Shilpa Bhasin Mehra’s journey in the legal field is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. As a fourth-generation lawyer, she was immersed in the world of law from an early age, captivated by the discipline, rigor, and impact of legal practice. Inspired by the unwavering commitment of her father, Dr. Lalit Bhasin, she seamlessly stepped into the profession, carrying forward a legacy of excellence. Over the years, she has carved out her own path, balancing ethical obligations, client advocacy, and legal advancements with a forward- thinking approach.
Her philosophy in the legal profession reflects her intrinsic values—client-centered service, honesty, and a preference for negotiation over litigation. As a woman in a demanding profession, she has navigated challenges with grace, leveraging support systems and personal tenacity to overcome barriers. In this discussion, Shilpa shares insights into her career, the evolving legal landscape, and her commitment to mentorship, social responsibility, and the integration of technology in law.
Inspiration for a Legal Career:
Shilpa’s decision to pursue law was not marked by a singular defining moment but rather a lifelong exposure to the legal world. “Growing up in a family of lawyers, I was constantly surrounded by legal discussions, attending legal conferences, and the whole legal ecosystem. The black coats, voluminous files, and the intellectual rigor of the profession fascinated me. The deep respect commanded by legal professionals and the decisive impact of their work further solidified my interest.” Inspired by her father, Dr. Lalit Bhasin, she embraced the field with a clear understanding of the responsibility and dedication it required.
Approach to Legal Practice:
Shilpa’s legal philosophy is deeply rooted in client advocacy and ethical decision-making. “I prioritize long- term relationships with my clients, ensuring that my legal counsel is aligned with their best interests.” Litigation is always her last resort—she believes in exhausting all avenues of negotiation and mediation before pursuing court battles. Transparency and honest communication form the foundation of her practice, empowering clients with clear choices while fostering trust and fairness in every case.
Challenges as a Woman in Law:
Women in the legal profession face numerous challenges, particularly because of the number of hats they wear. For Shilpa, the most demanding phase was returning to work after taking a break for motherhood. “Law firms often favour male lawyers due to the multiple responsibilities’ women juggle. However, I credit my husband, Vijay Mehra, for being a strong support system, allowing me to manage both my professional and personal responsibilities.” She emphasizes the importance of having a reliable network to navigate such challenges successfully. Shilpa gives full credit to her sisters, Sonia, Divvya and Priya, besides her father and husband, for standing by her side during her critical illness in the year 2003, chronicled in her first book, “All Battles aren’t Legal”. “I could not have bounced back to life and normalcy without their unwavering support.”
A Memorable Case:
Among her most rewarding experiences, Shilpa recalls a case where she successfully negotiated a settlement for a client who was sued for AED 10 million. Through careful mediation, she facilitated an agreement that was fair to both parties, ultimately leading to the case being dropped against her client. The resolution of this matter reaffirmed her belief in alternative dispute resolution and the power of dialogue over prolonged litigation. Today, the opposing parties have transformed into allies, emphasizing the effectiveness of amicable legal solutions.
Work-Life Balance in the Legal Profession:
Balancing a demanding legal career with personal life is a challenge many professionals face, and Shilpa is no exception. She acknowledges that the legal field is highly demanding, often requiring long hours and unwavering dedication. However, she emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being.
For Shilpa, the key to maintaining equilibrium lies in time management and having a strong support system. She credits her family, particularly her husband, for helping her navigate the challenges of juggling work and family responsibilities. She also believes that legal professionals, especially women, should not hesitate to seek help when needed. Instead of striving for perfection in every aspect, she advocates for a balanced approach where both personal and professional growth are nurtured.
She also highlights the need for law firms to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women. “Flexible work policies, mentorship programs, and structured career progression can help female lawyers sustain long-term careers without feeling compelled to choose between family and profession. I believe that with the right structures in place, women can excel in law without compromising on their personal lives.”
