinesspractices,andarchitectsof strategiesthatsafeguardorganizationswhilefostering growth.
Thisfeaturehighlightstheachievements,insights,and leadershipphilosophiesoftheseforward-thinkingGeneral Counsels.Throughtheirstories,wegainaglimpseintohow legalleadershipisevolvingandhowtheseindividualsare makingalastingimpact.Whethershapingregulatory policies,leadinghigh-stakesnegotiations,orembeddinga cultureofcomplianceandintegrity,theircontributions extendfarbeyondboardroomsandlegaldepartments.
Weinviteyoutoexplorethisspecialfeatureandgain inspirationfromtheselegaltrailblazerswhoarenotonly adaptingtothefuture—butactivelyshapingit.
-Alaya
Brown
Managing Editor
Tania Jarjur
Nurturing a Culture of Veracity in the Renewable Energy Sector P R O F I L E
Essential Insights and Strategies on Legal Industry Trends A R T I C L E S
How General Counsel 2025 is Reshaping the Future of Law
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Technical Consultant Victor Collins March,2025
DeemaGhosheh
GeneralCounsel
Brief Company
ICTRealEstate Development ictred.ae
Dr.Basmah Kutubaldin
GeneralLegalCounsel
Mohammed AlAbdulkrim
GeneralCounsel
NeethuSusan Abraham
GroupGeneralCounsel
TaniaJarjur GeneralCounsel
NesmaCo.Ltd nesma.com
OlayanSaudi HoldingCompany oshco.com
Deemaiscommittedtoprovidingstrategiclegalguidance, mitigatingrisks,andsupportingICTRealEstate Development’sgrowthandexpansion.Herleadershipand legalacumencontributetothecompany’scontinuedsuccess inthecompetitiverealestatesector.
Dr.Basmahiscommittedtoprovidingstrategiclegal guidance,mitigatingrisks,andsupportingNesmaCo.'s growthandexpansionacrossindustries.Herleadership andlegalacumencontributetothecompany’scontinued successandstrongreputationinthemarket.
Mohammedisdedicatedtoprovidingstrategiclegal guidance,mitigatingrisks,andsupportingOlayanSaudi HoldingCompany’sgrowthacrossdiverseindustries.His leadershipandlegalacumencontributetothecompany’s continuedsuccessandstrongmarketpresence.
Withextensiveexpertiseincommerciallaw,contract negotiation,andriskmanagement,Neethuplaysacritical roleinensuringlegalintegrityandsupportingthecompany’s expansion. ApparelGroup apparelgroup.com
TaniaJarjuristheGeneralCounselatYellowDoorEnergy, wheresheoverseeslegalstrategy,regulatorycompliance,and riskmanagementforthecompany’srenewableenergy projects. YellowDoorEnergy yellowdoorenergy.com
Dr. Basmah Kutubaldin
Breaking Barriers: Meet the Trailblazing Woman Redefining Legal Leadership in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
As one of Saudi Arabia's trailblazing female lawyers, Dr. Kutubaldin broke through significant barriers, naviga ng a landscape marked by societal resistance. Her presence in courtrooms, where judges were unaccustomed to women presen ng cases, symbolized a profound shi in tradi onal norms and highlighted the deeply rooted conserva ve a tudes of the me. In this challenging environment, female lawyers like Basmah demonstrated excep onal perseverance and dedica on, consistently exceeding expecta ons to establish their credibility and pave the way for future genera ons.
BasmahKutubaldin
GeneralLegalCounsel
NesmaCo.Ltd
The Most Visionary General Counsels to Watch in 2025
Thecourtroomwassilent.Everygazewasfixedon
theyounglawyerstandingbeforethebench,her voicesteadyyetinfusedwithconviction.Each wordcarriedtheweightofherargument,resonating throughtheroomandcommandingattention.Itwasn’tjust thelegalmatterathandthatcaptivatedthosepresent—it wasthepowerfulpresenceofDr.BasmahKutubaldin,a womanbreakingbarriersinaspacethathadlongexcluded her.ForDr.Kutubaldin,thismomenttranscendedamere legalbattle.Itwasadefiningexampleofherjourney,apath markedbybothtriumphsandtrials,shapedbystrengthand underscoredbyvulnerability
Dr.Kutubaldin’spathtobecomingoneofSaudiArabia’s mostinspiringlegalpioneerswasanythingbuteasy Asone ofthefirstwomenintheKingdomtopursuelegalstudies, sheenteredaprofessiontraditionallydominatedbymen. Hersharpintellectandunwaveringdedicationtojustice earnedherrespect,evenamongskeptics.Yet,beneathher resoluteexteriorlaymomentsofself-doubtandexhaustion. Thesocietalexpectationsshecarriedoftenfeltlikean invisibleweight,andtheisolationofbeingatrailblazerwas achallengeshefacedwithdetermination.ForDr Kutubaldin,everystepforwardwasatestamenttoher abilitytoriseabovetheseobstaclesandturnadversityinto fuelforherambitions.
