About Us
Vanguard Legal & Strategy Group FZ LLE (VLSG) is a modern, boutique law firm in the heart of the UAE and the broader Middle East.
We combine over 22 years of regional expertise with cutting-edge legal and strategic services to propel entrepreneurs, investors, and private clients forward.
Our focus is clear: simple, powerful legal strategies that drive growth and protect your interests.
We’re your strategic advantage in corporate structuring, commercial transactions, IP, finance and wealth management.
With VLSG, gain the confidence to navigate complex legal landscapes and capitalize on opportunities in the MENA region.
Experience efficiency, accessibility, and personalization with Vanguard.
Let’s achieve remarkable results together.
Meet Kamal K. Jabbar
Legal should protect value and speed decisions.
I cut through cross-border complexity so leaders can move decisively—entering the UAE, optimising operations, raising, deploying or protecting capital, buying or selling a company, or planning succession.
As an England & Wales–qualified barrister with 22+ years experience in the MENA region, I focus on structures and contracts that hold under scrutiny, board-level governance that prevents drift, and transactions that clear lender and regulator review the first time.
I’m Founder & Managing Partner at Vanguard Legal & Strategy Group and a Partner at KLME Law LLP.
I’m the bestselling author of UAE Business Essentials, a practical field guide operators use for straight answers.
Earlier, I served as Head of Legal at Standard Chartered (Pakistan) and as Regional Senior Legal Counsel for Africa, Middle East, and Pakistan from the DIFC—experience that keeps deals calm, predictable, and on schedule.
If you want legal advice and advocacy that accelerates decisions while protecting your position, let’s talk.
Notable Transactions
Structured Ground-breaking Deals : Successfully advised on a $3.5 billion syndicated financing for a major international lender to a major national bank —setting a record as one of the largest transactions of its kind in the Middle East.
Strategic Counsel and Board Member : As General Counsel and a member of the board, provided strategic legal and governance counsel to a family office on investments, divestitures, and ownership structuring of assets, refining investment strategies and fortifying asset security.
Global Expansion Advisor : Paved the way for a logistics company’s global expansion across four continents, facilitating new projects and partnerships, and enabling entry into uncharted territories and markets.
Private Client Counselor : Delivered bespoke legal advice to high-net-worth clients on offshore structures, international asset acquisition, disposal, banking arrangements, and succession planning, optimizing asset value and ensuring legal security.
Facilitator of High-Stakes Financing : Rendered strategic advice to a leading lender on a multi-currency, $200m revolving facility to one of Saudi Arabia’s premier conglomerates, enhancing financial flexibility and business resilience.
Legal Architect for Financial Products : For Standard Chartered Bank (DIFC), meticulously finalized financial product documentation and custody services arrangements with top-tier investors and intermediaries in the region, streamlining financial operations and compliance.
Settlement Negotiator : Successfully negotiated a pivotal settlement for minority shareholders in a leading GCC trading company, safeguarding shareholder rights and interests.
Tech Business Consultant : Empowered a boutique technology company to incorporate, structured its business operations, and secured lucrative contracts with international counterparts, fostering business growth and international collaboration.
SME & Startup Adviser : Advised a spectrum of entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs in the UAE on business formation, investments, governance, and expansion, fostering innovation and business growth.
Film & Media : Served as the Sole Legal Adviser to two international, award-winning feature films, ensuring legal integrity and compliance in the creative process.
Our Team
Kamal K. Jabbar
Founder & Managing Director
Alizeh Haider
Partner
Ali Niazi
Associate
Brinda Shroff
Associate
Mubariz Siddiqui
Of Counsel
Abbas O. Leghari
Senior Associate
Client Success Stories
Zahid Abbas
★★★★★
I had an outstanding experience with Mr. Kamal Jabbar . From the first consultation, the team was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and responsive. They took the time to understand my case in detail and offered clear, honest advice every step of the way. Their understanding of UAE laws and legal procedures is impressive, and they handled my matter with great care and efficiency. Communication was seamless, and I always felt supported and informed throughout the process. Highly recommended to anyone in need of reliable and trustworthy legal representation in Dubai. Thank you to the entire team!
