Samy’s story: When curiosity and adaptability result in real world impact

Growing up in Egypt, Samy was surrounded by law. But despite coming from a family of lawyers and judges, his initial ambition was to become a diplomat. Instead, curiosity about different legal systems and international affairs led him towards arbitration, taking him from Cairo to Paris and Dubai before ultimately bringing him to ICC’s Abu Dhabi office in 2024. 

“Litigation is really something I’ve witnessed my whole life, first through my mum, who has been practising for 40 years, my late father who was President of the Criminal Circuit of the Giza Court of Appeal, and my brother who is legal counsel at the IMF in Washington, D.C. It really runs in the blood,” he says.  

After completing a dual degree in French and Egyptian law, followed by a master’s degree in Common Law and Comparative Law in Paris, Samy began his career through internships in France and later in private practice in Dubai. It was there that he discovered the field’s unique appeal. 

“While practicing arbitration, I couldn’t help but notice that it is a field that requires an understanding of not only the law but also politics, trade and business.” he says. “One field of law can capture all of this. This is really intellectually stimulating, it was definitely what I wanted to do.” 

When Samy joined ICC in 2024, he saw it as an opportunity to add a new dimension to his legal training through institutional experience.  

“So far, it has proven to be a good decision that I’m proud of,” he told us. Keeping complex cases on track”  

As Deputy Counsel, Samy helps manage arbitration proceedings from ICC’s Abu Dhabi office, supporting users and arbitrators throughout the process. 

For Samy, effective arbitration plays an important role in helping businesses operate with confidence. 

“ICC Arbitration truly offers predictability. You can do business knowing that if anything goes wrong, you’re going to fall back on a system that is solid and a system that’s been in place for over 100 years.” 

His role has taught him the importance of organisation.  

“I’m twice as organised as I was before, simply because there’s no other alternative. You’re managing a significant caseload and you have to keep track of everything that’s happening.” 

But for Samy, the most rewarding aspect is finding purpose and having a real impact.  

“You are overseeing every single aspect of the case such as the financial aspects and the appointment of arbitrators. But my favourite part about this job is making myself available to address queries from arbitrators and counsel. What I really love about what I do is when I get to assist new arbitrators in managing a dispute efficiently and issuing an enforceable award.” 

A culture of collaboration 

When asked what skills matter most in his role, Samy ‘s answer is immediate: organisation and communication. 

“A team managing more than 100 active cases requires strong coordination, clear communication and an ability to work collaboratively,” he says. 

 But what stands out most at ICC for Samy is the people. 

“Everyone here is willing to help because we’re all working towards the same objective. That is what allows new joiners to succeed. It gives them the environment that allows them to succeed.” 

That supportive culture has played an important role in his journey at ICC. 

And when asked to describe working at ICC in a few words, he settles on: “intellectual growth.” 

A genuine passion 

Outside work, Samy is involved with organisations supporting underprivileged children in Egypt. He is also learning Italian and enjoys clay shooting. 

And although he laughs about it, arbitration is never entirely far from his mind. 

“To me, it’s not a 9 to 5. It’s really a job that I enjoy. If I’ve been on top of a case and then an award is issued, even if I’m not expected to, or I have no substantive input to add, I’m still going to read it. It’s like a story. I want to know the ending.”