A Conversation with Merline Dsouza, Senior Associate
As part of our Women in Law series, we continue our conversations with the women contributing to our legal practice. In this feature, we speak with Merline Dsouza, Senior Associate in the firm’s Dispute Resolution practice.
Could you briefly describe your current role and area of practice at the firm?
I am a Senior Associate in the firm’s Dispute Resolution practice, with a primary focus on litigation and international arbitration. I advise clients across a range of sectors, including construction, maritime, aviation and commercial disputes, on complex matters before the UAE courts and arbitral institutions such as DIAC, ICC and LCIA.
My role involves not only legal analysis and advocacy, but also working closely with clients to develop practical strategies to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting their commercial interests.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
It was not a single defining moment. I realised early on that I was interested in how conflicts unfold, particularly in situations where both sides genuinely believe they are right.
Law felt like a natural fit because it is not just about knowing the rules, but about applying judgment and reasoning to complex situations. Over time, this developed into a strong interest in dispute resolution, where building a case and navigating both factual and legal complexities is both intellectually engaging and professionally rewarding.
Can you share a key moment or experience that shaped your professional journey?
One of the defining aspects of my journey has been being entrusted with responsibility earlier than I had anticipated. Being involved in high-stakes matters required me to move quickly from understanding the law in theory to applying it in practice.
That transition significantly accelerated my development, both technically and professionally. I am particularly grateful to the senior partners I have worked with, whose trust and guidance played a key role in shaping my approach and progression.
What do you enjoy most about working in your area of practice?
What I enjoy most is that disputes are never just about the law. They involve people, strategy, timing and judgment.
The process of analysing facts, identifying what is most relevant and building a clear case is what I find most engaging. Each matter requires a different approach, which keeps the work both challenging and rewarding.
Have you faced any particular challenges during your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the key challenges early in my career was transitioning from an academic understanding of the law to handling complex, high-stakes matters in practice. This required developing not only technical knowledge, but also practical judgment, client management skills and the ability to work under pressure.
Managing tight timelines, large volumes of material and the demands of complex cases required a structured approach and strong attention to detail. Over time, through experience, guidance from senior colleagues and continuous learning, I developed a more efficient and solution-oriented way of working.
What skills or qualities do you believe are most important for success in the legal profession today?
A strong foundation in the law remains essential, but equally important is the ability to apply that knowledge strategically in real-world situations.
Adaptability is critical, particularly in a legal landscape that is constantly evolving. Clear thinking and communication are also essential, as clients expect practical and commercially sound advice.
Resilience plays an important role, especially in dispute resolution, where matters often involve pressure and complexity. Above all, sound judgment and integrity are fundamental to building trust and delivering effective legal advice.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in law?
Do not wait to feel fully prepared before stepping into opportunities. In my experience, much of the learning happens in practice.
I would encourage women to take on responsibility early, even when it feels challenging. Being directly involved in matters is what builds confidence and develops your approach as a lawyer over time.
How do you maintain balance between professional responsibilities and personal life?
In a demanding field like dispute resolution, balance is not always about equal time. For me, it is more about managing priorities and being fully present in what I am doing at any given time.
Spending time with family helps me reset and maintain perspective. A supportive environment, both professionally and personally, also makes a meaningful difference.
What does being part of a diverse legal team mean to you?
In dispute resolution, different perspectives can strengthen a case. Working within a diverse team brings varied approaches to analysis and strategy, leading to more considered and well-rounded outcomes for clients.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey in the legal profession?
This profession is built on continuous learning. Every matter and every client contributes to your development, shaping how you think, approach problems and grow as a lawyer.
Merline, thank you for speaking with us and sharing your experience. It has been a pleasure.
Thank you. I am pleased to be part of this series and to contribute to an ongoing conversation within the legal profession.
To speak with Merline Dsouza or discuss any of the topics mentioned in this article, you can reach her at m.dsouza@alsuwaidi.ae