Shafic joined CWB as Chief Commercial Officer in 2021 to assist with firm expansion and business development opportunities. He has over 20 years of experience working within the intellectual property industry throughout the MENA region.
Describe yourself in three words.
OCD, a perfectionist!
Why did you choose a career in law?
I did not, I simply found myself in the middle of it. Probably God’s will and I am grateful.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learned in your career to date?
Never take anything for granted.
How do you expect the industry will change in the future?
It is scary to think about that with all the AI, Blockchain and what might still come but I am a believer that the human element/relations are key to any industry no matter how much the industry changes.
What are the biggest challenges you face on a daily basis?
Clients are becoming very demanding and for CWB to succeed we should all work at the same rhythm and tempo to deliver quality service.
What advice would you give to a person starting out in your industry?
Take the time to listen and learn, think and analyse properly and make sure to have a good balance between IQ and EQ.
What is your biggest career achievement to date? Is there anything you are still hoping to achieve?
Still working on it. Yes certainly I am hopeful that the best is yet to come.
How would you say the industry in the Middle East differs from other jurisdictions?
The Middle East is still considered as an emerging region. Probably the paperwork requirements, red tape and lack of specialised legal courts which are major issues that differentiate us from other developed countries. There are good signs that we are bridging the gap with developed countries.
Why did you choose to join CWB?
Also by coincidence. I have known and worked with both CEO Halim and COO Yasmine for more than 16 years and I appreciate the work they have done so far. I chose CWB because of the potential it offers and the possibilities to grow.
Describe the working environment at CWB
The working environment at CWB is professional and built on trust. People here are really welcoming and eager to work.
How would you say CWB differentiates itself from other firms in the region?
I strongly believe that CWB has a unique selling proposition in the quality and qualifications of the people that work here. It is clear that the level of experience, automation and work processes are at a level different from everyone else in the region.