Herstoryisoneofcontrasts:fiercedeterminationbalanced withvulnerability;immensestrengthrefinedbythelessons ofstruggle.Innavigatingthesecomplexities,Dr Kutubaldinhasbecomenotjustaformidablelawyerbuta beaconofhopeandprogressforagenerationofaspiring femaleprofessionals.Herjourneyisapowerfulreminder thattruepioneersarenotdefinedbytheabsenceof weaknessesbutbytheirresilienceinovercomingthem, creatingnewpathswherenoneexistedbefore.
Let us learn more about her journey:
BreakingBarriersandShapingLegalHistory
GrowingupinanerawhenwomeninSaudiArabiawere notpermittedtostudylaw,Dr.Kutubaldinharboredabold visionthatdefiedsocietalnorms.Fromayoungage,she wasfascinatedbytheintricateinterplaybetweenlawand religion,recognizingtheirprofoundinfluenceondailylife intheKingdom.Heraspirationtostudylawseemed improbableuntilatransformativemomentinSaudihistory: KingAbdullah’sreforms,whichallowedwomentopursue legaleducationwithinthecountry
Dr.Kutubaldinseizedthisopportunity,becomingpartofthe firstcohortofwomentograduateundertheKingdom’s legalstudiesprogram.Sheearnedabachelor’sdegreein internationallegalrelationsandlegalstudies,an achievementthatmarkedapivotalmomentinSaudi Arabia’slegalandsocialhistory.However,herjourneywas notwithoutitschallenges.Societaldebatesatthetime questionedwhetherwomenshouldbeconfinedtospecific fieldsoflaw.Undeterred,sheco-foundedastudent organizationdedicatedtoempoweringyoungfemalelaw studentswiththeknowledgeandskillsneededtothrivein thelegalprofession.Theseeffortsplayedacriticalrolein advocatingfortheproclamationthatgrantedwomenthe righttopracticelawonequalfootingwithmen.
Duringheruniversityyears,Dr.Kutubaldinbalancedher rigorousacademicpursuitswithhands-onexperiences, contributingtohigh-profileprojectswithAramcoand activelyparticipatinginstudentgovernance.Heracademic excellenceearnedhernumerousaccolades,including honorsfromtheDean,aswellasrecognitionforher extensivecommunityserviceandextracurricular involvement.
Herthirstforknowledgeledherabroad,wheresheearned twomaster’sdegreesfromtheUniversityofSouthern California:anLLMinLegalStudiesandaMaster’sin InternationalBusinessLaw.Shefurtherdistinguished herselfbycompletingaDoctorofJuridicalScience (JSD/SJD)inPublicPolicyandIslamicShariaatLoyola MarymountUniversity.Notonlywasshethefirstinher cohorttograduate,butshealsocompletedtheprogramin recordtime,underscoringherexceptionalacademicrigor anddedication.
PioneeringLegalandComplianceLeadership
Afteryearsofacademicachievements,Dr.Kutubaldin returnedtoSaudiArabia,readytoacceleratehercareerand contributetotheKingdom’srapidlyevolvinglegal landscape.Heradvancededucationequippedherwithboth theoreticalknowledgeandpracticalinsights,enablingherto makeanimmediateimpact.
HerfirstprofessionalrolewasasLegalCounseland ComplianceOfficerforapubliclylistedfinancialand insurancecompany.Atthetime,compliancewasanascent fieldinSaudiArabia.Dr.Kutubaldinwasinstrumentalin navigatingthisheavilyregulatedenvironment,which involvedoversightbymultipleauthorities,includingthe CentralBank(SAMA),publicstockmarketauthorities
Growing up in an era when women in Saudi Arabia were not permi ed to study law, Dr. Kutubaldin harbored a bold vision that defied societal norms.
From a young age, she was fascinated by the intricate interplay between law and religion, recognizing their profound influence on daily life in the Kingdom.
Despite these hurdles, Dr. Kutubaldin has witnessed rapid societal progress. She credits Saudi leadership, par cularly His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, for se ng ambi ous goals to empower women, increase their workforce par cipa on, and elevate them to leadership posi ons. These reforms have enabled her to achieve career milestones she once deemed unimaginable.
(CMA),andmedicalinsuranceregulators.Withinayear, herexceptionalperformanceearnedherapromotionto manager,wheresheassumedtheadditionalroleof CorporateGovernanceManager.Inthiscapacity,she collaboratedcloselywiththecompany’sBoardofDirectors, committees,andregulatorybodies.
Simultaneously,sheservedasLegalCounselandAdvisor toheralmamater,providinglegalsupporttothe university’sleadership.Despiteherdemandingcorporate responsibilities,shealsofoundtimetoteachpart-timeatthe UniversityofDarAlHekmaandevenlaunchedasmall clothingbusinessduringtheCOVID-19pandemicasa creativeoutlet.
