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Linda
Linda Nemeh Chief Legal Counsel MEIAT Richemont
Crafting Legal Strategies for the Digital Age www.womentimesmagazine.com
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Women Who Challenge Norms
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s the saying goes, “the future is digital.” With the rise of technology, many aspects of life have transformed, including the legal field. In this new domain, women are stepping up to create innovative legal strategies that address the unique challenges of the digital age.
The digital world presents various issues, from data privacy to intellectual property rights. Women in law are increasingly taking the lead in these areas, using their unique perspectives to tackle complex legal questions. They are not just participants in the legal arena but are becoming prominent voices in shaping its future. Collaboration is a key aspect of crafting effective legal strategies. Women lawyers often work together with tech experts, policymakers, and business leaders to develop comprehensive approaches that consider both legal and technological dimensions. This teamwork not only fosters a deeper understanding of the issues but also encourages the development of solutions that are both practical and forward-thinking. Additionally, women in the legal profession are advocating for changes that promote fairness and representation in technology and law. By addressing inequalities and pushing for diverse viewpoints, they are ensuring that legal frameworks keep pace with rapid technological advancements. Ultimately, the work of women in creating legal strategies for the digital age is vital. Their efforts help protect individual rights while nurturing innovation. By managing the complexities of the digital industry, they are not only directing the law but also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. The latest edition of Women Times Magazine, titled "Empowering Stories of Female Trailblazers in Law from the UAE," features Linda Nemeh who have made significant contributions to the legal reform, particularly in the context of the digital age. As a trailblazer in her field, Nemeh has utilized her expertise to steer the complexities of legal technology and advocate for women's rights within the legal profession. Have a great read ahead!
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Linda Nemeh Crafting Legal Strategies for the Digital Age
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5 Essential Legal Terms Everyone Should Know What Should I Do If I Need Legal Advice?
Linda Crafting Legal Strategies for the Digital Age
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Linda Nemeh Chief Legal Counsel MEIAT Richemont
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n a world where the legal domain is promptly progressing, many professionals find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the challenge of adapting to new technologies and industries. For Linda Nemeh, this challenge was not a deterrent but rather a catalyst for transformation. After establishing herself as a generalist lawyer in the United States, Linda felt an insatiable urge to expand her horizons. This led her to Dubai, where she ventured into the luxury and retail sector, despite having no prior experience in either the industry or the region. Linda's journey in Dubai was marked by resilience and determination. She navigated the complexities of a foreign legal environment, quickly adapting to the unique challenges it presented. Her willingness to embrace change paid off; after seven years, she transitioned into the technology sector as Sole Legal Counsel for Avaya, overseeing legal matters across the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and Greece. This role allowed her to delve into cutting-edge technology while further refining her legal expertise. After four years of industry practice, Linda was offered a specialist position as a Complex Contracting Lawyer with Accenture for the Middle East region, focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, GenAI, and Blockchain, where she continued her career in technology for a further seven years.
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Today, as a Chief Legal Counsel MEIAT at Richemont, Linda stands at the forefront of legal innovation. She specializes in the luxury space while integrating emerging technologies with traditional legal practices, ensuring that her clients are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Linda's story is one of relentless pursuit of growth and adaptation. Through her journey from a generalist lawyer to a leader in legal innovation, she exemplifies how embracing challenges can lead to extraordinary opportunities. As she continues to shape the future of law in the tech industry, Linda inspires others to redefine their paths and embrace change with confidence.
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Let us learn more about her journey: A Journey of Bold Transitions and Legal Excellence Across Industries Linda's journey to becoming a lawyer was not a conventional one. Her initial dream was to become an actress in theater, but she shared with her family’s aspiration of becoming a lawyer. This pivotal moment, more than 20 years ago, sparked a deep interest in the law, and Linda's passion for justice grew stronger with time. She is grateful for her family's guidance, which led her to a dynamic and growing legal career. Born and raised in the United States, Linda pursued her legal studies in law school before embarking on a career in private practice as a generalist lawyer. After years of working in the US, Linda decided to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a new adventure that would take her to Dubai.
