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LEADERS

Rasha Laswi: Visionary Leader Driving Legal Reform & Business Growth In Jordan

Rasha Laswi: Visionary Leader Driving Legal Reform & Business Growth In Jordan

Rasha Laswi
Managing Director

In a nation where legal landscape has to align with global transformations while navigating domestic nuances, a new wave of visionary leaders has emerged in the legal field, to move Jordan’s needle towards a brighter future. One such transformative leader is Rasha Laswi, Managing Director at Andersen in Jordan. A sharp business strategist and a fierce advocate of reform & accessibility, Rasha is a one-of-a-kind leader in Jordan’s legal landscape.

Since her early years at Ahliyyah School for Girls, one of Jordan’s premier education institutes, Rasha has been driven by powerful influences and a passion for justice & language. Her interest in law was shaped by inspiring role models and a demanding education that sharpened her Arabic and English abilities.

Rasha currently co-leads Andersen’s office in Jordan and is also responsible for the Levant region including Lebanon and Palestine. She also sits on global committees that help shape her company's approach to integration and culture. Her impact is widespread, as Rasha worked on various projects with international organizations such as the World Bank and IFC for promoting legal reforms and support positive changes at the policy level.

Rasha is also actively involved with a variety of organizations that supports sports, youth programs, and sustainability. Her work combines strong legal expertise with a sincere passion for creating positive change.

We live in a fast-changing world. We don't have the luxury of slowing down or making missteps. It's essential to be strategic, focused, and persistent

What have been the turning points and key influences in your legal career?

For KG2, I moved to the Ahliyyah School for Girls, Jordan’s top-most school. My parents were my first role models. They always prioritized our success and provided me with the best opportunities.

I completed my university education in Jordan. After that, I did the mandatory two years of training and qualified. I then joined Hikma Pharmaceuticals circa 2001.

I’ve managed to build both my academic and professional background. I hold a bachelor’s degree in law and a master’s in international trade, which is similar to an MBA. I studied international accounting, finance, marketing, and portfolio management. This gave me a strong grasp of business aspects in client deals, something many lawyers may not fully comprehend or advise on.

In 2001–2002, the company began exploring an IPO. Hikma Pharmaceuticals had a multinational presence, and this exposure had a major impact on my career. In 2005, we successfully listed the company on the London Stock Exchange. Prior to the IPO, the company converted our savings into shares, and our investments more than quadrupled. This financial boost allowed me to eventually invest in a private firm with my husband. In 2004, I joined my husband’s law office and we began setting up a presence for our firm and started taking on international work.

Tell us about Andersen Global and your role as Managing Director of Andersen in Jordan.

Andersen Global is registered as a Swiss Verein of independent firms, and we are a full member of that entity. I carry responsibilities both globally and locally. Globally, I’ve been assigned to manage Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon.

As Managing Director and Head of the Corporate & Commercial department at Andersen, I oversee major legal transactions involving mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring, intellectual property, and finance.

I also lead the service line for Middle East mergers and acquisitions. Over the past five to seven years, I’ve been part of Nomination Committee, the Global Management Committee, and the Culture Leadership Subcommittee.

Locally, I handle contracts, M&A, corporate structuring, wealth planning, and intellectual property compliance. We work closely with organizations like the World Bank, the IFC, GIZ, and USAID.

Throw some light on the various industry bodies you are a part of.

I currently serve on the boards of Rugby Jordan Federation, Jordan Forum for Business and Professional Women, Operation Smile Jordan, and previously, Curio, an organization based in Jordan. I was also a committee member of the Jordan Football Association for a few years.

Additionally, I’ve been recognized as a mentor by the Queen Rania Centre for Entrepreneurship and the Founder Institute, among others. I mentor startups through the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship, helping them navigate legal and regulatory challenges. I also serve as the Vice Chairwoman of the Green Building Council in Jordan.

I have advised prominent Jordanian and multinational clients such as Orange Jordan and Hikma Pharmaceuticals, with a notable contribution to Hikma’s IPO on the London Stock Exchange. I also serve as Vice President of the Jordan Green Building Council (2025–2027).

In addition, I sit on several boards, including Andersen Middle East, where I serve as Service Line Coordinator for Corporate and Litigation, and Operation Smile Jordan, which provides medical care for children with cleft conditions.

What are some key milestones in your career and what’s your success mantra as a leader?

Professionally, I worked as an in-house lawyer from 2001 to 2012 and have been a partner in a firm since 2013. In 2015 and 2016, I was chosen as one of the leading lawyers in the Legal 500, one of only ten recognized in Jordan and the only woman on the list both years.

Additionally, in 2021 and 2022, I was recognized by IFLR1000 as one of the leading female lawyers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa category. In 2021, only 750 female lawyers were recognized globally; in 2022, the number rose to around 1,000.

I believe two qualities are essential, namely knowledge and passion. Without solid knowledge, you risk giving incorrect advice. Without passion, you might not give their concerns the attention they deserve.

How is Jordan’s business landscape evolving and which trends show the most promise?

It's difficult to predict the future, especially given Jordan’s complex location amid the ongoing war in Gaza and global uncertainties. The Trump administration has specific views on international relations, which also play a role. While the near future could go either way, Jordan remains a resilient and strategically located country. It benefits from a strong legislative and business framework and a favourable climate.

Managing these dynamics isn't easy, but the country has consistently shown strength. Relations with the GCC, Egypt, the US, and the EU appear to be strengthening, with many positive partnerships and synergies developing. These collaborations bode well for Jordan’s future.

Rasha Laswi, Managing Director, Andersen

Rasha Laswi is a seasoned leader, who’s currently serving as the Managing Director of Andersen in Jordan. She is also a Member in two of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Committees for Amending the Jordanian Companies Law, 2005, ‘Foreign Companies’ and the ‘Liquidation of Public Shareholding Companies’ sections.

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