Early Life and Education
Born on 3rd July 1955, Sri Prashant Kumar Shahi, Ld. Advocate General, Bihar grew up with a deep inclination towards academics and public service. His pursuit of knowledge led him to one of India’s most prestigious institutions, Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.), where he enrolled in the Faculty of Law. In 1979, he successfully graduated with a law degree, laying the foundation for a legal career marked by diligence, integrity, and intellectual vigor.

Beginning of Legal Career
After completing his legal studies, he joined the Bar in 1980. From the very outset of his career, he demonstrated clarity of thought, strong advocacy skills, and an exceptional command of law, which quickly established him as a promising young lawyer. His early years of practice allowed him to handle a wide variety of cases, and soon, his reputation as a competent and dependable advocate grew within the legal fraternity of Bihar.

Recognition as Government Pleader
In 1990, at a comparatively very young age, he achieved a historic milestone by being appointed as the Government Pleader for the State of Bihar in the Patna High Court. This appointment was a rare distinction, as he became the youngest ever to hold this post in the Court’s history. In this capacity, he represented the State of Bihar and handled numerous matters of substantial significance to governance, public administration, and constitutional law.

Expanding Legal Practice
Alongside his official duties, he conducted litigation on behalf of several reputed institutions, public sector undertakings, and private organizations. His practice was marked not only by a keen understanding of law but also by his ability to handle complex disputes with a sense of fairness and clarity.

Standing Counsel for the Union and Railways
His growing stature as a lawyer of credibility and excellence culminated in his appointment as a Senior Standing Counsel of the Union of India in 2001. This role placed him in the forefront of litigation representing the Central Government in significant legal battles. He was also entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Indian Railways, where he represented one of the largest organizations in the country in a variety of important cases.

Appointment as Advocate General
On 25th November 2005, he was appointed as the Advocate General for the State of Bihar, the highest law officer of the State, and the principal legal advisor to the State Government. His designation as a Senior Advocate in 2006 further cemented his reputation as one of the foremost legal minds of the state. He continued in the capacity of the Advocate General, Bihar until 24th November 2010, providing legal guidance in constitutional, administrative, and revenue matters, and ensuring that the State’s legal strategy was firmly grounded in law and jurisprudence.

Public Service as Minister
Parallel to his distinguished legal career, he also made a significant mark in public service. He was inducted as a Minister in the Cabinet of the Government of Bihar. Initially, he was entrusted with the portfolio of the Education Department, where he played a transformative role in shaping policies to strengthen Bihar’s educational landscape.
In 2013, his responsibilities were expanded, and he was assigned three crucial departments simultaneously—Environment and Forest, Planning and Development, and Education. In 2014, he was again entrusted with the Education Department, in addition to handling his responsibilities in the Environment and Forest and Planning and Development Departments, demonstrating the government’s confidence in his administrative abilities as well as his capacity for multi- faceted leadership. He continued as a Cabinet Minister until 24th November 2015.

Return to Legal Profession
After completing his tenure in public administration, he returned to the legal profession in January 2016. Drawing upon his dual experience as both legal practitioner and policymaker, he resumed practice with a renewed perspective, continuing to represent diverse clients with distinction and thus his legal profession flourished and went a new high setting another kind of benchmark.

Reappointment as Advocate General
In recognition of his vast experience, deep legal acumen, and unblemished contribution to the profession, he was once again appointed as the Advocate General for the State of Bihar on 16th January 2023. Since then, he has continued to discharge the responsibilities of the highest law officer of the State with utmost dedication, providing the government with reliable and effective legal advice along with a clear path to follow in implementing the programme and policy of the Govt. with clear mind. Bureaucracy of the State has a great admiration for quick and ready knowledge of Law of Sri Prashant Kumar Shahi, The Ld. Advocate General of State of Bihar for such rare acumen.

Legacy and Contribution
His illustrious journey from a young law graduate of B.H.U. to the Advocate General and at times Hon’ble Minister of Bihar are marked by professional excellence, ethical practice, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Over the decades, he has represented the Union and the State Governments, major public sector undertakings, and prominent organizations with equal skill and integrity. His contribution as a policymaker, particularly in education, environment, and developmental planning, remains a significant chapter in Bihar’s governance.

Even today, as Ld. Advocate General, he continues to inspire the legal community with his scholarship, dignity, and tireless service to justice.