With no prior knowledge of the luxury and retail industries or the region itself, she was determined to seize the opportunity for a fresh perspective on life. Her decision proved transformative, allowing her to become a strategic legal partner in the region, collaborating with some of the biggest luxury brands in the industry and earning numerous legal awards. Linda considers this move one of the best decisions of her career. After seven successful years in the retail and luxury sectors, Linda sought her next challenge and transitioned into the technology and cloud sector. She took on the role of Sole Legal Counsel for Avaya, overseeing legal matters across the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and Greece. This shift required her to start afresh once again, learning about the rapidly evolving technology landscape and adapting her legal expertise to meet the demands of the industry. After four years at Avaya, Linda took on a specialist role as a Complex Contracting Lawyer with Accenture, where she focused on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, GenAI, and blockchain. She spent another seven years at Accenture, further cementing her expertise in emerging technologies. With a wealth of diverse experience, Linda was presented with a unique opportunity to join Richemont as the Chief Legal Counsel for the MEIAT region. Despite the challenges of entering a new industry, she recognized the potential for growth and was eager to take on this new chapter. Linda is excited to be part of Richemont, a prestigious company known for its innovation, integrity, and excellence in the luxury sector. This role aligns with her career aspirations and offers her the chance to expand her skills in a fresh environment. Throughout her 19-year career, Linda has embraced the opportunities that the UAE has provided, shaping her into a legal professional who collaborates with regulators and shapes new legal strategies. The UAE has welcomed her into its emerging legal practice, offering her a community she now proudly calls home. Embracing Growth and Innovation At Richemont, the future is crafted through a dedication to excellence and innovation. The company’s exceptional portfolio includes renowned Maisons celebrated for their craftsmanship and creativity, such as Buccellati, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Vhernier in the jewelry sector, A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen,
Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, and Vacheron Constantin in Specialist Watchmaking, and Alaïa, Chloé, Delvaux, Dunhill, Gianvito Rossi, Montblanc, Peter Millar (including G/FORE), Purdey, Serapian, and Watchfinder & Co. in Fashion & Accessories. Richemont also operates prestigious online platforms such as NET-APORTER, MR PORTER, THE OUTNET, YOOX, and the OFS division, aiming to nurture and grow its Maisons in a responsible, sustainable way. The company’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the JSE Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with its headquarters in Bellevue, Canton Geneva, Switzerland. For Linda, success is a concept that defies simple definition. She believes success is subjective and cannot be easily measured, as there is always room for development, learning, and growth. She sees the key to progress in setting ongoing goals that drive continual improvement. Motivated by a commitment to innovation, she is always seeking new ways to provide excellent legal services that align with her clients' objectives while upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. Linda views complacency as her greatest adversary, believing that growth and learning come from actively engaging in a wide range of experiences. Whether legal or life-related, every experience contributes to shaping her unique character and, by extension, her work. To achieve greatness in any field, she emphasizes the importance of consistency, upskilling, networking, and embracing a mindset of evolution, making the change rather than letting it happen to you. She feels fortunate to live in a country that fosters constant growth, offering a platform for curiosity and ongoing education. Acknowledging Flexibility and Innovation The constantly growing nature of law drives Linda to stay informed and seek continuous professional development. She recognizes the importance of staying ahead of emerging technologies and their impact on the legal sector. By keeping up with industry trends and collaborating with tech experts, Linda has successfully integrated technology into traditional legal practices, streamlining processes that would otherwise be time-consuming and repetitive. This integration helps bridge the gap between traditional legal processes and the rapidly advancing technological landscape.
