Spotlight on our solicitors – meet Jas Bhogal

Find out more about the people behind the advice in this series of interviews with our solicitors. Corporate solicitor Jas Bhogal has been with us since the beginning and tells us more about her law journey.

How long have you worked at Harper James?

I joined the firm in July 2014.

What inspired you to practise law in the first place? Tell us about your legal career so far.

I enjoyed law at A level and wanted a career within a well-established and respected profession with potential for growth and progression over time. I really enjoy my work and even at this stage in my career, I am extremely fortunate that I am still learning and progressing on a daily basis. I feel proud of the work I have completed and the firm that I work for.

How does working with Harper James compare with other firms you have worked at?The firm has been structured in such a way to allow people to have the work-life balance that they require. There’s no compromise on the quality or variety of the work, which has allowed me to progress professionally. Even though I mainly work from home, I have the support of my corporate colleagues, just as I would if I was office-based.

Define corporate law in a sentence

The legal framework which sets out the rules and regulations which are to be adopted by businesses and companies.

What’s the best piece of corporate advice you could give a business?

Don’t take shortcuts, get organised and make sure your corporate documents are in order.  This will save you time and money in the long run. 

What has been the proudest moment at Harper James/of your career so far?

Working with a new client who was looking to complete a £5m investment round in an extremely tight period. We worked with the client and managed to complete the investment in four weeks with the Christmas break in between! It was a great outcome for all parties involved.

What do you do to unwind?

I love to spend time with my family and friends. 

Tell us a prediction for your practice area in 2020 or beyond

2020 is proving to be a very challenging year for everyone with the Covid-19 pandemic. It has forced businesses to reassess the way they work. I expect that following the return to some normality in due course, there will be quite a few changes being made by companies in they way they are structured and how they provide services, as they have had time to consider alternative and possibly better, more profitable ways of running their business.

What advice would you give regarding the challenges businesses will be facing from the COVID-19 outbreak?

Ride the storm! When the economy kickstarts, businesses can get back on track. Make cuts where possible and use funding that is available on a sensible commercial basis. Know what your runway is going forward and plan for the immediate future. Consider government grants and any investment opportunities you know of. Speak to existing investors to see if they can offer bridge funding: it’s a good time for negotiation and investment.