In conversation with Parwana Zahib-Majed

What inspired you during the project?

The palpable enthusiasm and commitment of the organisers and the teaching faculty was inspiring and humbling.  Claire Donse and Simon Boon did a great job at conveying the role of this programme in plugging a tangible gap in the learning experience of the ZIALE students and impressing on us the real difference this programme makes to their development. They formed the teaching pairs in a way that showed remarkable insight and undoubtedly contributed to the teaching and learning experience.       

Another source of inspiration were my fellow teachers comprising DLA Piper lawyers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Tanzania, The Netherlands, UK and United States, as well as GE lawyer.  Their willingness to impart their knowledge, stalwart commitment to pro bono work and “giving back”, the electric energy and unbridled enthusiasm for achieving the goals of the project inspired me to not only do my best but feel proud of being part of the team.     

What was the most fulfilling aspect of the work?

I would have to say the most fulfilling aspect of the experience was making a real difference to aspiring lawyers at the outset of their careers.  Our interactive teaching style was unexpected and rather alien to the students which made for a tough first day.  However by the end of the day we started seeing more raised hands and confident responses which assured us that the students felt they were in a safe, judgement-free learning environment.  By the end of the week, student participation and responses were cheeky, confident, challenging and above all correct.  Seeing the progress made by students from reserved listeners on day 1 to vocal class participants and fierce negotiators by the end of the week was immensely rewarding.  

One of the, very much unexpected, highlights occurred on Wednesday by way of an enthusiastic, albeit initially bemused, response to a mid-afternoon suggestion for a group rendition of We Will Rock You to beat the post lunch haze – this swiftly came to be accompanied by spontaneous stomping, clapping and free style improvisation in an amazing showcase of African rhythm and musicality.

The last day of teaching and the closing ceremony was bitter sweet and heart-warming.  Some of the students wanted us to know the positive impact they felt we made to their development, some felt we inspired them to think differently about their professional development or to aim higher and many wanted to show respect by way of requests for countless selfies!

What one word describes your trip?

Exceptional.  Taking part in any New Perimeter project is always rewarding, often challenging and occasionally exceptional. Working with the students at ZIALE, teaching and learning from them in return, and collaborating not only with DLA Piper colleagues on a truly global scale but also with GE lawyers was one such truly exceptional experience.  Special thanks to Claire and Simon for military precision organisation and planning, my fellow teachers for their unparalleled commitment and enthusiasm, students of ZIALE for inspiring me, my teaching buddy Lina Santiago for making it an unforgettable experience and, last but not least, the lawyers from DLA Piper’s partner firm Chibesakunda & Co for their warm hospitality. Altogether an exceptional experience.

"Seeing the progress made by students from reserved listeners on day 1 to vocal class participants and fierce negotiators by the end of the week was immensely rewarding."