Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, she expertly navigates complex legal landscapes spanning Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa.

Armed with a DEA in International Law from Panthéon Sorbonne Paris I and an Executive PhD in Business Administration from Paris Dauphine University PSL, specializing in organizational risk and legal risk management, Nisrine seamlessly bridges rigorous academic insight with real-world business acumen.

In her current role, Nisrine spearheads risk management and compliance strategies for FUJIFILM’s Middle East and Africa operations, earning acclaim for her visionary leadership, resilience under pressure, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Known as the “steering wheel” in every project, she drives teams to deliver superior quality outcomes while fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and professional integrity.

Her track record includes leading multi-million-dollar negotiations, cultivating cutting-edge compliance training programs, and mentoring legal professionals to become champions of corporate governance. Nisrine's influence extends beyond the boardroom through participation in the alternative dispute resolution forums in the International Chamber of Commerce and distinguished recognition on the Legal 500 GC Power List for three consecutive years now.

Nisrine continues to set exacting standards of legal excellence, consistently transforming challenges into opportunities with a direct, honest, and professionally poised approach

Why did you decide to pursue a career in law?

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

From a young age, I was inspired by my father’s career as a lawyer and dreamed of following in his footsteps. As a teenager, I explored other passions—particularly music, which has always been close to my heart—and even considered pursuing a creative path during my brief “rebellious” phase. However, growing up amidst the harsh realities of civil war in Lebanon deeply shaped my perspective. Witnessing the profound impact of injustice and conflict, I realised that my true calling was to defend fairness, justice, and transparency. When it came time to choose my path, law wasn’t just a career choice—it was a way to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Looking back on your career, what are the key moments that have helped or hindered you in getting to where you are?

“Life is what happens to you while making other plans”. - Allen Saunders

Reflecting on my career journey, there have been numerous defining moments, both empowering and challenging, which have shaped who I am today. 

What stands out to me most clearly is that, throughout every high and low, I have always held strong to the fundamental “why” behind my career choice. From the very beginning, I was driven by a deep passion for the legal profession and a commitment to making a meaningful impact through my work. This unwavering purpose has been my north star, giving me the resilience and focus to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape.

Of course, like any career, mine has been shaped by both opportunities and obstacles. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that success in law is about far more than qualifications, diplomas, or long expertise. Yes, those are necessary foundations, but what truly sets you apart and enables you to grow is how you conduct yourself in moments of uncertainty and tension.

I’ve come to understand that clarity of thought in the face of confusion and the ability to remain objectively kind amid conflict are invaluable skills. Over time, these qualities allowed me to become a trusted figure whom colleagues turn to when negotiations reach an impasse or when finding the right way forward feels difficult.

I have been fortunate to receive guidance from outstanding mentors and supportive colleagues whose wisdom and encouragement helped me to develop both personally and professionally. Their belief in me reinforced my confidence and helped me break through barriers that can sometimes seem more daunting for women in law.

Perhaps the most profound challenge I’ve faced, however, has not been in the courtroom or negotiation room but in balancing the demands of a legal career with deeply personal trials. Between 2016 and 2019, my twin boys faced significant health battles; while one was already fighting a serious eating disorder, the other was diagnosed with stage two cancer. I was also doing my PhD and working full-time at the same time. Managing my responsibilities as a mother during that time, while maintaining the presence of mind and focus required by my profession and academic research, tested me immensely. Without the unwavering support of exceptional colleagues, friends, and family, I would not have been able to continue and overcome this difficult period. This experience redefined for me the importance of compassionate work environments and the vital role that support networks play in helping women succeed in demanding careers.

Through all these experiences, I’ve come to appreciate that a legal career, especially for women, does not follow a simple upward trajectory. There are highs and lows, moments of exhilaration and moments of doubt. But viewing one’s career as part of a broader life journey, where priorities shift and evolve rather than remain fixed, makes all the difference. It’s essential to adjust when needed, to carve out time for self-care and family, and to lean on those who provide a solid foundation of trust and support.

Ultimately, I believe the foundation of sustained success is an unshakeable connection to your purpose, combined with integrity, resilience, and kindness. When you keep sight of what fuels you, you can embrace the inevitable autumns in your career as times for renewal, reflection, and revitalisation, creating space for new ideas, insights, and energy to emerge. 

For women in law, this perspective is empowering because it acknowledges the whole person rather than just the lawyer. It allows us to create careers that are both successful and sustainable and teaches us to be proud at every stage of the journey.

How do you maintain your voice and influence at the executive table, especially when you may be the only woman in the room?

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear". – Rumi

It’s definitely a challenge, but one I approach with intention and confidence. 

For me, it starts with really listening and paying close attention to the dynamics, priorities, and unspoken considerations at the table before I speak. That way, when I do share my legal perspective, it’s focused, relevant, and more likely to resonate with the group.

