Judith Kemp (2004)

Judith Kemp works as a successful corporate lawyer at a prestigious law firm. After her husband’s death, she has to raise her two children, Julia and Marco, on her own. Although she is successful in her career, she is dissatisfied with her work: she originally studied family law to help people in need, not to represent corporate interests. Her boss, Stefan Walther, is impressed by her abilities and makes advances toward her both professionally and personally: he wants to make her a partner at the firm and his wife. Judith feels increasingly pressured by this. The story takes a turn when Judith witnesses a six-year-old girl collapse in the street. She meets the child’s mother, Helena Traber, who is overwhelmed by caring for three children while holding several jobs. Helena’s ex-husband, Maik Traber, left her with a mountain of debt and pays no child support, even though he is still successful behind the scenes. Judith decides to help Helena, although she has not officially been hired to do so and has little time. With her boss’s help—and his use of unconventional methods—she manages to get Maik to pay child support and help the family. After an argument with her boss and successfully resolving the case, Judith Kemp decides to leave the corporate law firm. She sets up her own family law practice so she can focus on supporting people in difficult circumstances. The film ends on an optimistic new beginning for Judith and her children.