LAWYERS INSPIRE YOUNG FUTURE LEADERS

BritBangla collaborated with Elays Network in hosting the Lawyers Networking event at No. 3 Fleet Street Chambers on Tuesday 1 November 2011. The aim was to advance their communities in creating the next generation leaders.

Hodan Hussein, President of Elays Network a Non-profit organisation run entirely by the Somalian youth said, "By working together with BritBangla, with our shared goals we are building the potential of the younger members of the community."

In light of the ever-increasing competition to secure Pupillage and training contracts, it was important for the students to network with lawyers to hear their experiences, receive advice and opportunities on pursuing a career in law. Since the recession, the difficulty of graduates finding employment has increased especially for the Asian, Black and minority ethnic groups.

Bangladeshi lawyer Khaled Abdul Moyeed, at Herbert Smith, advised "A good Law degree and good academics is not enough these days as the market is awash with strong candidates. Law is very competitive so students need to set themselves apart from the crowd. This is where practicing lawyers can help aspiring Law students"

Young aspiring students were given the unique opportunity to connect with lawyers who dedicated their time to support this project. Guest speaker Al Mustakim, founding Barrister of No. 3 Fleet Street Chambers, talked about his personal account of entering the legal profession and recent high-profile case on the landmark ruling on forced marriages at the Supreme Court.

Maysa Ibrahim, a leading International Lawyer, provided further inspiration by sharing her experience of supporting the United Nations in drafting the new constitution of Iraq in 2005 including her work at global law firms White & Case and Latham & Watkins that is ranked among the best transactional and finance practices in the world.

Members of the legal profession showed their continuing support to the students by offering coveted work placements, mentoring and support with CV and job applications, which further echoed the success of this event. Haleema Abdullahi, Westminster University student, said "Everyone benefited massively from this initiative and it especially helped me to secure a mentor to develop my future career."

On the students that participated, Abbas Nawrozzadeh, Johns & Saggar Solicitors said, "I was really impressed by the drive and aspiration of the students and happy to offer work placements."

The diverse members of the legal profession supporting this project are (Barrister) Al Mustakim from No. 3 Fleet Street Chambers, International Lawyers Maysa Ibrahim and Taris Ahmad (SJ Berwin), (Barristers) Shahadoth Karim, Mohammed Bashir and Erum Waheed from 12 Old Square, (Barrister) Yimi Yangye from Nexus Chambers, Debashish Dey and Katrina Rennalls from (Goldkorns Solicitors), Jenin Khanam (Charles Russell), Samir Das, (SD Solicitors), Abbas Nawrozzadeh (Johns and Saggar), Suhail Mirza (Pinsent Masons) ), (Barrister) Nabila Rafique and Khaled Abdul Moyeed, (Herbert Smith).

Taryn Khanam, BritBangla said, "If professionals devote a small amount of their personal time it can really make a difference to change the lives of the young talents to become future leaders". She also added that "There's a dearth of Bangladeshis at senior positions in the top law firms and at the Bar, so a project like this is very important."

For more information please contact Hodan Hussein at
britbangla@britbangla.net

Event Photos

___________________________________________________________ Notes to Editors

1. BritBangla is a network of professional Bengalis who collectively celebrate the achievements of British Bengalis from all over the country and their contribution to British society.

2. Elays Network is a Non-profit organisation run entirely by the youth that aims to inspire the youth through skill enhancing projects and encourages the young to become role models, volunteers and productive members of society. Elays builds a platform for kids and young adult to interact with the professional world. Although Elays welcomes every ethnic background, Elays predominantly Somali, and aims to eradicating the negative somali image in the media. Website: www.Elaysnetwork.com

3. No. 3 Fleet Street Chambers, set up in May 2010 by established barristers and the senior clerk as a new, forward-looking civil and public law set. Website: www.3fleetstreet.com

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