Shivani Pillai

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 also specialises in intervention orders. She is a dedicated advocate who regularly appears in trials, Crimes Mental Impairment fitness investigations and pleas including consideration of diversion.  Shivani also provides specialist advice and representation in respect of to ss.128 (privilege against self-incrimination) and 18 Evidence Act  2008 (Vic).  

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 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 previously 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). 

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 and the delivery of Cultural Awareness Training for judicial members and staff in her role as the Koori Represenative for the Board.

Shivani is an Accredited Advocacy Instructor and taught advocacy at Monash University, Victoria Legal Aid (2017),  the Australian Advocacy Institute, the Victorian Bar and for the Australian Federal Police.

In 2017 and 2023  she represented the Victorian Bar in Papua New Guinea teaching advocacy pro bono to law graduates through the International Advocacy Training Committee (ITAC).

PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS, LEGAL VOLUNTARY WORK& MEMBERSHIPS:

Committee Member, Indigenous Justice Committee, Victorian Bar (current)

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)