Counselor Dr. Marian Kaldas, Egyptian legal scholar and institutional leader, has been named Arbitrator / ADR Practitioner of the Year by the African Arbitration Association, in recognition of her contributions to the development of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) across the continent.
The award honors individuals whose professional expertise, leadership, and service have had a meaningful impact on the arbitration landscape in Africa. Dr. Kaldas, a seasoned legal practitioner and institutional reform advocate, is the first Executive Director of the Egyptian Centre for Arbitration and Settlement of Non-Banking Financial Disputes (ECAS), a role she has held since the center’s establishment.
In addition to her leadership at ECAS, Dr. Kaldas was recently appointed by presidential decree to serve on the new board of the National Council for Women in Egypt, where she co-chairs the Council’s Economic and Legislative Committee. The appointment underscores her growing influence at the intersection of law, governance, and women’s empowerment.
Combination of Academic Excellence and Hands-on Legal Practice
Dr. Kaldas’s career reflects a deep commitment to justice and institutional development in Egypt. She has held senior positions at the Egyptian Administrative Prosecution Authority and the Ministry of Justice, including as a Counselor at the General Department for Arbitration and International Disputes. She is also a registered arbitrator with Egypt’s Ministry of Justice.
Her expertise in dispute resolution is backed by a rare combination of academic excellence and hands-on legal practice. Dr. Kaldas holds a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Montreal, where she graduated with the highest distinction, “Exceptional.” She also earned a Master’s degree in Law from Indiana University, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the American University in Cairo, and a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Cairo University.
Her work has been recognized globally. In 2023, she was awarded The Law Award for the Most Influential Woman in the Legal Field in the Middle East. She also made history as the first Egyptian woman featured on the University of Montreal’s website for her inspiring professional journey.
Championing Legal Education and Anti-Corruption
In addition to her judicial and administrative roles, Dr. Kaldas is a prominent educator. She lectures at the National Anti-Corruption Academy, the Egyptian Institute of Directors (EIoD), and the Financial Services Institute (FSI) at the Financial Regulatory Authority. Her work in these institutions emphasizes the importance of legal capacity-building and transparent governance in emerging financial sectors.
At ECAS, Dr. Kaldas leads one of the region’s only specialized centers for resolving non-banking financial disputes, an area critical to investor protection, market integrity, and regulatory oversight. Under her leadership, the center is emerging as a model for institutional arbitration reform in Egypt and across the region.
Recognition Across Borders
The African Arbitration Association’s award highlights a growing recognition of Egyptian legal leadership on the continent — particularly among women professionals in fields traditionally dominated by men. As arbitration becomes increasingly central to trade, investment, and regional integration in Africa, practitioners like Dr. Kaldas are shaping frameworks that balance legal rigor with accessibility and trust.
