Legal Clinic

with King & Spalding, FANR & Clyde & Co, True Law Partners and ArbitrateAD (April–May 2025)

The second edition of the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Legal Clinic, held between April and May 2025, expanded students’ exposure to complex international legal matters through collaborations with King & Spalding LLP, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), and guest speakers from different law firms in Abu Dhabi. This edition provided students with a diverse range of learning experiences rooted in real-life legal practice and global regulatory frameworks.

The program began with three highly structured sessions hosted by King & Spalding LLP, a global law firm with deep expertise in corporate, construction, and infrastructure law. Students attended workshops on Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), Construction Contracting, Real Estate, Legal Drafting, Fund Structures, and Major Projects. These sessions were led by practicing lawyers including Catherine Catolico, Aaron Ohm, Saud Aldawsari, and Tim Burbury, who provided practical case insights and discussed legal strategies from deal structuring to contract negotiation. The real-world examples such as contracting frameworks and share purchase agreements helped students understand the legal architecture behind large-scale transactions in the UAE and beyond.

In parallel, students also participated in a full-day academic session at FANR, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, on 17 April 2025. This workshop offered an in-depth introduction to nuclear law, including international legal frameworks on safety, security, non-proliferation, and civil liability for nuclear damage. Led by experts like Mariam Al Dhaheri, Shaikha Al Khoori, Aysha Al Awadhi, and Amal Saif, the session placed legal concepts in the context of global treaties and regulatory compliance. The experience was particularly valuable for students interested in environmental law, as it showcased how legal instruments play a key role in managing technological risk and sustainable development.

A key moment of this edition was the on-campus talk with two international lawyers. The first, Kavya Balram, Senior associate with True Law Partners. shared her career journey across multiple jurisdictions, giving students a realistic view of international legal practice and its challenges.

The second speaker, Roshanak Bassiri Gharb, Senior Associate at Clyde & Co, focused on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). As a dual-qualified solicitor (UK and India), she explained the SQE process and gave practical advice for those considering UK qualification.

Students were also introduced to the fascinating world of alternative dispute resolution—particularly arbitration—through a visit from two experts from ArbitradeAD, the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre: Maria Mazzawi, Registrar, and Verina George Kamal, Deputy Legal Counsel.

While some technical aspects of the sessions such as fund structures and nuclear liability regimes proved challenging, they sparked deeper curiosity and engagement. The presence of experienced professionals made the learning approachable and inspiring. Students were able to ask questions freely, gain practical insights, and observe how theory translates into real legal work.

This second edition of the legal clinic was a resounding success. It bridged academic learning with professional reality, provided visibility into specialized legal sectors, and offered valuable mentoring moments. For law students at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, the clinic, once again, proved to be an exceptional opportunity for growth, discovery, and professional development.

with Al Tamimi & Company(September–October 2024)

The first edition of the Legal Clinic at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi was launched in collaboration with Al Tamimi & Company, the largest law firm in the MENA region, during the months of September and October 2024. This pioneering partnership allowed third-year law students to engage directly with seasoned legal professionals and immerse themselves in real-life legal practice.

Over eight weeks, students worked on legal tasks under the guidance of lawyers and trainees from Al Tamimi. The first session focused on Corporate Structuring, with a legal research exercise related to UAE free zones, licensing, and regulatory frameworks for an e-commerce company. Students responded to a simulated client email, developing practical skills in legal analysis, research, and professional communication. According to participants, this task was “a great introduction to real legal work beyond the university.”

Other sessions centered on Real Estate Law, where students performed a Due Diligence exercise. This challenging task pushed students to analyze documents critically and draft client-ready reports a real-world activity often reserved for early-stage legal associates. While demanding, the exercise was particularly enriching for students with a strong interest in property and transactional law.

In the final session, the students explored Dispute Resolution, specifically drafting a claim form. Beyond technical drafting, students engaged in insightful discussions with lawyers about litigation strategies, jurisdictional procedures, and the role of legal writing in court proceedings.

Throughout the clinic, participants were supported by Al Tamimi’s dedicated legal team, including supervisors such as Mohamed Al Sari, Raneem Salha, and Ban Lahham. One recurring highlight was the open dialogue with lawyers and trainees, who generously shared their career journeys and advice creating a unique mentoring environment.

Among the challenges faced, students noted the complexity of due diligence and the initial difficulty in understanding certain tasks. However, the clinic's structure encouraged students to ask questions and seek guidance, fostering a strong learning environment.

Ultimately, the clinic was a tremendous success, offering hands-on experience, real responsibility, and valuable exposure to the legal profession. It demonstrated the essential connection between academic learning and legal practice, and helped students clarify their career aspirations while building practical competencies.