Snehal Massey shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Snehal, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
There’s really no such thing as a “normal” day for me—my days are dynamic and ever-changing, which is part of what makes this work so rewarding.
As a family law attorney and business owner, my schedule has a mind of its own. Some days, I’m immersed in trial preparation, reviewing evidence, and crafting arguments. Other days, I’m focused on leadership—meeting with my team for one-on-one check-ins, discussing goals, and ensuring we’re aligned on client strategies.
Client consultations and hearings are a regular part of my week, but running a business adds another layer. I spend time with my financial, HR, and marketing teams to keep operations strong and forward-thinking.
Beyond the office, networking and professional engagement are essential. Most weeks, I attend two to three evening events or participate in bar association committee meetings. Recently, I’ve been deeply involved in conducting judicial interviews for the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Maryland (APABA-MD)—a responsibility that has been both challenging and rewarding.
And then there are the moments I truly cherish: lunch and coffee meetings with colleagues and mentees. These conversations often spark new ideas, strengthen relationships, and remind me why mentorship matters so much in our profession.
The variety keeps me energized and passionate about what I do—advocating for clients, leading a team, and contributing to the legal community.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Law is actually my second career, born from a deep passion to evolve family law into something warmer and client-centered. Family law doesn’t have to feel cold or transactional—and that belief is what inspired me to create SPM Law. My mission is simple: to make the legal process more personal, compassionate, and supportive for families navigating life’s most challenging moments.
I founded SPM Law to practice in a way that felt authentic to my values—even if it meant taking an unconventional approach to traditional legal practice. This decision allowed me to prioritize genuine relationships over billable hours and create the warm, supportive environment families truly need during vulnerable times.
As a wife and mother, I understand the relief that comes from having overwhelming burdens lifted from your shoulders. At SPM Law, we provide care, compassion, and efficiency—whether families are staying together or navigating life’s next chapter.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
When I look back over the last decade, one relationship stands out as the most transformative force in my life—my marriage.
My husband’s unwavering belief in me and his constant support have reshaped not only how I see myself but how I move through the world.
Before him, I was always in motion—chasing goals, juggling responsibilities, and rarely pausing to breathe. His quiet confidence in me gave me permission to slow down, to trust myself, and to truly live in the present. I’ve become lighter, more grounded, and more intentional because of that steady encouragement.
And then came another chapter—the arrival of our daughter. Watching him step into fatherhood with quiet strength and grace was a revelation. It deepened my admiration for him and reminded me that transformation doesn’t always come in grand gestures; sometimes, it’s in the everyday acts of love and presence.
This journey has taught me that the right partnership doesn’t just complement who you are—it elevates you, helping you become the best version of yourself.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One test doesn’t define you—but at the time, it felt like it did.
My most defining moment came when I didn’t pass the bar exam on my first attempt. The devastation was inexplicable. I was in my second trimester when I learned I had missed passing by less than ten points—and, honestly, it wasn’t surprising. Taking the exam during my first trimester had been brutal. I was incredibly sick the entire time and still somehow made it through both grueling days of testing.
What made it worse was the embarrassment. As a judicial law clerk, I was the only one among my peers who didn’t pass. What should have been a joyful season in my life felt crushing. And then came another blow: I couldn’t retake the exam at the next offering because that was when my daughter was due.
When I finally passed—almost two years after graduation and after my first attempt—I was elated. In fact, I couldn’t even bring myself to check the scores. I handed that responsibility to my husband. When he told me I passed, with my daughter in my arms, I was in utter disbelief. It took the entire weekend for it to sink in.
That experience taught me something invaluable: grit and perseverance matter more than any single test. The bar exam didn’t reflect my intellect or my ability to be a great attorney. If anything, it fueled my determination—not to prove myself to others, but to prove to myself that there is nothing I cannot accomplish with consistency, resilience, and grit.
Though I rarely share this story—in fact, this is the first time I’m sharing it broadly—I wear it as a badge of honor. One test doesn’t define you. It doesn’t determine your worth or your future. For me, it set the stage for my strongest comeback.
So if you’re facing a setback right now, remember this: your worth isn’t measured by one moment, one score, or one failure. Every challenge is an opportunity to rise stronger. Keep going—you might just be writing the most powerful chapter of your story.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
When I started law school, I didn’t know a single lawyer—or even what lawyers actually did. I entered with one simple goal: to help people. What I didn’t anticipate was discovering how deeply the legal profession lacked diversity and how few opportunities existed for voices like mine to be heard in influential spaces where decisions are made.
After graduating, I struggled to find my voice and my place. No one seemed to understand my experiences or relate to my perspective. Then, in the fall of 2019, a mentor—Judge Skefas—gave me a piece of advice that changed everything: join an affinity bar association.
That suggestion led me to the South Asian Bar Association of DC (SABA-DC), and I attended their annual gala. I had heard the phrase “representation matters” countless times before, but that night, I truly understood what it meant. From that single event, I found my passion for promoting diversity across all legal spaces.
Since then, I’ve taken on leadership roles in affinity bar associations like SABA-DC and APABA-MD. I chaired the newly formed Diversity Committee of the Baltimore County Bar Association, led the Racial Justice Committee of SABA-DC, and now chair the Judicial Selections Committee of APABA-MD.
As a practicing attorney and litigator, I am constantly struck by how few Black and brown faces I see in spaces like bar association meetings or courtrooms. Did you know Maryland state courts have yet to have a South Asian judge in 2025? That fact alone underscores why this work matters.
I firmly believe the judicial system must reflect the communities it serves. The bench should mirror the diversity of those who come before it—because how else can judges truly understand the nuances of cultures they’re unfamiliar with?
This is why I am committed to doing everything I can to promote diversity on the bench and across the legal profession. Representation isn’t just a talking point—it’s essential for fairness, equity, and justice.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
This career is more than just a job—it’s my calling.
As a second career, I entered the legal profession with one goal: to help families and children. But when I began practicing, I quickly realized how broken and transactional family law could be. In my first five years, as I learned how to be an attorney, I struggled to understand how to be genuinely helpful within the traditional practice framework.
Then, a series of unexpected circumstances compelled me to start SPM Law. Launching my own practice confirmed what I had always felt deep down—this was more than a profession for me. It was here that I discovered how to help clients and families show up authentically. My clients appreciated that I cared about them beyond their case. I wasn’t just an attorney; I was an advocate for their well-being.
My practice isn’t about volume—it’s about serving the right clients in the right way. I recognize that I’m not the right fit for everyone, and that’s okay. I also know that some clients may not appreciate my candid approach. I will never tell someone only what they want to hear; I tell them what they need to hear—and then work backward to develop a practical, authentic strategy that advocates for what’s in their and their children’s best interests.
Recently, someone asked me if I enjoy what I do. My answer? Absolutely. Are there tough days? Of course—but they are far outweighed by the days when I feel fulfilled and know I’ve made a real difference. I love staying in touch with past clients and hearing about their growth and their children’s progress.
For me, family law isn’t just about resolving cases—it’s about restoring hope, building trust, and helping families navigate life’s most challenging chapters with dignity and care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spmlawoffice.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snehalmasseyesq/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snehalpmassey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPMLegal/
Image Credits
Jessica Leigh Photography
