Board of Trustees

Abdulwahid Alaf

Abdulwahid Taher Salih Alaf is a distinguished legal professional and the CEO of Alaf Attorneys & Consultants, a leading law firm in Iraq. With 28 years of continuous service in the legal field, he leads a team of 42 attorneys across Iraq, providing top-tier legal services to both Iraqi and international clients. His expertise spans corporate law, arbitration, public-private partnerships, and international compliance.

He founded Alaf Attorneys & Consultants in 2004, establishing it as Iraq's first incorporated law firm and a prominent legal entity with offices in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and Erbil. Over the years, he has served as legal counsel to prominent entities such as Asiacell Telecommunications, Faruk Investment Group, Lafarge, and the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS), among others. His work has included representing clients in over 1,000 civil and criminal cases across various Iraqi courts.

Recognized as a legal pioneer, Abdulwahid has contributed significantly to the development of Iraq's legal infrastructure. He successfully set a historic precedent by obtaining a ruling from the Kurdistan Court of Cassation that allowed lawyers to register law firms despite the absence of explicit legal provisions. His efforts to oppose legislation permitting foreign lawyers to practice in the Kurdistan Region without prerequisites further demonstrate his commitment to upholding local legal standards.

His contributions extend beyond the legal realm, as he is also an accomplished journalist and member of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate. His cultural and professional activities include presenting seminars, participating in international conferences, and providing pro bono legal services to marginalized communities. He holds a bachelor's degree in Law and Politics from Salahaddin University, graduating with honors.

Throughout his career, Abdulwahid has maintained independence from political affiliations, focusing solely on advancing legal excellence and social justice. His work continues to shape Iraq's legal landscape, fostering growth and equity for clients and communities alike.