Mohamed Elbanhawy
Senior Legal Counsel
Hove,Brighton
Summary
Senior legal professional with demonstrated ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and deliver impactful results. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability in dynamic environments. Expertise in corporate law, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Reliable, strategic thinker with strong communication and analytical skills.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
29
29
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Senior Legal Counsel
Business Tools Consulting
Cairo, Egypt
10.2018 - 08.2022
- Spearheaded the successful negotiation and execution of high-value commercial agreements, achieving a 30% reduction in contractual disputes over four years
- Designed and implemented legal strategies that aligned with business objectives, ensuring a 25% improvement in compliance across international operations
- Recognized for delivering innovative solutions to complex legal problems, saving the clients over £500,000 in potential liabilities.
- Reviewed merger and acquisition agreements, safeguarding the company''s interests during critical business expansions.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge base of relevant case law developments to inform strategic legal advice and decision-making processes.
- Reduced company litigation risks through proactive compliance management and employee training.
- Managed complex commercial transactions while providing practical recommendations tailored to stakeholders'' needs.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms by diligently reviewing and revising legal documents.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
- Counseled executives on international trade regulations, supporting global expansion efforts without compromising legal compliance standards.
- Advised senior leadership on complex legal matters, contributing to strategic decision-making processes.
- Managed external counsel relationships for effective representation in high-stakes litigations and transactions.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to develop internal procedures that streamlined legal operations.
- Drafted comprehensive legal policies, ensuring regulatory adherence and minimizing exposure to liability.
- Developed risk assessment tools for evaluating potential business partnerships, protecting corporate interests proactively.
- Implemented cost-saving measures in managing outside counsel expenses, optimizing the legal department budget.
- Spearheaded compliance initiatives by staying updated on evolving industry regulations and best practices.
- Oversaw drafting of annual reports to ensure accurate disclosures under securities laws, promoting investor confidence in the company''s performance.
- Collaborated with human resources to address employment law issues, fostering a positive work environment.
- Settled disputes through alternative dispute resolution methods, avoiding lengthy court battles and maintaining professional relationships.
- Conducted due diligence investigations for potential investments, mitigating financial risks and liabilities.
- Assisted in structuring corporate governance policies that promoted transparency and accountability within the organization.
- Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
- Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
- Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
- Represented clients in civil litigation, criminal proceedings and appeals in state and federal courts.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
- Advised clients on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and other business matters.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
- Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
- Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Communicated with clients and collected information to research cases and prepare settlement offers.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Counseled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.
- Drafted motions, petitions and waivers.
- Developed strategies for court proceedings and negotiations.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
- Researched, wrote and filed motions, writs and briefs for each case.
- Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case.
- Drafted demurrers and replied to oppositions.
- Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.
- Presented key evidence and exhibits during civil trials.
- Interviewed and selected jurors to verify competency and lack of biases, presenting challenges for cause to dismiss unfit candidates.
Legal Counsel
Qatar Steel Company
Elwukir, Qatar
05.2013 - 02.2018
- Negotiated and closed multi-million-dollar procurement contracts, securing favorable terms that resulted in a 20% cost saving for the company
- Proactively identified and mitigated legal risks, ensuring 100% compliance with Qatari labor and company laws
- Developed a comprehensive contract management system that enhanced efficiency and reduced processing times by 40%.
Legal Manager
Plena Egypt
Cairo, Egypt
09.2010 - 05.2013
- Led the legal aspects in successfully resolving critical corporate governance issues, earning commendations from the Board of Directors
- Streamlined the company’s contractual processes, reducing cycle times by 35% while maintaining high accuracy and legal robustness
- Played a pivotal role in restructuring the company’s legal framework, which improved investor confidence and facilitated designing new funding opportunities.
- Mentored junior staff members by sharing knowledge and expertise, contributing to their professional growth and enhancing the overall capabilities of the team.
- Conducted due diligence investigations for mergers and acquisitions, identifying potential risks and ensuring smooth transactions.
- Assisted human resources department in navigating complex employment law matters, reducing potential liabilities related to labor disputes.
Legal Counsel
International Turnkey Systems
Kuwait, Kuwait
07.2008 - 05.2010
- Instrumental in the successful closure of high-stakes contracts in banking and telecommunications sectors, contributing to a 15% revenue increase
- Crafted and refined complex agreements that safeguarded company interests and eliminated critical operational risks
- Developed training modules for internal departments on legal compliance, enhancing cross-functional understanding.
- Drafted clear and concise contracts that protected the company''s interests while facilitating successful business transactions.
- Supported the development of corporate governance policies and best practices, contributing to a strong culture of ethical conduct and accountability.
- Reviewed marketing materials for regulatory compliance, preventing potentially costly fines or reputational harm from misleading claims or omissions.
Associate Attorney, House Lawyer
Halliburton
Cairo, Egypt
06.2007 - 02.2008
- Provided strategic advisory services across multiple departments, directly influencing key decisions in African jurisdictions
- Drafted pivotal legal opinions that shaped the company’s strategic direction in Egypt
- Assisted in reducing tax liabilities through targeted legal interventions
In-house Lawyer
Petrobel Co.
Cairo, Egypt
09.2002 - 07.2004
- Contributed to resolving intricate labor and tax disputes as part of the senior legal team, ensuring a favourable outcome in over 90% of cases
- Initiated streamlined workflows for legal documentation, boosting team efficiency.
- Assisted HR department in managing employee relations issues by providing sound legal advice and guidance.
Education
LLM - International Law, Politics & Sociology, international dispute resolution and global regulatory frameworks
University of Sussex
England 09.2022 - 03.2024
M.D. -
Michigan State University
United States Of America 08.2002 - 06.2004
BBA - Law
Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt 05.1999 - 05.2025
Skills
Legal writing
Legal research
Contract drafting
Document review
Public policy
Government relations
Data privacy
Ethics management
Litigation management
International law
Corporate governance
Copyright law
Mergers and acquisitions
Employment law
Intellectual property
Legal analysis
Affiliations
Member of the Egyptian Bar Association
Timeline
LLM - International Law, Politics & Sociology, international dispute resolution and global regulatory frameworks
University of Sussex
09.2022 - 03.2024
Senior Legal Counsel
Business Tools Consulting
10.2018 - 08.2022
Legal Counsel
Qatar Steel Company
05.2013 - 02.2018
Legal Manager
Plena Egypt
09.2010 - 05.2013
Legal Counsel
International Turnkey Systems
07.2008 - 05.2010
Associate Attorney, House Lawyer
Halliburton
06.2007 - 02.2008
In-house Lawyer
Petrobel Co.
09.2002 - 07.2004
M.D. -
Michigan State University
08.2002 - 06.2004
BBA - Law
Cairo University
05.1999 - 05.2025