which have changed existing practices and are expected to change even further. This in turn brings newer and newer regulations making it a big challenge for legal practitioners,” explains Mr. Aljabal , adding that there will always be challenges facing the industry with 2020 being no exception. While none of these challenges are insurmountable, some of them can only be addressed in the long term, including those presented by rapid technological advancements in the past decade. “The ascendancy of information technology and the availability of communication tools have transformed the practice of law. Hence, in my opinion, rapidly evolving technological advances, changing expectations on the part of the public concerning access to information and services, as well as sociologic and economic globalisation, combine to require a reconsideration of traditional ethical rules and regulation mechanisms for the legal profession,” says Mr. Aljabal. NETWORKING AS A LEGAL PRACTITIONER Being a member of the UIA gives legal practitioners the opportunity to build a network of over one million lawyers and legal practitioners from more than 120 countries around the world, while being internationally recognized in the field. “As a regional secretary of the UIA in the Middle East region, it is my responsibility to support the national committee presidents and national representatives of the UIA in the region. I’m also a member of the Governing Board which supervises the implementation of the decisions made by the General Assembly and ensures the smooth running of the association,” he states. UIA members are also updated with the frequent changes of laws and their impact on the profession. “Most importantly, membership in the UIA is a great way to support the legal profession and the protection of lawyers and human rights initiatives worldwide, where lawyers from all countries are united under one roof to protect and enhance the profession,” he says. KEEPING UP WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS IN LAW The UIA organizes seminars and training sessions regularly in order to keep up with the rapid developments of laws and legal issues around the world. However, due to the current situation of COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed on travel and movement, UIA events are being held online during the current year. “There are around three to four monthly webinars scheduled for this year which concern topics such as issues related to digital transformation, the role of women lawyers, international commercial arbitration, and biotechnology law, the schedule for which is available on the UIA website,” says Mr. Aljabal. THE WAY FORWARD FOR YOUTH A source of pride for Mr. Aljabal is the fact that his consultancy has trained numerous lawyers and legal professionals who are now judges, parliament members and successful lawyers managing law firms. “There are many new faces popping up in the legal profession. However, for the youth to prove themselves different from the big reputed lawyers, it is important for them to work hard in their specialised area, thereby giving them an ‘edge’ in a highly competitive market,” says Mr. Aljabal. The capabilities of newly onboarded professionals needs to be developed through their ongoing personal development. “Possessing the right attitude and working hard to remain stable in the market may be quite challenging for the youth; so, they need to evaluate all the pros and cons and ensure that are aware with updates, developments and amendments in law, even if those updates are beyond the scope of their specialisation; a lawyer needs to be well informed and prepared, always.” he concludes. interview February 2021 11 www.bahrainthismonth.com
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