From IBM Project Manager in Singapore to Co-Founding Norton Basu LLP: Somita Basu on Leaving Management Consulting for Law School, Estate Planning for Entrepreneurs, and Building a Multicultural Firm Called "The Best of the Best"
Somita Basu is the founding principal of Norton Basu LLP, a California-based estate planning and probate law firm that Retired Judge LaDoris Cordell (who presided over Santa Clara County Probate Court for two years) calls "the best of the best." But Somita's path to co-founding a successful law practice was anything but traditional.
Somita began her career in financial services and insurance, working with Fortune 500 companies in senior management positions across three continents—from the New York metro area to three years in Mumbai, India, to a decade in Singapore where she led a $30 million IBM project managing 40 people across four countries. While pregnant with her first child in Singapore, Somita made a dramatic decision: she enrolled remotely in Purdue Global's Concord Law School (an online law school that "was looked down upon—until 2020"), flew to California with jet lag to take the bar exam, and moved to the Bay Area in 2013.
On her first day of volunteer training at Bay Area Legal Aid, Somita met Zakiya Norton. That meeting would become the foundation of Norton Basu LLP, a firm specializing in estate planning, probate, conservatorships, and trust administration with particular sensitivity to immigrant cultures and diverse perspectives. Having lived abroad for 13 years, Somita speaks fluent English and Bengali (conversational Hindi) and brings a unique understanding of how different cultural views influence decision-making and risk appetite.
A Super Lawyers Rising Star, Somita has served as Board Chair of Justice At Last, Vice Chair and Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Section of the California Lawyers Association (where she was past editor of The Practitioner), and Co-Chair of the DEI Outreach Committee for CLA. She served on the influential Project 2021 Committee to determine the future of the California Lawyers Association. Somita is also an Adjunct Professor teaching law students and remains actively engaged in pro bono representation.
Clients describe Somita and Zakiya as "highly responsive, solutions-oriented, and empathetic," offering a "pragmatic, straightforward and compassionate approach." The firm has helped thousands of people with estate planning needs, from entrepreneurs building wealth through their businesses to immigrant families with assets across multiple countries.
In this Q&A, Somita shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder in management consulting to attending law school remotely while pregnant, meeting her future law partner on day one of volunteer training, and building Norton Basu LLP with mentor support from a retired judge who became their first client.
From Fortune 500 Management Consultant to Law School in Singapore - Co-Founding Norton Basu LLP After a $30 Million IBM Project and Career Across Three Continents
You began your career in financial services and insurance, working with Fortune 500 companies in senior management positions across the New York metro area, India (3 years in Mumbai), and Singapore (a decade leading a $30 million IBM project managing 40 people across four countries, up-selling $1.6M in consulting, and earning IBM's Customer Service Excellence Award). While pregnant with your first child in Singapore, you decided to attend law school remotely through Purdue Global's Concord Law School, flew to California with jet lag to take the bar exam, and moved to the Bay Area in 2013 where you met Zakiya Norton volunteering at Bay Area Legal Aid on day one of training. For female founders with successful corporate careers considering dramatic career pivots (especially women with international experience or unconventional paths to entrepreneurship), what made you decide to leave management consulting to become an attorney? Walk us through the journey from that decision in Singapore to co-founding Norton Basu LLP, and what advice would you give women about making major career transitions while raising young children?
I spent much of the first half of my life climbing the corporate ladder and checking off boxes of what was expected of me along the way. I left management consulting because I wanted a career with more interaction with clients for whom I could really make a difference. Law is a career I had always thought of since I was in my early 20s. Family pressures and responsibilities kept me from pursuing a legal career. However, when I left Singapore and returned to the US, I vowed to have more control of my time (for my small children) and my own fate (for myself).
Every woman has their own set of ever-shifting priorities. However, sometimes what gets lost is the big picture. While raising young children, often compromises need to be made. But it's always helpful to keep the ultimate goal in mind. Not every phase or step is forward progress but keeping your priorities and values at the forefront helps manage your own expectations. Be patient with yourself! Demands on working mothers are incredibly high.
Estate Planning for Entrepreneurs and Immigrant Families - Why "Everyone Needs an Estate Plan" and How Cultural Perspectives Shape Decision-Making
Norton Basu LLP focuses on estate planning, probate, conservatorships, and trust administration with particular sensitivity to immigrant cultures and diverse perspectives (you speak fluent English and Bengali, conversational Hindi). You're You served as Board Chair of Justice At Last, served as Vice Chair and Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Section of the California Lawyers Association, were past editor of The Practitioner, and served on the Project 2021 Committee and Co-Chair of the DEI Outreach Committee for CLA. You've been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds who have different views on risk appetite and decision-making. For female founders and entrepreneurs building wealth through their businesses, what are the most common estate planning mistakes you see? How should founders think about estate planning when their assets are tied up in businesses, startups, or illiquid investments? And what specific considerations do immigrant entrepreneurs need to keep in mind when creating estate plans that may involve assets or family members across multiple countries?
Estate planning is a foundational tool to help your family and your business. People regularly consider estate planning as only being effective in the case of death. But a comprehensive estate planning can also handle your care and your assets in the event of incapacity. It's important to have a professionally drafted estate plan in place that addresses your business entities as well as your personal assets.
For those with assets overseas, the most practical approach to handling international assets is to have appropriate estate planning documents in place in the country where the assets are located. While US documents can work in other countries, the process is complex and expenses. A local Will or Trust will ensure that international assets will be handled in a much more efficient manner consistent with local laws.
Building Norton Basu LLP as a Multicultural Firm - From Bay Area Legal Aid to Retired Judge LaDoris Cordell's "Best of the Best" Endorsement
You and Zakiya Norton built Norton Basu LLP into a firm that Retired Judge LaDoris Cordell (who presided over Santa Clara County Probate Court for two years) calls "the best of the best." You've brought a global outlook from having studied, lived, and worked across the country and globe, offering what clients describe as a "pragmatic, straight-forward and compassionate approach." You're also an Adjunct Professor teaching law students and actively engaged in pro bono work. For female founders building professional services firms (law, accounting, consulting) or considering co-founder partnerships, what's your framework for building a firm culture that reflects your values? How do you balance running a successful practice with teaching, pro bono work, board service, and family life? And what advice would you give women about pricing legal services and building credibility when they've taken nontraditional paths to their professions (like attending law school online, which you note "was looked down upon - until 2020")?
Firm culture is the key to longevity in any professional services business. From the outset, my law partner, Zakiya Norton, and I vowed to work with clients we like on matters that we feel are worthwile. We have always strived to provide the best service to our clients and having clients who share our values of respect and dignity for all people makes serving these clients a pleasure instead of a chore. As the saying goes, 'All money is not good money'. Don't be afraid to say no. I believe all women entrepreneurs face an uphill climb in professional services so protecting your peace and mental health is the key to longevity.
In the professional services industry, always remember that you are selling your knowledge and expertise. In the beginning, your rates may be lower than you wish. But with time and experience, you can and should increase your price to match your lengthier track record and heightened confidence. Having a mentor is helpful. No one can do it alone. We had a retired judge as our mentor and she was able to provide us context and the benefit of her experience as both a private sector attorney and entrepreneur and as the first Black woman judge in Santa Clara County.
Are you a woman leader with an inspiring journey to tell? Founded by Women is on a mission to elevate and amplify the voices of women making an impact.
If you're breaking barriers, driving change, or paving the way for others, we’d love to feature your story. Get in touch with us today!
👉 hi@foundedbywomen.org
