Be a learner. Take the initiative. This will go a long way. Jump at the notion
of learning. Practicing law is exactly as the phrase suggests, you will learn
more as you practice more. Ask to be on files, reach out for any opportunity
to learn. Learn about everything, and question everything, whether it is the
industry your client is in, what are the revenue drivers for your client, to
how can I apply the Toyota Way to the way you work, and even to how the
Punic Wars affected legislation making for the future.
Why Continue in the Legal Field?
The legal field constantly challenges me; I go to work knowing I will be
challenged with another problem which I need to solve. New issues land on
my desk every day. One day I am exploring the skincare industry, and
another day I would be navigating through financial technology.
I started my legal career on the Trainee Associate Programme at Zaid
Ibrahim & Co (ZICO). The Trainee Associate Programme is a structured
programme with a rigorous syllabus to ensure that we have the right skills
to transition to an Associate. I have been with ZICO ever since. Here, we
work hard, and we play harder. The friendships that you make in ZICO last
forever. At ZICO, the workplace becomes your family. I know I can trust my
colleagues and rely on them for anything. It is a support system, where you
test your limits, grow, and discover potential and talents you never knew
you had. It is a place for you to unleash your potential, where talent is
appreciated and the environment sets you up for success.
I took a year off to pursue an MBA at the University of Cambridge. My
mentors in ZICO were extremely supportive of my decision, and definitely
helped me in my application for a Chevening Scholarship. I did think of
switching industries, and completed an internship with an international
bank in New York and Singapore. I do not regret my decision of returning to
the law after a year of exploring other possibilities. In fact, studying
something entirely different from the law reinforced my decision of
becoming a lawyer. I now look at legal problems with different
perspectives.
Advice for Law Students
Try. Work hard. No one can tell you what will work for you, and what would
not. You are the only person who can direct your own life. Knowing that
you have given your best at something and realizing that it is not for you
will save you years of “what if’s” and “I could have’s”.
Have an open mind. Never let your perception of yourself stop you from
achieving something. What your mind tells you could be different from your
actual abilities.
Get a mentor. This person does not have to be a lawyer, it can be someone
who you look up to, and that someone cares about mentoring a younger
person. Ask for advice and guidance.
Stand by your values. Have integrity.