Navigating Law as a First-Generation Advocate
No family legacy, just me, my chai, books, and the grind. My path wasn't paved, but I built it one case at a time while raising my daughter.
My law journey was not interrupted by motherhood; it was shaped by it. From studying law with a newborn to becoming a professor, motherhood is the strength I carry, not the price I paid.
Rule number one for a first-generation lawyer: No one is coming to open doors for you. You have to learn to knock louder. Confidence is not a luxury; it's a survival skill.
At my desk during a discussion on women in academia. I shared my thoughts on mansplaining and gender bias, emphasizing that change happens when we empower one another.
Attending the American Society of International Law dinner. Seeing more women in leadership roles is inspiring. The long walk to making space for women in every sphere has to be done by both men and women.
Attending a symposium on inclusivity in law at the University of District of Columbia. I believe that to understand why youth enter the justice system, we must look at the failures of the education system.
My daughter Ana has always accompanied me on my work, including this visit to a night shelter for the homeless. It's important for her to see, to empathize, and to understand the need to do more.
A photo from a few years ago, a reminder of how far I've come. The path isn't always clear, but the trick is to keep walking and stay true to the promises you make to yourself.
A moment of reflection. Life changes you several times a day. It's important to step away from toxicity, whether it's people, places, or your own thoughts. Self-care is primordial.
A simple reminder: "If nothing changes, nothing changes. You want change, make some." So much of our growth happens in silence, fueled by faith and persistence.
Another view from my desk, with a "Boss Lady" nameplate. It's a small but powerful reminder of the identity I've built for myself as a professional and a mother.
About The Journey: A First-Generation Lawyer's Path
Being a first-gen lawyer means you learn to knock louder because nobody is opening the door for you. I didn't have a map, so I started building one—juggling motherhood and court hearings while teaching myself how to navigate the system. It taught me that legal grit isn't just about winning cases; it's about staying authentic in a profession that loves templates and gatekeepers.
Building a Path from Scratch
There is no substitute for hard work. When I started, I didn't have a family legacy or a mentor to guide me through the courts. I had to learn the system by simply showing up. For students and new lawyers, the path feels intimidating because it’s filled with noise—jargon, unwritten rules, and the pressure to conform.
The Reality of Practice
My practice as a Supreme Court practitioner isn't about the Latin drama you see in movies. It’s about clear strategy and simple language. Whether you are dealing with cross-border custody disputes or digital safety, the principles of justice remain the same: look at both sides—dono taraf—and find the truth.
Why I Mentor
I believe in legal literacy because gyaan (wisdom) is the best shield anyone can have. I mentor new lawyers not because I have all the answers, but because I’ve made the mistakes you don’t need to. We focus on:
- Persistence: How to handle rejection in the legal profession.
- Work-Life Integration: Managing motherhood and a career without guilt.
- Courtroom Survival: Understanding the reality of legal practice beyond the classroom.
- Digital Awareness: Understanding your rights in the digital age.
Everything takes longer when you build it from scratch, but that journey gives you a perspective no law school can teach. If you are struggling to find your footing, remember that comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on your own story, stay consistent, and keep knocking.
Prachi Pratap
I’m Prachi, and I stumbled into law because I needed to understand how the world works. I’m a mother, a baker, and a lawyer who believes that if you're willing to work, you don't need a legacy to make an impact. Let's talk if you're ready to start building your own path.
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