“…knowledge never stands still, and the best lawyers are those who never stop evolving.”- Suhaib Ahmed
Suhaib Ahmed is an Egyptian lawyer and researcher specialising in international law and human rights. He graduated from Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Faculty of Law and Islamic Jurisprudence (Sharia and Law), and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in International Law.Suhaib works as a Corporate Legal Adviser at Tameem AlHusennan Law Firm in Saudi Arabia and serves as a Researcher on Human Rights Mechanisms at Maat for Peace, Development, and Human Rights in Cairo, an NGO with consultative status at the United Nations ECOSOC. His work at Maat focuses on international humanitarian law, international criminal law, and UN human rights mechanisms. He has participated in multiple UN Human Rights Council sessions, contributed to interventions and reports submitted to UN treaty bodies, and attended major international conferences, including the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Conference and UN Forums.In addition, Suhaib delivers training sessions and workshops for students, interns, and early-career practitioners in international law and human rights.His corporate legal background includes experience in company incorporation across multiple jurisdictions, particularly in Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, as well as due diligence, contract drafting, and advisory work and legal research on corporate disputes.Suhaib’s writings focus on public international law, international criminal law, and human rights mechanisms, reflecting his commitment to bridging academic research with practical legal application
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the legal profession.
From a young age, Suhaib Ahmed was drawn to the humanities, history, sociology, and philosophy. This early curiosity naturally evolved into a passion for law when he began studying Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) at Al-Azhar schools. His interest in the law emerged as he found himself observing the legislative principles that governed the relationships discussed in the “fiqh” subjects he studied. He often asked his teachers questions about financial transactions in Islamic jurisprudence—such as sale contracts and company structures—and they would tell him that many of the aspects he questioned were legal in nature. This curiosity led him to explore the history and philosophy of law, even if only in a simple and introductory way.
During his final year of high school, he also developed a strong interest in business and management, quickly realising how deeply the law intersects with these fields. From this, two key insights began to form: first, that law plays a fundamental role in regulating all aspects of human life and interaction; and second, that there exists a deep and intrinsic connection between law, Islamic jurisprudence, and the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence.
Suhaib’s family also played a significant role in shaping his path, as several of his relatives were legal practitioners or worked within judicial institutions. Observing their work provided him with an early understanding of the practical realities of the profession. In family gatherings, he noticed that they often discussed diverse topics—business, politics, philosophy, and history—with intellectual depth, which inspired him to think critically and engage in thoughtful dialogue.
It was through these experiences that Suhaib discovered his calling. He realised that he disliked being confined to a single framework; rather, his natural curiosity and drive for discovery pushed him to explore different angles of various disciplines. On a practical level, he often asked his relatives about the daily realities of legal practice. Despite the challenges they described, he found the profession exciting and intellectually rich, requiring continuous reading, learning, and engagement with evolving legal and societal developments.
These combined influences ultimately led Suhaib to enroll in the Faculty of Sharia and Law at Al-Azhar University, where he truly found his path. It was the perfect environment for him to study both law and Sharia, particularly jurisprudence and the principles of Islamic jurisprudence.
What continues to motivate Suhaib in his legal career is the understanding that the need for law is as essential as the need to breathe—whether for an ordinary citizen, a businessperson, or at the international level. He views law as a dynamic, ever-evolving field that grows alongside social and technological progress. Beyond its practical dimensions, he believes the legal profession holds a profound ethical responsibility: to defend the oppressed, ensure justice, and uphold the rights of those entitled to them. For Suhaib, the practice of law satisfies both his intellectual curiosity and his commitment to service, allowing him to research, analyse, and solve complex problems while making a tangible impact on people’s lives.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Cultivate Such Attributes.
In a world that is constantly evolving and in need of continuous legislation, legal professionals, whether lawyers, academics, or judges, must keep pace with these developments. However, this adaptability must rest upon a strong foundation of essential skills, which every lawyer begins to build from their very first day in law school. For lawyers in particular, several personal and professional qualities are indispensable.
First, analytical and research skills are fundamental. A lawyer must be able to analyse complex information with precision, conduct thorough research across various jurisdictions and unfamiliar topics, and dissect legal issues to identify key facts and nuances.
