KorumLegal Consultant: Kahina Bouagache shares her path into NewLaw and a global perspective on modern legal services..

This month, our KorumLegal Consultant is Kahina Bouagache, a General Counsel with extensive expertise across business and corporate law. She brings deep experience advising on a wide range of commercial agreements and has held senior roles as a manager, corporate attorney, and senior legal counsel for international US and EU firms, as well as companies investing across multiple markets, including the MENA region.

Kahina has significant experience advising clients and foreign investors and regularly coaches and trains employees and managers on FCPA, OFAC, AML, GDPR, and other corporate and compliance matters. She also has strong knowledge of national and international banking systems, financial regulations, customs and labour laws, and commercial law.

1. Hi Kahina Can you tell us a little about the work you have currently been doing? 

I am a business-oriented corporate and commercial lawyer with a strong passion for contracts, negotiations, and helping businesses grow and succeed. I am also deeply committed to advancing women in leadership.

My work focuses on helping women claim and maintain their space, build influence, and exercise their rights effectively. I strongly believe in the power of equality to unlock a company’s full potential, drive performance, and generate sustainable revenue.

2. What made you take the leap into working in NewLaw for ALSPs? And why is it a good fit for you?

I transitioned into working with NewLaw and ALSPs a few years ago because they represent innovative and flexible approaches to the legal industry - something I have always been eager to introduce into my profession.

The ability to manage work across different time zones - having breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Rome, and dinner in New York - while remaining closely connected to clients and responsive to their needs perfectly aligns with how I like to work. This transition felt like a natural fit, allowing me to deliver value through adaptable, forward-thinking legal solutions in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

3. What's the most rewarding assignment you've ever had and why?

A. Successful Negotiation of an 11-Figure Contract
One of the most rewarding assignments of my career was negotiating an 11-figure contract for a client facing a particularly difficult counterparty. I had repeatedly insisted on being involved in the negotiations, despite resistance from the other party, who was reluctant to work with a lawyer and openly preferred not to have a woman at the table.

After considerable persistence, my client agreed. While the first 30 minutes of the negotiation were challenging, the remainder proceeded smoothly, and we successfully closed the deal. A few days later, the counterparty contacted me, hoping to recruit me as their legal counsel. I politely declined, but it was an incredibly gratifying moment and a powerful affirmation of my approach and perseverance.

B. Designing a Women’s Leadership Program
Another deeply rewarding project involved designing a women’s leadership program for a large corporation. A few weeks after the program’s launch, the regional director contacted me to share the positive impact it was already having.

He explained that even junior women were stepping out of their comfort zones and becoming more confident and engaged in discussions, meetings, and email correspondence. Knowing that the program empowered women to assert themselves and develop leadership confidence was extremely fulfilling.

4. As an experienced NewLaw/ALSP consultant, where do you see NewLaw/ALSPs fitting into the matrix of the legal sector and how have you seen it evolve?

NewLaw and ALSPs have become key players in the legal sector by offering more flexible, agile, and cost-effective solutions for clients. They have enabled organisations to access high-quality legal support while adapting quickly to changing business needs.

I see them continuing to evolve through deeper integration of technology and innovative delivery models, ensuring they remain well-positioned to meet the fast-growing and increasingly complex demands of the corporate world.

5. What trends do you expect to see in the legal services industry in the next 5 years?

I expect to see even more innovation and transformation in legal services over the next five years. In particular, technology-driven solutions, increased diversity, and the continued rise of alternative legal service providers will reshape how legal services are delivered.

These developments will make legal support more accessible, more data-driven, and easier for businesses to understand and engage with, while challenging traditional service models to evolve.

6. What's your favourite tune and why?  

I tend to always select songs that resonate emotionally or evoke deep feelings, such as “Respect” by Aretha Franklin