From Vision to Advocacy: The Journey of Seshni Moodley

Early Aspirations and Influences

Seshni Moodley, founder and director of Seshni Moodley Attorneys Incorporated, nurtured her dream of opening her own law firm long before she fully understood the realm of law. Reflecting on her journey, she recalls, “My journey started straight after Matric. I had a deep desire. I wanted to do law. I wanted to be an attorney.”

Her mother, a prosecutor, played a pivotal role in shaping her professional path. Seshni’s earliest inspiration came from accompanying her mother to court as a grade one student. There, she met an attorney who ran her own firm. The image of the attorney’s office, adorned with a name board reading ‘attorneys,’ became a fixture on Seshni’s childhood vision board, fueling her ambition to one day establish her own firm.

Achieving the Dream

Realising her goal in her twenties was beyond what Seshni had anticipated. “I always thought I would only get here at 40. But I took a leap of faith. After completing my master’s degree in 2024, I decided that although I am young, I can still carve a path for myself and determine my own rules in a profession that is often based on other people’s expectations.”

Championing Digital Rights

Seshni’s firm is grounded in the modern era of law, where digital advancements have transformed traditional human interactions. She explains, “My firm is founded on the new age era of law in that digital has replaced a lot of human interactions.” As the digital world expands, so do the complexities and challenges within the justice system. Her practice addresses issues like cybersecurity and digital fraud, while advocating for accessible legal representation, particularly for historically disadvantaged communities.

Beyond digital law, Seshni’s expertise extends to family law, domestic violence, and divorce cases, with a particular emphasis on empowering women in disadvantaged communities. “My firm is not only about justice in the traditional sense but about restoring dignity and balance where it has been taken away,” she says. Her proficiency in digital law and human rights has made her a respected voice in media and academia. She has spoken on Lotus FM about cybersecurity and legal remedies for digital fraud, highlighting that legal solutions exist even for crimes committed online.

Seshni’s dedication is evident in her published articles in national and international newspapers, where she discusses legal issues and her work in advancing, maintaining, and protecting women’s rights. Her academic pursuits have further fueled her passion for legal excellence. Achieving her master’s degree in human rights law was a significant milestone, and the recognition of her dissertation inspired her to pursue a PhD in the same field. Her doctoral research now examines how national human rights institutions in South Africa and India can advance women’s rights. “It is very exciting and a dream come true,” she shares. “My proposal was approved, and I am going full force with my dissertation now.”

Empowering the Next Generation

Seshni is deeply committed to uplifting women, especially young legal professionals. In May 2024, she initiated an internship programme to provide law students and aspiring attorneys with practical experience in a supportive environment. “It is important to digest knowledge but also impart it,” she says. “We all started from somewhere, so having the ability to help someone else is one of my greatest achievements.”

Despite her successes, Seshni acknowledges the challenges she has faced. “One of the biggest challenges has been the oversaturation within the legal realm. Criminal law in particular is male dominated. Shattering that glass ceiling has not been easy.” Her resilience is bolstered by the support of women in the field and her social circles. She believes strongly in equality, stating, “Believing that being a woman does not make you different to your male counterparts is powerful. We are all equal in this realm and all have a voice.”

Raising awareness about digital law has also posed a challenge. “It is not the traditional form of law that people are familiar with, so a lot of education is required,” she explains. Progress is evident as more people come forward regarding cybercrimes, but patience remains key. Her advice to young women entering the legal profession is to be courageous and independent. “A lot of people encourage the traditional route of working for a firm, but there are other paths. Explore research opportunities, find your passion, and once you do, establish your own firm and make your own mark in this legal world.”

Law, Life, and Legacy

As a young entrepreneur and academic, Seshni prioritises balance in her life. “I try to close my laptop on Friday and only open it again on Monday,” she admits. “But if a client needs me, I am there for them regardless. As women entrepreneurs, our businesses can easily become our lives, so developing balance between business, family and social commitments is essential. I practise mindfulness and prioritise spending time with my family and focusing on personal development.”

She finds great joy in her work, often considering it to be play. However, she also devotes time to fitness, reading, and hobbies that nourish her. While academia and work are integral parts of her life, she is learning to create space for recreational activities.

Looking to the future, Seshni aspires to expand Seshni Moodley Attorneys Incorporated into a multinational practice. With existing branches in Hillcrest, Umhlanga, and Gauteng, she aims to grow into Cape Town and Bloemfontein. “I got my degree from the University of the Free State, so returning to my roots would be special,” she adds.

Seshni’s journey is a testament to determination and empowerment. “It was always going to be Seshni Moodley Attorneys Incorporated,” she says. “Now that I see the board outside my office, it feels surreal. But it also reminds me that dreams do come true when you silence the outside noise and believe in yourself.”