Barrister Omar H. Khan is a distinguished advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and the Managing Partner and Head of Chambers at Legal Counsel, a prominent corporate law firm in Bangladesh. In 2009, Barrister Khan co-founded Legal Counsel, which now represents clients from over 30 countries across six continents. Legal Counsel helped to shape up the modern corporate law practice in the jurisdiction.
Mr. Khan has also contributed to the legal community as a guest lecturer at various universities and through his ‘Your Advocate’ column in The Daily Star, addressing readers’ legal queries.
His popular book, ‘Legal Stories of Life,’ compiles these real-life legal solutions and reflects his commitment to public legal awareness. Beyond his legal practice, Barrister Khan is a passionate art collector and cultural patron, reflecting his deep appreciation for the arts.
Let’s embark on an inspiring journey through his remarkable story!
Committed to Growth, Justice, and Empowerment
Omar H. Khan has demonstrated exceptional analytical ability since childhood, a skill that naturally led him to dream of becoming a lawyer. Even at this stage of his career, he firmly believes that the capacity to analyze facts is one of the greatest virtues a lawyer can possess. As the first lawyer in his immediate family, he received unwavering support and guidance from his parents, who instilled in him the values of integrity and service.
From an early age, he recognized the legal profession not only as a prestigious and respected field but also as a powerful means to serve society. Understanding the growing demand for skilled corporate lawyers in Bangladesh, he made a conscious and well-thought-out decision to enter the profession—not by chance, but by design—determined to contribute to the establishment of justice and create a meaningful impact.
A firm believer in capacity building, Omar H. Khan is deeply committed to the professional growth of those around him. His leadership philosophy revolves around fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and continuous development. Rather than leading from the front, he empowers his team members to take charge of their cases, offering guidance and support to build their confidence and expertise. His approach is not about command but about mentorship—nurturing leaders from within and providing them with the tools to succeed. Under his leadership, his team at Legal Counsel thrives in an environment where knowledge is shared, growth is continuous, and leadership is cultivated at every level.
The Pursuit of Excellence
Omar H. Khan believes that excellence is not a destination but a continuous, ever-evolving journey. Cultivating a culture of excellence requires an unwavering commitment to strong work ethics, integrity, professionalism, and dedication to client service. Under his leadership, his team of lawyers embodies a deep sense of ownership, responsibility, and professionalism. Their hard work, dedication, and focus have earned Legal Counsel a stellar reputation, both locally and internationally.
Omar’s career has been shaped by a blend of hands-on experience, mentorship, and a deep understanding of both legal frameworks and business dynamics. He firmly believes that for a corporate lawyer, mastering the law is only half the equation—understanding business is equally crucial. His expertise in negotiation has reinforced the importance of active listening, balancing the needs of all parties, and finding reasonable solutions within the legal framework. Whether in commercial negotiations or dispute resolution, he prioritizes strategic thinking and pragmatic solutions to achieve the best outcomes.
His approach to M&A transactions reflects his sharp analytical skills and strategic foresight. Recognizing that these deals require expertise across multiple areas of corporate law, he emphasizes the importance of securing all loose ends to create a sustainable and risk-free business environment. His ability to anticipate contingencies and foresee uncertainties within structured deals ensures that transactions are not only successfully completed but also positioned for long-term security and success.
Commitment to Continuous Growth
Omar H. Khan firmly believes that there is no substitute for continuous learning. Knowledge is power, and staying ahead in the corporate legal field requires relentless dedication to acquiring and applying it daily. Under his leadership, Legal Counsel subscribes to a vast array of legal and business journals from around the world, ensuring that the team remains updated on key legal, business, and regulatory developments—both locally and globally. This proactive approach enables them to evaluate, predict, and act on emerging challenges before others even recognize them, securing a competitive edge that places them among a select group of experts.
Much like a large corporate entity, Omar H. Khan and his team dedicate significant time to research and development, reflecting their innovative thinking through publications and thought leadership. He attributes success to a combination of factors—hard work, dedication, focus, continuous capacity building, integrity, and professionalism. For him, there are no shortcuts to sustainable growth, especially in corporate law. The defining factor, he believes, is unwavering honesty and commitment to the profession—qualities that shape not just careers, but legacies.
Legal Expertise, Business Acumen, and Technological Adaptation
The legal landscape is intensely competitive, with numerous law firms and chambers operating in every jurisdiction. However, it is always a select few who truly lead the field. Omar H. Khan understands that to be among these leaders, a deep command of the law must be paired with a strong business perspective. He firmly believes that corporate law and M&A transactions cannot be mastered without understanding the intricacies of business. While having a business degree can be beneficial, he emphasizes that possessing business acumen is far more critical in navigating the complexities of corporate legal practice.
has ensured that Legal Counsel integrates technology into its daily professional work. He acknowledges that leading law firms must leverage technology to enhance their services and remain competitive. Moreover, technology law is set to become a dominant force in corporate legal practice, even in this region, and staying ahead requires an understanding of both legal frameworks and technological advancements.
With AI and automation reshaping industries, some innovations are already reducing the need for human intervention in legal work—a reality that presents both challenges and opportunities for the profession. Omar H. Khan believes that for lawyers to stay relevant, they must continuously evolve, embrace technology, and refine their expertise to address emerging legal complexities. Under his leadership, Legal Counsel remains at the forefront of this transformation, preparing for the future while setting new standards in legal excellence.
Redefining Corporate Legal Excellence
Omar H. Khan is driven by a vision to leave a profound and lasting impact on Bangladesh’s corporate legal sector. His goal is clear—to establish Legal Counsel as the unequivocal leader in the industry, recognized by every enterprise, both local and foreign, as the foremost law firm in the country. While this ambition is bold, he understands that true excellence is not achieved overnight. Instead, it is built through steady and continuous growth, a reputation for efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to professionalism.
Beyond corporate legal practice, Omar H. Khan is deeply committed to his long-standing pro bono initiatives, particularly in the dissemination of legal knowledge. He believes that access to legal insight should not be limited to paying clients but should serve a broader purpose in strengthening legal awareness. Through various publications and thought leadership, he aims to empower businesses, individuals, and future legal professionals with the knowledge they need to navigate an increasingly complex legal landscape. Under his leadership, Legal Counsel is not just shaping the future of corporate law in Bangladesh—it is setting the benchmark for excellence, integrity, and social responsibility.