Dr.Kutubaldin’scareertrajectorysoaredwhenshejoined NESMA,oneofSaudiArabia’slargestandmostdiverse conglomerates.AstheHeadoftheCentralLegal DepartmentatNESMA’sholdingcompany,shebuiltthe legaldepartmentfromscratch.Sheoversawlegalaffairsfor 46whollyownedsubsidiariesandover100affiliatesacross industriesincludingrenewableenergy,infrastructure, contracting,recycling,hospitality,transportation,logistics, marine,aviation,andmining.Recognizingthegrowing importanceofcompliance,sheestablishedacompliance department,appointingitsleadershipandstafftoensure adherencetoregulatoryframeworks.
Inadditiontoherlegalandcomplianceresponsibilities,Dr. KutubaldinservedasBoardSecretaryfortenofthegroup’s companies,providingstrategicadviceoncorporate governanceandaligningtheorganization’slegalpractices withglobalstandards.Hermultidisciplinaryexpertiseand leadershiphavebeenpivotalinstrengtheningNESMA’s legal,governance,andcompliancefunctions.
NavigatingChallengesasaTrailblazer
Dr.Kutubaldin’sjourneyhasbeenmarkedbyunique challenges,particularlyintheearlyyearsofhercareer As oneofthefirstfemalelawyersinSaudiArabia,shefaced significantresistanceinthecourtroom.Judges, unaccustomedtoseeingwomenarguecases,oftenstruggled toadjusttothisnewreality.Thisconservativemindset createdanenvironmentwherefemalelawyershadtowork twiceashardtoprovetheircredibility.
Similarchallengesaroseininteractionswithgovernmental institutions,whereemployeeswereoftenunfamiliarwith engagingwithwomeninprofessionalcapacities.These obstaclesextendedtorecruitment,withemployershesitant tohirefemalelawyersduetodoubtsabouttheir effectivenessinlitigationandgovernmentaldealings.
Despitethesehurdles,Dr.Kutubaldinhaswitnessedrapid societalprogress.ShecreditsSaudileadership,particularly HisRoyalHighnessCrownPrinceMohammedBinSalman, forsettingambitiousgoalstoempowerwomen,increase theirworkforceparticipation,andelevatethemto leadershippositions.Thesereformshaveenabledherto achievecareermilestonessheoncedeemedunimaginable.
Whilesystemicbarriershavelargelydiminished,Dr Kutubaldinacknowledgesthatculturalchallengespersist, particularlyinruralorconservativeareas.However,she remainsoptimisticthat,undertheKingdom’svisionary leadership,theseculturalbarrierswillcontinuetoerode, pavingthewayforwomen’sfullintegrationintoevery professionaldomain.
ComprehensiveLegalOversightandStrategicAdvisory
Dr.Kutubaldinbringsexceptionalleadershiptoherroleas GeneralLegalCounsel,managinganextensiveportfolioof legalresponsibilities.Whilecomplianceandcorporate governanceareessentialaspectsofherdepartment,her team'scoremissionrevolvesarounddeliveringimpactful legalsolutions.
Rather than wai ng for tasks to come your way, ac vely seek responsibili es that challenge you to grow. With the right a tude, dedica on, and drive, even the smallest roles can evolve into significant opportuni es.
Thelegaldepartmenttacklesaspectrumofchallenges, rangingfromriskmitigationtodisputeresolution,including arbitration,litigation,andmediation.Theyarepivotalin supportingbothroutinebusiness-to-businessengagements andhigh-stakesventures,suchasbiddingforgovernment tendersandPublic-PrivatePartnership(PPP)projects.In thesescenarios,Dr.Kutubaldin'steamexcelsindrafting legaldocumentation,collaboratingwithlocaland internationalpartners,andprovidingexpertguidanceon post-submissionprocesses.
Beyondtransactions,herdepartmentoffersstrategiclegal counselacrossNESMAGroup’sdiversebusinessunits. Thisincludesnavigatinglabormatters,conductinginternal investigations,andresolvingdisputes.Theteamalso handlesalllabor-relatedlitigationandsettlementswith precision.
Functioningasanin-houselawfirm,thelegaldepartment ensuresNESMAGroup'soperationsarefortifiedwith robustlegalframeworks.Theyplayaninstrumentalrolein advisingtheboardofdirectors,deliveringquarterlyreports thatanalyzelegislativeupdates,assesstheirimpactonthe business,andrecommendstrategicadjustmentstomitigate risksandensurecomplianceacrossalldepartments.
EmpoweringCareerGrowth
Dr.Kutubaldinhighlightsthetransformativeimpactofthe Kingdom’slegalsystem,whichhasembracedfull digitizationthroughtheMinistryofJustice.Updatedlaws andregulatorychangesarereadilyaccessiblevia governmentportals,accompaniedbydeadlinesandgrace periodstoenableseamlesscorporatecompliance.
