From Code to Classroom to Case Law: A Paralegal’s Cross-Cultural Path and Passion

Akbar Khanzada works as a Paralegal with the Contentious Trusts & Estates team at Hugill & Ip.

He also has experience working in other practice areas such as Arbitration, Criminal Law, Family Law, Immigration and Public Law. He holds a LLB degree in Law and a Diploma in Computer Science. He is fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Pashto and Urdu/Hindi and actively contributes to diversity and inclusion initiatives within Hong Kong’s legal community.

This chapter is part of Hugill & Ip’s “Bridges to Empowerment” series, which highlights the experiences and contributions of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong’s legal profession. The firm’s ongoing series highlights the experiences and contributions of ethnic minorities in the legal profession, while pushing for added diversity and inclusion within Hong Kong’s legal community.

Q1. Could you start by telling us about your journey to Hong Kong and how it shaped your perspective?

I moved to Hong Kong when I was twelve years old as my father sought out better opportunities for the family, which was quite challenging but turned out to be quite formative for me. At that age, you’re old enough to remember your roots but young enough to adapt quickly to a new culture. I am an ethnic minority not just in Hong Kong but back in Pakistan as well, being part of an ethnic group called Pashtuns/Pathans.

I had to quickly learn to navigate between different worlds, speaking Mandarin and Cantonese alongside English, understanding both Eastern and Western perspectives. That early experience of cultural bridging has really helped how I approach everything, including my work in the legal field. People from different backgrounds will value and prioritise different things in life, such as the value of justice, right from wrong, enforcing their rights, not to be excluded etc. Knowing and identifying this can be very critical especially in a legal setting where the consequences can impact the lives of all those involved.

Q2. You have quite a diverse educational background — computer science, law, and experience as an English teacher. How did these different paths eventually lead you to your current role as a paralegal?

It’s been an interesting and rewarding journey! I initially studied computer science because I was fascinated by technology and problem-solving in ever changing and rapidly evolving world. But due to my limited reading and writing Chinese skills that path led to a dead end, so instead I chose to focus on my strengths, one of them being English.

I went on to teach English for the love of the language to students of all ages and backgrounds. The teaching experience came somewhat by accident, but it taught me invaluable skills about communication, breaking down complex concepts, and understanding how people from different backgrounds learn and process information. These skills have proven incredibly valuable in legal work — whether I’m explaining procedural requirements to clients, preparing briefing materials for barristers, or helping to translate complex legal concepts across languages and cultures. It is thanks to the teaching experience that I was able to grasp Cantonese from my students.

Yet, I kept finding myself drawn to questions about the workings of a society such as individual rights vs utilitarianism. I used to often look up at the hundreds of bright window lights in tall buildings and wonder how each person had a different story to tell, their hopes and struggles that they had to live through each day. That curiosity, a sense of injustice and discrimination led me to pursue a degree in law in 2019. After a few months my whole world and shortly after, the whole world changed due to the pandemic. This sudden uncertainty and extra layer of challenge instilled even more grit and rigour in me. For me, the Law was a tool that could be used to bring about positive change and impact the lives of those who have given up all hope and were desperately fighting for their rights. I was fortunate enough to be able to learn to use that tool to help not just others but myself.

Q3. You’ve completed two Mini-pupillages at chambers. What was that experience like, and how did it influence your decision to work as a paralegal?

The mini-pupillage experiences were eye-opening and really solidified my passion for legal work. With a bit of luck and thinking outside the box, I was able to observe some brilliant barristers in action and got hands-on experience with case preparation, legal research, and court procedures. What struck me most was how much of the substantive work — the detailed case analysis, document review, precedent research — happens behind the scenes.

I realized that as a paralegal, I could be deeply involved in that crucial foundation work while also having the flexibility to work across different practice areas. Mini-pupillages showed me that you don’t necessarily need to be a qualified barrister or solicitor to make meaningful contributions to legal outcomes.

One of the things about Barristers that I truly admire is the cab-rank rule, where Barristers cannot turn down instructions regardless of their personal opinion(s), this ensures access to justice and representation for everyone.

