Women leaders in Egypt have long been making strides across various sectors, breaking barriers and proving that leadership and success are not defined by gender. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift as more women rise to prominent roles in business, law, and politics, with their contributions helping shape the nation’s evolving landscape. One such leader is Rasha El Sakka, Partner, Marghany Advocates, whose professional journey has been marked by a series of pivotal milestones that have defined her as a trailblazer in corporate law.

Rasha’s career began with a strong academic foundation, starting with an LLB from Ain Shams University's School of Law, English Department, followed by an International Arbitration Diploma from Cairo University’s Faculty of Law, which opened the door to specialized knowledge in international law. She furthered her expertise with an LLM from the prestigious Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University, where she deepened her understanding of global legal systems and developed a comprehensive, cross-cultural perspective, which are skills that have been instrumental in her corporate legal practice.

Rasha’s journey includes becoming the youngest partner at a law firm, an achievement that taught her invaluable leadership lessons, such as managing complex client matters while growing her team. Later, she ventured into entrepreneurship by founding her own law firm, which further honed her strategic vision and business acumen. The most recent milestone in her career came in January 2024, when her firm merged with Marghany Advocates, providing her with broader professional horizons and a larger platform to serve her clients. Rasha continues to thrive as a proactive, strategic, and client-focused corporate lawyer, always striving for growth and excellence. Let’s read on.

Take us through the formative years of your life. What were some key early influences in life that shaped you as an individual?

My mother has been a profound role model in my life. As a university teaching assistant, she exemplified dedication and resilience, qualities that deeply influenced me. I had the privilege of accompanying her during her academic journey, observing her meticulous preparation for work and her unwavering commitment to pursuing her master’s and PhD degrees. During my LLM, my law professor, Frank Emmert, significantly influenced my academic and professional growth, inspiring me to think critically and pursue higher standards in legal practice. I developed a deeper understanding of international commercial law, broadening my perspective and refining my ability to handle cross-border legal matters.

“My vision is for marghany advocates to continue thriving as a leader in the legal field, creating a lasting legacy of excellence and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry”

Tell us about Marghany Advocates and the key roles and responsibilities you hold as a Partner at the firm.

Marghany Advocates is a medium-sized, full-service firm specializing in business law. Despite its size, my role as a Partner is multifaceted, resembling that of a sole owner. I take on a wide range of responsibilities, including management, client development, and business growth. Additionally, I am actively involved in rainmaking, training, and overseeing various operational aspects of the firm. This hands-on approach allows me to contribute to every aspect of the firm’s success while ensuring a high standard of service and expertise.

The journey of a business leader is filled with challenges. Could you share some of the major obstacles you face in your current role and how you navigate them?

As a business leader, I face several challenges, including managing client expectations while delivering high-quality legal services under tight deadlines. To address this, I prioritize clear communication, realistic timelines, and effective task management. Another challenge is maintaining a cohesive and motivated team in a demanding environment, which I manage by fostering a collaborative culture, offering regular feedback, and supporting professional growth. Navigating regulatory complexities and staying updated on legal and market changes is also critical, and I do this through continuous learning. Overall, I view challenges as opportunities to grow and strengthen both my leadership and the firm's operations.

What do you consider your biggest professional achievements, and what is your leadership success mantra?

Building a strong reputation has been a core focus of my career. My success mantra is straightforward, which is "Give your best, and let the results speak for themselves". This philosophy has guided my approach to both professional challenges and personal growth, leading to consistent achievements and recognition.

How do you envision the future of corporate law in Egypt, and how do you adapt to the evolving industry trends?

Egypt, despite its rich history, remains a young country both demographically and politically. The nation is still experimenting with different approaches, and while progress is being made, the ideal formula has not yet been fully defined. The process of trial and error continues as we work towards finding a sustainable and effective model.

Looking back on 2024, what were some valuable business lessons you gained, and what is your vision for the future as a business leader in 2025?

Reflecting on 2024, a year marked by the successful merger of my firm with Marghany Advocates, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. The merger has opened exciting opportunities to collaborate in a larger, more dynamic environment while maintaining our commitment to client excellence. One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing market. Navigating regulatory shifts and evolving client expectations has reinforced the need for flexibility.

Looking ahead to 2025, my focus is on strengthening our market position through innovation, expanding our services, and enhancing the client experience. I also aim to support my colleagues’ growth and foster a collaborative firm culture. Personally, I plan to pursue an additional law degree to deepen my expertise. My vision is for Marghany Advocates to continue thriving as a leader in the legal field, creating a lasting legacy of excellence and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry.

Rasha El Sakka, Partner, Marghany Advocates

Rasha El Sakka is a Partner at Marghany Advocates, specializing in corporate law. With extensive experience in legal practice, she has led her firm through a successful merger, driving growth and innovation. Rasha is committed to continuous learning, leadership development, and fostering a collaborative, clientfocused firm culture.