Herteamactivelycollaborateswithcomplianceand corporatedepartmentstoensurethealignmentof constitutionaldocumentswithevolvingregulations. Moreover,theyadoptaproactivestanceinshapingthelegal landscape.Forinstance,theyengagedirectlywith regulatorybodiesliketheMinistryofJusticeorthe MinistryofCommerce,advocatingforreformsinareas suchasintellectualpropertylaw.Byparticipatinginpublic feedbackinitiativesonnewlegislation,Dr.Kutubaldin’s teamensurestheGroup'sinterestsarewell-representedin thelegalecosystem.
Toaspiringlegalprofessionals,especiallywomen,Dr Kutubaldinoffersinvaluableadvice:successliesinseizing opportunitiesandtakingownershipofyourcareer trajectory.Ratherthanwaitingfortaskstocomeyourway, activelyseekresponsibilitiesthatchallengeyoutogrow. Withtherightattitude,dedication,anddrive,eventhe smallestrolescanevolveintosignificantopportunities.She emphasizestheimportanceofself-determination, encouragingprofessionalstodefinetheirownpotentialand pursuegoalsthattranscendinitialexpectations.This philosophyhasempoweredhertoachieveremarkable milestonesinhercareerwithinarelativelyshorttimeframe.
,, ,, Wealth consists not in havinggreat possessions, but in having few wants.
- Epictetus
Essential Insights and Strategies on Legal Industry Trends
Thelegalprofessionisbeingrevolutionizedby technologicaladvances,changingregulatory environments,clientdemands,andeconomic conditions.Lawfirms,in-housecounsel,andlegal professionalsneedtoembracenewtrendsthatare redefiningthedeliveryandregulationoflegalservices. Fromtheemergenceofalternativelegalserviceproviders (ALSPs)andartificialintelligence(AI)togreateremphasis ondataprivacyandenvironmental,social,andgovernance (ESG)compliance,thelegalprofessionisembracing innovationinrespondingtocomplexchallenges.
TheDigitalTransformationofLegalServices
Technologyisrevolutionizingthepracticeoflaw,ascloud computing,AI-basedsoftware,andautomationare upendingtried-and-truemethodsofoperation.Artificial intelligence-basedresearchplatformsareacceleratingcase analysis,minimizingdocumentreviewtime,andenhancing thequalityoflegaljudgment-making.Contractlifecycle managementsoftwareisautomatingcontractdrafting, negotiation,andcompliancetrackingtoenablelawyersto dohigher-valueworkinsteadofadministrativework.
Legaltechadoptionisalsoimprovingclientserviceby enablingvirtuallawfirmsandonlinedisputeresolution websites.Advisorylegalservicesontheinternetarealso expandingaccesstojusticesinceclientscanaccesslegal advicefromanyplacewithoutageographicallimitation. Furtherdevelopmentinblockchainsmartcontractsisalso simplifyingtransactionsbywayofautomatedandselfexecutingcontracts.Withongoinginnovationinlegaltech, corporatelegaldepartmentsandcompaniesarecompelled toinvestindigitaltechnologytoremaincompetitiveand operateatmaximumefficiency
RegulatoryandComplianceLandscapeChange
Evolutionintheregulatoryenvironmentistransforming legalstrategyacrossindustriesascompaniesarebeing
forcedtoadapttonewcompliancerulesandlegislations. Governmentsandregulatorsaretighteningdataprivacy rules,antitrustrules,andcybersecurityrequirementsand increasinglycompellinglawyersandlawfirmstoaddress compliancerequirements.
Increasedworldwideattentiontodataprivacyhascaused enhancedscrutinyoflegislationliketheGeneralData ProtectionRegulation(GDPR)intheEuropeanUnionand theCaliforniaConsumerPrivacyAct(CCPA)intheUnited States.Organisationswhoseactivitiesspanacrossanumber ofjurisdictionsmustcontendwithmultiplicityof complianceobligationsoverandabovecreatinghighqualitydatasecurityinfrastructure.Legalentitiesof corporationsarealsogreatlyconcernedwithriskplanning managementinordertoescaperegulatoryfinesandlossof imageduetononcompliance.
TheEmergenceofESGandCorporateAccountability
ESGisnowincludedinthecorporatelawpractice. Investors,consumers,andstakeholdersaredriving companiestoexertgreatertransparencyincompany governance,ethicaltrade,andsustainabilityreports.Legal advisersareurgingcompaniestocomplywiththe regulationintheareaofESG,supplychainduediligence, andhumanrightspolicyduetoregulatoryandpublic pressure.
Sustainability-relatedlegaldisputesarealsoincreasing,and firmsarebeinglitigatedonthebasisofgreenwashing, environmentalmisconduct,andabuseofhumanrights. SpecialistlawfirmspossessingESGcomplianceexpertise areassistingfirmsinmanaginglegalriskregardingclimate policy,carbonreporting,anddiversity.Legalexpertise acrossESGspecialtiesisincreasing,anditisoneofthe primaryareaswherefirmsandin-houselawyersneedto acquirespecialtyknowledge.
