Winner of the Boston Bar Association's 2011 John G. Brooks Legal Services Award, Manisha Bhatt is currently a Senior Attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services.  She represents survivors of domestic violence in divorce, paternity and restraining order actions in the Probate and Family Court.  It is a challenging vocation to serve people in crisis, but it is one where she derives a great deal of inspiration from her clients who have taught her so much about resiliency and the importance of having an indomitable will to overcome the most insurmountable of obstacles.

Why did you chose to pursue your particular career path?

I wanted to become a lawyer when I was 14 years old,  after participating in a mock trial assignment at school. There was something amazing about the interactions of court and the role of lawyers that really hooked me.  I have never regretted my decision to become a lawyer.

What are the personal /environmental attributes that have helped you succeed in your career?

I have to attribute all of my success to my parents who always motivated me to try my best. They have been extremely supportive of me all my life- I am honestly blessed to have the parents that I do.  Apart from my parents, I attribute any of my success to my colleagues whose dedication to the work is beyond compare, and whose support and encouragement motivate me to be a better attorney each day that I come to work.

What challenges if any have you faced in your career path?

Unfortunately, one of my clients was brutally murdered by her estranged husband many years ago.  It was a horrible, horrible thing that happened and there were young children impacted by the sudden loss of both of their parents- one to death and the other straight to jail.  It was a real challenge to navigate that situation where there was so much emotional pain involved.

What advice would you give women trying to follow your career path?

I have always believed in following my heart, that if you trust your heart you will never go wrong.  Therefore, my advice to women whether they are trying to follow my career path or not is to simply trust your heart, follow your heart, believe in yourself and you will realize the amazing destiny that is in store for you.  Ultimately your heart will get you to the place that you are meant to be.

What lasting impact do you expect from your work?

With respect to my “day-job”- an attorney representing domestic violence survivors, my hope is that my work with them enables them to leave in a peaceful, stable and supportive environment where they can refocus their energies on their loved ones and on themselves and live a wonderful, joyful and fulfilling life.  Happier homes mean happier families and children which will yield a happier future for all of us.  With respect to the work that I am doing with my “Know Your Rights! class, through the support of the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston and the law firm of Nutter, McClennan and Fish LLP,  my hope is that my students will learn all about their basic legal rights and what legal resources are available for them should they need it.  It is a shame how much people are taken advantage of in our society and they simply accept it because they unfortunately don’t know what their legal rights are or who to turn to for help.  Empowered with that information, they will not only be able to access the best legal resources for their needs in times of difficulty, but they will also benefit other members of our South Asian community by sharing the information they have with their fellow community members. 

What is the secret to your maintaining a work -life balance?

The secret is actually striving for it and making it a priority.  Self- care is not a synonym for selfishness.

What activities outside of work are you involved in ? (Charity, arts , community service etc) 

I am classically trained in dance.  My Guruji is the absolutely amazing Neena Gulati.  It is completely because of her that I completed my arangetram, and still continue to learn dance and perform on occasion.  I am also an active member of the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston and the Boston Bar Association.

 What do you do for fun?

Apart from classical dance, I am blessed with an absolutely adorable nephew and niece who are 150% huggable and squeezable and they (thankfully) let me hug and squeeze them all the time.  Playing with them, seeing the world through their beautiful eyes and hearing their magical laughter is a core part of my definition of “fun”.

 Who are the People you admire?

The people that I admire most are the people that have taught me the most, therefore I would have to say my parents, my spiritual Guruji, my nephew and niece and my dance guru Neena Gulati. 

What is your personal philosophy of living life?

My personal philosophy of living life is to always follow your heart, believe in yourself, do your best, be gentle and forgiving of others as well as of yourself and most importantly to have utmost faith, trust and surrender to God. 

 What was your happiest moment in life?

That is very hard to say.   I realize just how fortunate I am to have had many happy moments that I cannot isolate just one moment.

When there were low points in your life  what advice did you value the most to pull through?

That is easier to answer than the last question.  It was actually a combination of wise words: “Keep on believing in yourself and trying your best even when it looks hopeless and you don’t feel like it- this difficult situation is no surprise to God and nothing absolutely nothing is too difficult or impossible for God.”

Do you have a fitness routine that you would like to share?

I stay fit by going to the health club regularly and doing the elliptical trainer and treadmill.  I have recently recommitted to a daily yoga practice.

 Do you have a beauty routine that you would like to share ?

Yes.  It is to simply smile, because a smiling, happy face becomes luminous and radiant.  Radiance is universally beautiful.

Do you have favorite book/author –--     Do you have a favorite song/ musician?

My favorite song is Something by the Beatles.

Do you like to cook? What is your favorite dish to make?

I love to cook and in all honesty my favorite dish (or dishes) to make all begin and end with chocolate.

 One fun fact about you

I am a die-hard football fan- GO PATS!!!!!

Any special words of advice for women?  Any piece of information you wish you had known growing up?

I feel that I should simply state that I honestly believe that every single one of us has this innate capacity for greatness.  Sometimes we give importance to the most educated amongst us, the most beautiful, the most talented, the wealthiest, etc.  But ultimately we all contribute in our own special ways to the upward progress and mobilization of our families and loved ones through our feminine essence of nurturing and that is something all of the universe should cherish about women. 

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