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
BerlinSecond State Examination (Bar Qualification) -
Higher Regional Court of Berlin
BerlinPostgraduate Studies: International & Comparative Law -
The American University in Cairo
CairoFirst State Examination in Law -
Humboldt-Universität of Berlin
BerlinSkills
- 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
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