Megha Jani Explains the Long Road for Women in Litigation

Senior Advocate Megha Jani identifies continuity in practice as a central obstacle to more women reaching senior status in litigation. Women enter the profession alongside men, she says, but their representation thins as careers progress and competing obligations accumulate.

Her advice to young women law graduates begins with a direct instruction: “First, stay put.” Jani also urges them to invest in their practices, prepare thoroughly, and recognize the uncertainty that accompanies building a first-generation practice.

In her Bar & Bench interview, Jani connects those recommendations with structural barriers. She describes family obligations, societal expectations, motherhood, and litigation’s unpredictable daily schedule as pressures that can interrupt women’s careers.

The Path to Senior Designation Requires Staying Power

Jani says Senior Advocate designation usually follows 25 to 30 years of uninterrupted practice. She sees similar male and female representation among lawyers in their 20s and 30s, including the work they undertake. The position changes in their 40s, with fewer women continuing through later decades.

She also points to subtle institutional biases within decision-making bodies. These concern whether a woman lawyer displays the traits traditionally associated with senior counsel. In her account, career continuity and institutional expectations both affect advancement.

Jani said only 4 women had been designated Senior Advocates in the Gujarat High Court’s history since 1960. Of those, 3 were currently practicing. She remains one of the small number of female Senior Advocates in Gujarat.

Preparation and Mentorship Shaped Her Own Practice

Jani began her career in Senior Advocate Mihir Thakore’s chambers in 1993 and stayed until the end of 1999. His thorough reading, detailed notes, drafting, and non-aggressive courtroom approach influenced her. Exposure to his varied practice helped establish her interest in working across different areas of law.

She recalls other senior lawyers as approachable and generous with advice. She also worked closely with Senior Advocate Mihir Joshi, whose observations brought perspectives she had not considered. Those experiences form part of her account of learning through practice.

For new graduates, Jani identifies the initial 5-7 years as crucial to building legal knowledge and working routines. She recommends reinvesting early earnings in time-saving resources, including staff, books, and software. Thorough reading and staying informed remain central to her advice.

Different Roles Show Different Representation

Jani describes a stronger female presence among judicial officers and government counsel. She said 7 Gujarat High Court judges were women, alongside women serving as assistant government pleaders and public prosecutors. In her view, that representation changes courtroom culture and institutional inclusivity.

She also cautions that uncertain income, unpredictable schedules, and slow initial work affect both male and female first-generation lawyers. Her practical response is patience and continuous preparation, paired with investment in a practice that can be sustained.