Importance of In-Country Value and Legal Training Under the Saudi Vision 2030

Hassan Aslam Shad

One of the critical aspects that set Vision 2030 apart from similar initiatives globally is its emphasis on importing "in-country value." This concept focuses on developing domestic capabilities by attracting foreign entities and companies to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia, with a mandate to uplift the skills and knowledge of Saudi citizens. This element is especially crucial in the legal profession, where young Saudi lawyers are poised to play an integral role in the nation's ambitious Giga projects. These large-scale developments will require a new generation of legal professionals equipped with both the hard and soft skills necessary to navigate complex commercial environments. In a country where the legal landscape is evolving rapidly, there is an increasing demand for legal professionals who are not only well-versed in theory and jurisprudence but also equipped with practical skills to navigate the complexities of the modern legal environment.

As Saudi Arabia embarks on its journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse, the need for a skilled and knowledgeable workforce is now more important than ever. For young Saudi lawyers, the stakes are particularly high. The Giga projects, such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, are not only massive in scale but also legally intricate. They involve a range of commercial transactions, regulatory frameworks, and international collaborations that demand legal professionals who are both theoretically sound and practically adept.

Herein lies the importance of in-country value. The government has made it clear that foreign entities and companies setting up shop in Saudi Arabia are expected to contribute to the local workforce's development. This expectation goes beyond mere job creation. It is about injecting know-how and skills into the Saudi economy. For young lawyers, this translates to opportunities for hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to global best practices: elements that are crucial for bridging the gap between legal education and real-world practice.

While legal education provides the foundation for any aspiring lawyer, it is increasingly recognized that this foundation alone is insufficient for success in today’s complex legal landscape. Traditional legal education tends to focus on theory, jurisprudence, and the development of a strong understanding of the law. However, it often falls short in equipping students with the "hard" and "soft" skills that are essential for effective legal practice. This is all the more important in light of the recent advent of AI in law which will make many legal jobs obsolete in the near future.

Hard skills in the legal profession include sound legal research and analytical abilities and proficiency in legal drafting. These are the technical competencies that lawyers must master to navigate legal challenges effectively. However, in the context of Vision 2030, these hard skills must be complemented by soft skills, which are often derived from emotional intelligence (EQ).

EQ and soft skills, such as team collaboration, time management, delegation, and the ability to keep the "commercial big picture" in mind and the capacity to strategize and predict outcomes, are increasingly important. Emotional intelligence, which involves understanding and managing one’s emotions and those of others, is a crucial component of these soft skills. Studies have shown that EQ is often a better predictor of success in the workplace than IQ alone, making it an indispensable trait for young Saudi lawyers.

For Saudi lawyers to thrive in the increasingly dynamic and competitive legal market, they must develop a range of competencies that extend beyond the academic knowledge acquired in law school. Among these essential skills include the following.

·?????? Legal practice is often high-stakes and stressful. Lawyers must develop the ability to manage their emotions effectively, particularly when dealing with clients, negotiating deals, or litigating in court.

·?????? Precise and clear legal drafting is a bedrock of effective legal practice. Lawyers must be adept at crafting contracts and legal documents that are unambiguous and enforceable. This includes avoiding the passive voice as much as possible, which can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

·?????? The ability to manage time efficiently and meet client expectations is crucial in a profession where deadlines are strict, and the stakes are high. Lawyers need to master the art of balancing multiple cases and clients simultaneously.

·?????? Legal practice is increasingly becoming collaborative. Whether working within a law firm, as part of an in-house legal team, or with other professionals, lawyers must be able to work effectively in teams, leveraging the collective expertise to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

·?????? Beyond legal acumen, modern lawyers in Saudi Arabia must also develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. "Lawpreneurship" refers to the ability to innovate, lead teams, and develop practical solutions for clients, positioning themselves as strategic partners rather than mere legal advisors.

International law firms operating in Saudi Arabia have a significant role to play in this transformative process. However, many of these firms adhere to a "follow the money" model, focusing primarily on maximizing profits without sufficiently investing in the local legal workforce. While profit-making is a legitimate goal, it is important that these firms also consider their responsibility to the Saudi legal profession.

Given the substantial concessions and opportunities provided to them by the Kingdom, international law firms have a duty to "give back" to society. This can be achieved through knowledge sharing, mentoring programs, and the development of young Saudi lawyers. Such initiatives should not be viewed merely as commercial ventures but as altruistic contributions that will ultimately benefit both the firms and the broader legal community. This approach is not just about fulfilling a moral obligation. It is about creating a sustainable business model that aligns with the goals of Vision 2030.

For young Saudi lawyers, the future holds immense potential, but realizing this potential will require more than just a solid legal education. It will require the acquisition of both hard and soft skills, with a particular emphasis on emotional intelligence. International law firms, with their wealth of experience and global perspectives, have a crucial role to play in this process. By committing to the development of the local legal workforce, these firms can help shape the future of Saudi Arabia's legal profession, ensuring that it is well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.