“…start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can”- Mohamed Hassan
Mohamed Hassan is a Somalilander lawyer, legal scholar, and activist with over a decade of experience in national, regional, and international law. His expertise spans commercial and investment law, intellectual property, and development policy – all underscored by a steadfast commitment to access to justice and human rights. As the managing partner of Raven Law Firm, Mohamed leads a team of 20 lawyers across Somaliland, China, Turkey, the UAE, and the UK, advising major economic institutions such as the Somaliland Chamber of Commerce and the Somaliland Industries Association on regulatory compliance and business strategy. Earlier in his career, he served as a judge of a regional court, where he earned a reputation for fairness and innovation in resolving complex disputes.
Parallel to his legal practice, Mohamed has built an impressive academic career. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Private Law (Commercial and Investment) at Istanbul Medeniyet University, building on an earlier Master of Laws from Erciyes University in Turkey. At Erciyes, his LL.M. dissertation examined corporate governance in the Horn of Africa with a particular focus on protecting minority shareholders, highlighting the importance of strong legal safeguards for balanced participation, corporate sustainability, and attracting foreign investment. He further expanded his expertise with a second master’s degree in Intellectual Property and Development from South Korea’s KDI School of Public Policy and Management, completed under a prestigious World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) scholarship. Through these academic pursuits, Mohamed has contributed to scholarly discourse, publishing work on topics ranging from minority shareholder rights to the challenges facing Somaliland’s small and medium-sized enterprises in accessing international markets.
Mohamed’s leadership and impact have earned him recognition on the international stage. In 2024, he was honored as a Mandela Washington Fellow – one of just 700 young African leaders selected from over 55,000 applicants. As part of this U.S. State Department programme, he gained hands-on experience in the American legal system: he was among the top 100 fellows awarded a Professional Development placement in Seattle, Washington, where he placed with a public defender’s office to assist vulnerable individuals seeking legal representation. He is also a member of the African Lawyers Association, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, and a certified member of Law Business Research Ltd., reflecting active engagement in the global legal community. With fluency in Somali, English, Turkish, and Arabic, Mohamed bridges cultures and jurisdictions, embodying a new generation of African lawyers who operate seamlessly across borders. True to his personal motto that every adversity is a teacher, he approaches each challenge as an opportunity to learn, innovate, and further the cause of justice.
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession.
Mohamed Hassan’s journey into the legal profession was ignited by a bold resolve to challenge fear and misconceptions. In his community, studying law was once considered taboo – viewed as forbidden or incompatible with Sharia principles. Instead of deterring him, this stigma became the spark that fuelled his ambition. Hassan recognised that even when formal legal codes seemed at odds with local values, they could be reshaped to reflect a society’s beliefs, bridging the gap between tradition and modern law.
From an early age, Hassan embraced the idea that “fear is the fuel of discovery, and that every problem is a hidden opportunity”. This mindset was inspired by the daring spirit of history’s great explorers, those who ventured into uncharted territories despite the risks. Just as those explorers pressed forward into the unknown, he dared to pursue the path of law – a path that, for him, was an unexplored frontier in his community. Armed with curiosity and courage, he set out to study law even when the journey promised to be lonely.
Indeed, Hassan’s pursuit of legal studies began without the usual moral or social support; neither his community nor his family initially stood behind his choice. Undeterred, he forged ahead on his own, driven by the conviction that the law could serve his people rather than oppose them. His perseverance bore fruit: he not only excelled in his legal career but also became a living testament to the possibilities that arise when one confronts fear head-on.
