Reflecting on an Inspiring Evening: Breaking Barriers in the Legal Profession

On Friday 13th, in collaboration with Mills & Reeve and the Birmingham Law Society REACH Subcommittee we hosted an inspiring and deeply honest discussion exploring the challenges and barriers faced by South Asian lawyers.

The evening brought together a powerful panel: Jagjit Virdi, Harbinder Gosal, Sabina Kauser, Lubna Shuja, Baljinder Singh Atwal and Preena Ranpuria Lal. Each speaker shared personal and often vulnerable reflections on their journey into and through the legal profession. Their stories were not only insightful, but incredibly moving.

Several statements echoed throughout the room - phrases that many attendees quietly recognised from their own experiences:

“It's not for people like me.”

“Is a guy from West Bromwich going to be able to work there?”

“We'll see how far she gets on with her hijab.”

These words reflect the subtle - and sometimes overt - barriers that still exist. Yet what stood out most powerfully was not the doubt, but the determination that followed.

Education, Identity and Belonging

“Education is a golden ticket.”

This sentiment resonated strongly across the panel. For many, education was not just a qualification, but a gateway - a passport to opportunity, independence and professional credibility. Several speakers reflected on being the first in their family to attend university or enter the legal profession. With that came pride, but also pressure - the sense of always having something to prove.

There was a shared understanding that background may shape your journey, but it does not define your destination. The routes into law are varied. The experiences are different. But the end goal - a meaningful career built on hard work and integrity - remains achievable.

Imposter Syndrome and the Courage to Be Uncomfortable

“For me, being uncomfortable is where I want to be.”

This powerful reflection from the panel captured an important theme of the evening: growth often comes from discomfort. Many speakers spoke candidly about imposter syndrome - that quiet voice that asks whether you truly belong in the room.

Attendees were reminded that feeling “behind” or out of place is not unusual, particularly in competitive environments. But as the panel emphasised, you deserve to be at the table. You have worked hard to get there. Often, others see your potential long before you do.

The discussion encouraged attendees to lean into challenge rather than retreat from it. To build networks. To seek mentoring. To adjust the dial, stay grounded, and continue learning.

Passion, Purpose and Responsibility

For Harbinder, law is not just a profession - it is a passion. Family law in particular carries emotional weight. As she noted, “You carry your clients' emotional burden.” The work requires empathy, resilience and commitment. It cannot simply be treated as a job.

There was also a strong call to responsibility within the profession. “We need to be that helping hand.”

The panel reflected on the importance of lifting others as we climb - mentoring students, supporting junior colleagues, and actively engaging in diversity and inclusion initiatives. Representation matters not only at entry level, but at leadership level too.

Beyond Stereotypes

The perception that law is reserved for a particular background or demographic was firmly challenged. The idea that only certain people “fit” the profession was dismantled through lived experience.

One speaker recalled questioning whether someone from West Bromwich would ever be accepted in certain spaces. Another reflected on the assumptions made about wearing a hijab. Yet here they were - accomplished, respected professionals leading change within their fields.

The panel demonstrated that authenticity is not a weakness. Being yourself is not something to apologise for. In fact, it is often your greatest strength.

Looking Forward

The evening closed with reflections on opportunity and influence. Law offers diverse pathways - private practice, in-house, public sector, government and beyond. The impact of lawyers extends far wider than courtrooms.

At MALA, we were proud to host an event that created space for honest dialogue and meaningful reflection. The room was filled not only with aspiring lawyers and established professionals, but with shared understanding.

The message was clear: background may shape your story, but it does not limit your potential. With hard work, support and belief, doors can open.

We are grateful to our speakers for their openness and courage, and to our partners at Mills & Reeve and Birmingham Law Society REACH for their collaboration.

Most importantly, we remain committed to continuing these conversations - championing equality, representation and opportunity within the legal profession.

When one person breaks a barrier, it widens the path for many more to follow.