Ahmed Zedan, principal legal officer at El Sewedy Electric, discusses the evolving landscape of the legal profession in Egypt, and his view that modern lawyers must act as strategic business partners rather than traditional legal advisers — particularly as corporate demand for legal expertise has surged since the pandemic.
He highlights the role of interactive professional events and legal media, the show Suits among them, in attracting and training the next generation of attorneys. He also addresses the practical career challenges that follow, including mental health and work-life balance in a demanding field.
On career shape, Zedan argues that young lawyers should start with a broad generalist foundation, specialise, and eventually reclaim a generalist leadership role. The conversation closes on the critical nature of confidentiality and ethics in sustaining a legal career.
Recorded at Law Talks 2022, in conversation with Salma Farouk.