My legal life: Jas Thiara, Alsters Kelley Solicitors

I completed my training contract in London and then qualified as a solicitor in 2001. I then moved to a firm in Milton Keynes and in 2003 to Coventry with Alsters Kelley. Since qualifying, I have practised as a criminal solicitor.

I was inspired to become a lawyer because I wanted to be a voice for people in the criminal justice system. Having the opportunity to protect someone’s personal liberties and rights provides me with immense personal satisfaction. I feel proud knowing that I can help people understand the law, and promote fairness and equality in court by presenting each case in an unbiased manner. I wanted to make a tangible improvement to people’s lives. I could make the difference between an innocent person getting justice or receiving a wrongful conviction. In helping people get the best outcome for their criminal charges, I could provide legal advice to give them the chance to make better choices for their future.

I have found my work very challenging over the years due to clients, complexity of the law, and changes in procedure in the criminal justice system. It is a high-pressured, fast-paced environment, and a daily battle to represent clients in court properly and fairly. We often work unsocial hours and it is a constant challenge to balance the needs of my professional life with my personal life.

I became a trustee of Bedworth, Rugby and Nuneaton Citizens Advice Bureau in 2014. This was following a presentation I gave to their team of volunteers regarding access to justice. I wanted to give something back to the community. In court, I have represented clients from different religions and cultural backgrounds and am sensitive to their needs, as well as clients with mental health problems or disabilities. This gave me the skills required to make decisions as a trustee to meet the needs of the local communities.

'Everything we do for our clients is a battle in the current system. This does not prevent me from fighting a client’s corner until the right and fair outcome is achieved'

I am a firm believer that everybody should be treated equally and with respect. As a trustee on their board, my commitment to BRANCAB has given me an insight into the evolving diversity in communities in recent years. You oversee everything the charity does, from setting its strategy to being responsible for its works and finances.

I was overwhelmed and proud to win the excellence in professional services category at the Ladies First Professional Development Awards this year. I go the extra mile for our clients and can be relentless in achieving the right outcomes for them. Receiving the award and being recognised for my achievements in client services has made me feel proud and confident in my work. I find it difficult to praise myself and being recognised in this way has driven me to achieve even more both personally and professionally.

My job is particularly demanding due to the crumbling criminal justice system. Everything we do for our clients is made more difficult by this. This does not prevent me from fighting a client’s corner until the right and fair outcome is achieved. I have a very diverse client base and clients who are vulnerable or have mental health problems. My aim is always to make sure that they are represented properly and fairly.