Super Lawyer

Author: Divya Dwivedi

  • Curiosity Is My Superpower: From Art Aspirations to Global Legal Leadership – Aakritee Tiwari, Head of Legal & Compliance at VeeOne, Sweden.

    Curiosity Is My Superpower: From Art Aspirations to Global Legal Leadership – Aakritee Tiwari, Head of Legal & Compliance at VeeOne, Sweden.

    This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team

    You have more than nine years of experience, including civil and common law jurisdictions. Would you be comfortable sharing the kind of initial reason for your interest in law as well as any particular event or any kind of maybe realization that guided you through this whole process in order to make sure that you have the better career, and as you are leading the legal front of an Emerging Institution in Sweden, being one of the first Indian woman over there, please do share it with our audience who are new learners, new entrants for law?

    My father was the one who encouraged me to consider law as a career as opposed to what I actually wanted.
    So I wanted to be an artist. I am a very creative person, and through my childhood and when I was in school, I participated in every art competition. I participated in slogan writing competitions in Delhi. Also represented my school at the national level. Won a lot of awards. So by the time I reached class 10, I realized that art is my calling.

    This is what I do best. And then came that moment which really paved my journey to law. So, one evening, me and my family were having dinner, sitting at the dining table, and my father asked me, so what do you plan to do after school? And my instant excited reply was, I want to be an artist.

    So he is a chartered accountant. He has his own firm. And he said, okay, do you have a plan B? Because getting into an art university is also very difficult. I said, I don’t really have a plan B, to which he said, what do you think about law as a career? And I was listening. So he said, see, as an artist, it would take you some time till you can build yourself after university and you can start earning, which was actually true.

    And then he said that, imagine, what if you study law—how much better your art would be sold if you are a lawyer and also an artist? And that, for me, was a brilliant idea. So from class 10th to 12th, I started preparing for both the art university and the law university, and I realized over the period of preparation I have developed an increasing interest in law because I realized that in art you have to be creative.

    You have to have a vision, which you would make into reality. Then you perceive some things, and then you align it with your vision, and then you paint. And that is the same in law. Now, when I look back, I see that, okay, I pull out a Word document, draft a legal document.

    Then if that document is a contract, for example, then that contract would be negotiated. Then that contract would be signed. Then that contract would have an expiry date, we would renew it. So I am building a relationship. I am bringing into existence something which was just an idea first. So. I entered the university in 2007, graduated 2012, and proudly became the first lawyer of my family.

    Thank you for sharing that particular story. After this, you also did your masters in business in corporate law. What was the motivation behind that particular specialization and how has that particular understanding of business and corporate law doing your masters helped you make your career trajectory reach to the point where you wanted or as you planned?

    So I gained working experience before I decided I wanted to pursue masters, and in my university, we were encouraged to do an internship every semester. So by the time I had finished university, I had a couple of internships with law firms like Amarchand, Jyoti Sagar.

    And then when I started working. Again, I had an experience. So while having this experience, I could really assess, analyze, understand what is my area of strength, where do my interests really go, and what is my passion? So I realized, looking back at my experience, that I decided to pursue my masters in 2015.

    So these years, I realized my area has always been business and corporate law. That is how I decided, okay, this is the masters that I want to pursue. Now because I pursued masters in business and corporate law, and one of our subjects was international business, that really helped me set the foundation of what I will be doing in the future.

    So I developed curiosity and interest towards cross-border transactions, conflict management, and assessing the different legal landscapes. How do you set up companies in a country which is not your area of expertise? Those questions really made me think, read more, and that became my passion.

    So I would say passion and curiosity led me to where I am now.

    While doing all of these things related to business and corporate law, you have also worked with prominent companies. How has working or maybe doing internships or doing a job, paved your way for international legal practice, what were the preparations or the kind of thought process you have had in order to make sure that you transition from national to international practice?

    Like I said, curiosity. I think curiosity is my superpower.
    I realized that because I was curious—reading, meeting professionals, going to events—that really helped me deepen my understanding of law, and prepared me for international practice. So what happens when I encounter something unfamiliar? Because I’m a curious person, it would compel me to read more, reach out to people who have done a similar thing, or if there is a case law that talks about a similar situation, or if there is a post which talks about a similar legal issue, but that legal issue happened in a different jurisdiction.

    And if I already know something, my curiosity pushes me to observe fellow lawyers—how did they approach this subject matter? How did they approach this issue? And then it helps me to refine my understanding, my expertise, and that really helps me to improve continuously.

    Since you said that curiosity is your superpower, what made you transition from national, especially India to Dubai and then to Sweden? And the kind of changes that you saw in all these jurisdictions, how did that help you actually reach your love I would say for business and corporate law? And what kind of practice did you do that you actually got what you wanted? So how did you do that and what are your suggestions for the same?

    When I was in India and I was working with Ansal Housing, I got this opportunity of working on an international arbitration. And now if I reflect back, I think I was put in that project because of my curiosity, because I’m very enthusiastic and I would really love to put in an extra hour if it is something that I don’t really know.

    So that experience of working on an international arbitration, combined with my experience and my study of international business law, made me realize that I am ready to step out of my comfort zone, which is India. And I realized that if I want to work on cross-border transactions, work with international clients, and be ready to negotiate deals which are happening in an international sphere, I need to be outside. And I still remember I had a conversation with my then manager, who is the General Counsel of Ansal Housing—an amazing mentor and a wonderful manager—and it was he who really said that:

    See, if you go and if you don’t like it, you can always come back, but if you don’t, you wouldn’t really know what your potential is. And I think that was the best mentorship advice he could have given me. So I found this opportunity at a law firm in Dubai, and I moved to Dubai. It was very scary, because I was moving abroad for the first time.

    I was always being taken care of in India, but now I am taking care of myself. And it is a very international space. So the work culture is like that. And the expectation from you as a lawyer is different. So I was working in this law firm. We were a batch of international lawyers working together on international issues.

    And every new client that we had in the law firm was from a different jurisdiction. So that really put me in a position where I, of course, had to know the law of India because that is where I’m coming from, and it is expected that I can advise on Indian laws. But I was expected to work on an issue with a client who is from Australia, and he wants to set up a company in Dubai. Or a transactioning, a partnership happening with a cement manufacturing company from China who wants to set up the manufacturing company in Spain. So you would understand the nuances of both these jurisdictions. So I realized that experience and that ease of moving from one jurisdiction to another really helped me globally connect, helped me easily move from one jurisdiction to another, and it no longer was a challenge.

    Then when I moved to Sweden, it was very different from how it was in Dubai, because now I became a wife, also a mother, and I was in a country in which the first language is Swedish. So then my third language became Swedish. So Hindi, English, and then Swedish. So I realized that now I need to deepen my understanding of the local laws and also the EU laws, because in every European country you would first look at the local laws and then you would look at the EU law if there is any precedent or if there is a law that reflects on the legal issue that you’re working on.

    So that is what Sweden gave me—helped me deepen my understanding of local and European laws, and I would say this path or this journey I was on, what really helped me was strategic thinking, being committed to the goal that I set for myself, adaptability, and lots and lots of hard work.

    The reason why I say hard work is that there is so much pre-work that I have to do, or any lawyer who moves from a different country to a new country has to do, which may or may not be directly proportional to the role that you would be performing. For example, if you’re moving to a European country or a non-English-speaking country, you would have to learn the language.

    And then you would have to understand the working culture in that country, because that is also very different. Like leadership style—what I saw, leadership style in India, in Dubai, and in Stockholm, Sweden is very different. So you need to understand the cultural nuances. So navigating those cultural and regulatory differences was a crucial aspect of having an international career, I would say. Then maintaining a strong network of local lawyers. So I didn’t forget my roots. I still am connected with Indian lawyers who are experts, so I can reach out to them on knowing what is happening. So, just a week back, my manager, who is the CEO, was asking what is the impact of the tariffs that the US is making now in India?

    So had I not read that, I wouldn’t know that. Had I not been connected with my local friends, I wouldn’t know how it is impacting. So these small skills really bridge—or really helped me bridge—the international legal career. One tip that I would like to give to a student who wants to pursue an international legal career, or a person who’s already working,

    He wants to move abroad: Have a strong network of professionals, and have a strong network of local lawyers who you can reach out to for advice, who you can reach out to reassess your thoughts, your analysis on a legal issue. Having a group of professionals who you can trust is a game changer if you are moving abroad or if you want to have a global legal career.