Linda believes that the greatest strength a lawyer can possess is flexibility. While legal experience is vital, the ability to wear multiple hats and empathize with clients is what truly sets a lawyer apart. Empathy, she asserts, is what differentiates a good lawyer from a great one. In her view, there is no place for ego in the legal field; only competency and confidence will propel a lawyer forward. Early in her career, after a particularly difficult negotiation, Linda was praised for her patience and her ability to balance various roles. She understands that to have a seat at the table, a lawyer must contribute to finding practical business solutions that address the client’s needs rather than simply identifying legal problems. Linda’s drive to continuously develop her skills stems from her insatiable thirst for knowledge. She believes in broadening her education beyond just legal topics, engaging in networking, and exploring diverse areas of interest. This well-rounded approach has given her the ability to think outside the box and approach challenges with a fresh perspective. Building Trust Through Transparency and Complex Negotiation Excellence Honesty, transparency, and reliability are the foundation upon which Linda builds trust with her clients. She believes in under-promising and over-delivering, ensuring she exceeds expectations while maintaining her integrity. For her, a personalized approach is essential; each client has unique needs, preferences, and communication styles, and it’s important to understand these elements to tailor interactions and effectively support them. Linda knows that clients want to be heard, and it is a lawyer’s duty to listen attentively, grasp their concerns, and fully understand their goals. She emphasizes that a lawyer
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can only provide sufficient support when aligned with the client’s position. Therefore, she ensures open, transparent communication throughout the process, offering regular updates and involving clients in decision-making to keep them informed and engaged. One of the most intricate and fulfilling contracts Linda worked on was during her time at Accenture. This involved a complex digital transformation project for a regional government payment system, a deal that had far-reaching implications for the country’s banking industry. The agreement involved several tiers, third-party subcontractors, and numerous stakeholders, making negotiations particularly challenging. Linda’s ability to navigate these negotiations and carefully consider the concerns of all parties was essential to the successful closure of the deal, which took months to complete. Witnessing the profound impact of the agreement on the market continues to be a source of immense pride for her. Empowering Leadership Linda approaches her work with a strong sense of organization and focus, prioritizing tasks based on deadlines, urgency, and importance. By setting aside dedicated blocks of time for specific tasks, she ensures steady progress without interruptions. Delegating tasks that don’t require her direct involvement allows Linda to concentrate on more complex, high-priority projects. She also maintains clear communication with clients, providing updates and addressing any potential delays. This transparency not only manages client expectations but also helps reduce stress, enabling her to effectively balance multiple clients and projects while delivering uncompromised service. Throughout her career, Linda has been fortunate to be surrounded by leaders who valued competency over gender. Her skills and contributions have earned her the respect and recognition necessary to advance into leadership roles. As a mentor to young female lawyers entering the industry, Linda works to dispel the misconception that gender can limit opportunities. She believes that thinking of gender as a boundary can stifle potential, whereas realizing that one’s only limitations are self-imposed can be incredibly empowering. From the outset of her career, she is focused on honing her legal skills to ensure that her expertise, not her gender, would define her success. This approach has
proven effective, as she has never felt restricted in her career due to her gender. Leading Legal Excellence, Innovation, and Inclusion At Richemont, inclusion, diversity, and equity are fundamental to Linda's mission and values. She views these principles as a mindset rather than just an initiative. She is committed to investing in her team to cultivate an environment of inclusion, where equal opportunities and fair treatment are central to all employment practices, whether temporary, part-time, or full-time, and to her approach towards clients and business partners. Linda recognizes that the legal profession is undergoing rapid transformation, particularly with the growing role of technology. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work and virtual services, reshaping the way legal services are delivered. The integration of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing areas like legal research, contract analysis, and predictive analytics. Linda believes that as AI continues to evolve, it will handle more routine legal tasks with increased efficiency, shaping the future of the legal profession. She is committed to staying informed, adapting to technological advancements, and ensuring that ethical practices and data privacy remain priorities as the legal landscape evolves. Linda’s long-term objectives focus on driving positive change, fostering a culture of excellence, and leaving a lasting legacy of integrity and innovation, both within Richemont and the legal industry at large. She aspires to advance the company's legal strategies, driving sustainable growth while ensuring compliance with global regulatory changes. By incorporating unconventional approaches and thinking creatively, Linda aims to set herself apart as a legal leader who makes a significant, lasting impact on Richemont and the broader legal community. She is dedicated to continuous learning, adapting, and personal growth, which will further establish her reputation as a forward-thinking legal professional. Additionally, she prioritizes building and nurturing internal relationships to encourage collaboration within the company.
