Leadership

Our executive team is backed by a dedicated group of seasoned lawyers and consultants, providing comprehensive support across multiple jurisdictions.

The partners leading the firm.

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Sohair Saber

Partner - Policy

ssaber@waselandwasel.com

I am a strategist and diplomat operating at the convergence of international law and global governance. As a Partner in the Policy practice at Wasel & Wasel, I bring over three decades of experience advising sovereign states, Fortune 500 corporations, and international organizations. My work focuses on navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, mitigating political risk, and architecting regulatory frameworks for emerging industries.

Beyond my legal advisory role, I serve as the President of The Hague Institute for Global Justice. In this capacity, I have led the revitalization of a premier international think tank, directing its focus toward action-driven solutions for conflict prevention and rule of law. My dual role allows me to bridge the often-separate worlds of commercial arbitration and high-level public policy, ensuring that my clients’ objectives are supported by robust, forward-looking strategies.

The Story Behind My Career

My career began with a fundamental realization: the most challenging disputes are rarely just about the law; they are about the friction between evolving commerce and outdated governance. I started as a businesswoman and investor, quickly learning that sustainable success requires stability and clear rules of engagement. This drove me toward international law and eventually to the presidency of The Hague Institute. I saw an opportunity to not just study the rules, but to rewrite them.

My Professional Journey

For over twenty years, I have worked across North America, the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia, advising on issues ranging from infrastructure development to cross-border government affairs. My journey has been defined by “institutional turnarounds”; taking organizations or initiatives that have stalled and injecting them with new vision and viability. This path led me to spearhead global initiatives that align private sector innovation with public sector security.

My Background and Values

I am driven by a philosophy of “innovation, resilience, and diplomacy.” As a businesswoman who navigated the complexities of global trade before entering the policy arena, I value practical, tangible results over theoretical debate. I believe that justice and commerce are not opposing forces; rather, fair commercial frameworks are the bedrock of lasting peace. My philanthropic work and leadership roles are dedicated to fostering inclusive governance that allows emerging economies and diverse voices to participate in the global future.

My Unique Methodology

My approach is “bottom-up governance.” Traditional treaties take decades to negotiate and are often obsolete by the time they are signed. I advocate for industry-led norms that are flexible, inclusive, and rapidly adoptable. This is the methodology behind “The Washington Compact,” where we convened industry leaders to agree on standards for commercial space operations, creating a functional rule of law that moves at the speed of innovation, rather than the speed of bureaucracy.

My Perspective on Industry Trends

The most critical trend today is the fragmentation of international norms. As global powers retreat into protectionism, multinational entities face a patchwork of conflicting regulations. I see a shift away from universal, top-down treaties toward “minilateral” agreements and coalition-based standards. For my clients, this means that regulatory compliance is no longer a checklist – it is an active diplomatic campaign.

The Philosophy Guiding My Work

I believe in “Permissive Governance.” Rules should not be barriers; they should be guardrails that give innovators the confidence to proceed. My work is guided by the conviction that clarity creates investment. By establishing clear, fair, and agreed-upon norms, we unlock capital and human potential.

How I Solve Complex Problems

I act as a translator between distinct worlds. I speak the language of the CEO who needs ROI and the language of the Diplomat who needs stability. When a client faces a regulatory blockade or a geopolitical crisis, I don’t just look for a legal loophole; I build a coalition. I identify aligned interests across governments, industry peers, and international bodies to construct a solution that creates value for all stakeholders.

How I Deliver Measurable Results

I define results by “operational freedom.” For my corporate clients, success is the ability to operate in a new market or domain without fear of arbitrary regulatory shutdown. For my government clients, success is the attraction of foreign direct investment through the creation of stable legal environments. We measure this through signed accords, ratified treaties, resolved arbitrations, and the successful launch of cross-border ventures.

The Value I Bring to Organizations

I provide Access and Architecture. Access to a high-level network of decision-makers across the UN, NATO, and sovereign governments; and Architecture for the legal and policy frameworks that will govern your industry’s future. I help organizations transition from being “rule-takers” to “rule-makers.”

How I Can Support Your Goals

If you are navigating a market defined by regulatory uncertainty, whether in emerging terrestrial markets or the new space economy, I can help you build the “diplomatic infrastructure” you need. I will work with you to anticipate policy shifts, engage stakeholders, and draft the internal and external policies that secure your license to operate.

My thoughts on the future of the field.

My insights

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