AlternativeLegalServiceProviders(ALSPs)andLegal Outsourcing
ALSPsarerevolutionizingtheconventionalmodeloflegal servicesthroughlow-costtechnology-drivenlegalanalysis, documentreview,andcomplianceassistance.ALSPsuse automation,artificialintelligence,andaccesstotalent anywhereintheworldinanattempttoprovidethelegal servicesmoreeconomicallythanconventionallawfirms. ALSPsaregainingfavorwithcorporateclientsasawayto addresslower-levellegalmatterssothatthein-houselegal functioncanattendtohigher-order,higher-complexitylegal work.
Legalprocessoutsourcing(LPO)isalsogaining momentum,withlawfirmsoffshoringworksuchas contractmanagement,intellectualpropertyfilings,and litigationsupporttospecialistlawfirms.Costsavingsand flexibilityofferedbyALSPsandLPOprovidersaredriving changeintheprovisionoflegalservices,andtraditionallaw firmsarelookingtowardsalternativebusinessmodelsand feestructurestorespondtothechallenge.
Lawfirmsaretransformingtheirbusinessmodelstomeet changingmarketdemands.Thebillablehourbusiness modelisunderthreatfromAFAssuchasfixedfees, subscriptionlegalservices,andvalue-pricing.Clientsare askingformoretransparencyandpredictabilityinthecost oflegalservices,andfirmsareansweringwithflexible pricingmodelsthatmaximizeefficiencyandresults.
Remoteandhybridworkarrangementsalsoarereshaping lawfirmcultureandhumancapitalmanagement.The COVID-19pandemicalsoacceleratedtheshifttoward virtuallawpractice,andlawfirmsarestillembracing remoteworkingpoliciestoattracttop-notchlegaltalent. Cloud-basedcasemanagementsoftware,web-based collaborativeplatforms,andvirtualcourthearingsare makingremoteworkinganywherepossiblebylegal professionalswithoutimpunity.Firmsinvestinginadaptive officesandtechnology-backedpracticeshaveagreater likelihoodofacquiringclientsalongwithbestlawyers.
TheLargerUseofLegalAnalyticsandPredictive Technology
Predictivelawtechnologyandlegalanalyticsareimproving decision-makingthroughoutthelegalindustry.Advanced analyticsfunctionsarehelpingfirmsreviewlitigationrisk, forecastcaseoutcomes,andoptimizelegalstrategyonthe basisofpastperformance.In-houselawyersareusing predictivemodelingtoanticipatecompliancerisk,identify contractanomalies,andoptimizetheefficiencyofcase handling.
AI-fueledlegalanalyticssoftwarealsorevolutionizestheediscoveryandduediligenceprocess,withthereviewing timeandmoneybeingsavedonanenormousvolumeof legaldocuments.Legalfirmsandin-houselawyerscan leveragebigdatacapabilityandmachinelearningforfactanddata-drivenchoicesratherthanrelyingonexperience byitself.Thisleadstoenhancedlegaloutcomesand operationaleffectiveness.
Diversity,EquityandInclusionintheLegalProfession
Diversity,equity,andinclusion(DEI)programsare increasinglyaprimaryconcernforcorporatelaw departmentsandlawfirms.Clientsandregulatorsare holdingdiversityeffortsinlegalinstitutionsunder heightenedscrutiny,resultinginfirmscreatinginclusive hiringtactics,mentorship,andleadershipdevelopment.
Lawfirmsarealsoensuringdiversitywiththehelpofa programthatinvolvesblindinterviewing,broadertalent pipelines,andgrowthprogramsforinclusivity.Corporate in-houselegaldepartmentsalsoexpectmorediversityfrom externallawfirmsthatrepresentthem,andthusmore accountabilityandtransparencyofthelegalprofession's DEIeffortsareunavoidable.Fosteringdiversitymakeslegal teamshealthierbutreallyleadstomoreinnovation, collaboration,andclienttrust.
FutureProspects:AdoptinginaChanging,RapidLegal Environment
Thelegalenvironmentissettorevolutionizeitselfwith technologyinnovation,regulatoryoverhaul,andshifting customers'needs.Professionalsmustbeattheforefrontof futuretrendsintermsofwhatistocomebyadoptingvirtual tools,modelsoffutureservices,andcompetencebuildingin areasofregulatorycomplianceandESG.
Visionary,nimble,andstrategy-drivenlawfirmsandinhousecorporatelawdepartmentswillthriveinthisnew environment.Withincreasingdemandfordata-drivenlegal intelligence,ethicalbusiness,andefficientservicedelivery, legalprofessionalsmustevolvecontinuouslytomeetthe challengesandopportunitiesofthenewlegalenvironment.
Byadoptingnewtechnology,streamlininglegalstrategy, andbuildingacultureofadaptability,thepracticeoflaw willcontinuetoreinventitselftoservetheneedsofthe21st century.Thefutureofthelawisnotsomuchlegal expertise—itisinnovation,strategy,andleadershipinan evolvingworld.
