Fatima Balfaqeeh traces an unconventional route into law and arbitration, from a background in economics and government work to a specialised focus on construction and commercial disputes. Her experience in contracts and procurement, she explains, became the foundation for everything that followed.
Success in the legal field, she argues, requires rigorous specialised training, a commitment to continuous learning, and finding a mentor within the professional community. Addressing the challenges facing Emirati practitioners, she advises young lawyers to prioritise ethical integrity and long-term skill development over quick financial gains.
She closes by advocating for the strengthening of the UAE's legal infrastructure through specialised arbitration courts, to further support a stable investment environment.
In conversation with Omar Al Heloo, Partner at Hadef & Partners.