Mian Sheraz Javaid: Guiding the Future of Legal Professionals through Ciarb Pakistan's Successful Workshop
On the 9th of October 2023, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Pakistan Branch, in collaboration with the Law Students' Council Pakistan, hosted an inspiring and informative workshop titled "Charting Your Legal Journey: Career Guidance for Aspiring Lawyers." This highly anticipated event took place at the Bar Room of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, providing an ideal venue for aspiring legal professionals to engage with experts and gain valuable insights into the trajectory of a successful legal career.
At the core of the event was Barrister Mian Sheraz Javaid, Chair of Ciarb Pakistan Branch, whose expertise and leadership were instrumental in making the workshop a success. Not only did his presence give credence to the event, but it also made sure that participants received critical guidance to ward off the difficulties inherent in the practice of law. Sheraz's sharp insights into arbitration and law connected with the participants deep within, stamping an identity on their development.
Mian Sheraz Javaid: A Visionary Leader in the Legal Sector
Mian Sheraz Javaid is no stranger to the legal community, particularly in the fields of arbitration and dispute resolution. As the Chair of Ciarb Pakistan Branch, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the institute's initiatives, focusing on educating and empowering young legal professionals. With both domestic and international law experience and a commitment to professionalism and ethics in the practice of law, he is an excellent mentor and respected leader.
During the workshop, Sheraz delivered an excellent keynote address highlighting the importance of specialized education and career planning for aspiring lawyers. He shared tips from his experiences in the legal field on how to excel in law, emphasizing persistence, continuous learning, and adaptability. His words rang true for many attendees, who appreciated the practical advice and encouragement he offered.
One of the central themes of Sheraz’s address was the evolving nature of the legal profession. He emphasised the growing demand for lawyers with expertise in alternative dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration and mediation, which have gained prominence in recent years as efficient, cost-effective means of resolving disputes. This insight was particularly valuable to the students, who gained a better understanding of how to strategically position themselves in a competitive job market.
A Commitment to Education and Mentorship
This workshop has equipped participants with a more holistic overview of the diverse career paths possible in law, emphasizing the equal importance of academic studies as much as practical experience. In his talk, Sheraz not only spoke about the importance of academic qualifications but also stressed the necessity of mentorship and networking in the legal community.
Sheraz encouraged young lawyers to seek out mentors who could guide them through the early stages of their careers. He spoke from personal experience, sharing how mentorship had been instrumental in his own journey and how it could provide invaluable insights into the realities of the legal profession. His message resonated with many in the room, particularly those in the early stages of their legal education, who were eager to chart a clear path toward a successful career.
On the agenda were also essential skills that are required for young lawyers, namely effective communication, critical thinking, and negotiation. These are the kinds of skills that transcend technical legal knowledge and are indispensable for practice in the modern legal world. As Chair of Ciarb Pakistan Branch, Sheraz ensured that the content of the workshop was both informative and practical against the challenges being faced by today's professionals.
Collaborations and Contributions: A Team Effort
While Sheraz's contribution was central to the success of the workshop, the event wouldn't have been possible without the support of several key individuals and organizations. The Islamabad High Court graciously hosted the workshop in a very dignified and conducive environment for discussions to unfold. Special thanks were extended to Naveed Hayat Malik, President Islamabad High Court Bar Association, for his unwavering support and hospitality that ensured the smooth execution of the event.
Apart from Barrister Mian Sheraz Javaid, several other practicing lawyers in town could be seen presenting their expertise and sharing insight for this workshop. Mr. Adil Aziz Qazi and Barrister Ahmed Fawad Muslim played a very active role in formulating the discussion during the sessions. Both of them are well-known personalities in the legal forum and indeed were instrumental for the success of this workshop. They shared their expertise on various aspects of the legal profession, from practical legal skills to the nuances of building a successful career in law.
Together, these professionals and their collective efforts made the workshop a resounding success, offering aspiring lawyers a unique opportunity to learn from some of the most respected names in the legal field.
The Role of Ciarb Pakistan in Supporting Aspiring Lawyers
As an organisation dedicated to the advancement of arbitration and dispute resolution, Ciarb Pakistan plays a key role in shaping the future of the legal profession in Pakistan. The institute's workshops, seminars, and events are designed to provide young lawyers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the highly competitive legal industry.
Under Sheraz's leadership, Ciarb Pakistan has provided an opportunity to budding lawyers to learn from the leaders in the industry and acquire knowledge about their area of specialisation while building skills to carry out throughout the professional lives of those aspiring lawyers. The organisation, as a whole, aims at developing alternative dispute resolution, with its activities intended to build and strengthen the legal profession in Pakistan.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey of Legal Education
Ciarb Pakistan is keen to continue efforts at making available educational resources and networking opportunities for the aspiring lawyer. The success of the "Charting Your Legal Journey" workshop is but one example of how the institute is shaping the future of the legal profession in Pakistan. It was a timely reminder of collaboration, mentorship, and lifelong learning in a successful legal career.
Barrister Mian Sheraz Javaid and the Ciarb Pakistan Branch continue to work toward their goal of inspiring and guiding the next generation of legal professionals as they look to the future. Continued support from the Islamabad High Court and other key stakeholders is set to catapult the institute into even greater impact in the development of young lawyers in Pakistan.
But this is just the start, and exciting opportunities to learn abound for those who aspire to be lawyers in the months ahead. In fact, young professionals can better prepare themselves against the numerous challenges and opportunities that may come their way in their legal careers if they would participate in events like these.