Tania Jarjur
Group General Counsel Yellow Door Energy
Theescalatingchallengesofclimatechange,energy security,andrisingcostsarepushingsociety towardsurgentsolutions.Asfossilfuelsupplies dwindleandglobaltemperaturesrise,theneedfor renewableenergysourceslikesolarpowerhasneverbeen morecritical.Solarenergynotonlyreducesgreenhousegas emissionsbutalsoenhancesenergyefficiency,allowing homesandbusinessestocutcostswhilealleviatingpressure ontheenergygrid.
Inthisdomain,TaniaJarjurstandsoutasapivotalfigure. AstheGroupGeneralCounselatYellowDoorEnergy, sheisattheforefrontofnavigatingthecomplexlegal terrainoftherenewableenergysector.Withherextensive backgroundincorporatelawandprojectdevelopment, Taniaoverseesthelegaldepartment,ensuringthatthe companyadherestoregulationswhilenurturingacultureof integrityandcollaboration.Herleadershipisinstrumental inadvancingsustainableenergysolutions,addressinglegal mattersrelatedtocontracts,mergers,andregulatory compliance.
Tania'sroleisnotjustaboutlegaloversight;itembodiesthe commitmenttoasustainablefuture.Underherguidance, YellowDoorEnergyisoptimizingsolarenergy deployment,whichisessentialforcreatingarobustenergy systemthatsupportseconomicgrowthwhileprotectingthe environment.Byfocusingonenergyefficiencyinitiatives, thecompanyhelpsclientssignificantlyreducetheirenergy usage,resultinginsubstantialcostsavingsandalower carbonfootprint.
As part of the C-suite of the company, it is imperative that I don't just offer "by the book legal advice," but also act as a legal and commercial advisor.
Here are the highlights of an exclusive interview!
Canyoupleaseintroduceyourselfandyourmotivation toembarkonthissector?
I'mTaniaJarjur,GroupGeneralCounselatYellowDoor Energy(YDE).Asheadofthelegaldepartment,Ioversee multipleverticals,includingprojects,M&A,newmarkets, finance,litigation,compliance,andboardrelations.Over thelast7years,thelegalteamhasgrownfromjustmeto6 lawyersacrossjurisdictionsfora127-employeecompany.
Mymotivationtojointhissectoristocontributetothe globaltransitiontosustainablepowerandcreatesolutions thatsupporttheclimateandenvironment.Therenewable energysectorprovidesfinancialsecurity,encourages innovation,andoffersworkthatbenefitsthewider community
Couldyoupleasegiveabriefintroductiontoyour companyanditsinceptionstory?
YellowDoorEnergy,foundedin2015inDubai,UAE,aims toprovideaffordable,reliable,andsustainableenergy solutionsforbusinesses.StartingwithUnileverasitsfirst customer,thecompanynowservesover90clientsand operatessolarpowerplantsinsixcountries:theUAE, Jordan,SaudiArabia,Bahrain,Oman,andSouthAfrica.
Thecompanyofferssolarpowerpurchaseagreements, allowingbusinessestotransitiontosolarenergyandreduce electricitycostswithoutupfrontcapital.Solarcanbe generatedon-sitethroughrooftop,ground-mounted,or carportinstallations,oroff-siteviasolarwheeling agreements.Additionally,YellowDoorEnergyprovides batteryenergystoragesystems(BESS),EVcharging stations,andenergyefficiencymeasuresaspartofits renewableenergysolutions.
Howwouldyouapproachdevelopingandimplementing legalstrategiestosupportthecompany'sbusiness objectives?
Asalegaldepartment,weactasstrategicadvisorstothe company,blendingourunderstandingofthelawwith practicalbusinessoperations.Incontractnegotiations,we focusnotonlyonourbestinterestsbutalsoonfairnessto facilitatedealclosure.
Whenidentifyingrisks,weaimtoprovidesolutionsthat mitigatethoseriskswithouthinderingbusiness opportunities.Werecognizethatbeingoverlyrisk-averseis counterproductive;instead,weembraceuncertaintyasa
chancetodevelopstrategiesandsolutionsthatcanleadto newbusinessopportunities.
Describeyourexperiencemanagingcomplexlitigation andmitigatinglegalrisks.
Thebestwaytomitigatelegalrisksistoensurecontracts arethoroughinhowtheyaddressdifferentissuesthatcould arise.It'snotalwayspossibletoanticipateeachtypeof claimattheoutset,butaspotentialdisputesarise,wedoa greatjobofupdatingallourcontractualtemplatestoensure theyareclarifiedtominimizefuturedisputes.
Howdoyouensurecompliancewithrelevantlaws, regulations,andindustrystandards?
