I’d like to share a little about my journey into law—a path that was mostly unplanned and certainly not by design. It’s a story that began with a childhood love for adventure novels and a deep appreciation for language, both of which shaped my career in ways I never expected.
The Early Influences
As a child, I was captivated by Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series. Those stories sparked my imagination and led me to dream of becoming a sleuth. But it was my mother, a school teacher in Perlis, who truly ignited my love for language. When I was four, she had the opportunity to study in New Zealand, where she earned a diploma in teaching English as a second language. Upon her return, she taught English at a teachers’ training college in Penang, and through her, I discovered the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries. These books not only entertained me but also taught me to appreciate the beauty and power of the English language.
Bonding Over Marking Papers
When I entered secondary school in Kuala Lumpur, my mother was teaching English to engineering undergraduates at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. During exam periods, we spent countless evenings marking multiple-choice and essay papers together. It was during those moments that I learned the importance of precision and attention to detail—skills that would later serve me well in my legal career. Those evenings were more than just work; they were precious bonding time with my mother, and I treasure those memories deeply.
Teaching and Translation
Teaching became a natural part of my life. While studying for my A-levels, I taught English to SPM leavers during the holidays. After my mother retired, she continued to share her love for language by writing and translating books from English to Bahasa Melayu. She even joined the Malaysian Translators’ Association as its secretary. Her dedication to language and translation left a lasting impression on me, and it’s something I carry with me to this day.
From Citibank to the Courtroom
After completing my LLB and Bar exams in England, I returned to Malaysia and joined Citibank’s corporate banking division. It wasn’t a planned move—I followed a friend who had secured a job there. While I enjoyed the work, the fast-paced, high-pressure environment eventually took its toll. After all, the Citibank’s slogan at the time was *“The Citi Never Sleeps,” and I realised that lifestyle wasn’t for me. I decided to pivot and start my practice as an advocate and solicitor.
The Importance of Language in Law
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my legal career is the importance of language. Whether drafting cause papers, presenting arguments in court or translating documents, language is an essential tool of our trade. In the early days of my practice, I would even write scripts in Bahasa Melayu for appearances in the lower courts. Over time, I became comfortable with both oral and written communication in both languages. This versatility has been invaluable in my work.
A Tribute to My Mother
None of this would have been possible without my mother. She instilled in me a love for language and a high standard of precision in communication. Her influence is evident in the way I construct sentences, present arguments, and approach translation. For that, I am forever grateful.
Advice for Young Lawyers
To the young lawyers reading this, I want to emphasise the importance of language in our profession. It’s not just about knowing the law—it’s about how you communicate it. Language is part of our armoury of skills that require constant refinement. Don’t overlook it in your journey of growth and improvement.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, my career path has been anything but linear. It’s been a series of twists and turns, shaped by unexpected influences and experiences. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: the power of language to connect, persuade, and inspire.
What about you? What unexpected paths have shaped your career? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.
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Author: Hasrina Hakimi