For so many of us at Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”), 4 April 2022 will remain in our memories as the day we lost a greatly loved and respected colleague, mentor and friend when our Singapore Partner Mehraab Nazir and his youngest son Zain tragically lost their lives in a landslide whilst trekking in the Blue Mountains on a family holiday in Australia. Mehraab’s wife, Ana, and their elder son, Zahran were treated in hospital for serious injuries and their daughter Avan for minor injuries and shock.
We believe that now is an appropriate time to publicly remember Mehraab for the beloved friend and colleague that he was and how the firm intends to honour his memory.
Mehraab studied history at the University of Exeter, followed by the College of Law in London, and joined WFW in 2007. He made partner, and moved to Singapore, a year later. He quickly built up a reputation as an expert in complex cross-border finance transactions with a focus on the transport and energy sectors, advising on ground-breaking and award-winning deals over the course of his career. Not just a superb lawyer, Mehraab was also a trusted advisor to his clients. And a friend.
But above and beyond being a highly talented lawyer, Mehraab was quite simply – to use his own catchphrase – a lovely person and a devoted family man. “He had the happiest disposition of anyone I’ve ever met or worked with”, recalls fellow Partner Damian Adams, “just an overwhelmingly positive character, who always saw the best in everyone and everything. Universally liked and respected, he was a real team player and always in the thick of things”.
For Partner Kavita Shah, who knew Mehraab from before his move to WFW, the words “dignity, honesty, modesty and kindness” sum him up perfectly.
Partner Lizzie Roe, who worked closely with Mehraab, recalls a “real gentlemen, full of warmth, humour (even a little sarcasm) and restless energy, often pacing round his office. He was incredibly supportive of his team, an integral part of WFW Singapore and, to me and many others, a wonderful mentor. I thought he would always be here and I wish I had the chance to let him know how much he meant to us all”.
WFW Managing Partner Lindsey Keeble said: “The tragedy and unfairness of losing Mehraab will always remain with those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. To honour his memory, and with the full support of Ana and all his family, we are working with educational development charity Ripple Africa which empowers local communities to improve education, the environment and healthcare in Malawi. Our initial support will allow the charity to build a new pre-school for 100 students in the Nkhata Bay District. We will also be challenging colleagues to donate and participate in fundraising activities for Ripple Africa, something we know would have pleased Mehraab greatly. I can’t think of better way to remember such a kind and caring person as him than by supporting this fantastic charity that supports some of the most deprived communities in Africa”.
To find out more about Ripple Africa, please click on the link here.
