Moving from private practice into the corporate world requires more than legal expertise alone. Abdelghany Fouda, Director of Legal Affairs at Al Sondos Holding in UAE, explores how diverse perspectives reshape the in-house role.
What has been the most defining moment of your career as an in-house lawyer so far?
The most defining moment in my career as an in-house lawyer was my transition from private practice in law firms to an in-house role within a company. The shift involved a fundamentally different environment and nature of work. In law firms, the environment is largely homogeneous, with professionals sharing similar legal mindsets and cultural backgrounds. In contrast, the corporate environment is far more diverse in terms of perspectives, professional backgrounds, and levels of legal understanding.
This required me not only to articulate the legal position clearly, but also to present it in a way that aligns with business objectives and resonates with non-legal stakeholders. It was a significant challenge that I was able to overcome through persistence, continuous practice, and adaptability. The experience demanded strong legal expertise, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration, ultimately strengthening my role as a trusted partner in decision-making.
In what ways do you see the role of the GC changing over the next 5–10 years?
In recent years, the role of the General Counsel has evolved from being merely an executor of company policies to a key architect and strategist behind them. It has shifted from a function that is consulted only when needed to a core role within the organisation – one that not only implements decisions but actively contributes to shaping them.
This transformation has been driven by technological advancements and the increasing accessibility of information and tools that enhance legal work. As a result, the General Counsel is becoming more integrated into the business, with growing representation at the board level.
Looking ahead, the role will continue to evolve into a strategic leadership position, where the GC plays a central role in risk management, corporate governance, and the development of business strategies, particularly in light of rapid regulatory and technological changes.
What qualities do you believe distinguish truly impactful GCs from good ones?
An impactful General Counsel is someone who possesses a strong and confident personality, with solid self-assurance in both judgment and expertise. They do not compromise their professional integrity by showing undue favour to senior executives or shareholders at the expense of fairness or sound legal principles. Instead, they maintain independence in decision-making while upholding objectivity and ethical standards.
At the same time, an effective GC combines deep legal expertise with a strong understanding of the business. They have excellent communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation. They are proactive rather than reactive, and they consistently demonstrate the ability to balance legal risk with business opportunity in a thoughtful and strategic way.
If you could change one perception about the in-house legal profession, what would it be?
One perception I would like to change is the way in-house counsels are sometimes viewed by lawyers in private practice, where they may be perceived as being less technically rigorous or less sophisticated in their legal expertise. This assumption is not always fair or accurate, as it overlooks the depth, complexity, and strategic nature of in-house legal work.
I would like to replace this perception with a more balanced and objective understanding of the role. In-house lawyers are often seen as “gatekeepers,” but in reality, they are business enablers and strategic partners. They play a critical role in supporting decision-making, enabling growth, and ensuring that business objectives are achieved within a sound legal framework.
