The IBA Middle East Conference 2023, titled "Law Firms and Clients – working together, now and in the future," was organized by the International Bar Association (IBA) Law Firm Management Committee, with support from the Arab Regional Forum. This event took place on March 6–7, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The conference addressed several pivotal topics, including strategies for law firms to adapt and thrive in the future, the implications of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors for legal practices, lessons that large law firms can learn from smaller counterparts, and insights into the dynamics of the US and UK legal markets. Additionally, discussions focused on fostering a culture that balances people and profit, understanding generational differences within the legal workforce, and evaluating the current and future role of technology in legal services.
Practical sessions featured panels of leading regional General Counsels (GCs) who shared their perspectives on the evolving relationship between law firms and clients. The event also provided ample networking opportunities, including a pre-conference dinner at Amelia, Downtown Dubai, and the main conference held at the Habtoor Palace Hotel.
This conference was particularly beneficial for legal professionals seeking to understand and navigate the evolving landscape of client-law firm relationships, offering insights into market trends, technological advancements, and effective management practices.
Speakers(11)
Alan Keep
Speaker at Bowmans
Alan Keep is the African Regional Forum Liaison Officer at the IBA Law Firm Management Committee and discussed the US and UK legal markets.
Alishia Sullivan
Speaker at Morgan Lewis
Alishia Sullivan is a legal professional at Morgan Lewis in Dubai and discussed the US and UK legal markets.
Dr Mahmood Hussain
Speaker at Mahmood Hussain Advocates & Legal Consultancy
Dr Mahmood Hussain is the founder of Mahmood Hussain Advocates & Legal Consultancy in Dubai and discussed strategies for taking care of people in law firms.
Dr Waleed Al Nuwaiser
Keynote Speaker at WAN & Partners
Dr Waleed Al Nuwaiser is the founder of WAN & Partners in Riyadh and delivered the keynote address on the legal market of Saudi Arabia at the conference.
Eric Baijal
Moderator at BBM Solicitors
Eric Baijal is the Vice Chair of the IBA Small and Medium Firms Subcommittee and moderated the session on what big law can learn from smaller law firms.
John Drennan
Speaker at Saudi Aramco
John Drennan is a legal professional at Saudi Aramco in Dhahran and participated in the fireside Q&A on generational differences.
Moray McLaren
Moderator at Lexington Consultants
Moray McLaren is the Chair of the IBA Law Firm Management - Talent and Leadership Subcommittee and moderated the session on taking care of people in law firms.
Murad Abida
Speaker at Global Advocacy and Legal Counsel
Murad Abida is a legal professional at Global Advocacy and Legal Counsel in Dubai and spoke on taking care of people in law firms.
Omar Rahman
Speaker at Dubai Islamic Bank
Omar Rahman is the Co-Membership Officer at the IBA Law Firm Management Committee and participated in the fireside Q&A on generational differences.
Rasem Kamal
Speaker at Kamal & Associates
Rasem Kamal is the Young Lawyers’ Committee Liaison Officer at the IBA Law Firm Management Committee and spoke on taking care of people in law firms.
Sheila Shadmand
Moderator at Jones Day
Sheila Shadmand is a legal professional at Jones Day in Dubai and moderated the session on the US and UK legal markets.
Event Details
- Date
- March 6-7, 2023
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇦🇪 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Habtoor Palace Hotel
- Pricing
- $250
- Audience
- Legal professionals, including law firm partners, associates, in-house counsel, and legal consultants.
- CLE Credits
- A Certificate of Attendance is available to Conference delegates on request.