What was your route into the profession?
I started professional life in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, and after about six years, decided to embark upon a different career path and converted to law. First, I undertook the law conversion CPE course and then did the Bar exams before cross-qualifying as a solicitor. You could say my route into the profession has traversed a variety of terrains!
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
While law can be an intellectual pursuit for the most part, the real challenge at the practical level always is to try to understand the various pressures the clients (whether professional or lay) are under and not allowing the legal ‘tail’ to wag the commercial ‘dog’. It is not always easy to achieve.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
No single person. One picks up many different inspirations from many different persons at many different times. I have been fortunate enough to work with some great professionals and some very tenacious clients.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
An engineer.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Rumpole, no contest.
What change would you make to the profession?
Introduction of innovative technology and working practices to streamline the delivery of law—legal practice needs to evolve to better reflect and serve the society we live in.
How do you relax?
Opera!
Asif Ahmed is a dispute resolution partner at city firm McCarthy Denning.
