Member of the month: Jarmila Entezari

Meet Women's Business Link Member of the Month -February: Jarmila Entezari

Who are you, and what do you do?

My name is Jarmila Entezari. I am a solicitor specialising in immigration. 

What are you good at?

Research: finding fine details that can change the direction of solving a problem. 

What do you love about your profession?

I genuinely love learning, and Immigration is an area which changes constantly. It involves keeping up to date with new developments and constant changes in Immigration Rules. But then, even better is applying my knowledge to the client’s case. 

What motivates you?

I am motivated by desire to help others. I love seeing others happy. 

Last year I moved very close to Nature Reserve in Hertfordshire. I walk in the early mornings and at weekends. 

What do people not know about you?

I studied at a Music Academy in Slovakia, and I worked as a professional violinist in a theatre orchestra before coming to the UK as an au pair.  

What is your guilty pleasure?

I like to watch the Below Deck series which profiles a group of people who work aboard yachts.

What is your worst nightmare?

Travelling on an overcrowded underground in London. 

What is your favourite book?

Any book by Douglas Kennedy

What is your favourite film?

Meet Joe Black

What is your greatest ambition?

To develop and lead a busy immigration team at Carter Lemon Camerons LLP

What is the best place you visited?

I travelled around Europe when I was 18. Since then, I visited other parts of the world, but the trip to Europe in my late teens is unforgettable. 

Are you a cat or a dog lover?

I prefer dogs. 

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Do not be afraid to be yourself. 

What would be your career plan B?

I would like to be a wine expert. I was born in South-Eastern Slovakia, very close to the Hungarian border, very close to the Tokaj wine region which was once one of the most important wines in the world. My grandfather was a winemaker, and I guess spending my Summers and Autumns helping mostly with crushing and pressing the fruit, filled me with love of wine.  

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Leading a successful and busy team at Carter Lemon Camerons LLP, surrounded by like-minded colleagues and friends.

What is the best business advice you were ever given?

‘Say it at the right time, with right words and in the right way’ 

What are you passionate about in your business?

Helping others, finding solutions.

If you were starting over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing. I am now right where I like to be, and I would not get to where I am if I made different choices.

How often do you learn something new?

Every day. Immigration is one of the areas of law which changes the most and at a very high pace. Prior to Brexit the Government changed and updated the Immigration Rules each April. Following Brexit, immigration in the UK changed completely. Many categories closed, but even more, have opened. There are so many opportunities now for overseas businesses to expand to the UK, and for me to keep up with all changes I frequently attend seminars and webinars, and I read updates, articles and case studies constantly. 

If you could have anyone over for dinner (dead or alive), who would you choose?

George Michael – he is the one constant in my music taste which has been changing over time. But more than his unique voice, I am stunned by reading about his acts of kindness and charity, which during his lifetime was humbly anonymous. 

My children -  they are both interesting and so funny! 

My mum – she appreciates good food, drink and company. 

What are you grateful for?

First, I am eternally grateful for my children. They are the source of my energy. Closely after are my friends, family and colleagues, especially those who stand by me during difficult times especially. 

What is your superpower?

I keep going and believing. 

What is your greatest accomplishment to date?

Representing clients in court. Before the changes in immigration laws which brought an end to immigration appeals in almost all immigration categories, I represented my clients in court. It was the best feeling of accomplishment to start and finish the case myself.