Second, communication skills are vital. Lawyers must express ideas clearly and persuasively, both in writing and orally. Mastery of public speaking, active listening, and the ability to explain complex legal matters in simple and accessible terms are essential for effective advocacy.
Third, problem-solving ability defines an outstanding lawyer. They must be able to view issues from multiple perspectives, anticipate potential challenges, and design creative, strategic solutions. Closely related is attention to detail—in law, accuracy and precision are critical, as even small errors can have major consequences.
Fouth, creativity distinguishes exceptional lawyers, enabling them to think beyond conventional frameworks and craft innovative legal approaches that meet their clients’ or organisations’ needs.
Fifth, negotiation skills are indispensable, as lawyers frequently engage with opposing counsel, clients, and third parties to reach fair and effective agreements.
Sixth, organisational skills and time management are crucial for managing multiple cases, deadlines, and large volumes of documentation, efficiently.
Seventh, commercial awareness sets great lawyers apart. Understanding the business and economic contexts in which legal issues arise allows them to provide pragmatic, forward-looking advice. The best lawyers think both like lawyers and business professionals, anticipating risks and delivering sound strategic guidance.
Eighth, in today’s digital age, technological literacy is increasingly important. Lawyers must be adept with digital tools such as word processors, legal research databases, spreadsheets, and emerging technologies that enhance legal practice.
Finally, a love of reading and intellectual patience remains indispensable. In an age of rapid information and short attention spans, the ability to read deeply, focus, and reflect critically is what sustains legal excellence.
In Suhaib’s view, a truly outstanding lawyer combines all these qualities with lifelong curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning. This combination allows them to adapt, grow, and continue providing meaningful, thoughtful, and impactful legal guidance in an increasingly complex and changing world.
3. Significant Ongoing Project or Initiatives and Possible Impact.
Suhaib is currently working on a youth-led initiative that aims to connect young legal practitioners, particularly those interested in international law and human rights, beginning with the legal community in Egypt. The vision is to create a collaborative platform where young lawyers, researchers, and students can exchange experiences, build networks, and access meaningful professional development opportunities.
The initiative focuses on designing practical training programmes for university students and early-career professionals, as well as simplified educational activities for schools to introduce younger generations to the fundamentals of law and human rights. Ultimately, it seeks to bridge the gap between Egyptian youth in the legal field and their peers and mentors in the international community, fostering dialogue, shared learning, and a stronger global legal culture rooted in cooperation and justice.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books.
Every legal professional, especially in the early stages of their career, needs a source of guidance. This guide may be a mentor they meet in person or a great legal or scholarly figure from whom they draw inspiration through their writings, even if that figure is no longer alive. In both cases, the professional seeks direction and insight from the legacy of those who came before.
During his university years, Suhaib was inspired by jurists such as Abd al-Razzaq al-Sanhuri, who shaped his understanding of law, and Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani, a foundational figure in Islamic international law (al-Siyar), whose works honed his analytical and logical approach to legal study. They taught him how to build an independent and analytical intellectual methodology, and that law is not merely a set of rules, but an organised framework for analysis, problem-solving, and logical reasoning.
In his final two years at university, Suhaib met Dr. Rana Mustafa, Associate Professor of Public International Law at Alexandria University, through the Jessup Competition. She had a profound impact on his growing interest in international law. Through observing her and studying her work, he learned the importance of thorough research and the value of linking legal theory to emerging global issues. She played a pivotal role in shaping his continued pursuit of this field, particularly at a time when strong role models in international law were scarce.
Following his graduation, Suhaib’s mentors in practice further refined his professional development. Among them is Mr. Ayman Okail, Founder and President of the MAAT Foundation for Peace, Development, and Human Rights and Vice President of the African ECOSOC, who became a major influence. With more than two decades of experience in human rights and governance, Mr. Okail taught Suhaib the importance of dedication, effective communication, and navigating international mechanisms. From him, Suhaib learned not only the technical dimensions of humanitarian legal work but also the principles of leadership, strategic thinking, and organisational management.