Mikaeel Habib
★★★★★
I had an excellent experience collaborating with Kamal and his team on a complex cross-border case. He is well-informed about the various jurisdictions within the UAE. His strategic approach and attention to detail were key in successfully resolving my case. I would highly recommend him.
Colin Beaton
★★★★★
Really appreciated the professionalism and legal insight, clear and understandable guidance, responsive and communicated well. Highly recommended.
Simone The Coach
★★★★★
Kamal provided first class legal support through a very challenging time I experienced as an entrepreneur. His knowledge of the UAE law, expert guidance, quality service standards and highly professional manner equipped me to make informed decisions to navigate the complexity of the situation. My only regret is that I did not onboard his services earlier. I highly recommend his services.
Yolla Hassanieh
★★★★★
Highly recommend Kamal Jabbar for any business in need of legal services. Kamal offers more than just legal advice; he provides valuable insights into business models and HR processes with a unique blend of legal and business expertise. His foresight and strategic solutions are exceptional, making him an invaluable all-in-one consultation resource.
Faiza Murtaza
★★★★★
I recently had the pleasure of working with Kamal K. Jabbar on division of inheritance. My experience was exceptional. From our initial consultation to the resolution of my case, Kamal demonstrated unparalleled expertise, professionalism, and guided me on each step. Communication was and response was always clear and rapid. I would definitely engage him in future for the rest of the legal matters.
Asad Raza Khan
★★★★★
Kamal provided invaluable legal guidance to me during a complex situation. His expertise, attention to detail, and professionalism exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend him for any legal needs.
Samira Adamjee
★★★★★
Kamal provided me with solid and detailed information regarding structuring my own business. He provided me with the pros and cons of different business set up’s, giving an unbiased view. He has a clear and structured mindset and conducts himself in a professional and approachable manner. I left the discussion much more enlightened.
Faisal Fazli
★★★★★
I’ve sought legal advice from Kamal and am incredibly impressed. He is able to distill complex legal matters into clear, understandable terms. He approached the matter with a balanced perspective, delineating both sides of the issue and offering invaluable guidance. I’d wholeheartedly recommend him for any matter; if the matter is outside his personal expertise, I’m sure he’d guide you to the right expert.
Mahgul Jawed
★★★★★
I would like to thank Kamal for his special assistance in my settlement case last year. Just want to express my appreciation for his most professional representation.
Seher Aziz
★★★★★
Working with Kamal was an absolute pleasure. I was amazed by the dedication and personalised care that he displayed working with me. Kamal brings with him extensive knowledge, skill and the utmost degree professionalism. He was able to understand my specific situation and requirements, both professionally as well as personally, guiding me every step of the way. I highly recommend working with Kamal. He is truly a world class professional in every sense of the word.
Azam Jalal Khan
★★★★★
Probably, one of the most knowledgeable Legal consultant that I have come across. Kamal has a strong grip on understanding laws of several different countries and will point out details that usually get skipped. Read his book on UAE Business Essentials for an idea on how to start and manage a business in UAE. Please check him out if you need legal consultants. Azam
SB
★★★★★
Kamal is an exceptional lawyer with the uncanny ability to unravel the complexity that accompanies most legal agreements. His solid understanding of the legal framework of the UAE and sound legal expertise has helped me to navigate several contracts with business vendors and service partners. Absolutely recommend Kamal for trustworthy and hassle-free legal support!
Guest User
★★★★★
Kamal is an exceptional lawyer with the uncanny ability to unravel the complexity that accompanies most legal agreements. His solid understanding of the legal framework of the UAE and sound legal expertise has helped me to navigate several contracts with business vendors and service partners. Absolutely recommend Kamal for trustworthy and hassle-free legal support!
