Leaders

Earlier, the corporate legal consulting space was typically considered a male-dominated turf. Several strong-willed females have now burst through and made their mark on the pitch. These female legal consulting partners have paved the way for future generations by breaking stereotypes and motivating a number of young females. They are catalysts for business growth and serve as trusted advisors to their clients. One among these inspiring leaders is Racha Haidar, a trailblazing legal professional and the Founding Partner of JH Legal Group, who combines over 14 years of experience in corporate and commercial law to deliver exceptional legal services to clients across diverse sectors and jurisdictions.

With a deep specialization in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex agreements, particularly in the oil and gas industry, Racha has built a stellar reputation for her expertise in navigating the intricate legal landscapes of Iraq, Kurdistan, Lebanon, and the UAE.

In this interview, Racha talks about the legal consulting landscape, about her journey, and tips to achieve success in the legal sectors for women. Let’s read on.

Can you provide a brief overview of your career journey?

I have always lived setting myself challenges and trying to achieve them so studying law in lebanese university with more than 1000 students in one class was challenge to me to achieve a BA in law then my career began with humility and determination as a junior attorney at Jaber Law Firm. It was there that I honed my legal skills and built the foundation of my professional expertise.

After gaining valuable experience, I took a bold leap and founded my own law firm, Rights and Honors. This milestone marked a pivotal moment in my career, as I was able to turn my vision into reality and establish a thriving practice. My success with Rights and Honors eventually brought me full circle—I partnered with my former mentor from Jaber Law Firm to create JH Legal Group, where I now serve as Founding Partner. This transition is deeply significant to me, as it represents the culmination of loyalty, perseverance, and growth, working alongside the very individuals who once guided me.

What’s the idea behind the inception of JH Legal?

The idea behind JH Legal Group is rooted in collaboration and mutual respect. Jaber, my former mentor and the founder of the first firm where I trained, played a significant role in shaping my career. When I eventually founded my own firm, rather than competing with one another, we decided to join forces. That’s how JH Legal Group came to life—'J' for Jaber and 'H' for Haidar. The principle behind this venture is simple yet powerful: unity creates strength. By working together, we combine our expertise and resources, amplifying our impact and offering unparalleled value to our clients.

What truly sets us apart is our complementary styles and strengths. While I bring a tough and serious approach, my partner is more diplomatic and approachable. This balance allows us to cater to a diverse range of clients and situations, ensuring we meet their needs with both precision and flexibility. Operating in multiple regions— Lebanon, Iraq, and Dubai—our combined presence and teamwork enable us to deliver consistent, high-quality legal services tailored to the nuances of each market.

Can you talk about the differentiating aspect of JH Legal?

Our uniqueness lies in the way we personalize our services. At JH Legal Group, we don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. For example, in Dubai, instead of a company hiring an in-house legal counsel at a high cost, we provide freelance legal services that are more affordable yet equally effective. In Iraq, we introduced a fresh, modern approach to legal services, moving away from the traditional methods used by old-school firms.

Our philosophy extends beyond paperwork, we immerse ourselves in our clients’ businesses. Whether it’s mentoring junior lawyers, attending significant business meetings, or understanding the history and culture of a case, we tailor every service to suit our clients’ unique needs. This hands-on, bespoke approach defines who we are and ensures our clients receive not just legal advice but a true partnership in their growth and success.

Can you please talk about your roles and responsibilities as the Founding partner?

As the Founding Partner of JH Legal Group, my primary focus is to ensure the firm’s continuous growth by identifying and nurturing potential leads. I believe that sustainable success is built on adaptability and staying ahead of emerging trends. My role extends beyond traditional legal responsibilities; I see it as my duty to keep the firm dynamic, forward-thinking, and aligned with the evolving needs of our clients and the market. I make it a priority to keep pace with the latest developments. Attending conferences, engaging in training, and continuously expanding my knowledge are integral to my approach.

How does the future look like for legal consulting space?

In 2025, the landscape will continue to evolve rapidly, and the key to success for any legal advisor will be the ability to adapt and remain informed about market trends. As personal data becomes the lifeblood of the digital economy, laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the U.S. set the standard for safeguarding individual privacy. Countries worldwide are adopting similar regulations, emphasizing informed consent, transparency, and user control over personal data. In a digital-first world, protecting IP has become increasingly complex. Digital law addresses challenges like software piracy, copyright infringement, and patent disputes, adapting to new technologies like blockchain, which is being used to secure IP rights more effectively.

What advice would you like to give to young entrepreneurs?

My advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is to stay determined, loyal to your vision, and always keep learning. Embrace new opportunities, stay updated on industry trends, and never underestimate the power of networking and building relationships. Your passion, combined with resilience, will lead you to success. I would like to emphasize 'success comes from loyalty’.

Racha Haidar, Founding Partner, JH Legal Group

Racha's passion lies in empowering businesses to establish and thrive in challenging markets, offering strategic guidance on legal procedures, regulations, and commercial dispute resolution. Her robust background includes serving as a trusted legal counsel and advisor for esteemed organizations in the region, where she consistently provided practical and innovative solutions tailored to client needs.