Celebrating 25 Years of S. Abraham Solicitors:

Celebrating 25 Years of S. Abraham Solicitors:

Sushila Abraham’s Remarkable Journey as a Sole Practitioner

For 25 years, Sushila Abraham has been a pillar of her community, leading her firm, S. Abraham Solicitors, with dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to client care. The end of 2024 marked a significant milestone in her career—a quarter of a century as a sole practitioner, and of her firm S. Abraham Solicitors. Her journey, which began long before she established her firm in 1999, is one of perseverance, service, and a deep-rooted passion for justice.  

Surrey Law Society CEO Helen Opie sat down with Sushila to discuss her incredible career, her journey as a sole practitioner, and her impact on the legal profession and community.

A Calling Inspired by Family

Sushila’s legal career was sparked by the encouragement of her mother, who recognised her daughter’s potential to make a difference. This early inspiration set Sushila on a path that would take her from her initial legal training in Kerala, India, to the UK, where she built her practice from the ground up.

After qualifying in India in 1982, she argued her first case at the High Court within three weeks of being enrolled as an Advocate—an ambitious feat against a seasoned barrister from the UK. Winning that case gave her a boost of confidence, reinforcing her belief in her ability to succeed in the legal profession. Her resilience and determination were evident from the very start, qualities that would go on to define her career.

The Birth of S. Abraham Solicitors

By the time she moved to the UK, Sushila was determined to carve out her own space in the legal world. After working in various firms, she became increasingly disillusioned with the industry’s focus on financial targets over client care. She longed to provide a more personal and compassionate service, putting clients’ needs first.

With encouragement from her husband, the support of her long-time assistant and a long-standing client, she took the bold step of starting S Abraham Solicitors in 1999. It was not easy - starting with just £54 in her client account and working from home, she relied on word-of-mouth recommendations to grow her business. Within six months, demand had grown so significantly that she had to move into an office space. Even then, the local business community played a role—an optician on the High Street helped her secure her current premises, and a trusting bank manager provided the financial backing she needed.

Championing Client Care

Sushila’s reputation as a solicitor who prioritises client care has set her apart. In 2018, she was recognised for this dedication when she won the Surrey Law Society’s Client Care Award.

"I don’t advertise beyond a small listing in the local directory," she explains. "My clients come to me because they trust me, and they recommend me to others."

That trust has been the foundation of her firm’s success, allowing her to build long-standing relationships with clients and colleagues alike. She has also been committed to training young lawyers, helping them gain valuable experience—even though many move on to larger firms.

Despite the challenges that come with running a sole practice, she has always maintained her core values of honesty, empathy, and dedication. Unlike some areas of the profession that might prioritise billable hours, Sushila has always believed in putting the client’s best interests first—even if that meant advising against pursuing costly litigation.

A Trailblazer and Leader

Beyond her legal work, Sushila has played a prominent role in the profession. She has broken barriers as the first ethnic woman to hold several leadership positions, including President of Surrey Law Society, Chair of the Sole Practitioners Group, and The Law Society’s Council Member for Surrey. Her influence extends beyond law—she also served as Councillor and Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, demonstrating her commitment to public service.

As Mayor, she was a strong advocate speaking to young people about the legal profession, ensuring that the next generation understood the importance of the rule of law, as well as attending events around knife crime and hate crime in schools. 

Despite her achievements, she remains humble about the impact she has made. "I never set out to be a trailblazer—I just focused on doing the right thing, working hard, and helping people," she says.

Challenges, Progress, and Resilience in the Legal Profession

The legal landscape has changed significantly over the past 25 years, and Sushila acknowledges the challenges that small firms face today. Increasing regulation, rising insurance costs, and the decline of legal aid have put pressure on firms. Yet, she remains optimistic about the future of High Street firms.

"There will always be a need for local solicitors who truly understand and care about their clients," she says. "People appreciate being able to walk into an office and speak to someone face-to-face. That human connection is irreplaceable."

Sushila has also witnessed a shift in the way legal services are delivered, with technology playing a much greater role. While she embraces innovation, she believes that personal interaction remains essential in law. "AI and automation can assist with processes, but they cannot replace the trust and personal service that clients need when dealing with sensitive legal matters."

Over the years, Sushila has seen positive changes in the profession, particularly in the area of diversity, equality, and inclusion (EDI). "People are embracing more diverse individuals into the profession, whatever their background may be," she observes. "The richness that diversity brings to an organisation is huge. It helps with access to justice and ensures that talent is recognised on merit and skills rather than outdated biases." She highlights that neurodivergent individuals, those with disabilities, and professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are now being embraced in a way they previously were not. "There was always a difficulty before, but things are improving, and I hope they will continue to do so," she says with optimism.

Looking to the Future

While many in her position might be considering retirement, Sushila has no such plans. "My staff and clients will not let me!" she laughs. "As long as I can continue to serve my community and make a difference, I will."

Her passion for giving back extends beyond the legal world. As a Councillor she launched "Susie’s Kitchen," a programme teaching children how to cook affordable, nutritious meals, and as Mayor, she spearheaded initiatives to promote legal education in schools. She believes that community engagement is a vital part of professional success.

"The legal profession is about more than just practising law—it is about making a difference in people’s lives," she says. "Whether it is helping a client navigate a legal issue or mentoring a young solicitor, every interaction is an opportunity to leave a positive impact."

Her guiding philosophy remains simple: "If I can do it, you can do it too." It is this spirit of resilience and generosity that has defined her career and made her a true inspiration to so many.

With 25 years behind her and no signs of slowing down, one thing is certain—Sushila Abraham’s impact on the legal profession and her community will continue to be felt for years to come. ■

by Helen Opie

CEO, Surrey Law Society