My name’s Chani Dhaliwal. I’m a partner in our Serious Injury team.
I’ve worked here since 2005 and started as a trainee solicitor. Irwin Mitchell really encourages you to build the career you want and it’s a truly brilliant place to work.
An Inclusive Environment
Diversity matters to me because, as an ethnic minority lawyer, I've come across challenges and obstacles that haven’t been easy. You need support from your colleagues and your organisation to help you to thrive and achieve your aspirations. It’s important that companies like ours are inclusive.
I’m co-chair of the IM Respect network which focuses on race and ethnicity. I also sit on the Diversity and Inclusion board. My role is to make sure we’re promoting equality across our workforce. We have an incredible amount of support from our executive board and other leaders across the business. One of our objectives is to drive further engagement from other senior leaders across our offices.
We have an inspiring culture of openness and responsibility here. When I first joined, I looked at the partner list to see whether or not there were any partners from the same community as me. This was something we needed to work on, but we’ve since evolved more and more.
My Pathway To Success
I support clients who've had a life-changing injury. I help them to navigate the legal process, but my focus is very much on rehabilitation and therapy to improve their quality of life.
The most important aspect of a case is forming a relationship with my client, as they’re central to the work we deliver. We maintain this relationship long after their case has settled. This is one of the aspects of my job that I really enjoy – that’s the human touch that matters to me.
My experience as a trainee solicitor was fantastic and it was a great opportunity to work in different teams and departments. I didn’t plan on becoming a serious injury lawyer, but after doing a number of seats, I found serious injury to be really rewarding.
The real positive of working for Irwin Mitchell is the way the firm invests in its colleagues and emphasises growth and progression. We've seen real progression over the years, with colleagues developing from trainees to partners. I’m proud to be a part of it.
Empowering One Another
Our ethos is to improve our client’s quality of life. We make a difference to them and their families so they’re on the pathway to a brighter future. We work collaboratively as one team to support every client throughout their journey.
Our working environment is flexible, inclusive and focused, so we can provide the best service for our clients. We pride ourselves on our expertise, but the friendly nature of our businesses and the warmth of our colleagues is what makes us successful.
Prioritising Family Time
My inspiration has always been my dad, who sadly passed away in 2009 when I was a first-year trainee. He came to this country in the 1970’s with just £3 and he had to work incredibly hard to provide for us.
Now I’m a father, I work hard to support my two young children. They’re my pride and joy. My weekends are very busy, spent enjoying the outdoors with them.
Before the pandemic, I was coming into the office most days, working long hours and having a long commute, which was very busy. But the introduction of the flexible by choice framework allows colleagues to do the right work at the right time in the right way. It’s given me a much better balance between work and my personal life, because I’ve been able to spend lots of time with my family. It’s something that’s worked really well for me.
Work For Us
I’d really encourage you to apply for a career here. We’re surrounded by talented colleagues and real pioneers in the work we do. It’s a very welcoming, friendly and fantastic place to work.
We’d love for you to join us and shape the journey we’re on, together.
Read Chani's professional profile
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