The Law Society of England has presented the prestigious 'Wig and Pen Prize" to a British Pakistani Mahnaz Malik at a simple ceremony on late Monday for founding the British Pakistan Law Council. This is the first time an Asian has won this prestigious award, which is represented by the traditional silver inkpot and feather. The award also includes 1000 pound-sterling as a donation to the charitable cause.
This prize is referred to as the top of the pyramid as the competition is among the largest and most successful firms in the City of London. Ms Malik was also the first Asian to win the National Trainee Lawyer of the Year in England 2001. She was, recently awarded the Shining Pakistani Award in the UK by the President Pervez Musharraf in December last year.
Ms Malik, who is-only 27 years old, is qualified to practice law in New York, England and Pakistan and currently works at one of the leading firms in the world, Simmons & Simmons, which has over 19 offices world-wide. She is an author and has written two books which received the Saarc Gold Medal from the Prime Minister of India and directing a short film shown at several international film festivals. Ms Malik is starting a new global effort to help children in Pakistan,
British Pakistan Law Council is co-chaired by the British and Pakistani Chief Justices and his over 700 members including leading judges, lawyers and law students. The Council's board includes the Attorney General for Pakistan, the Chief Justice of the Shariat Court, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan and the Pakistani High Commissioner to the UK.
One of the Council's many objectives is to develop a network of "pro bono lawyers" (lawyers who provide free legal services to the poor and disadvantaged) to help provide legal representation for children in prison in Pakistan. The Law Society of England and Wales Young Solicitor Pro Bono Awards aim to recognise the achievement of young lawyers who despite their demanding careers, donate their own time to help people who would not otherwise have access to legal advice.
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