Hesham Elrafei

Personal Bio

Job Title: Legal counsel ADJD

Areas of Expertise:

Hesham Elrafei is a distinguished lawmaker, solicitor, and legal educator based in Abu Dhabi. He currently holds the position of Legal Adviser to the Secretary of Justice in the Abu Dhabi Government. Specializing in UAE laws, Hesham provides invaluable counsel on a multitude of legal matters, including the drafting of legislation, policy formulation, and judicial reform initiatives within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

In addition to his advisory role, Hesham is a lecturer at the Judicial Academy in Abu Dhabi, where he imparts legal education to practicing lawyers, junior judges, and notaries, enhancing their professional competencies and understanding of the law.

Hesham is also the founder of Lex Animata, an innovative legal education platform featured at www.lexanimata.com. Through this channel, he educates audiences via YouTube animations that break down complex issues in international law and arbitration. Another of his ventures, www.lawgraf.com, serves as an exceptional resource in the legal field.

Internationally, Hesham has had extensive experience, having previously worked in prestigious law firms in London and Dublin. He also served in-house roles at global giants such as Google Ireland, Microsoft Ireland, and Thomson Reuters London.

He holds Masters degrees in International Commercial Law from Nottingham Trent University and Griffith College Dublin. Further bolstering his credentials, he is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating Terrorist Financing (CTR) Specialist, accredited by the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS).

With a diverse skill set, rich academic background, and multiple certifications, Hesham Elrafei is a highly respected figure in the legal community, committed to elevating the legal standards in Abu Dhabi and beyond.