In The Media

From podcasts to feature articles, Sheetal has shared her insights on diversity, access to justice, and reimagining the legal profession with audiences across Australia and internationally.

Featured In

ARticles & Profiles

"50 Remarkable Alumni: Sheetal Deo is changing the world's view of EDI"

University of the Fraser Valley Alumni
February 2025

Sheetal reflects on her journey from aspiring biotech lawyer to founder of Shakti Legal Solutions and The Diversity Collective, discussing the “missing middle” in access to justice and her commitment to equity work.

"Change, measured but mighty: Sheetal Deo shares how to be a 'Tempered Radical'

College of Law
February 2025

Sheetal explains the concept of ‘tempered radicalism’ – approaching DEI work from a place of compassion rather than fault – and how this philosophy shapes her approach to creating change.

"Sheetal Deo Named 2023 Smokeball Community Hero"

Smokeball
March 2023

Recognition of Sheetal’s Community Hero Award for reinventing the business model for legal services to improve access to justice and her commitment to diversity and inclusion in law.

"Women-In-Law Embracing Equity – Sheetal Deo"

Smokeball
March 2023

International Women’s Day feature interview discussing Sheetal’s journey into law, creating Shakti Legal Solutions, the #EmbraceEquity theme, and how traditional pathways in law are shifting.

"2021 Young Distinguished Alumni recipient Sheetal Deo is leveraging a career in law to promote equity and accessibility"

UFV Today
November 2021

Profile celebrating Sheetal’s Young Distinguished Alumni Award, detailing her work with Shakti Legal Solutions, The Diversity Collective, Ethnic+, and her historic election as the first woman of colour on Queensland Law Society’s Council.

"'You can't break the system until you recognise what the system is'"

Lawyers Weekly
November 2021

Sheetal discusses why recognising systemic barriers is essential for meaningful diversity work in law, her journey from private practice to social impact work, and leveraging platforms to amplify underrepresented voices.

Published Author on the Queensland Law Society Magazine- Proctor

Proctor
2019 – 2022

Sheetal’s Author Bio Page where she has published articles spanning various topics, perspectives and interviews.

Featured In

Podcast Episodes

"Reimagining Justice: How one lawyer is filling a market gap by drawing on her privilege and experience"

Reimagining Justice with Andrea Perry-Petersen
Episode 54 | April 2024

Topics covered:

The legal profession’s image problem
Starting Shakti Legal Solutions and its unique model
Resistance faced as a junior lawyer establishing a firm
Advocacy for CALD and rainbow communities through Ethnic+
How systems perpetuate the status quo
The connection between diversity, inclusion, and access to justice
What “privilege” really means and how to use it for change
Sheetal’s definition of legal innovation

"Social Justice and Equity - Sheetal Deo & Shakti Legal"

Before the Court – Deakin Law Students’ Society
September 2024

Topics covered:

Work advocating for underrepresented communities
Strategies for legal reform
Vision for a more equitable legal system
The intersection of law and empowerment

"Law Unfiltered x Sheetal Deo"

Law Unfiltered – nrol
May 2024

Topics covered:

How firms can authentically engage in diversity beyond compliance
Addressing the access to justice gap
Diversity Council Australia’s groundbreaking RISE initiatives
Systems-based approach to understanding lack of diversity in leadership
Racial literacy in firms
Why D&I work is a journey, not a quick fix

"Lawyer by qualification, advocate by choice"

Sisters In Colour
November 2023

Topics covered:

Leveraging platforms and privilege
Connecting ideas, people, and opportunities
Amplifying underrepresented experiences and voices

"Understanding the power of platforms"

The Boutique Lawyer Show – Lawyers Weekly
October 2021

Topics covered:

Achieving more substantive diversity and inclusion in law
Who is doing D&I well and why these conversations matter
The power young legal professionals have to rethink legal service delivery
The inextricable need for good allies
The direction of the profession on D&I fronts

"It's not about finding your fit, it's about creating your fit"

Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast
Episode 191 | August 2020

Topics covered:

Sheetal’s early life in Canada and move to Australia
The journey of building not-for-profit organisation Ethnic+ and advocating for diversity in law
Traditional cultural expectations, being a woman of colour and Sheetal’s journey of coming out
Why the legal profession is not about finding your fit, it’s about creating your fit