Regardless of title or qualification, some of the most impressive professionals I have met have been experienced paralegals and legal executives who have developed specialized expertise which are invaluable to their respective chambers or law firms.

Q4. How has your multilingual ability — particularly your fluency in Mandarin and proficiency in Cantonese — impacted your career in Hong Kong’s legal sector?

It’s been tremendously valuable, though perhaps not always in the ways I initially expected. Beyond the practical communication benefits, understanding the cultural context behind the language has been crucial.

When I’m working on cases involving mainland Chinese companies or individuals, I can often pick up on cultural nuances that might affect case strategy — concepts of face, hierarchy, relationship-building approaches that might not be immediately apparent but can be identified by someone who has lived within the culture.

Similarly, my Cantonese helps me connect with local Hong Kong clients or colleagues who might feel more comfortable discussing matters in their preferred language and at the same time appreciate being able to fully express themselves in their native language.

Language is something that we use daily to express ourselves and communicate. It is that ability and clarity that can get the point across in a way that feels and seems right. It is like a custom-tailored suit, that little difference in measurement and fitting can make a whole world of difference.

Q5. As someone from an ethnic minority background, what challenges have you encountered in Hong Kong’s legal sector?

The challenges have been more subtle than overt discrimination, but they’re real nonetheless. The value of education and arming oneself with knowledge is sadly not easily accessible to the ethnic minorities in Hong Kong but a lot of this has to do with the lack of mentors, proper guidance or role models. I can still recall some of my teachers in High School telling me not to keep my hopes high about securing a place in University or getting good grades. I was told to focus on securing a job as soon as possible instead.

Early in my career, I sometimes felt like I had to prove my competence more than colleagues from majority backgrounds. There were occasional assumptions about my capabilities or which types of cases I should handle — sometimes people assumed I could only work on matters involving South Asian clients, which limited the breadth of experience I could gain.

I’ve also noticed that networking can be more challenging. The legal profession still has quite traditional networking patterns, and breaking into established circles sometimes requires extra effort when you don’t naturally fit certain social or cultural profiles. It’s not that anyone was intentionally exclusionary, but informal networking often happens in contexts where ethnic minorities might feel less comfortable or welcome.

Language has been interesting too — while my trilingual abilities are generally seen as assets, I’ve occasionally encountered assumptions that my English might not be as strong as native speakers, despite having been educated primarily in English since kindergarten. I remember applying for a job in a legal transcription company and scoring very high on their tests, only to be told that I would have to retake the tests as my scores were too good to be true and comparable to that of the native speaking boss there.

As Hong Kong has common law roots, the grasp of English should be at one’s fingertips, yet this is often overlooked with the systematic bar for the Chinese language set very high for ethnic minorities while the standard for English remains exceptionally low throughout the legal sector. I have felt that this is often used as a way to filter out people from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Q6. How has your teaching background influenced your approach to legal work and client relations?

Teaching completely transformed how I approach communication in a legal context. As a teacher, you learn to assess quickly how different people process information, what communication styles work best for different personalities, and how to break down complex concepts into understandable components.

This translates directly to client work. When I’m explaining legal procedures to clients from different cultural backgrounds, or helping prepare legal documents, I draw constantly on teaching skills. I’ve learned to recognise when someone hasn’t understood something but might be too polite or embarrassed to ask for clarification — particularly common in some Asian cultures where questioning authority figures is discouraged.

The teaching experience also gave me patience with repetitive explanation and a genuine appreciation for how education and empowerment go hand in hand. Many of our clients are experiencing the legal system for the first time, often during stressful situations. Being able to educate them about processes, options, and expectations helps them feel more in control and make better decisions.

As legal professionals, we often assume that everyone else understands what we are referring to but, in most cases, this is not true, and their understanding of the legal concept comes from TV shows or other incorrect sources. Thus, it is always useful to take a step back and break it down into very simple terms or words for example, reference to an automobile would be better expressed to as a car or van, etc.

Q7. Education seems to be a passion of yours. How do you incorporate that into your current role?

