Dr Roshanak Bassiri Gharb is a Partner based in our Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices. Today, she is sharing her story.
“I am an international M&A lawyer based between Abu Dhabi and Dubai (and the world...I travel quite a lot!), usually somewhere between a closing call and a boarding gate. My work cuts across every sector - healthcare, energy, tech, logistics, industrial and manufacturing, infrastructure, you name it - although I am quite well known for my obsession with W&I and insurance sector M&A regional, cross-border and global.
I became a lawyer because I genuinely believe in fairness and justice and have never been shy to speak up, for myself or defend others — and, truth be told, growing up in a family full of strong personalities, I learned to argue my case early! Over time, I fell in love with the boardroom side of law — how deals shape economies, industries, and even future and relationships between countries.
If I had to sum up what it takes to survive (and enjoy) M&A: strategy, curiosity, EQ (yes to emotional intelligence and intuition... no to ego, that can be left at home), and tons of patience. I live on adrenaline and love a good challenge and high pace.
Outside of work, I am all about art, music, theatre, stand-up comedy, movies, and gatherings with friends. I like nice, funny, straightforward people — and luckily married one, Francesco, the best part of the apple.
At the end of the day, I believe consistency and integrity matter most — in deals, in friendships, and in life (ideally with good humor and decent pizza). My mottos are: Never stop searching for purpose, follow your dreams, and always support nice people as they make the world a better place.”
