Page 55 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Seshni Moodley

Founder and Director of Seshni Moodley Her expertise in digital law and human rights has also Seshni has also faced the challenge of raising awareness
Attorneys Incorporated led to her becoming a sought-after voice in media and around digital law. “It is not the traditional form of law
academia. “I was featured on Lotus FM to speak about that people are familiar with, so a lot of education
cybersecurity and how to counteract digital scammers,” is required,” she explains. “More people are coming
eshni Moodley, the founder and director she notes. “A lot of fraudulent activities now occur in forward about cybercrimes, and that is progress, but
S of Seshni Moodley Attorneys Incorporated, the digital realm, and people still use physical methods patience is key.”
dream of opening her own law firm began
long before she even understood what the law entailed. to react. I want to show that there are legal resolutions, Her advice to young women entering the field is rooted in
even in digital spaces.” Seshni has also had the privilege
“My journey started straight after Matric,” she reflects. courage and independence. “A lot of people encourage
of having various articles published in various national
“I had a deep desire. I wanted to do law. I wanted to be and international newspapers that address an array of the traditional route of working for a firm, but there are
an attorney.” legal issues and speak about her work in advancing, other paths. Explore research opportunities, find your
maintaining and protecting women’s rights . passion, and once you do, establish your own firm and
Growing up, she credits her mother, a prosecutor, as the
make your own mark in this legal world.”
greatest influence in her professional journey. “I met an This passion is reinforced by her academic journey and
attorney whilst I was in court with my mom in grade is used as a catalyst to drive legal excellence at Seshni LAW, LIFE, AND LEGACY
one. She told me that she had her own firm, and she Moodley Attorneys Incorporated. “Achieving my master’s
showed me a picture of her office with a board placed degree in human rights law was a huge milestone,” she As a young entrepreneur and academic, balance remains
on the wall with her name and the word ‘attorneys’ shares proudly. “My dissertation being published and central to Seshni’s philosophy. “I try to close my laptop
underneath,” Seshni recalls. “It was always my dream to recognised inspired me to pursue my PhD in human rights on Friday and only open it again on Monday,” she admits.
“But if a client needs me, I am there for them regardless.
have my own firm. I had that image on my vision board law.” Her doctoral research now focuses on how national
As women entrepreneurs, our businesses can easily
since childhood.” human rights institutions in South Africa and India can
advance women’s rights. “It is very exciting and a dream become our lives, so developing balance between
Achieving that dream in her twenties was beyond her business, family and social commitments is essential. I
come true” she smiles. “My proposal was approved, and I
wildest expectations. “I always thought I would only get practise mindfulness and prioritise spending time with
am going full force with my dissertation now.”
here at 40. But I took a leap of faith. After completing my my family and focusing on personal development.”
master’s degree in 2024, I decided that although I am EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION
young, I can still carve a path for myself and determine “I enjoy my job so much that I often consider it play,” she
my own rules in a profession that is often based on other Seshni is committed to empowering women, especially says. “But I also focus on fitness, reading and hobbies
people’s expectations.” young legal professionals. In May 2024, she launched that nourish me. Academia and work are part of my life,
an internship programme to give law students and but I am learning to make more space for recreational
CHAMPIONING DIGITAL RIGHTS aspiring attorneys real-world experience in a supportive activities as well”
environment. “It is important to digest knowledge but
“My firm is founded on the new age era of law in that Looking ahead, her ambitions are to grow Seshni Moodley
also impart it,” she says. “We all started from somewhere,
digital has replaced a lot of human interactions,” she so having the ability to help someone else is one of my Attorneys Incorporated into a multinational practice.
explains. As the digital world grows, so too do the greatest achievements.” With branches already established in Hillcrest, Umhlanga
complexities of justice within it. Her firm addresses issues and Gauteng she envisions expanding into Cape Town
such as cybersecurity and digital fraud while advocating Her journey, however, has had challenges. “One of the and Bloemfontein. Seshni added, “I got my degree from
for accessible legal representation, particularly for biggest challenges has been the oversaturation within the University of the Free State, so returning to my roots
historically disadvantaged communities. the legal realm,” she says. “Criminal law in particular is would be special.”
male dominated. Shattering that glass ceiling has not
Seshni’s work extends to focus on family law issues, been easy.” Yet, her resilience shines through. “It was Seshni’s story is one of determination and empowerment.
domestic violence and divorces, giving women their overcome through the support of other women in the “It was always going to be Seshni Moodley Attorneys
power back, especially in disadvantaged communities. field as well as within my social circles. Believing that Incorporated,” she says. “Now that I see the board outside
“My firm is not only about justice in the traditional sense being a woman does not make you different to your male my office, it feels surreal. But it also reminds me that
but about restoring dignity and balance where it has counterparts is powerful. We are all equal in this realm dreams do come true when you silence the outside noise
been taken away,” she explains. and all have a voice.” and believe in yourself.”

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