Thesolarindustryishighlydependentonregulations, requiringaclearunderstandingoftheirimpactonour businessmodel.Wecontinuouslymonitorregulationsinour markets,usingin-houseandexternallegalcounsel,to certifycomplianceandstayinformedaboutrelevantlaws. Aschangesoccur,wepromptlyupdateourcontracts, internalprocesses,andtrainingprovidedtointernalteams andexternalcontractors.
Whatisyourapproachtobuildingandmaintaining strongrelationshipswithkeystakeholders,suchas executivesandboardmembers?
AspartoftheC-suiteofthecompany,itisimperativethatI don'tjustoffer"bythebooklegaladvice"butalsoactasa legalandcommercialadvisor.Iworkverycloselywiththe executiveteam,andweensurewearealignedonour solutionsbeforeweapproachtheboard.
I reassure women to own their power and ideas. Speak up, ask questions, and use mistakes as learning opportunities. “
WhenIamfacedwithalegalissue,Itrytofindasolution beforeIcommunicatetheproblem.Early,transparent communicationwiththeexecutiveteamaswellasthe widercompany,isveryimportanttoensureproblemsdonot growintosomethingunmanageable.
Howdoyoustaycurrentwithlegaldevelopmentsand trendsthatmayimpactthecompany?
Asstatedabove,itisacollaborativeeffortoftheinternal team,externalcounsel,subscriptionstolegaldatabasesthat notifyusofchanges,andmembershipsinlegalandindustry associations.
Describeyourexperiencedraftingandnegotiating contractsandagreements.
Overseeingmultiplejurisdictions,Ifinditfascinatinghow cultureandlanguageshapemarkettemplatesand negotiations.It'scrucialtoadjustexpectationswhile safeguardingourcompany'sinterests.
IntheUAE,contractsfollowaUK-orientedstyle;inSaudi Arabia,theymustbeinArabicordual-language.Jordan prefersshorter,simplercontractsbasedontheCivilCode, whileSouthAfrica'suniqueculturalcomplexitiesinfluence negotiations.MyexperienceatYDEhasinvolved negotiatingacrossdiversenationalitiesandlanguages, makingitanexcitingchallenge.
Howdoyoufosteracultureofethicalbehaviorandlegal compliancewithinanorganization?
Thetoneofintegritymustcomefromexecutiveleadership. Fortunately,YDE'stopmanagementstandsbehindthis
messageasacorecompanyvalue.Trainingiskey,ledby ourseniorVPofBusinessIntegrityandCompliance,who hasestablishedanindependentwhistleblowerhotline.
Ourtraininggoesbeyondlegalminimumstofostera cultureofintegritythroughoutthecompany.Giventhehigh corruptionrisksinourmarkets,weareverydiligentin selectingvendors,contractors,andagents.
Whatadvicewouldyouliketogivetoaspiring professionalsinyourfield?
Successhasmanydefinitionsandpaths.Chooseanindustry you'repassionateaboutandfocusyourmotivationonjobs withinit.Alegalbackgroundoffersflexibility,sotakerisks andforgeyourownpath.Insteadofstartingasasmallcog, seekcreativeopportunitiesinneworgrowingsectorsto becomeanexpert.
Ireassurewomentoowntheirpowerandideas.Speakup, askquestions,andusemistakesaslearningopportunities.
WithtechnologyandAIadvancing,traditionallegal analysismaybecomeautomated.Tostayrelevant,adopta commercialperspectiveandintegrateitintovalue-added strategies.Combininglegalexpertisewithcommercialor technicalskillswillenhanceyourcareer.
How General Counsel 2025 is Reshaping the Future of Law
TheroleoftheGeneralCounsel(GC)hasitself
undergoneaseachangeoverthepastfewyears,from thatofanadvisorylegalfunctiontostrategicguidance atthehelmofbusinessdecision-making.TheGCsof2025are notmerelegalexpertsbutbusinessstrategists,riskmanagers, andguardiansofmoralitythatguideorganizationsthroughan increasinglycomplicatedregulatorymaze.Withglobalization, technology,andcorporatesocialresponsibilitydefiningthe businesslandscape,GeneralCounselareredefiningtheway legaldepartmentsareoperatedtomakebusinessesresponsive, compliant,andinnovative.
TheChangingRoleofGeneralCounsel
ThoseareintherearviewmirrornowwhenGCswerehungon theirworkinlegalcounselandlitigationmanagement."They're nowattheforefrontofdevelopingcorporatestrategy,business counseling,andensuringorganizationsmanagelegaland regulatoryriskeffectively.Withmoreenvironmental,social,and governance(ESG)initiatives,dataprivacyconcerns,and geopoliticaluncertainty,thefirmsarelookingtotheirGeneral Counselformorethanlegaladvice—morefrequentlythanever before,they'relookingforadviceonriskmanagement,ethics, andethicalbusinessconduct.