    After relocating to Sweden, you took maternity leave as well, how did you make yourself return to the workforce without the so-called guilt that we always have as working moms?

    Second, how did you continue your professional development during the time when you were not there practicing? What were the strategies? How did you connect with the industry? Like you said, we need to be connected with not only good lawyers, but local lawyers as well, who can give you the nuances and the kind of update that you need. So how does that work for you? And during that time, how did you make sure that you don’t lose that particular connect? 

    I never truly stepped out of the legal field. I was very focused, and I always knew that I want to continue being a lawyer.

    I want to continue my legal profession. And I would say, when you move abroad, it’s a great opportunity to reassess whether you want to have the same career or you want to maybe branch out to something different. For me, you know, it is law, it has been law, it is law. So I knew, okay, after resuming my career after maternity leave, it would be law.

    So, I had that in mind, and I had the preparation ready. So for me, maternity leave—which we over here call parental leave—was actually not a break, it was a form of professional growth. I looked at the break as a time to invest in myself, to refine my skills, and to actually prepare for the biggest and the most difficult role, which is of being a parent.

    And I was being a twin mother, which is, let me tell you, it’s a full-time job. You are a parent yourself, you know it’s challenging. So during the parental leave time, and also because I was moving to Sweden, I took the time to familiarize myself with the culture, the education system, understanding the local laws and understanding the regulations.

    Then I actively also followed the domestic developments, which are the developments that are happening in India and in Dubai. Because if I say that I’m an international lawyer and I have worked in India and Dubai, the expectation is that I know what is happening in the industry. So it comes with a lot of responsibility.

    So I kept myself updated. Then it was my time to again assess my skills, identify my area of growth, because now I would be stepping into a new jurisdiction. So I stayed focused, connected with my friends who are based in India, who are working in-house and also practicing as lawyers.

    I followed—I still follow—professionals on LinkedIn who talk about leadership, who talk about the changes that are happening in the industry. I read newsletters. I love reading. I read a lot. I enrolled myself in the Swedish language course.

    So this continuous preparation for what I want to do once I resume my career really helped me to stay confident of my skills and also to bring a very fresh perspective to the role that I would be doing. Staying focused, committed to law, my passion for reading.

    Then my curiosity of knowing—so a very small example I’ll give you, like in India, we remove our shoes outside and then we would step into the house. It’s the same in Sweden. So understanding these similarities and, like for us in India, the tea culture is something that brings two people together.

    So if you want to call somebody home, you would call for tea. And in Sweden, you would call them for coffee. And there is a culture called Fika. So it is—you have to be mindful of taking breaks, and those breaks are about you sitting with your colleague or you sitting with your friends, unwinding and connecting.

    So my curiosity led me to learn so many new things. So I already felt that I am at home. I know what the culture is about. I fairly understand the language. So I was ready. I was ready for the next step.

    I think that is what is needed for everyone and probably that has brought you being the head of legal and compliance at VeeOne AB. What kind of primary factors were there? You already have said a lot about your commitment to your reading, to your learning culture. How did you foresee the kind of role that you were going forward for? In particular, it is a totally technology driven industry. So what kind of new learnings did you do while you were transitioning towards being the head of this number one company over there?

    Preparation is the key in anything that we do in our life. This role was a little different because this industry was new to me. So VeeOne is a company in crew planning.
    My focus on legal compliance stemmed from the fact that to have a strong foundation, you need to have a robust regulatory framework. The role of legal and compliance has evolved and I would say has become complex. Earlier, it was very traditional—even for a lawyer, it was traditional.

    Either you are in a law firm, or you are in a court, or you are in a company. Now, when there are other factors, like AI, there is data privacy, there are regulatory landscapes that really come into play, and that makes the environment more complex and dynamic.

    So I foresee that to perform well in this role, I need to shift my approach from being reactive to be proactive. So there has to be a shift in strategy where there has to be a risk analysis done even before the risk can or may or may not occur. So, we in VeeOne, we try to integrate compliance with innovation or new ideas so we can mitigate the risk.

    And I think that is what a lot of companies are also trying to do to have a competitive advantage in the global market.

    While you are doing all of this, you also read a lot. First I would like to ask, how do you carve out that much time with being a full-time mother to twins, then working your way up in your organization, being the head you are the most responsible one. So what kind of books do you read to keep yourself inspired to shape your perspective?

    Like you said, you follow newsletters also of leadership styles and others. How do you connect all that with your legal understanding and implement it in your career? For the new aspirants or the graduates who are coming up, if they want to pursue a similar kind or maybe the same pathway. So what would be your suggestion? The kind of journals that they should read or they should go through, the kind of books, resources that you may recommend and to build the kind of mindset of always being prepared as yours. What guidance would you like to give them?

     First, I would say, and this could be controversial, that reading that you do during work is not something I would say is reading.

    Reading is something that you do outside of your work. If you are doing reading during your work, that is to accomplish a task or to work on a project or to expand your knowledge on the issue that is at hand. Reading that you do outside of your work is reading that would grow you as a person, grow you as a professional.

    So that being said, when I say reading, it is outside my work. For me, mostly it has been biographies. And I am more inclined towards nonfiction. I have tried reading fiction, but I again gravitate towards nonfiction. So it’s not that I haven’t tried—I’ve tried. So biographies that have really shaped my perspective on life and also on the legal field have been of Nani Palkhivala, J.R.D. Tata.

    And very recently I read this biography of Haben Girma. Must read! A beautiful book. She is the first American disability rights advocate. She is the first blind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, and the work that she is doing for the disability community is amazing. So that is on the biography part.

    Somebody who wants to start reading, hasn’t read before but wants to have that habit—I would suggest a book called Creativity by John Cleese, a very thin book, a very quick read. It talks about how creativity is not something you are born with; it is a skill that you can develop. What makes the book really interesting is that John Cleese is a lawyer.

    He went to Cambridge to study law. Eventually he became a comedian, and he’s a very popular comedian. So that is something that I would suggest to somebody who’s wanting to read, planning to read, has little time, but still wants to get into the habit of reading or come back to reading. Since the role of a lawyer has transformed—from at least when I graduated, it was still very traditional.

    Now it has transformed to beyond the traditional lawyer, which is either you are in litigation or you are giving legal advice. I think creativity is now a skill that can help us as professionals, as legal professionals, be ahead of AI. Because there could be possibilities when, for example—a very small example—review of contracts.

    If you are very, very good at contracts, there are extremely good contract management platforms, contract review platforms, which can review a contract for you—maybe better than what we can do, quicker than what we can do. So if you want to stay ahead of AI as a professional, creativity is the skill that is a must.

    And I would generalize your question when you said somebody who wants to have a legal career. I would say cultivating a hobby. And that hobby should be consistent—something that you would like to do every day. It could be running, it could be reading, it could be swimming, it could be vlogging.

    Having a personal passion outside of work will help you contribute to your life—your personal life—and to your professional life in a wonderful way. And your journey as a professional would be very fulfilling, because there are days as a professional, especially as a lawyer, some days are very tense.

    Some days are not that tense. So you really need help when those days are tense. So I would say having a consistent hobby.

    Then the second most important thing would be finding a mentor. Having a mentor is extremely important. That is how you can have continuous growth, which is required if you are in this profession. For me, I have been very fortunate that I have had amazing mentors throughout my career.
    Always have a mentor. I would say you are never too expert to not have a mentor.

    Then the books that I am reading right now. I usually read two books—one is mostly legal and the other is mostly related to non-legal. The first book is Range by David Epstein. The author talks about how individuals who explore multiple disciplines—that really helps you have a broad skill set. So you would have multiple tools, and then you can really narrow down those expertise to one thing that you would really like to do. So I would say the sum of the book is that sampling is the key to success.

    And now if I look back—for me, also because of my internships, because of my experiences—when I decided that I wanted to pursue masters in business and corporate law, I had done my sampling.

    So I had worked with NPOs, I had worked with judges, I had worked with senior lawyers. I did my sampling. I realized, yes, this is what I want to do. And this is my area of interest.

    Then the second interesting book that I’m reading—and thanks to my current manager, the CEO of my company, he recommended that book. That book is called Getting to We: Negotiating Agreements as Highly Collaborative Relationships. So this book is written by a university professor and two lawyers. One of the lawyers is a Swedish lawyer. So the book tells a five-step process to create a collaborative agreement.

