Firstly, who are you and what is Circe Law?
I’m Jade Gani, I’m a solicitor and a full member of STEP and the SFE, and I run Circe Law, my new firm!
What inspired you to start Circe Law?
I think the culture in the industry we’re in breeds burnout, stress, and general unhappiness. I want to change all of that, and this is the way I can do that; by making sure that I create a happy, healthy and supportive work environment for my team to excel.
You have been named Young Practitioner of the Year in 2020 and 2021 by British Wills and Probate and STEP respectively. Can you briefly tell us about the journey it took to get there?
It was a wild ride! The first few years of my legal career, I had my head down, focusing and churning through work. I started to speak out on key issues for clients, largely on LinkedIn, and it snowballed from there.
What is the best advice you’ve received in your career?
There’re two things; something similar to ‘fake it until you make it’ (though you’re not usually faking, that’s your imposter syndrome talking!) and don’t listen to the nay-sayers. It can be so effective to present confidence despite your self-doubt because with that confident exterior can achieve what you thought impossible. And plenty of people will put you down, but that’s because they may feel threatened by your potential. Don’t listen to them – believe in yourself!
Who has inspired you most throughout your life?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is probably my biggest inspiration ever since I was young. She was one of the first prominent female lawyers in the US, and when her husband was diagnosed with cancer at law school, she took on his classes as well. Then, because she was a woman, it was hard for her to find employment. Case law in America was sexist but she overturned statute after statute and later became a Supreme Court Judge. She was a feminist icon who impacted real change.
You’ve recently become a director at Solicitors for the Elderly. Can you tell us a little about this organisation?
SFE focuses on lawyers dealing with vulnerable and older clients. It provides training for members as well as writing useful content for clients. It’s also really important because we’re involved in high-level discussions, focus groups and roundtables in relation to law that impacts our vulnerable and elderly clients.
What is one, universal trait you were looking for when you put your team together?
I need a can-do attitude. You can teach technical skills, that’s not a problem. You can’t teach a positive attitude, though, and it’s so important to have that.
Would you rather live in a modern mansion or a Mediterranean villa and why?
Mediterranean villa. I’m a sun-baby – I love it! Everything about the Mediterranean appeals to me and it doesn’t hurt that it’s also kinder on my Fibromyalgia. Doctors are always saying I should relocate to sunnier climes!
If you were on a desert island and only allowed to bring three things, what would they be and why?
Definitely my Kindle. I’ve got Kindle Unlimited on there, that’s my entertainment right there. I don’t think I need anything else other than a Kindle – what more does a girl need? I suppose my bed, because It’s my comfy place. And also a supply of my favourite sweets, I couldn’t live without them!
What’s the best part about working here at your company, Circe Law?
Well, I’m the boss. I can implement all the meaningful changes I want without all the usual red tape. Obviously, though, it’s a team effort and I couldn’t do it without our incredible team.
