We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yeshna Dindoyal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yeshna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
One of the things that sets me apart is my unique work style as a solo practitioner. I often find myself juggling the modern hustle of working from home—sometimes in my comfy pajamas, sometimes dressed in my lawyer attire—while navigating the exciting whirlwind of court appearances and client meetings. It’s a fun, sometimes hectic blend of casual and professional that keeps my days fresh and lively!
What truly distinguishes my practice, though, is my dual focus on traditional law and climate change. While I handle the usual legal matters, I’m also deeply involved in researching climate change and its impacts. This allows me to provide a perspective that many traditional lawyers might overlook. I help clients understand how environmental factors could affect their legal rights or business operations—knowledge that is increasingly crucial in today’s world.
This approach matters because, in today’s world, climate change isn’t just an abstract issue—it’s impacting our daily lives and businesses right now. By wearing two hats, I can provide a holistic perspective that most traditional lawyers might miss. I’m not just looking at legalities; I’m looking at the bigger picture of how we can create resilient solutions that help clients thrive in the face of environmental challenges.
So, whether I’m drafting legal documents in my PJs, preparing for a high-stakes court battle, or advocating for sustainable practices, my commitment to blending traditional legal practice with a forward-thinking perspective on climate change remains at the forefront of everything I do.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Yeshna Dindoyal, a UK-trained Mauritian lawyer who specializes in both traditional legal practices and climate change advocacy. My journey into the legal field has been anything but traditional. Growing up in Mauritius, I witnessed firsthand the impacts of environmental changes on our beautiful island. Rising sea levels, erratic weather patterns, and the challenges faced by local communities, but little did i know that I would one day end up working towards this and nurturing this drive to one day change the environmental law of the country.
Honestly, when I first started my law career, I thought it would be straightforward: get my law degree, pass the bar, and start climbing the corporate ladder, one case at a time. I pictured my life as a routine of waking up, heading to court, coming home, sleeping, and then doing it all over again. You know, rinse and repeat! At first, I thought the traditional route was my only option.
But reality hit me hard when I saw the legal landscape in Mauritius. It was tough—especially for young girls in private practice. It broke my heart to see that success often relied more on who you knew rather than on what you could do. Not having connections or parents in the field was like having a weight tied to my feet.
The daunting reality was compounded by the stark gender disparities that permeate the profession. Many women face additional obstacles, from unconscious bias in the courtroom to a lack of representation in leadership roles. It was heartbreaking to see bright, ambitious young women sidelined. Moreover, the culture within many firms often prioritizes conformity over creativity, stifling innovative ideas and diverse approaches to legal practice. I observed a rigid hierarchy where traditional methods were celebrated, and any deviation from the norm was met with skepticism. This environment felt stifling, like a creative cage that trapped the very essence of what law should be about—advocacy, justice, and progress. As I witnessed my peers struggle to navigate this landscape, I realized that many were forced to compromise their values or ambitions to fit into a mold that didn’t reflect their true selves. It was heartbreaking to see brilliant minds stifled, their unique perspectives silenced in favor of a “tried-and-true” formula that often failed to address the evolving legal needs of society. I firmly believe that the future of law lies in its ability to adapt, innovate, and prioritize genuine advocacy over mere conformity, and I was ready to be part of that transformative journey.
That’s when I knew I had to forge my own path—one that was true to who I am.
This realization fueled my desire to carve out a different path—one that aligned with my values and aspirations. I decided to embrace both traditional law and climate change law, allowing me to integrate my passion for the environment with my legal skills.
What truly sets me apart is my dual expertise. While many lawyers may specialize in one area, I bring together the worlds of traditional law and climate change.
Now, I proudly wear two hats. One day, you’ll find me in court, skillfully advocating for clients in divorce or child custody cases, and the next, I’m at an international conference, passionately discussing climate change law and advocating for meaningful reforms. This dual role keeps my work dynamic and deeply fulfilling. It’s not just about legal expertise; it’s about integrating my commitment to environmental advocacy with traditional legal practice.
It’s this blend that keeps my work engaging and impactful. I focus on how my legal practice can contribute to the broader dialogue around climate change, ensuring that I remain active in both worlds.
I take pride in my involvement in various climate change conferences and events, including COP, where I advocate for meaningful legal reforms and policies. These experiences have connected me with passionate advocates and experts, motivating me to keep pushing for a better future.
What sets me apart is my ability to fluidly navigate the legal system while championing climate-related issues. I believe in providing my clients—whether they are individuals facing personal legal challenges or organizations striving for sustainability—with informed and thoughtful support tailored to their needs.
When I’m in the courtroom, I’m fiercely dedicated to my clients, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices heard. But my heart is equally in climate advocacy, where I aim to influence policies that promote sustainability and address the urgent challenges posed by climate change. I leverage my legal background to push for reforms that benefit our environment while ensuring that my clients are informed about the implications of these changes on their lives and businesses.
As I navigate my dual roles, I embrace the unique insights that come from straddling traditional law and climate advocacy. I believe that it’s only by daring to be unconventional that we can unleash our full potential, carve our own paths, and drive change. This is the message I hold dear and share with young people and anyone wanting to make a difference around them.My work also includes collaborating on projects and research, integrating scientific findings with legal analysis to propose recommendations aimed at tackling climate change.
Recently, I had the honor of representing Mauritius at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi. As the only young Mauritian lawyer and researcher invited to their 14th assembly, I participated in discussions and pushed forward legal reforms for Mauritius.
