MANISHA LAVKUMAR SHAH

The High Court of Gujarat designated Manisha Lavkumar Shah as a senior advocate in 2018. She is only the second woman lawyer in the history of the High Court to be recognized in the last three decades. She has long represented the state government, various boards, and public businesses in numerous litigations before the Hon'ble Supreme Court and other High Courts as an Additional Public Prosecutor, Assistant Government Pleader, Senior Standing Counsel Customs, and Excise. Manisha was the first woman in the state of Gujarat to be appointed as the Government Pleader, in charge of a team of 60 law officers handling the state civil litigation in the High Court, in 2015. She was admitted to the Bar in 1993. Her spectacular rise can be attributed to hard effort and determination.

What is your favourite word?
Sincerity. What you call success was a result of my sincerity towards work. Discipline is also equally important, so irrespective of whether it is a weekday or a weekend, setting a routine, researching thoroughly is something you cannot give up. I believe that my sincerity is my USP, and I expect the same from my colleagues and team members.

What was the moment in your life that made you Blossom into the person you are today?
There wasn't one moment or one challenge that changed everything. Life rarely turns out like that. It is the process of overcoming the small but significant daily challenges that help one turn the corner. Like in every career, one goes through highs and lows that challenge your capabilities and beliefs. Sometimes, even your fundamentals are challenged. The journey of overcoming all such days what made me who I am today.

What would you want the young boys & girls to learn from your journey?
Perseverance and courage can take you anywhere. Do not give up, especially in the phases of life where you will face challenges. Remember, every career has its own challenges. Listen to that small voice in your head that tells you that you are worth it, that you need to push harder and put in more effort, the voice that tells you to keep trying to move forward. You don't even have to keep moving forward, the process of trying to move forward is enough. So long as you are trying, you will be there.