Shreya Desai

Attorney Shreya Desai is an associate at SWMW Law in the firm’s Pittsburgh office. She joined the firm in 2025, focusing her practice on helping individuals and families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Shreya brings to the firm a rare blend of courtroom experience, strategic thinking, and deep compassion for the people she serves. Before joining SWMW Law, she spent four years as an Assistant District Attorney at the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, where she prosecuted a broad range of criminal cases – including homicides, non-fatal shootings, narcotics, and arson – from initial investigation through sentencing. Her time in the courtroom sharpened her ability to manage complex matters, think clearly under pressure, and advocate with conviction.

“My years as a prosecutor taught me more than how to try cases – they taught me what it means to carry someone’s story into a courtroom,” she said. “When people are counting on you, you don’t have the luxury of losing focus or backing down. You learn to think strategically under pressure, to stay composed when the stakes are high, and to fight for justice in a way that honors the people you represent. Those experiences shaped me into the advocate I am today, and I carry that sense of responsibility into every case I handle.”

Shreya’s desire to advocate for others began long before she stepped into a courtroom. As the youngest of three sisters, she grew up learning how to make her case – and make it well. Faced with constant competition for her voice to be heard, she found herself crafting arguments, supporting her positions, and pushing boundaries with natural ease. Those early experiences sparked her appreciation for debate and helped shape the advocate she would eventually become.

“From a young age, I realized that being heard required more than speaking up – it required building a solid foundation for why my voice mattered,” she said. “Growing up with two older sisters and firm boundaries from my parents, I learned quickly how to present my thoughts clearly, support my reasoning, and stand firm in what I believed was right. Looking back, those moments at home were my first lessons in advocacy. They taught me how to analyze a situation, how to

communicate effectively, and how to stay grounded even when facing opposition. Those are the same skills I rely on every day as an attorney.”

Shreya earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University, double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. During her undergraduate years, she distinguished herself through numerous honors, including the Dean’s List and induction into the Gamma Sigma Alpha Greek Honor Society. She was also an active member of the Sigma Kappy Sorority, later serving as an Alumna Recruitment Advisor.

She went on to obtain her J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law, where she again excelled, earning recognition from the National Order of Barristers, Shalon Moot Court, Student Organization Leadership, Exemplary Pro Bono Service, and the McGinley Public Service Law Fellowship. She was also honored as Woman of the Year – Recent Graduate by the school, underscoring her commitment to leadership and service.

During law school, Shreya contributed as a staff writer for Juris Magazine from 2019-2021, covering legal issues of both local and national interest. She continues to give back to the Duquesne community as a trial advocacy coach, running multi-hour practices several times per week and preparing students to compete in national mock trial competitions.

At SWMW Law, Shreya is driven by a sincere commitment to her clients and their stories. She approaches each case with the belief that the people she represents are more than the documents in front of her – they are families navigating some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Her empathy, communication skills, and relentless work ethic inform every decision she makes.

“Clients trust me with something incredibly personal – their health, their families, and often some of the most painful parts of their lives. I never forget what a privilege that trust is,” she said. “When I take on a case, my goal is not only to fight for the best legal outcome, but also to make sure my clients feel seen, understood, and supported throughout the entire process. Behind every file is a story, a family, and a tremendous amount of hope. My commitment is to guide them with honesty, compassion, and a fierce dedication to securing the justice they deserve.”

Shreya’s background as a prosecutor gives her confidence in the courtroom, but it is her genuine care for the people she represents that makes her an exceptional advocate. She takes the time to understand her clients’ challenges and goals, building strong relationships rooted in respect and open communication. Her goal is always to make clients feel heard, supported, and secure knowing that someone is fighting for them.

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