Meet Our Q1 Legal Directors Award Winner – Sushma Awtani

Congratulations to Sushma Awtani, a Consultant Solicitor and Partner at Taylor Rose for winning the Q1 Legal Directors Award.

Based at our Carter Lane office in London, Sushma has been a vital part of our team for the past six years, working tirelessly in both the Family & Children department and as a legal head for Immigration.

Sushma's journey into the legal profession was inspired by her studies during the Legal Practice Course (LPC), where she excelled in Immigration and Family law.

“I love to help people. With both Family and Immigration law, you are given the ability to help people through important transitions in their lives, improving their livelihood and defending their rights to ensure they are treated fairly.” This passion for helping others has been a driving force in her career, leading her to assist clients with various legal issues ranging from Divorce, Financial Remedy, Children and Non-Molestation Orders to all kinds of Visa and Citizenship applications, Appeals, and complex Human Rights Claims.

Can you share a specific project or accomplishment that you're particularly proud of from your time at Taylor Rose?

Reflecting on her time at Taylor Rose, Sushma highlights a particular case that stands out. She recalls, “I made a non-molestation application on behalf of my client even though the last incident was over four months ago, and no violence had taken place since then. I wasn't sure if my client would get the order, but I put together a comprehensive bundle and supplementary bundle for the hearing. The non-molestation order was granted for a year!” Subsequently, she also successfully applied for Indefinite Leave to Remain for the same client based on Domestic Violence. “There was a lot of work involved, but it was all worth it as the outcome was brilliant.”

Sushma’s success can be attributed to her positive mindset and work ethic. “I'm definitely a glass-half-full person and an eternal optimist,” she notes. “I work hard, have resilience, enjoy what I do and always try to give it my 100%.”

Balancing her professional and personal life is something Sushma strives to achieve. Despite a long commute, she tries to work from home one or two days a week and aims to go abroad at least twice a year. “To achieve our daily goals, we need a healthy mind and body. I eat smaller portions and try to exercise regularly,” she shares.

If you were to write a book about your career journey, what would the title be, and what would it focus on?

If Sushma were to write a book about her career, it would be titled ‘She Believes and So She Achieves.’ It would chronicle her journey as the only lawyer in her family, navigating through her law degree and establishing her own successful law firm in Marble Arch, Central London, before becoming a Partner and Legal Head for Immigration at Taylor Rose, a top 60 independent firm of solicitors.

The Directors Award

Winning the Q1 Legal Directors Award was a pleasant surprise for Sushma. “I was very surprised, elated, and excited when my name was announced. Receiving the phone call from CEO Adrian Jaggard informing me of the award was a wonderful moment.”

Outside of Work

Outside of work, Sushma is a professional Indian classical dancer, having trained since the age of six. She has performed at prestigious venues, including Trafalgar Square for Diwali, The Houses of Parliament, and the Royal Albert Hall. She also enjoys eating out, going to the cinema, Zumba, beach holidays, and swimming.

Sushma’s guilty pleasures include enjoying nine hours of continuous sleep every night, indulging in some chocolate and cake daily. She humorously adds, “Although my friends do ask me where I put it all as I’m a size 8/10!”

Sushma Awtani’s dedication, empathy, and passion for her work make her a deserving recipient of the Q1 Legal Directors Award. Her journey is an inspiration to all aspiring legal professionals, demonstrating that with a positive mindset, hard work, and a love for what you do, success is inevitable. Congratulations, Sushma, on this well-deserved recognition!