“…never stop learning and never become comfortable with what you already know. The law evolves, industries evolve, and society evolves.” – Hajar Tehhaf
Hajar Tehhaf is a Moroccan legal consultant, with a Master’s degree in Business Law from the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco. She is a Certified Arbitrator and Mediator with certification from the International Court of Mediation and Arbitration (ICOMA), Rabat, Morocco. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she has developed strong expertise in corporate law, legal compliance, corporate governance, contract management, and legal risk assessment.
Hajar has gained valuable experience through positions in law firms, consulting firms, public institutions, and legal organisations. She currently serves as a Legal Consultant at Upsilon Consulting where her work focuses on advising businesses on legal and regulatory matters, conducting legal due diligence, drafting and reviewing contracts, and supporting companies in navigating complex legal challenges.
Passionate about corporate governance and business development, Hajar is committed to delivering practical legal solutions that help organisations grow while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
1. Every great journey begins with a spark. What ignited Hajar’s passion for the legal profession, and what continues to make the practice of law a deeply fulfilling pursuit for her?
The legal profession was never Hajar’s childhood dream. Growing up, she wanted to be a cardiac surgeon. She was fascinated by the idea of holding a human heart in her hands and the ability to save lives. To her, that was the highest form of purpose.
Life, however, has a way of rewriting our plans. Circumstances led her down a different path, and although she did not become a surgeon, she never abandoned the values that inspired that dream in the first place: service, responsibility, discipline, and the desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
What Hajar discovered is that law, in its own way, changes lives, every day. A well-timed piece of legal advice can protect a business, preserve a livelihood, prevent a conflict, or create opportunities that might otherwise be lost. While she may not be performing surgery on hearts, she is helping people navigate some of the most important decisions and challenges they face.
What continues to make this profession deeply fulfilling is that it constantly challenges her to grow. The law demands intellectual curiosity, resilience, and integrity. It teaches you that every situation has layers, every problem has a solution waiting to be uncovered, and every client places a significant amount of trust in your judgment.
Most importantly, Hajar’s journey taught her that passion is not always something you find instantly. Sometimes, it is something you build through perseverance, commitment, and purpose. Looking back, she no longer sees her childhood dream and her legal career as separate stories. They are connected by the same motivation: a desire to help others, solve problems, and leave things better than she found them.
2. The legal landscape is constantly evolving. In Hajar’s opinion, what qualities define a truly exceptional lawyer in today’s world, and how can young professionals cultivate these attributes?
In today’s rapidly changing legal landscape, Hajar believes that what defines an exceptional legal professional is no longer just technical expertise. Legal knowledge is essential, but it is only the foundation. The professionals who truly stand out are those who combine legal excellence with adaptability, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
As a Legal Counsel and a certified Arbitrator at the International Court of Arbitration of RABAT, Rajar has learned that the most effective legal professionals are not necessarily the ones who know every answer immediately. Rather, they are the ones who know how to navigate uncertainty, analyse complex situations from multiple perspectives, and remain composed under pressure. The modern legal world is increasingly interconnected, influenced by globalisation, technology, and rapidly evolving business environments. This requires lawyers to think beyond statutes and regulations and understand the commercial, cultural, and human realities behind every matter they handle.
Another quality Hajar considers indispensable is the ability to listen. Too often, legal practice is associated with speaking and arguing. Yet, some of the most valuable insights emerge when we genuinely listen to clients, colleagues, and opposing parties. Understanding the interests behind positions often makes the difference between conflict and resolution, especially in arbitration and business law.
For young professionals, her advice is simple: never stop learning and never become comfortable with what you already know. The law evolves, industries evolve, and society evolves. Curiosity is therefore one of the most valuable assets a legal professional can possess. Beyond academic knowledge, young lawyers should seek exposure to different sectors, cultures, and perspectives. They should develop strong communication skills, embrace technology, and cultivate the ability to work collaboratively in increasingly multidisciplinary environments.
Most importantly, they should protect their integrity at all costs. Expertise may earn respect, but integrity earns trust. In Hajar’s experience, trust remains the most valuable currency in the legal profession. Clients may forget a particular legal argument or a technical detail, but they will always remember whether they felt confident placing their trust in your hands.
Ultimately, an exceptional lawyer is not simply a guardian of the law; they are a problem-solver, a strategist, a trusted advisor, and above all, a professional whose knowledge is matched by wisdom and character.
3. True leaders are always thinking ahead. What is the next groundbreaking project or initiative that Hajar is or would be working on and what impact is she hoping it would make?
One of the lessons Hajar has learnt throughout her professional journey is that law should not merely react to challenges—it should anticipate them. She believes that as legal professionals, we have a responsibility not only to solve today’s problems but also to help shape a more secure and efficient future.