    And this was very interesting to me because for me, as a lawyer who is drafting back in India or back in Dubai, I would look only at my liabilities, only at my governing law, only at what impacts me. But the book really shifts the focus from the relationship or the approach being transactional to a strategic partnership. And now when I draft a contract, it is a very different approach.

    So if I’m drafting a contract, I would look at the contract or the document from a we perspective, because it is a partnership at the end of the day. It could be an employment agreement, service agreement, partnership agreement. If I only focus on my liabilities, if I only focus on my governing law, if it is very unilateral—first, I would have a challenge when negotiating the contract, there would be red lines everywhere.

    Then it would take me a lot more time to negotiate the contract because it is very unilateral. So that book really shifts the mindset and says that to have a collaborative relationship, the agreement should also be collaborative. So if there is somebody who really likes drafting contracts, or says that they’re an expert in contracts, or would like to work on contracts, I would recommend this book.

    Thank you for sharing that. I won’t ask how you balance work and life, but rather how do you plan your day? As a mother to twins, your planning must be very intentional. Personally, I’d love to learn how you manage everything without compromising your personal or professional life, especially when your children need you so much. How do you ensure there’s enough time for work, family, and still carve out personal space for yourself for reading, relaxing, and recharging that superpower of curiosity that keeps you moving forward?

    You gave out the keyword, which is planning. I would put a prefix, which is strategic planning.
    So first, it is strategic planning. Then, because both of us are working, both of us have a very demanding schedule—managing our time, managing our schedule—that is what we do. So generally, our day would look like: the twins are off to school, and I am at work, my husband is at work.

    We would come home, and some days after work, I would go to an event, I would meet friends. And if I’m not doing that, I would come home, then it would be cooking together. Over here, it’s all about involving the child, no matter how small that child is. So it would be cooking with them, and we have created a habit of asking, How was your day?

    So as soon as I step in the house, they would ask me, How was your day? I would ask them, How was your day? After having the meal, we would watch TV, and that is, I think, something that I realized is great because we switched on TV for them when they were very young, and the TV is always on.

    So now for them, TV is furniture. It’s not TV. So even if the TV is on, they would not necessarily want to watch the TV. They would want to play or they would want to paint or they want to color. So TV is always on in the background, and that actually helps us to build their language. Because in the school they go to a Swedish preschool.

    On the TV we have English programs, and we speak with them in Hindi. So they’re always listening, and we are doing these activities together, which is either watching the TV or coloring or cooking. And then once the twins have slept, it is either my time with my husband—we would either watch something or I would read.

    So that is what our schedule looks like. I make sure that I invest time with my friends, with my husband, I attend events, I mentor in Sweden also.

    I have two mentees right now, giving time to them, upskilling myself—which is through reading that would directly relate to me. But also, I have to read about how I can be a better mentor, or if my mentee has some questions and I don’t know about them, so I need to prepare myself. Then it is parenting.

    We were talking about parenting—the most crucial role. So, there is a lot of reading about what activities can we give the twins, how can we keep them engaged? If they have a question, what should be the right answer for that question? So I think if I know, okay, the task that I have for me in a day—and you gave me the keyword, which is planning. 

    So I do strategic planning. That is how we plan, I would say.

    Get in touch with Aakritee Tiwari –

  • “In the legal profession, I see myself more than a lawyer—I’m a provider of comprehensive solutions. From environmental concerns to individual rights, the legal realm is inclusive.” – Praveen Pathak, Managing Partner of Praveen Pathak & Associates.

    “In the legal profession, I see myself more than a lawyer—I’m a provider of comprehensive solutions. From environmental concerns to individual rights, the legal realm is inclusive.” – Praveen Pathak, Managing Partner of Praveen Pathak & Associates.

    This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team

    Sir, what inspired you to make your career in law? while you did that, you became a managing partner at Praveen Pathak, and Associates so would love to hear about your journey.

    Allow me to provide you with some context initially. I didn’t start my professional journey as a lawyer; I was a financial consultant at ICICI Prudential and other financial institutions. My perspective shifted during the aftermath of the 2008 Lehman Brothers collapse, witnessing individuals earning substantial annual incomes suddenly losing their jobs. The realization that our profession lacked job security prompted me to reevaluate my career.

    As someone accustomed to starting my day early and returning home late, the prospect of idleness after losing my job was challenging. Despite facing this situation, I didn’t share my predicament with my family. It was during this time that I stumbled upon information about the legal profession, which intrigued me. Although I had heard during my studies that law was a demanding field, my background in understanding people’s needs and navigating complex situations made it seem less formidable.

    Being solution-oriented has always been my approach, and I bring this mindset to the legal profession. I see myself as a provider of comprehensive solutions, not just for individuals but for entire families and the corporate world. Many people, especially newcomers, lack a clear understanding of what they are getting into when pursuing a legal career. I take it upon myself to guide them and emphasize that the legal profession is inclusive, extending to everything from environmental concerns to the rights of individuals, unborn children, and even those who have passed away.

    In discussing our current conversation, conducted over the internet, I highlight the universality of legal solutions. Where there are rights, there are remedies, applicable to every individual seeking solutions. Despite the observed gap in training within the Bar Council of India, I believe organizations like LawSikho play a crucial role in bridging that divide with their wealth of knowledge. I express this sentiment genuinely, independent of the fact that I’m being interviewed by someone associated with LawSikho.

    How was it when you were with ICICI Prudential? And then all of a sudden, you had to switch jobs you rather had to switch professions. What kind of impact does it have on you? I would say mentally, and professionally. And how is it that your family cooped up with it?

    To be completely candid, the impact of certain events has a profound influence on one’s life. The pivotal question is: How do you choose to navigate that impact? Is it a stumbling block that knocks you down, or do you transform it into a stepping stone for reaching new heights? Personally, I have always viewed every impact as a stepping stone, an opportunity for growth and learning. Life itself is a series of impacts—from the moment of birth when we know very little, to the present moment where I find myself being interviewed, answering questions about my experiences.

    Life, much like a movie, unfolds, and through its narrative, it imparts valuable lessons. The key lies in our readiness to comprehend and appreciate the teachings that life imparts. The collapse of Lehman Brothers, for instance, presented me with a golden opportunity. It wasn’t just a setback; it was a chance to glean essential insights and evolve. Life constantly provides opportunities for learning, and recognizing them can lead to remarkable personal and professional development.

    Could you provide insights into your legal responsibilities in your role as Vice President at P&P Advisory? How do you manage the dual responsibilities of being a Managing Partner and a Vice President simultaneously? You are essentially an authority figure in these roles. Moreover, how do you ensure effective outreach to a broad audience, serving as a guide and mentor to the maximum number of individuals? Can you shed light on your approach to fulfilling these mentoring responsibilities?

    I attribute the perceived success that people recognize in my journey to the dedicated networking efforts spanning over 15-20 years. Many individuals, who started their endeavors at various points in time, found a connection with me at some intermediate level, and our relationships flourished. I offered my services, and one key takeaway for anyone reading or hearing this is the importance of nurturing relationships at every stage of your life and career.

    Regardless of your current status or level, if you foster meaningful connections and contribute value to those relationships, the network you build over time will become increasingly robust. I emphasize the significance of evaluating and offering solutions within your relationships. When you place your solutions or products on this network platform, the people connected to you will embrace them with open arms.

    Throughout my career, I cultivated connections with individuals in advertising agencies, corporate companies, financial institutions, home loans, and banks. The welcoming reception I received was a result of the commitment and assurance I consistently provided. When I made promises and commitments, they were backed by the legacy of 20-25 years of experience. Venturing into the legal field without a specific legal background or a legal “Godfather” was made possible through my strong connections with corporates and individuals. This network enabled a rapid and successful transition for me.

    Transitioning from a finance background to law was facilitated by your network, but the aspect of your humble behavior—how has that contributed? These insights must reach new learners so they can understand the significance of humility, positivity, and perseverance in building a successful network and career. Your views on this would be invaluable, and if you could share a motivational message—whether it’s two lines or ten—I believe it would greatly resonate with those seeking inspiration.

    For all the learners out there, here’s a piece of advice: Take a moment to look around, find ten people on your left and another ten on your right. Say hello, introduce yourself as a lawyer, and commit to standing by them through thick and thin. Building a network is not just about connecting; it’s about being there when they need you. Regardless of your background—whether in law, finance, or any field—the key is to be a good human being.

