Elena Schildgen | Managing Partner | Meyer-Reumann & Partners
Elena Schildgen’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. Originally from Germany, Elena has called Dubai home for the past 35 years. Last year, she officially became an Emirati national, a milestone that symbolizes her deep connection with the country she has built her life and career in. Married to an Emirati and mother of two daughters, Elena is also the owner of the law firm Meyer-Reumann & Partners, a legal practice established in 1989 that has grown into a respected name across the GCC. At EliteX, we are proud to have Elena Schildgen as part of the edition: Impactful Women in Business, 2025.
Her story began in 1990 when she first arrived in Dubai as a law intern. At the time, she was completing her legal training in Germany with a focus on International Private Law. What was meant to be a four-month internship became the foundation of her lifelong career. “I saw the founder of Meyer-Reumann & Partners, a German national working from Dubai across the GCC and internationally, and I knew this was the kind of legal work I had always hoped for,” she recalls. When the founder, Rolf Meyer-Reumann, offered her a position as a lawyer in Dubai, she did not hesitate. By March 1991, she had made the move permanent.
Yet the early years were not without challenges. As a young German lawyer in an Arab country, and a woman in a male-dominated profession, she often faced skepticism about what she could achieve. Being away from her family added to the difficulty. But Elena built her own support network, connecting with other female lawyers from Lebanon, South Africa, Russia, and Denmark who were navigating similar struggles. Together, they created a system of mutual encouragement and friendship, allowing her to find balance both personally and professionally.
“Dream and plan big – nothing is impossible.”
Over time, Elena’s reputation grew, fueled by her determination and professional integrity. A defining moment came early in her career when she handled an ICC arbitration case from start to finish. The case required her to prepare complex legal arguments and represent her client in Paris at the ICC headquarters. Winning that case was a breakthrough moment that reinforced her belief in her own abilities. It was proof that she could stand on her own in the global legal arena.
Leadership, for Elena, has always been about balance. She believes in the importance of clear direction from the top but also emphasizes giving her team the freedom to grow and thrive. “A good leader provides guidance but also creates room for others to shine,” she explains. This philosophy has allowed her firm to cultivate a culture of trust, where individuals are encouraged to gain their own experience and develop their talents. The legal landscape in Dubai and the wider UAE has evolved significantly over the past three decades, and Elena has witnessed this transformation firsthand. Laws have continuously been updated and new regulations introduced to keep pace with international standards. For her, this has meant a career of constant learning and adaptability. She believes the future of law will be shaped by technology, especially the integration of AI into legal practice, which will change how lawyers manage research, analysis, and client services.
Still, while innovation is important, Elena stresses that the backbone of any business remains strong client relationships. Visibility on platforms like LinkedIn and acquiring new clients matter, but she believes the real key to success lies in nurturing existing clients and ensuring they feel valued.
“Taking care of existing clients is the backbone of every business.”
As a woman in business, Elena has always been mindful of the need for women to support each other. She believes that appreciating and acknowledging each other’s achievements is one of the most powerful ways women can create greater impact collectively. To young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, her advice is simple but powerful: dream boldly, plan carefully, and never doubt that success is possible.
Elena’s inspirations come from two people who shaped her life profoundly: her mother and Rolf Meyer-Reumann, the founder of her firm. Both believed in her, trusted her abilities, and encouraged her to continue building on what they had instilled in her – confidence, perseverance, and dedication to hard work.
Balancing personal and professional life has always been a challenge. Elena believes there is no perfect balance, only the ability to prioritize depending on the situation. Despite her demanding career, her greatest pride lies not just in the growth of her law firm but in raising her two daughters, who have grown into strong personalities making their mark in their own professions.
“Legacy is not something to leave behind after life, it’s about sharing knowledge and experience whenever you can.”
Looking ahead, Elena does not see legacy as a distant goal to be remembered after her time. Instead, she focuses on using her knowledge and experience in the present, offering support and guidance to anyone who seeks it. To her, legacy is about empowering others while still active in her journey.
Elena Schildgen’s story is not only about the growth of a law firm but also about building a meaningful life in a foreign land that became home. It is about courage to step into the unknown, patience to navigate challenges, and perseverance to create impact. Her journey reflects not only the transformation of the UAE’s legal landscape but also the role women continue to play in shaping it. For Elena, success is not defined by titles or awards but by the ability to lead with integrity, support others, and pass on wisdom to the next generation.