However, being an unconventional lawyer in Mauritius is HARD. The legal landscape here is often conservative, with a strong emphasis on traditional practices. There’s a prevalent mindset that pigeonholes lawyers into specific roles, making it difficult for those of us who want to break the mold and advocate for change, particularly in the context of climate issues. I often encounter skepticism from peers and clients alike when I discuss the intersection of law and environmental advocacy.
Being a self employed solo lawyer, in a world where big firms dominate is like trying to dance a solo at a rock concert—exciting but a little intimidating! I wear so many hats that sometimes I feel like a circus performer juggling flaming torches. One minute I’m in court advocating for a client in a divorce case, and the next, I’m knee-deep in research, figuring out how climate policies impact the community I love. It can get a bit chaotic, especially when I’m burning the midnight oil to meet deadlines. The struggle to build a client base from scratch can feel daunting; unlike larger firms with established reputations, I’m out here hustling to gain trust and credibility. The work-life balance? Let’s just say it’s a tightrope walk, with the lines often blurring between late-night case preparations and personal time
But here’s the thing: that’s the thrill of it! Sure, it can be isolating when your vision doesn’t quite fit the mold of what a ‘traditional lawyer’ looks like, especially in Mauritius, where expectations can be as rigid as a suit. However, I thrive on that challenge! Every hurdle I face only fuels my passion to push boundaries and show that a multifaceted approach can create real change—not just for my clients but for our planet, too. My journey isn’t just about me; it’s about inspiring others to break free from the conventional and carve out their own paths. I believe that by embracing the unconventional, we can discover greater fulfillment and contribute to a sustainable future. So, yes, it’s tough, but I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything—it’s my stage, and I’m ready to rock it!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the defining moments in my journey that illustrates my resilience occurred shortly after I decided to become a solo practitioner. I remember sitting in my small office in Mauritius, surrounded by stacks of legal books and notes, feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelming doubt. I was passionate about making a difference, but the reality of establishing myself in a competitive and often conservative legal landscape was daunting.In the early years of my career, I found myself submerged in a highly competitive legal landscape in Mauritius. Fresh out of law school and eager to make my mark, I quickly discovered that the reality of the legal profession was far from the ideal I had envisioned.
I spent countless hours in courtrooms, witnessing colleagues secure positions and accolades while I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water. The pressure to conform and succeed weighed heavily on me, and I found myself spiraling into a deep sense of frustration and discouragement. I struggled with feelings of inadequacy, especially as a young woman in a field dominated by established players. The more I tried to fit into the mold of a traditional lawyer, the more I felt lost and unfulfilled.
During this difficult period, I fell in love with my home country Mauritius, the beautiful ocean and beach, and the impacts of climate change on the island started moving me . Subsequently, I was invited to co-author a research paper, on coral reef vulnerabilities in the face of climate change, where I was trusted to write on the legal reforms.
I began to seek solace in my passion for environmental issues. I found myself turning to nature as a refuge from the pressures of the legal world. Whether it was taking long walks on the beach, or simply observing the vibrant ecosystems around me, these moments in nature served as a balm for my weary spirit.
This newfound perspective helped me reconnect with my values and aspirations. I discovered that I could channel my frustrations and disappointments into something positive. Rather than seeing the legal landscape as a barrier, I started to view it as a platform for advocacy. The more I engaged with environmental issues, the clearer it became that I could bridge my legal training with my passion for sustainability, allowing me to carve out a unique niche for myself in a crowded field.
Ultimately, my passion for environmental issues became the catalyst for my transformation. It empowered me to pivot away from the conventional path I initially sought. This journey of rediscovery not only helped me emerge but also set me on a path where I could advocate for change on behalf of both people and the planet, using my skills as a lawyer, in a world full of lawyers.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the notion that success in law meant following a cookie-cutter path—think fancy titles, big firms, and all the prestigious accolades. Growing up, I was basically programmed to believe that the only way to make it in this field was to climb the corporate ladder, one meticulously polished rung at a time. I imagined myself in a suit, hustling through the corridors of a prestigious firm, where respect came from your position rather than your passion. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be!
When I actually stepped into the legal world, reality hit me like a ton of bricks. The landscape in Mauritius was incredibly competitive, and it seemed like success had less to do with talent and more to do with who you knew. It was a bit disheartening, watching my peers—some of the brightest minds—struggle because they didn’t have the right connections or the family name behind them. It felt like a game where the rules were rigged, and I was stuck on the sidelines.
During this tough time, I found myself feeling pretty down. I was constantly battling against a tide that just wouldn’t turn in my favor. But then something beautiful happened: I started seeking solace in my passion for environmental issues. In a world that had rejected me, I began to embrace my true calling! I realized that there was more to life than fitting into someone else’s idea of success. I dove headfirst into climate change advocacy, rediscovering that spark that had first ignited my legal journey.
This unlearning process was a total game changer. I discovered that success could be about creating impact rather than collecting titles. Instead of stressing over what others thought, I focused on what truly mattered to me—making a difference for our planet. I embraced my dual identity as a traditional lawyer and a climate change advocate, proving that you don’t have to conform to the norm to succeed.
Now, I’m all about encouraging others to break free from the mold, to dance to their own tune, and to chase their passions, no matter how unconventional they may be. After all, life’s too short to fit into someone else’s box, right? So here I am, thriving in my own unique way, and loving every minute of it!
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeshna-dindoyal-a7527a266/?locale=fr_FR
- Twitter: https://x.com/_yeshna
Image Credits
all photos are mine