The Jurist Podcast

Who gets the kids, who keeps the money, and does a prenup actually protect you? We break down UAE divorce law, child custody, and financial rights with two leading family lawyers. Subscribe to The Jurist Podcast for more legal insights. In this episode of The Jurist Podcast, host Ahmed Elnaggar sits down with Byron James, Partner and Head of UAE , Expatriate Law, and Dr. Hassan Elhais, Legal Consultant to explore how family law in the UAE is evolving and what it means for couples, parents, and families going through divorce. The conversation covers the UAE family court system, personal status law vs. civil family law, and why choosing the right jurisdiction can change the outcome of a divorce. They also discuss child custody, joint custody, child maintenance, financial disclosure, and your legal rights before taking action. You will also hear about prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, economic abuse and coercive control, international child abduction, cross-border custody disputes, parental disagreements over relocation or sharing children's photos online, family mediation, foreign law in UAE courts, and high-net-worth divorces. Whether you live in the UAE, are in an international relationship, or simply want to understand UAE family law, this episode will help you make informed decisions. In this episode: 00:00 Why UAE Divorce Law Is Changing 06:43 The UAE's Family Law Revolution 12:07 Where Should You File for Divorce? 18:15 Is UAE Family Law Becoming More Balanced? 24:56 Economic Abuse & Coercive Control: What Counts? 30:14 How to Prepare for Divorce: Evidence, Settlement & Strategy 36:26 Do Prenups Actually Protect You in the UAE? 43:08 International Child Abduction & The Hague Convention 49:07 Can a Parent Relocate With the Kids? Cross-Border Custody 55:06 Digital Evidence & Legal Challenges Across Borders 1:01:10 Child Maintenance & Income Disclosure: Know Your Rights 1:06:45 DNA Tests, Paternity & Child Support 1:12:07 Joint Custody: Legal Rights vs. Parenting Time 1:17:06 High-Net-Worth Divorce in the UAE Family Court 1:23:17 Can Foreign Law Apply in UAE Courts? 1:26:18 Marriage Is a Contract: Know Your Rights Before You Sign 🎙️ Hosted by Ahmed Elnaggar 🎙️ Guests: Byron James | Partner and Head of UAE Expatriate Law 🎙️ Dr. Hassan Elhais | Legal Consultant Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when the rules of business change overnight? In this episode of The Jurist Podcast, Ahmed Elnaggar sits down with Behnam Khatami,Founder & Managing Partner at Nami Associates a lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience working across Iran and advising international businesses on cross-border matters. They discuss how geopolitical tensions are reshaping business decisions across the region — from investments and supply chains to sanctions, compliance, insurance, and contractual risk. They also explore why some companies are considering exiting markets, how distressed investment opportunities should be approached, and what businesses can do to prepare for prolonged uncertainty. A deep conversation about law, business, investment, and the changing risks of operating in a geopolitically uncertain region. 00:00 – From Iran to the UAE: Behnam Khatami’s Journey 01:18 – Why Dubai? Business Expansion & New Opportunities 04:01 – The Current Geopolitical Situation & Its Global Impact 07:03 – How War & Uncertainty Are Affecting Businesses 10:02 – Foreign Investments in Iran: Why Companies Are Exiting 16:15 – The Biggest Business Mistake During Conflict 18:56 – Force Majeure, Sanctions & Contractual Risks 22:08 – Why Contracts Matter More Than Trust 25:12 – How to Draft Contracts for Wartime Risks 30:25 – Iran’s Courts, Force Majeure & Contract Interpretation 40:25 – Iranian Businesses in the UAE: Compliance & Legal Risks 48:19 – Can Crisis Create Investment Opportunities? 55:26 – COVID vs. Geopolitical Risk: What Businesses Can Learn 58:58 – What Will Business Look Like After the War? 01:02:08 – How Businesses Should Prepare for Long-Term Risk 01:13:28 – Who Is Behnam Khatami Beyond Law & Business? 