Resalat Belaly Prema
Legal Associate
The Learned Counsels
Resalat Belaly Prema, a dynamic Legal Associate at The Learned Counsels, is swiftly rising as a corporate leader. With a sharp acumen for legal intricacies and a commitment to excellence, Prema’s expertise is instrumental in navigating complex legal landscapes, positioning her as a formidable force in the corporate legal arena.
Ms. Resalat Belaly Prema, please share your professional and academic peregrination for our readers!
My professional and academic journey has been a fulfilling and enriching experience. I completed my LLB (Hons) from Northumbria University, UK, where I achieved remarkable results and honed my legal skills. Following my academic pursuits, I embarked on several pupilages at prestigious law firms, where I gained valuable hands-on experience in various legal fields. I began my career as an intern in 2016 and eventually progressed to become an Associate Lawyer at The Learned Counsels. In 2018, I started working as a legal researcher at Legal Solutions BD and currently hold the position of a family law consultant with them. My passion for family law and criminal litigation has allowed me to delve deep into legal research and prepare cases for trial with precision. In addition to my legal expertise, I have enrolled to expand my knowledge in Criminology and Forensic Studies through a PGD program. This interdisciplinary approach will equip me with a well-rounded understanding of the legal and societal aspects of crime and justice. My academic background and practical experience have prepared me well for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in my career.”
As a Legal Associate at The Learned Counsels, what are your primary responsibilities and areas of expertise within the legal domain?
In my role as a Legal Associate at The Learned Counsels, I handle a variety of crucial tasks. These include drafting petitions, preparing evidence for all parties and the court, and managing the filing process for claims while meticulously maintaining records for senior colleagues. My involvement extends to arbitration and mediation, where I lead research efforts. I have gained extensive experience in criminal litigation, starting from basic advice through the Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, relevant Acts, and legal resources to preparing cases for trial. I accompany clients to plea hearings, ensuring they are well-informed during client conferences. Additionally, I prepare chronologies of significant events for witness statements and critically analyze them for effective cross-examinations.
Can you share insights into the most pressing legal challenges currently faced by the society? How your role contribute to addressing these challenges?
One of the most pressing legal challenges faced by society today revolves around family law issues, particularly in the contexts of marriage, divorce, domestic violence, dower, and dowry. At Legal Solutions Bangladesh, our extensive experience in these matters has allowed me to learn the fundamentals of this field.
Marriage-related cases require numerous meetings and negotiations between parties. I have familiarized myself with the processes and formalities involved in both marriage and divorce, ensuring compliance with the necessary authorities. Domestic violence remains a significant concern in Bangladesh, and I have actively participated in cases addressing this issue. Cases involving dower and dowry are also recurring, requiring sensitive and informed handling.
I tailor my advice to each client, ensuring that it is clear, easily understood, and aligned with the client’s desired outcomes. This personalized approach helps clients navigate the complexities of their legal situations effectively.
In my role, I contribute by drafting petitions, preparing evidence, managing the filing process, and maintaining accurate records. My involvement in arbitration and mediation helps resolve disputes efficiently. Additionally, my experience in criminal litigation enhances my ability to support clients through various legal challenges, ensuring they receive comprehensive and effective legal representation.
By focusing on these critical areas and providing tailored legal solutions, I help clients navigate complex legal landscapes, thereby addressing some of the most urgent legal challenges faced by society today.
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build a career in corporate law, based on your own experiences and lessons learned?
Ethics is a crucial factor in the legal field. A lawyer who embodies the attitude, “I would rather be broke than disbarred,” is a lawyer you can trust. You don’t want a lawyer who takes on matters beyond their skill set, takes unnecessary risks, forces quick settlements, or overbills due to financial pressures. Additionally, you don’t want a “win at all costs” lawyer, despite what TV and movies may portray. Unethical actions, such as tampering with witnesses, forging documents, planting evidence, or bribing officials, can lead to far more significant problems in the future.
Equally important is the ability to communicate. Even the smartest lawyers in the world will struggle if they cannot effectively communicate with you, opposing counsel, or the court. Lawyers trade in words; if they cannot string them into coherent thoughts or present them persuasively, they cannot be effective advocates for their clients, regardless of their legal knowledge.
Who has been a significant influence or mentor in your legal journey, and how have they shaped your approach to law and leadership?
Throughout my legal journey, a mentor who has had a significant influence on me is Barrister Raghib Rauf Chowdhury. His guidance and wisdom have greatly shaped my approach to law and leadership. Sir taught me the importance of integrity, diligence, and empathy in the practice of law. His mentorship has inspired me to strive for excellence, to always act ethically, and to lead with compassion and understanding. I am grateful for his mentorship and the invaluable lessons he has imparted to me.
How challenging is it to achieve excellence and success in the legal profession?
The field of law is intricate and multifaceted. Laws are complex, convoluted, and intertwined. Mastering a practice area’s statutes, along with their quirks, case interpretations, and interactions with other areas, puts you ahead of most. Possessing the mental acuity to parse these elements and knowing how, when, and where to look gives you a significant advantage. A significant part of law practice involves aligning your fact pattern with statutes that might not perfectly address your situation. You must also discern what is truly relevant to a case and eliminate what is not.
Availability is another crucial aspect. Lawyers are inherently busy, and law practice is demanding. Many great lawyers struggle to say “no,” even when they lack the time to properly manage a case. No matter how brilliant a legal mind you have, if you cannot manage to return your client’s phone calls promptly, you are not the best lawyer for the job.
Ms. Resalat Belaly Prema, please say something to the readers!
Answer: Dear Readers, remember the right lawyer for someone else might not be the right lawyer for you. Your legal issue is unique, and you deserve personalized attention and expertise tailored to your specific situation. Selecting a lawyer is an important decision, so take your time and do your research to find the right one for you.
Quick Chat with Resalat Belaly Prema
The most outstanding achievement of your life as of now:
I am still in the learning process and I have a lot to learn. For me, making a significant impact through pro bono work such as taking on cases for underserved victims of domestic violence or advocating for their rights has been a highly fulfilling achievement as of now.
The greatest philosopher in your view:
Our prophet Muhammad SAWS.
Your Icon:
My father.
Name the most influential books you have read:
The Holy Quran.
Your greatest fear:
Loneliness.
Best piece of advice you’ve received:
“You must never be fearful about what you doing when it’s right.”
You in only three words:
Quick-learner, Passionate, and honest.
Skill Set:
● Hard Skills
Technology skills, legal research, information analysis, and client service.
● Soft Skills
Communication, problem-solving, time management, leadership quality, and interpersonal skills.
Prayer for Human Civilization
Let’s try to donate for Gaza as it’s our duty to help our Muslim brothers and sisters in times of crisis. If you cannot, at least pray for them. Let’s be united and save the world.
The InCAP: Thank you, Ms. Resalat Belaly Prema! It’s a glittering conversation with you!
Ms. Resalat Belaly Prema: My pleasure! Wish you all the best! Thank you.
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