Absolutely — education is fundamental to justice, in my view. The best help is often self-help, and I can resonate with this as I recall during studying for my LLB, quarantine measures were in place, and the upstairs neighbour had decided to renovate their house using heavy drilling equipment. After being unable to stand it, a call to the building management and a quick check of their permit, revealed that they had never obtained the proper permission. This was a big victory for me personally as I now had acquired the tools and means to be able to enforce my rights whilst observing my obligations.

Many people from ethnic minority communities don’t understand their rights or how to navigate Hong Kong’s legal system. Simple workshops on employment rights, tenancy law, or immigration procedures can make enormous differences in people’s lives.

Additionally, many young people from ethnic minority families don’t see law as an accessible career path, partly because they don’t see people who look like them in the profession. Early exposure and mentorship can change those perceptions.

Furthermore, education always works both ways, while teaching you are also learning and vice-versa. That is why I have always welcomed all opportunities at work so that I may learn something new. I always carry a book with me, which I read on the way to and back from work so that I am always learning something new which may help me or enable me to help someone else that needs it.

Q8. What changes have you observed in the legal sector’s approach to diversity and inclusion during your career?

The progress has been encouraging, particularly in the last five to seven years. When I started, diversity initiatives were often quite superficial focused more on appearance than substance. Now I see some firms genuinely grappling with systemic issues and implementing meaningful changes.

However, a lot more needs to be done, as the saying goes “Actions speak louder than words.”, a simple search on the websites of most major law firms and Chambers goes to show little or no diversity at all. Most of them will host talks and events aimed at DEI but with very little actually taking place in terms of hiring initiatives.

It is astonishing to note that more than 8% of the population in Hong Kong are ethnic minorities, which is roughly 600,000 people. Yet the number of legal professionals from these backgrounds are just a handful.

There’s much greater recognition that diversity serves business interests, not just social goals. Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre means firms regularly serve clients from every corner of the globe. Having staff who can understand different cultural contexts, communication styles, and business practices isn’t just nice to have — it’s competitive advantage.

The junior generation of legal professionals seems much more naturally inclusive, which gives me hope for continued progress.

Seeing judges that are from the same ethnic background is very re-assuring not just for legal professionals like myself but also for litigants who might feel more at ease in knowing that the judge or legal professional understands not just the legal technicalities but the cultural nuances as well.

Q9. What advice would you give to young people from ethnic minority backgrounds considering careers in law?

First, don’t let anyone convince you that your background is a limitation. The legal profession is becoming increasingly international and diverse, and your unique perspective is genuinely valuable. My experience moving to Hong Kong as a child, learning multiple languages, and navigating different cultures has been one of my greatest professional assets.

Second, focus relentlessly on excellence in your technical skills. You need to be exceptionally good at legal research, writing, analysis, and procedure. But don’t stop there — develop the soft skills that make you effective in cross-cultural contexts. Communication, cultural sensitivity, and language abilities can set you apart.

Third, seek out mentors actively, but don’t limit yourself to people who share your background. Some of my most valuable mentors have been from completely different cultural backgrounds but who understood the importance of diversity and inclusion. Be open to learning from anyone willing to invest in your development.

Finally, remember that success isn’t just individual achievement. We have a responsibility to create opportunities for those coming after us. Whether through formal mentoring, community education, or simply being visible in professional contexts, we can help ensure the next generation faces fewer barriers. Also, excel and strive to be the best in whatever it is that you do, no matter how big or small the role it is that you have. This will ensure that the path for those to follow will be much easier to tread on.

There is a quote that I would like to share with those that are reading this and feel hopeless or lost, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” If the light of this candle reaches you, please do reach out so that we may come together to make our society a much brighter place.

Q10. How do you see your computer science background contributing to your legal work, especially given Hong Kong’s focus on fintech and digital innovation?

The intersection of technology and law is becoming increasingly important, and my technical background has been invaluable. A lot of the communication and decision making is done by way of technology, and the law is changing to adapt to these new norms.

Hong Kong’s push toward becoming a digital finance hub means these skills are only becoming more valuable. Being able to understand the inner working of these new innovations means that we are able to better assist not just our clients but the Court(s) as well in reaching a fair outcome.

