The Evolving Role of the Legal Function: A Strategic Comparison Between the Middle East and Common Law Models

Abstract

Across today’s corporate world, the legal function has moved from the background to the centre of business life. It is no longer a department that reacts once decisions are made, but a partner that shapes them, balancing opportunity, governance, and risk. This article compares how that transformation unfolds in two different but connected regions: the Middle East and common law jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom. Although the legal traditions, governance structures, and business cultures differ, both regions are discovering that a strong, integrated, and human legal function is essential for sustainable growth. Drawing on my experience as Group Chief Legal Officer of Al Habtoor Group, one of the Middle East’s most established conglomerates, combined with my background of working for multinational companies and law firms, I reflect on how legal teams can bridge cultural and structural gaps, how they can evolve from protectors to partners, and how they can build trust that endures beyond contracts.