Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Languages
Websites
Legal research tools & IT skills
Certifications & Courses
Interests
Timeline
Generic
Maha Jüstel

Maha Jüstel

Cairo

Summary

German-qualified lawyer with solid experience in international business law, particularly in corporate law, commercial contracts, and dispute resolution. Extensive practice in advising companies on market entry, structuring cross-border transactions, and handling complex arbitration and insurance matters. Combines analytical thinking and legal precision with strong ownership, communication skills, and intercultural competence. Solution-oriented, confident in negotiations, and experienced in working with international clients, public authorities, and stakeholders.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Head of Legal

German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Egypt)
Cairo
03.2021 - 03.2025
  • Accompanied approximately 15 German companies in entering Egyptian market, successfully executing over 10 company formations.
  • Developed and reviewed all incorporation documents, coordinating with Egyptian authorities for compliance.
  • Provided comprehensive legal advice on commercial, labor, and import law, ensuring sound contractual arrangements.
  • Mediated around 8 business disputes outside court, achieving amicable resolutions in over 70% of cases.
  • Drafted and evaluated cross-border contracts in sales, product development, and outsourcing sectors.
  • Supported management and departments in contract projects, including leasing, events, and training law.
  • Organized shareholders' meetings, managed commercial register filings, and maintained corporate documentation for compliance.
  • Implemented GDPR as data protection officer by creating processing activity registers and conducting risk assessments.

Counsel

Shahid Law Firm
Cairo
09.2016 - 02.2021
  • Provided legal counsel and representation in complex international commercial disputes, preparing and conducting over 10 international arbitration cases under DIFC-LCIA, UNCITRAL, and CRCICA rules.
  • Drafted legal documents, including Statements of Claim and Defense, coordinating procedural preparations with team members.
  • Participated in oral hearings to advocate for client interests during arbitration proceedings.
  • Facilitated selection of arbitrators, contributing to strategic negotiation tactics.
  • Focused on construction law disputes based on FIDIC contracts, addressing breach and claim issues.
  • Handled disputes arising from hotel management agreements, particularly regarding terminations and performance failures.
  • Advised clients from reinsurance sector on complex industrial and infrastructure projects regarding contractual risk assessment and coverage evaluations.
  • Independently assisted in corporate formations and organized shareholder meetings within corporate practice.

Associate

Rechtsanwälte Steeger
Berlin
12.2012 - 09.2013
  • Advised landlords, property owners, and homeowners' associations on rental and condominium law matters.
  • Successfully represented clients in district courts regarding defect rights, operating costs, and ownership disputes.
  • Drafted and reviewed lease agreements and resolutions to minimize risks and enhance enforceability.
  • Effectively asserted and defended claims under the Condominium Ownership Act.

Independent Attorney

Berlin
Berlin
01.2012 - 11.2012
  • Represented individuals in civil law matters during court proceedings and settlement negotiations.
  • Developed effective strategies for dispute resolution to benefit clients.

Freelance Attorney

Baumgarten Brandt Rechtsanwälte
Berlin
04.2011 - 12.2011
  • Resolved copyright disputes in filesharing and digital content sectors.
  • Drafted cease-and-desist letters and negotiated settlement agreements.
  • Developed legal arguments for mass litigation cases.

Education

Specialist Course in Corporate and Tax Law -

SWA Academy
Berlin

Second State Examination (Bar Qualification) -

Higher Regional Court of Berlin
Berlin

Postgraduate Studies: International & Comparative Law -

The American University in Cairo
Cairo

First State Examination in Law -

Humboldt-Universität of Berlin
Berlin

Skills

  • Contract law
  • Corporate law
  • Insurance and liability law
  • Data protection law
  • Arbitration law
  • FIDIC contracts and construction law

Certification

Admitted to the Berlin Bar (Germany)

Affiliations

„Egypt Chapter“ in Energy Disputes, GTDT (2018); co-authored with Girgis Abd-El Shahid and Cesar R. Ternieden

Languages

German
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
French
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Arabic
Intermediate (B1)
B1

Websites

Legal research tools & IT skills

  • MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • NetSuite
  • Westlaw, LexisNexis, HeinOnline, Kluwer Arbitration / Kluwer Law Online

Certifications & Courses

  • Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills (University of Michigan, 2025) - Online course on negotiation tactics, interest-based negotiation, and strategic communication in the business law context
  • Online Course in Option Trading (2024)
  • Online Course in Stock Trading (2022)

Interests

Enthusiasm for international financial markets, particularly U.S. stock and options trading; I keep my knowledge up to date daily through economic and finance podcasts  and continuously deepen my understanding of market mechanisms and trading strategies.

Timeline

Head of Legal

German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Egypt)
03.2021 - 03.2025

Counsel

Shahid Law Firm
09.2016 - 02.2021

Associate

Rechtsanwälte Steeger
12.2012 - 09.2013

Independent Attorney

Berlin
01.2012 - 11.2012

Freelance Attorney

Baumgarten Brandt Rechtsanwälte
04.2011 - 12.2011

Specialist Course in Corporate and Tax Law -

SWA Academy

Second State Examination (Bar Qualification) -

Higher Regional Court of Berlin

Postgraduate Studies: International & Comparative Law -

The American University in Cairo

First State Examination in Law -

Humboldt-Universität of Berlin
Maha Jüstel