TheGCinthepresenteraisapointofintersectionforbusiness agendasandlawagendas,balancinglegalenvironmentsand growthstrategy.TheyarepartnerstoCEOsandboards,the advocatesforprojectswithcorporategovernance,compliance, andriskimplications.Theexpandingmandateneedsgigantic amountsofinformationaboutthebusinessoperations,finance, technology,andreputation,andsotheGCbecomesessential executivessittingattheboardroomtableofexecutive leadership.
UtilizingTechnologyasaLegalChangeDriver
Technologyisgraduallybecomingthefirstlineto revolutionizelegaldepartments,andGeneralCounselareat theforefrontofthetechnologicaltransformation.Artificial intelligence,automation,anddataanalyticsaremaking legalprocessesmoreefficient,loweringexpenses,and improvingproductivity AI-basedcontractlifecycle management(CLM)softwareiseliminatingtheoldcontract negotiation,riskassessment,andcompliancecheck. Predictiveanalyticsareenablinglegalteamstopreparefor impendingconflictandregulatorychallengesinadvance.
Applicationofblockchaintechnologyisalso revolutionizingareassuchassmartcontracts,intellectual propertyrights,andcompanydisclosure.TechnologydriventoolsarealsobeingemployedbyGCstoenhance legalresearch,documentmanagement,andduediligence, leavingthemtimetodevotetostrategichigh-leveldecisionmakingratherthanspendingtimeonadministrative activities.GeneralCounselsareusingtechnologytotake advantageofautomationoflegalproceduresandputting theirfirmsinaplacewheretheycanthriveinaneverdigitizingbusinessworld.
GlobalRegulatoryNavigation
Astransnationalcorporationsmoveacrossborders,theyare facedwithamultidimensionalandever-evolvingregulatory landscape.GeneralCounselmustbeonestepaheadof internationalcompliancelaw,tradepolicy,anddata protectionlaw.Stricterdataprotectionlaw,likeEurope's GeneralDataProtectionRegulation(GDPR),USandAsian cybersecuritydevelopments,hasmadeitmoredemanding forlegalprofessionalstobeborderless.
GCsleadregulatorycompliancethroughrobustframeworks ofgovernanceandriskmanagementsystems.GCsarealso attractingpolicymakers,regulators,andtradeassociations intoformulatingnewregulatorysystemsthattouch business.GeneralCounsel,througheffectiveregulatory contactsandtrackinglegislativeguidance,areleading complianceandsustainabilityintheirorganizationsduring aneraofintensifiedregulation.
TheRiseofESGandCorporateEthics
IncreasedfocusonESGfactorshasplacedGeneralCounsel attheforefrontofcorporateresponsibilityinitiatives. Investors,customers,andemployeesarelookingforgreater accountabilityandtransparencyfrombusiness,andlegal departmentsarebeingcalledupontosetthepaceonESG
complianceandgoodbusinesspractice.GCsaresteering firmsthroughsustainabilityreporting,humanrights policies,andanti-corruptionprogramstokeeppacewith globalstandardsandregulatoryrequirements.
Whistleblowerprotection,workplacediversity,andCSRall arewithintheambitoflawnow.GeneralCounselarenot onlyensuringthatcompaniesobeythelawbutalso instillingethicalpracticesthathelpwithcompany reputationandstakeholdertrust,aswell.ESG considerationsarenotchoicesbutaprerequisitefor successfulbusinessin2025inthelongrun,andGCsare takingtheleadinputtingthesevaluesintocorporate strategy
CrisisManagementandRiskMitigation
Duringaperiodofuncertaintyanddisruption,crisis managementismorethaneverbeforeattheforefrontofthe GeneralCounsel'sremit.Fromcyberattacksanddata breachestoregulatoryinvestigationsandreputational crises,thelegalfunctionisleadingtheriskmitigation process.GCsaredevelopingcrisismanagementplans, conductinginternalinvestigations,andcollaboratingwith publicrelationsspecialiststomanagelegalandreputational risk.
Cybersecurityisoneoftheareasoffocus,anddata breacheshavegrowninscaleandfrequency.General CounselareworkingtogetherwithsecurityandITexperts todeveloprobustcybersecuritystandards,incidentresponse plans,andcomplianceprogramstoprotectsensitive customerandbusinessdata.Theyarealsopreparingforthe riskoflitigationforregulationviolations,classactions,and intellectualpropertycasesbyhavinggoodlegalprocesses inplacetoprotectbusinessinterests.
Conclusion
GeneralCounselof2025areshapingthefutureofthelaw byexpandingtheirrolesfromlegalcompliancetobusiness leadership.Throughembracingtechnologicaladoption, regulatoryexpertise,ESGintegration,andcrisis management,GCsareestablishingcorporateresilienceand ethicalleadership.Withcompaniesbecomingmore interconnectedinamorecomplexglobalenvironment,the GeneralCounselfunctionwillbeimportantarchitectsof legalandcorporatechange.Thelegalarenaisevolving,so istheGeneralCounsel's.Itisbecomingdynamic,costeffective,andessentialasneverbefore.
Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.
- Warren Bennis
