Purnel Gangiah
Director, Commercial Litigation

What has been the most rewarding experience in your career so far?

Without a doubt, being promoted to a director at the firm, before the age of 30. From the time that I started my articles at the firm, this was my goal. I knew very early on in my career that I enjoyed what I was doing, and I wanted to make the most of it. By 2 months into my articles, I had decided on the type of lawyer that I wanted to be, the position that I wanted to hold in the firm…and right down to the office that I wanted! Fast forward a few years later, this dream became a reality. I personally don’t believe in “lucky breaks” in your career, I think that you get to make your “own luck”.

How do you overcome challenges and stay resilient in the face of adversity?

I’ve realised that there will always be challenges in life, whether personally or professionally. The key is to stay focused on your end goal. For as long as you stay focused and disciplined, you can break down those barriers. My general moto is to keep it moving. Regardless of what challenges I face; I literally keep it moving. By this, I mean that I try not to let things get to me (as hard as it can be at times), I digest it, reset or re-adjust and move on. I realised that even when you feel like giving up, just keep moving forward. No matter how you move forward, just do it. Each time you move forward, you’re closer to achieving your goal.

I recall my first trial as a junior attorney. The case had started years ago, while I was still studying. I walked into the office where the files were stored and there were files going up to the ceiling. There were so many files that you could barely see the furniture! I remember feeling so overwhelmed thinking how I would get up to speed and add value to the matter. When I started working on the matter, I was hoping that I would be able to go along with the legal team to the trial. Someone said to me if you want a seat at the table, then you need to earn it. And that’s what I did. I put in the long hours’ afterhours and over the weekends. It was daunting to be around experienced legal minds, but I knew that I worked hard and could meaningfully contribute. Instead of approaching it as a challenge that I needed to overcome, I looked at it as an opportunity that I should be grateful for. This story has a happy ending. I did attend the trial and we did win the trial. To date, I still have a copy of the judgment on my noticeboard with the biggest smiley face (drawn by me) to remind me of that time.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self starting out in this industry?

Embrace who you are and become the best version of yourself. Nobody can be you, and you can't be anyone else but yourself. I think it is so important to stay true to yourself. Your biggest asset in life is the fact that nobody can be you. People often ask what do you bring to the table and my response is myself. That’s all I actually need. By focusing on yourself, growing and developing yourself, it helps you become the best version of yourself which in turn grooms you into becoming the best lawyer that you can be in this industry. The industry is full of people, and it doesn’t need a 2.0 version of someone else. I don’t believe in being in competition with others, we are all running our own races. I only strive to be a better version of myself.

What key qualities do you believe have contributed to your success in your career?

Hard work, dedication, discipline, resilience, loyalty and ambition (tonnes of it).

Throughout my career, I’ve always worked hard. I never take things for granted and I don’t become complacent. Whenever there is a “win” or an achievement, I celebrate it for the moment and then I’m already thinking, what’s next. What I perceive to be my current success has never come easy for me, I’ve always felt like I had to work harder. I don’t believe that good things come to those who wait, I think you need to be intentional about what you want and then be fearless in pursuing it.

Dedication and discipline go hand in hand. By this I mean staying in your lane and blocking out the noise. I’ve seen first-hand how easy it is to get caught up in the noise and become unfocused. In order to work hard and stay motivated, there has to be an unwavering sense of commitment.

Resilience is the ability to keep it moving. Life can be tough at times. For a woman in the legal industry, it sometimes comes with its own challenges. There are obstacles which knock you off your path every now and again, and that’s okay. For as long as you trust in yourself, have a little faith and do the best that you can, I think you can overcome anything.

A few years ago, I was at a crossroads in my career. I was at the verge of a promotion, but I was also struggling with health issues. My health has always been “a work in progress”. At the time, I had many people telling me to take time off and focus on myself. They were not wrong, but I couldn’t fathom walking away (even temporarily) from something that I’ve worked so hard for. My career is a huge part of who I am. I found the strength which I didn’t even know I had to get through it. It required a lot of “bouncing back” but I got through it and I came back stronger. It’s true what they say, the strongest people are those that are fighting the battles that people know nothing about. You owe it to yourself to keep fighting for yourself.

For those that know me, it’s no secret that I value loyalty over most things in life. Being in a demanding profession requires some sort of support structure. It’s important for me to keep a small circle of people in which loyalty has no boundaries.

Lastly, ambition. It’s something that I’ve never lacked. I have this determination which has no ends. If someone tells me something is impossible, my immediate reaction is to show them why it is possible. I don’t give up, I just don’t, I always keep trying until I find a way. It’s just not in me to accept defeat. It’s who I’ve always been and probably will continue to be!

Who has been your biggest mentor or inspiration in your career, and why?

I’ve never been able to pinpoint just one person. I mentioned a small circle before. I keep a very small inner circle. Each person in that circle has inspired me in one way or another. I’m not easily impressed but the one thing that always stands out for me is a person’s ambition. It is inspiring for me to watch others succeed and I draw from their teachings and advice.