Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
After completing my LPC and training contract I qualified into an insolvency litigation role. I then moved to Bahrain to work as an in-house lawyer for an Islamic Bank. I went back to private practice as a litigator working in Bahrain and Dubai prior to moving back to Bahrain to join a private family office. Twelve years later I relocated to Europe as an in-house lawyer.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Checking emails and prioritising tasks for the day which may include: (a) ad-hoc pieces of advice required by various departments; (b) ongoing management of international transactions and liaising with various local advisors; (c) meetings to discuss new M&A transactions or operational/corporate projects; (d) reviewing and drafting various agreements and contracts; and (e) delegating tasks and supervising the work of junior legal counsel.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
I have been fortunate enough to work on some very high value and high profile international transactions learning from some excellent lawyers and subject matter experts. There have been many highlights in my career including leading and successfully closing multiple complex high value M&A transactions and being a registered principal with the Solicitors' Regulatory Authority to supervise and facilitate the first in-house training contract for a junior lawyer in Bahrain.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
Brunel helped me to gain hands on work experience consisting of to two work placements during a four year 'thin' sandwich course. Such work experience enabled me to witness the study of law being put into practice and gave me tremendous insight into life as a lawyer.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
Brunel was both close enough and far enough from home! On a serious note, Brunel supported me with securing excellent work experience, and campus life with easy access to Central London helped me to develop long lasting relationships, work part time and build a useful contact book.
What is your best memory of studying here?
The jurisprudence seminars with Ann Scully were always engaging - I found the philosophy of law very interesting. Summers on campus grounds were unbeatable!
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
Don't hesitate to ask questions and be pro-active in approaching the experts and attending events! In my experience lecturers welcome this. Your questions may range from queries related to a technical subject matter to careers and general networking.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
Start building your network early and develop authentic relationships with your peer group and also with experienced professionals. Focus on helping others, keep investing in yourself and continue to build your CV.
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