On Friday, August 21, 2026, Furqan Mohammed received the Community Leadership Award from the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (SABA Chicago) at the organization’s annual gala, held at Lacuna By Catalyst Suites on South Canalport Avenue in Chicago.
The award recognizes service to the South Asian community in the practice of law and beyond. Furqan, a former SABA Board Member, was recognized for his advocacy on behalf of taxi drivers, many of them South Asian immigrants, who faced significant financial hardship during the taxi medallion loan crisis following the rapid growth of rideshare companies.
I am deeply honored and humbled to have received the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (SABA Chicago)’s Community Leadership Award. This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from a community that has given me so much throughout my personal and professional journey.
Furqan Mohammed
Standing With Chicago’s Taxi Drivers
In his remarks, Furqan turned the recognition back on those clients. He has been fortunate to represent hundreds of Chicago taxi drivers over the years, he said, and while he was privileged to advocate for them, the truth is that they taught him far more than he could ever teach them.
- Life is about embracing the journey, not just chasing a destination.
- Dignity comes from showing up every day with resilience, consistency, and purpose.
- Our greatest success is not measured by what we achieve for ourselves, but by the opportunities we create for others.
That work continues in his practice today, where he represents passengers and drivers in taxi and rideshare injury claims across the Chicago area.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Lawyers
He was also honored for his longstanding commitment to mentoring Muslim and South Asian students pursuing careers in law. Furqan has taught Introduction to Law at Muslim high schools and Loyola University Chicago, mentored students from high school through law school, and spoken at mosques, community centers, and Muslim-focused legal conferences across the country.
His work reflects a broader commitment to using his legal career as a platform for advocacy, mentorship, education, and service to the community.
A Community That Lifts the Next Generation
In his remarks, Furqan tied those lessons to the values of the South Asian community itself: parents who immigrated with little, mentors who opened doors, and community leaders who dedicated themselves to lifting others. The community’s strength, he said, has never been individual success alone, but the willingness to help the next generation rise even higher. He thanked SABA Chicago for the honor, and his family, friends, mentors, and colleagues for their support throughout his legal journey.
I look forward to continuing to serve, mentor, and advocate for others, and to doing my small part to ensure that every door opened for me becomes a door held open for someone else.
Furqan Mohammed
The 2026 SABA Chicago Honorees
- Furqan Mohammed – Community Leadership Award
- Kulmeet Galhotra – Trailblazer Award
- Mahrukh Hussain – Women’s Leadership Award
- M&A Law Firm, P.C. – Law Firm of the Year
At a Glance
- Friday, August 21, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Lacuna By Catalyst Suites, 2150 S. Canalport Ave., Chicago, IL
- Presented by the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago
- Award: 2026 Community Leadership Award
Hear the Acceptance Speech
Furqan’s acceptance speech will be posted on his social channels. Follow @LawyerFurqan on Instagram and TikTok to hear more.
Furqan Mohammed serves injured clients throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, and speaks regularly at schools, mosques, and community organizations across the region. More of that work is collected in the community, and you can read more about his background and practice.
