Spotlight on… Harun Rafiq

Solicitor Harun Rafiq has recently qualified into HCR Law’s Corporate team and is based in our Wye Valley office.

He shares what first attracted him to the legal profession, the nature of advice he provides to corporate clients and his professional aspirations for the next 12 months.

What first attracted you to a career in law?

The simple answer would be Suits! Although it portrayed a glamourised and somewhat inaccurate version of the legal profession – especially from this side of the pond – it did highlight the fast-paced nature and variety of legal work.

What truly attracted me to law was recognising how the legal profession can be tailored to your interests. Almost every area of life and society, from business and sports to law and order, involves legislation and require lawyers. This meant I could align my skills and interests with an area of law that suited me.

What type of legal advice do you provide and to what sorts of clients?

I work predominantly on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), providing legal advice to shareholders, directors and companies across a range of sectors. I support them with their entry into, or exit from, a business.

Dealing with complex ownership structures and operational businesses throughout a transaction means that my clients are often in a “live” situation with many moving parts, and the route to completion is dictated by a number of factors.

I also support businesses who are looking to evolve their corporate governance documents. As business goals and objectives shift, it’s important to ensure that governing documents – such as articles of association and shareholders’ agreements – align with the strategic plans of the business.

What are you most excited about in your role over the next year?

Having recently qualified into the Corporate team in our Wye Valley office, I’m excited to meet clients and contacts in the region to learn more about their business aims and objectives and discuss how HCR can be a strategic partner in helping them achieve those goals.

What is your number one top tip for clients?

Deals are “live” in the sense that businesses continue to operate when going through a sale or purchase. In addition to this, external factors like economic policy can change the trajectory of a deal.

My top tip is to stay in touch regularly. If there’s a change that could impact your business, no matter how small, we can ensure the deal terms reflect that change and put you in the best possible position. A brief conversation early on can help us stay on track and ensure coordination.