AML CAREERS WORKSHOP

The Association of Muslim Lawyers held a careers workshop on Sunday 22nd March at the Muslim World League in Goodge Street. The aim of the event was to enable experienced practitioners to pass on their pearls of wisdom and insights into the legal profession to budding young lawyers looking for that elusive training contract or pupillage. It was also perhaps an occasion to make new contacts and friends in the business and to share knowledge and advice from our own experiences.

After the Quran recitation by Ahmad Thompson, committee member Saiqa Aslam began the day by a brief lecture on the role of British Muslim lawyers and our contribution to British society. The first session consisted of a panel of solicitors and barristers assembled from various fields such as race discrimination, immigration, government, commercial and family and ranging from the very experienced to the trainee.

During "A day in the life of" practitioners elaborated on their lifestyles, work patterns, and moral dilemmas that challenged them on a day to day basis ending with their hot tips for success within their fields.

On the day there was a wide selection of useful handouts containing careers advice, job vacancy adverts and other material available including brochures and goodies from the practitioners themselves.

Lunch time was an occasion for much mingling and an opportunity for students to make contacts and informally discuss career aspirations individually with other lawyers over a bite to eat.

Afterwards the practitioners were still on hand in the afternoon session, which consisted of a couple of workshops on "Making the most of university" and dealing with CV's, application forms and interviews. There were a multitude of items covered, including specific issues that may face Muslim candidates, such as wearing hijab and overcoming Islamophobia. Other issues included how to answer those awfully long questions on the application forms and body language in an interview.

It seems that both those taking part and those attending the event had thoroughly enjoyed themselves and there was a consensus that such an event has been sorely lacking from the annual agenda for a long time. The only matter of concern was that the event could not have been enjoyed by more people. Those who did manage to drag themselves out of bed on Sunday morning found the event enjoyable and useful.

If you have something to offer to other younger members of the legal profession and students, whether it is recruitment experience, careers advice, or if you are looking for potential new recruits, or if you think you could be of assistance to the planning committee for the next careers workshop, then please contact Sofia at AML.