Family law expert named as Asian Business Chamber president

A family law expert at top UK firm Shakespeare Martineau has been named as the new president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).

Monica Ghai (pictured), a legal director in Shakespeare Martineau’s Birmingham office, says she is “passionate about making sure the voices of Asian businesses are heard” after stepping up to become president.

After qualifying as a solicitor in her native South Yorkshire, Monica relocated to Birmingham eight years ago and worked at several law firms before joining Shakespeare Martineau in February 2020.

She specialises in all areas of family law breakdown, with particular expertise in financial and children disputes.

Monica joined the ABCC committee three years ago before being elected as vice-president in March 2025.

Since becoming vice-president, she has led several initiatives including the ABCC’s Women’s Business Network and South Asian Heritage Month campaign.

Monica succeeds former ABCC co-presidents Neelam Afzal and Sapreena Kumari, who stepped down this month.

Her first engagements as president include the ABCC’s Diwali celebration at Birmingham City Football Club on Thursday (23 October) and flagship annual awards dinner at the National Conference Centre in Solihull on Thursday 27 November.

Monica said: “It is a great honour to become president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

“The ABCC has played a vital role in our region’s business community for nearly four decades and I’m committed to upholding its values, while building on the legacy created by all our past presidents and committee members.

“I am proud to come from a family of business owners and have also worked in a number of these businesses over the years.

“Therefore, I have witnessed first-hand some of their challenges and needs. This motivates me to make a difference in our communities.

“As president, I’m passionate about making sure the voices of Asian businesses are heard and that as an organisation we are there for the communities we serve.

“I look forward to engaging with our members at the forthcoming Diwali and annual awards celebrations.”