Can you tell us about your childhood and early education? What experience influenced your decision to pursue law?

I was born in Baghdad and spent most of my childhood and adulthood in the Netherlands. I was fortunate to have a wonderful childhood with incredibly supportive parents. Growing up between two cultures, I had the privilege of receiving a diverse education that exposed me to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking.  However, it was also a painful experience being far from my birthplace, especially as I witnessed injustices, wars, and their lasting impact. These experiences deeply shaped me and ultimately led me to pursue a career in law.

What inspired you to become a lawyer and eventually establish R.A.G. Legal Consultancy?

From a young age, I was always passionate about debating, justice, helping and empowering others. I loved engaging in discussions, questioning fairness and standing up for what I believe was right. This natural inclination towards advocacy, combined with my strong sense of justice made law the perfect path for me and inspired me to pursue this profession.

I founded R.A.G Legal to leverage my expertise and passion for law and I had identified a gap in the market between large law firms and small-sized ones. Many clients needed high-quality legal services with a more personalized approach, cost-effective, something that large firms often could not provide. My goal was to bridge this gap by offering top-tier legal services with the agility, client focus, and efficiency of a smaller practice.

Professional Journey & Leadership:

As the Founder and Managing Partner of R.A.G. Legal Consultancy, what were some of the biggest challenges and milestones in building your practice?

Building a boutique legal consultancy comes with its own set of challenges and milestones, one of them building a solid client base and attracting clients.  Networking and building a reputation in the market plays a crucial role.  Standing out in a competitive legal market requires a clear niche expertise.  Managing client exceptions, handling workload fluctuations whilst maintaining quality service can be demanding which requires expanding the team and often services by growing the practice. Finally, reaching financial stability where the practice sustain itself and generates steady revenue.

You also lead the Women Lawyers Group – Middle East. What are the key challenges faced by women in law today, and how is your organization working to address them?

Women often face challenges such as limited representation in board or leadership roles, work-life balance pressures and unequal opportunities for career advancement.

Through our group we meet, hold forums to address these issues by creating a support network, providing mentorship and promoting the role of women and gender equality in the legal profession. We focus on empowering women lawyers through our networking initiatives and knowledge sharing group.

Finally, we want to ensure that women lawyers in the Middle East are heard, seen and recognized for their contributions to the legal profession.

How do you balance advocacy and business—running a legal consultancy while also championing women’s rights in the legal profession?

Balancing advocacy and business are undoubtedly challenging, but I see both as deeply interconnected rather than conflicting.  Running a legal consultancy requires leadership, decision making and client focused solutions, all these skills apply to my work in advocating for women in the legal profession. I also ensure that my advocacy aligns with my professional practice through mentorship, promoting and hiring women.

Yes, it is difficult but for me the challenge is worth it.

Mission, Vision & Impact:

What is the core mission and vision behind your work, both in legal consultancy and in empowering women in the legal sector?

Mission for my legal consultancy is to provide strategic and client focused legal solutions in emerging economies whilst maintaining ethical and professional standards.  Vision is to build a reputable, trusted legal consultancy and to expand regionally.

Mission for empowering women in the legal profession is to amplify the voices of women lawyers in the Middle East, create opportunities, growth and visibility in the legal profession. Vision to see more women lawyers entering the legal sectors with equal opportunities and at all levels of leadership.

How do you see the legal landscape evolving in the Middle East, especially in areas such as gender equality, corporate law, and human rights?

The legal landscape in the Middle East is evolving but is important to recognize that each Arab country has its own unique legal framework, culture context and pace of reform.  However, as an overall regional trend we are seeing significant in gender equality. Across the region more women are entering the legal profession, some countries have appointed female judges, ministers and legal advisors. On corporate law many Arab countries have reformed or reforming laws to attract foreign investments and enhance business competitiveness.  Regulations, such as ESG, data privacy, dispute resolutions are becoming aligned with international standards. For Human rights, legal protection for workers, reform in family law and human rights advancements are taking place in many Arab countries, though progress varies.

Can you share an impactful case or project that made a difference in people’s lives or influenced policy changes?

One impactful project I worked on was raising funds for an Iraqi NGO which supports widows of war. Many of these women face not only the emotional and social impact of loss but also significant financial struggle. This project was not just about providing aid it was about empowering these women to reclaim their futures and contribute to their communities.

Work-Life Balance & Personal Growth:

Being a leader in law and women’s empowerment requires dedication. How do you maintain a work-life balance and stay motivated?

I do not believe in the traditional concept of work-life balance at least not in the way it is often framed.  For me law and advocacy are not just jobs, they are part of who I am. I do not aim for equal time between work and personal life I focus what matters the most at any given moment and give it my full attention when I can. I also try to create flexible boundaries that allow me to be effective without burnout. To stay motivate, surround yourself with the RIGHT PEOPLE. Having great team, mentors and support system makes it easier to keep going.

What are some leadership lessons you have learned throughout your career that aspiring lawyers should know?

There are many but I would focus on few, legal profession requires a high standard of ethics, be ethical and act in the best interest of your clients, colleagues and society. Listen to your clients and understand their essential needs. Learn to deal with rejection and failure, not every matter will go your way these setbacks can happen which can help you grow and become better.

Future Goals & Advice:

What are your future goals for R.A.G. Legal Consultancy and for the Women Lawyers Group – Middle East? Any new initiatives or projects in the pipeline?

My future goals would likely focus on continue growth, increase client base and geographic reach and to invest in technology and innovation.

For the women Lawyers Group-Middle East, continue to increase the visibility of the group, expanding membership and outreach. Creating regional conferences and forums that bring together women lawyers, organizations and law firms from across the Middle East.

We are currently exploring opportunities to collaborate with a jurisdiction where, in the past few years, women lawyers have been allowed to practice as lawyers and looking forward to hosting our first event there. This will be an important opportunity to create connections and make impact within the local legal community.

What advice would you give to young women entering the legal profession, especially in regions where the industry is traditionally male-dominated?

Confidence and communications! Believe in your skills and knowledge. Do not be afraid to speak, ask questions or share ideas. Find a mentor whether they are women or men to ask for their guidance, support and insight.  Finally, stay true to your values no matter the pressure you face.