Shaheen Mamun, who graduated from the University of Westminster with an LLB Honours Solicitors Exempting degree, has spoken on the importance of the graduate skills he gained during his studies and offers advice to current and prospective students on how to overcome challenges along the way.
After graduating from the University of Westminster, Shaheen Mamun co-founded Black Antelope Law at the age of 26 to form an embedded business model which fused both the solicitor and barrister professions.
As a Director of Black Antelope Law, he heads the day-to-day running of the group’s financial administration with a primary focus on maintaining quality mark standards, legal, regulatory and data protection compliance, risk management, performance, marketing, and brand management. He supports his clients in achieving their objectives through a range of services that combine intelligence and awareness, communication, learning and decisive action.
As a solicitor, Shaheen also retains a deep commitment to and heavy involvement in immigration law. In this vein, he was awarded Human Rights Lawyer of the Year in the UK at the 2022 Global Law Experts Annual Awards and shortlisted as a finalist for Lawyer of the Year at the Modern Law Awards 2020.
He was also recognised as leading the ‘Best Business Immigration Law Firm in England’ by the SME News Awards 2021, ‘Top 10 Emerging Immigration Law Firms in UK 2021’ by Manage HR Magazine, ‘Business Immigration Lawyers of the Year 2021 – Midlands’ by the Acquisition International Legal Awards 2021, and ‘Most Outstanding Business Immigration Law Firm – England’ by the Global Business Insight Awards 2021.
The University of Westminster spoke to Shaheen about his time at the University, and how it provided him with the support and skills needed to advance into a successful career in law.
What did the University of Westminster give to you in terms of the support and skills needed to advance into your chosen career path?
I owe a substantial amount of gratitude to the University of Westminster where they not only challenged my academic ability to the level that I am at now, but also greatly assisted in my professional development. Any positive progression I made was always acknowledged as was shown when the University awarded me a Student Achievement Award.
My academic progression was continuously and carefully monitored by my tutors in a great learning environment and the facilities I received, especially from the Career Development Centre, were absolutely brilliant.
I enjoyed every single minute of my time at Westminster especially in the seminars and met many good friends who I remain in touch with now. Had it not been for the support and assistance I had received from the University, I would find it difficult to apprehend my current situation and therefore will always value the time I spent there.
Do you have any highlights from your time at Westminster which inspired you?
A particular highlight of my time at Westminster which inspired me to continue my career trajectory into law was when I was awarded with the Student Achievement Awards in 2013. I was grateful to have received this award as it inspired me to work harder and made me feel that I could succeed in law after my studies.
What are your long-term career plans?
Having set up my own law firm at the age of 26 and worked with various organisations such as the Law Society, I can honestly say that there is more to come with so many options available ranging from going into lecturing to even possibly entering politics – the sky is the limit, so watch this space!
What advice would you give to current students who are unsure about where to start when it comes to applying for jobs?
My route to a legal career was by no means an easy one. I have encountered and overcome several hurdles and obstacles along the way. Being a first-generation lawyer of an ethnic background and also the first individual in my family to complete university, I stepped into a career that from the outset seemed daunting and challenging. I did not have the benefit of previous connections in the legal field and have had to forge my own path through perseverance and hard work. Through my journey I have made life-changing friendships that have enabled me to further my passion and fulfil my dreams.
No matter how many obstacles are put in front of you, never lose sight of the final goal. Life is about overcoming obstacles and the more problems you can overcome the richer your experience will be. Through perseverance, patience, and persistence there are no limits to what you can achieve. Don’t be afraid of hard work. Don’t be afraid of starting from the bottom because hard work never goes unrewarded. Chasing your passion in life is worth all the hard work because once you taste the fruits of your endeavours, it all becomes worth it.
For any aspiring lawyers (solicitors or barristers), it is highly recommended that you undertake as much pro-bono and legal voluntary work as you can to achieve the desired Training Contract or Pupillage.
Professional networking through events and email is also not a bad idea as it helps to broaden your contacts list and raise your awareness of any potential opportunities. Finally, always try to stay on top of exams, especially with the amount of competition out there!
Find out more about Law courses at the University of Westminster.
Learn about the Aziz Foundation postgraduate scholarship which is a full tuition fee waiver award to Westminster students from a Muslim, Black, Asian and minority ethnic background.