01:20:16 – Closing: Building a Successful Future in the UAE 🎙️ Guest: Behnam Khatami | Founder & Managing Partner at Nami Associates 🎙️ Host: Ahmed Elnaggar Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What are the hidden risks of cosmetic surgery, and how is AI reshaping the future of the legal profession? In this episode of The Jurist Podcast, host Ahmed Elnaggar sits down with Chrissie Wolfe, Founder & CEO of Lupa, a legal professional and consultant whose work focuses on medical negligence, cosmetic injury, and the changing legal landscape. Chrissy shares her insights into the risks surrounding cosmetic procedures, the importance of medical regulation, and how patients can protect themselves from negligent practitioners and misleading social media trends. She explains why choosing a cosmetic procedure should never be an impulsive decision, why thorough research matters, and why the cheapest option can come at a serious cost. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the legal industry, from legal research and drafting to client expectations, law firm business models, and the future of junior lawyers. Chrissy discusses why lawyers must adapt to AI, how law firms can retain young talent, and why human skills such as empathy, judgment, and commercial awareness will become increasingly valuable. From medical malpractice and patient safety to AI, legal innovation, and building a fulfilling legal career, this episode offers valuable insights for lawyers, law students, legal professionals, and anyone considering cosmetic procedures. In this episode: 00:00 — Cosmetic Surgery Risks & Medical Negligence | Introduction 06:00 — Personal Branding for Lawyers: Building Authority & Trust 12:00 — How Social Media Helps to Attract Clients? 18:00 — Cosmetic Surgery Gone Wrong: Patient Safety & Emotional Impact 24:00 — Dangerous Beauty Trends & Cosmetic Procedure Risks 30:00 — Cosmetic Surgery Regulation: UK vs UAE 36:00 — Medical Malpractice Claims, Negligence & Compensation 42:00 — Influencers, Peptides & The Risks of Social Media Advice 48:00 — Before Cosmetic Surgery: Research, Risks & Choosing a Practitioner 54:00 — AI in Law: Legal Fees, Automation & Client Expectations 1:00:00 — Will AI Replace Lawyers? The Future of Legal Practice 1:06:00 — Why Junior Lawyers Leave Law Firms & How to Retain Talent 1:12:00 — From Law Firm Associate to Entrepreneur: Career Decisions 1:18:00 — Legal Reform, Cosmetic Surgery Safety & Final Advice 🎙️ Guest: Chrissie Wolfe | Founder & CEO of Lupa 🎙️ Host: Ahmed Elnaggar Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can taking a photo or recording a video in public get you into legal trouble in the UAE? What are the laws around filming, privacy, social media, and freedom of expression? In this episode of The Jurist Podcast, Ahmed ElNaggar sits down with Ahmad Almazourie, CEO of Saeed Sulayem Advocates to discuss the legal responsibilities surrounding photography, filming, publishing, and sharing content in the UAE. The conversation explores when filming can become a legal offence, privacy and photography laws, social media and cybercrime, the difference between filming and publishing, legal responsibility for reposting content, freedom of expression, and how UAE laws continue to evolve alongside digital platforms. ِِِِAlso explaining why good intentions do not always remove legal responsibility, how excessive statements during an investigation can create additional legal risks, and why understanding local laws is essential when using your phone and social media. In this epiosde: 00:00 Introduction: Legal Experience & Changing Laws 06:23 Lawyer, Judge & Police Officer: Three Different Perspectives 11:17 When Can Filming Become a Crime? 16:17 Do Good Intentions Matter Under the Law? 21:15 Why Legal Awareness Matters 27:23 Who Is Responsible for Published & Reposted Content? 33:48 Can One Mistake Change the Course of a Case? 40:20 What Should You Say During an Investigation? 46:36 Freedom of Expression vs. UAE Law 52:30 Social Media, Digital Responsibility & Changing Laws 58:31 Should Judges Have More Discretion? 