Top Lawyer Sonia Sujanani on Changing the Narrative on What Motherhood Means for Careers
“As a mother of two young children during the pandemic, I witnessed many of my female peers leave large law firms or the profession entirely. The lack of childcare during those years made it especially challenging, but the barriers women face in the legal field are still prevalent today. While the “motherhood penalty” is often discussed, I believe it’s time to flip the script to the “motherhood advantage.” Today’s woman dreamer, Sonia Sujanani is a successful lawyer at WilmerHale in Boston, focusing her practice on securities, class action, and consumer fraud and RICO litigation matters. In this inspiring interview with Women Who Win, Sonia shares what inspired her to become a lawyer, her passion for empowering mothers and female litigators, and her next big dream! Enjoy!
Tell us your story. Can you share a bit about your journey into the legal profession and what motivated you to become a lawyer?
I first became interested in law at 12, when I joined Speech & Debate and discovered my passion for argument and strategy. As a first-generation lawyer, I didn’t fully understand the profession at the time, but the core aspects of law that intrigued me—analytical rigor, strategic thinking, passionate advocacy, and ethical responsibility—are still what drive me today. What excites me about practicing law now is the opportunity to solve unique problems across diverse industries. Every case and client is an opportunity to learn something new and apply my skills in meaningful ways.
Beyond the technical aspects, I am also motivated by the power of relationship building and networking within the legal community. I am deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where people from all backgrounds feel supported and empowered. The ability to create connections, build trust, and contribute to a more equitable legal community is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
2. What are some programs you are involved in, either at your firm or external organizations, that are empowering female lawyers/litigators? In your experience, what initiatives or strategies have been effective in promoting gender diversity and inclusion within the legal profession?
I am actively involved in several initiatives that empower female lawyers and litigators, including serving on the Boston Diversity Steering Committee at WilmerHale, as well as being a member of the South Asian Bar Association and the Boston Bar Association’s Senior Executive Steering Committee. In my experience, the most effective strategy to promote gender diversity and inclusion is building strong, supportive communities. This starts with firms that prioritize diversity at every level—encouraging it, fostering it, and holding themselves accountable by promoting women and minorities. But it also involves individuals taking initiative—building networks, seeking mentors who can champion your growth, and paying it forward by mentoring others. Success is rarely achieved in isolation; it’s about lifting each other up along the way.
3. As a successful female lawyer, recognized as a Top Lawyer by Boston Magazine, and particularly as a mother of two young children, what challenges have you personally faced in the legal field, and how did you overcome them? And what is your advice to young female lawyers and/or aspiring lawyers?
As a mother of two young children during the pandemic, I witnessed many of my female peers leave large law firms or the profession entirely. The lack of childcare during those years made it especially challenging, but the barriers women face in the legal field are still prevalent today. While the “motherhood penalty” is often discussed, I believe it’s time to flip the script to the “motherhood advantage.” Primary caregivers—often (but not always) mothers—juggle a complex family dynamic, from lack of sleep to sick kids to sports, activities, and school. This ability to manage competing priorities actually makes them more efficient, resilient, and effective at work. It’s a crash course in executive functioning: grit, perseverance, creativity, adaptability, and balance. I’m actually working on a book about this: Flipping the Script: From Motherhood Penalty to Motherhood Advantage.
My advice to young female lawyers is to embrace your inner strength, even if your path doesn’t align with the traditional expectations in your firm or organization. Trust that the unique skills from your background and life experience can enhance your professional success.
I also wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support system around me—my parents, especially my mother, who have helped me balance career and family. It truly takes a village, and there’s no shame in relying on that support.
4. How do you think mentorship plays a role in empowering women lawyers? How can women lawyers support and empower each other within the legal community?
Mentorship is essential to empowering female lawyers. We stand on the shoulders of the trailblazing women who came before us, and it’s our responsibility to pay that forward. Female lawyers should not only seek mentors but also make a point to mentor those who come after us. Whether you're a senior partner or an associate, take the time to connect with younger female lawyers—invite them for coffee, offer guidance, and actively recruit women into your organizations. By supporting one another, we create a network of strength that helps elevate the entire profession.
5. As a platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?
My biggest dream is for my daughter—to see her grow up in a world where her unique strengths and background are celebrated. But it’s also for my son, to model an equitable world where he understands the value of gender equality and the importance of supporting women. When I succeed, I know it’s not just my achievement, but a step forward for both of them, and for future generations of women and men alike. Empowering them to thrive in a world that values everyone’s potential is the dream I am working toward every day.
Thank you Sonia for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!
Bio: Sonia Sujanani is a counsel who focuses her practice on securities, class action, and consumer fraud and RICO litigation matters. Ms. Sujanani routinely represents public companies, financial institutions, and their officers and directors in complex individual, class action and derivative cases in federal and state court. Ms. Sujanani has experience handling all phases of civil litigation, from coordinating and litigating electronic discovery issues, first-chairing depositions, coordinating and litigating expert discovery issues, to trial. Ms. Sujanani has also authored dispositive motions to dismiss and for summary judgment in state and federal court.
In addition, she has extensive cross-experience managing and balancing high stakes litigation matters alongside multiple government investigations, often involving both civil and criminal liability, spanning agencies such as the SEC, DOJ, DOL, DHS and State OIG. Ms. Sujanani martials her diverse experience and background to represent global clients in matters across the country. Recently, in 2023, she was named a “Top Lawyer” in the area of Securities by Boston Magazine. Ms. Sujanani maintains an active pro bono practice focusing on civil rights, domestic violence and immigration issues. Ms. Sujanani has successfully represented clients at immigration asylum hearings.