Law as a Tool for Change // Janvi Patel - Female Founder, Entrepreneur, Producer and Activist for Women and Children's Rights

"I realised that as much as I can advise on the law, I can also change it" summarises the essence of this conversation with the wonderful Janvi Patel; an entrepreneur, female founder, producer and an activist for women and children’s rights. These titles (expanded on below) only scratch the surface of Janvi’s accomplishments and pioneering path! 

As a private practice lawyer, Janvi received an instinctive feeling that she needed to leave her role – which was at odds with her as an ambitious and diligent woman who didn’t associate with being spontaneous. However, she trusted this soul nudge, left and this led to a path of entrepreneurialism and activism unfolding…...

Janvi co-founded Halebury (launched 2007) and spearheaded operational, structural and cultural change within the legal services profession through a unique business model relating to senior in-house Counsel resourcing, which was then acquired in 2018 by Elevate, a global law company. 

Janvi is also  a founding board member of the legal campaign #FreePeriods, which aims to end period poverty and was part of the team that successfully campaigned the UK Government for free period products in schools. Amongst many other things, Janvi is also on the investment committee of Aliavia Ventures - a female founder VC fund, is a founder of Support SEND Kids to ensure SEND child have access to education, and most recently she has launched a production company and is in the process of finalizing a documentary series.  

We also chat a little about Janvi’s Human Design in this conversation; she is a Manifestor which I could really see in her - an entrepreneurial initiator who is trailblazing us into new ways. In this episode we dive into:-

Janvi’s background, journey into law  and early professional years

Indian immigrant background – pressure to do well and have a professional careerScraping by in A-levels; Mum calling to get her a place at UniversityStudying Law and Accounting at Manchester UniversityTraining Contract as Charles Russell and qualifying in employmentAlways feeling different as a lawyer – not seeing anyone else who looked like herInner feeling arising “I need to quit and not be here' - quitting private practice

Entrepreneurship and activism 

Co-founding HaleburyEarly challenges with no money and no clientsJuggling early family life and moving to LAHow the success of Halebury fast tracked and tips for starting a businessActivism  The Free Periods campaign - how the team went about thisFemales being left out of the conversation and scienceSchool on Wheels - how it helps homeless children in LA and challenges during 'lockdown'

Contact information for Janvi and some of the projects she supports if you wish to help:-

Janvi's LinkedIn pageSchool on wheels - support hereSEND kids - support here

Legally Different’s contact information:-

Email: [email protected]Legally Different on InstagramWebsite: www.legallydifferent.com

Thank you for tuning in! This marks the season finale - keep in touch for what’s coming in season 3!

Lauren