Dr. Nagla Nassar is Senior Partner at NassarLaw which was established in 1885. Before joining NassarLaw she was Senior partner at a leading Egyptian Law firm which she joined upon her return from the World Bank where she was with the ICSID Secretariat. She graduated from Cairo University and Trinity College where she got her M. Litt and has an LL.M from Harvard University as well as a PhD from Geneva University and the Diploma of The Hague Academy in Private International Law. She has several publications relating to arbitral practice.

She has practiced in several jurisdictions and is a member of several bars and arbitration forums including being a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators with many years of experience both as an arbitrator and counsel in institutional and ad hoc arbitration. She acted as counsel in many major disputes in different fields serving both multinationals and Egyptian entities. Also, Dr. Nassar is appointed frequently as an arbitrator and has chaired many tribunals.

1. Why have you decided to specialise in ADR?

I wanted to be a judge and at the time women were not allowed in the judiciary.

2. What are the challenges women in ADR face in the early stages of their career?

At the time I started it was an exclusive men’s club being the only woman in the room to say the least was challenging.

3. What keeps you motivated in your career?

The diversity of cases and legal issues offer a never ending intellectual stimulant.

The diversity of institutions and individuals with whom one works offer a continual dynamic environment.

4. What does breaking the bias mean to you?

Perseverance and persistence.

5. How has CIArb influenced your career?

It allowed me the knowledge and experience to establish myself.

6. Tell us about your interests.

Currently: travelling, mountain hiking, music and sports.

Before: bungee jumping and parachuting.