Shivani Pillai (B.A., L.L.B.) was admitted to practice in 1997 and signed the bar roll in November 2000.
Shivani practises predominantly in criminal law as both Defence and Prosecuting Counsel. She specialises in intervention orders (apprended violence orders/domestic violence orders/restraining orders). She is a dedicated advocate who regularly appears in trials, Crimes Mental Impairment fitness to plead investigations/special hearings pleas including Worksafe matters and related applications.
She often represents and advises those who have not been involved in the criminal justice system in relation to evidentiary matters and consideration of diversion.
Shivani also specalises in providing s.128 Evidence Act and related advice for witnesses in the criminal domain including directors' duties and she has been engaged by Consumer Affairs to provide legal advice in relation to pilot prosecutions.
Her criminal practice includes occupational health and safety (Victorian Work Cover Authority/Work Safe), crimes mental impairment, supervision orders, Coroner's Court, Consumer Affairs and road safety offences. She has a broad criminal law practice, however, she has appeared in VCAT and quasi-criminal matters and has an interest in planning and environmental matters.
Shivani is committed to representing those who may be particularly vulnerable or require special assistance due to their disability, age or cultural background. She welcomes the opportunity to assist Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander peoples.
Shivani was an Associate in the Supreme Court of Victoria, a lawyer with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and a Legal Liability Consultant/Investigator working in personal injuries. Her commitment to advocacy and social justice issues began at the Legal Aid Commission of Victoria (Victoria Legal Aid) when she volunteered on a part time basis as a solicitors' assistant, instructing in murder trials and interviewing prisoners in gaol.
Shivani was appointed a Full time Board Member of the Adult Parole Board from 2013 - 2016, playing a pivotal role in the implementation of parole legal reforms in Victoria. In that role she was the Koori representative for the Board and was instrumental in Koori and Cultural Awareness Training for Judicial Members and staff at the Department of Justice.
She has appeared in the Federal Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, County Court, Magistrates’ Court, Children’s Court and Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Shivani has lectured in criminal law, evidence and advocacy with the Leo Cussen Institute and has been an advocacy instructor for Monash University, Victoria Legal Aid (2017), the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Advocacy Institute and the Victorian Bar.
Shivani represented the Victorian Bar in Papua New Guinea in 2017 and 2023 teaching advocacy pro bono to law graduates through the International Advocacy Training Committee (ITAC) and the Victorian Bar.
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS, LEGAL VOLUNTARY WORK& MEMBERSHIPS:
Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Victorian Women Lawyers (2020-current).
2000 - 2017: Member International Humanitarian Law Advisory Committee (formerly chaired by the Honourable Justice Harper) & Community Speaker, Australian Red Cross of Victoria.
Australian Advocacy Institute Teacher Training Course (Accredited Advocacy Instructor).
Crimes Family Violence Committee, Victorian Bar Legal Assistance Scheme (VBLAS).
Foley’s List Advocacy Award 1997 (inaugural recipient)