The Role of Women in Leadership Positions in Law:
“Women have made significant strides in the legal profession, but challenges persist, particularly in leadership roles. I believe that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in ensuring equal representation at senior levels.” says Shilpa.
She emphasizes that leadership in law should be based on merit and capability rather than gender. She acknowledges the biases that often prevent women from climbing the ranks at the same pace as their male counterparts. Shilpa strongly advocates for mentorship and sponsorship programs that help women gain visibility and access to leadership opportunities.
She believes that having more women in leadership roles brings a fresh perspective to legal practice. Women tend to approach issues with a problem-solving bent of mind coupled with empathy and holistic thinking, which can be invaluable in negotiations and dispute resolution. By supporting and empowering women in law, the profession can benefit from a more diverse and inclusive approach to justice.
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas:
Ethical integrity is at the core of Shilpa’s practice. She adheres to a straightforward principle—advising clients based on the true merits of their cases. Whether a case is strong or weak, she lays out all options honestly, ensuring clients make informed decisions. She firmly believes that maintaining this level of transparency fosters long-term trust, leading to professional credibility and repeat clientele.
Changes in the Legal Landscape:
The legal profession has undergone significant transformation, with the advent of AI and legal tech playing a pivotal role. A decade ago, technology had a minimal presence in legal practice, but today, AI is an integral tool in research, case analysis, and document drafting. However, Shilpa raises concerns about the risks associated with unchecked AI use. Instances where AI-generated false precedents have been submitted to courts highlight the need for regulation. She advocates for a structured framework to ensure that AI enhances legal practice without compromising professional diligence and public trust in the system.
Contributions Beyond Law:
Beyond her practice, Shilpa is deeply involved in mentorship, legal activism, social advocacy, and charities. She actively engages with young lawyers and law students, sharing insights and guidance to shape the next generation of legal professionals. Her writings and public engagements focus on raising awareness about crucial societal issues, amplifying voices that often go unheard. She believes in leveraging her legal expertise to drive meaningful change, whether through policy advocacy, education, or community engagement.
Technology’s Role in Law:
Shilpa acknowledges the rapid rise of AI-driven legal solutions and their undeniable efficiency. “AI streamlines research, automates documentation, and accelerates case assessments, ultimately saving time for legal professionals. Technology should be viewed as an asset rather than a threat. Lawyers must harness AI’s capabilities while ensuring human judgment, ethical considerations, and emotional intelligence remain central to legal practice.” By integrating AI effectively, legal professionals can focus on strategic thinking and complex decision-making, thereby enhancing the quality of legal services.
Advice for Aspiring Lawyers:
For those entering the legal profession, Shilpa advises cultivating a dynamic mindset—or as she terms it, “mind flow.” “Adaptability is key in an ever-evolving field. Communication skills remain paramount, as effective legal practice hinges on the ability to articulate arguments, negotiate settlements, and engage with clients empathetically.” With AI handling many technical tasks, the human element—understanding emotions, cultural contexts, and ethical nuances—becomes even more crucial. Aspiring lawyers should focus on honing these interpersonal skills while staying updated with technological advancements.
Future Endeavors:
Looking ahead, Shilpa Mehra continues to blend her legal expertise with her passion for writing. In February 2025, she participated in the Law and Literature Festival in Delhi, VidhiUtsav where she unveiled her upcoming book, Unfiltered and Unapologetic. This book is a compilation of her articles that serves as a resource for readers seeking legal insights and social commentary.
She remains committed to using her voice for advocacy, addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, public health, and sustainability. Her philosophy extends beyond professional success—she believes in contributing to societal well-being through what she terms “Professional Social Responsibility” (PSR).
As she continues her journey, Shilpa Bhasin Mehra remains dedicated to upholding justice, mentoring the next generation, and embracing innovation while preserving the ethical foundations of the legal profession. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring legal professionals, reinforcing the belief that law is not just a career but a lifelong commitment to fairness, integrity, and social impact.