Today, the practice of law remains a deeply fulfilling pursuit for Mohamed Hassan. He finds purpose in reimagining legal frameworks to better serve and reflect his society’s values, turning abstract principles of justice into tangible positive change. The most rewarding aspect, however, is witnessing the transformation around him. Those who once dismissed or even condemned the idea of studying law have now begun pursuing it themselves – many inspired by his example. For Hassan, every case he tackles and every young mind he inspires reinforces the truth that his journey, sparked by courage and vision, continues to light the way for others.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
In today’s fast-changing legal arena, merely reacting to change isn’t enough – truly exceptional lawyers stay ahead of the curve. The legal field is an “ever-evolving landscape” that demands attorneys “continually polish their skills and adjust to the demands of the industry”. According to Mohamed Hassan – an attorney who has navigated formidable challenges in his own career – the hallmark of an exceptional lawyer is a relentless drive to learn and improve. He believes an outstanding lawyer must remain hungry for knowledge and experience at all times, constantly expanding their expertise to keep pace with new laws, technologies, and global developments. This intellectual hunger, paired with adaptability and perseverance, defines the modern lawyer’s path to excellence.
Lifelong Learning and Curiosity
Exceptional lawyers distinguish themselves through an unwavering commitment to continuous learning. No attorney should ever assume their education is complete – in fact, “no lawyer should assume their education is over at any point in their career…Successful lawyers…are lifelong learners who never stop growing”. Mastery of the law requires not only knowing current statutes and precedents but also staying abreast of changes as these evolve. The most effective attorneys constantly seek out new knowledge. The better one is at identifying gaps in their understanding and bridging those gaps, “the more effective [they] will be as a lawyer. In practice, this means reading widely, pursuing continuing legal education, and cultivating a curious mindset about emerging legal issues. Hassan emphasises that an exceptional lawyer is essentially a perpetual student of the law, always updating their skill set and embracing new learning opportunities. This lifelong curiosity not only keeps a lawyer’s knowledge sharp, but also fuels the ingenuity needed to solve complex problems in novel ways.
Adaptability and Resilience
Hand in hand with constant learning is adaptability – the capacity to adjust to new circumstances – and resilience, the mental toughness to persist through setbacks. The legal profession never stands still: laws are amended, regulations shift, and unexpected challenges arise. Successful attorneys greet these changes not with fear, but with flexibility and optimism. A resilient lawyer views change as “a chance to learn and develop new skills”, proactively seeking out knowledge to keep up with an “ever-evolving legal landscape”. Likewise, adaptability means being open to new ideas and willing to step outside one’s comfort zone – whether adopting a new technology at the firm or quickly learning an unfamiliar area of law.
Crucially, exceptional lawyers also possess unshakeable perseverance. They understand that difficulties are inevitable in legal practice, from tough cases to steep learning curves, and they refuse to let temporary failures discourage them. As one commentary notes, a resilient attorney recognizes that setbacks are “part of the journey” and uses these trials “as opportunities for growth”, maintaining a positive mindset to “persevere through challenges.” In other words, obstacles are not signs to quit but lessons that build strength. This quality of bouncing back is what allows top lawyers to thrive in high-pressure environments and long, complex cases.
Hassan’s own journey powerfully illustrates adaptability and resilience in action. When he pursued his master’s degree in law in Turkey, he faced a daunting hurdle: the entire programme was taught in Turkish, a language he did not yet speak. He was given only one year to learn Turkish – including complex legal terminology – before commencing the full curriculum. Many of his peers found this transition too overwhelming and gave up. Hassan, however, chose not to quit. He threw himself into learning the language, fully aware that this challenge was a unique opportunity to broaden his skills. By trusting the process and keeping his focus on the goal, he steadily progressed. There were moments of frustration and doubt, but he treated each as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock. Fuelled by determination and curiosity, he broke through the language barrier and successfully completed the programme. This perseverance, in the face of a challenge that others deemed insurmountable, exemplifies the resilience that defines an exceptional lawyer. No challenge lasts forever; with a growth mindset and persistence, even the steepest learning curves can be overcome.
Ambition and Patience
Another defining quality of outstanding lawyers is a strong ambition – the drive to achieve and to make an impact – balanced by patience and humility in personal growth. Young professionals often enter the field brimming with ambition, eager to argue cases and contribute meaningfully. That ambition is vital; it pushes lawyers to seize opportunities, take on challenging work, and continually raise their own bar. Hassan himself demonstrated ambition in pursuing advanced legal studies abroad and aiming to become fluent in a new language to expand his horizons.
