Fuad Shehadeh from Palestine has been presented with a Guinness World Records title for having the Longest career as a lawyer ever, having practised for 66 years 187 days, as of 31 May 2016, and he continues to serve as a professional lawyer in Ramallah, West Bank, Palestinian Territory.
Fuad served as a lawyer as early as 27 November 1949, after obtaining his law degree from the Jerusalem Law School and getting licensed to practice law by the Government of Palestine Law Council the year before.
He joined the Jordanian Bar and became Vice-Chairman of the Jordanian Bar Association between 1964-1969.
Fuad and his brother Aziz went on to set up the A. F. & R. SHEHADEH LAW FIRM. Fuad, now aged 90, still runs the family business with his two sons Nadeem and Kareem and his nephew Raja.
1984 was a tough year for Fuad as his brother sadly passed away and he lost his eyesight – but this did not deter him from continuing his incredible career.
Speaking of his achievement, Fuad said: "I have always been an avid follower of Guinness World Records as far as I can remember. I have never thought or dreamed that one day I would be a Guinness World Records title holder. It means a lot to me and give me pride as a Palestinian Arab, to be a holder of such a global title."
Previously, the longest career as a lawyer was 66 years 99 days and was achieved by Emanuel Hugh McGregor (b. 13 March 1920, USA) who served as a professional lawyer in Chardon, Ohio, USA, from 17 March 1948 until 24 June 2014.
