In the bustling United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives and allures global business leaders, the legal aspects coexist with unique challenges; particularly for expatriate entrepreneurs. In a country known for its welcoming stance towards business, Kanmani Karanchery’s, mission is to address the legal issues faced by expatriates in establishing and navigating businesses, thus transforming obstacles into stepping stones. This article by Women Entrepreneur Magazine illuminates her extraordinary story.

Hailing from Kerala, India, Kanmani's journey is a testament to her passion to learn and unwavering commitment to overcome challenges. After moving to Dubai in 2010 following her marriage, her life took an unexpected turn as she navigated new responsibilities, including the arrival of her baby.

Despite the initial uncertainty and unfamiliarity with the legal industry in the UAE, Kanmani's perseverance led her to explore opportunities. Starting as an IELTS invigilator, she continued her quest to find her place in the legal world. Balancing her responsibilities as a mother while pursuing her passion, determination and dedication knew no bounds.

In 2015, she joined Bin Eid Advocates, where she immersed herself in federal litigation cases and the intricacies of the UAE's civil law legal system. Through diligence and hard work, she honed her skills, eventually becoming a registered legal consultant in Dubai, a notable achievement in her career. In 2022, Kanmani established her legal consultancy firm, Enrule Legal Consultancy with vision to make legal aspects simple for expatriate entrepreneurs.

Introduce Enrule Legal Consultancy and explain the underlying idea behind the venture.

After living in this global hub for over 13 years and working in the legal field for nearly a decade, I realized the diverse needs of expatriates and businesses in this multi-cultural environment. With numerous nationalities and companies coming together, litigation may not always be the most practical solution; because it sometimes results in travel bans after filing a litigation case. Understanding the complexities of expatriate life and the challenges of pursuing legal cases in a transient business environment, I envisioned a different approach.

Enrule Legal Consultancy was born out of the idea to focus on mediation and negotiation and easy settlement of disputes. My aim is to resolve disputes through negotiation and alternative dispute resolution methods rather than prolonged court battles. By providing easy and fast resolutions, I strive to ensure a hassle-free experience for expatriates, allowing them to focus on their businesses while I take care of the legal complexities.

What do you consider the most critical challenges you have encountered as a legal professional in the current business landscape?

One of the foremost difficulties is effectively conveying the uniqueness of each case to clients. Often, clients compare their situation to others, assuming similar outcomes. It's crucial to help them understand that each case is distinct, with varying complexities and loopholes. Clearing this misconception is a persistent challenge. Additionally, operating as a Legal Consultancy presents licensing restrictions. To broaden our services, we may need multiple licenses across various zones or opt for a mainland license. Navigating these authority licensing issues is another hurdle I face in the market. Nevertheless, overcoming these challenges allows me to offer reliable and efficient legal solutions, providing clients with the expertise needed to thrive in the UAE's dynamic business landscape.

How do you align with the ever-evolving world of law and other industries?

As the business landscape continuously evolves, staying updated with industry trends is crucial for every entrepreneur and business leader. To align with the ever- changing world of law and other industries, I make it a priority to attend seminars, webinars, and legal events regularly. By doing so, I gain valuable insights into global trends and developments. Additionally, I am registered with authorized government channels and subscribe to newsletters, which keep me informed about the latest updates in the legal domain and beyond. Leveraging publications, LinkedIn events, and seminars, I ensure that I remain well-informed and equipped to navigate the dynamic challenges of today's business world.

Can you share some of the biggest professional milestones you have achieved over the years?

I feel truly grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my career. Two of the most significant milestones I have achieved are the opening of my consultancy and obtaining my legal consultant registration. These moments hold a special place in my heart as they allowed me to contribute to the legal community and serve my clients better. Additionally, I have been humbled by the chance to spread legal awareness through various seminars.

What advice would you like to give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?

To all aspiring women in the industry, my advice is to stand up and come forward to claim your position. There is always room for you, and you don't have to doubt your abilities. Stepping out of your comfort zone might seem daunting, but it's where you'll find the strength to handle any pressure that comes your way. As a lawyer, I realized that having the ability to understand and give legal advice was enough to take the leap. So, don't hesitate to open your own business when have something to offer. Embrace your uniqueness, and you'll experience a truly rewarding and empowering journey.

Kanmani Karanchery, Legal Head, Enrule Legal Consultancy

Punctuality and perfectionism are synonymous with Kanmani’s work ethic, driving her vigorous pursuit of excellence in the legal profession. She secured the top position in BA Functional English and earned the prestigious second rank in LLB.