Her petite stature is definitely no indication of how she tackles life as mother and wife and her profession as an attorney. We caught up with Meyersdal’s Varushka Naidoo, the first woman appointed as a director of the law firm for which she works.
Being an attorney in heart and soul, Varushka Naidoo had to make the difficult decision between being a stay-at-home mom or taking on both roles.
When she and her husband of nine years, Nishan Moodley, welcomed their firstborn Kiaan in 2014 she hit the pause button on being an attorney while being on maternity leave for four months.
“Today, Kiaan is a smart little six-year-old who stole my heart the moment he arrived. He changed my life in every way. From being a woman who had been totally career oriented and who had every year planned in terms of climbing the corporate leader, to a person whose mindset did an immediate 180-degree turn the moment he was put into
my arms.”
The inner battle between leaving her son and return to work to become that ‘go to lawyer’ started. Varushka convinced herself to go back to work, however, seven moths back at the office proved that late nights and early mornings to fit it all in, was not working.
She then decided to become a stay-at-home mom.
“At first it was difficult to say it out loud, but I knew I made the right choice.”
Two years later their second son, Kayden was born. “He is now four and I refer
to him as my angel from God, a precious little boy with the most charismatic character.”
Time for heels and a suit
Although not being part of the corporate environment she continued to practice and consulted privately. She kept up to date with the latest legal developments and what was happening in the legal fraternity.
After five years at home she decided to trade her tracksuit pants and sneakers for heels and a suit.
Soon word got around that she was back in the market and towards the end of 2018 she received an offer from Van Rhyns Incorporated. The rest, as they say, is history.
“To me, being an attorney is the best job in the world. I get paid to read, write, talk and argue. All four things I would do in any event.
“I love the creativity involved in dealing with virtually every case or matter. In simple terms, it’s not just a job, but a profession whereby you are required to apply your mind to every detail.”
Her focus is on family law, which includes antenuptial contracts, divorce and matrimonial issues, maintenance, protection orders and child law.
“At Van Rhyns, my clients come from a wide range of industries. I’ve received a great deal of experience under the remarkable mentorship of Kevin Hacker and Darryl Reece of Wertheim Becker Inc, where I was continually exposed to a number of legal fields.”
A first for women
Varushka is also the first female director for the company.
“I am truly humbled by the appointment. Throughout the time spent at home with my children, picking up toys and playing with dough, I knew I was doing the right thing, but I also knew that someday I would need to fulfil my destiny by doing what I’ve always been so passionate about – helping and serving others.
“God is always working in the background, even when we are unable to see it. His plan for our lives will always prevail. I believe being a director at Van Rhyns and being part of a team of 40 staff members is an achievement as the other directors, Louis Green and Andre Jooste, only strive for excellence in everything they do.
“I still work as hard as I did when I was a candidate attorney. However, there is one difference, I now have my own parking bay with my name on it,” she added jokingly.
A second lease on life
Varushka is involved in a number of family law matters which she said enables her to execute societal change, as these matters sometimes require more than just
legal guidance.
“Women’s Month has reminded us there are still so many women who are abused financially, physically, emotionally and mentally. It is rewarding being able to support these women, not only with their rights, but also emotionally.
“Especially in divorces, people often thank me for helping them push the restart button on life. However, I don’t think I can take all the credit for this. It takes an enormous amount of courage for a person to walk through our doors and begin to try and explain why they inevitably require a new lease on life.
“I always tell my clients that new beginnings should happen on a daily basis, the renewing and refreshing of the mind is a vital way to progress in life. We should all experience the season of spring every morning.”
The best of both worlds
“Any attorney will tell you law is not a nine-to-five job. A huge plus for me right now is that it allows for flexibility. I could spend the morning arguing in court, the afternoon as a mom with my children and then the evening into the early hours of the morning tackling esoteric legal concerns arising from complex commercial litigation.
“My hubby and I have known each other for 19 years. We met when I was only 16 years old and decided to tie the knot after dating for 10 years.
“Nishan’s self-sacrificing, selfless and humble nature inspires me each day. He is a well-grounded person who is deeply rooted in his faith. Because of this, he has continued to be consistent throughout our relationship. He is also extremely supportive in all decisions I’ve made.”
She described them as a typical South African family who are often found at home having braais and spending time with family.
“Prior to Covid-19, our family enjoyed spending weekends away at local destinations. Our boys love going to Sun City.”
Apart from being a force to be reckoned with in court, she also has a creative side and said she was born into a creative family.
“Their creativeness must have rubbed off on me. I love doing anything that involves using my hands, a glue gun and a couple glue sticks.
“My latest creative designs include extravagant nappy cakes which started of as a hobby and gifting for baby showers and then turned into a small-time business which I didn’t expect.
“I also enjoy making candles, especially unique unity candles for weddings, and I am extremely fond of making fancy desserts.”
Challenges in life and in business
“I always welcome challenges because through pain comes purpose. I’ve realised every challenge I faced in life took me out of my comfort zone and when one is taken out of their comfort zone it means growth is being experienced.
“Don’t run from a challenge, rather embrace it. David didn’t run away from Goliath. He took up the challenge and defeated the giant, knowing his help came from above.”
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QUICK FACTS
• Who is your hero?
Without a doubt in my mind, it is my precious mother, my superwoman.
• Who inspires you?
Anyone who has been able to overcome major obstacles in their life and who has come out victorious.
• Your ultimate spoil?
Being a mom of two toddler boys. However, the ultimate spoil right now would just be an extra hour of sleep in the morning and the cherry on the top would be a day at the spa.
• Your guilty pleasure?
I’m an attorney, we never admit to any form of guilt (LOL). I reserve my right to answer this question.
Text: Carina van der Walt. Photo: Hemisha Bhana Photography. Make-up: Face It.
