Legal Credentials
In J v SSHD [2004] EWHC 2636 (Admin) Mr Justice Munby, as he then was, said this of Shivani:
"I do not want to patronise you, but it has always been the function of the legal profession to help those who cannot help themselves. And those who act pro bono, particularly in modem times, and particularly, if I may say so, in relation to clients who may have complicated cases, are acting in the highest traditions of the legal profession. It is also the historic function of the Bar, and I say the Bar because it is the Bar by and large who stand on their feet and advocate in courts, to stand up fearlessly on behalf of the client and stand up to a judge if it is thought that the judge has overstepped the mark or said something unfortunate or inappropriate. You are absolutely right to make the comments you have made and you ought to be congratulated for having had the courage to do so".
In the past Shivani has been recognised by both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 as a Leading Junior in her field.
Legal 500 2015: "Recommended for specialist expertise in criminal deportation cases.’
Chambers and Partners 2015: "She is a very forceful advocate, someone who doesn't like to give up."
Legal 500 2016: "Her work includes deportation, EEA and immigration detention issues."
Chambers and Partners 2016 stated:
"An established immigration lawyer who is held in particularly high regard for her in-depth knowledge of human rights issues. Her varied caseload includes prominent yet niche cases, such as major challenges to refusal of entry clearance decisions and complex freedom of speech matters.
She is very popular and much in demand. A fantastic advocate."
In 2019, Shivani was nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asian Legal Awards ceremony for her representation of clients in human rights cases, particularly in relation to Sri Lankan Tamils.
Shivani has represented the Sri Lankan Tamil cause several times at the UN Convention on Human Rights as well as making a number of television appearances, notably in discussions about cases such as Shamima Begum's removal of British citizenship.
She has frequently been called upon to present Seminars and talks as a result of her stance on immigration and related human rights issues such as:
Scum of the Earth - Foreign national prisoners and their human rights (or lack of them) - presented in April 2016