‘You don’t need permission to take up space’

In our latest Women in Finance Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Jasbir Dhaliwal, Conveyancing Solicitor (jaz.dhaliwal@taylor-rose.co.uk).

With over a decade of experience in the property sector, Jaz is a conveyancing solicitor and property investor who understands the legal and emotional journey of buying and selling property, from both sides of the table.

She handles a wide range of transactions, including buy-to-let, HMOs, first-time buyers, and overseas clients.

As a consultant rather than an employed solicitor, Jaz has developed a more flexible, client-focused approach that has proven to be a game changer.

A passionate mother, she is committed to bringing property education to younger generations and will be launching her first children’s book on property this October at both the Roald Dahl Museum and the British Library.

What brought you into financial services?

Property has always been part of my world. Growing up, I was surrounded by people who invested in property, whether it was accompanying my father to auction houses as young as I can remember or watching my husband buy land and develop it into homes.

These early experiences gave me a deep appreciation for property as a powerful financial tool and planted the seeds for my own career.

It felt natural to become a conveyancing solicitor, where I could be directly involved in one of the most important financial decisions people make.

What do you think makes a successful leader? And in particular women leaders?

A successful leader is someone who can make confident decisions while still remaining open to growth. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about evolving, adapting, and staying grounded in your purpose.

Women leaders are especially important because there still aren’t enough of us stepping forward. Our voices, perspectives, and experiences matter, and they need to be visible.

I’ve built my career from earning £0 a month to investing in property and growing a business, all while raising a family.

But I don’t see that as a phenomenal achievement, I see it as the reality for many women who are constantly juggling multiple roles.

The real challenge is not losing sight of the bigger vision while doing it all. That’s what I want to highlight through my work, not just for my clients, but also for my daughter.

I hope she grows up knowing there are no limits to what she can achieve, and that leadership isn’t defined by a title, but by the example you set for others.

What are the biggest barriers you have faced in your career in financial services?

One of the biggest barriers I’ve faced is the persistence of outdated stereotypes, particularly around what a solicitor is “supposed” to look or sound like.

Even now, many people assume I’m male until they hear my voice on the phone, and their surprise says a lot about the assumptions that still exist in this industry.

I’ve even lost a client in the past simply because he didn’t believe a woman could “manage it all” and wanted someone more “hands-on”, as if capability is tied to gender.

It was frustrating, not because I questioned my ability, but because I shouldn’t have to constantly prove it based on something as irrelevant as being a woman.

That said, I’ve also won many clients because of how efficient, responsive, and results-driven I am. I let my work speak for itself. But the reality is that the gender gap, both in perception and representation, is still something I have to challenge more often than I should.

If you could tell your younger self one thing you know about business now, what would it be? 

I would tell her: Your network is your net worth.

It’s a phrase I used to roll my eyes at, such a cliché, right? But over the years, I’ve learned just how true and powerful it really is.

Early in my career, I didn’t appreciate the value of building relationships. I believed that friends were for personal life, and work should stay strictly professional, done quietly, behind a screen.

If I could go back, I’d tell her to get out there. Attend every event she could, say yes to opportunities, and never underestimate the person sitting next to her.

Some of the most meaningful connections I’ve made, personally and professionally, came from unexpected conversations and chance meetings.

The right network doesn’t just open doors, it offers support, insight, and perspective you can’t always find on your own. I wish I had embraced that sooner. It’s something I’ll be encouraging my daughter to do from the very start.

What’s your own personal mantra?

“You don’t need permission to take up space.”

This has guided me through every stage of my journey, from being underestimated as a woman in law, to building a business on my own terms, and showing up fully as a mother, investor, and entrepreneur.

I’ve learned that the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop waiting for validation and start trusting your own voice.

I remind myself often: I belong here, I’ve earned my seat at the table, and I’m creating space for others to do the same, especially the next generation watching me

What do you think is key for finding a successful work-life balance?

I’ve learnt the power of saying no and prioritising what truly matters, letting go of what I can do without.

I’ve also learnt to release the need for perfection and be kind to myself when things don’t go as planned.

When your work feels meaningful, it fuels you instead of draining you. That mindset helps me show up as a great solicitor, and even a better mother, each day than the one before.

What’s one key leadership lesson you’ve learned along the way?

As a leader, especially as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, I’ve found that showing vulnerability and authenticity builds trust and encourages others to bring their whole selves to the table.

Leadership is a continuous journey of growth for me.

What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?

Who you surround yourself with is crucial.

Ask yourself, do the people around you challenge you? Do they uplift you? If not, how can you move forward?

It’s important to be around those who want to see you grow and who will support you when you need it.

What do you think is holding women back?

I think, for many women, it’s the weight of motherhood and the guilt that comes with it. We often ask ourselves, If I focus on this opportunity, will it mean one less playtime with my child? That feeling is even harder when you’re parenting solo.

The truth is, no one really has it all figured out. But our children see the hard work we’re putting in, not for ourselves, but for them. And one day, they’ll thank us for showing them what dedication and resilience look like.

Do you think there is still a glass ceiling?

Yes, I do believe the glass ceiling still exists, even if it’s less visible than before.

While progress has been made, the fact that women remain underrepresented in certain roles shows there’s still work to be done.

The key is continuing to challenge these norms, support each other, and create environments where women can thrive without limits.

What are your thoughts on the Women in Finance Charter? 

I absolutely love the emphasis on accountability. By requiring firms to publish annual reports, the Charter ensures that gender diversity remains a strategic priority, not just a checkbox.

While progress has been made, I appreciate that the journey is ongoing, and I truly commend the initiative for bringing much-needed attention to such an important issue.

How do we encourage more women into financial services? 

We need to challenge the outdated stereotypes about what a career in finance looks like.

Early engagement is key, introducing young women to financial literacy and career options from school can spark their interest and confidence.

It’s also important to make women feel involved and included in the industry. There’s so much opportunity and potential within financial services if given the chance to thrive.

The gender pay gap is only second worst to the construction industry. What can organisations do to address this?

One practical step is providing built-in nurseries or childcare facilities, which would help women thrive by making it easier to balance work and family commitments.

Alongside this, organisations should offer strong mentorship and sponsorship programs to support women’s career progression and empower them to make confident decisions about their growth.

Ultimately, addressing the pay gap requires more than just numbers, it’s about creating an environment where women feel supported, valued, and have equal opportunities to reach their full potential.

What is your biggest achievement to date?

I’ve always been passionate about supporting the younger generation, especially when it comes to skills that aren’t often taught in schools, like financial literacy and property knowledge.

It surprised me when my daughter came home saying she thought everyone lived in a house! That moment really highlighted the gap in education.

I’m incredibly proud to have written a children’s book about property, explaining the different types, and how they vary,. My goal is to get these books into schools and help teach more young people about topics that will empower them in the future.

Honestly, with everything I had on my plate, I didn’t think it was possible to do, but I made it happen. What’s even more amazing is that my daughter has now started writing books herself. Without even realising it, I became a role model for her, which is a wonderful reminder of the impact we can have just by following our passions.

This is just the beginning for me, and I’m excited about what’s next

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