#22: Voice for the Voiceless: Sadhana Rai’s Pro Bono Journey

Sep 3, 2024

Sadhana Rai, a former commercial disputes lawyer turned pro bono advocate, shares her inspiring journey from privilege to purpose. She reflects on her modest upbringing, which fueled her passion for justice and empathy. Sadhana discusses the challenges and triumphs in her pro bono work, addressing the emotional toll of advocating for underprivileged clients. Her stories highlight the importance of resilience and the vital connection between self-care and social justice, urging listeners to recognize and act on societal inequalities.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

From Privilege to Purpose

02:25 • 8min

Navigating Microaggressions in a Male-Dominated Industry

10:27 • 3min

Navigating Confidence and Health in the Legal Profession

13:25 • 4min

Prioritizing Health: Insights on Women's Well-being

17:41 • 2min

Balancing Justice and Self-Care

19:51 • 9min

Complexities of Maternal Instincts in Tragic Cases

28:52 • 5min

Justice in Community: A Holistic Approach

33:49 • 25min

In this episode, I sit down with Sadhana Rai, whose transformative journey from a high-powered commercial disputes lawyer to a devoted pro bono advocate is both inspiring and heart-rending. Sadhana shares her early life experiences in a modest family, where the seeds of justice and advocacy were planted. Her story is a poignant reminder of the power of introspection and the courage it takes to pursue a path that truly feeds the soul, not just the status quo.

Through the lens of some of her most challenging and impactful cases, Sadhana opens up about the realities of working with underprivileged clients who have altered her view of justice and humanity. Each case, each client, each story brings with it a heavy toll but also a profound lesson in resilience and empathy. Sadhana’s recounting of these experiences invites us to reflect on the deeper implications of inequality and our role in addressing it.

This episode is not just a narrative of legal battles; it’s a call to awaken to the struggles and injustices around us. Sadhana challenges each of us to not only recognize our shared humanity but to act on it, fostering a society that values compassion and justice equally. Her journey and the lessons she imparts are a powerful testament to the impact one person can have when they choose to make a difference where it truly counts.

00:00 Introduction 00:35 Get to Know Sadhana Rai 02:35 Sadhana’s Upbringing & Background 06:39 Leaving a Prestigious Job & Discovering Pro Bono Work 10:30 Navigating Challenges as a Female Lawyer 14:53 The Hardships in the Legal Profession 21:00 Diving into Criminal Law and Pro Bono Work 27:37 A Heartbreaking Dive into the Chin Swee Road Case 33:49 Going Above & Beyond as Community Lawyers 36:23 The Emotional Toll of Being a Lawyer 39:14 Behind the Story of an Abandoned Dog 42:44 A Fight for Innocence & the Reconciliation of a Family 45:12 Misconceptions of Pro Bono Lawyers 47:53 Sadhana’s Most Valuable Lessons 50:23 The Important Role We All Play 54:03 Final Reflections

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