Senior Advocate Megha Jani: A Force For Women In Law

• Senior Advocate Megha Jani, a trailblazer for women in law, began her career in 1993, specializing in civil, commercial, and arbitration matters.
• Known for meticulous preparation and an effective, non-aggressive courtroom style, she also serves on the High Court's Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee.
• In 2019, she notably withdrew her consent for elevation as a Gujarat High Court judge, despite Supreme Court Collegium clearance.
• She remains one of a select group of female Senior Advocates in Gujarat, continuing to influence the legal profession.
• Her early career was profoundly shaped by the mentorship of Senior Advocate Mihir Thakore, whose diverse practice and disciplined approach to law left a lasting impression.

Senior Advocate Megha Jani stands as a prominent figure and trailblazer for women within the legal profession, having commenced her extensive career in 1993.

Senior Advocate Megha Jani stands as a prominent figure and trailblazer for women within the legal profession, having commenced her extensive career in 1993. Her practice is notably diverse, encompassing a wide array of civil, commercial, and arbitration matters, demonstrating a broad expertise across critical legal domains. Throughout her professional journey, she has earned a reputation for her exceptionally meticulous preparation and a courtroom demeanor characterized by its non-aggressive yet highly effective approach, which has garnered respect from peers and the judiciary alike.

Beyond her direct legal practice, Senior Advocate Jani actively contributes to the institutional framework supporting legal professionals. She holds a significant position on the High Court's Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee, specifically addressing cases that involve advocates. This role underscores her commitment to fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for all legal practitioners, particularly highlighting her dedication to advancing the standing of women in law.

In a notable development in 2019, Senior Advocate Megha Jani captured headlines when she made the decision to withdraw her consent for elevation as a judge of the Gujarat High Court. This occurred despite her name having already received clearance from the Supreme Court Collegium, a significant endorsement of her legal acumen and standing. Her choice at that juncture reflected a personal and professional path distinct from judicial appointment.

Today, Senior Advocate Jani continues to exert considerable influence within the legal landscape of Gujarat, remaining one of only a handful of female Senior Advocates in the state. Her continued presence and leadership are particularly impactful for women in law, as she serves as a visible example of sustained success and dedication in a demanding field. Insights into her career, including reflections on structural hurdles faced by female lawyers and delays in arbitration proceedings, were recently shared in an interview with Bar & Bench's Neha Joshi, offering valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the profession.

The formative years of Senior Advocate Megha Jani's career were significantly shaped by her tenure in the chambers of Senior Advocate Mihir Thakore, where she began her practice in 1993 and remained until the close of 1999. This period proved instrumental in developing her professional ethos and legal methodology. She frequently cites Mihir Thakore's profound influence, particularly his rigorous approach to drafting, his habit of thorough reading, and his meticulous preparation of detailed notes for cases.

Furthermore, Mihir Thakore's non-aggressive yet highly effective manner of addressing the court left a lasting impression on Jani, guiding her own courtroom style. His practice was notably diverse, providing her with exposure to a broad spectrum of legal work. This included his role as standing counsel for the Income Tax Department, handling a variety of civil cases such as company and commercial matters, and his regular appearances before the city civil court, all of which contributed to Jani's comprehensive understanding of litigation and arbitration.

Source: Original reporting via Bar & Bench