Purpose in Every Role. Strength in Every Contribution.
Three Emirati Women. Three Professional Journeys.
In recognition of Emirati Women’s Day, this special edition of our Women in Law series brings together three Emirati colleagues whose professional journeys reflect commitment, confidence and pride in meaningful work.
Afraa Alhashmi, Amal Alameri and Mariam Alzarooni contribute to the firm in distinct but connected ways, from advocacy before the UAE courts to the careful operational work that supports every new client matter. Their experiences show that excellent service is built through sound judgement, accuracy, teamwork and personal responsibility.
In this conversation, they speak in their own voices about the meaning of Emirati Women’s Day, the experiences that have shaped them and the values they carry into their work each day.
Their answers are personal, but their message is shared: professional impact begins with knowing the value of your contribution and approaching every responsibility with purpose.
Featured Colleagues
Afraa Alhashmi, Advocate
Afraa Alhashmi is a UAE-qualified advocate with rights of audience before all UAE courts. She advises and represents clients in commercial, construction, employment and rental disputes, combining careful preparation with a practical approach to litigation.
Amal Alameri, Advocate
Amal Alameri has more than twelve years’ litigation experience and represents clients before all UAE courts, including the Federal Supreme Court. Her practice covers civil, commercial, criminal, insurance and employment matters.
Mariam Alzarooni, Data Entry Assistant
Mariam Alzarooni supports the firm’s client onboarding and conflict-checking processes, helping new matters begin accurately, efficiently and in accordance with the firm’s professional procedures. As a person of determination, Mariam brings focus, perseverance and a strong sense of responsibility to her role, together with a thoughtful understanding of the value of every contribution.
Roundtable Discussion
When you think about Emirati Women’s Day, what feels most meaningful to you?
Afraa Alhashmi
For me, it is a moment to reflect with gratitude and pride. Appearing before the UAE courts is both a privilege and a responsibility, and Emirati Women’s Day reminds me to honour that responsibility through preparation, integrity and continuous growth.
Amal Alameri
What feels most meaningful is recognising the confidence that comes with experience. After more than twelve years in litigation, I have learned that progress is built matter by matter—by staying composed, making sound decisions and giving every client my full commitment.
Mariam Alzarooni
It feels personal to me because it celebrates the determination behind everyday achievement. I have learned that progress is built through patience, self-belief and being ready to contribute. I am proud that my work supports my colleagues and our clients, and I hope my journey encourages others to recognise the value of what they bring. I am also deeply grateful to the UAE Government for fostering a society in which people of determination are valued, supported and empowered to contribute with confidence. The UAE’s commitment to equal opportunity has encouraged me to focus on my abilities, develop professionally and take pride in the contribution I make through my work.
Which personal qualities have helped you grow and make an impact in your work?
Afraa Alhashmi
Discipline, courage and integrity. In litigation, confidence does not come from speaking the loudest; it comes from knowing the file, understanding the law and being prepared to stand behind your judgement. I try to bring that discipline to every matter entrusted to me.
Amal Alameri
Consistency and calm judgement have shaped me most. Legal work can be demanding, but experience has taught me to pause, assess the facts objectively and remain focused on the client’s best interests. Trust is earned through that consistency.
Mariam Alzarooni
Persistence, accuracy and self-belief. My work requires close attention because one detail can affect how smoothly a matter begins. I have learned to trust my ability, ask questions when I need clarity and take genuine pride in completing each task properly.
What does meaningful contribution look like in a law firm?
Afraa Alhashmi
It means taking ownership. For me, that includes preparing thoroughly, giving clear advice and standing beside the client throughout the matter. It also means respecting the work of colleagues whose efforts make effective representation possible.
Amal Alameri
Meaningful contribution is measured by the confidence others can place in you. Whether I am handling a complex hearing, guiding a colleague or advising a client, I want my work to bring clarity, steadiness and a practical way forward.
Mariam Alzarooni
For me, it is knowing that the accuracy of my work helps a client matter start on the right foundation. Conflict checks and onboarding may happen behind the scenes, but they protect the firm’s professional standards. That makes me feel connected to the wider purpose of our team.
Can you share a lesson that has strengthened you professionally?
Afraa Alhashmi
Preparation creates confidence. Before a hearing or an important decision, I return to the facts and make sure I understand the detail. That habit has strengthened my advocacy and helps me remain clear and composed when the pressure is high.
Amal Alameri
Experience is valuable only if you remain willing to learn. Every case can challenge an assumption or reveal a better approach. Staying curious has helped me grow while remaining grounded in the professional standards that clients expect.
Mariam Alzarooni
I have learned not to measure progress only by big milestones. Confidence can be built quietly—through completing a task accurately, learning a new process or becoming more independent. Each step matters, and recognising that has made me stronger.
What would you say to a young Emirati woman beginning her professional journey?
Afraa Alhashmi
Build your knowledge and trust the work you put into it. Do not be discouraged by the time it takes to develop experience; every file, conversation and challenge adds to your judgement. Be generous with what you learn and help others grow with you.
Amal Alameri
Be ambitious, but also be patient with yourself. A strong career is built through discipline, curiosity and the courage to keep learning. Seek responsibility, listen carefully and let the quality of your work speak consistently for you.
Mariam Alzarooni
Your path does not have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful. Know your strengths, keep learning and do not underestimate the importance of your contribution. Progress may happen one step at a time, but each step builds confidence and opens the way to the next.
This Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate Afraa Alhashmi, Amal Alameri and Mariam Alzarooni for the professionalism, confidence and care they bring to their work. Their journeys are individual, but each reflects the value of continuing to learn, taking pride in your work and recognising the contribution of those around you. Their experiences also remind us that every role has a part to play in the work we do for our clients.