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5
Essential
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Terms Everyone
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nderstanding the world of law can often feel overwhelming, especially with its complex language and intricate concepts. However, there are fundamental legal terms that everyone should be familiar with. These terms not only empower individuals to navigate legal situations more confidently but also help in making informed decisions. Here are five essential legal terms that everyone should know. 1. Contract At its core, a contract is a legally binding agreement that two or more parties enter. This agreement will detail each party's rights and obligations. Contracts may be created in a number of different ways, including written contracts and verbal agreements, though written contracts are generally enforceable in court. To have a valid contract, an offer, acceptance, consideration - something of value exchanged for something else of value - and mutual consent must be in place. Legal Definition of Consideration Consideration is a legal term that refers to the fact that both parties agree to give up something in exchange for something else. According to the American Bar Association, breaches of contract can lead to serious legal consequences, including damages that can be thousands or even millions of dollars. Therefore, anyone involved in business or personal transactions should have a basic understanding of contracts.
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2. Tort A tort refers to a wrongful act, causing injury to another person and creates legal liability. Unlike criminal cases that are actions against the state, tort actions derive their existence from disputes between private persons. Common examples of torts include negligence, defamation, and trespassing. Perhaps the most common form of tort is negligence, or failing to exercise that degree of care that would have been used by a reasonably prudent person in like circumstances. For example, if a driver is texting and causes an accident, the driver can be held liable for the injuries that occur due to the crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving accounts for a large percentage of road accidents, demonstrating the practical reality of negligence. Understanding tort law is important because it regulates many personal injury claims and civil disputes. 3. Liability Liability refers to the law obligation a person or company may have about their action or inactions, which cause damage or injury to another person. Liability is commonly involved in the application of tort and contract law. For instance, a firm is liable to injuries resulting from its premise if the safety measures taken were inadequate. There are various types of liabilities, such as strict liabilities, where a party can be held liable for damages due to no fault or intention. For instance, it is possible to hold a manufacturer strictly liable for its defective products that cause damage to a person, independent of whether the manufacturer was reckless in its design or its
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manufacturing process. Liability is highly relevant because it may sometimes lead to financial implications, in terms of compensation for some damages or legal fees to be paid. 4. Arbitration Arbitration refers to an alternative dispute resolution system where a neutral third-party facilitator, known as the arbitrator, renders judgments outside of the courts or courtroom. This can frequently be used as it becomes faster and less costly for parties to settle differences from traditional litigation. It requires parties to present evidence before presenting arguments to the chosen or engaged arbitrator, making that person render a judgment with some binding effect. The American Arbitration Association indicates that over 200,000 arbitration cases are filed yearly, showing its increased role in the legal scene. Companies often include arbitration clauses in contracts to avoid court battles that drag for ages and maintain confidentiality. Learning about arbitration can benefit any person who enters into contract agreement as it may present an efficient method of resolving disputes.
being represented during a fair trial and making a case for themselves. It is through due process substantive that protects a specific kind of rights that may have been subjected to governmental violation. To realize and determine the rights protected under it, it requires a fundamental understanding of what due process constitutes, allowing everybody an avenue to address any charges brought about or action against him/her. Conclusion Legal terminology may seem intimidating at first, but grasping these five essential terms—contract, tort, liability, arbitration, and due process—can provide invaluable knowledge for navigating various situations. Whether entering into an agreement, understanding rights and responsibilities, or resolving disputes, awareness of these concepts fosters better decision-making and promotes justice. By demystifying such jargon, people can step forward with more confidence toward the legal system so they can stand up for what is rightfully theirs and against any challenge that comes about. In a world of unexpected legal matters, becoming well-informed is an excellent step toward protecting oneself and, at the same time, understanding one's obligations.
5. Due Process Due process is one of the fundamental legal principles that ensures all individuals are given fair treatment through the judicial system. It is entrenched in the Constitution, which safeguards the individual from arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property. Due process consists of both procedural and substantive rights. Procedural due process is the steps that must be followed before depriving an individual of their rights. It means
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What Should
I Do If I Need Lega l Advice? S
ometimes, the whole process of getting a lawyer can be intimidating. Legal issues come in so many different shapes and sizes and knowing how to react when faced with a problem can make all the difference. If one has a personal matter, business issue, or any form of legal concern, then it is important to know where to look for help. Understanding Legal Advice It is, therefore, recognition of a need for professional advice from the law. There are a multitude of issues that can be brought into consideration, such as lease disputes, employment-based questions, family law issues dealing with divorce or child custody, and even cases based on personal injury. Almost every adult will have a minimum of one legal issue throughout his life, according to statistics. For instance, a survey concluded that about 20% of respondents have had a legal problem that they thought was serious.
