HBKU Class of 2023: Mohamed Wafeek Ghozayel, College of Law

Why did you choose Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and this particular degree program?

My decision to enroll at HBKU was influenced by both my personal interests and future career goals. While I already have extensive knowledge of compliance and regulatory affairs, I was nevertheless determined to acquire a deeper understanding of particular legal fields. To this end, the College of Law’s Juris Doctor (JD) program is unmatched in its breadth, depth, and specialization.

It provided me with an exceptional opportunity to become familiar with the common law system in countries like the United States and United Kingdom, the civil law system predominantly adopted in Europe, as well as the Qatari legal system, which has common law, civil law, and Shariah dimensions.

How has your time at HBKU influenced your future plans?

Along with technological advancement, environmental challenges, and the evolution of the global economic order, new legal disciplines have emerged and new legal disputes have arisen. Additionally, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) techniques like mediation and arbitration are becoming more popular as a means of resolving disputes outside of court. Besides traditional lawyers and legal experts, the demand for specialized and chartered arbitrators, as well as mediators to address these flows increases. 

On the one hand, my JD degree will enable me to remain a competitive asset for large businesses and legal firms operating in these rapidly expanding and ever-changing business markets, where demand for legal specialists is significantly higher. On the other hand, it will offer an outstanding chance to specialize in one or more of the innovative areas of law required by emerging industries facing legal and regulatory issues.

What was the highlight of your time at HBKU?

As a law student, the highlight of my time at HBKU was the diverse and vast knowledge I acquired from the classes I attended throughout the JD program. Law is an exciting field of study to pursue, whether it's torts, contracts, criminal law, constitutional law, intellectual property, international law, business law, commercial law, administrative law, or global economic law. I enjoyed learning legal principles and studying legal systems from a comparative perspective. 

As a member of the HBKU community, I was fortunate to serve as the Director of Career Affairs for the Law Society at the HBKU Law School. I also actively participated in the 28th Vis Moot organized by the Association for the Organization and Promotion of the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in 2021. HBKU Law gave me ample opportunities both in and out of the classroom to expand my knowledge and develop key professional relationships.