“There is another possibility for our efforts to be crowned with victory instead of defeat, as long as we have decided that we will not die before we try to live.”- Sabreen Fawzy Flefil
Sabreen Fawzy Flefil is a bilingual legal associate, legal researcher, and early-career professional based in Egypt. With a unique academic foundation, she graduated top of her French department at Alexandria University’s Faculty of Law, where her interest in bridging the gap between legal education and real-world practice began to take shape. She holds dual diplomas in Private and Public Law (Master 1 and Master 2) from Alexandria University. Throughout her academic path, she combined legal studies with active participation in student simulations and leadership roles, where she developed strong skills in negotiation, legal research, and public speaking. Her breakthrough came when she joined FW&CO, a regional law firm with operations in the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt. Within two years, she progressed from junior associate to managing associate – not because she had all the answers but because she asked the right questions. She mentored colleagues, and organised training for young lawyers and law students, many of whom faced the same uncertainties she once did.
Today, Sabreen practices with El Wakeel Law Firm, where she works on cross-border matters between Egypt and Qatar. Her role involves drafting and reviewing bilingual contracts, preparing legal memos and case strategies, and assisting in dispute resolution matters, particularly in the areas of commercial law, civil, labour, litigation, Arbitration, and corporate advisory. She also mentors junior associates in the firm, demonstrating her commitment to fostering growth within her team. She has completed legal internships in Egypt, Nigeria, and India, as well as online with international organisations — gaining not only technical exposure, understanding of how context, culture, and practical approaches. She remains committed to continuous learning and professional growth. Sabreen’s long-term vision is to integrate her legal practice with a future academic career, contributing to both the courtroom and the classroom with equal dedication.
With her growing experience and ongoing commitment, Sabreen stands among a new generation of legal professionals redefining how the law is studied, practiced, and shared — with purpose, empathy, and a deep commitment to making legal knowledge more accessible to those who need it most.
1.Driving force for the legal profession.
“There is another possibility for our efforts to be crowned with victory instead of defeat, as long as we have decided that we will not die before we try to live.”
This powerful conviction has guided Sabreen through every challenge, serving as both a compass and catalyst in her journey into Law. Her path was illuminated by multiple beacons of inspiration: the intellectual courage of Dr. Samira Moussa -Egypt’s pioneering nuclear scientist- who first ignited her passion for academic excellence; the patriotic determination of Mostafa Kamel, who transformed legal education into a weapon for justice; and the early encouragement of a schoolteacher from a respected judicial family who recognised Sabreen’s potential early on.
From an early age, Sabreen has shown great potential. Her success in national library competitions and regular participation in school radio broadcasts honed her critical thinking, persuasive communication, and ability to engage with diverse audiences – skills that would later find a natural home in the practice of law. What began as youthful eloquence gradually evolved into a profound understanding of law’s power. Sabreen’s academic journey is marked by deliberate and passionate choices. Despite excelling in science – Scoring 95% in her high school exams- she made a conscious decision to pursue law through the French-language department at Alexandria University. It was a bold step, reflecting her characteristic embrace of challenge and her desire not just to study law, but to master it within a foreign legal language. Her approach to legal education went far beyond memorisation; she immersed herself in deep research, debate, and continuous self-study, ultimately graduating as valedictorian of her department.
From the very beginning, Sabreen envisioned a dual path for her future: to become not only a practicing lawyer but also a legal academic. She believes that impactful legal work must be complemented by shaping future generations through teaching and intellectual mentorship. For Sabreen, Teaching goes beyond simply conveying legal knowledge — it is a transformative process. A professor holds the unique ability to influence thinking, unlock potential, and leave an enduring mark long after the course ends. While some educators may be part of a student’s life for only a semester or a year, their voice, approach, and confidence in their students’ abilities can inspire them for a lifetime.
Today, Sabreen finds the legal profession deeply fulfilling- a space where intellectual discipline meets real-world purpose. It allows her to advocate for justice, support others, and offer the kind guidance she once wished for in her early career.
2. Qualities of an exceptional lawyer and how they can be cultivated.
In Sabreen’s perspective, a truly exceptional lawyer is not simply someone who knows the law — but one who understands its deeper purpose and cultivates the ability to ask the right questions. In today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape, lawyers must embody a blend of timeless values and adaptive modern skills. At the core lies integrity, which anchors ethical judgment. Alongside it, persistence, discipline, and the capacity for lifelong learning are non-negotiable.
Sabreen also believes that technical knowledge is not enough, it must be complemented by adaptability, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. The ability to interpret legal frameworks while remaining attuned to the human element of each case is what distinguishes good from the great. She also highlights resilience, curiosity, and humility as non-negotiable traits. As a young lawyer herself, Sabreen emphasises that the process of growth should begin early starting at university and extending beyond graduation. She encourages aspiring legal professionals to take full advantage of academic years to build a strong foundation both academically and personally. Participating in student activities, even outside the legal field, sharpens essential soft skills and fosters a broader perspective. Moot Court competitions allow students to apply legal reasoning in realistic settings, while legal job simulations — such as those offered by platforms like Forage — provide invaluable exposure to diverse legal domains and accessible hands-on training. Sabreen also advocates for interdisciplinary learning and pro bono engagement as practical avenues to grow. These experiences sharpen communication, broaden perspectives, and build early confidence.
