Interview with: Hamdan AlShamsi, Senior Partner and Founder

Senior Partner and Founder Hamdan Al Shamsi explains how the firm embraces change with agility and innovation, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of clients and industry.

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate HAS Law Firm from your competitors?

HAS Law Firm distinguished itself from competitors through its data-driven approach, strategic client-lawyer matching, deep litigation expertise, global reach, and commitment to transparency.

The firm integrates cutting-edge management and data systems to ensure that the quality of legal services surpasses industry standards. By leveraging an in-house task and document management system, HAS optimizes workflow efficiency, ensures timely case handling, and enables remote accessibility. Additionally, the firm has transitioned to paperless operations, streamlining document revisions, approvals, and case tracking through a structured hierarchy of decision-makers. This innovative use of technology allows HAS to provide highly organized and transparent legal services, setting it apart from more traditional firms.

A key differentiator of HAS is its personalized client-lawyer allocation strategy. Unlike competitors who distribute work based on availability, HAS ensures that each client is matched with the most suitable lawyer for their case. This method enhances legal service quality by prioritizing expertise and specialization, ensuring tailored, results-driven representation. Clients benefit from receiving legal counsel from professionals who have in-depth experience in their specific legal matters, reinforcing HAS’s reputation for delivering strategic and effective solutions.

The firm is also recognized for its strong litigation capabilities, particularly within UAE courts, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). By combining local legal expertise with an understanding of international legal frameworks, the firm is well-positioned to handle complex disputes and arbitration cases, providing a distinct competitive advantage in the UAE legal market.

Beyond its litigation expertise, HAS maintains an extensive international network, collaborating with leading law firms in the USA, UK, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, China and across the GCC. This global reach allows HAS to effectively manage cross-border legal matters, offering clients seamless representation in international transactions and disputes. Another fundamental aspect of HAS’s differentiation is its commitment to transparency and long-term client relationships. The firm emphasizes clear communication, strategic legal planning, and a client-first approach, ensuring that legal solutions are both practical and commercially viable. HAS is built on the principles of trust, integrity, and partnership, which has enabled it to establish strong, lasting relationships with its clients.

Furthermore, HAS remains adaptable to emerging legal and business trends, including the rise in mergers and acquisitions of SMEs and the shift towards digital-first, non-traditional business models. The firm’s proactive approach to understanding and anticipating changes in the market ensures that its clients receive forward-thinking legal guidance, keeping them ahead of industry shifts.

 

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

At HAS Law Firm, we see strong growth in several key practice areas over the next 12 months, driven by the UAE’s economic expansion, regulatory changes, and increasing foreign investment.

One of the most dynamic sectors right now is Transport and Logistics, particularly in maritime. The UAE is a global leader in trade and logistics, and as ports like Jebel Ali and Khalifa Port continue to expand, we anticipate a surge in legal work related to shipping regulations, trade disputes, and supply chain restructuring. The rise of e-commerce and the push for sustainability in shipping will further drive demand for legal expertise in this space.

Another area experiencing rapid development is Family Offices and Private Clients (HNWI). The UAE has positioned itself as a premier destination for high-net-worth individuals and family-owned businesses looking for stability, favorable tax structures, and investment opportunities. With the introduction of initiatives like the Golden Visa and new regulatory frameworks supporting family businesses, we expect increased demand for legal services in succession planning, wealth structuring, and asset protection.

Tax is another practice that will see significant growth. The introduction of the UAE’s corporate tax regime in 2023 has led to a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. Companies are now seeking expert legal guidance on compliance, restructuring, and international tax planning to navigate these changes. With global tax regulations becoming more complex, businesses operating in the UAE require tailored solutions to remain compliant while maximizing efficiency.

Finally, Construction and Real Estate remains one of the strongest sectors in the UAE. The country continues to attract significant real estate investment, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading the way in luxury developments, commercial projects, and mega-infrastructure initiatives. The rise of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), fractional property ownership, and sustainability-focused developments means legal services in property transactions, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution will be in high demand.

 

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

At HAS, we’ve made several key changes to enhance our client experience and overall service delivery. One of the most noticeable improvements is the renovation of our office space. We wanted to create an environment where both our clients and employees feel comfortable—a space that fosters trust, confidentiality, and ease of communication. Legal matters can often be sensitive and complex, so having a welcoming and professional setting helps our clients feel at ease when discussing their cases with us.

Beyond the physical improvements, we’ve also enhanced client engagement and transparency by refining our communication processes. Clients now receive real-time case updates, structured reporting, and proactive legal guidance, ensuring they are informed at every stage of their legal journey.

We’ve also taken substantial steps to enhance cybersecurity. With the increasing risk of cyber threats, protecting client confidentiality and sensitive legal documents is a top priority. To safeguard this, we use secure cloud storage, encrypted communication platforms, and multi-factor authentication protocols. These advanced security measures ensure that our clients’ data remains safe and protected from any potential breaches.

In essence, technology is transforming our firm into a more accessible, secure, and data-driven service provider, allowing us to offer innovative and strategic legal solutions that align with modern business needs and enhance the overall client experience. This not only protects client confidentiality from potential cyber threats but also streamlines our internal processes. Our dedicated admin support team ensures that all inquiries—whether received via phone, email, or other channels—are responded to promptly and efficiently, reinforcing our commitment to exceptional client service.

 

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

Yes, technology is significantly enhancing the way we interact with our clients and the services we offer. The firm has embraced digital transformation by offering virtual legal consultations, making legal services more accessible to clients regardless of their location. The firm has also developed an AI-powered CRM system to streamline client onboarding and optimize case management. This innovation improves service efficiency and responsiveness, further enhancing client satisfaction.

 

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

Our firm is dedicated to delivering practical, results-driven legal solutions tailored to each client’s business needs. At HAS, we call it: “Acing the Client Journey”, it begins with a proactive problem-solving approach, where potential issues and opportunities are identified and addressed before they arise. By anticipating client needs and challenges, the team can offer timely solutions that exceed expectations, building trust and long-term relationships. Continuous quality review is key to ensuring that services remain aligned with client goals, as regular assessments help pinpoint areas for improvement. This ongoing process of evaluation and refinement guarantees that client interactions are consistently positive and efficient.

 

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

 HAS Law Firm has grown steadily over the past decade, driven by our commitment to exceptional legal services and adaptability to our clients’ needs. Looking ahead, we are focused on expanding our capabilities, leveraging legal technology, and enhancing the client experience.

 In the next three years, we plan to broaden our practice areas to meet rising public and corporate legal demands, ensuring comprehensive solutions across various sectors. Recognizing the importance of data security and confidentiality, we are investing in an advanced CRM system to protect sensitive information while improving efficiency.

Additionally, we are exploring AI-driven legal solutions to align with advancements in legal technology. By integrating AI, we aim to streamline case management, enhance research, and optimize service delivery. These strategic initiatives will reinforce our position as a trusted legal partner, offering stability, expertise, and innovation.