Susan Abro

Susan Abro is a seasoned attorney with a career spanning over 35 years. In 1995, she founded her own legal practice, Susan Abro Attorney, specialising in family law. Reflecting on the evolution of her field, Susan said, “It’s been a very interesting progression. For example, we only joined the Hague Convention on the Abduction of Children in 1994. Family law changes quickly because of issues such as surrogacy and same-sex marriage. As life and science change, so family law has to change.”

Her work covers a range of matters. “Basically, I deal with issues from cradle to grave,” she said. “I do a lot of divorce work, but that includes financial issues and children, that’s my passion – looking after children. I’ve also been involved in protecting women from domestic violence and assisting them to protect themselves.” Susan’s leadership has earned her international recognition as a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and a former committee member of the International Bar Association (IBA).

FINDING HER PATH
Susan grew up on a farm, where she learned to respect everyone. She commented, “These are values that have stayed with me my whole life.” When asked how she chose family law, she smiled. “It sort
of chose me.” She began her career at a large Durban firm, completing her articles in an all-male environment.

“It was a wonderful experience because I had incredible training, but they were merging with another firm that didn’t want any women.” After completing her articles, she joined Woodhead, Bigby and Irving, one of Durban’s top firms. “I became a partner in my first year there,” she recalled. “But I’m very
independent and realised I wouldn’t fit into the huge corporate world.” Five years later she opened her own practice. “I left on very good terms,” she said. “Then I got involved with the Advice Desk for Abused Women and the rest flowed from there.” Her work with the Open Door Crisis Centre, KZN Women in Business, the Democratic Alliance Women’s Network (DAWN), Afrika Tikkun and the Robin Hood
Foundation reflects her deep belief in promoting gender equality and supporting vulnerable women and children.

Running her own practice proved liberating. “I’m the one who sets my own fee targets,” she said. “I can do pro bono work whenever I want to. You set your own rules.” Her ambitions have evolved. “My biggest dream changes all the time,” she admitted. “I started off wanting to be a partner in a big practice. Then I opened my own firm. Thirty years later, I’m still here. My reality is to help people. That’s what I’m about.”
Throughout her career, Susan has been inspired by remarkable women. “Judge Navi Pillay was one of my great inspirations,” she said. “She became one of the first judges of the International Criminal Court and later head of the UN Human Rights Council. I travelled with her to Germany for the launch of the Human Rights Prosecutor School.” She also mentioned mentors such as the late Professor Anshu Padayachee, Pat Moodley from the Department of Justice, current Judge President Toba and businesswoman Cindy Norcott.

IMPACT AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Over the years, Susan has made significant contributions professionally and within her community. She has served as president of the Jewish community, co-chairperson of the Law Society of South Africa, and first woman vice president of the KwaZulu-Natal Law Society. Her leadership extends beyond law. She has been a council member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and chair of the Durban Chapter of the Business Women’s Association of South Africa (BWASA), championing women’s advancement in business and leadership.
Among her proudest achievements is serving as an acting judge of the High Court in Durban. “It gives you
the view from the other side of the bench,” she said, “but I like working with people, so it wasn’t something I wanted to do permanently. Her firm was named South African Boutique Family Law Firm of the Year (2017) by Corporate Global International Awards, and she was honoured as Professional Businesswoman of the Year by BWASA. In 2024, she was a finalist in the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards, recognition that
highlights her influence and integrity within both professional and community spheres. She has also
received recognition from her alma mater, St Anne’s.A significant challenge came in 2009 when she was
diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. “I only have peripheral vision now,” she said. “I stopped driving in 2016. Thank goodness for Uber and my wonderful staff.” Susan approaches her condition with courage and humour. “Losing your vision is difficult, but it’s something you can overcome,” she said. “I’m lucky because I have my own business. In a big corporate, you might not find the same understanding.”Susan’s advice to young professionals is heartfelt. “If your passion is law, find what your passion is within law. Don’t be put in a box. Find mentors and ask them for help – you’d be surprised how many people are happy to give advice. And never burn your bridges.”

She also encourages women to network. “Find women’s organisations. Women network differently from men – with empathy and a desire to help each other.”

LOOKING AHEAD
Susan’s family has a legacy of long and fulfilling lives. “My mother and grandmother both worked until they were 86,” she laughed. “I can tell you right now, I’m not going to work till I’m 86.” Retirement, however, is not imminent. “I love what I’m doing, but I do want to travel more and do more NGO work. My goal is to see a few clients a month and spend the rest of my time helping others.”

To maintain balance, Susan prioritises health and relationships. “People tell you to manage your stress – good luck with that,” she joked. “I have a personal trainer who comes to my office, and I exercise with my staff. Friends are the family you choose, and my family is very close-knit.”

She is also a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international gastronomic society. “It’s an organisation for the enjoyment of the table,” she said. “We do a lot of good eating and drinking. I’ve always had an interest in wine – that’s my idea of fun.”