Zarifah

Zarifah Zuhayra Zakaria is an Associate in the Dispute Resolution and Financial Crimes & Asset Recovery Practice Group of Messrs Zharif Nizamuddin. She completed her pupillage under the tutelage of Ms. Nurul Najwa Zainuddin of Messrs Zharif Nizamuddin in 2022.

She showcased her legal acumen in various cases, including those representing prominent figures in Malaysia. A personal milestone was her pivotal role in assisting the Partners of the firm for Dato' Seri Mohamed Azmin Bin Ali, a former Member of Parliament for Ampang, in a case that alleged breach of fiduciary duties, culminating in a triumphant victory at the Federal Court, Malaysia's apex court.

During her pupillage, Zarifah remained connected with her alma mater, serving as an alumni mentor, training juniors for Mock Trial preparations, and coaching the UKM teams for the 6th National IHL Roleplay Competition in 2022.

While completing her law degree in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Zarifah enriched her legal experience through an internship with the renowned criminal lawyer Encik Salim Bashir at Messrs. Salim Bashir Ruswiza & Co. in 2020 and 2021.

In UKM, Zarifah held multiple pivotal roles, including serving her tenure as Vice President of the Asian Law Students' Association (ALSA) at UKM for the 2019/2020 session. Her commitment extends beyond the legal realm, actively engaging in volunteering programs with a heartfelt belief in human rights advocacy, particularly for women and children. Notably, she volunteered with "RedTalks," a local NGO focused on women's health.

Zarifah's passion for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) flourished during law school, culminating in her project paper, "Weaponizing Women as Means and Methods of Warfare." Her deep interest in IHL was further honed through participation in the 4th National IHL Roleplay Competition, where her team's outstanding performance led them to represent the country in the prestigious 32nd Jean-Pictet IHL Roleplay Competition in Obernai, France, in 2019.

In addition to academic achievements, Zarifah's commitment to legal excellence is highlighted by being crowned Best Counsel in a mock appeal hearing during her active involvement in law school. 

Beyond the legal realm, Zarifah embraces life to the fullest, indulging in travel and social events.

After concluding her pupillage in 2022, Zarifah took a thoughtful break before being called as an Advocate & Solicitor in the High Court of Malaya in February 2023. Zarifah graduated with honors, earning her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2021.