At Cox and Palmer, talented professionals from diverse backgrounds build fulfilling legal careers. Mohammad Ali, a partner at the firm, discusses his journey, motivations, and experiences in the legal profession.
Mohammad Ali’s path into law was shaped early on by both family influence and pop culture. “I think I was motivated by a TV show,” he recalls with a smile. His father often spoke of his own grandparents, who had been in the legal profession, planting the idea in his mind. Though his father took a different career path, he encouraged Mohammad Ali to explore the legal field, which ultimately led him to pursue law.
A global educational journey
Born in Pakistan, Mohammad Ali followed an education system similar to that of the UK. Unlike in Canada, where law school typically follows an undergraduate degree, he pursued a direct path into legal studies after high school, completing both a first and second law degree to qualify as a lawyer. However, he quickly learned that the legal world was different from what was portrayed in movies. “It’s not as fast-paced as you see in dramas, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Each client and case is unique, which keeps me engaged and intellectually stimulated,” he says.
Finding his niche in the legal profession
Mohammad Ali initially trained as a barrister, expecting to thrive in the courtroom. Instead, he found more interest in working directly with clients and businesses. “I realized I enjoyed the transactional side more than litigation,” he says, “so I transitioned from a barrister to a solicitor.” The flexibility of a career in law allowed him to evolve into other areas, and he eventually found his place in corporate and commercial law.
Today, as a corporate commercial lawyer at Cox and Palmer, Mohammad Ali works with businesses across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, real estate development projects, and emerging fields like Ocean Tech and Agri-Tech. “The diversity of industries and the chance to collaborate with innovative companies make my work both challenging and fulfilling,” he says.
Genuine culture of support
Before joining Cox and Palmer, Mohammad Ali gained experience working in-house for global oil and gas companies. His career took him to several different countries before he ultimately immigrated to Canada. “My wife played a big role in our move—she loved living in Canada, and after we had our first child, being apart became too difficult,” he says.
Once in Canada, Mohammad Ali found a professional home at Cox and Palmer. “This is the only private practice firm I’ve worked for, and I never felt the need to go anywhere else. They brought me in for my expertise without trying to change who I am. There’s a genuine culture of support here. My colleagues want to see each other succeed, and that makes a difference.”
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Mohammad Ali also appreciates Cox and Palmer’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. “One of the things I truly value about Cox and Palmer is their commitment to diversity,” he says. “They actively encourage people from different backgrounds and experiences to thrive, which not only strengthens the firm but also enriches our perspectives as professionals. It’s a place where individuality is respected and embraced.”
More than just law
Beyond his legal career, Mohammad Ali is motivated by family and community. “You only get one life, and I want to be a kind, contributing member of society,” he says. He volunteers his time as Chair of Feed Nova Scotia and as a board member of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, in addition to contributing to other notable organizations. But when he’s not doing that, you can usually find him indulging in his love for cricket. “I can watch any format of the game, even the five-day matches.”
Mohammad Ali’s career highlights the dynamic nature of the legal profession, and the fulfillment one can find in a place where professionals from all backgrounds can be themselves.
