Background

In the field of South Asians in law, the story of Her Honour Judge Nirmal Shant KC acts as an exemplar of success for aspiring professionals. In an interview, we delve into the life and career of this remarkable judge by exploring her achievements, the challenges she faced, along with the role that spirituality played in and outside of her professional career.

Her story began in India before migrating to the United Kingdom at the age of two. Following this, Judge Shant and her family returned to their country of origin where she spent the majority of her formative years before returning to the UK at the age of 11. Judge Shant received her education in Nottingham and during this time she discovered her passion for law through the media, being fascinated with the show ‘Crown Court’ which showcased criminal trials. This sparked a flame within her, and she enrolled for law school at Leicester University. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she was admitted to the Bar as a junior criminal barrister in 1984.

Years of experience and success followed, culminating in her appointment as a Silk in 2007. This was just the beginning for Judge Shant, as she was soon appointed as a judge in 2015 and then selected as a resident judge the following year. Recently, in 2022, she received the prestigious role of the Honorary Recorder for Nottingham. She looks back on her diverse upbringing and experiences with gratitude, knowing that they have played an instrumental role in shaping her into the strong and fair judge she is today.

A photograph of Judge Shant, joined by her family, on the day where she became a Silk.

Spirituality

Judge Shant’s story is of a woman who has overcome barriers and broken stereotypes to make history in the legal profession. When asked about the influence of spirituality on her path to becoming a judge, she maintains that it has given her a sense of stoicism and acceptance that has helped her throughout her professional career. For her, the realisation of there being something bigger than oneself has helped her in dealing with situations where things may not go her way and has provided a sense of perspective that has been invaluable in the face of adversity. This recognition has further encouraged her to persevere with increased determination, especially while embarking on a career in the legal field, as a South Asian woman in the 1980s.

Spirituality has played a critical role in Judge Shant’s personal and professional life, especially when faced with sensitive or stressful cases outside of work. Cultivating a source of spiritual strength has been instrumental in remaining grounded and maintaining a belief in the goodness of people, even during the most dreadful or challenging circumstances. While dealing with grave criminal cases such as murder, she has often witnessed families who have lost loved ones behave with the utmost dignity. This, she believes, is a testament to the goodness that resides within all people. Judge Shant emphasises how developing one’s spirituality and having a positive and resilient mindset can be powerful tools for maintaining one’s mental and emotional well-being, both on and off the job.

‘Things may not go your way, but still, you carry on and you fight harder, and you work harder.’

Despite her success, Judge Shant’s journey has not been without its challenges. Being a South Asian woman in the legal field in 1984 meant that there were not many barristers that looked like her, never mind judges. The area of criminal law was male dominated at the time, and assimilating was made difficult. When queried about how she handled the sense of being treated or viewed differently, she highlighted the significance of having role models and mentors. On her journey, Judge Shant encountered a South Asian woman who was a practising barrister, an achievement that she considered remarkable as it was unprecedented during that era. This provided her with someone to look up to and confirming her belief that she was on the right path instilling in her the strength to persist and excel. Additionally, she believes that the judiciary has made commendable efforts to address the issues and challenges associated with discrimination in the legal sphere, thereby opening more avenues and establishing opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds. Despite facing further obstacles such as balancing familial responsibilities and having children with a legal career, Judge Shant states that self-belief and faith were key to overcoming these obstacles.

‘I am quite ordinary. If I can do this, anyone can.’

Judge Shant explained that her experience of being one of six children from a less privileged background has been influential in gaining a greater perception of the world. Her father qualified as a teacher while her mother was a seamstress working hard to provide for their family. Her upbringing and background had helped her gain a broader understanding of people from diverse backgrounds and different walks of life. This has been particularly useful in her transition from being a barrister to a judge, as she now is able to view the legal process from a variety of perspectives.

A photograph of Judge Shant, joined by her family, on the day of her appointment as a Judge.

Conclusion

Despite facing obstacles entering the legal field in the 1980s as a South Asian woman, Her Honour Judge Nirmal Shant KC’s remarkable journey acts as an inspiration. From being called to the bar in 1984 to her appointment as a judge, her strong beliefs and spirituality have provided her with the strength and perspective necessary to remain resilient and maintain a positive outlook, both in her personal and professional life. Judge Shant’s story serves as an ideal example for individuals from all backgrounds looking to break down barriers and make their mark in the legal profession, reinforcing the importance of self-belief and determination. In her concluding comments, Judge Shant emphasised the importance of creating environments which allow students and practitioners to flourish, commending Sikhs in Law for doing so. She reflected that she had wished that she had access to such an organisation when she was considering a career in law, highlighting the impact that inclusive and supportive networks have.

For those aspiring to pursue a career in law, especially young South Asian women, Judge Shant encourages them to work hard, persevere and set ambitious goals. Ultimately, she believes that it is of utmost importance to maintain the belief that “there will be people who tell you that you can’t do it and there will be disappointment along the way but if you have a dream and you follow it then you will be much happier in the long run than if you give up on something you really want.”

With thanks to HHJ Shant KC The Recorder of Nottingham and Meeno Chawla (Barrister)