Managing Partner Abdullah Al-Samdan discusses how the firm is evolving its legal strategy and services to meet clients’ changing needs in Kuwait’s rapidly developing the legal landscape.

What do you see as the main points that differentiate ILG (International Legal Group) from your competitors?

ILG’s primary focus is on investing in human capital, recognizing that legal services are ultimately driven by knowledge and people rather than products. The firm places strong emphasis on attracting and developing talented lawyers, supported by structured internal training programs that range from communication skills and professional conduct to ethics and legal responsibility.

Strategically, ILG aims to position itself as Kuwait’s leading legal data center by consolidating legal knowledge, court rulings, and regulatory interpretations into a robust internal data platform that enhances legal analysis and client service. While the firm already maintains a representative presence in China to support inbound investors, any further regional expansion will follow only after strengthening this data driven foundation and reinforcing ILG’s leadership position in Kuwait.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

Over the next 12 months, we anticipate significant growth in our foreign investment practice, which is a key area poised for expansion as an increasing number of international companies express interest in entering the Kuwaiti market.

In addition, legal services relating to several major government projects are expected to be a primary driver of growth for the firm. The continued advancement of technology, particularly in e-commerce and artificial intelligence, is also likely to create and expand a specialised niche market for our services.

What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?

A key transformation undertaken by the firm is the enhancement of client services through strategic management and internal restructuring aimed at improving efficiency and responsiveness. This restructuring enables better allocation of resources, ensuring that clients receive tailored and effective legal support. As a result, the firm is better positioned to respond to client needs in a timely manner and deliver prompt legal solutions.

In addition, the firm is adopting new technologies and modern approaches to client engagement and court procedures, allowing it to operate more effectively and maintain a competitive edge in an evolving legal market.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Technology is fundamentally transforming client interactions and the delivery of legal services. By leveraging advanced digital platforms, the firm is optimising client communication, enabling seamless real-time exchange of critical legal information and updates. This strategic integration not only enhances client engagement and accessibility but also facilitates procedural efficiency, thereby minimising turnaround times and ensuring more effective legal outcomes.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

A notable example of our expertise is our work with the Kuwait Private Investment Development Agency (KPIDA), where we guided a client in establishing companies under its regulatory framework, streamlining market entry and maximising investment opportunities. We also successfully challenged the legal framework on equal treatment of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members and Kuwaiti entities, securing a landmark judgment that eliminated preferential advantages for local firms, later adopted by the government. Additionally, our success in key litigation cases has enabled clients to compete more effectively in tenders, strengthening their market position.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients are increasingly seeking stability, reliability, and strategic guidance from their legal advisers. Over the next three years, ILG aims to position itself among the top three law firms in the market, with a significantly expanded market share. By reinforcing a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration, the firm has enhanced its attention to detail, ensuring greater precision and quality in the delivery of its legal services. This transformation will enable ILG to further solidify its position as a leading pillar within the legal market.

Historically, ILG operated within a traditional legal framework. However, my vision has been to guide the firm towards a future where innovation and modern methodologies redefine law firms as dynamic, forward-looking businesses capable of evolving and thriving within a competitive landscape. As part of this approach, we are ensuring active engagement across multiple platforms to facilitate the timely dissemination of legal updates, enabling clients to remain well informed of ongoing developments within the legal system.