The Muslim News - Muslim lawyer named Pro-Bono Hero

Issue 236, Friday 19 December 2008 - 21 Dhu al-Hijjah 1429

Muslim lawyer named Pro-Bono Hero

By Elham Asaad Buaras

Muslim Burial Council of Leicestershire (MBCOL) legal advisor Faizal Essat has been named as a “Pro-Bono Hero”.
Attorney General, Baroness Scotland of Asthal, QC extended invitations to many lawyers across the country who had been involved in providing legal advice on a pro-bono (free) basis, at a special reception held at the House of Commons on November 11 as part of National Pro Bono Week.
The reception is one of a series of more than 70 events across the UK to mark the week, which is sponsored by the Law Society, Bar Council and Institute of Legal Executives. Lawyers invited for showing an outstanding commitment to pro bono work have all been nominated by members of the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee, made up of representatives of the legal profession and the voluntary sector.
MBCOL said it was “delighted” by the news. MBCOL Chairman, Suleman Nagdi, told The Muslim News, “We are delighted that that Faizal has been recognised along with others in the provision of legal advice and assistance to those that cannot afford to pay for such services. His contribution to our work has been invaluable and we all congratulate him on this occasion.”
In a special letter from Baroness Scotland, Essat was named as “a pro bono hero” for his work with MBCOL. Baroness Scotland said Essat’s work “makes a tremendous change to the lives of people whose legal needs would otherwise go unmet.”
This is not the first award for Malawi-born Essat. He was inaugural winner of the DLA Paul Nicholls Memorial Foundation award for legal work in the community.
Essat was a key figure during MBCOL’s contractual negotiations with the local authority and in the drafting of the organisation’s constitution during its early years. Essat continues to provide his expert legal advice to the Board of MBCOL and is a vital member of the organisations advisory panel.
Speaking to The Muslim News Essat said, “It is a matter great pride for me personally and professionally to be recognised in this way. There is no better validation than to receive recognition from your own peers in your profession. A public recognition from the Attorney General is a real boost to my commitment in providing legal assistance to our faith communities.
“The other important point is that there is recognition of how important it is for legal assistance being given to Muslim organisations by Muslim Lawyers. If we can all excel as organisations and as individuals then we can begin to gain credence in the corridors of power and to influence positively the future of Muslims communities in the years ahead,” said Essat

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