Another key influence has been Dr. Omar Mekki, Regional Legal Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and a former Egyptian judge. His deep expertise in international humanitarian law, combined with extensive practical and academic experience, has profoundly shaped Suhaib’s understanding of how law functions in real-world conflict settings. Through Dr. Mekki’s work, writings, and lectures during conferences and courses, Suhaib learned how to convey complex legal concepts with clarity, connect academic theory with practical realities, and maintain an honest, realistic perspective when analysing legal issues in the field.
Books
Several books have profoundly shaped how Suhaib thinks about law, leadership, and human behaviour. One of the earliest and most influential was Plato’s Dialogues, particularly The Meno, which taught him to question assumptions and seek definitions beyond appearances. The Socratic method of inquiry, asking what something truly is before debating it, helped him form a structured and critical approach to legal reasoning. Similarly, Ibn Khaldun’s Muqaddimah expanded his understanding of society and governance, demonstrating how social dynamics, economics, and power cycles influence law and human conduct in ways that remain timeless.
As Suhaib became more involved in leadership and organisational work, books such as Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last and John C. Maxwell’s Developing the Leader Within You shaped his views on responsibility and service. They reminded him that leadership is not about authority, but about building trust and empowering others to reach their potential. These lessons have deeply influenced how he approaches teamwork, mentorship, and collaborative initiatives.
He is also an avid reader of Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, which provides a logical and systematic framework for understanding how rules are derived, interpreted, and applied through coherent and reasoned analysis. Moreover, Sun Tzu’s The Art of War remains a practical reminder for him that strategy, adaptability, and foresight are essential, not only in conflict but in any complex human endeavour.
Suhaib often emphases the importance of connecting every field of knowledge back to the law to extract deeper insights. Whether reading philosophy or even a cookbook, he believes there is always a way to relate concepts to legal reasoning and analytical thinking. Cultivating this habit, he notes, sharpens the logical and interpretive mindset that every practitioner should strive to develop.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates.
Suhaib often begins his advice to law students with a simple principle: do not confine yourself to one area of law. At the university stage, he believes students should be like sponges—absorbing as much as possible from every branch of the legal field. Whether commercial, civil, criminal, international, or business law, each contributes to building a broad and integrated understanding. Many students, he observes, limit themselves early out of passion for a single area, but such narrow focus can restrict their perspective later. In practice, legal disciplines frequently intersect, and a comprehensive foundation is what makes a lawyer truly versatile and capable.
He emphasises that students should concentrate on developing analytical and foundational skills, while also shaping their “legal character” and “legal sense”, the mindset that enables them to reason clearly, think systematically, and interpret the law with sound judgment. Once this foundation is solid, experience and practice will naturally refine everything else.
For young practitioners, Suhaib stresses the importance of clarity of purpose. Every lawyer, he says, must understand why they chose this path in the first place—the driving reason that keeps them grounded through the challenges of the profession.
He also reminds them that the legal journey is a lifelong process, requiring patience, mental endurance, and adaptability. The path of a lawyer, in his view, is not a sprint but a marathon that demands focus and resilience as one encounters change and complexity.
Equally vital, he says, is guidance. Suhaib places great value on mentorship, whether from a senior practitioner or a prominent legal figure whose writings and career offer direction. He advises finding a mentor who is not too far ahead, ideally five to ten years more experienced, as this makes it easier to learn from their steps and decisions in a relatable, practical way. He encourages young professionals to nurture passion and a constant hunger for growth, to remain open to feedback even when it feels uncomfortable, and to see every challenge as a learning opportunity.
From a practical standpoint, Suhaib urges mastery of essential legal skills: drafting, reviewing, and analysing contracts; providing sound legal opinions; and cultivating commercial awareness. He believes young lawyers should familiarise themselves with multiple legal systems, particularly those of the Gulf (such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia), as well as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Understanding international trade, investment law, arbitration, and the UNCITRAL Model Law is also indispensable for a modern practitioner.
Finally, once a lawyer chooses a field of specialisation, Suhaib advises dedicating energy to deepening expertise—through extensive reading, constant curiosity, and lifelong learning. In law, he concludes, knowledge never stands still, and the best lawyers are those who never stop evolving.
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Silver Obioha
Clinton Nyamongo
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