New Delhi, June 23 (UNI) Seven first-generation women lawyers have been selected for the prestigious Indian Litigation Fellowship 2025–2026, a programme that aims to empower young female litigators through financial assistance, professional mentorship and institutional support at the formative stage of their legal careers.
Out of 430 applications received from across the country, five were selected for Open Litigation Fellowships, allowing them to work with litigation chambers of their choice while two were chosen as Lawyers-in-Residence, placed with reputed litigation chambers in Delhi.
Each fellow will receive a grant of Rs 3.6 lakh for the year, along with access to mentorship from experienced legal professionals.
The lawyers selected for the Open Litigation Fellows (2025-26) are Ankita Jagannath Sonawale (Satara, Maharashtra, MNLU). Inspired by her mother, a police head constable, Ankita aims to build a criminal law practice in her hometown and serve underrepresented communities.
Erusha Portel (Kalimpong, West Bengal, North Bengal University). Currently practising in Siliguri, Erusha focuses on civil matters involving the Debt Recovery Tribunal, balancing financial interests and housing rights.
Mahalakshmi Srinivasan (Hosur, Tamil Nadu, TNNLU). A passionate litigator, she plans to practice at the Karnataka High Court, focusing on civil disputes and social justice through pro bono work.
Saniya Anjum (Aurangabad, Maharashtra, GLC Mumbai). Committed to social justice, Saniya intends to start her litigation journey in Mumbai with a focus on welfare and rights-based litigation.
V Swetha (Chennai, Tamil Nadu, TNNLU), Practising in Delhi, Swetha focuses on prisoners’ rights, criminal and constitutional law, and has actively contributed through pro bono cases and legal research.
Two women chosen for the Lawyers–in–Residence (2025-26) programme are - Anushka Singhal (Muzaffarnagar, UP, Symbiosis Law School). Selected for Pravah Law Offices India, Anushka has a keen interest in constitutional, consumer, and civil law.
Mayuri Gatari (Wardha, Maharashtra, GLC Mumbai). Placed with LIR E-23 Chambers, Mayuri has overcome socio-economic challenges and is dedicated to advocating for the marginalised.
The fellowship structure and selection process are jointly conducted by Pravah Law Offices India, led by Shrutanjaya Bhardwaj, and LIR E-23 Chambers, headed by Mansi Sood and Vinayak Mehrotra.
It is exclusively open to first-generation women litigators with less than two years of experience.
Applicants were required to submit detailed essays outlining their motivation to pursue litigation and the barriers they face.
The selection involved a two-tier process: first, a thorough evaluation by a volunteer Review Committee of practising lawyers, followed by interviews of shortlisted candidates.
This year saw over 60 percent of applicants being law graduates, highlighting the financial and structural challenges that persist for first-generation women lawyers in litigation.
More than half the applications came from the northern region, followed by strong representation from the south and other zones.
The diversity and volume of applicants underscore the urgent need for structured support in the legal profession for women from non-traditional backgrounds.
The fellowship seeks to address these gaps by providing a foundation for sustained, independent legal careers rooted in access to justice and public service.
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