She also believes that valuable growth often happens off the beaten path. It doesn’t always require a big-name firm or a familiar system. Some of the richest learning experiences come from international internships, smaller firms, or legal cultures different from your own — where learning becomes more personal and lasting What matters most is not where one learns, but its impact — what one learns — and how much one learns and grows. Drawing from her own experiences across Egypt, Nigeria, and India, she has gained not only technical insights but also enhanced cross-cultural communication and adaptability. Sabreen is also a strong advocate of online legal education as a powerful tool for self-development. Institutions such as WIPO, UNCITRAL, and the Humanitarian Leadership Academy offer accessible, high-quality resources that help young professionals explore different branches of law, develop new skills and clarify their interests. To Sabreen, becoming exceptional is not about having the perfect résumé. It is about being curious, consistent, and courageous — embracing the learning process, navigating uncertainty with integrity, and showing up fully for every opportunity. Being excellent is not a destination — it is a mindset: one that combines values with vision, and skill with purpose.
Finally, she reminds young law students that rejections are part of the process, not a reflection of their potential. Each interview, each challenge, and each experience offer a lesson, a refinement, and a step closer to purpose. As Sabreen carries in her heart a guiding truth: “God would not plant the desire to reach something in your heart unless He knows you will one day arrive.” This belief fuels her journey — a quiet conviction that every sincere dream carries within it the promise of fulfillment. So “Be curious. Be consistent. And never give up.”
3. Next groundbreaking project or initiative and possible impacts.
After graduation, Sabreen did not know where to begin. Yes, she had graduated with honours, and yes, she had a strong record of extracurricular and volunteer work. But still, none of that gave her clarity on what the next step should be. Like many top graduates, she found herself in limbo — waiting for potential appointments in academia or the judiciary. Both paths are prestigious, yet slow-moving with no guaranteed outcome. And while waiting, few fresh graduates receive meaningful direction. There was no clear roadmap, and many were left feeling lost.
Applying to prominent law firms often felt like sending words into the void. No response, No feedback, just silence. And that silence was crushing. It makes even the most prepared candidates question their readiness, even when they have done everything “right.” Eventually, Sabreen managed to take her first steps into legal practice. She was eager to learn and ready to prove herself –but the reality she faced was nothing like what she had prepared for in law school. “I felt like I was expected to just ‘know’ things no one ever taught us at university. I often recall how to write a proper legal memo, how to prepare for a hearing, or even how to manage a client meeting without sounding unsure”, she says.
That stark gap between academic theory and actual legal practice became the seed for her upcoming initiative. It did not come from a textbook; it was out of frustration, the confusion, pressure, and loneliness she experienced when she first stepped into the legal field. Sabreen sees the initiative as a natural extension of her purpose: to create a multi-dimensional platform that addresses the growing gap between legal education and practice. Her goal is to empower others, especially young lawyers like herself and law students, especially those in underrepresented areas- with the confidence and competence they need to thrive.
The initiative will launch as an interactive training and mentorship programme combining practical workshops, case-based learning, and access to experienced mentors. The programme targets final-year law students and fresh graduates, equipping them with both technical proficiency and essential soft skills needed. It will cover: “Legal documents writing, Strategic court preparation, bridging theory and practice, Client and office communication skills. This isn’t just a workshop, It’s the guide I wish I had when I started”, she said. Looking ahead, Sabreen envisions expanding the programme through academic modules in partnership with Egyptian universities. Her long-term goals include establishing a permanent ADR simulation lab and launching a bilingual boutique consultancy that offers tailored ADR support to SMEs and start-ups engaging in international trade.
For Sabreen, real change in the legal field starts in classrooms. Offices, and uncertain moments, when someone chooses to pave the way for those who follow.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books
Sabreen’s legal and personal journey has been deeply influenced by a mix of intellectual icons and personal reflections rooted in both local and global narratives. Her earliest spark came from a biography she read during preparatory school — the life story of Dr. Samira Moussa, Egypt’s pioneering nuclear scientist. It was the first book Sabreen ever read, and it opened her eyes to what was possible for a woman with knowledge, vision, and a sense of national purpose. Dr. Moussa’s commitment to science and society planted the seed of Sabreen’s academic ambition and shaped her deep respect for education as a tool of empowerment.
