Alya Moktar on giving back, mentorship and her pro bono experience

Why was it important to you to get involved in hands-on pro bono casework?

It is important because pro bono casework allows me to step outside the commercial framework and see the direct human impact of legal proceedings. As a trainee at Kennedys, much of my work involves acting for insurers and insured businesses. While that experience is incredibly valuable, it doesn’t always allow me to stay connected to the individual perspective in the same way that pro bono work does. Promoting access to justice is something I care deeply about, and pro bono work is a tangible way of contributing to that.

Getting involved in pro bono work is also important for my personal and professional development. I get exposed to property litigation, an area of law that’s not offered in Kennedys’ Manchester Office. Earlier in my career, I worked as a real estate legal assistant and developed a genuine interest in property law. This opportunity allowed me to explore that interest in a meaningful, hands-on way.

In your view, what does “Give to Gain,” the International Women’s Day theme, represent, and how does it align with your own journey of giving back?

To me, “Give to Gain” is about the idea that generosity and growth go hand in hand. By giving your time, skills, and support to others, you don’t just help them, you also grow as a person and as a lawyer.
In the context of International Women's Day, it highlights the importance of women supporting and uplifting one another within the legal profession. I’ve been fortunate to experience that first-hand. My supervisor, Natassia Sharratt, has always been incredibly supportive whenever I’ve wanted to get involved in pro bono work. Without her support, I wouldn’t be the confident, proactive lawyer I am today, willing to step outside my comfort zone.

Giving also creates visibility. As a Muslim woman in a male-dominated, predominantly white profession, I’ve shared posts about my legal career journey and offered mentorship on LinkedIn. The messages I’ve received saying I’ve inspired others mean a great deal. They’re a reminder that representation matters. Simply showing up authentically can help someone else believe there’s space for them too.

This aligns with my own journey of giving back because it has deepened my perspective, built my confidence, and reminded me why I chose this career in the first place.

What motivated you to take on this pro bono matter through Pro Bono Connect?

Relatability was a big part of what motivated me to take on the housing possession matter through Pro Bono Connect. There was a time in my life when money was tight. I remember worrying about paying the rent myself. It’s not a nice feeling, and it stays with you. So, when I heard our client was at risk of losing her home, it hit me on a human level. I didn’t just see a case. I saw someone who might be lying awake at night worrying about where she’d live. I wanted to make sure she didn’t have to face that process alone.

How does pro bono work allow you to “give” in a way that feels meaningful to you?

When I faced housing issues myself, I reached out to Shelter for advice, and that support really helped me get through a stressful time. Doing this pro bono work lets me pay that forward. It feels meaningful because I can make a real difference in someone’s life - offering guidance, reassurance, and support when they need it most.

What have you learned about the real-world impact of housing and possession cases?

I’ve always heard about the housing crisis, but working on this case made it feel very real. Facing eviction isn’t just a legal problem. It shakes a person’s mental health and overall sense of stability. 

Seeing our client go through the process made me realise how overwhelming it can feel without support. The court procedures, strict deadlines, and legal language can be intimidating to some. It reminded me that legal advice isn’t just about procedure; it’s about giving someone a sense of security and a fair chance in court. Ultimately, in these cases, legal advice can be the difference between a family keeping their home or falling through the cracks of the social safety net.

What have you gained from working alongside one of the country’s leading female property KCs?

Seeing a leading female property KC navigate complex cases with such confidence was amazing. As a junior female lawyer, it reminded me that girls can do it too! It’s inspiring and makes me want to push myself further.

What advice would you give to others who want to take the initiative and get involved in pro bono casework?

Even if it’s outside your area of expertise, go for it! As long as you’re willing to learn, ask questions, and seek support when needed, you can make a real difference in someone’s life.

What would you say to women who are considering pro bono work but feel unsure about stepping outside their comfort zone?

You don’t need to know everything to make a difference. Stepping into a new area of law can feel scary, but that’s exactly where growth happens. Your ability to listen, organise a case, and advocate for someone who feels unheard are more transferable than you think. And empathy? That’s a woman’s superpower - it’s not soft, it’s essential for connecting with clients and humanising their cases in court.