Zaair Abbas

• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and legislative changes, providing timely advice to colleagues and clients.
• Developed strong professional relationships with clients through effective communication and attention to detail.
• Managed multiple tasks under tight deadlines, prioritizing assignments based on urgency and importance.

Working on bail applications and police interviews allowed me to enhance my legal skills and gain a deeper understanding of criminal defense strategy. Here's a snapshot of my key responsibilities:

• Bail Applications: Reviewed case files to gather relevant details about the client, including criminal history, community ties, and risk factors. Identified strong legal arguments for bail, focusing on minimizing flight risk, preventing reoffending, and ensuring compliance with bail conditions. Drafted persuasive written bail applications, proposing specific bail conditions (curfews, electronic tagging, reporting). Presented arguments for bail in mock court settings, advocating for the client's release based on sound legal reasoning.
• Police Interviews: Analyzed case scenarios and developed strategies for advising clients during police interviews. Provided guidance on key decisions like whether to answer questions, remain silent, or provide a prepared statement. Ensured clients understood their rights, including the significance of the caution and confidentiality. Drafted legal documents summarizing advice given to clients during police station representation.

During my internship at CLM, I had the opportunity to work on high-stakes corporate transactions and complex dispute resolution matters. Under the guidance of esteemed legal professionals, I developed practical insights into Mergers & Acquisitions, Arbitration, and Tax Law, gaining hands-on experience in legal research, drafting, and case strategy.

Key Areas of Work:

• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Assisted in due diligence processes for corporate acquisitions, identifying legal risks and compliance issues.
  Conducted research on corporate structures, regulatory approvals, and contractual obligations in M&A transactions. Worked under Sir Shehzad Ellahi’s team, mentored by Sir Mussadiq Islam, gaining exposure to deal structuring and negotiation strategies.
• International & Domestic Arbitration:
  Worked directly under the mentorship of Sir Qasim Zaman, where I developed a strong interest in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Gained a detailed understanding of arbitration laws and procedural frameworks, particularly in commercial and investment disputes. Conducted legal research on arbitral institutions (e.g., ICC, LCIA, SIAC) and their application in international disputes.
  Assisted in drafting arbitration submissions, analyzing precedents, and strategizing case arguments.
• Tax Law: Conducted legal research on corporate tax regulations, compliance, and litigation strategies. Assisted in drafting advisory notes on tax structuring and regulatory frameworks for businesses.
  Developed an understanding of tax disputes and the interplay between corporate transactions and tax obligations.
• Communications Strategy and Attention to Detail
  
  This experience has deepened my understanding of corporate transactions and dispute resolution, reinforcing my passion for international arbitration and financial law. I look forward to further exploring these fields as I progress in my legal career.

Legal Research:
Conducted comprehensive legal research on various corporate law cases, with a focus on those pertinent to Independent Power Projects (IPPs).
Analyzed legal precedents, statutes, and regulations relevant to IPPs and other corporate legal matters.
Prepared detailed research memoranda summarizing key findings and their implications for ongoing cases and client advisory.

Case Analysis:
Examined case law and legal principles related to contract law, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. Assisted in identifying critical legal issues and potential risks associated with corporate transactions and IPP agreements.
Compiled case summaries and briefed senior attorneys on the latest developments and legal trends affecting the firm's clients.

Drafting and Documentation:
Assisted in drafting legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and legal opinions, under the supervision of senior attorneys. Reviewed and edited contractual clauses to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Helped in preparing documentation for regulatory submissions and compliance checks.

Client Interaction:
Participated in client meetings and conference calls to gain insight into client needs and project requirements. Assisted in preparing presentation materials and reports for clients, outlining legal strategies and recommendations. Maintained professional communication with clients, addressing their inquiries and providing updates on project progress.