Page 35 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Sonali Menon Govender

Managing Attorney at Maynard Menon as we learn from them. They help to remind us of tasks, Litigation. Her insights into legal technology and artificial
Govender Incorporated automate routine work, and encourage collaboration. intelligence have also been published in Jurisprudence
Everyone, regardless of qualification or title, is part of magazine, and she has appeared on Gusto with GD, a
the conversation.” business-focused television programme that explores
onali Menon Govender, managing attorney how organisations can align their goals with the
S at Maynard Menon Govender Incorporated, Sonali’s influence extends well beyond her firm. Yet, United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

has always had inspiration close at hand. Her
earliest memories are rooted in the courtroom. “I grew up her path to success has not been without challenges. Her achievements were further celebrated when she
As a neurodivergent woman in law, Sonali faced many
appeared on the cover of Passion Vista magazine, which
following my dad everywhere,” she recalls with a smile. obstacles, from being misunderstood in school to profiled her professional journey and family background.
“I would sit at the back of the courtroom watching him being underestimated in university and the boardroom.
work, completely fascinated by what he did.” “I remember being told by lecturers that I did not Within her own firm, her performance has been
look like a lawyer,” she recalls. “They said that maybe I remarkable. “In the last six months of last year, our
After completing her legal studies, Sonali joined her statistics were at 100 per cent month on month,” she
father’s firm, served her articles and began to carve out should try social media marketing instead. It hurt, but notes proudly. “This year, we have maintained that
it also motivated me. I knew what I wanted, and I was
her own place within the legal world, blending her love determined to qualify.” consistency from March onwards, ranking as the
of law with an eye for innovation. “Once I identified the number one attorney firm on our banking panels in
niche area of the company that I truly enjoyed, I began These early experiences shaped her desire to create KwaZulu-Natal and in the country.” Her leadership was
managing that department,” she explains. “From there, inclusive learning spaces for others who may not fit the also recognised internationally when she was named as
I moved into innovation and strategy within the firm. traditional mould. “I do not want anyone to feel that one of the global women leaders to look up to in 2025
It sounds complex, but it is about identifying areas they must look or behave a certain way to succeed,” she at the Global Leadership Conference for Asia and Africa
that need improvement, cutting costs, and improving says. “Authenticity is your biggest strength.” held in Sri Lanka.
efficiencies so that both my father and I can have more
time and less stress when we go home as a family.” Recognising the struggles faced by young law graduates, LIVING HER TRUTH
she established a mentorship and tutoring programme Today, Sonali continues to advocate for women in
This emphasis on balance, both professional and to help candidate attorneys prepare for their board
leadership and for a more progressive approach to
personal, has become central to Sonali’s philosophy. examinations. “I realised that I did not fit easily into the law. “Often we search for safe spaces where we can
Her commitment to innovation is not limited to traditional schooling system,” she says. “When I saw how be heard,” she says thoughtfully. “If you keep looking
technological change but extends to the way people many others felt the same way, I wanted to create a space outside for validation, you miss the voice inside you that
work and communicate. that made learning more practical and accessible.” is trying to guide you towards your own authenticity.”

COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION Her programme, which runs virtually during evenings Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her father’s firm
and weekends, has helped nearly 400 law graduates onto an international platform and to inspire more
While her father represents a more conventional approach qualify as attorneys. It is a labour of love, offered at a women to pursue their dreams without limits. “I want to
to law, Sonali saw an opportunity to modernise. “When I minimal cost to participants. “Most candidate attorneys show that being a South African woman from Durban
joined, I decided to really change our business model,” earn very little,” she explains. “I wanted to create does not confine you,” she explains. “Your dreams are
she says. “I wanted to shift away from the mindset of something that worked around their needs. We use not limited geographically or otherwise. I want people
billable hours. If we could streamline work using legal colours, creative tools, and interactive methods. I try to to look at me and think, she is being herself and living
tools to automate tasks, we could free our staff to focus make learning fun, not intimidating.” her truth, and I can do that too.”
on cognitive functions and creative thinking.”
Balancing ambition with wellbeing is something
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Her introduction of legal technology and hybrid she continues to learn. “There were times when I felt
automation systems has redefined the way the firm Sonali’s innovative spirit and dedication to mentorship completely burnt out,” she admits. “I have learned that
operates. These innovations, she explains, have allowed have not gone unnoticed. She has presented at self-care is essential. Sometimes it is as simple as taking
for more meaningful engagement across all levels of international legal technology conferences, including a walk on the promenade or having a quiet chat with
staff. “It is not just about technology for technology’s one in Dubai where her firm was recognised as the my mum. Those moments help me recharge and return
sake. The systems we use are hybrids that learn from us Leading Law Firm of the Year in Commercial Finance to my work with fresh energy.”

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