Understanding the bigger picture and the purpose behind the business's goals is also essential. My goal is to align legal advice with the company’s strategic objectives, all while ensuring transparency and ethical standards are front and centre. That makes my role feel less like just offering legal counsel and more like partnering in the decision-making process.

How I communicate is just as important as what I say. Especially as the only woman in a room full of executives, I’ve learned to be clear and assertive. It’s about striking the right tone so that my contributions are not only heard but genuinely valued.

Preparation plays a massive role, too. I make sure I’m well-informed, armed with facts and insights that back up my recommendations. That credibility gives me confidence and helps others trust and seek out my input.

When you combine all of this listening, purpose-driven insight, clear communication, and strong preparation, you build influence that goes beyond just being “the legal person” in the room.  It creates a space where your voice adds real value, helping to navigate complex situations and driving better outcomes. That’s how I’ve maintained my influence and helped shape pivotal decisions throughout my career.

Have you ever felt pressure to “lead like a man”? How has your leadership style evolved to feel more authentically you? 

“She remembered who she was, and the game changed.” -Lalah Delia

Honestly, I’ve never seen leadership through a gendered lens for myself. The quote here really encapsulates for me the shift I’ve experienced.

I have always believed that every human being fighting to make this world a better place, be it a woman or a man, is a role model to me. I believe leadership, regardless of gender, is demonstrated in every action, every decision, and every interaction. 

Of course, some people around me have expected me to lead in a certain way, especially by showing less understanding in certain situations or by not attending to some personal life obligations; often, that unfortunately meant “leading like a man.”  Yet, being empathetic while staying professional and prioritising life over work is an approach that should be adopted regardless of gender. It is a timeless career-life approach. Kindness, professionalism, and integrity are the drivers that guide my leadership style. 

Over time, I’ve learned that it’s not about trying to fit into someone else’s mold and expectations but to remain faithful to your convictions. It’s about embracing my own strengths and vulnerabilities and allowing them to guide me through my growth as well as my challenges. Yes, there’s a lot of pressure out there, especially with social media making performance and image so visible and faking perfection, almost to the point of distraction. But staying authentic, focusing on real growth and connection, has been key for me to evolve my leadership style into something I am proud to own.

What do you hope your legacy will be as a lawyer, a leader, and a woman?

“Legacy is not leaving something for people. It’s leaving something in people.” - Peter Strople

I love this powerful reminder about what legacy should be, especially when they say, no one will remember everything you did, but everyone will remember how you made them feel!

With more than 25 years in law, much of my career has been spent negotiating in rooms filled with men, often within very traditional cultures. It’s been a journey that demanded not only legal expertise but courage, resilience, and a steadfast belief in my voice, even when it wasn’t the easiest voice to be heard.

When I think about my legacy as a lawyer, I hope to be remembered as more than just someone who solved complex problems. I want to be known as that steady presence, the “steering wheel” as some colleagues call me. I like to be remembered for being the person who brought clarity and a constructive voice to challenging situations, balancing strength with empathy.

As a leader, my hope is to be remembered as someone who opened doors for others, supporting their paths with genuine encouragement and timely guidance. Leadership isn’t just about position; it’s about nurturing others to claim their space and confidence in often intimidating environments.

And as a woman, my legacy means even more. I want to be remembered for earning my place through perseverance, integrity, and respect for others. Raising a family amid demanding professional challenges made the journey even more complex, yet it forged in me a deep appreciation for balance, empathy, and determination. 

My story shows that it’s possible to make your voice resonate constructively and authentically, no matter the odds or the traditions that might stand in your way. Ultimately, I want to leave something lasting beyond the cases I’ve worked on or the teams I’ve led, but in the confidence, resilience, and courage I’ve inspired in others to step up, be heard and make a difference.

If you could sit down with your 25-year-old self over coffee, what advice would you give her about navigating the legal world and thriving in it?

“Inside of a ring or out, ain’t nothing wrong with going down. It’s staying down that’s wrong.” - Muhammad Ali

When it comes to navigating and thriving in the legal world, here’s the advice I would give her:

1. Never be intimidated by challenges or people. Trust your intuition, as no one understands your resilience and skills better than you do. 
2. Be grateful for every experience, especially the setbacks. It’s through learning from failures that you find opportunities for growth. Embrace every stumble as a chance to rise stronger.
3. Surround yourself with good mentors. They will inspire you and guide your journey. When dealing with difficult personalities, remember they only command the space you let them occupy.
4. Understand what you don’t want as clearly as what you do want. Learning to say no is crucial in shaping your path.
5. Stay faithful to your convictions. Your principles and behaviors set the boundaries and tone for how others engage with you.
6. Never stop learning. Keep your curiosity alive and continually build your skills; they give life meaning and keep monotony at bay.
7. Above all, let gratitude be your guiding star. Don’t waste time questioning why things are happening in a certain way. As long as you keep moving forward, even small steps will eventually lead to monumental changes. Trust your future self just as much as you trust the person you were, because your present self is always evolving.