Ms Sadhana Devi D/O Daevnrd Rai

Sadhana Rai is recognised for her leadership in strengthening access to justice and expanding the reach of legal aid in Singapore. As Head of Representation at Pro Bono SG (PBSG), she oversees the Criminal Legal Aid, Family Justice Support, and Ad Hoc Pro Bono schemes—serving over 500 beneficiaries annually.

Under her stewardship, structured triaging systems were introduced to reduce wait time and ensure urgent cases receive timely legal representation. By 2024, all applicants assigned legal aid received a lawyer within two to five weeks.

She also played a key role in integrating PBSG’s services with the Public Defender’s Office (PDO), expanding legal coverage for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. Sadhana spearheaded the development of community law centres across the heartlands, leading a team of community lawyers to deliver walk-in support on matters such as Syariah law and employment disputes. She launched Singapore’s first Migrant Workers’ Law Centre and chairs the Migrant Workers Group, a coalition focused on legal access and rights for migrant workers.

Dedicated to capability building, Sadhana mentors young lawyers, runs the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS) Training Programme, and leads the Lady Advocates Group to support women in practice. She was the first full-time pro bono lawyer and female recipient of the Joseph Grimberg Outstanding Young Advocate Award, and the first practising lawyer recognised in the NCSS 40-Under-40 leadership programme.

Beyond practice, she contributes to policy and advocacy—authoring a white paper on transnational environmental crime, and engaging regionally on cross-border legal issues. As an advocacy and negotiation trainer, she ensures future lawyers are equipped to serve vulnerable communities effectively.

For her steadfast commitment to pro bono work and her efforts in inspiring a new generation of justice advocates, Sadhana is awarded the Excellence Award 2025.