Biz Extra
Published: August 2, 2023 | Updated: 9th August 2023
We’re back again with our infamous 20 Questions quiz.
This week in the hotseat is Yasmin Hoque, Founder, Partner and Director of Legal at Southampton’s AL-HQ Law & More.
The best bit of her job is the variety, as a child she loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer and her favourite pieces of music at the moment are Nasheeds.
What is your favourite TV show?
As a child I had a great TV routine of Newsround, Neighbours and then Home & Away.
Nowadays I rarely catch any ‘shows’ but when I do sit down and find the remote control I enjoy Grand Designs – seeing the projects, ups and downs, the teamwork and final reveal of budget.
Who would you like to share a car with?
I’d go with two historical females which I’ve been reading about recently as I have so much to ask them!
First is Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (the first female to become Muslim) and second is Fatima al-Fihri, famous for establishing a university in the year 859 to which students came from across the world to learn about astronomy, sciences and languages.
The best bit of my job is..?
The variety which comes with being a specialist consultant. For example, within estate planning no two families are the same and I enjoy dealing with laws in different jurisdictions impacting high net worth clients with worldwide assets.
Then within legal training and qualifying work experience (QWE) approvals, I get to enjoy supporting aspiring solicitors to achieve their ambitions with insights into the practitioner side of law and help existing lawyers focus on their own personal development plans.
And the worst?
Sometimes it is too late by the time advice is sought and there is no real opportunity to resolve matters without pain, lengthy legal work and expense. Often you are left wishing that you could have got to the person earlier and before they went down the wild path of confusion and caused matters to escalate or become unnecessarily complex.
Who was your childhood hero?
Although fictional, I was a major fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, her super strength whilst being petite was very inspiring.
What’s your favourite smell?
Oud, which can be mixed with other scents such as rose and musk.
Where’s your favourite place in Hampshire?
Milford on Sea and Barton on Sea have lovely quiet beaches with stunning scenery.
What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career
Before you let your career define you, ensure you have a good idea who you are and what you like and aspire to achieve, then plan your career pathway according to this. If all aligns well then keep going, but if there is ever a need to adjust then be flexible enough to embrace the change and keep going.
What was your first record/CD?
I’m told that as a toddler I had Boney M’s greatest hits cassette on repeat!
What would surprise people the most about you?
Halfway through my training contract as a lawyer I decided to go into work one day in a hijab. I surprised myself and everyone around me, including my family, but I think each person has a unique journey through faith. Thankfully my employers were really lovely about it, as were my family.
Do you have a favourite piece of music?
Nowadays I enjoy listening to Nasheeds, which can sometimes be found on iTunes, or I have to search a bit harder for them as they are vocal only songs and often I use them in my creative and thematic videos on Instagram.
What qualities do you look for in a new employee?
I really value and look for genuine eagerness, coming up with unique thoughts and ideas and meeting deadlines. I have a relaxed management style and prefer the employee to step up and make their role irreplaceable whilst trusting them to get on with assigned tasks.
What’s your favourite food or dish?
My favourite does vary depending on the season. Right now I am enjoying all foods with a Moroccan theme such as the breads, pancakes and various spices.
What three things would you take to a desert island?
A hammock to relax, a big book to read and my prayer mat with integrated qibla compass!
What’s the best thing about living/working in Hampshire?
I previously worked in the City of London, being a commuter on the early morning trains in my junior lawyering days. I never saw Hampshire even though I lived here.
Now that I have opted to set up in business, the best thing is not only that there are many thriving small and large businesses, but that there is outstanding beauty in nature and the natural world, which is priceless and a gift to us all with opportunities to live and work here.
If you were Prime Minister for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do?
I would ensure that every person has a safe home and access to warm, regular meals – there is too much wasted land, empty properties and unused food out there.
By prioritising the most vulnerable in any community using existing resources, it will mean everything else will come together successfully.
What’s your biggest frustration?
Being let down by those you see as inspiring or impactful but then find that behind the scenes there is no substance there, it is difficult to know who is genuine and worth connecting with and ones who are not at all supportive, hold you back and who are best to avoid.
Life is short and meaningful connections are hard to find so it’s worth doing the research as early as possible.
Where’s your favourite holiday location?
I am still at the exploring stage, yet to find an absolute favourite and open to suggestions for ideal holiday locations.
So far, I have enjoyed my time in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, the simplicity and peace of that city is something I have not experienced yet in other places.
Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
Older and greyer inevitably, but hopefully a bit wiser.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Making a positive difference to the communities I connect with and leaving a legacy of beneficial knowledge in the form of services, useful products or helpful content that can benefit for many years beyond.