    In every interaction, be considerate rather than demanding. Adopt a solution-oriented approach; be a problem solver. When someone approaches you with a legal issue, don’t jump straight into litigation—consider alternative solutions like amicable settlements. By becoming someone who provides solutions, you not only gain respect but also establish yourself as a reliable and valuable resource.

    Understanding people’s problems is crucial. Everyone faces challenges, and your role as a solution provider extends beyond legal matters. A practical example is akin to a pharmacist directing a customer to another store for a specific medication. By doing this, you not only solve the problem but also position yourself as a one-stop solution for various needs, be it financial or otherwise.

    If you aspire to specialize, focus on areas that interest you. Form a team with like-minded individuals who share your passion, especially if you are pursuing a practice rather than traditional employment. For those seeking self-employment, your value is paramount—you are your own shop. Be considerate, offer valuable solutions, and remember that sometimes people simply need affirmation, even when they already know the solution. A sincere and valuable presence is often all that’s needed.

    What insights would you offer to newcomers, especially in terms of patience? Could you share your personal experience, the struggles you encountered, and the valuable lessons you gleaned?

    One crucial aspect to note is the shift in perspective from using the term “struggle” to “challenges.” In a world where effective communication is a skill set we possess, with a vast market and numerous products available, the issue is not about selling itself. The real challenge lies in approaching the right objectives. Rather than struggling to make a sale, the focus should be on meaningful connections. Starting with a goal of meeting 50 people is a simple yet effective way to initiate this process.

    A significant challenge many face is reluctance to discuss legal matters due to shyness or a lack of confidence. Building this confidence is a critical step. It involves addressing challenges systematically, step by step, just like counting from 1 to 5. For newcomers, starting with straightforward legal matters like negotiable instruments or straightforward divorces is a practical approach. These areas do not require rocket science to understand, and I extend an invitation for anyone eager to learn to visit my office for a week of free lessons.

    Offering free services in areas like recovery matters or consumer cases serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it allows individuals to learn through practical application, and secondly, it creates a lasting impression. By providing a solution free of cost, you become imprinted in their minds as a reliable resource.

    Importantly, the challenges are not external but internal. It’s about being open to adopting new approaches and being willing to learn. The real battle is not against external forces but within oneself, and the key is to stand up, confront those internal challenges, and keep moving forward.

    If we step into your shoes as an individual practitioner collaborating with startups and corporates, what new challenges emerge, and what insights have you gained from these experiences? Do you believe that encountering these challenges contributes to personal and professional growth, irrespective of whether one is a first-generation or second-generation lawyer? Moreover, how do you perceive these challenges shaping you as an individual beyond your role as a lawyer?

    Let’s approach it as challenge number one, not a struggle. Challenge number two: proactively engage in tasks. Reach out and express your willingness to assist, saying, “I’d like to do this for you. Can I help?” In an environment where everyone seeks help and wants someone to handle their responsibilities, spending time working diligently for others becomes crucial. However, a significant hurdle arises—there seems to be a shortage of students who are willing to adapt, choose to work, and invest time.

    I apologize for being candid, but the reality is that only about 10% of individuals exhibit a serious commitment. The remaining 80% may talk about struggles but often fail to take meaningful action. It’s essential for individuals to reflect on their choices and question whether they are truly dedicated to the work.

    Personally, I believe that 20% of people are inherently eager and capable of comprehending and implementing the tasks discussed here. For the remaining 80%, a common pattern emerges—expressing a desire for progress without corresponding action. This might sound straightforward, but it’s crucial for people to evaluate whether they are genuinely aligned with the work they’re pursuing.

    I never instruct my juniors or interns to handle my files, as they are not clerks. Instead, I encourage them to spend time understanding the workings of a clerk, as it forms the foundation of their background. Clerks are invaluable resources and are willing to share their insights and solutions. Regarding the assignments provided by LawSikho, completing them is a significant step—accomplishing them means covering 70% of the necessary groundwork.

    Commendably, LawSikho is doing remarkable work, and its impact should extend to a broader audience. I believe that 70% of individuals who may not have completed half of the assignments would significantly benefit from the institution’s initiatives. The world is replete with opportunities for those willing to explore, but success requires genuine willingness and dedication.

    Reflecting on your global presence, can you elaborate on the notable differences you’ve observed between the local world, particularly around 2005-2006 before the Lehman Brothers crisis, and the transformed global landscape that emerged afterward? What broader societal impacts have you witnessed, particularly in the context of India opening up to the world?

    Understanding the world today is far more accessible and straightforward than it was in 2019, let alone in the early 2000s. The transition from the graduating class of 2000 to the present generation is marked by the significant introduction of artificial intelligence, shaping an era where answers to virtually every question are readily available. The abundance of opportunities may appear daunting to some, but it’s essential to recognize that every perceived threat carries an inherent potential for benefit.

    Embracing new technologies and staying informed is crucial. Even a tenth-grade student from a reputable public school can guide you through these innovations. In the context of COVID times, I recall having a busy schedule while many were not yet comfortable with Zoom meetings. Surprisingly, more than 50% of lawyers were sitting at home, and I had a substantial workload during that period.

    Staying informed about your surroundings and current market trends is now easier than ever. Regularly reading newspapers allows you to engage in meaningful conversations about ongoing events. Keeping yourself updated through specific magazines or newspapers tailored to your field is equally important. Additionally, being part of a peer group or a community of lawyers provides valuable insights and support. Networking within a group of legal professionals creates an environment where lawyers can share experiences and knowledge, contributing to collective growth.

    Highlighting the significance of research, how crucial do you consider it for individuals, whether they are lawyers or chartered accountants? You mentioned that during the COVID period, you experienced an increase in workload beyond expectations. Could you elaborate on how research played a pivotal role during that time and how it contributes to your knowledge, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence? What has been your approach to learning and staying informed in these domains?

    I firmly believe that there’s no substitute for hard work, and by hard work, I mean rigorous research. Often, we overlook the importance of taking the time to thoroughly read the complete orders passed by the Supreme Court. Understanding why a single judgment spans multiple pages and carries various connotations is essential. It demands patience, dedicating long durations to continuous reading, sometimes up to 30 or 45 minutes for a single judgment. Complaining about the length becomes invalid when you realize that this comprehensive approach is critical to the legal profession.

    In the legal realm, research should be an integral part of your daily routine. Just as a chef deals with spices and ingredients, a lawyer should engage with extensive reading. This practice provides a wealth of material to discuss and forms the foundation for constructing well-informed opinions. The readings you engage in essentially lay the groundwork, making reading and researching indispensable elements in the legal profession with no substitutes whatsoever.

    You’ve consistently emphasized positive changes extending beyond the legal fraternity and the legal realm. Could you share insights into the initiatives and activities you’re involved in? Additionally, how do you envision your contribution to creating a better world for Homo sapiens, as you often express? What specific proposals or strategies do you have in mind to achieve this vision?

    Survival hinges on three essential elements: air, earth, and water. Understanding the crucial link between our well-being and the environment, I emphasize the importance of giving back. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of development, the environment often faces exploitation with limited legal intervention. Those studying law or engaging in environmental materials must recognize this responsibility.

    To address these concerns, I’ve initiated the JAL THAL VAYU Foundation. While its success may be uncertain, the aim is to inspire action. JAL represents the need to cleanse rivers and oceans, emphasizing water harvesting. Simultaneously, we encourage tree planting and other earth-centric activities under THAL. It’s a simple call to action – if you’re a lawyer, plant five trees. Engage in climate movements. This is not just charity; it’s a shared responsibility for everyone, you, me, and the entire community. The interconnectedness of air pollution, water, and soil underscores the significance of every action we take. By planting a tree, we contribute to supporting all three vital elements.

    Get in touch with Praveen Pathak-

  • “In the realm of M&A, negotiations are the crux, and the art of negotiation is something we can never hone enough” – Archana balasubramanian, Founding Partner of Agama Law Associates, Unveils a Decade-Long Legal Odyssey.

    “In the realm of M&A, negotiations are the crux, and the art of negotiation is something we can never hone enough” – Archana balasubramanian, Founding Partner of Agama Law Associates, Unveils a Decade-Long Legal Odyssey.

    This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team

    What prompted you to do Law? and then, what prompted you to move to corporate law? And at the end in the whole journey. What made you establish Agama Law associates?

