A Conversation with Alivia Alabkal, Associate
In the latest feature of our Women in Law series, we speak with Alivia Alabkal, Associate in the firm’s Corporate practice, about her journey in law and the experiences that have shaped her approach to legal practice.
Could you briefly describe your current role and area of practice at the firm?
I am currently working as an Associate in the Corporate Department. My role involves drafting and reviewing bilingual agreements and assisting with corporate transactions.
What led you to pursue a career in law, and how has your journey developed over time?
Becoming a lawyer was a goal of mine from a young age. I was always drawn to legal discussions and the dynamics of advocacy and negotiation, which initially sparked my interest in the profession.
As I grew older, I realised that many aspects of my personality aligned naturally with legal practice. When I entered law school, I already understood that it would be demanding and challenging, and it truly was. However, that experience taught me discipline, time management, adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning and development.
Over time, my journey evolved through exposure to different areas of practice, particularly litigation, arbitration, intellectual property, and corporate work, which helped me build both analytical and practical legal skills.
I also came to understand that legal practice is interconnected with understanding people and society itself — how it functions, what drives it, and how legal systems shape business, relationships, and decision-making. That continuous process of learning and awareness strengthened my connection to the profession even further.
Your experience spans dispute resolution, corporate matters and intellectual property. How has this diverse exposure shaped your approach to legal practice?
As a Lawyer who practiced litigation for 5 years in a leading law firm in Kuwait, I developed the ability to communicate and present ideas persuasively and in a way that different parties can clearly understand and engage with. It taught me the importance of strategy and how to effectively present legal positions.
Through corporate work, particularly settlement or deals negotiations and contract drafting on matters relating to Intellectual property, I developed a strong attention to detail, as those small details can significantly impact the direction of an agreement.
Intellectual property, on the other hand, expanded my understanding of the commercial value of legal protection and the importance of managing intangible assets properly. Being involved in protecting ideas, inventions, creative assets, and brands is one of the areas of legal practice I find most engaging.
What challenges have you encountered in your legal career so far, and how have you approached them?
One of the main challenges I encountered early in my legal career was managing time and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The legal profession is demanding and requires significant time, effort, and commitment, so initially it was difficult to find that balance.
Over time, I realised that staying organised, remaining on top of responsibilities, and avoiding procrastination are essential in managing the pressures of the profession. I also came to appreciate that part of what makes this profession rewarding is the level of dedication it requires, as that effort ultimately contributes to stronger results, professional growth, and client satisfaction.
Once I developed that mindset and discipline, managing responsibilities became more natural and structured.
What skills have been most important in your development as a lawyer?
Attention to detail, adaptability, communication, negotiation skills, and resilience have all played an important role in my development.
Maintaining a positive mindset, being open to learning, and approaching setbacks constructively are equally important qualities in building a long-term legal career.
How do you approach building practical and commercially focused solutions for clients?
I approach this by first understanding the client’s objectives, priorities, and concerns. Attention to detail is extremely important, as small aspects often make the greatest difference in delivering effective solutions.
I also believe it is important to stay updated on legal, commercial, and regulatory developments in order to provide practical guidance rather than purely theoretical legal advice.
What would you say to women entering the legal profession today?
I believe confidence is extremely important for women entering the legal profession. Society sometimes creates the perception that certain professions are better suited to one gender over another, but I strongly disagree with that when it comes to law.
Women bring valuable strengths into the profession, including attention to detail, resilience, emotional intelligence, organisation, compassion, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
My advice would be to believe in yourself, remain consistent, continue learning, and seek mentorship whenever possible, as those experiences play a significant role in personal and professional growth.
Alivia, thank you for speaking with us and sharing your experience. It has been a pleasure.
Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of this series.
To speak with Alivia Alabkal or discuss any of the topics mentioned in this article, you can reach her at a.alabkal@alsuwaidi.ae.