Maha Sharshara

DESIGNATION CHRONOLOGY:
• Oct 2013 - Dec 2015: Secretary to the Board of Directors / Advisor
• Oct 2013 - Dec 2015: Legal Manager / Legal Advisor

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AS SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS / ADVISOR:
Legal Consultancy to the Board:
• Functioned as the Board’s reliable assistant and extended necessary legal support and advise that was customized for distinctive business scenarios.
• Acquired in-depth understanding about the requirements for the Memorandum and Articles of Association and ascertained that the same was drafted in compliance with the Commercial Companies Law.
• Promoted complete adherence with the governing Memorandum and Articles of Association by creating enterprise-wide awareness.
• Conducted periodic review of the Articles of Association as per the Board’s directions, researched by-laws from time-to-time and ensured that the draft adequately covered all necessary points.
Board Secretariat Operations:
• Planned and regulated end-to-end functions of the board secretariat, including the completion of tasks as assigned by specific board members.
• Handled accountability towards the smooth scheduling, organization and execution of board meetings, board sub-committee meeting, AGMs and EGMs.
• Developed and published meeting agendas in collaboration with the Chairman and other management level employees, to include all critical points.
• Managed all circulation and distribution activities, during and after meetings, to update all attendees about the agenda discussed in the meeting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AS LEGAL MANAGER / LEGAL ADVISOR:
• Provided leadership and direction to legal department, while maintaining coordination with other banking departments to ensure streamlined process flow.
• Represented the bank during contract negotiations for material procurement, real estate leasing / purchase, labor recruitment, customer transaction finalization etc.
• Focused on evaluating and minimizing legal risks faced by the bank, its employees and fixed assets, in collaboration with the senior management team.
• Administered the implementation of company law, created necessary awareness among employees to comply with prescribed operational guidelines.
• Lead and managed various legal matters including litigation and settlements, by representing the bank before courts, tribunals and arbitrators, in coordination with the appointed external lawyer.
• Involved in the formulation of templates, checklists and standardized legal frameworks, in order to avoid legal complications in future.
• Functioned as an Advisory Member of the Committee of Credit Facilities, and provided necessary inputs for its appropriate functioning.
• Worked as an integral part of the Asset and Liability Management Committee of the Bank, and contributed towards legal protection of the bank’s interests.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Instrumental role in structuring and establishing the bank’s legal department, appointment of legal staff, development of legal database and archive.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Involved in the negotiation, drafting, review and finalization of long-term contracts with service providers, bank’s employees and key client accounts.
• Identified potential legal risks faced by the bank, evaluated best possible solutions to overcome them and ensured that the bank and its assets are well protected.
• Handled end-to-end implementation and administration of guidelines prescribed in the company law and create relevant awareness amongst all team members.
• Functioned as the bank’s authorized legal representative during hearings before courts, tribunals and arbitrary bodies, on a routine basis.
• Coordinated with the external lawyers appointed by the bank for research, negotiation and settlement of the bank’s litigations.
• Prepared checklists and robust legal frameworks within the bank, educated various departments regarding legal constraints to avoid unnecessary legal complications.
• Rendered necessary legal consultancy to the administrative departments of various branches of the bank, with regard to the bank’s routine operations.
• Ensured that the bank receives high real estate mortgage for the real guarantee by negotiating deals that are in the bank’s best interests.
• Attended management meetings, worked as the legal advisor for the bank and provided in-depth insights regarding legal happenings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Represented the Legal Affairs Section and handled complete accountability in dealing with the bank’s legal matters.
• Managed all transactions related to the bank’s equity shares, including issuance of certificates, trading contracts, dividend cheques, etc.
• Functioned as a Legal Officer in the bank’s Anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing division and conducted investigations of doubtful transactions.
• Strategized, formulated and implemented legal procedures during the general assembly and board meetings held in the bank.
• Established coordination with various legal advisors and lawyers working for the bank and discussed matters relating to litigations, banking transactions and compliance with law.
• Monitored all correspondences with the Central Bank, cultivated healthy relations, and responded to letters / emails on a routine basis.
• Conducted ongoing research regarding new legislations issued by legal authorities, and ensured their implementation in an appropriate manner.
PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENTS:
• Jul 2003 - Aug 2005: Lawyer, Hazim’s Law Firm, Syria