Lawyer, Mother, Leader: Supreme Court Advocate Kavitha Opens Up About the Challenges of Juggling Family and Legal Career
In the demanding world of law, where precision, long hours, and high-stakes cases define a professional’s journey, balancing a thriving legal career with motherhood is a monumental challenge. Advocate Kavitha KT, a renowned Supreme Court lawyer and the co-founder of the prominent law firm Subash Chandran and Kavitha Law Associates in Delhi, has successfully navigated this intricate balancing act. A mother of two young children—her 9-year-old daughter, Samvritha, and 1-year-old son, Anirudh—Kavitha’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and perseverance.
In this exclusive interview, Kavitha opens up about the difficulties women lawyers with children face, from managing the demanding hours of a high-profile legal career to addressing the emotional and logistical challenges of motherhood.
Interview: Balancing Justice and Motherhood – Advocate Kavitha on the Struggles of Being a Woman Lawyer with Kids
Interviewer: Advocate Kavitha, you’ve had an illustrious career as a Supreme Court advocate, but you’ve also managed to balance a demanding legal profession with motherhood. Can you tell us about some of the challenges you’ve faced in balancing both roles?
Advocate Kavitha: It’s certainly not easy. The legal profession, particularly at the Supreme Court level, demands long hours, high pressure, and constant availability. As a mother, especially of young children, I’ve had to juggle both worlds—being present for my children while managing my work commitments. The biggest challenge is time. There’s never enough of it to be in two places at once. At work, you need to be efficient and focused, but at home, you also want to be fully present for your kids. The constant tug-of-war between professional duties and personal commitments is something many women in law experience.
Interviewer: That sounds like a constant balancing act. How do you manage to divide your time between the courtroom and family life?
Advocate Kavitha: Time management is key. I’ve learned to be extremely disciplined with my time. I prioritize tasks and try to set clear boundaries between work and home. At work, I focus on being as productive as possible, and at home, I make sure to spend quality time with my children. I’ve also learned to accept that not every day will be perfectly balanced. Some days I may be a little more focused on work, and other days, I give more time to my family. It’s about being present in the moment, no matter which role I’m playing at the time.
Interviewer: Many working mothers, especially in demanding careers, struggle with feelings of guilt. Have you experienced that? If so, how do you cope with it?
Advocate Kavitha: Oh yes, the guilt is real. There’s always that feeling that I’m not doing enough in either role—either I’m not giving enough time to my clients or not being the ideal mother. Society often expects women to excel in both roles, and that’s an impossible standard to meet every day. Over time, I’ve come to accept that perfection is a myth. What matters is that I’m doing my best. It’s important to acknowledge that you can’t always be everywhere at once. I’ve learned to let go of the guilt and focus on the present.
Interviewer: That’s such an important point—letting go of guilt. How important has your support system been in helping you manage both your career and motherhood?
Advocate Kavitha: My support system is absolutely vital. I couldn’t do it without the support of my husband, Subash, and our extended family. We work as a team—both at home and in the office. My partner has always been incredibly supportive, sharing responsibilities at home so that I can focus on my cases. I also have an incredible of neighbors in Delhi, who are originally from Kerala, and I’m very thankful to them for stepping in and caring for my children during emergency situations. But I understand that not all women have the same level of support. For many women lawyers, access to reliable childcare or family support can be a challenge. In these cases, I believe it’s even more critical for workplaces to offer flexibility and understanding.
Interviewer: Speaking of flexibility, what changes do you think the legal profession should make to better support women lawyers with children?
Advocate Kavitha: The legal profession needs to adapt to the realities of modern family life. I believe law firms, courts, and other legal institutions must be more empathetic and flexible. Flexible working hours, understanding the challenges of motherhood, and offering more family-friendly policies would go a long way in ensuring women don’t have to choose between their career and family. For example, more understanding when it comes to meeting times, or allowing women lawyers to work from home when needed, would make a huge difference.
Interviewer: You’ve touched on a very important point. Do you think there’s enough emphasis on this within the legal community?
Advocate Kavitha: Unfortunately, not yet. The legal profession still operates on a model that expects lawyers to be available at all times, regardless of personal circumstances. There’s little regard for family obligations, especially for women. I think the biggest change needs to come from within the legal institutions themselves. We need more women in leadership roles who understand these challenges and can push for policies that support work-life balance.
Interviewer: You also mentioned that women in leadership roles could drive change. Can you elaborate on that?
Advocate Kavitha: Yes, absolutely. When women hold decision-making positions, they often have a different perspective and are more likely to introduce policies that support work-life balance. I believe that having more women in leadership roles in law firms and courts would help create a more inclusive and empathetic environment. These women can be role models for others and create a more supportive system for those of us who are balancing both careers and family.
Interviewer: Along with the challenges, there’s also a sense of pride in what women lawyers accomplish. What advice would you give to other women who are trying to navigate similar struggles?
Advocate Kavitha: My advice is to stay true to yourself. It’s important to know that every woman’s journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. There will be challenges, but resilience is key. Find your support system—whether it’s family, friends, or mentors—and lean on them. Set boundaries, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and don’t feel guilty for taking time for yourself. It’s also important to recognize that it’s okay to not be perfect. What matters is that you’re doing your best in both your career and as a mother.
Interviewer: One final question, Advocate Kavitha. There has been some progress, with the Supreme Court running baby crèches for non-school-going children. How do you feel about these initiatives?
Advocate Kavitha: Yes, the Supreme Court has indeed taken an important step by providing baby crèches, which certainly offer some relief for women lawyers with infants. It’s a good initiative, and I applaud that effort. However, it’s important to note that the crèche facilities are only for non-school-going children. For mothers with school-going children, the challenge remains. The demands of the legal profession, coupled with parenting responsibilities, make it tough. I believe there’s more that can be done, like expanding support systems for mothers with children of all ages, and providing flexible options for women balancing work and childcare. It’s a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive policies are necessary to support all women, regardless of their children’s age
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing such valuable insights, Advocate Kavitha. Your journey is truly inspiring, and I’m sure it will resonate with many women in the legal profession and beyond.
Advocate Kavitha: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to share my experience, and I hope it helps other women who are navigating similar challenges. If we support each other and continue pushing for change, we can create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women in the legal field, thank you once again