    The question of why law has always intrigued me, dating back to a remarkably early age of around 12 or 13. At that point, my understanding of the legal field was limited, and there were no familial ties to the profession. Nevertheless, something about law captivated me deeply. As a voracious reader during my childhood, I found the prospect of a career where continuous learning was inherent and extended throughout one’s professional life to be highly appealing.

    The realization that law touches every aspect of life dawned on me as I grew older. Unlike professions such as medicine, pharma, or engineering, which often specialize in a single domain, the legal profession offers a unique insight into multiple facets of life. Whether practicing medical law, which requires a profound understanding of medicine, or delving into criminal law, where a high understanding of criminal psychology is crucial, the multifaceted nature of law continues to be a source of excitement.

    Moreover, my enthusiasm for law extends to the generalist role I currently embrace. In a landscape where specialization is often emphasized, my passion lies in exploring diverse areas of law. This inclination was evident from an early stage, a decision supported by my father. This generalist approach allows me to navigate through various legal territories and maintain a broad perspective, which I find both stimulating and fulfilling.

    Reflecting on my journey, the inception of my legal career was marked by this passion and a commitment to continuous learning. It’s a journey that has been shaped by a love for reading, an excitement for the multifaceted nature of law, and a deliberate choice to remain a generalist in a world that often leans towards specialization.

    My legal journey commenced under the mentor-ship of a senior counsel, renowned as the leading shipping lawyer in the country at that time. The realm of shipping law was exceptionally thrilling and lucrative, akin to a gold mine in the legal landscape. Although disputes were relatively scarce due to the industry’s prosperity, my exposure was comprehensive. From witnessing ship arrests to navigating shipbuilding contracts, the experience was enlightening. As junior members in a senior’s office, understanding the intricacies of queuing matters and gauging the dynamics of working alongside a seasoned professional fueled my desire to explore beyond the apparent tip of the iceberg.

    Subsequently, my journey led me to a solicitor setup, where the practice encompassed both litigation and non-litigation matters. This phase afforded me a diverse range of experiences, delving into project finance and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Engaging in IPO-related work and handling white-collar matters in the court provided a well-rounded exposure. Frequenting both Criminal Court and the High Court for writ petitions enriched my understanding of legal processes.

    Transitioning to a role at AZB marked a grounding experience, characterized by the demanding quality of work and the competitiveness inherent in the firm’s culture. The challenges posed in managing time constraints and a myriad of responsibilities served as a valuable learning curve. This stint prompted a process of unlearning certain approaches, fostering personal and professional growth.

    My inclination towards connecting with people on an individual level led to the establishment of Agama. Originating in a single room, this venture symbolizes my quest to reach out independently and make a tangible impact. The journey, from the initial mentorship in shipping law to navigating diverse legal landscapes, has been characterized by continuous learning, adaptation, and the pursuit of meaningful connections.

    Your experience spans various sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare. Is there a specific industry that you find particularly intriguing or challenging, and why? And how do you break the boundaries and enter that challenge, because this is for the ones who are entering this amazing field of law as you mentioned.

    For lawyers, such as myself, who adopt an industry-agnostic approach, the legal landscape presents a diverse and expansive canvas. Personally, I’ve been fortunate to accumulate a wealth of varied experiences across different sectors. Among the most dynamic and engaging areas of law today is the realm of general corporate law.

    Within general corporate law, several sectors stand out as particularly exciting. One such burgeoning industry is logistics, encompassing a spectrum of aspects, from real estate to road and vehicle-related laws. The logistics industry has witnessed remarkable growth, with emerging players like micro-mobility companies and port operators contributing to its dynamism. Advising clients in this field involves addressing a wide range of issues, including labor matters, especially those with an IT-centric focus. Additionally, logistics offers opportunities to provide counsel on data protection and navigate complex cross-border challenges. The sector also presents instances of high-quality arbitration, especially concerning transport, customs, and international trade.

    Another compelling and niche area that is currently witnessing the development of legal jurisprudence is the regulatory framework surrounding renewable energy. In this domain, there are relatively few lawyers in the country specializing in this evolving field. Personally, I have been privileged to work on projects related to renewable energy, particularly in assisting a client in setting up solar farms in India. This experience has spanned a broad spectrum, involving M&A, regulatory compliance, and labor issues, making it a truly comprehensive and rewarding endeavor over the past one and a half years.

    In the context of fostering growth and cultivating relationships with clients, particularly within the framework of your own firm, could you share insights into how you went about establishing these connections? What strategies did you employ when encountering unfamiliar individuals whom you identified as potential valuable clients for your firm? Additionally, could you elaborate on the foundational values that guided your approach in engaging with clients and ultimately contributed to the development and current standing of your firm?

    The foundation of any long term relationship lies in unwavering mutual trust and mutual value addition. For us, as lawyers, trust is given where we uncomplicate. If businesses can trust us to unwind the complexity in a stressful situation, as fast as possible, instead of taking them deeper down the web of intricacy – we have justified our existence. Navigating the intricacies of being a good lawyer revolves around a crucial ability: the aptitude to unravel complex problems and present them in simplistic terms, particularly from the client’s perspective. The foremost skill lies in understanding the client’s desires, pinpointing their current pain points, and crafting viable solutions.

    Some of the most renowned lawyers often exhibit this proficiency, breaking down intricate legal matters into comprehensible points for their clients. The challenge arises from the fact that clients may express their problems differently due to a lack of legal understanding. Lawyers need to bridge this gap by deciphering the true legal issues beneath the client’s articulated concerns.

    Ultimately, being an effective lawyer hinges on a clear comprehension of what the client wants, an astute understanding of their present challenges, and the ability to provide feasible solutions. The task extends beyond legal expertise, requiring effective communication and translation of legal intricacies into practical and accessible terms for the client.

    Certainly, the process involves two distinct facets: understanding clients and acquiring clients. Acquiring clients, relatively, is the more manageable aspect. It often necessitates showcasing one’s abilities, effectively communicating in the client’s language, and establishing a level of comfort that encourages collaboration.

    In the contemporary legal landscape, companies tend to engage with multiple legal professionals for diverse needs, disrupting the traditional model where a single firm handled all legal matters. As a result, lawyers need to adapt to this shift and recognize that not every point of contact transforms into a client. Identifying whether a client is attainable, either from the client’s perspective or the lawyer’s, is a nuanced evaluation.

    Understanding clients, on the other hand, delves into the core of their challenges and aspirations. It involves deciphering the key issues they face and determining whether the proposed legal solutions align with their objectives. The crux lies in comprehending what the client aims to achieve and guiding them toward feasible solutions. This task stands out as the most intricate part of the process.

    While legal documentation and transaction structuring are essential components, they primarily serve as logistical elements. However the foundational value is to get at the core of what a business needs but is not able to put into words. The value is also to minimize logistical efforts, and hence costs, as far as dispensable without compromising on risk-protection. The true essence lies in grasping whether our efforts effectively contribute to realizing the client’s goals. Therefore, the key to success in the legal profession lies in the nuanced understanding of both acquiring and understanding clients, ensuring that legal services align with and contribute to the client’s desired outcomes.

    Could you elaborate on how you navigate the delicate balance between intricate legal nuances and the broader business context when serving in an advisory role? Specifically, when recommending clients to others, how do you manage this equilibrium, considering that clients hold the reins in decision-making, and advisory services revolve around facilitating their processes and needs?

    As an advisor, I have an obligation to multiple coordination points – the individual seeking advice, the organization the individual is representing, and then the criticalities that both the representing individual as well as the organizational governance may not have full awareness or understanding of and may not have planned to address, yet. It’s crucial to align these aspects. For instance, a client might approach us for a lease agreement, but upon deeper discussion, we may discover they lack essential commercial terms. In such cases, our role evolves beyond legal drafting, extending to advising on business risks and strategic decisions.

    While some clients seek legal interpretations, others welcome comprehensive business advice. The distinction lies in understanding their specific needs. Some engagements involve academic legal exercises, while others delve into strategic business decisions. Being part of this decision-making process is equally enjoyable for us.

    As an advisor, the key is intuitive understanding—discerning whether clients merely seek legal input or require a deeper exploration of their business context. This process takes time and builds on familiarity, similar to understanding friends. Ultimately, aligning with clients’ objectives is paramount in offering effective advisory services.

    Your focus on process-driven risk management systems for startups is noteworthy. What key principles do you believe are crucial for startups to establish a sustainable foundation in terms of legal compliance?

