Story#5 An Attorney Representing Women

I worked as an attorney representing marginalized groups- mainly women and workers. Women were seeking divorce, custody, or child support, workers were seeking compensation based on work injuries. I have to say that I learned from them. I learned that formalities matter.

I will always remember my first case. I was representing a woman seeking child support. The case was a bit challenging, because the ex-husband tried to hide his real income. He also hired a highly qualified lawyer with many years of experience. However, I had motivation to win my first case, and prepared accordingly.

As an attorney who was just starting her career, it was crucial to win my first case and build credibility. I examined similar cases in which the ex-husband tried to hide his income, and learned how other attorneys proved the real income existed.

I studied every single detail and collected evidence and testimonies regarding the lifestyle of the husband. I also typed my memorandum electronically and bolded the parts that I needed the court to focus on. Not all attorneys in Iraq type their memos.

The first reaction of the attorney representing the ex-husband was making a remark regarding my age claiming that I was too young, I was 21.

He said that I didn’t know what I was talking about. I stayed calm and ignored his remarks. I spoke directly to the judge and enforced my client’s claims. I said, “Your honor, based on the evidence that shows the real income of ex-husband, my client claims a higher child support.

I would like to submit a written memo to the court.” I provided imperial proof that the ex-husband’s income was far more than the amount he claimed.

I won my first case! Although my client did not have money to pay my fees, I felt I won one million dollars. The wheel kept moving and more clients approached me to represent them. Most of them were women.

I felt my work had a social aspect too. In order for me to successfully represent my clients, I had to understand where they came from and why they want to take a legal action. For example, a client wanted to divorce her husband, because of a misunderstanding. A couple who truly loved each other, but didn’t want to live together any longer. The son who blamed the mother for the divorce, and wanted to go live with his father, leaving the mother broken hearted. The ex-husband who sought retribution from the ex-wife, because she remarried. Every day a new client and a new story

One day, an old man approached me claiming compensation, because of a work injury. I prepared his case. However, the judge surprised me by saying, “ you can’t represent him!” According to the law, only the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs could be represented. An individual could not.

I argued with the Judge, but he was determined. I took my client outside the courtroom and briefly explained to him the most important points that he should say to the judge. The Judge saw me teaching my client, but he couldn’t object to that.

In the end, my client won.

Listening to my clients' grievances and their inner feelings brought me closer to how people think and how they react.

Isn’t that what security is all about? Figuring out how people act and react, what makes feel angry, sad, or frustrated.

Follow me on Twitter