Vijayakumari Karunakaran, the Head of Legal at Gerab National Enterprise, is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in civil and criminal law. Inspired by her multicultural upbringing and influential female role models, she has honed her expertise in corporate law, international transactions, and department management. With a commitment to continuous learning and ethical integrity, Vijayakumari embodies inclusive leadership and is dedicated to inspiring positive change in the legal industry.

Responsible for safeguarding an organization's legal interests, the Head of Legal in a business plays a crucial role in ensuring legal compliance, managing risks, and providing strategic legal advice. As a seasoned professional, Vijayakumari Karunakaran, the Head of Legal at Gerab National Enterprise’s journey has been profoundly shaped by her multicultural upbringing and strong female role models. Vijayakumari Karunakaran attributes her leadership approach to a diverse upbringing and influential female role models.

Inspired by iconic Doordarshan newsreaders during her teenage years, she cultivated a passion for communication and storytelling. Despite initial limitations, she pursued broadcasting, becoming a radio presenter during Law college. Engaging with the community and interviewing prominent personalities enriched her understanding of leadership and effective communication. Vijayakumari's formative experiences shaped her into a leader characterized by inclusivity, effective communication, and a commitment to collaboration. Aspiring to be a top global woman leader in the UAE, she carries forward lessons of resilience, empathy, and innovation, aiming to inspire positive change and collective success. Let’s hear more from her.

What led you to foray into the field of law? Take us through your expansive professional journey that spans over 25 years.

Inspired by a courtroom scene in a Malayalam movie during adolescence, where a lawyer fiercely advocated for justice, I embarked on a legal career driven by an innate sense of integrity. Enrolling at the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa marked the beginning of a 25-year journey in civil and criminal law, mentored by Advocate Nelson Soares in Goa. For almost seven years, I dedicated myself to legal practice, achieving milestones and earning recognition.

Life took a turn with marriage and relocation to Dubai, leading to a hiatus for nurturing my newborn. Despite embracing motherhood, my passion for law endured. Returning to the legal field in Dubai, I adapted to a new legal system and cultural environment, integrating with local law firms and real estate companies.

A significant leap occurred in 2010 when joining Gerab Group, tasked with establishing the legal department. This endeavor, marked by zeal and vision, evolved into a key pillar of the Gerab group, demonstrating the team's hard work and strategic planning.

From the Courts of Goa to Dubai's corporate corridors, each step has shaped me into the legal professional  I am today. The challenges faced and milestones achieved not only honed my legal expertise but also deepened my understanding of law's transformative power for justice and societal change.

Tell us about the key areas of expertise that you have developed as a legal professional.

Transitioning into the corporate sector, particularly with Gerab Group, I specialized in corporate law, covering governance, compliance, contract negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property rights. Ensuring legal soundness and regulatory alignment, I protected the company from legal risks.

Working in Dubai's global hub expanded my expertise to international law and cross-border transactions, involving navigating diverse legal frameworks, facilitating international trade, and managing multinational contracts. Bridging legal and cultural gaps, I supported global business operations and executed international agreements with precision.

Leading Gerab Group's legal department, I developed expertise in department management, strategy, building competent legal teams, creating standard contracts, legal policies, and risk management. Transforming the legal department into a strategic asset, I provided top management with strategic legal advice.

My proficiency extends to compliance and regulatory affairs, ensuring adherence to laws, regulations, and ethical standards. Committed to continuous learning, I stay abreast of legal advancements, contributing to my career-long dedication to professional development.

Can you enumerate some of the major business lessons that you have learnt over the years in the legal industry?

Over the years in the legal industry, I've learned invaluable business lessons. Proactive legal planning stands out, emphasizing the critical role of anticipating and addressing potential legal issues early to save resources and protect reputation. Legal agility is another key lesson, stressing the need to adapt swiftly to evolving legal landscapes, stay updated, and embrace new legal technologies.

Effective negotiation skills are at the heart of successful legal and business outcomes, emphasizing understanding all parties' interests, leveraging legal knowledge strategically, and finding common ground for favorable terms. Recognizing the intersection of law and business objectives is crucial, requiring legal professionals to safeguard against risks while facilitating strategic goals.

Clear communication is essential, particularly in translating complex legal concepts for non-legal stakeholders, ensuring informed decision-making aligned with business objectives. Building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or external counsels, has been fundamental to success. Lastly, the lesson of upholding ethical integrity is paramount, emphasizing that in the legal profession, reputation and trust are the most valuable assets. Maintaining the highest ethical standards is essential for sustaining professional credibility and fostering a culture of integrity within the organization.

"Embrace Your Unique Strengths, Prioritize Self-Care For Sustained Leadership, & Cultivate Resilience In The Face Of Challenges"

How do you foresee the field of business and corporate law advisory evolving in the near future? Which industry trends will have the most impact on UAE’s legal advisory landscape?

The business and corporate law advisory landscape in the UAE is undergoing significant transformation fueled by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving business models. Key trends shaping this transformation include the integration of legal tech, such as AI-powered contract analysis and blockchain, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. The UAE's focus on data protection and cybersecurity laws will require legal advisors to deepen their expertise in cyber law. Additionally, the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations will drive demand for legal advisory services in sustainability and green contracts. The UAE's role as a hub for international business will increase the need for legal professionals well-versed in cross-border transactions and international arbitration. Corporate restructuring and bankruptcy laws, influenced by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, demand legal advisors skilled in navigating complex processes. Intellectual property protection and innovation will be crucial in the UAE's pursuit of a knowledge-based economy. To thrive in this evolving landscape, legal professionals must stay updated, embrace new technologies, and specialize in emerging areas of law, providing strategic and forward-thinking advice.

Message for aspiring women leaders/ entrepreneurs:

Aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs, believe in your vision as your guiding compass, inspiring meaning ful change. Embrace your unique strengths, prioritize self-care for sustained leadership, and cultivate resilience in the face of challenges. Champion diversity, lead with integrity and compassion, and remember your journey is about making a difference. Courage, passion, and determination will drive your success.