1:04:16 Final Message: Think Before You Film or Share 🎙️ Host: Ahmed Elnaggar ⚖️ Guest: Ahmad Almazourie | CEO of Saeed Sulayem Advocates Ahmed Elnaggar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aelnaggar/ The Jurist: https://www.the-jurist.com Ahmad Almazourie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmad-almazrouei-04b3b3216/ #TheJuristPodcast #AhmedElnaggar #UAELaw #UAE #CybercrimeLaw #SocialMediaLaw #PhotographyLaw #PrivacyLaw #FreedomOfExpression #LegalAwareness #LegalAdvice #Lawyers #LegalCommunity#podcast #AhmadAlmazourie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Legal education is changing, and the traditional path to becoming a successful lawyer may no longer be enough. In this episode of The Jurist Podcast, host Ahmed Elnaggar sits down with Ibrahim M. Saleh, Founder & CEO of Kouncel, to explore how technology, practical legal training, and digital education are reshaping the way lawyers learn, build their careers, and develop new areas of expertise. Ibrahim explains why academic legal education needs to be complemented by practical knowledge, how Kouncel is building a digital learning platform for lawyers, and why access to experienced practitioners can help bridge the gap between law school and the real legal market. The conversation also explores the future of legal education, AI and legal information, multi-jurisdictional legal practice, legal tech, international legal training, and why lawyers increasingly need to understand both law and business. In this episode: 0:00 – Ibrahim M. Saleh & Kouncel: The Future of Legal Education 5:55 – From Law School to Legal Training: Ibrahim’s Entrepreneurial Journey 11:59 – International Legal Training, SQE & Multi-Jurisdictional Law 17:41 – The “Netflix for Lawyers”: How Digital Legal Education Works 23:22 – AI, Legal Information & Why Credibility Matters 28:43 – Why Kouncel Is Expanding Beyond Egypt 34:00 – The Future of Lawyers, Legal Tech & Digital Learning 🎙️ Host: Ahmed Elnaggar ⚖️ Guest: Ibrahim M. Saleh | Founder & CEO of Kouncel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the UAE really at war? In this episode of The Jurist Podcast, Dr. Habib Al Mulla , Founder of Habib Al Mulla & Partners, joins Ahmed Elnaggar to break down the legal and geopolitical questions surrounding the current regional conflict. They discuss international law, armed conflict, US military bases in the UAE, attacks on civilian infrastructure, diplomatic relations, the Abraham Accords, media misinformation, state responsibility for damages, and whether Iranian assets can be legally seized. The conversation also explores UAE security, GCC unity, diplomacy, and what businesses should consider during times of crisis. 00:00 – Is the UAE Really at War? 02:06 – Is International Law Dead? 07:05 – War vs. Armed Conflict: What Does International Law Say? 08:54 – Do US Military Bases Make the UAE a Target? 12:35 – Can Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure Be War Crimes? 19:04 – What Did the UAE Sign Up For? 21:38 – Why Is the UAE Being Targeted? 27:28 – Is the GCC Becoming More United? 29:58 – Has Diplomacy Failed? 36:08 – Can Media Outlets Be Sued for Economic Damage? 38:19 – Can Iran Be Held Responsible for Damages? 47:54 – What Should Businesses Do During a Crisis? 50:14 – Why Is the UAE Being Dragged Into the Conflict? 53:01 – What Has the UAE Learned? 53:56 – Finding Opportunity in Crisis 54:45 – Final Thoughts 🎙️ Guest: Dr. Habib Al Mulla | Founder of Habib Al Mulla & Partners 🎙️ Host: Ahmed Elnaggar Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Jurist Podcast, host Ahmed Elnaggar sits down with Akbar Ali, corporate solicitor and founder of Ali Legal, for an insightful conversation about building a legal career across two jurisdictions and navigating the opportunities and challenges of the UK and UAE legal markets. Akbar shares his journey into law, the experiences that shaped his career, and his perspective on how to work with clients, businesses, and legal professionals across different jurisdictions. From business setup and tax residency to contracts, UK property investment, wills and