Benish Shah’s experiences are diverse, including commercial litigation, class action lawsuits, family law, and criminal law.  Benish specializes in litigation, including criminal defense and corporate suits.  Benish also has expertise in Islamic Law, working to help individuals achieve Shari’ah compliant wills, prenuptial agreements, and real estate transactions.  Benish’s work on Shari’ah law and human trafficking have earned her praise and multiple speaking opportunities across the United States.

Benish comes to Sardar Law Firm after having worked as a corporate litigation associate at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan in New York City.  During law school, Benish worked as a litigation intern with the Securities Exchange Commission in Atlanta, Georgia, analyzing Ponzi schemes and evidentiary issues at trial.  After the SEC, Benish served as a student Attorney with the Public Defender’s Office, representing indigent clients in Dekalb County.  Benish also worked at the District Attorney’s Office in Fulton County, Atlanta, in the division of crimes against women and children.  Her first case was that of a serial rapist, which ended in a conviction on each count.  Benish assisted in all aspects of trial work, from witness interviews to trial strategies.

Prior to 2005, Benish worked at the General Counsel Roundtable of the Corporate Executive Board in Washington DC.  She worked with the General Counsels and law departments of Fortune 500 companies to help find solutions to difficult strategic questions faced by the corporations.  Her in depth work on issues related to Attorney-Client Privilege and Sarbanes-Oxley were well received by clients and team members.

Benish’s work on human trafficking led to the creation of the Nissa Foundation which focuses on helping victims of trafficking reintegrate into scoiety, despite social stigmas attached to their victimization.  Benish contacts in the media from her work with NEEM Magazine and other publications helped further the cause and raise awarness.

Benish concentrates her work on civil litigation, criminal defense, and family law.  She is currently developing ways to provide Shari’ah compliant marriage contracts for her clients.

LANGUAGES

Fluent in Urdu & Hindi.

BAR MEMBERSHIPS

Member of New York County Bar Association; Member of Minorities & the Law Committee, NYCLA; Member of New York City Bar Association;  Member of New York State Bar Association; Member of American Bar Association.

ACTIVITIES

Board Member of the Nissa Foundation, Private Bar Exam Instructor, Editor-in-Chief of NEEM Magazine, Features Editor of Rivaaj Magazine.

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

New York, 2009.

EDUCATION

J.D. from Emory School of Law:  Dean’s List, Highest Grade in Transnational Criminal Litigation & White Collar Crime.

B.A. from The George Washington University:  Dean’s List, Honors, Alumni Grant Recipient.