Farouq Al Hefnawi

Experience & Activities

Farouq Al Hefnawi, is a senior legal consultant of QaF Legal with over 40 years of unparalleled expertise in the legal domain, Farouq Al Hefnawi stands as a distinguished Expert General Counsel. A seasoned professional with an extensive international and regional exposure, Farouq has carved his niche as a “Group General Counsel,” providing strategic legal consultancy to executive management officials. His remarkable journey includes leadership roles in prominent multinational organizations, reinforcing his status as a thought leader in IPRs, Software, and IT Law within the Middle East region.

Career Highlights:

• Advanced Computer Technology (ACT): Serving as the General Counsel since 2015, Farouq leads the legal endeavors of ACT, a leading IT system integration and service provider in Egypt.
• Huawei Technologies Co, LTD – Dubai: As the Legal Director from 2011 to June 2015, Farouq managed Huawei Technologies Middle East legal team, entrusted with safeguarding Huawei’s proprietary rights in the Middle East and Africa.
• International Turnkey Systems Group (ITS) – Kuwait: Farouq’s tenure as the “Group Director, Legal” from 1993 to May 2011 saw him leading the global legal team, offering sound legal advice, and protecting the company’s proprietary rights globally.
• Ministry of State of Municipality – Kuwait: Between 1986 and 1993, Farouq served as the “Legal Counsel of the Minister,” gaining extensive experience in government affairs at the highest level of authority.
• Council of the State – Egypt: Farouq’s career began as a Judge in the Council of the State from 1971 to 1986, providing legal consultancy to the government and contributing to the values of justice and integrity.

Educational Credentials:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Cairo University (1970)
• Master’s Degree in Law from Cairo University (1976)
• Extensive orientation course on the US Legal System from Georgetown University, Washington DC (1994)

Languages:

Fluent in Arabic and English, basic knowledge of French.

Professional Memberships:

• ITECH Law (Information Technology Law Association)
• Society for Computer and Law (British Society for legal studies related to IT)

Areas of Expertise:

• Intellectual Property Rights
• Software and IT Contracts
• Contract Negotiations
• Building and Managing Legal Teams
• Legal Risk Assessment and Management
• Author, Educator, and Lecturer

Achievements:

• Global Experience: With a career spanning over three decades, Mr. Alhefnawi has held key roles internationally, including as the legal director in Huawei Middle East and Group Director for an international IT organization, International Turnkey Systems.
• Published Author: A pioneer in software and IT law, Mr. Alhefnawi has authored several comprehensive books blending research and practical tools in Software & IT contracting.
• Speaker and Advisor: Recognized as a trusted advisor at the board level, he has provided expertise to CEOs, Board members, Ministers, and parliamentary members. A sought-after speaker, he has presented at prestigious forums globally.

Upcoming Publication:

• Comprehensive Encyclopedia: Currently working on his latest book, Mr. Alhefnawi aims to provide a comprehensive encyclopedia for practitioners in the field of Software & IT contracting.

Farouq Al Hefnawi’s extensive career history, combined with his dedication to legal excellence, positions him as a valuable asset in the dynamic field of IT law and contracts. His role as an author, educator, and trusted advisor at board levels underscores his commitment to advancing legal understanding and contributing to the growth of QAF Legal.