succession planning, this episode explores the legal and commercial considerations lawyers, entrepreneurs, and professionals need to understand when operating between the UK and UAE. The conversation dives into M&A transactions, earn-outs, deferred consideration, negotiating deals, handling frustrated clients, and why lawyers need to understand the commercial reality behind the legal work. Akbar also shares his advice for UK lawyers considering a move to the UAE, including the importance of networking, understanding the local legal culture, gaining practical experience, and building meaningful relationships within the business community. In this episode: 00:00 — Introduction: Akbar Ali & the UK–UAE Legal Connection 05:53 — From Non-Legal Jobs to Building a Legal Career 11:08 — Fatherhood, Responsibility & Building a Successful Career 15:33 — UK Expats in the UAE: Business Setup, Tax & Legal Risks 21:06 — Why You Should Read Every Contract Before Signing 26:06 — Investing in UK Property From the UAE 32:30 — Building Trust Between UK & UAE Legal Professionals 37:44 — UAE Wills, UK Assets & Succession Planning 43:06 — M&A Deals: The Biggest Mistake Sellers Make 48:02 — How Lawyers Handle Frustrated Clients 53:23 — Legal vs Commercial Decisions in Business 59:33 — Who Are You Beyond Being a Lawyer? 01:05:55 — Advice for UK Lawyers Moving to the UAE 01:09:03 — Is the UAE Legal Market Really Saturated? 🎙️ Guest: Akbar Ali | Corporate solicitor and founder of Ali Legal 🎙️ Host: Ahmed Elnaggar Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it really take to build a successful legal career? In this episode of The Jurist Podcast, host Ahmed Elnaggar sits down with Rob Hanna, host of the Legally Speaking Podcast, for an insightful conversation about what it takes to become a great lawyer and build a successful career in the legal profession. Rob shares his perspective on the skills that set successful lawyers apart, the importance of communication and networking, and how young lawyers and law students can build meaningful careers in an increasingly competitive legal industry. From career development and mentorship to personal branding, networking, and becoming a more valuable legal professional, this episode explores the practical lessons lawyers can use to take their careers to the next level. In this episode: 00:00 — What Makes a Great Lawyer? Rob Hanna on Legal Careers 06:49 — Private Practice vs. In-House Law: The Solution Mindset 13:11 — Skills Every Great Lawyer Needs 19:43 — Law Firm Fees, Legal Billing & The Value of Legal Advice 25:39 — What Clients Really Expect From Lawyers 31:28 — Networking & Building a Strong Legal Community 37:45 — How Law Students Can Build a Successful Legal Career 43:18 — Mentorship, Failure & Lessons for Young Lawyers 49:18 — The Future of Legal Careers 55:48 — How to Become a “Sellable” Legal Professional 01:01:04 — Final Advice: Networking & Building Your Legal Career 🎙️ Guest: Rob Hanna | Host of the Legally Speaking Podcast 🎙️ Host: Ahmed Elnaggar Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it really take to become a great in-house lawyer? In this episode of The Jurist Podcast, host Ahmed Elnaggar sits down with Dr. Mogy, President of ACC MENA and a General Counsel ME at Siemens Energy, for an honest conversation about how the legal profession is evolving, and why today’s best lawyers need to understand much more than the law. Dr. Mogy shares his journey from private practice to leading legal functions across the Middle East, and explains how the role of an in-house counsel has transformed from drafting contracts and legal memos to becoming a true business partner involved in major corporate decisions. We discuss the difference between a “memo mindset” and a “solution mindset", why understanding the business DNA is one of the most important skills for an in-house lawyer, and how lawyers can bring real economic value to the table. We also get into the realities of working with external law firms, from billing and value to one major red flag when legal fees start exceeding the value of the claim. Dr. Mogy also shares his