ASAR Conference 2023 – The PPP Panel That Rocked Kuwait

Kuwait, 4/12/2023:

Just wrapped up at the Waldorf Astoria Kuwait , and folks, the ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners Conference 2023 was nothing short of electrifying. Capping it off was our panel on "Transformative Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)", and let me tell you, it was a showstopper, it was where the future of law took center stage, thanks to Fred Mazo and Gurpartap Basra from Legal 500 for creating a platform where voices like those of Munib Khan , Hisham Al-Hajjar , and myself could contribute significantly to the conversation on the role of general counsel in PPPs. The panel session was not only informative but also a true highlight of the conference. A big shoutout to Ahmed Barakat for orchestrating this epic event – it ran like clockwork!

Let's talk about the panel that's still got everyone talking. I, Amr Wageeh , alongside the legal industry's best – Munib Khan and Hisham Al-Hajjar – dissected what it means to be a #generalcounsel in the dynamic realm of PPPs. This powerhouse session, crafted by The Legal 500, was more than just a discussion; it was a revelation.

Now, let me drop some knowledge about the 'T-shaped lawyer', a concept I unpacked in my speech. Imagine a lawyer with not just deep legal expertise (that's the vertical bar of the T) but also a solid grounding in another field like technology, business, or even politics (the horizontal bar). Today's clients aren’t just looking for legal advice; they want tech-savvy, business-aware legal ninjas who can navigate the complexities of their industries.

And here’s the kicker – it’s not just about being a legal whiz or a tech geek. The T-shaped lawyer is also a master of interpersonal skills and project management. Think small, agile firms where you're not just a lawyer; you're a leader, a project maestro, a team captain. It’s about having the chops to manage your own show or lead your crew from the front.

It's not just about knowing the law; it's about knowing the world.

If you're serious about staying ahead of the curve, grab a copy of Peter Connor 's book. "The T-Shaped Lawyer." Peter's insightful work delves deep into the necessary mindset shifts for in-house lawyers to thrive in today's dynamic environment. It's essential reading for any in-house lawyer looking to up their game in these challenging times.

The stage was ablaze with legal heavy-hitters – Munib Khan, Hisham Al-Hajjar, each dropping knowledge bombs that lit up the room. We tackled everything from the nitty-gritty of legal strategies to the high-flying world of stakeholder management in PPPs. Here’s the rundown of what we unpacked:

Legal Expertise and Risk Management

General Counsels provide crucial legal advice on the structuring of PPP agreements. They assess legal risks involved in the projects and advise on mitigating these risks. This includes navigating complex regulatory environments, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and identifying potential legal obstacles.

Contract Negotiation and Drafting

GCs play a significant role in negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts. This involves ensuring that the terms and conditions of the PPP agreements are clear, enforceable, and in the best interest of their organization. They must balance legal protection with commercial viability.

Strategic Advice

? GCs offer strategic counsel to the management team, often participating in decision-making processes. They help in formulating strategies that align with legal requirements and organizational goals, especially in areas where legal and business considerations intersect.

Due Diligence

The panel stressed the necessity of conducting thorough due diligence is a vital part of a General Counsel's role. This includes scrutinizing the financial, operational, and legal aspects of potential partnerships and projects.

Stakeholder Management

As PPP projects evolve, legal requirements may change. General Counsels need to manage these changes effectively, ensuring that the project remains compliant and viable under new circumstances.

Hisham Al-Hajjar gave us the lowdown on the government angle in PPPs, a real eye-opener

public-sector in-house counsel perspective

Public-sector in-house counsel plays an essential role in bridging the gap between complex PPP agreements and the safeguarding of public interests. Amr Wageeh underscored the importance of in-house counsel being adept in legal intricacies while also maintaining a laser focus on the broader implications for the public. He highlighted the necessity for public-sector lawyers to possess a deep understanding of both the legal and the commercial realms, ensuring that agreements are not only legally sound but also aligned with public welfare objectives.

The ASAR Conference 2023 wasn’t just a gathering; it was a brain-fest of the sharpest minds in PPPs, setting the stage for a future where Kuwait’s economy booms like never before. Thanks a million to ASAR and Legal 500 for letting me jam on stage with these legends. Here's to more groundbreaking gigs like this!