From Al-Ahliyya Amman University to International Legal Leadership

My professional journey began shortly after graduating from Al-Ahliyya Amman University, when I moved to the United Kingdom to pursue a Master’s degree in International Law at the University of Glasgow. I then returned to Jordan to complete my legal training and qualify as a practising lawyer before returning to the UK to pursue a PhD in International Commercial and Investment Arbitration at the University of Warwick.

During my doctoral studies, I joined Simmons & Simmons LLP, a leading international law firm, where I gained valuable experience in a highly competitive legal environment. My career later took me to the United Arab Emirates, where I continued working with the firm before joining the Government of Dubai as a Legal Expert and General Legal Counsel. In this role, I advised on major infrastructure, transportation, and strategic development projects, working closely with government officials, international consultants, and global companies on complex contracts, negotiations, and dispute resolution.

One of the most significant projects I contributed to was Dubai Metro Route 2020, a major infrastructure development valued at more than USD 2 billion. I was also involved in Abu Dhabi’s transportation infrastructure programmes and public-private partnership projects. These experiences strengthened my expertise in international commercial law, strategic legal advisory, and the management of complex projects.

Alongside my professional achievements, completing my PhD at the University of Warwick was an important personal milestone. I am equally proud of progressing from a young Jordanian lawyer to senior positions in an international law firm and the Government of Dubai. These experiences demonstrated the importance of professional integrity, continuous learning, and the ability to combine legal expertise with commercial and strategic judgment.

After more than two decades of international legal experience across the UK and the Middle East, I decided to return to Jordan and establish my own legal practice, founding Haddadin Law and co-founding Seraj Advocacy & Legal Counseling. My current professional role as Managing Partner at Haddadin Law and Whitestone Chambers in London reflects my continued commitment to legal excellence and international collaboration. My ambition is to combine international standards with strong local expertise while contributing to the development of legal practice in Jordan.

Throughout my career, I have faced challenges ranging from adapting to different legal systems and highly competitive professional environments to advising on high-value contracts and eventually building an independent legal practice. I overcame these challenges through persistence, discipline, continuous professional development, and confidence in my abilities. These experiences taught me that success is not about avoiding challenges, but about facing them with determination and turning them into opportunities for growth.

Al-Ahliyya Amman University played an important role in laying the academic foundation for my legal career. It helped develop my understanding of legal principles, critical thinking, and analytical skills, giving me the confidence to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Glasgow and the University of Warwick. I remain proud to be an alumnus of AAU, where my legal journey began and the foundations of my international career were established.

My advice to AAU students and recent graduates is to be ambitious, believe in your abilities, and never stop learning. Invest in your education, develop your skills, and seek opportunities beyond your comfort zone, both locally and internationally. Build strong professional relationships, protect your reputation, and approach every challenge with determination and integrity. Where you begin does not determine how far you can go; with perseverance and commitment, you can achieve goals beyond your expectations.

Looking ahead, I aim to continue developing my legal practice, expanding its international reach, and strengthening cooperation with leading law firms and institutions across the Middle East and Europe. I also aspire to contribute to Jordan’s development by applying my international experience to public policy, economic development, and strategic projects. Ultimately, my ambition is to use the knowledge, experience, and professional relationships I have built to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to Jordan and its future.