In this feature we go beyond legal rankings and directories to profile lawyers and share their interesting stories; from stand-out deals and cases to managing office politics, and their personal sacrifices for a successful career in law.
Here, we spotlight Natasha Zahid, a partner who last month joined international law firm Taylor Wessing to lead its disputes and investigations practice in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Her practice covers contentious and non-contentious work, with a particular focus on high-end private wealth disputes. She shares some of the stand-out cases from her career, which has spanned the bar, in-house, and private practice, as well as advice for other ambitious lawyers.
Memorable projects
What are some of the most scandalous or stand-out cases you have worked on, involving elements that are uncommon related to the local culture?
As I have had a career that has spanned the independent bar, private practice, and an in-house senior counsel position, I am lucky to have had many interesting and challenging cases. However, there have been two that have stood out:
The first involved a billion-dollar fraud case that spanned across a syndicate of leading regional and international banks and lasted over a number of years. I was tasked with taking the lead in the multi-jurisdictional cases and recovery proceedings on behalf of one of the banks. Cross-border fraud cases traditionally create a myriad of complex issues that can involve both criminal and civil proceedings. The consideration and assimilation of evidence prior to a case being filed can be critical to its outcome. After extensive cross-border efforts and trips to different jurisdictions where the cases were running, we managed to obtain the highest level of recovery from all of the banks. This rewarding outcome led me to develop an interest and focus on fraud, professional misconduct, and investigations that remains to this day.
The second memorable case is based on an amusing anecdote. As part of my role, when I wear my barrister’s wig (metaphorically speaking!) in private practice, I represent clients in court, before arbitral tribunals and undertake witness interviews. One of my cases involved a billionaire tycoon whose business partner had brought proceedings against him. He understood the nature of the case and was clear in his witness evidence. However, mid-way through the arbitral hearing, when he had been invited to give his oral testimony, he suddenly stopped, looked around, and said: “Why am I here? I am a billionaire. This is a waste of my time!” Needless to say, the arbitrator’s face took on a purple hue and he said in an icy tone: “I apologise for wasting your precious time and preventing you from making more money.” My team members and I sat there with suitably glassy faces whilst all of this transpired. Lesson for clients: please stick to your witness evidence!
Managing office politics
Decision-making in law firms can be hindered by internal politics and power games, causing delays in the overall progress of a firm. How do you navigate the negative aspects of office politics and manage its effects on the firm as a whole?
Avoid, navigate, do not indulge!
My successes and sacrifices
Success often comes with sacrifice. What are some of the personal costs and potential regrets associated with a successful career in law?
Law is very much a demanding career that requires attention and sacrifice. However, I feel privileged and grateful that all of my successes and sacrifices over the years have led to my current role as MENA head of disputes and investigations at Taylor Wessing.
My message to other ambitious lawyers (in particular, to the many talented female lawyers out there) who seek leadership roles, is that hard work, providing the highest quality legal service, and always remaining professional—irrespective of the circumstances—does pay off in the end.
