Sabreen Fawzy Flefil: Africa’s Legal Millennial
“There is another possibility for our efforts to be crowned with victory instead of defeat, as long as we have decided that we will not die before we try to live.” — Sabreen Fawzy Flefil
Sabreen Fawzy Flefil is a bilingual legal associate, legal researcher, and early-career professional based in Egypt. With a unique academic foundation, she graduated top of her French department at Alexandria University’s Faculty of Law, where her interest in bridging the gap between legal education and real-world practice began to take shape. She holds dual diplomas in Private and Public Law (Master 1 and Master 2) from Alexandria University. Throughout her academic path, she combined legal studies with active participation in student simulations and leadership roles, where she developed strong skills in negotiation, legal research, and public speaking.
Today, Sabreen practices with El Wakeel Law Firm, where she works on cross-border matters between Egypt and Qatar. Her role involves drafting and reviewing bilingual contracts, preparing legal memos and case strategies, and assisting in dispute resolution matters, particularly in the areas of commercial law, civil, labour, litigation, arbitration, and corporate advisory. She also mentors junior associates in the firm, demonstrating her commitment to fostering growth within her team.
1. Driving Force for the Legal Profession
“There is another possibility for our efforts to be crowned with victory instead of defeat, as long as we have decided that we will not die before we try to live.” This powerful conviction has guided Sabreen through every challenge, serving as both a compass and catalyst in her journey into Law. Her path was illuminated by multiple beacons of inspiration, including Dr. Samira Moussa – Egypt’s pioneering nuclear scientist – whose intellectual courage first ignited Sabreen’s passion for academic excellence.
Sabreen’s academic journey is marked by deliberate and passionate choices. Despite excelling in science during her high school years, she made a conscious decision to pursue law through the French-language department at Alexandria University. It was a bold step, reflecting her characteristic embrace of challenge and her desire not just to study law, but to master it within a foreign legal language. Her approach to legal education went far beyond memorisation; she immersed herself in deep research, debate, and continuous self-study, ultimately graduating as valedictorian of her department.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How They Can Be Cultivated
Sabreen believes that a truly exceptional lawyer is not just someone who knows the law, but one who understands its deeper purpose and cultivates the ability to ask the right questions. She believes that alongside integrity, persistence, discipline, and the capacity for lifelong learning, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness are key to becoming a great lawyer. Sabreen encourages aspiring lawyers to build a strong foundation both academically and personally while taking part in student activities to sharpen soft skills.
Sabreen advocates for interdisciplinary learning, pro bono work, and online legal education as powerful tools for self-development. She believes that becoming exceptional is not about having the perfect résumé, but about being curious, consistent, and courageous — embracing the learning process, navigating uncertainty with integrity, and showing up fully for every opportunity. She encourages young legal professionals not to fear rejection but to see each experience as a learning opportunity that brings them closer to their purpose.
3. Next Groundbreaking Project or Initiative and Possible Impacts
After graduation, Sabreen did not know where to begin. Yes, she had graduated with honours, and yes, she had a strong record of extracurricular and volunteer work. But still, none of that gave her clarity on what the next step should be. Like many top graduates, she found herself in limbo — waiting for potential appointments in academia or the judiciary. Both paths are prestigious, yet slow-moving with no guaranteed outcome. And while waiting, few fresh graduates receive meaningful direction. There was no clear roadmap, and many were left feeling lost.
Applying to prominent law firms often felt like sending words into the void. No response, no feedback, just silence. And that silence was crushing. It makes even the most prepared candidates question their readiness, even when they have done everything “right.” Eventually, Sabreen managed to take her first steps into legal practice. She was eager to learn and ready to prove herself – but the reality she faced was nothing like what she had prepared for in law school. “I felt like I was expected to just ‘know’ things no one ever taught us at university. I often recall how to write a proper legal memo, how to prepare for a hearing, or even how to manage a client meeting without sounding unsure”, she says.
That stark gap between academic theory and actual legal practice became the seed for her upcoming initiative. It did not come from a textbook; it was out of frustration, the confusion, pressure, and loneliness she experienced when she first stepped into the legal field. Sabreen sees the initiative as a natural extension of her purpose: to create a multi-dimensional platform that addresses the growing gap between legal education and practice. Her goal is to empower others, especially young lawyers like herself and law students, especially those in underrepresented areas — with the confidence and competence they need to thrive.
The initiative will launch as an interactive training and mentorship programme combining practical workshops, case-based learning, and access to experienced mentors. The programme targets final-year law students and fresh graduates, equipping them with both technical proficiency and essential soft skills needed. It will cover: “Legal documents writing, Strategic court preparation, bridging theory and practice, Client and office communication skills. This isn’t just a workshop, it’s the guide I wish I had when I started”, she said. Looking ahead, Sabreen envisions expanding the programme through academic modules in partnership with Egyptian universities. Her long-term goals include establishing a permanent ADR simulation lab and launching a bilingual boutique consultancy that offers tailored ADR support to SMEs and start-ups engaging in international trade.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books
Sabreen’s legal and personal journey has been deeply influenced by a mix of intellectual icons and personal reflections rooted in both local and global narratives. Her earliest spark came from a biography she read during preparatory school — the life story of Dr. Samira Moussa, Egypt’s pioneering nuclear scientist. It was the first book Sabreen ever read, and it opened her eyes to what was possible for a woman with knowledge, vision, and a sense of national purpose. Dr. Moussa’s commitment to science and society planted the seed of Sabreen’s academic ambition and shaped her deep respect for education as a tool of empowerment.
