Br. Alihassan Fazal Kassam, a Khoja youth hailing from Dar-es-Salaam, has recently been admitted as an Advocate of the High Court in Tanzania and the Subordinate Courts thereto by the Hon. Chief Justice of the United Republic of Tanzania on 1st December 2023. He is now officially a member of the Honorary Bar Council of Tanzania.
Our team had the privilege of interviewing Br. Alihassan to delve into his remarkable achievement and explore the journey that led to this significant milestone. Please continue reading to gain insights into this accomplishment and how he is contributing to our community and society at large in his current capacity.
Please provide a little insight into your early life – Where did you grow up, how was your school and college life, and how were you as a student?
Born and raised in Dar-es-Salaam, I’m the last of 6 children. Growing up in a large family, it was always a good feeling to come home to a vibrant house and, most of all, to learn from my siblings. I undertook my primary school studies at Al Muntazir Primary School and O-levels at Shaaban Robert Secondary School. I was quite competitive in my studies and was always actively involved in sports and extracurricular activities within the community from a young age.
Can you give us a brief overview of your legal education and professional qualifications? What areas of law do you specialize in? and What motivated you to pursue a career in law?
I started off by undertaking a certificate in law course at the University of Dar-es-Salaam and graduated with a distinction. Thereafter, I migrated to the United Kingdom to pursue my bachelor’s in law. I graduated with first-class honours from the University of Buckingham and was awarded with the Outstanding Achievement Award in the Law of Torts. Upon my return to Tanzania, I embarked on the challenging journey to obtain my Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Law School of Tanzania, which I completed in October 2023. I specialise in Corporate Commercial Law.
My motivation to study law started from my school days. I’ve always worked towards being solution-oriented and always looked for ways to focus on the solutions rather than the problem, something good lawyers do on a day-to-day basis. I’ve tried to exhibit leadership skills since a young age, and I believe law is one of the careers where such leadership skills stand out. Furthermore, my mentors, teachers and all those who guided me and knew me well always believed that I would be a good fit to be a lawyer.
What motivated you to seek a position as an advocate of the high court? And how does it feel to accomplish this achievement?
I’ve always been fascinated by how Advocates of the High Court portray themselves, including how they present their cases before the court. I’ve always aspired to be like them one day and achieve what I’ve been working towards for years.
Who or what was your biggest support in your journey to becoming an advocate?
First and foremost, it’s the Almighty Allah (SWT) through whose grace and mercy this has been achievable. Throughout this journey, my family and close friends have played a key role. Some are no longer in this world and have made their way to the eternal abode. I wish they were here to see their dream come true.
How do you envision contributing to the Shia community and society at large in your role as an advocate?
Recently, my colleague and I have begun a publication called the ‘Legal Connection’ where we focus on key areas in the Tanzanian law in order for our community members to understand the law and be able to deal with it on a day-to-day basis. However, my goal has always been to set up a ‘Pro Bono Legal Clinic’ where we can offer free legal services to our Shia Community. I’ve also been actively involved in the Community and extend my legal services in various capacities.
Br. Alihassan is a very active member of the community and has served as a World Federation Executive Councillor on behalf of Africa Federation.
What are your professional goals for the future?
InshaAllah, I intend to become a Solicitor in the United Kingdom and also work towards doing my master’s in law.
Please provide a piece of advice for our readers.
The road to where you want to be is filled with challenges. Obtaining this achievement was quite challenging with numerous roadblocks, but faith in Almighty (SWT) and the inspiration from the Holy Qur’an and the Ahlul Bayt (AS) is the key to success.
The Khoja News team congratulates Br. Alihassan Fazal Kassam, his family and the Khoja community in Tanzania for this noteworthy accomplishment. We wish him the very best for his future and pray to Allah (SWT) to grant him success in all his endeavours, Ameen.