Leaders

In the UAE, the role of women in legal leadership has seen significant growth, particularly as more women are stepping into senior positions. This shift has created greater opportunities for women to assume prominent roles in both private practice and in-house legal departments. Lorraine Beglar, Legal & Operations Director at Microlights Lighting is a prime example of this progression. Lorraine began her legal career in the mid-1990s in private practice in London, initially focusing on the property sector. 

In 2004, she transitioned in-house with a multinational telecoms company, diversifying her skills into the commercial and telecom sectors. In 2008, Lorraine moved to the UAE, where she continued to leverage her expertise in commercial, TMT, and corporate law, working with both small and large companies. Lorraine holds an English Law degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Law. Her career is a testament to the increasing acceptance and success of women in senior legal roles. Let’s hear more from Lorraine.

Could you share the key areas of expertise you have developed as a legal professional over the years?

Reporting directly to a CEO or Board of Directors and leading a legal department presents numerous challenges.

It requires providing clear and concise legal advice to senior management while possessing the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, together with the ability to apply the law to commercial situations. Balancing the role of protecting the business with the need for financial success is key, often advising the CEO and senior managers on high-risk decisions.

My expertise spans commercial, corporate, real estate, and TMT sectors. I excel in contract negotiation, securing the best outcome for my clients, and offering commercially viable legal counsel in rapidly changing environments. These strengths have been fundamental to my success in the legal field.

Could you tell us about Microlights? What are the key roles and responsibilities you handle as the Legal & Operations Director at the company?

Microlights started its journey in the West Country of England in 1984. Today, Microlights Lighting is an independent company that designs, manufactures and supplies high-quality lighting solutions for commercial, retail, hospitality, residential, and institutional sectors.

As the Legal & Operations Director and owner, my role is diverse and changes daily. While managing the legal and operational aspects are crucial, I also work closely with the managing director and team to ensure that we make the right commercial business decisions. My extensive legal and commercial experience in the UK and UAE enable me to balance protecting the business to ensure its growth and success.

In your view, what are some of the key challenges you face as in-house legal counsel at Microlights, and what steps do you take to overcome them?

As a standalone entity, Microlights faces many challenges, ensuring that we hire the right people, staying on top of the competition, and ensuring we continue to retain and develop our customer base. From a legal standpoint, the protection of the business is paramount, so it is imperative that we have the right legal policies, HR policies, processes, procedures, and that we properly document commercial transactions, adopting best practices at every level. 

Client satisfaction, especially through our excellent after-care and attention to detail remains our priority. My previous legal and commercial experience has fostered a 'can do' attitude, but I recognize the importance of teamwork in overcoming business challenges. The success of Microlights is a result of collaborating with a dedicated team, and surrounding myself with like-minded individuals, which is key to achieving our goals and addressing roadblocks in an effective manner.

Can you highlight the most significant milestones of your professional journey? What is your 'success mantra' as a business leader?

Starting in the specialized legal property sector in London, I expanded my career across various industries, eventually gaining the strength and courage to run my own business. My success mantra is embracing the challenges that arise and giving them your all. I believe in the philosophy of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained’, although I understand that this approach may not suit everyone. Learning to overcome challenges has been crucial to my growth as both a lawyer and a business leader.

How do you envision the future evolution of the corporate law landscape in the UAE?

The UAE's legal landscape is shaped by legislation and regulations aimed at positioning the country as a major business hub for international investors. To support this, the UAE has updated its legal framework, including the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree Law No. (32) of 2021) with sector-specific regulations in banking, insurance, and telecommunications. To maintain its growth and align with best practices in corporate governance, continuous legal reforms are necessary to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and protect investor rights.

To stay aligned with evolving trends, I attend legal seminars and keep up-to-date with legal reforms.

Lorraine Beglar, Owner And Legal & Operations Director, Microlights Lighting

Lorraine Beglar is the Legal & Operations Director and owner of Microlights Lighting. With extensive experience in the UK and UAE, Lorraine has excelled in diverse legal and commercial sectors, driving business growth while ensuring legal compliance and best practices.