Zeyad Khoshaim’s entrepreneurial vision and leadership has propelled Khoshaim & Associates (K&A) to the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s legal sector.
Having initially started out as a computer engineer before switching to law, he recounts his career journey which led him to break away from a large firm and establish an independent practice.
He also discusses the firm’s recent debut in Abu Dhabi, developments in Saudi Arabia’s legal sector, and his priorities for the homegrown firm in the year ahead.
You initially started out as a computer engineer before switching to a career in law. Has this experience helped shape your practice as a lawyer, and if so, how? What advice would you give to prospective career changers?
My background as a computer engineer has been instrumental in shaping my legal practice. Writing code is very much akin to drafting contracts, where logic, definitions, and references follow a structured approach. Engineering generally instilled in me a problem-solving mindset that I use to this day. Even more, my background has allowed me to effectively advise on matters involving fintech, cybersecurity, and data privacy, which are increasingly important in today’s digital economy. For career changers, I would advise embracing the unique perspectives your previous experience brings to the table. It is not about starting over; it is about leveraging what you already know to forge a distinctive path in your new career.
How are advancements in technology shaping legal practice in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East?
Technology is revolutionising legal practice across the world, and Saudi Arabia is no different. Generative AI is streamlining contract analysis and due diligence, while digital tools enhance case management and client communication. Our firm has adopted a number of these tools, and allows us to amplify the power of our attorneys to be able to take on more complex work. We are able to provide our clients the personal care they seek, while also being efficient and effective. I believe that the future belongs to those who can integrate technology seamlessly into their operations while maintaining the human touch that clients value in legal counsel.
A raft of international law firms have entered Saudi Arabia in recent years, with some establishing their regional headquarters in Riyadh. What challenges and opportunities await new entrants? What should they consider to ensure sustainable growth?
New entrants face challenges such as navigating Saudi-specific regulations, building local expertise, and pricing pressure. Also, while such firms have come in with rather sizable chequebooks to acquire talent, there is a bit of ‘buyer’s remorse’ going on for both sides: international firms feel the pressure to maintain margins, and young talent feel that they are not as integrated as they would like. However, opportunities abound as Vision 2030 drives unprecedented economic transformation, creating demand for legal services in almost all sectors.
In your view, what sets K&A apart from other law firms in the Kingdom?
What sets K&A apart is our combination of international qualifications and local expertise. We are the only full-service independent law firm that is able to draft complex contracts, litigate critical matters, and advise on Saudi Arabian law. We take great pride in our clients’ trust in us, which is manifested by our clients inviting us to their board rooms and management committees to assist them in making business critical decisions about their affairs.
Our lawyers, which include some of the industry’s key partners, counsel, and senior associates, are specialised in their respective disciplines and are able to apply such specialisation in specific business sectors. We have trained and empowered a significant number of Saudi Arabian lawyers, many of whom now lead legal departments in prominent organisations (not to mention competing firms).
K&A announced the opening of an office in Abu Dhabi in October 2024– its first office outside of the Kingdom. What spurred the launch and how is it going? How is the office structured? You previously mentioned your plan is to more than double in size by the end of the year, what steps are you taking to achieve this? Is further expansion in the UAE or wider GCC on the cards?
The Abu Dhabi office reflects our commitment to supporting clients across the GCC as regional economies integrate and diversify. It was spurred by client demand for local expertise and our vision to establish a regional footprint. The office is structured as a fully integrated part of K&A, combining local knowledge with our Kingdom-wide resources. To achieve our growth targets, we are actively recruiting top-tier talent. So far, we have built our corporate and dispute resolution capabilities, and look forward to expanding into projects and finance areas this year. We can of course consider further expansion in the UAE and the GCC if client needs require the same.
What are your priorities for the firm, and how do you anticipate deal activity will fare in the year ahead?
Our priorities include nurturing our team, enhancing our technological capabilities, and deepening client relationships. Deal activity in Saudi Arabia is expected to remain robust, accelerated by Vision 2030 initiatives and a strong pipeline of combinations, privatisations, IPOs, and foreign investments. We aim to position K&A as the go-to partner for ‘first of its kind’ deals and ‘bet the farm’ litigation or arbitration.
Saudi Arabia is five years away from achieving Vision 2030. What can we expect during this time?
The next five years will be pivotal as Saudi Arabia accelerates its transformation. We can expect significant advancements in infrastructure, the digital economy, and regulatory reform. Initiatives in fintech, the Saudi Green Initiative and the expansion of giga-projects will reshape industries and create new legal challenges. The Kingdom’s commitment to fostering innovation and attracting global investment will further enhance its position as a regional hub. This is an exciting time to be part of Saudi Arabia’s journey.
What is your biggest achievement to date, career or otherwise?
We have now won every firm, practice, or individual award that is possible. We have also advised on pretty much every first of a kind deal, litigated precedent setting cases, and had our fingers in shaping important legislation.
However, all that pales in comparison to the joy we get in working together, as a team, to achieve our goal: to elevate the practice of law. My biggest achievement is building K&A into a firm that defied the odds. Choosing to break away from the security and recognition of a large law firm to establish an independent practice was tough. It often feels like playing the game on hard mode: the risks are higher, the responsibilities greater, and the support system less institutionalised. Yet, there is immense satisfaction in forging our own path, overcoming obstacles others might shy away from, and ultimately succeeding through integrity and vision. The autonomy gained is priceless, and when you win, you win based on who you are, not on the name of the firm. Best of all, you get to work side by side with amazing people who share your vision, and are with you because they want to, not because they have to.
This article was first published in the February 2025 inaugural print issue of Law Middle East.
