As legal, commercial, and investment responsibilities continue to converge, Mahmoud Hamza Elhawary, Investment & Legal Affairs Director at Kuwait Innovation Center, explores why the modern GC is becoming a strategic business enabler rather than a traditional legal gatekeeper.
What has been the most defining moment of your career as an in-house counsel so far?
One of the most defining moments of my career came when I transitioned from purely legal advisory work into a broader in-house role that combined legal, commercial, and investment responsibilities.
That shift changed my entire perception of the legal function. I realised that the true value of an in-house lawyer is not only in mitigating risk or drafting agreements, but in enabling decisions, supporting growth, and contributing directly to business strategy.
Moving to Kuwait in 2022 was also a pivotal moment, as it exposed me to a highly diverse professional environment where law, business, and relationships are deeply interconnected. This experience significantly shaped my approach to legal practice and leadership.
In what ways do you see the role of the GC changing over the next 5-10 years?
I believe the role of the General Counsel is evolving from a legal gatekeeper to a strategic business enabler.
In the next 5–10 years, GCs will increasingly be expected to:
Most importantly, the future GC will not only interpret the law but will help shape how organisations operate within an increasingly complex global regulatory environment.
If you could change one perception about the in-house legal profession, what would it be?
I would change the perception that in-house legal teams exist only to say “no” or to slow down business activity.
In reality, modern in-house lawyers are enablers of growth. They help organisations move forward safely, structure opportunities properly, and navigate complexity with confidence.
The most effective legal teams are not obstacles to business they are architects of responsible and sustainable decision making.
