WOY 2026 Video Interview Series: Monica Shah: Championing the Underdog in the Courtroom
Boston civil rights and criminal defense attorney builds a career defending individuals against powerful institutions and advocating for justice.
BOSTON — For attorney Monica Shah, the mission that drives her career is simple but profound: ensuring that people can vindicate their rights in a complex legal system. A partner at Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein LLP, Shah has built a reputation as a formidable criminal defense and civil rights attorney who stands up for individuals facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Shah represents clients in both state and federal courts, handling cases that range from serious felony charges and white-collar investigations to employment discrimination and Title IX matters. Much of her work involves representing individuals who find themselves up against powerful institutions such as government agencies, corporations, and universities.
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“I’m extremely proud of my work representing people who have the courage to fight against powerful institutions,” Shah says.
Her path into law was shaped by a willingness to take risks. Rather than pursue the traditional route of joining a large corporate firm after law school, Shah chose to begin her career at a small civil rights practice in New York before moving to Boston to join what was then a small firm. That firm has since grown significantly and is now primarily woman-owned, with Shah as one of its partners.
Over the years, her work has earned widespread recognition. Shah was named Lawyer of the Year for Employment Law – Individuals in 2024 and has been consistently recognized in Best Lawyers in America and as a Top 50 Woman Super Lawyer in Massachusetts.
Despite these honors, Shah says her motivation remains rooted in a deeply personal sense of fairness — and in representing those who might otherwise feel unheard.
In recognition of her leadership and advocacy, Shah has been named one of INDIA New England News’ Outstanding Women of 2026 and will be honored at the annual Women of the Year Awards Gala in Burlington, Massachusetts.