However, what sets exceptional lawyers apart is that they pair this drive with a long-term perspective. They understand that legal excellence is a marathon, not a sprint. As early-career advice from legal experts emphasises, “a legal career is a long-term journey” and one must “recognize that success takes time and effort”. In practice, this means being patient with oneself while honing skills over years of experience. Young attorneys may not immediately master every facet of practice or see instant results – and that’s normal. The truly great lawyers are those who remain steadfast and patient, continuing to put in the hard work even when progress is gradual. They do not become complacent, but neither are they discouraged by the fact that real growth can be slow. Hassan advises emerging lawyers to be ambitious in seeking knowledge and experience, yet patient with their own development. By steadily improving one’s abilities and understanding that each phase of a career builds on the last, young professionals cultivate depth and expertise that fuel lasting success.
3. Significant Ongoing Project or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
Mohamed Hassan’s next groundbreaking initiative builds on the recent launch of Raven Law Firm, which he co-founded to bridge critical gaps in Somaliland’s legal ecosystem. After returning from six years of study and practice abroad, Hassan and his team identified a lack of professional, tech-enabled legal support for both local businesses and the Somali diaspora in trade hubs (UAE, China, Turkey). Raven Law Firm was explicitly created to address this need, delivering “top-tier legal services, on par with the best available worldwide.” The firm’s core strategy involves taking a highly innovative, team-based approach to legal work while targeting international markets. Key elements of Hassan’s initiative include:
- Tech-enabled case management: Adopting electronic filing and case-tracking systems to streamline justice, reflecting the trend that “the future of legal practice is digital”
- Cross-border outreach: Building networks in key trade centers so that Somaliland-based lawyers can support Somaliland businesses and investors abroad. Raven’s roster even includes international partners (for example, Turkish lawyer Ahmet Fuat Harmancı)underscoring its global scope.
- High professional standards: Emphasizing professionalism and innovation in every case, per Raven’s core values. Clients are assured of “top-tier” service quality comparable to UK or other developed-country firms.
- Client-centric innovation: Designing legal solutions with the end user in mind — lawyers and clients alike. By focusing on efficiency and transparency, Hassan hopes to make legal services “easier, quicker, and cheaper” for Somalilanders.
Under Hassan’s leadership, Raven Law is already turning this vision into reality. The firm has rapidly become the first in Somaliland to offer true cross-border legal representation and to implement a fully digital case management workflow. Its multidisciplinary team includes lawyers, economists, and even ICT/AI experts, reflecting Hassan’s commitment to legal innovation. This tech-forward approach not only improves efficiency but also positions Somaliland’s legal sector on a path similar to other African jurisdictions embracing digital courts and online registration systems. By exporting high-quality legal expertise to diaspora clients, the initiative helps investors and entrepreneurs feel more connected and protected – reinforcing the idea that Somaliland’s diaspora truly serve as a “bridge between our homeland and the world”.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books.
Mohamed Hassan often credits a few key influences for shaping his path. Foremost among them is the late Sheikh Ali Abdi Guled, a respected Somaliland legal scholar who gave Mohamed the confidence to pursue law and helped him connect classroom theory with courtroom and client work. In fact, law-industry commentary confirms that while law school lays a theoretical foundation, real-world mentors are needed to apply it in practice. One ABA article describes a mentor as “a beacon of knowledge and a pillar of support, offering advice, encouragement, and invaluable feedback” to help a young lawyer “navigate the complex waters of legal practice”. Under Sheikh Ali’s guidance, Mohamed transformed textbook lessons into practical strategy, a transition that gave him courage and clarity in the early stages of his career.
Learning from Seasoned Professionals
Beyond his formal mentor, Hassan made it a practice to tap into the wisdom of other senior lawyers. He regularly sat down with veteran attorneys and judges, asking candid questions about the obstacles they had encountered. This approach mirrors well-documented wisdom: experienced mentors not only share practical examples of how legal principles play out, but they also highlight “common mistakes young lawyers make and how to avoid them”. By listening to their stories, Mohamed gained a first‑hand preview of pitfalls to watch for. In essence, each conversation became an advance lesson – he learned how textbooks translate into real cases, and how to sidestep errors that others had made. In this way, he turned seasoned colleagues into an informal advisory board, using their hindsight as his foresight.
