Women and Minorities in Law: The Boutique Law Firm Making Waves

In the field of law, dominated primarily by white men, the disparities are glaring. Several studies, including one by the National Association for Law Placement, indicate that in 2021, only about 10% of partners at major firms were people of color, and women accounted for approximately 25%. 

However, Zakiya J. Norton, Esq. and Somita Basu, Esq., the founders of Norton Basu, LLP, are challenging this norm. This minority women-owned estate planning and probate law firm has offices in Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and Los Angeles, California.

Zakiya and Somita began their journey in 2013, volunteering at Bay Area Legal Aid in San Jose, California. Their synergy on multiple complex cases and a shared sense of humor led them to open their practice after just three months of collaboration.

Currently in its ninth year, Norton Basu, LLP, is growing. With the addition of an Associate Attorney, as well as a full-time Director of Marketing and Business Development, Zakiya and Somita demonstrate a focused determination to excel in law and business, as well as to contribute to the local community by way of educational workshops, mentorship of law students, pro bono work, and volunteer efforts on the boards of local non-profits.

During the early days of starting their law firm, Zakiya and Somita relied only on themselves. They educated themselves because they did not have experienced attorneys or mentors in their family or social circle who could provide guidance and direction. They took advantage of no-cost or low-cost resources. Trusting their instincts and the power of perseverance, they gleaned a lesson from every challenge and remained agile enough to change course whenever necessary rapidly.

Lack of funding was also a formidable challenge. Perhaps because start-up money isn’t as readily available to minorities and women, Zakiya and Somita had to bootstrap their beginnings by risking their savings to invest in themselves and the power of their alliance. Fortunately, they made quick advances by acquiring loyal clients and establishing solid referral partner relationships, which allowed them to gain access to capital and expand the practice.

Zakiya and Somita lead by example to inspire change in the industry and educate others about the challenges minorities face. They have generously mentored female attorneys branching out independently and have given presentations to attorney groups, including “Free Your Mind: Identify and Eradicate Hidden Bias” for the California Lawyers Association.

As Zakiya and Somita set out to grow the firm and increase the volume of clients they served, they were amazed to find that other female lawyers were a tremendous source of encouragement. Even female attorneys in the same area of law referred clients and became a pillar of support.

This might be because those women, too, have faced gender bias in the legal industry. Zakiya and Somita developed a mutually beneficial liaison with the women in their sphere of influence, which has created a collaborative environment.

What pearls of wisdom do Zakiya and Somita share with budding female legal professionals? Here are their three crucial pointers for those standing on the threshold of their legal careers:

Fortified by the words of Michelle Obama, “Always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals,” Zakiya Norton and Somita Basu continue their trailblazing journey, leaving a path for other female lawyers to follow and emulate.