The session "AI and the Future of Legal Practice: Challenges, Opportunities and Realities" is part of the General Counsel Conference Middle East 2026, scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM. This conference is organized by ALM, a leading provider of specialized business news and information.
This session will delve into how artificial intelligence is transforming legal workflows, decision-making processes, and the evolving role of corporate counsel. It will address the practical realities of AI adoption, highlighting areas where AI is already making a significant impact, where caution is necessary, and strategies for legal teams to leverage AI for long-term strategic value.
The panel features distinguished speakers: Tarek Nakkach, Director & General Counsel, MEA at Kyndryl; Matteo Grassani, General Counsel at Zahid Group; and Rashika Bakshi, General Counsel for India, Middle East & North Africa at WPP. These experts will share their insights and experiences regarding AI integration in legal practices.
This session is particularly relevant for in-house legal professionals, corporate counsel, and legal operations leaders seeking to understand and navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the legal sector.
Speakers(3)
Matteo Grassani
General Counsel at Zahid Group
Matteo Grassani is a dual-qualified lawyer (UK and Italy) and General Counsel of Zahid Group, a leading Saudi conglomerate. He has extensive international experience across the energy, finance, and infrastructure sectors, having previously worked with Shell, BG Group (British Gas), and Clifford Chance. He is the co-founder of the HEC Paris Finance Community, a global network connecting professionals across finance, law, and technology.
Rashika Bakshi
General Counsel - India, Middle East & North Africa at WPP
Tarek Nakkach
Director & General Counsel, MEA at Kyndryl
Tarek is an award-winning General Counsel, thought leader, and regular speaker on topics of AI, governance, policy, and law. He coauthored 'The New AI Era: Transforming Governance and Society' and has numerous publications in AI, policy, law, and the future of the legal profession. He is a Fellow at the Centre for Assuring Autonomy at the University of York and a member of The Digital Economy Court Working Group at the Dubai International Financial Center.
Event Details
- Date
- May 20, 2026
- Location
- 🇦🇪 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Audience
- In-house legal professionals, corporate counsel, legal operations leaders