Insights from Seven Steps of Success
Mohamed’s influences extend beyond people to the printed page. He was particularly inspired by a motivational book called Seven Steps of Success. The book’s central message is to break big ambitions into smaller, manageable steps – an approach that resonated deeply with him. This strategy is supported by productivity experts: for example, one planning specialist notes that using a nested goal system (yearly, monthly, weekly objectives) “helps break large goals into smaller tasks and helps ensure progress”. Applying this, Hassan now tackles professional objectives incrementally. Each complex case or long-term project is viewed as a series of milestones. He sets intermediate benchmarks and celebrates those mini‑successes along the way. This disciplined, step‑by‑step mindset keeps him motivated and organized, ensuring that even the most daunting legal challenges feel achievable.
Together, these mentors and milestones have given Hassan a thoughtful, resilient outlook. Guided by Sheikh Ali’s wisdom, enriched by peers’ hard‑won experience, and energised by structured goal‑setting from Seven Steps of Success, he has built a deliberate approach to his career. His journey illustrates a simple truth: blending the encouragement and knowledge of legal predecessors with clear, methodical planning creates a strong foundation for a young lawyer’s success.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
Mohamed Hassan advises that emerging lawyers should begin by trusting their own judgment rather than idolising celebrated figures. He emphasises that every expert was once a beginner, and young advocates need to see themselves as potential future leaders. As one author observes, “people who trust themselves allow themselves to adopt the role of ‘expert’ in their own lives… moving with confidence, not certainty”. In other words, Hassan urges novices to cultivate their own inner compass – to learn and grow through experience – rather than simply copying senior lawyers. This confidence pairs with a growth mindset: he reminds them that youth and fresh perspective are advantages. Innovation literature notes that inexperience can spark creative breakthroughs, since “the trouble with experts is that they already know what’s not possible”. Young professionals, he says, should believe that with dedication and learning, they can one day surpass today’s experts.
Begin Where You Are: Take the First Step
Hassan often invokes the proverb that “every long journey begins with a single step.” He encourages young lawyers to start now with whatever resources they have. Even seemingly small actions – reading a case, drafting a brief, volunteering – begin to build their path forward. An aviation instructor similarly notes that “every long journey begins with a single step” and that committing to the first lesson sets one on “the first leg of a satisfying lifelong journey”. Likewise, Hassan tells young advocates to “start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can,” reinforcing that forward motion – no matter how modest – is progress.
Let Fear Propel You, Not Halt You
Rather than viewing fear as a barrier, Hassan frames it as a signal of growth. He tells beginners that fear is not a stop sign but a source of energy. When uncertainty or doubt arises, those feelings often mean you are on the edge of something meaningful. As one coach puts it, “Fear is Not a Sign to Stop – It’s a Signal to Begin.” In practical terms, feeling nervous before a big case or public speaking engagement can fuel preparation and creativity, rather than paralysis. Hassan’s guiding principle is to lean into that nervous energy: treat fear as a sign that you’re stretching beyond your comfort zone, which is exactly where real learning and discovery happen.
Turn Obstacles into Guides
Hassan reframes obstacles as guideposts instead of blockages. What first appears as a problem – a setback, a tough exam, an unsolved case – can actually steer you toward the right path. He recalls the Zen proverb, “Obstacles do not block the path. They are the path.” This wisdom underlines that each challenge teaches something essential. In practice, if a case argument doesn’t go as planned, it reveals skills you need to develop; if a career path seems stalled, it may point you toward new opportunities. Rather than giving up, Hassan advises, stop and ask: What can this difficulty teach me? Every hurdle can be a teacher that prepares you for the next stage of your journey.
