By Madiya Mushtaq
Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman
I affirm I am the best one to speak about this. I am a first-generation lawyer, I am based in Kashmir, I am a girl. Given the odds stacked up against me, the journey of becoming a lawyer has been anything but easy. In this deeply personal account, I invite you into my world, where dreams are tested, resilience is forged, and the weight of societal expectations becomes an unwelcome companion. This is the story of a first-generation lawyer in Kashmir, fighting against the tide to find her place in the legal profession.
Harriet Tubman’s words resonate deeply within the chambers of my heart. As a dreamer and a lawyer, I have faced countless challenges on this arduous path. Being a first-generation lawyer means charting unfamiliar territories, devoid of the guidance and connections that come with a legal lineage. It means relying solely on personal determination and sheer willpower to break through the barriers that lie ahead. It means not get paid for weeks on end and working relentless without any guidance or accountability. As a girl growing up in this region, societal expectations sought to confine me within predefined roles, limiting the scope of my aspirations. The path to becoming a lawyer is paved with skepticism, disapproval, and countless raised eyebrows. Yet, persistence fuelled by an unyielding desire to challenge the status quo and make a difference is the chemical required to bring change and make a difference.
The challenges faced by a first-generation lawyer are not limited to societal expectations. Financial constraints loom large, threatening to derail dreams at every turn. Seniors lawyers do not pay junior lawyers for weeks on end. Not even a minimum basic wage is given to budding lawyers. In a profession that often values connections and recommendations, the absence of a legal background leaves one feeling like an outsider. The legal fraternity, with its unwritten rules and invisible barriers, sometimes seem impenetrable. Graduating from a prestigious law schools like NLUs bear no significance. It is disheartening to witness how easily doors open for those with family legacies, while credentials and achievements seem to fade into the background.
As a first-generation lawyer, I quickly realized that the journey would be lonely. The scarcity of mentors and role models make the path ahead seem even more daunting. However, there is some solace in the knowledge that I am not alone. There are others like me, facing similar struggles and fighting their own battles in pursuit of a minimum wage.
Despite the challenges, the sad truth is that the struggles faced by first-generation lawyers, especially women, are often overlooked or dismissed. The legal landscape remains a bastion of privilege, where access to opportunities and upward mobility is not distributed equally. Women face a double-edged sword, battling gender biases and societal expectations while striving for professional success. The weight of these expectations is a burden we carry, silently but with great fortitude.
Yet, within the shadows of adversity, there is resilience. The struggles that come with being a first-generation lawyer, the limitations and biases we face, have the power to ignite a fire within us. We are driven not only by personal aspirations but also by a deep-rooted desire to change the narrative and create a more inclusive legal profession. Our struggles become the fuel that propels us forward, propelling us to challenge the norms, break the glass ceilings, and carve out a space for ourselves and those who will follow.
The path may be difficult, the challenges may be numerous, but we are not deterred. We persevere, fueled by the belief that our voices, experiences, and perspectives are valuable contributions to the pursuit of justice. With each step we take, we pave the way for a future where the legal profession embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, where first-generation lawyers are not seen as anomalies but as trailblazers.
As I reflect on my journey as a first-generation lawyer in Kashmir, I am reminded of the countless others who walk similar paths, facing their own set of trials and tribulations. Our collective struggles bind us together, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences. We are a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit.
The struggles are real and profound. The weight of societal expectations, financial constraints, and the absence of a legal lineage create a challenging landscape to navigate. However, within these struggles lies an unwavering resolve, a determination to overcome obstacles and leave an indelible mark on the legal profession. We are the torchbearers of change, breaking barriers, and challenging the norms. The path may be bittersweet, but it is one we walk with our heads held high, knowing that we are shaping a future where the legal profession truly reflects the diverse tapestry of society.
My ode to all first generation lawyers, know that you are not alone
It is a road less travelled,
A path unmarked, unknown.
Where dreams unfold and battles fought,
By those who dare to roam.
In shadows cast by doubt and fear,
Where footsteps leave no trace,
The brave hearts venture forth with hope,
Defying odds they face.
With every step, a story unfolds,
Of courage and of strife,
The road less travelled beckons them,
To embrace the unknown in life.
No footsteps guide their weary souls,
No mentors to be found,
They navigate the uncharted realm,
With strength, they stand their ground.
From the corners of forgotten towns,
They rise against the tide,
Their voices, heard through silent storms,
With passion burning inside
- The author is a Lawyer, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. The writer can be reached at [email protected]
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