Jasdeep Brar

My name is Jasdeep Brar (Jas) and I am an Associate (Knowledge) in the Derivatives and Structured Products Practice at Linklaters. I studied History at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE) and I have a GDL and LPC from BPP University Law School.

I am the Co-Chair of the Linklaters internal disability network and the firm’s Disability Ambassador. Recently, I was appointed to the Law Society of England and Wales’s Disabled Solicitors Network Committee.

Tell us about your journey through the recruitment process

In 2007, I sustained a spinal cord injury that left me tetraplegic (paralysed below my shoulders). After rehab, I was discharged to a nursing home. I was 22 years old and lived there for over 7 years.

During this time, I started my GDL and looking for a job at a law firm. I lost count of how many applications I submitted over the years and didn’t receive any calls for interviews.

In 2015, Linklaters offered me a one-month work experience placement in their Pro Bono team. This was the beginning of my legal career!

Were you open about your disability during the application process? What support was provided to you?

I have a visible disability which cannot be hidden so I was open about that. However, there were some parts which I didn’t share as in the beginning, people restricted my progress based on what they felt I could and couldn’t do and I felt my progression would be further limited. This has changed over the years depending on my roles, teams and line managers.

At the beginning of my training contract, with the support of an excellent mentor, I had a very open conversation about what adjustments and tools I would need to be able to succeed as a trainee solicitor.

What led you to this role? Why did you choose to join this organisation?

My mentor and former manager Jas Mundae strongly supported me and my career aspirations, helping me identify opportunities to develop my skills and exposure to the Litigation practice in our firm. I was also lucky to get the support of two of our Litigation partners who similarly gave me opportunities to showcase my legal skills in written work.

Linklaters was the only firm who gave me an opportunity in 2015 when they gave me a 4-week work experience placement. Eight years later I am still at the firm and have worked in multiple roles and teams and now qualified as a practicing lawyer.

Senior management and Trainee Development have worked with me to create an environment that both accommodates my disability and sets me up for success in my career. I decided to accept an offer for a training contract because I know as a firm they are supportive and invest a lot in their people.

Tell us a bit about the type of work you’re doing at the moment; what are your day-to-day tasks?

I qualified into our DSP practice in a dual role – as a fee earning lawyer working in our OTC practice and as a junior knowledge lawyer. The role is a mix of client facing legal work – drafting advisory notes and responding to client queries and working with our senior knowledge lawyers and knowledge Partners to continue to develop and deliver internal knowhow to our trainees and associates.

How do you manage your disability at work?

I’m open and honest about the adjustments and support I need. I have a ‘This is me’ note explaining my disability and the adjustments I need which I have shared with my team. Hybrid working allows me to spend half my week working from home so I can plan my week and meetings. I am very fortunate that I work in an organisation where there is an open culture, teamwork is key and most people are eager to support me to be independent.

What was it about your job/organisation that surprised you when you first started?

Every team I have joined has commented that I am the first physically disabled person they have worked with and the first wheelchair user.

What aspect of the job have you found most difficult to manage? Is this affected by your disability?

The long hours can definitely be taxing and are exacerbated by the neurological pain and chronic fatigue I suffer due to my spinal injury. Thankfully, hybrid working and having the independence to manage my diary as an Associate has meant I can manage this in a way which works for both me and my team.

What is your organisation’s approach to disability; how has your employer helped you to do well at your workplace?

The firm has a very open culture and a very supportive DE&I team. They run a Reverse Mentoring Scheme and are eager to open opportunities to people of all abilities. I am Co-Chair of the internal disability network and one of my mentors is our firm’s Managing Partner, Paul Lewis who is very passionate about ensuring an open and inclusive culture and how we can encourage more disabled applicants to the firm.

What has been your proudest achievement since starting work?

Qualifying as a lawyer at a magic circle firm despite many people telling me it was an impossible dream.

Tell us about a personal strength or a valuable plus which you have developed, as a result of your disability. How has it helped you in your career?

Care needs and the level of my paralysis has meant I have to plan things in advance to limit the risk of medical emergencies and ensure I can do basic things and live a ‘normal’ life. I have a very regimented routine. This has translated from my personal life into my professional where this planning has helped in my delivery of high-quality work and allowed me to stay calm in high-pressured and stressful situations.

What do you wish you knew when you were at university?

That disability was not a barrier to a career in the city or at city law firms. Opportunities are there and it’s just about identifying the right organisation.

What advice would you give a student with a similar disability, who wants to pursue a career in the field you work in?

1. Reach out to people and get a mentor. I managed to get two at work and their advice and guidance proved very beneficial in helping me gain the work experience and skills I needed to be a successful candidate and achieve my career goals. Neither has a disability but it isn’t about that. It’s about finding people who have the requisite experience to provide guidance and suggestions.
2. Be honest about what reasonable adjustments you will need to perform to the best of your ability. I know it’s difficult when you are starting out but remember, it’s about ensuring you have the right tools to succeed which will be unique to you.
3. Ignore the ‘nay sayers’. I met too many people who told me my goals were impossible or restricted my development because I’m disabled. But I also met a small group of very supportive, open-minded people whose encouragement helped me achieve my goal. Like me, your disability may require a different route to qualifying in law but it definitely does not mean you are limited or can’t succeed!