Islam Kassem

Executive Legal Leader with more than 30 years of international experience advising executive management across Qatar, the GCC, Egypt and the United States. Experienced in leading legal and commercial matters for private sector organizations, with expertise spanning corporate governance, commercial contracts, construction and infrastructure projects, dispute resolution, arbitration, compliance and enterprise risk management. Recognized for delivering commercially focused legal solutions that protect corporate interests, strengthen governance, minimize legal exposure and support sustainable business growth.

Senior Legal Affairs Counsel at Qatar Holding Company (AMLAK) (2022-08 – Present)

Serve as a strategic legal adviser to executive management, leading commercial, contractual and corporate legal matters while protecting organizational interests, strengthening governance and supporting business objectives.

• Advised executive management on strategic legal and commercial matters.
• Negotiated and managed complex commercial agreements and contractual arrangements.
• Led legal risk assessments for major commercial transactions.
• Managed arbitration, disputes and external legal counsel.
• Supported executive decision-making through proactive legal and commercial risk assessments.
• Strengthened governance and regulatory compliance across business operations.
• Supported procurement, commercial and project teams on contractual matters.

Senior Legal Counsel at Al Sulaiti Law Firm (2016-01 – 2022-07)

Served as external legal counsel to private-sector companies, contractors, developers and investment clients, advising on complex commercial, corporate and construction-related matters. Provided strategic legal support throughout the contract lifecycle, from negotiation and risk assessment to dispute avoidance, arbitration and regulatory compliance.

• Successfully represented a corporate client in a tax dispute against the General Tax Authority, securing a favorable judgment valued at approximately QAR 15 million.
• Advised corporate clients on complex commercial transactions, contractual risk allocation and strategic legal matters across construction, infrastructure and private-sector projects.
• Drafted, negotiated and administered commercial agreements, consultancy contracts, subcontract agreements and settlement arrangements while safeguarding clients' legal and commercial interests.
• Evaluated contractual claims, Variation Orders, Extension of Time (EOT) entitlements and contractual obligations under major construction contracts.
• Supported arbitration proceedings through legal analysis, case strategy, evidence assessment and coordination with technical experts and external counsel.
• Prepared legal opinions, contractual notices, memoranda and dispute documentation for high-value commercial matters.
• Assisted executive management and project teams in contract administration, regulatory compliance and commercial dispute resolution.

Legal Affairs Manager at Max Marine Shipping & Oil Services (2006-01 – 2015-12)

Established and led the Legal Affairs Department for a diversified marine, shipping and oil services company, providing strategic legal support across corporate, commercial and operational matters. Partnered with executive management to strengthen corporate governance, mitigate legal risk and support sustainable business growth through commercially focused legal solutions.

• Drafted, negotiated and finalized two strategic commercial agreements for BP and British Gas with a combined contract value exceeding USD 11 million, safeguarding the company's commercial interests while ensuring contractual clarity and effective risk allocation.
• Established the company's Legal Affairs Function and developed legal policies, contract management procedures and governance practices to support business operations.
• Drafted, negotiated and administered a broad portfolio of commercial contracts, procurement agreements, service agreements and strategic business arrangements.
• Advised executive management on corporate, commercial and operational legal matters, supporting informed business decisions and long-term organizational objectives.
• Led commercial negotiations with clients, suppliers and business partners while protecting the company's legal and financial interests.
• Managed legal risk across commercial transactions, contract administration and day-to-day business operations.
• Coordinated with external counsel, regulatory authorities and government entities on corporate, commercial and dispute-related matters.
• Developed standardized contractual documentation and legal procedures that enhanced consistency, compliance and operational efficiency.
• Supported business development initiatives by providing proactive legal advice on commercial opportunities, partnerships and contractual strategies.

Legal Associate at Hanna Zaki Hanna & Associates

Contributed to corporate and commercial legal matters within a U.S. legal practice, gaining practical exposure to American legal principles, contract drafting, legal research and international business transactions while developing a solid foundation in corporate legal practice.

• Conducted legal research and prepared legal memoranda on corporate and commercial matters.
• Drafted, reviewed and analyzed commercial agreements, corporate documents and legal correspondence.
• Assisted in contract negotiations, due diligence assignments and transactional documentation.
• Supported dispute resolution matters through legal research, case preparation and document management.
• Advised on contractual interpretation and compliance with applicable legal requirements.

Bachelor of Laws in Law – Faculty of Law, Alexandria University