含羞草社区

Overcoming setbacks has taught Priti Suri that struggles make you stronger. As she prepares to take over as IPBA president, she talks to IBLJ’s Manokamana about a lifetime of embracing challenges

France, circa 1993. She was going about her usual day as a junior lawyer at a French law firm. A bright young Indian woman at the beginning of her career in France after having graduated with a Master’s degree in law on a full scholarship. But then the day took a turn. A challenge was presented.

She spoke very little French, and yet this particular morning she was asked to conduct the entire client meeting in French – to a room full of male lawyers. Most in her shoes would have politely declined on the language skills aspect alone, perhaps asked for more time. But not Priti Suri.

Even at a young age she had instilled in herself the need to be well prepared, and she already knew well the files for discussion. With no hesitation, she walked into that room and held the meeting, in broken French, to a room full of men who were her seniors, with the kind of confidence that earned their admiration and respect.

Fast forward 35 years. Now back in India and managing partner of her own Delhi-based law firm, Priti Suri and Associates (better known as PSA), that same confidence is apparent. Suri is also now the president-elect of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA), and is managing the upcoming IPBA Annual Meeting and Conference in New Delhi, at the end of which she will take over as the organisation’s president.

Challenge is an old friend

Born into a family that had witnessed the partition of India first-hand, struggles and challenges were nothing new to Suri’s family. Even with the upheavals, the family had a firm focus on education and held it in high regard, along with gender inclusivity and parity.