Think Broadly, Act Specifically
To stay on course, Hassan counsels combining wide vision with focused action. He urges young lawyers to keep a big-picture goal in mind (“Think wide”) while advancing through concrete small steps (“do small”). This mirrors the agile principle of “thinking big, working small”: having a clear mission and then breaking it into achievable tasks. For example, a young advocate might envision broad goals like social justice reform, but in the short term concentrate on one case, one client, or one piece of legislation. By linking each small task to the larger vision, they maintain momentum without feeling overwhelmed. Hassan’s mantra encourages patience and discipline: make steady, daily progress toward your ideals, and the cumulative effect will be significant.
Celebrate Every Milestone
Finally, Hassan stresses the importance of recognizing small victories. He knows that hitting clear, well-defined, small targets confirms you are on the right path. Psychology research shows that these “small wins” – even tiny steps like finishing a draft or mastering a legal concept – build confidence and momentum. Each accomplishment, no matter how modest, creates positive feedback: it proves your methods work and fuels the desire to keep going. In Hassan’s words, checking off those small goals is not trivial; it’s how you sustain progress until the larger journey is complete.
For aspiring lawyers who want to develop these attributes, the question becomes: how can you actively cultivate continuous learning, resilience, and balanced ambition in your own career? Below are key approaches inspired by Hassan’s insights and the wisdom of seasoned professionals:
- Never Stop Learning: Commit to building your knowledge base every day. Legal education does not end with law school – it’s essential to stay current with new laws, regulations, and industry trends throughout your career. Read professional journals, attend workshops and seminars, seek additional certifications or degrees – anything that keeps you informed and intellectually challenged will strengthen your skills and set you apart as a lawyer. Embracing research and ongoing education as a lifestyle will ensure you remain curious and well-equipped for the latest developments.
- Embrace Challenges and Persevere: Approach every challenge as an opportunity rather than a threat. There are “no shortcuts to success” in law, so welcome difficult cases, rigorous assignments, and even failures as chances to learn and improve Cultivate grit: when faced with setbacks or steep learning curves, resist the urge to quit. Instead, break problems into manageable parts, ask for guidance when needed, and apply lessons from past obstacles to new situations. This habit of perseverance will build your confidence and resilience over time. Each time you bounce back from a setback, you’ll be tougher and more capable for the next hurdle.
- Balance Ambition with Patience: Set high goals for yourself – whether it’s mastering a complex area of law, arguing in court, or leading a team – and be ambitious in pursuing them. At the same time, temper that ambition with patience and realism about the growth process. Recognise that developing true expertise and a strong reputation takes time; as the saying goes, success is a long-term journey that requires time and effort. Avoid the trap of comparing your progress to others’ or expecting overnight success. Instead, focus on incremental improvements in your craft. Celebrate small victories and skills gained, knowing these lay the groundwork for larger achievements. By staying patiently persistent, you ensure that your ambition fuels hard work rather than burnout or frustration.
- Keep Your Eyes on the Goal: Maintain faith in your vision for your career and trust the learning process, even during trying times. One of Hassan’s guiding principles was to “trust the process” – to remain steadily focused on his destination when immediate circumstances were tough. Adopt this long view in your own journey. If you encounter a daunting task (like learning a new language or tackling an unfamiliar legal issue), remind yourself why you started and what you aim to accomplish in the end. This mindset will help you push through temporary discomfort. Stay focused on your ultimate objectives, and let that big-picture perspective motivate you to persist. By keeping your end goals in sight, you can more easily endure the challenges of the moment, knowing that each step forward – no matter how small – is bringing you closer to becoming the exceptional lawyer you aspire to be.
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Editorial Team
Silver Obioha
Clinton Nyamongo
Kazeem Afolabi
Dikeledi Matlhagare
Tolulope Olasunkanmi
Sulaimon Badmus
Aya Hamdy
Princess Maake
Jemilat Akerele
Vera Enubianozor
Brandon Otieno
Oluwabusayo Awodele
Kyenpiya Wonang
Gift Nwoke
Jessica Odoh
Tracy Karumba
Mary-Jones Ossi
Halimah Oladunni
Mary Linus
Peter Momoh
Jessica Omoruyi
