Gaining experience in both in-house and private practice roles can be incredibly beneficial, especially for developing essential soft skills.
Private practice roles teach you how to manage client relationships and emphasise the importance of interactions. Lawyers transitioning from private practice to in-house often excel at handling internal clients and stakeholders, providing them with exceptional service. However, private practice sometimes involves the frequent use of disclaimers and shifting risks to clients.
On the other hand, in-house lawyers learn to be pragmatic, finding practical legal solutions, and accepting some level of risk to support organisational growth. Without experience in private practice, they might lack familiarity with customer service and effective internal client management.
This is not just about gaining different legal experiences; it is also about developing the soft skills crucial for your career. Experiencing both in-house and private practice roles will provide you with a well-rounded perspective and enhance your overall competence as a legal professional.
Reflecting on my career journey, I realise how each step has shaped me into the legal professional I am today, blending the principles of both civil law and common law jurisdictions. This path began with my graduation from Damascus University, rooted in a civil law jurisdiction heavily influenced by French legal traditions.
Upon graduating, I joined Al Silk Law Firm for two years, completing my training to become a qualified lawyer at the Syrian Bar Association. My ambition led me to open my boutique law office in Damascus in 2010. However, the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011 redirected my plans. I was initially disheartened by this abrupt change, as I had to leave behind my burgeoning legal practice to return to the university setting. Yet, I soon realised that destiny had other, perhaps greater, plans for me. Instead of waiting for the conflict to settle, I seized the opportunity to pursue a master’s in business law at the International Islamic University in Malaysia. This move allowed me to gain valuable insights into common law jurisdictions and broaden my legal expertise.
While undertaking my master’s, I joined Kandiah & Sri, a boutique law firm specialising in intellectual property (IP), as an associate. This role allowed me to handle Middle Eastern clients and hone my skills in IP law. Following a merger, I transitioned to Christopher & Lee Ong, part of Rajah & Tann, where I expanded my expertise to include corporate law and gained invaluable experience in a common law setting.
In Kuala Lumpur, I received an offer from Maison De Maa, a French company in Istanbul, to build their legal department. After a year of setting up and handing over the department as promised, I joined CEVA Logistics in 2018 as legal manager for the Middle East. Initially based in Istanbul, I was promoted to head of legal in 2020, expanding my responsibilities across multiple countries and relocating to Dubai.
Today, as the head of legal for CEVA Logistics in the Middle East, I lead a dynamic legal team, navigating numerous challenges while ensuring compliance and supporting the company’s growth. This long journey has made me an expert in both civil law and common law jurisdictions, integrating diverse legal principles into my practice.
Reflecting on my career, I am grateful for the diverse experiences that have shaped my professional journey. Each role has contributed to my growth, enabling me to lead with confidence and expertise. As I continue to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape, I am committed to guiding and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, helping them to find their own path to success.
To conclude, I am reminded of an Arabic proverb: “The winds do not blow as the vessels wish.” My journey has taught me that if you remain diligent, continually seek knowledge, explore new opportunities, and stay driven, you will be able to steer your vessel, perhaps not in the direction you initially planned, but towards a destination that exceeds your original aspirations.
Ahmad Al Aseh is the Middle East head of legal at CEVA Logistics.