and advise on complex laws, considering the specific situation. Selecting the Right Lawyer Once the need for legal advice is established, then comes the identification of what type of lawyer to consult. Law is a very broad area of specializations; each is addressing a different area of concern. Some of the most common types of lawyers include: •
•
•
• Legal professionals can provide insights into expert knowledge, and it is essential to understand this. They are trained and knowledgeable to interpret
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Family Lawyers: These professionals specialize in matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. Criminal Lawyers: If one faces criminal charges or needs defense against allegations, then a criminal lawyer is important. Personal Injury Lawyers: These are lawyers dealing with claims on compensation resulting from an individual injury caused by the negligence of another person. Business Lawyers: People operating businesses may look for the legal advisor's opinion in the contract, disputable issue, or on issues of compliance.
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Seeking the right specialization is of utmost significance as this alone will lead to getting appropriate and meaningful advice from him. How to Find a Qualified Lawyer Locate an experienced attorney. People find reliable professionals usually due to recommendations. One should first ask a friend, family member, or colleague if they know an attorney that they can recommend. Online resources also play a critical role in finding attorneys; many legal directories contain reviews and ratings of lawyers based on client experiences. Websites like Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell can help with such a search. Many bar associations also offer referral services. These organizations usually screen their members, which means that they are qualified and have the experience needed. Also, local bar associations usually have resources to help someone find the right attorney. Preparing a Consultation After finding a potential attorney, the next course of action would be to set up an appointment. Many attorneys offer free consultations. This allows a person to talk about their legal issue without cost. Preparing to see an attorney is important. Organizing important papers such as contracts, correspondence, or other documents relevant to the case will help facilitate a conversation. Questions can be asked during a consultation. Questions on experience with similar cases and how the lawyer would handle the situation and about the fee structure would make it more valuable. Knowing how the lawyer communicates and whether they are approachable themselves will show whether they are well-suited.
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Understanding Legal Fees
Preparation for the Legal Process
Legal fees are not fixed; they depend on the nature of the case, the lawyer's experience, and the region. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for certain services, while others bill by the hour. The fee structure needs to be understood before beginning the process to avoid unnecessary costs.
Once an attorney has been chosen, it is crucial to be informed about the procedure. Every case is unique, yet there are general principles which apply to all of them. Lawyers often guide their clients through parts of the action, such as submitting paperwork, attending hearing, and negotiating settlements. Organizing and remaining with an open communication with your lawyer is efficient.
Very often, attorneys will enter into a written agreement stating what services are to be rendered as well as a fee schedule. The savvy consumer of legal services would read that document carefully and question any points that he or she does not understand. Others still accept contingency fees, which may be in different amounts. Others will even accept payment plans. This is quite common in the cases of personal injury. In a contingency agreement, a percentage of the settlement goes to the lawyer if the case wins. It reduces the burden of having to pay immediately, for those who do not have such a facility. Seeking Legal Aid and Resources There are alternatives for people who are not capable of employing a lawyer. Legal aid organizations help lowincome individuals navigate legal problems. Many of the organizations practice areas include family law, housing, and similar matters. Requirements may vary, but most seek to help those falling within certain income brackets.
Collecting evidence and recordkeeping can do the rest to make the case a winning one. Whether it is noting events, photograph collection, or keeping correspondence, being proactive really makes the difference in building a very good base for the case. Conclusion Navigating a legal landscape can be intimidating but knowing exactly what to do when legal advice is called for can make the whole journey smoother. All of these need to be undertaken to resolve legal problems. Individuals must appreciate the value of seeking aid, getting a right lawyer, the implications on costs, and preparing for the process. It can allow people to walk into their legal issues with better confidence that will make them protected and also heard in relation to rights.
Another source is through community resources, such as local college law clinics, offering free or very cheap legal advice. These clinics have mostly law students who practice and are under the direct supervision of attorneys who are licensed to practice.
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