In her second year of law school, she was introduced to the writings of Dr. Abd El-Razzak El-Sanhouri, and it changed everything. It was not just law anymore — it became philosophy, ethics, and structure. His writings were the first to make her want to go deeper, not just to study but to truly understand. Sanhouri wrote: “Lawyering is an art before it is a profession… A true lawyer is not merely one who knows the law, for many may memorize statutes without ever grasping their spirit. What distinguishes genuine advocacy is the ability to study the facts with the same precision and depth as the law itself, and to discern how those facts are reflected within legal provisions. At its heart, advocacy is the craft of argument, the discipline of reasoning, the pursuit of truth through evidence, and the elegance of persuasion.
Later, she discovered “Qissat Hayah ‘Adiyah” (The Story of an Ordinary Life) by Dr. Yehia El-Gamal, one of Egypt’s most respected constitutional scholars, resonated with Sabreen not only for its legal depth but for its humility. Through his honest and reflective storytelling, she saw how quiet persistence, discipline, ethical integrity, unwavering dedication, and the courage to stand for what is right can lead to lasting legal impact. His words continue to echo in her professional mindset as a young lawyer.
Internationally, two books helped Sabreen reframe her view of potential and identity: “Becoming” by Michelle Obama, and “Life without Limits” by Nick Vujicic. The first reminded her that identity is not fixed — it evolves with every decision, every failure, and every moment of courage. The book helped her reflect on her own story: a young woman committed to defying limitations, building herself piece by piece, and creating a path for others in the process. The second reminded her that human potential is not defined by physical limits, background, or fear, limits often exist only in our perception — and that faith, determination, and action can transform perceived obstacles into tools for growth and redraw the boundaries of what is possible. Together, these books and thinkers formed Sabreen’s intellectual foundation. They shaped Sabreen’s understanding of strength — as something deeply internal, consciously cultivated, and inseparable from service to others. They remind her that the most powerful kind of influence begins within.
5. Advice or guiding principles for young legal professionals and advocates trying to find their place and purpose in the legal terrain.
For Sabreen, true success in the legal profession is not only about achievement but about purpose. It lies in one’s ability to uplift others along the way. She believes that sharing knowledge and experience is one of the purest forms of gratitude, when one teaches others, they do not just pass on information, they empower, uplift, and extend their impact beyond themselves. For Sabreen, this is the essence of leadership: creating value that multiplies.
Sabreen cautions young legal professionals against seeing others as competitors. Instead, she advocates for a mindset of abundance, rooted in faith that each person’s path is uniquely designed by God. She holds firm to the belief that the best way to preserve and increase one’s blessings is by using them to serve others. The knowledge you share today can help someone grow in their career, build confidence, or discover a path they never imagined — and its impact can ripple through generations. She draws inspiration from the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others,” and from Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s wisdom on humility in both learning and teaching.
As a young lawyer, she knows the internal battles well — the doubt, the fear, and the pressure. She knows that young professionals do not just need idealism — they need practical clarity. From her own experience, she offers grounded, honest advice:
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- Rejection is not personal— it is part of the journey, it is a signal, not a verdict. Every interview is a learning opportunity, and confidence grows with experience. Every “no” is part of the journey. It brings you closer to the right “yes.”
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- Interviews are not exams-not performances. Do not recite your CV. Tell your story — the parts that are not printed. What you learned when you fell, not just when you succeeded.
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- Avoid generic answers. Speak with intention. Let your responses reflect self-awareness, not memorisation.
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- Be prepared, be thoughtful, and walk into every room with the mindset of someone who is adding value — not just seeking approval. Ask questions. Observe. Let your presence say, “I’m here to contribute, not just to take.”
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- Keep an open mind. Valuable experience can come from many places — not just big names.
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- Do not limit your vision. Explore different firms, internships, and opportunities. Growth often comes from the unexpected.
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- Try online legal simulations. Platforms like Forage offer practical exposure, especially when internships are scarce.
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- Do not fear not knowing — fear not growing.
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- Be committed to lifelong learning, be open to feedback, and seek mentorship.
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- Know that the strongest candidates are not always the most polished — they are the most honest. Those who understand who they are and where they want to go tend to leave lasting impressions.
For Sabreen, finding your place in law is not about chasing titles. It is about building a voice — one rooted in integrity, humility, value created, growth sustained, and a desire to make things better. She believes that personal development is the most strategic investment one can make — an investment in becoming a stronger, more capable version of yourself. In her eyes, this journey is not a one-time effort, but a lifelong commitment to becoming more. Because you are not just building a career. You are building a life worth living.
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Editorial Team
Silver Obioha
Clinton Nyamongo
Kazeem Afolabi
Dikeledi Matlhagare
Tolulope Olasunkanmi
Sulaimon Badmus
Aya Hamdy
Princess Maake
Jemilat Akerele
Vera Enubianozor
Brandon Otieno
Oluwabusayo Awodele
Kyenpiya Wonang
Gift Nwoke
Jessica Odoh
Tracy Karumba
Mary-Jones Ossi
Halimah Oladunni
Mary Linus
Peter Momoh
Jessica Omoruyi