In her second year of law school, she was introduced to the writings of Dr. Abd El-Razzak El-Sanhouri, and it changed everything. It was not just law anymore — it became philosophy, ethics, and structure. His writings were the first to make her want to go deeper, not just to study but to truly understand. Sanhouri wrote: “Lawyering is an art before it is a profession… A true lawyer is not merely one who knows the law, for many may memorize statutes without ever grasping their spirit. What distinguishes genuine advocacy is the ability to study the facts with the same precision and depth as the law itself, and to discern how those facts are reflected within legal provisions. At its heart, advocacy is the craft of argument, the discipline of reasoning, the pursuit of truth through evidence, and the elegance of persuasion.”
Later, she discovered “Qissat Hayah ‘Adiyah” (The Story of an Ordinary Life) by Dr. Yehia El-Gamal, one of Egypt’s most respected constitutional scholars, which resonated with Sabreen not only for its legal depth but for its humility. Through his honest and reflective storytelling, she saw how quiet persistence, discipline, ethical integrity, unwavering dedication, and the courage to stand for what is right can lead to lasting legal impact. His words continue to echo in her professional mindset as a young lawyer.
Internationally, two books helped Sabreen reframe her view of potential and identity: “Becoming” by Michelle Obama, and “Life without Limits” by Nick Vujicic. The first reminded her that identity is not fixed — it evolves with every decision, every failure, and every moment of courage. The book helped her reflect on her own story: a young woman committed to defying limitations, building herself piece by piece, and creating a path for others in the process. The second reminded her that human potential is not defined by physical limits, background, or fear — limits often exist only in our perception — and that faith, determination, and action can transform perceived obstacles into tools for growth and redraw the boundaries of what is possible. Together, these books and thinkers formed Sabreen’s intellectual foundation. They shaped Sabreen’s understanding of strength — as something deeply internal, consciously cultivated, and inseparable from service to others. They remind her that the most powerful kind of influence begins within.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals
For Sabreen, true success in the legal profession is not only about achievement but about purpose. It lies in one’s ability to uplift others along the way. She believes that sharing knowledge and experience is one of the purest forms of gratitude. When one teaches others, they do not just pass on information, they empower, uplift, and extend their impact beyond themselves. For Sabreen, this is the essence of leadership: creating value that multiplies.
Sabreen cautions young legal professionals against seeing others as competitors. Instead, she advocates for a mindset of abundance, rooted in faith that each person’s path is uniquely designed by God. She holds firm to the belief that the best way to preserve and increase one’s blessings is by using them to serve others. The knowledge you share today can help someone grow in their career, build confidence, or discover a path they never imagined — and its impact can ripple through generations. She draws inspiration from the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others,” and from Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s wisdom on humility in both learning and teaching.
As a young lawyer, she knows the internal battles well — the doubt, the fear, and the pressure. She knows that young professionals do not just need idealism — they need practical clarity. From her own experience, she offers grounded, honest advice:
- Rejection is not personal — it is part of the journey, it is a signal, not a verdict. Every interview is a learning opportunity, and confidence grows with experience. Every “no” is part of the journey. It brings you closer to the right “yes.”
- Interviews are not exams — not performances. Do not recite your CV. Tell your story — the parts that are not printed. What you learned when you fell, not just when you succeeded.
- Avoid generic answers. Speak with intention. Let your responses reflect self-awareness, not memorisation.
- Be prepared, be thoughtful, and walk into every room with the mindset of someone who is adding value — not just seeking approval. Ask questions. Observe. Let your presence say, “I’m here to contribute, not just to take.”
- Keep an open mind. Valuable experience can come from many places — not just big names.
- Do not limit your vision. Explore different firms, internships, and opportunities. Growth often comes from the unexpected.
- Try online legal simulations. Platforms like Forage offer practical exposure, especially when internships are scarce.
- Do not fear not knowing — fear not growing.
- Be committed to lifelong learning, be open to feedback, and seek mentorship.
- Know that the strongest candidates are not always the most polished — they are the most honest. Those who understand who they are and where they want to go tend to leave lasting impressions.
For Sabreen, finding your place in law is not about chasing titles. It is about building a voice — one rooted in integrity, humility, value created, growth sustained, and a desire to make things better. She believes that personal development is the most strategic investment one can make — an investment in becoming a stronger, more capable version of yourself. In her eyes, this journey is not a one-time effort, but a lifelong commitment to becoming more. Because you are not just building a career. You are building a life worth living.
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Editorial Credits for this article
The Millennial Editors at The PALM:
- Silver Obioha – Managing Editor
- Dikeledi Matlhagare – Deputy Managing Editor
- Aya Hamdy, Princess Maake – Associate Editors
- Jemilat Akerele, Vera Enubianozor, Oluwabusayo Awodele, Gift Nwoke, Jessica Odoh, Tracy Karumba, Mary-Jones Ossi, Halimah Oladunni, Mary Linus, Jessica Omoruyi – Assistant Editors