    Sustainable business foundations would involve managing foresight and mapping the pie that a business is trying to negotiate for itself, well in advance. In the sharply agile market that we are witnessing in all sectors thanks to tech advancement and artificial intelligence, a business that desires to sustain itself for any amount of term that is markable, the bare minimum requirement is to cover for risks and obligations that will flow much in advance. Mature entrepreneurs have that foresight to an extent, but fledgling start ups don’t. This is where our experience – and the systems and in-built processes that has led to within our advice – comes in. 

    When startups seek advice, we often encounter two distinct types. Firstly, there are mature entrepreneurs who have prior experience in the field and are advancing their ventures. Dealing with them is relatively straightforward as they possess a solid understanding of the workings, time-frames, and compliance risks. They proactively ask the necessary questions, making the consultation process smoother.

    On the other hand, there’s a different category of startups – those with innovative products or disruptive ideas seeking funding and eager to establish and run their systems. Handling these startups requires a unique approach. With mature entrepreneurs, conversations can delve into advanced levels, as they are already aware of the eventual need for compliance. In such cases, simplifying their journey is achievable by providing checklists and connecting them with essential professionals like company secretaries and chartered accountants. We have a well-established network of professionals with whom we collaborate, facilitating these connections.

    For the latter type of startups, there is a need for a more persuasive approach. Convincing them of the importance of compliance is crucial. As legal advisors, our role primarily involves guiding them on compliance requirements rather than directly handling compliance matters. By effectively communicating the necessity of adherence to regulations, we aim to bridge this understanding gap and help them navigate the intricacies of legal compliance. Ensuring success in the startup landscape today is imperative, especially considering the vast reach of the Internet. I recently came across an intriguing insight in a doctor’s room that resonates with this—suggesting that if you trust Google for health advice, you might as well ask Google to cure you. In today’s digital age, startups often grapple with misconceptions, and my role involves investing time upfront to dispel any misinformation and guide them in understanding the landscape.

    One key area I find crucial is steering startups towards sustainable investments. Beyond mere compliance, many startups, in their early stages, inadvertently sacrifice significant equity and rights. The true victory, in my perspective, lies in assisting startups to secure sustainable investments that will propel the company forward without compromising its core interests. This involves strategic steps to avoid pitfalls and foster the company’s long-term growth.

    In my experience, every startup journey unveils distinct challenges and perspectives, which continually enriches my understanding of the dynamic startup ecosystem. It’s fascinating to approach each situation with an open mind, as the nuances and intricacies vary, offering fresh perspectives and learning’s with every new collaboration.

    Mergers and Acquisitions form a significant part of your practice. Could you share a memorable experience or deal that posed unique challenges and how you navigated through them?

    The turning point in my approach to M&A came when as part of one deal, I had said a big unequivocal “No” on behalf of our clients to one of the deal terms. The counter-party, a significant figure in a large group, was humble and kind enough to not come back aggressively to that position but encourage a dialogue. Which is when it really sunk in how much more are we as “facilitators” instead of hurdles, on deal making, as lawyers. And the art of negotiation is something we can’t ever have honed enough – there’s always some new interpersonal aspect to learn about. Despite his stature, he was kind and humble, encouraging a dialogue to resolve the issue. Such experiences reshape one’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of effective negotiation. Therefore,, when it comes to mergers, the crux, for me,  lies in negotiations. This has been the most significant learning for me over the past decade. Working with an entire team provides a certain level of comfort due to the presence of seniors and super seniors. However, the true learning comes from actively negotiating a transaction and seeing it through, which I believe is a crucial skill for lawyers. My advice to young professionals is to actively seek opportunities where they can lead or negotiate transactions rather than being a part of a larger team.

    In our practice, we have instilled this philosophy from the beginning. Regardless of their seniority, all associates are encouraged to actively participate in negotiations and discussions. This exposure ensures that they grasp the context of the deal and understand the dynamics involving clients and counter-parties.

    One challenge in today’s M&A landscape is the post-deal closures, especially in mergers. While closing the deal itself is significant, the groundwork post-merger is equally crucial. Nowadays, many companies handle this in-house or enlist the help of consultants, making it essential for lawyers to understand the entire process.

    Lastly, for young professionals aspiring to excel in M&A, I recommend dedicating effort to understanding the regulatory landscape. Regulatory filings, particularly under the Competition Act, offer a unique perspective. Arguing why a particular combination is not detrimental to competition provides valuable exposure that significantly enhances one’s understanding of M&A in the Indian legal context. If time permits, M&A is an excellent avenue for learning the diverse facets of law.

    Your contributions to various publications and your recognition as a thought leader reflect your commitment to sharing insights. What motivates you to contribute, and how do you stay ahead in an ever-evolving legal and business landscape?

    Lawyers often claim they don’t read enough due to the fast-paced nature of the legal landscape. However, staying ahead requires continuous reading, networking, and engaging with the legal community. Isolation isn’t conducive to legal work; interacting with peers, meeting business professionals, and fraternizing with others are essential for effective practice.

    In terms of recognitions, accolades, and awards, one values recognition for their writing. Encouraging everyone in the company to write, regardless of seniority, expands minds and provides a broader perspective. Writing on various subjects not only benefits the company but also enhances the individual’s understanding of the overall legal landscape. It is most satisfying being approached for stories on POSH and labor-specific law over the past ten years by leading magazines. This recognition, despite not being a senior labor lawyer, is particularly meaningful.

    It would do well to acknowledge the significance of industry magazines and editorial efforts, such as IBLJ, for recognizing lawyers. This recognition makes younger lawyers feel like a vital part of the legal community and boosts morale, especially when attempting to create something parallel to established setups. The credit goes to those in editorial roles who contribute to highlighting the achievements and perspectives of lawyers outside the traditional legal hierarchy.

    Your recognition as a finalist for “Woman Lawyer of the Year 2023” and other prestigious awards is impressive. How do such recognitions impact your approach to your work, and what advice do you have for young lawyers aspiring to make a mark in the legal field?

    Personally, every morning when I wake up, the motivating factor is knowing that clients rely on me. There’s nothing more inspiring than the realization that I can contribute to their businesses. Additionally, my team is waiting for me each day, and our discussions about ongoing issues drive me to be there for them as we work to advise clients. It’s a dynamic mix of client needs and team collaboration that fuels my motivation.

    Speaking of recognition’s, it’s a relatively recent trend. When we left law school, there weren’t as many accolades for lawyers. While I value these recognition’s and they undoubtedly make one feel good (who wouldn’t want to be called a top lawyer in the country?), it’s crucial for young professionals to understand the importance of building their CVs continuously. Every task, from writing an article to advising a client, should be documented. Keeping a record of your learning experiences allows for recollection when needed, whether for award submissions or networking. This proactive approach helps people remember you, and at our firm, we ensure everyone records and reflects on their work regularly. It’s about considering what could have been done better, what went right, what went wrong, and identifying areas for improvement. In the fast-paced world, reflective practices might not always be feasible, but being mindful of this can significantly contribute to personal and professional growth, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.

    In an era of increasing data concerns, you’ve been actively involved in data protection agreements. How do you assist clients, especially those in software creation, in navigating data protection compliance and mitigating associated risks?

    In today’s globalized business landscape, privacy has become a crucial factor due to the vast amount of data available to businesses. The handling of data is emerging as a key cost-driving factor, influencing how companies operate. For instance, there is a shift towards keeping data within specific geographical boundaries, like storing Indian data in India and EU data in the EU, driven by government directives, especially in developed countries. While some governments mandate these practices, in India, it’s often seen more as a compliance requirement.

    Our approach to reviewing data protection agreements or privacy documents varies based on the client. With Indian clients, we emphasize the need for compliance, advising against drafting anything they can’t adhere to or might require additional funds for compliance. Privacy is considered non-negotiable, and non-compliance, especially for European clients, can result in significant fines. We often assist clients dealing with European parties but processing data in India, guiding them through transfer impact assessments to ensure compliance.

    The introduction of the Data Protection Act (DPA) is expected to enhance the infrastructure for protecting citizens’ privacy. However, we acknowledge that the existing Information Technology Act and rules, if implemented effectively, could serve a similar purpose. Enforcement, though, remains a challenge due to the complexity of procedures, such as involving the cyber cell or the legal system. With the DPA, many principles are being codified into law, reflecting legislative intent. While this might not drastically alter the groundwork for companies, it does offer more avenues for data subjects to seek enforcement.

