Mubarik Haider
Senior Associate at FS Legal
Mubarik Haider answers this month’s 20 Questions
What time did you wake up this morning?
7.15am. The exact time my five-year old son decided to roll a toy over my head.
What’s your favourite object in your office?
I’m not one for keeping things at my desk, so at the moment it is the radiator because I am closest to it which is handy at this time of year.
Who is your closest colleague?
I couldn’t possibly answer that one. They all sit so close to me!
Do you have a favourite family heirloom?
My mum has lots of old furniture stored in her garage which we had as kids and which she has never got round to disposing of. I am sure they are worth something.
What’s your favourite song of all time?
Depends on the mood. Enjoy the Silence (Depeche Mode) and Read my Mind (The Killers) spring to mind.
What’s your favourite play?
Plays have never interested me I’m afraid. Perhaps I should try one. But not musicals which I have tried!
Who’s your favourite movie star?
Harrison Ford (of the 70’s and 80’s) or Christopher Walken in anything.
What’s your favourite book?
The Passage by Justin Cronin or The Hot Zone by Richard Preston - but not for the squeamish.
What book are you reading right now?
A large illustrated book on ancient mysteries of the world.
What book do you wish you had written?
Dune (for the creativity), any travel book (for an excuse to travel) or Harry Potter (purely for the money – I’ve never even read them or seen the films!)
What’s the greatest invention of all time?
The Internet. Everything else that has been invented is on there in some form.
Is there a sport that you wish you could play?
I wish I could be more adept at surfing. I had a period of being obsessed with the history and culture, but with very little actual surf time. If I can get to the point where I can do the basics myself on holiday I will be happy.
Who inspires you in business?
Anyone who has actually decided to start something up from scratch; particularly if it is something they have always wanted to do.
Dress up, dress down or somewhere in between?
Dress down where I can get away with it.
Where do you go to relax?
Cinema, swimming or visiting family.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
It was Japan, but I did that a few years ago (during the tsunami/nuclear meltdown period no less). I’d love to go back, or perhaps Vietnam. I have a long bucket list.
Besides your phone, what do you always have with you?
Keys and my small card wallet. That’s it. I like to travel light.
What’s the best part about your job?
Reviewing a new case, or getting to a trial on an existing case. Both involve applying the legal issues to the facts and making out the case which has always been the most interesting part of the job for me.
What’s your favourite post-work tipple?
I’m not much of a drinker, but am partial to a cold beer sometimes (and/or a margarita when abroad). I’ve been known to have the odd G&T.
Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?
Old B-movies.