perspective on communication, availability, networking, mentorship, and the power of silence, including a fascinating story about staying silent for four hours during a major settlement negotiation. Finally, we explore the role of ACC MENA in building a stronger community for in-house lawyers, supporting young legal professionals, and creating opportunities for students through internships, job shadowing, mentorship, and university partnerships. In this episode: 00:00 — Dr. Mogi on Becoming a Better Lawyer & Business Leader 06:49 — Private Practice vs. In-House Counsel: The Solution Mindset 13:11 — What Makes a Great In-House Lawyer? Business & Legal Skills 19:43 — Legal Billing, Law Firm Fees & The Value of Legal Advice 25:39 — What Clients Expect From External Law Firms & Lawyers 31:28 —ACC MENA: Networking & The In-House Legal Community 37:45 — How Law Students Can Build Their Legal Careers 43:18 — Mentorship for Young Lawyers: Lessons From Failure 49:18 —ACC MENA’s Mission, Community & Future of Legal Careers 55:48 — From Lawyer to “Sellable” Legal Professional: Career Advice 01:01:04 — Final Thoughts: Building Your Network & Legal Career 🎙️ Host: Ahmed Elnaggar ⚖️ Guest: Dr. Mogy | President of ACC MENA and a General Counsel ME at Siemens Energy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Jurist Podcast, host Ahmed Elnaggar sits down with Najib Hage Chahine (Managing Partner — Hage-Chahine Law Firm), a leading Lebanese lawyer, professor and arbitration expert, for an in-depth conversation about the future of law, legal technology, international arbitration and the changing legal market across the Arab world. From cross-border enforcement and state assets to the Beirut Port explosion case, Prof. Najib shares insights from decades of legal practice across Lebanon, France, the UAE and beyond. He also explains how lawyers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in law firms, arbitration and legal research — and why AI should remain a tool guided by human judgment. The conversation also explores what aspiring lawyers can learn from studying at institutions such as Harvard, how legal education differs between the Arab world, France and the United States, and why adaptability, ethics, analytical thinking and curiosity are becoming more important than ever for the next generation of lawyers. We also discuss the future of the Arab legal market, the growth of legal services between Lebanon, Egypt and the GCC, outsourcing legal work, lawyers' fees, digital transformation, judicial independence and what Arab legal systems need to develop to attract international investment. In this episode: * The future of AI in the legal profession * How law firms can use AI safely and effectively * AI, confidentiality and human verification * Cross-border enforcement and state assets * The legal battle surrounding the Beirut Port explosion * International arbitration and the revival of Beirut as an arbitration hub * Building a law firm across Beirut, Dubai and Paris * Harvard, legal education and scholarships * Differences between Arab, French and American legal education * The future of the legal profession in the Arab world * The GCC legal market and exporting legal services * Digital transformation and the judiciary * Advice for young Arab lawyers and law students 00:00 Meet Prof. Najib Hage Chahine 01:01 From Beirut to a Global Legal Career 06:48 Cross-Border Enforcement & State Assets 09:15 Inside the Beirut Port Explosion Case Details 14:43 Reviving Beirut as an Arbitration Hub 19:37 Building a Law Firm Across Beirut, Dubai & Paris 22:14 How Law Firms Are Adopting AI 26:12 AI, Lawyers & the Future of Arab Courts 31:18 Can Lawyers Trust AI-Generated Work? 35:39 Legal Fees, Profitability & Outsourcing 38:32 Did the GCC Hurt or Help Lebanon’s Legal Market? 41:42 How to Study Law at Harvard & Get Financial Aid 46:01 What Harvard, Paris & Lebanon Teach Lawyers 51:06 Legal Education vs. Real-World Practice 53:31 The Future of Law in the Arab World 58:44 Advice for the Next Generation of Lawyers 01:00:40 Final Thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.