    Beyond your professional achievements, what personal interests or activities contribute to your growth and well-being outside the legal realm?

    I believe, like many lawyers, I do face challenges when it comes to taking care of my health. I wish I could prioritize my well-being more and achieve a better balance. However, what takes up the majority of my time is my family, as we have a fairly large one. Balancing work and family is a constant challenge, but we make efforts to promote healthier eating habits within our family.

    For me, mental well-being is crucial, considering the demands of the legal profession. Small things at home can become sources of stress, so learning to switch off when at work and using tools like reminders helps manage personal commitments. Technology, in this sense, plays a significant role in helping me stay organized, reminding me of tasks such as buying a gift for my son.

    While it’s challenging, I’ve learned to establish boundaries between work and home life. Despite the difficulty in today’s fast-paced world, I make an effort not to work when I’m at home. Being part of a family of professionals, with my husband also being a lawyer, helps create routines that prioritize family time, especially on weekends.

    Achieving this balance is different for everyone, and I acknowledge that it’s not an easy task. Personally, I wish I could find more time to read nonfiction, as I used to read several books a year, and now finding time for even one or two is a challenge. However, it remains something I’d love to prioritize in the future.

    Get in touch with Archana Balasubramanian-

  • Humility, Combined with expertise, is the key to successful client interactions in the legal profession. – Nandita Khurana’s evolution from Litigation to International Corporate Leadership, Sr. Partner (Public Policy and Regulatory Matters), Anhad Law

    Humility, Combined with expertise, is the key to successful client interactions in the legal profession. – Nandita Khurana’s evolution from Litigation to International Corporate Leadership, Sr. Partner (Public Policy and Regulatory Matters), Anhad Law

    This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team

    We would love to know about your journey from the college days in Delhi University to becoming a senior legal other than that  you are in the leadership role with  companies. So please share your journey and how you reach there. And what were your learning’s?

    Yes, my journey began in Delhi, where I spent a significant part of my early life due to my father’s service in the income tax department. Although we moved around a bit, we eventually settled in Delhi. After completing my education at Convent of Jesus and Mary, I joined St. Stephen’s College and later pursued law at Campus Law Center, predating the establishment of National Law Schools.

    I graduated in 1984 with honors in English from St. Stephen’s and then pursued a full-time law course at Campus Law Center, completing it in 1987. The career landscape in those days was limited to professions like engineering, medicine, and law. Considering my passion for communication, I briefly explored the possibility of entering the field but eventually focused on law, drawn to its capacity for expressing opinions and views.

    During my law studies, I engaged in extracurricular activities such as hosting state shows and working as a radio jockey. After graduating, I joined the Supreme Court and gained valuable experience representing the State of Gujarat. The supportive environment of the judiciary at that time encouraged young lawyers like me to present cases confidently.

    Following my time with Mr. Shroff, where I also contributed to legal aid work, I moved on to work with Rani Jethmalani and gained exposure to commissions, primarily MRTP (now Competition Commission). After a brief stint in an independent law firm, life happened, and personal priorities led to a temporary pause in my legal career.

    As India opened up, I joined law firms such as IILC and later Singhania and Company, gaining experience in mergers, acquisitions, and foreign funding. Despite enjoying criminal law, I found myself increasingly involved in women-centric matters due to gender biases prevalent at the time.

    However, by 2005, I reached a point where I realized I had my fill. The joy of being in courtrooms had waned, and I felt that continuing was a futile investment of my time.

    Making the decision to prioritize my enjoyment and satisfaction, I acknowledged that my heart was no longer in the legal battles. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with unwavering support from my family—especially my husband and children—who have consistently encouraged my pursuits in life.

    In 2005, I decided it was time for a change. Returning to the legal sphere, I joined Kochhar & Co. and immersed myself in corporate law once again. This period, spanning about one and a half years, proved to be a rejuvenating experience as I rediscovered my enthusiasm for the intricacies of corporate legal matters. Subsequently, I ventured into in-house counsel roles, including a significant stint with Michelin in Singapore, where I served as General Counsel for India and Australia. The role expanded to overseeing the legal aspects of a billion-dollar factory setup in India.

    Upon returning to India, I continued to evolve within Michelin, eventually taking on the role of Regional General Counsel for Africa, India, and the Middle East. The company’s culture of constant growth and challenges suited my evolving professional aspirations.

    In 2016, I embraced the additional responsibility of Public Affairs Director. This dual role continued until my departure in August 2022, marking around 14 years with Michelin—a period where I found satisfaction and continuous learning.

    Post Michelin, I transitioned back to the legal side, collaborating with the law firm Anhad Law as a Senior Partner. Additionally, I contribute to the legal education sector by teaching LLM at IILM, a private law university known for its MBA programs.

    My life extends beyond the legal profession, and I find fulfillment in various pursuits, living a well-rounded life beyond being just a lawyer.

    I’m eager to delve into your roles as an independent director and consultant in legal and public affairs. Could you elaborate on your approach to these responsibilities? Furthermore, what guidance would you offer to someone seeking to comprehend these roles? Additionally, could you shed light on why it is imperative for businesses to actively engage in social cooperation?

    Certainly, you’ve presented several questions simultaneously, and I’m considering the best order in which to address them. For now, let’s explore the significance of ethical organizations.

    When we talk about ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), it encompasses policies that underscore our responsibility towards the environment and future generations. Establishing a robust governance system is crucial for ensuring sustainability. This awareness has gained traction globally, with a notable surge in the last few years, emphasizing the three Ps—People, Profit, and Planet.

    The growing emphasis on responsibility towards the planet is a response to the evident repercussions, as we witness the environment reacting to our actions. People are increasingly demanding that organizations be socially conscious and considerate in delivering projects and services. Consumer consciousness has played a pivotal role in shaping corporate practices.

    In the past, companies focused solely on profitability when relocating production to countries like China, often overlooking environmental and labor conditions. However, this paradigm has shifted. The impact of consumers’ demands for ethical practices has led to a change in how companies operate globally.

    For instance, let’s consider the tire industry, where I have substantial experience. Michelin, as a tire company, has long prioritized the production of “green tires,” considering environmental aspects in its processes. This commitment to ethical production not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also aligns with the consciousness of consumers. People are now more inclined to avoid products that are perceived to harm the environment or have unethical production processes.

    This shift in consumer behavior has prompted corporations, governments, and semi-governments to establish ethical processes and systems. While profit remains a driving force, companies have realized that ethical practices contribute to better profits. This movement has evolved into a self-sustaining cycle.

    As we discuss this, it’s essential to acknowledge a sense of righteousness that comes with contributing to positive change. There’s a shared responsibility among companies, employees, and consumers. Establishing transparent, visible, and easily accessible systems is crucial. Companies must educate their employees, align their ethics with societal expectations, and constantly work towards building a sustainable ecosystem.

    For someone starting their career, I would advise thorough research before accepting an offer. Young professionals today play a significant role in shaping the future, and making ethically aligned choices can lead to a fulfilling and prosperous career. It’s about more than just chasing money; it’s about contributing to a sustainable and responsible future.

    Could you elaborate on the intricate dynamics between antitrust, corruption, and compliance? Additionally, what proactive strategies do you believe businesses should employ to navigate through the prevalent legal and ethical challenges, especially considering the contemporary norm where discussions on ethics, technology, compliance, and ethical standards have become commonplace? How do you perceive this affecting companies directly and, consequently, their profits, their personnel, and the broader impact on the planet?

    You’ve likely heard the saying, “No point bolting the stable door after the horses have bolted.” This essentially means that addressing issues only after they occur is not effective. When we discuss critical topics such as ethics, privacy, competition, and other impactful considerations for organizations, it’s clear that consequences can be severe. Every organization is naturally concerned about repercussions and seeks to address issues proactively.

    However, waiting until after an incident has occurred to take action is insufficient. Organizations have learned, often from the experiences of others, that by the time they start addressing a problem, it might be too late. It’s crucial to establish systems and processes beforehand. Successful organizations, whether global or socially responsible entities with a long-term vision, have robust risk management systems in place.

    Creating a risk map involves defining top risks across various categories, such as legal, technical, regulatory, and financial risks. For legal risks, compliance with laws, antitrust concerns, and data privacy are often significant considerations. Identifying major risks is just the beginning. To effectively allocate resources, organizations must differentiate between higher and lower risks.

