Linda Fitz-Alan Bio
Linda Fitz-Alan
Registrar and Chief Executive
ADGM Courts
Linda joined ADGM Courts as Registrar and Chief Executive in September 2015, where she has made ADGM an international trailblazer for innovative judicial services, and for pioneering game-changing technology in dispute resolution. She leads the administration and operations of ADGM Courts, including the design and delivery of the Court’s comprehensive digital services and unique eCourts Platform. Linda also leads ADGM’s extensive dispute resolution services, including the court-annexed mediation scheme, and overseeing the state-of-the-art ADGM Arbitration Centre.
In November 2022, Linda pioneered and launched an additional two world first projects: the introduction of blockchain technology for the global enforcement of commercial judgments and “mediation in the metaverse”. The first-ever blockchain technology to be used in the global enforcement of commercial judgments verifies the authenticity of judgments directly between courts and drives sustainable change in the justice sector. The “mediation in the metaverse” service is transforming mediation into the next-generation approach to settle disputes.
As a champion for gender equality, Linda serves on the Advisory Council of Masdar’s Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform, and also leads ADGM’s Gender Equality Initiative, which has strategic partnerships with several local and international organisations.
Linda previously served as CEO and Principal Registrar of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Australia. Linda has also been a Partner of two Australian law firms and held a senior legal position with a large commercial insurer, located in New York, USA.
In 2022 and 2023, Linda was listed in Forbes Middle East’s “50 Most Powerful Businesswomen” and “100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2023” respectively. Linda was also recognised by her Australian community in June 2022 by being awarded the 2022 Australian Business Person of the Year. In April 2023 and 2024, Linda was listed in Arabian Business’ 50 Inspiring Women Leaders, and in June 2024, Linda was awarded the Lifetime Contribution Award at the LexisNexis Middle East Legal Awards 2024.