If there is one initiative, she would be particularly passionate about developing, it would be creating a platform that makes legal knowledge more accessible to entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, especially in emerging markets. Throughout her experience as a Legal Counsel, shw has seen brilliant business ideas struggle not because they lacked potential, but because their Founders lacked access to practical legal guidance at the right time. Many legal issues could be prevented through education, awareness, and early strategic support.
Hajar’s vision would be to bridge the gap between legal complexity and business reality by providing clear, practical, and accessible legal resources. The objective would not simply be to explain the law, but to empower business owners to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and build sustainable enterprises with confidence.
At the same time, she is deeply interested in the future of international dispute resolution. As a certified Arbitrator at the International Court of Arbitration, she believes that technology will continue to transform how cross-border disputes are managed and resolved. She would welcome the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that promote more efficient, accessible, and transparent arbitration processes, particularly for businesses operating across different jurisdictions.
The impact she is hoping to make is ultimately quite simple: She would like to help create an environment where legal services are not perceived as barriers, but as tools for growth, innovation, and opportunity. Success, in her view, is not measured solely by professional achievements, it is measured by the number of people, businesses, and communities whose path becomes clearer because of the work we do.
If Hajar’s career has taught her anything, it is that the most meaningful projects are those that leave a lasting impact beyond us. That is the kind of work she aspires to contribute to in the years ahead.
4. Which legal minds have profoundly influenced your journey, and what book has shaped or is shaping your thoughts and perspectives?
Throughout Hajar’s legal journey, she has been inspired by individuals whose contributions have shaped not only the law but also the principles that underpin justice and good governance.
Among them, Robert Badinter has had a profound influence on her thinking. Beyond his remarkable legal career, she admires his unwavering commitment to human dignity, justice, and the rule of law. His ability to combine legal excellence with moral courage serves as a reminder that the legal profession carries a responsibility that extends far beyond technical expertise.
Hajar has also been greatly influenced by Montesquieu. His ideas on the separation of powers and institutional balance continue to shape modern legal systems around the world. His work reinforced her understanding that strong institutions and sound governance are fundamental to both justice and economic development.
From a Moroccan perspective, she deeply respects Driss Dahak, whose contributions to Moroccan law, business law, and arbitration have left a significant mark on the legal landscape. His distinguished career demonstrates how legal expertise can contribute to the development of both national institutions and international legal practice.
As for books, one that has profoundly shaped her perspective is “The Spirit of the Laws”. Although written centuries ago, its reflections on governance, institutions, and the organisation of power remain strikingly relevant today. It taught her to look beyond legal provisions and to understand the broader principles that sustain effective legal systems.
The legal minds she admires most share a common trait: they understood that law is not merely a set of rules, but a tool for building trust, protecting rights, and strengthening society. Their legacy continue to inspire her approach as a legal counsel and arbitrator.
5. For those who are just beginning, the path may seem daunting. What advice or guiding principles would Hajar offer young legal professionals and advocates trying to find their place and purpose in the legal terrain?
If Hajar could offer one piece of advice to young legal professionals, it would be this: do not measure your progress against someone else’s timeline. The legal profession is often perceived as a race, but in reality, it is a journey of continuous growth, learning, and self-discovery.
When Hajar began her professional journey, she believed that success was defined by reaching a particular destination. Over time, she realised that true success lies in the person you become along the way. The law will test your patience, your resilience, and sometimes even your confidence. There will be moments when you question whether you are good enough or whether you belong in the room. During those moments, remember that expertise is acquired, but character is built.
Hajar second piece of advice is to remain intellectually curious. The most accomplished legal professionals are not necessarily those who know the most; they are those who never stop learning. Read beyond legal texts. Study economics, business, technology, psychology, and international affairs. The modern lawyer must understand the world, not just the law.
Hajar would also encourage young advocates to embrace challenges rather than avoid them. Some of the most defining opportunities in her career emerged from situations that initially felt intimidating. Growth rarely happens within the boundaries of comfort. Every difficult case, every complex negotiation, and every professional setback carries a lesson that would ultimately strengthen your judgment and perspective.
Most importantly, protect your integrity. Your reputation is your most valuable professional asset. Knowledge can open doors, talent can create opportunities, but integrity is what sustains a successful and respected career. In a profession built on trust, your word should always carry weight.
Finally, never lose sight of the purpose behind the profession. Law is not simply about contracts, regulations, disputes, or procedures. At its core, it is about people. It is about helping individuals, businesses, and institutions navigate challenges, protect their interests, and build a better future. When you remember that, even the most demanding days become meaningful.
The legal profession does not require perfection. It requires perseverance, humility, courage, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. If young professionals cultivate these qualities, they will not only find their place in the legal world—they will help shape its future.
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