With the advent of Artificial Intelligence playing an ever-greater role in legal work, it is important to understand the technical aspects behind such a tool and even more so the risks associated with the use of such tools.

To remain ignorant of such changes would be limiting yourself, I remember when first arriving in Hong Kong, my father strictly enforced for me to get accustomed to using a computer and to learn how to efficiently produce better results with the use of computers.

Q11. What role do you think paralegals from diverse backgrounds can play in making the legal profession more inclusive?

Paralegals are often the first point of contact for clients and colleagues alike, so we’re uniquely positioned to create inclusive environments. When clients see staff who share their linguistic abilities or cultural understanding, it immediately reduces barriers and builds trust.

We also play crucial roles in case preparation and client communication. Being able to conduct interviews in clients’ preferred languages, understand cultural sensitivities around disclosure and testimony, and identify potential communication issues early in cases contributes directly to better outcomes.

Beyond direct client service, paralegals can influence firm culture. We often work closely with solicitors and barristers, helping shape their understanding of cross-cultural competency as well as being able to offer a different perspective on cases. By demonstrating effective inclusive practices, we can influence the next generation of legal practitioners.

There’s also opportunity to change bias, for example when clients or other legal practitioners see that someone from an ethnic minority background is working as a legal professional, they are more receptive to the inclusion of such individuals. When previously, they might have assumed that due to the lack of any such legal professionals none must be capable enough to do so.

Q12. What are your long-term career aspirations?

I’m still considering pursuing qualification as a Barrister or Solicitor, though I’m taking time to ensure the right path as there is a shortage of both from ethnic minority backgrounds. My paralegal experience has given me deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of legal work, and I enjoy the variety of cases and practice areas I can work on in my current role.

Longer term, I’m passionate about developing programs that make legal careers more accessible to young people from diverse backgrounds. Whether that’s through formal education, mentorship programs, or creating pathways into the profession that recognize diverse skills and experiences, I want to help build a more inclusive legal community.

I’m also interested in the growing field of legal technology and how it can improve access to justice. My background in computer science and law, combined with experience working with diverse communities, might position me to contribute to innovations that make legal services more accessible and culturally appropriate.

To quote Pablo Picasso “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

Q13. What message would you like to share with the broader legal community about diversity and inclusion?

Diversity isn’t just about fairness — though that’s important — it’s about effectiveness. When we have teams that reflect different backgrounds, languages, and perspectives, we provide better service to our increasingly diverse client base and make better decisions about complex legal problems.

I’d encourage everyone in the profession to think about inclusion as an active practice, not a passive state. It’s not enough to avoid discrimination; we need to actively create environments where people from all backgrounds can contribute their best work. That means examining our recruitment practices, networking patterns, professional development opportunities, and client service approaches.

For those in leadership positions, I’d emphasize that meaningful change requires sustained commitment and measurable goals. Token gestures don’t create lasting improvement. But when firms genuinely commit to inclusive practices, the benefits — in terms of talent retention, client satisfaction, and business development — are substantial.

To all those that have been actively promoting diversity and inclusion, thank you. In a career, where time is very precious and limited, it means the world to someone when you notice them and give them a chance. It gives them an unshakeable uplifting confidence that’s unbreakable and hopefully some day they will pay it forward.

Q14. Finally, what are your hopes for the future of Hong Kong’s legal profession?

I hope we can become a truly global legal community that leverages Hong Kong’s unique position as a bridge between East and West. That means having legal professionals who can work effectively across cultures, languages, and legal systems — not just as a nice addition, but as a core competency.

I want to see a profession where young people from all backgrounds can see clear pathways to success, where clients feel confident that their cultural and linguistic needs will be understood and respected, and where our diversity becomes a defining strength rather than something we’re still working to achieve.

Ultimately, I believe that a more inclusive legal profession will be a stronger, more innovative, and more effective one. That benefits everyone — individual practitioners, clients, and Hong Kong’s position as an international legal hub.

I genuinely hope that more people will have access to justice that truly need it because there are many people that know of no right, or remedy available to them but just a gut feeling that they have been wronged with little recourse or the means to afford legal representation. Thus, legal education should be at the forefront in enabling people to better understand their rights and obligations.