Meet the Director, Bilal Farooq
We are sitting down with our very own Director, Bilal Farooq to get a glimpse into what life is like running a successful law firm and how he achieved his goals whilst making his way to the top.
What made you decide to take the legal career route?
My siblings and I were encouraged to pursue specific careers. My sister became an optometrist, and I became a solicitor. It was a natural decision for me, as law has fascinated me from a young age; not simply the law itself, but the lives of people, their stories, the how and why as to their need for a legal representative.
Could you give us a little insight into what your journey was like in becoming a solicitor?
My route into law was conventional. I graduated from the University of Bedfordshire with an honours degree in law and went on to complete my master’s in international commercial law. I then enrolled at the London Metropolitan University to begin my LPC, where I obtained a distinction, while simultaneously completing a training contract with a law firm in Luton. After I qualified as a solicitor, I went on to work at a niche personal injury firm in London, before working for the Motor Insurance Bureau in Milton Keynes. While I enjoyed and valued the experience that these firms provided me with, I knew I had more to give.
How did you become the Director of your own law firm?
At 30 and with only two and a half years’ PQE, I was eager to run my own law firm. I made an application to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to be granted a waiver to open my own practice. My application was approved in August 2018. Setting up was very difficult. In addition to working full-time, I was viewing premises, managing building-works, and thinking of company names, logos, and graphics. They were on a list that, at the time, seemed limitless. There were many sleepless nights where I began to question what I had done. Was this right for me? Could I really achieve everything I had set out to do? With a vast amount of perseverance and dedication, Greystone Solicitors opened in 2018 and continues to strive.
Do you provide any support to the local community?
Running a law firm in the town I grew up in, I feel that it is an honour and duty to be able to give back to the community. Which is why I regularly network with charities and organisations to create awareness in ways my firm can help. I understand that people aren’t always available for appointments between Monday to Friday, and money can sometimes inhibit access, hence why I have allocated time every Friday and Saturday to hold free drop-in clinics for immigration enquiries. We also hold free immigration clinics at Women’s Aid, British Red Cross and Luton Roma Trust. We have also established trusting relationships with local organisations such as Citizen Advice Bureau and Luton Law Centre, who signpost their clients to us. By liaising with such charities and local organisations, I can inform and protect the people in my community and ensure they have access to all their required services. We have also participated in local Festivals to show our support to the community.
What do you enjoy most about working in law?
As the Director of the firm, there is no such thing as a typical working day for me. One day I could be managing the office, compliance, and staff; another day would see myself in court or liaising with local charities and organisations. The variety of my work keeps me interested and driven.
“I’m also a strong advocate of giving people the opportunity to reach their potential.”
Within my firm, I understand that delivering the best possible service would not be possible without expert solicitors who have both knowledge and experience in their respective fields. I wish to retain, train, and promote staff as well as build positive working relationships.
I aim to inspire young people and aspiring lawyers by conducting seminars in colleges and universities. I have given career talks at the University of Bedfordshire, where I have provided information and support regarding their studies and future law careers. I have also held open days at my firm for Luton Sixth Form College students who intend to study law at university. This is so I can inform them about routes into law and learn about various roles within the firm, thus helping them decide whether a career in law is something they wish to pursue. Moreover, we offer graduates internships at the law firm so that they can gain valuable experience.
Featured
- Law Gazette
https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/my-legal-life/my-legal-life-bilal-farooq/5069712.article - University of Bedfordshire
https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/departments/businessschool/our-departments/law-finance/law/alumni-stories/bilal-farooq/ - London Metropolitan University
https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/news/articles/life-after-after-london-met-diversity-and-flexibility-paves-the-way-to-legal-career-success/ - Luton Today
https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/business/luton-legal-director-receives-mayors-appreciation-award-2505108
Awards
- Certificate of Appreciation awarded by the Mayor of Luton in 2020
- Shortlisted at The 8th British Muslim Awards 2020 ‘Achievements in Law’ category
- Runner up at the Luton Best Awards 2019 ‘Adult Achiever’ category
- Highly commended at the Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards 2019 ‘Role Model of the Year’ category
- Shortlisted at the Asian Legal Awards 2019 ‘rising star’ category
