18 April 2011

ILEX Graduate member scoops award at Minority Lawyers’ Conference

The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) is proud to announce that a ILEX Graduate member, who went on to become a Barrister, is the first British-Bangladeshi lawyer to be awarded for the category ‘Advocacy in the face of Adversity’ at this year’s Minority Lawyers’ Conference.

Muhammed Abdul Muid Khan, a Graduate member of ILEX, picked up the award at the Conference’s dinner on 8 April 2011.

The Award Ceremony and Conference is jointly organised by ILEX, the Law Society and the Bar Council and brings together Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) lawyers and those with an interest in the promotion of racial diversity in the profession. The aim of the Conference was to celebrate the achievements of BAME lawyers in the profession and explore the issues that impact on BAME lawyers.

Mr Muid Khan dedicated his award to his late father who he said had inspired him to become a human rights lawyer. After the ceremony he added: “Being a proud member of the ILEX family, I am deeply honoured to have been selected as the winner of the ‘Advocacy in the face of Adversity’ award. I am pleased I am able to represent ILEX in front of lawyers from all branches and hope this award will encourage all Legal Executives to continue providing first class legal service and get the recognition they deserve.”

Award Judges chose Mr Muid Khan for his work defending a victim of domestic violence in the landmark case of Miss Rume Begum v The Secretary of State. In that case the appellant submitted her application before the Home office for indefinite leave to remain as a victim of domestic violence with nine independent witnesses.

None of them revealed domestic violence, and her application was refused and she lost the appeal before the first tier tribunal. Muhammad represented the client before the upper tribunal and Judge Moulder allowed the appeal giving a landmark ruling, stating “I do not accept that domestic violence has to be proved in a court or by prosecution for this category to be established. Taking all the evidence in the round I find that on the balance of probabilities the appellant has established that she meets the requirements of paragraph 289 of the immigration rules.”

Immigration Judge Moulder praised Muhammad’s performance and the case was quoted in The Barrister magazine. As a result, Muhammad has become recognised as a leading authority in the field of domestic violence and immigration rules where the chances of success are low.

ILEX President, David McGrady said: “Attending the MLC Awards dinner to hear about all the lawyers from minority backgrounds who work hard to ensure all communities have access to legal advice is inspiring. However to be here when an ILEX member, such as Mr Muid Khan, collects an award is a fantastic honour. Mr Muid Khan proves what we have always known; regardless of background, ILEX is a fantastic route to a successful career in law.”

ENDS