Fresh from a landmark victory in the Supreme Court, Farhan Farani explains why he believes in the strength of skill and will, and why, if a career in law hadn’t been his destiny, he’d be a media hotshot
I took a traditional route into the profession by completing a three-year law degree and then a Bar Vocational Course to qualify as a Barrister. Later on, I cross-qualified as a Solicitor to start a boutique Law Firm Farani Taylor. It was important to me to follow my father's footsteps and carry on his legacy, which started in 1963 when he was called as an Utter Barrister at Lincoln’s Inn.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
One of the biggest challenges has been to decide whether or not I should accept instructions from Pakistan International Airways (PIA) just before Christmas. They were looking for a representation for a hearing in them first week of January 2017 and a trial in February 2017 in the Queen’s Bench Division. For my sins I accepted the instructions and received 24 boxes of files on Christmas Eve. The courage to persevere in this case culminated in success only recently when PIA won a landmark victory in the Supreme Court in October 2021, when five Lord Justices unanimously agreed that good faith duress is allowed in commercial contracts.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
Recently, I read Lady's Hale biography. My wife actually bought it to inspire my daughters but I ended up nicking the book and becoming a huge fan of her after reading how she overcame humongous challenges in her lifelong career. Lord Denning’s legal insight and pragmatic common sense in his judgments is always inspiring too. I am also inspired by young lawyers these days, who are so hard working, skilful and talented .
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
It would be either a media and marketing hotshot or a serial entrepreneur experimenting new ideas.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
It has always been a pleasure to read and watch Rumpole. Nowadays there are lots more dramas to watch with entertaining lawyers, from Suits to Saul from Breaking Bad and they are all equally good to watch.
What change would you make to the profession?
The English legal system is one of the most robust and independent judicial systems in the world. However, the young talent who seek to join the profession lose the passion very soon before they see any light. You need will as well as skill to survive in this profession which thrives mainly through role modelling and interacting with real human beings.
The challenge is even bigger for young talent from ethnic backgrounds in the post-pandemic era where a lot of fresh thinking is needed as to how they should be respected, engaged and motivated in the profession. The sector will do good to be more creative to meet these challenges and nurture our next generation of lawyers to make sure they remain inspired, supported and ambitious.
How do you relax?
I have four children out of which two are under five and trying to match their energy has been quite taxing and relaxing at the same time. If I get any private moments then either I struggle with golf or try to absolve my sins in the gym!
Farhan Farani, founding partner of Farani Taylor Solicitors.
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