Advocate Hajara Usmani, formerly known as Advocate Shamina Sayed, represents a rare blend of legal acumen, ethical leadership, and deep-rooted social consciousness. With nearly two decades of experience, her journey reflects how the law, when guided by integrity and empathy, can become a powerful instrument for individual empowerment and societal progress.
Her academic path began at Mumbai University, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in 2002, followed by an LL.B. in 2005. Armed with strong foundational knowledge and a clear sense of purpose, she commenced her legal career under the mentorship of the esteemed Advocate C. M. G. Jetly from 2005 to 2010. This formative phase exposed her to a rigorous and diverse legal environment that shaped her professional discipline and courtroom confidence.
During this period, Adv. Usmani handled a broad spectrum of criminal and civil matters. She developed significant expertise in cases under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, managing the full lifecycle of litigation—from drafting statutory notices and filing complaints to conducting trials, cross-examinations, and final arguments. Parallelly, she built strong capabilities in civil litigation, including pleadings, injunctions, stay applications, and complex documentation such as development agreements, leave and license contracts, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), and mortgage deeds. Her consistent appearances before the Bombay High Court, Sessions Courts, Magistrate Courts, Cooperative Courts, and District Courts reflected her versatility and professionalism, earning her formal appreciation from her senior.
From 2010 onwards, Adv. Usmani established herself as an independent practitioner, steadily earning trust across a diverse client base. She became particularly known for her work in domestic violence cases, matrimonial disputes, Section 498A matters, maintenance petitions, succession and property disputes, consumer complaints, cooperative housing society issues, and criminal cases. What distinguishes her practice is her balanced approach—combining sharp legal strategy with emotional intelligence—allowing clients to feel supported during some of the most challenging phases of their lives. Alongside litigation, she has provided legal advisory services, contract vetting, and policy-driven opinions, always ensuring alignment with the latest statutory developments.
Beyond the courtroom, Adv. Usmani’s commitment to social reform stands out as a defining aspect of her career. Through her association with an NGO, she has contributed to impactful initiatives such as drafting and filing a petition before the Lok Sabha for the “Make Navi Mumbai a Separate District” movement. She has actively participated in women’s safety programs, missing persons initiatives, and community welfare activities. Her dedication to legal awareness, counselling, and free legal aid for marginalized and minority communities has earned her formal recognition for service and integrity.
Her influence also extends into legal education. As a guest speaker and resource person at institutions such as Ratnam College and SIES College, she has inspired students by bridging theoretical law with real-world practice, nurturing a new generation of socially conscious legal professionals.
Advocate Hajara Usmani’s journey exemplifies leadership rooted in values. Whether advocating in court, mentoring youth, or championing community causes, she continues to demonstrate that true legal success lies not just in winning cases, but in advancing justice, dignity, and human empowerment.