What was your route into the profession?
I joined a top ten international firm based in London after completing an undergraduate honours and French language degree at Glasgow University, and then a postgraduate qualification at Oxford. International arbitration was always a field of interest given my multicultural background and interest and experience in both the civil and common law, so I took the first opportunity to join a magic circle practice in an Arabic-speaking country abroad after qualification, and worked for a short time in France at a large arbitration institution before moving back to London in 2016. I have never looked back.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Trying to find funding for a large international treaty arbitration in which the quantum of investment is low. The project is new and un-started, and the respondent State is a maverick sub–Saharan African state with a history of non-compliance with treaty awards! We are still trying as I will not give up easily.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
David Phillips QC at Wilberforce Chambers, because he manages to retain a distinctive flamboyance in his attire amongst a sea of grey boring suits. And because he possesses a flair, lucidity and charisma that crosses over seamlessly into his oral advocacy such that he can defuse the resistant attitude of even the grumpiest and seemingly impervious of judges.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
A consigliere in lifestyle and the arts.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
Atticus Finch, from To Kill A Mockingbird.
What change would you make to the profession?
Less paper and more pragmatism.
How do you relax?
Writing responses to legal journal questionnaires. Failing which, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.
Noor Kadhim, partner and international arbitration expert in Gardner Leader’s dispute resolution team.
