Susan Abro: A Life in Family Law and Community Leadership

Introduction

Susan Abro is a highly experienced attorney whose legal career has spanned more than 35 years. In 1995, she established her own firm, Susan Abro Attorney, with a focus on family law. Reflecting on the changes within her field, Susan remarked on its dynamic nature, noting, "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.”

Areas of Practice and Passion

Susan’s work encompasses a broad spectrum of family law matters. “Basically, I deal with issues from cradle to grave,” she explained. While divorce cases make up a significant portion of her practice, she is especially passionate about matters involving children, striving to protect their interests. In addition, she has been actively involved in supporting women affected by domestic violence, helping them secure safety and independence. Her expertise and dedication have garnered international recognition, including being named a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and previously serving as a committee member of the International Bar Association (IBA).

Finding Her Path

Susan’s values were shaped by her upbringing on a farm, where she learned to respect others—a principle she has carried throughout her life. When asked about her decision to specialise in family law, she shared, “It sort of chose me.” She began her legal career at a prominent 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 her articles, she moved to Woodhead, Bigby and Irving, one of Durban’s leading firms, where she became a partner in her first year. However, Susan’s independent spirit led her to realise that the corporate world was not the right fit for her, prompting her to start her own practice five years later. “I left on very good terms,” she recalled. Her involvement with the Advice Desk for Abused Women soon followed, setting the course for her future work. Through organisations such as the Open Door Crisis Centre, KZN Women in Business, the Democratic Alliance Women’s Network (DAWN), Afrika Tikkun, and the Robin Hood Foundation, Susan has consistently demonstrated her commitment to gender equality and support for women and children in need.

Independence and Evolving Ambitions

Establishing her own practice has given Susan the freedom to set her own goals and priorities. “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 shifted over time. “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.”

Role Models and Mentors

Throughout her career, Susan has drawn inspiration from influential women. Judge Navi Pillay, one of the first judges of the International Criminal Court and later head of the UN Human Rights Council, was a particularly important figure for Susan. She recalled travelling with Judge Pillay to Germany for the launch of the Human Rights Prosecutor School. Other mentors include the late Professor Anshu Padayachee, Pat Moodley from the Department of Justice, Judge President Toba, and businesswoman Cindy Norcott.

Impact and Achievements

Susan’s contributions extend well beyond her legal practice. She has served as president of the Jewish community, co-chairperson of the Law Society of South Africa, and was the first woman vice president of the KwaZulu-Natal Law Society. Her leadership has also been evident in the broader business community, serving as a council member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and chairing the Durban Chapter of the Business Women’s Association of South Africa (BWASA), where she has championed the advancement of women in business and leadership.

Among her most notable achievements is her role as an acting judge of the High Court in Durban. “It gives you the view from the other side of the bench,” she noted, though her preference remains working directly with people. Her firm was recognised as the South African Boutique Family Law Firm of the Year in 2017 by Corporate Global International Awards, and she received the Professional Businesswoman of the Year award from BWASA. In 2024, she was a finalist in the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards, underscoring her influence and reputation within both professional and community settings. She has also earned recognition from her alma mater, St Anne’s.

Overcoming Challenges

In 2009, Susan faced the significant personal challenge of being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that has left her with only peripheral vision. She stopped driving in 2016, relying on Uber and her dedicated staff. Despite these difficulties, Susan approaches her condition with resilience 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.”

Advice and Advocacy

Susan offers heartfelt advice to young professionals: “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 seek out networking opportunities: “Find women’s organisations. Women network differently from men – with empathy and a desire to help each other.”

Looking Ahead

Susan comes from a family known for their longevity and dedication to their work. “My mother and grandmother both worked until they were 86,” she noted with a laugh, adding, “I can tell you right now, I’m not going to work till I’m 86.” While retirement is not immediately on the horizon, Susan looks forward to travelling more and increasing her involvement in NGO work. Her goal is to continue seeing a few clients each month while dedicating the rest of her time to helping others.

Maintaining Balance

To sustain her wellbeing, Susan places great emphasis on health and relationships. She injects humour into the often-repeated advice to manage stress, sharing, “People tell you to manage your stress – good luck with that.” She has a personal trainer who visits her office, and she exercises alongside her staff. Close friendships and a tight-knit family are also central to her life.

Personal Interests

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