BIO

Govinda Lilamrita Devi Dasi is a distinguished attorney, academic, and advocate, with extensive expertise in family law, criminal law, immigration law, and international human rights. She earned her Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) in Health Law from Delaware Law School (Wilmington, USA), the highest degree in legal education globally -- a Ph.D. in law. This prestigious qualification is a cornerstone for teaching law at elite institutions worldwide. Govinda Lilamrita’s research delves into the complex interplay between psychiatry and the law, inspired by her extensive experience representing mentally ill clients, both children and adults, in criminal, family, and immigration cases both in lower-level as well as appellate courts. She also holds a master’s degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (New York, USA). She is trained in both civil and common law systems.

With significant experience in managing complex legal projects, mentoring professionals, and advocating for trauma-affected populations, Govinda Lilamrita was appointed and currently serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Law. In this role, she oversees an interdisciplinary collaboration between legal professionals, social workers, and forensic psychiatrists, and trains law students in real-life cases. Her practice emphasizes a holistic approach that integrates legal, medical, and social work expertise to ensure comprehensive support for the community members she serves. Like many attorneys in direct public service, Govinda Lilamrita’s approach subsumes trauma-informed lawyering, having both received and delivered specialized training in representing survivors of emotional and physical abuse.

Among other accolades and recognition, in 2019, Govinda Lilamrita was awarded a fellowship to conceptualize, design, and implement a child protection initiative aimed at expediting the release of migrant children from immigration detention. Within a year, she successfully completed the project, which was subsequently adopted and utilized by legal professionals nationwide. Her leadership has been further demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and initiatives focused on social justice, dignity rights, and due process protections for minors and adults.

Govinda Lilamrita’s spiritual journey began at ISKCON’s Radha Govinda Temple in Brooklyn. Over the years, she has offered various services, including legal counsel, preaching, book distribution, and community support at ISKCON centers, such as 26 Second Avenue (Matchless Gifts) and Gita Nagari Farm. Since 2022, she has served in ISKCON’s Law Department and was appointed Chair and Convener of ISKCON’s Child Protection Oversight Committee in 2024. Her work within ISKCON reflects her commitment to service, leadership, and safeguarding the dignity of vulnerable individuals.