As part of a conference organized by the Literary and musical palace at the Bar House, Rachid Brihi recently gave a lecture “musical”. This true tribute to Bob Dylan was accompanied by three musicians, two young Londoners and Master Antoine Vivant.
Rachid “Dylan” Brihi… Only boxers insert between first and last name the term intended to make the opponent lose his means. Certainly, the courtroom is nothing like a ring, but for this lawyer from Paris Barthe wink is essential as the work of the American singer had a profound impact on his professional life. Specialist in labor law, Rachid Brihi designed a conference to pay tribute to the man who guided his existence.
Antoine Vivant, lawyer at the Paris bar, partner of the eponymous firm, wanted to accompany this approach with his guitar, alongside two London musicians who perfectly embody these “legal roots” so dear to the heart of Rachid Brihi.
Bob Dylan played, for me, a central roleallowing me to become aware, as a teenager, of crucial social issues, in particular the links between individuals.
Parisian Posters: Usually, you are in the courtrooms, defending the human cause. There you are surrounded by two beautiful guitars. What does this scene mean?
Rachid Brihi : This probably represents the culmination of a journey that began several decades ago. It is both the end of a process and perhaps the beginning of a deeper encounter with an artist who is more than just a musician: a poet, a writer, an intellectual guide. Bob Dylan played, for me, a central roleallowing me to become aware, as a teenager, of crucial social issues, in particular the links between individuals. His music has resonated throughout my life, particularly on the theme of justice. She undoubtedly influenced my choice to become a lawyer. These guitars thus symbolize the homage to Bob Dylan, who perfectly embodies the union between music and the quest for justice.
Tell us about your experience in the courtrooms, on labor law, workers’ rights and fundamental freedoms in the current context?
In my role as an employee defender, I am on the front line of conflicts and issues in the world of work. For 36 years, this daily practice has deeply nourished me, as have the reflections I found in the work of Bob Dylan. His music carries a message of respect, particularly towards the most vulnerable, and impartial justice. In his work, I find the fundamental values of my profession: the right to be heard by an independent judge, respect for individuals, whatever their origins. For me, Bob Dylan perfectly embodies this humanity essential to law.
Dylan’s work is a source of philosophical inspiration, teaching that conflict is an integral part of life.
You recently took your place on stage at the Maison des lawyers, surrounded by musicians. Everyone understood your admiration for Bob Dylan. Can you tell us about the link between the singer and labor law? The country, rock, and folk that he embodies also represent the voice of workers in the United States…
It’s almost a subject for a dissertation that you’re offering me here! The courtroom and the stage are very different. During this evening, without a lawyer’s robe and without a client, my only goal was to pay tribute to the one who helped shape my convictions. In my practice, there is an absolute necessity: never forget that beyond the rules of law, lives are at stake. This human dimension is essential for me. It is found in the songs of Bob Dylan, who always imagines a fairer world. His vision reflects the conflict and power struggles inherent in any society.
Dylan’s work is a source of philosophical inspiration, teaching that conflict is an integral part of life. But, instead of ignoring them, it encourages us to understand them and overcome them, respecting the principles of equality, freedom and impartiality. It is this philosophy that I transpose into my practice of law.
