A Conversation with Thaneya Mariam John, Paralegal
In the latest feature of our Women in Law series, we speak with Thaneya Mariam John, Paralegal in Alsuwaidi & Company’s Corporate and Commercial practice, about what drew her to the legal profession, adapting to a new legal environment in the UAE and the experiences that continue to shape her career.
Could you briefly describe your current role and area of practice at the firm?
I am a Paralegal in the Corporate and Commercial team, primarily supporting corporate and commercial matters for companies established in various UAE free zones, including IFZA, JAFZA, DMCC and RAK ICC.
My work includes handling portal-based corporate processes such as company incorporations, liquidations, share transfers and changes in management. I also assist with reviewing non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements, as well as preparing terms of engagement and other corporate documentation
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I chose a career in law because there is something incredibly empowering about knowing your rights and understanding the law well enough to stand your ground. There is a certain confidence that comes with understanding the rules. Once you know what the law says, it becomes much harder for anyone to question what you are entitled to.
To me, law is not just a profession. It is power backed by knowledge, logic and justice. I have always been fascinated by how a well-reasoned argument can challenge authority, protect someone’s rights and even change the course of a life.
Reading about remarkable Indian lawyers such as Harish Salve only strengthened that fascination. The ability to walk into a courtroom, command attention, dissect complex issues and argue with clarity is both inspiring and exciting.
Law, for me, is an empowering profession because when you know the law, you don’t just have a voice. You know exactly how to use it.
Can you share a key moment or experience that shaped your professional journey?
One of the most defining moments in my professional journey came during an internship at the Delhi High Court, where I had the opportunity to work under a senior advocate.
I still remember watching him argue a matter involving a renowned brand. What fascinated me was not just the complexity of the case, but the command he had over the facts. He addressed the matter point by point, anticipating the arguments of opposing counsel and responding with precision, clarity and confidence.
Watching the proceedings unfold was thrilling. It was one of those moments when the theory of law that I had studied suddenly came alive in the courtroom.
I realised then that advocacy was not merely about knowing the law. It was about understanding every fact, thinking on your feet and having the conviction to stand by your argument. That experience left a lasting impression on me and reinforced my desire to build a career in law.
What do you enjoy most about working in your area of practice?
What I enjoy most is the diversity of exposure it offers. During my internships, I was predominantly involved in disputes, which gave me an understanding of how legal arguments are built, how facts are analysed and how different sides approach a conflict.
In my current role, I have had the opportunity to experience a very different side of the law, working with the corporate world and understanding how contracts, negotiations and commercial interests are dealt with between companies.
I find that transition particularly interesting because it has shown me that law is not confined to the courtroom. It plays an equally important role in shaping business decisions and relationships. The contrast between dispute resolution and corporate practice keeps my work intellectually stimulating while giving me a broader perspective on how law operates in practice.
Have you faced any particular challenges during your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges I faced was adapting to a completely new legal environment. Most of my internship experience had been in different areas of law, so transitioning into corporate and company law was naturally challenging. At the same time, I was moving from the Indian legal system to a new jurisdiction and had to familiarise myself with a different set of laws, regulations and practices.
Coming to a new country without my family and starting from scratch was also challenging. However, my goal was always to build my future and career in law, and that kept me motivated.
I made a conscious effort to understand the laws here, learn how they are applied in practice and continuously develop my knowledge.
Looking back, I believe these experiences have helped me become more adaptable, independent and confident as a legal professional. The opportunity to learn and grow in a new jurisdiction has made the challenges worthwhile.
What skills or qualities do you believe are most important for success in the legal profession today?
I believe one of the most important qualities is a willingness to continuously learn. Laws and regulations are constantly evolving, so legal professionals need to stay informed, understand new developments and be willing to expand their knowledge.
Attention to detail is equally important. Even a small detail can have a significant impact on a case, document or transaction. Being thorough, careful and precise helps ensure that work is accurate and reliable.
For me, continuous learning, adaptability and strong attention to detail are essential qualities for building a successful career in law.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in law?
I would encourage women considering a career in law to pursue it. We live in a world where women continue to advocate for equality and their rights, and I believe law can be an especially empowering profession for women.
A career in law gives women the knowledge and confidence to understand their rights, stand up for themselves and others, and contribute to society. It can also help women become more independent and confident in both their personal and professional lives.
My advice would be to believe in yourself, keep learning and never be afraid to take your place in the legal profession. It can be challenging, but it is also an incredibly rewarding career.
What does being part of a diverse legal team mean to you?
Being part of a diverse legal team gives me the opportunity to learn from people with different experiences, perspectives and areas of expertise.
Law is a vast field, and working with professionals from different areas allows me to broaden my knowledge and understand how different aspects of law work in practice.
For me, it is a valuable learning opportunity. I get to explore different areas of law, learn from my colleagues and continuously develop both my legal knowledge and professional skills.
Thaneya, 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 Thaneya Mariam John or discuss any of the topics mentioned in this article, you can reach her at t.john@alsuwaidi.ae.