A fresh wave of legal firepower is on the rise. Seven women, all first-generation litigators just stepping into the courtroom trenches, have been handpicked for the Indian Litigation Fellowship 2025–2026—a program designed not just to support, but to amplify their presence in a space where male voices have long dominated the echo.
This isn’t just about funding—it’s about forging futures. The fellowship pairs financial assistance with tailored mentorship, empowering women lawyers who’ve clocked less than two years in practice. The goal? Equip them early. Give them ground to stand on, and let them take it from there.
Five of the chosen will join as Litigation Fellows, selecting litigation chambers of their choice to learn from, challenge, and grow with. They are:
- Ankita Jagannath Sonawale (Maharashtra)
- Erusha Portel (West Bengal)
- Mahalakshmi Srinivasan (Tamil Nadu)
- Saniya Anjum (Maharashtra)
- V Swetha (Tamil Nadu)
Two others step into more embedded roles as Lawyers-in-Residence:
- Anushka Singhal (Uttar Pradesh), placed at Pravah Law Offices India
- Mayuri Gatari (Maharashtra), placed at LIR E-23 Chambers
These chambers—helmed by the likes of Shrutanjaya Bhardwaj, and the team of Mansi Sood and Vinayak Mehrotra—offer fertile ground for legal minds ready to bloom.
And each fellow walks away with more than just knowledge. They receive ₹3.6 lakh a year—a practical lifeline in a profession that too often tests your resolve before rewarding your skill.
The briefcase is packed. The gavel is waiting. The next chapter of Indian litigation is being written—and these seven women have just picked up the pen.
