The University of Jordan

Alumni of The Month

Dr. Nihad Abdul Karim Al-Husban, Member of the Jordanian Judicial Council and President of the Amman First Instance Court

December, 2025

About Alumni

1. Introduce yourself?

I am Dr. Nihad Abdul Karim Al-Husban. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Law from the University of Jordan and returned to it after 13 years to pursue a Master's degree in Intellectual Property. Despite earning a second Master's degree from Brigham Young University in the United States and receiving acceptance to study for a PhD at another university in the UK, I returned for the third time to the University of Jordan to pursue my doctoral studies, and I was awarded my PhD in 2017.

Throughout this academic journey, I was also engaged in a professional career in the judiciary. I was appointed as a Magistrate Judge in 2000 and continued my judicial career progressing from the Amman Magistrate Court to the Amman First Instance Court, then to the Amman Court of Appeal. Later, I served as an Inspector of Courts and then as the President of the Salt First Instance Court. Concurrently, I became a member of the Judicial Council representing the court.

My journey in judicial administration began during my two-year tenure as President of the Salt First Instance Court (2019–2021). The participation of women judges in the Judicial Council was a recent development; women judges joined the Council for the first time in 2017, and I was the second female judge to become a member. My appointment as President of the Amman First Instance Court marked a significant milestone in women judges' involvement in judicial administration, considering the importance and type of this court. It handles about 60% of the judicial workload at the first instance level and deals with the most critical disputes. Before 2019, this workload was distributed among five courts before they were consolidated.

During my judicial career, I volunteered for nearly six years, dedicating three months each year at the Faculty of Law at the University of Jordan. I trained students in preparing legal pleadings, evidence gathering, witness examination, court procedures, and eventually joined the Faculty of Law Council at the University.​

Alongside my academic and professional journey, I engaged in international work. I collaborated with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on applying international labor standards within Jordanian legislation and other international laws. Additionally, I worked with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to promote respect for intellectual property rights and their enforcement in Arab countries. I authored a book titled A Casebook on the Enforcement of IP Rights in the Arab Region and joined WIPO's Advisory Board of Judges.

2. Share your fondest memory from your time at Jordan University?

The moment I received my bachelor's degree was a pivotal moment.

3.  In one word, how would you describe Jordan University?

Authenticity.

4.  Explain how your experiences at UJ shaped you?

The time I spent at the University of Jordan helped shape my perspective on the role of women in society.

5. Discuss what fascinated you about your chosen course of study?

My choice to study law was not by chance, but rather a passion from a young age. Although I was accepted into the College of Engineering at the University of Jordan and studied there for one semester, I did not find myself until I became a student at the Faculty of Law. I saw law as my path to achieving justice and contributing to building a more equitable society.

6. Offer advice to graduating students preparing to enter the workforce?

Focus on developing skills that complement knowledge to prepare for the job market, and take advantage of the university's resources to seek internship opportunities and gain practical experience, while continuing to learn and discover yourself.

7.  Reflect on what you wish you had known during your time as a student?

Balancing academic studies with activities and volunteer work — for example, utilizing the summer semester for training programs and volunteer activities — adds important dimensions to the university experience that are just as valuable as academic achievement.

8. Identify the person who has had the greatest impact on your career?

My family, especially my father and mother, may God have mercy on them, were instilled in the love of science and discipline, and my teachers, whose support played a great role in shaping my career.​