Saudi Arabia is seeing a remarkable shift in female lawyers move through the ranks and make partner in the Kingdom.
In the last year, Latham & Watkins’ Najla Al-Gadi, Baker McKenzie’s Hessa AlAiban, and Clyde & Co’s Shahd Makhafah were appointed to the partnership in the Riyadh office of their respective firms. They specialise in transactional areas of law and have stayed with their firms for the entire duration of their careers.
For the first time, they speak on how they made it, the challenges they overcame along the way, and share advice for aspiring female partners.
Najla Al-Gadi, capital markets partner at Latham & Watkins, Riyadh:
“When I started my career at Latham & Watkins as a trainee associate 11 years ago, becoming a partner felt like an ambitious dream. Having this dream turned into reality today, I feel immense pride—both in my personal achievement and in contributing to the remarkable shift empowering female lawyers across Saudi Arabia’s evolving legal landscape.
“Achieving partnership required more than ambition or a great firm that supported my growth; it demanded years of dedicated effort for me to refine my skills, deepen my expertise in capital markets, and consistently provide excellent, client-tailored advice. Having the opportunity to work on significant transactions, including the Saudi Aramco IPO, allowed me to perform under pressure, broaden my perspective on market dynamics, and build long-lasting relationships. Beyond transactional work, I have actively embraced leadership roles internally by serving on firm-wide committees. Externally, I have also engaged with the legal community by mentoring aspiring lawyers, drawing on experiences gained at Harvard Law School and beyond.
“A significant challenge I overcame along this journey was learning to fully trust my voice. Early in my career, I sometimes hesitated to speak up, uncertain how my contributions would be received. Each moment of hesitation became an opportunity to reconnect with my core values, pushing me to express myself authentically and confidently. Over time, I recognised the unique value of my perspective, which turned my initial hesitations into lasting professional confidence.
“One piece of advice I would give to aspiring female lawyers is to trust your authentic voice and the unique value you bring, while also embracing opportunities to push beyond your comfort zone. Resilience, adaptability, and staying true to myself have guided me forward. This mindset will allow you to open doors and inspire meaningful change.”
Hessa AlAiban, capital markets partner at Baker McKenzie, Riyadh:
“When I started my legal career, making partner felt like an ambitious yet distant goal. Female representation at senior levels was still emerging, and the path forward was not always clear. Today, as the first Saudi female partner at Baker McKenzie, this achievement is not only personal—it is a testament to the growing opportunities for women in our profession and the evolving dynamics of our market. To me, becoming a partner was never about the title; it was about contributing to a profession that is evolving at an unprecedented pace in the Kingdom and taking pride in being part of that transformation. I would be remiss if I did not credit a part of my success to the incredible environment the firm has provided, and the support and mentorship of Karim Nassar, our managing partner.
“Reaching this stage took more than technical expertise. It required consistently delivering at the highest level on complex transactions and earning the trust of clients. Advising issuers and underwriters on landmark IPOs and public M&As strengthened my ability to navigate the ever-evolving regulatory landscape and market trends. Success in our field is not just about knowing the law—it is about demonstrating commercial acumen, understanding client priorities, and committing to execution excellence.
“One of the challenges I faced was stepping into rooms where I was often the only woman. Early on, I learned that making an impact was not about being the loudest voice but about contributing insights that add real value. Confidence, I realised, is built not through words alone but through preparation, expertise, and the ability to manage complex deals with precision. That shift in mindset transformed the way I engage with clients and colleagues, allowing me to build credibility as a trusted advisor in capital markets.
“For aspiring female lawyers, my advice is simple: take ownership of your expertise, push yourself to excel, and never wait for permission to lead. Your reputation will be shaped by the substance of your work and the strength of your judgement. Seek mentorship but also recognise that your career trajectory is yours to define. The legal profession in Saudi Arabia is evolving rapidly—this is the time to step forward, shape the market, and create new opportunities for the future.”
Shahd Makhafah, corporate partner at Clyde & Co, Riyadh:
“When I joined Clyde & Co as a trainee lawyer, I knew the road ahead would be demanding yet rewarding. The legal industry, particularly in international law firms, was highly competitive, and few female lawyers reached senior positions then. However, I was determined to succeed.
“The early years required me to dedicate long hours to learning and growing my capabilities. The obstacles sometimes felt overwhelming, but I remained focused, eager to learn, and determined to deliver exceptional results. I sought guidance from senior lawyers and mentors who believed in my potential, and their support was instrumental in my growth.
“As I advanced, I worked on high-profile cases and built strong client relationships. My commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed, and I was fortunate to have the full support of my mentor partners and the management of the firm, who recognised my contributions. Their encouragement and willingness to provide opportunities allowed me to take on leadership roles and gain the experience needed to progress.
“When I was promoted as Clyde & Co’s first Saudi-based female partner, it was a defining moment—not just for me but for the representation of women in leadership within the firm. The support from colleagues and management reaffirmed my belief that success is not achieved alone. Now, as a partner, I strive to mentor and uplift other young lawyers, ensuring that the path to leadership becomes more accessible for future generations.”
This article was first published in the March 2025 print issue of Law Middle East.