    Key management personnel or directors often face direct penal or significant financial risks. Once high risks are identified, working with teams to develop a risk mitigation process is essential. This process includes implementing policies, providing education, conducting regular internal audits, and periodic external audits.

    By conducting a comprehensive risk mitigation exercise, organizations are better equipped to handle potential issues when faced with regulatory authorities. While mistakes and slip-ups may still occur, being well-prepared significantly improves an organization’s ability to navigate challenges. This proactive approach not only benefits the organization but also provides peace of mind to its consultants, advisors, and external teams who want to see the organization thrive. It emphasizes the importance of performing these exercises long before trouble arises, as once a crisis hits, control may already be lost.

    When we are dealing with complexities in international legal cross border transactions and other aspects.How do you see yourself focusing on that? Because when we start we do not realize that it’s only legal issue. So How have you learned that combination thing, and What would be your views as in when you are trying to explain these things to the Newbies. How to Be focused, find a calling, and then only get into a job or get into a work. But how does that work? How do you suggest that can work for them.

    When delving into international legal compliance’s, understanding your client goes beyond viewing it merely as a legal matter. It’s crucial to comprehend your client’s business thoroughly. While legal issues, especially involving contracts, have transitioned to digital platforms with the advent of technologies like ChatGPT, It’s becoming a lot easier while contracts is a big part of what you, as a lawyer in any organization international or national, will do.

    The first step for any lawyer, even external consultants, is to ask pertinent questions and gain a deep understanding of the client’s business. Drawing from personal experience working in-house and collaborating with international players, it became evident that understanding the client’s business is paramount. International consultants often visited factories, observed processes, and interacted with various teams, not just the legal department. This holistic approach provided diverse perspectives.

    To be effective in the legal field, one must adopt a business-centric mindset. Understanding the larger picture involves grasping the culture, values, and driving force of the business. Lawyers are integral, but they must recognize their role as a part of a more extensive machinery. It’s not about preventing actions; it’s about guiding clients on how to navigate within legal boundaries.

    This approach is essential for lawyers to add substantial value. Whether in-house or external, spending time to understand the client’s business creates a lasting partnership. Lawyers become invaluable advisors when they align legal advice with the client’s business objectives. Rather than hastily providing answers, the emphasis should be on asking the right questions and comprehending the nuances of the client’s business.

    For aspiring lawyers, the message is clear: be patient, ask the right questions, and understand the client’s business intricately. The goal is not to dictate terms but to collaborate effectively. The tendency for some lawyers to have an inflated opinion of themselves and talk down to clients is discouraged. Humility, along with expertise, is the key to successful client interactions in the legal profession.

    In your role, how do you actively foster awareness and cultivate values of humbleness and humility within the legal community? Particularly, while instructing LLM courses and other legal programs, How do you ensure that students grasp the significance of simplicity, humble conduct, and the avoidance of the traditional tendency among lawyers to assert authority over clients? Could you share your motivation behind these efforts and the strategies you employ in this regard?

    I wouldn’t term it as a specific strategy. To be completely transparent, when I teach, I’m fortunate to have a class of professionals, all of whom are qualified lawyers. I encourage them not only to express their thoughts but also to question and challenge not just me but the established norms. I urge them to bring innovative perspectives to the table because this generation, although confident, is incredibly intelligent. They respond well to friendly conversations and are open to embracing new ideas and challenges, more so than previous generations. I try to nurture their curiosity and inclination to question, making them more open-minded.

    Allow me to share an example. In one of the courses I teach, “Law and Justice in a Globalized World,” we delve into legal theories, which can often be perceived as dull. However, during the class, I observed an enthusiastic group of students. Recognizing differing opinions, I transformed it into a debate, providing a safe space for them to challenge each other on sensitive topics like religious freedom. I encouraged open discussion, allowing them to express their views, whether positive or negative, as a form of catharsis. The outcome was fascinating, with diverse theories emerging, and it turned out to be an enriching experience.

    By exposing today’s students to such humbling and learning experiences, I believe they become adept at considering various perspectives. It’s crucial for them to grasp that their opinions may not always be the only correct ones. These experiences instill humility and a continuous thirst for learning. While I can guide them in the classroom, life remains the ultimate teacher, and maintaining a questioning and curious mindset is vital for personal and professional growth.

    What do you believe are the key qualities that make a successful person an entrepreneurial leader? And how do you see? how do you think that you can instill this kind of win-win environment in your own leadership style? And we can learn from that particular thing? How did you do that for yourself?

    I have consistently maintained an open and transparent communication style, coupled with a genuine enthusiasm for acquiring new knowledge. A fundamental aspect of my approach is the pleasure I derive from collaborating with individuals and functioning as a team player. Throughout my journey, I’ve come to realize that the learning process is perpetual, and I humbly acknowledge that there is always more to explore. I firmly believe that working together with others is the most effective and rewarding way to achieve common goals.

    Maintaining open lines of communication is crucial. Respecting others and acknowledging that they possess knowledge and perspectives I may lack fosters a positive working environment. Taking responsibility for actions or inaction’s is another vital aspect. While some may feel hesitant or scared, building confidence, even if it requires a bit of false bravado, is important, especially in leadership roles.

    Confidence, coupled with knowledge, tends to get recognized. It’s about accepting the role as someone capable and being open to new ideas. Many individuals, despite their intelligence, often undersell themselves. I’ve observed that even highly intelligent people may hesitate to articulate their thoughts or needs. Soft skills, including effective communication and public speaking, are essential for success, and I believe there should be more emphasis on developing these skills in our educational and professional journeys.

    Given your experience in fostering relationships with CXOs, clients, and government departments, what role do you believe effective communication plays in the success of a legal professional, both in and out of the courtroom?

    First and foremost, a solid understanding of your subject is imperative. Attempting to navigate without a thorough knowledge is not a strategy. It’s crucial to recognize that the individuals on the other side of the conversation are likely well-versed in the subject matter as well. Therefore, thorough preparation is key, and it’s a form of respect towards those you’re engaging with. Honesty plays a pivotal role in effective communication.

    Being forthright and transparent is essential. Some might withhold information for various reasons, but effective communication requires openness. Whether interacting with C-level executives or individuals at lower organizational levels, the approach should remain consistent. Transparency, honesty, and respect should be extended to everyone, regardless of their position.

    Moreover, active listening is paramount. Responding to questions appropriately and addressing concerns reflects attentiveness. People want to be heard, and effective communication involves not just expressing your thoughts clearly but also genuinely listening to others. It’s a two-way street, and understanding the questions posed is crucial for maintaining the flow of the conversation.

    Is there a particular achievement or project in your career that you are especially proud of, and would like to share with our readers? Also what advice would you offer to the upcoming generation, Specially the generation one, because they always have this feeling that if I’m Gen.1 there is a possibility we would not get that pampering.

    Absolutely, there’s no denying the presence of nepotism in the legal industry, just as it exists across various professions. While it might be more accessible for second or third-generation lawyers, I can personally attest to the fact that being a first-generation lawyer isn’t an insurmountable hurdle. I come from a lineage where my father studied law, but never practiced, and my grandfather’s experience with the legal system predates my active involvement.

    Breaking into the field might not be instant, but with hard work and sincerity, opportunities will come your way. It’s essential to discover your passion within the legal landscape—whether it’s litigation, in-house work, or exploring the expanding realms of quasi-legal roles in public affairs and regulatory domains.

    Today’s legal professionals have a plethora of opportunities beyond traditional roles, providing a chance to find a niche that truly resonates with their interests. It’s crucial to experiment, explore, and identify what brings genuine happiness because longevity in the profession requires fulfillment.

    As for my own achievements, every milestone, no matter how significant at the time, pales in comparison to the long-term success of overseeing the establishment of a billion-dollar factory in India. Commencing in , this venture involved navigating complexities, securing approvals, addressing corruption issues, and developing comprehensive legal frameworks. Witnessing the first product roll off the production line was a moment of immense pride.

    Beyond financial victories, I consider creating an ethical and compliant organizational culture as one of my most substantial achievements. This involved instigating change, imparting global corporate norms to local teams, and fostering an environment where individuals could thrive without compromising personal ethics. The recognition from the government, acknowledging our entry into India without financial obligations, stands out as a testament to the success of building this ecosystem.

    While I can recount various legal cases and wins, the real excitement lies in the trans-formative projects that contribute positively to society and business.

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