Your career journey showcases an impressive trajectory in the realm of Intellectual Property Rights. Could you share the pivotal moment or experience that motivated you to pursue this field? Also, when you first started practicing, what were some of the most significant challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Initially with a strong passion for finance, I earned my bachelor’s degree in commerce, however, noticing the importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) I, tilted towards law with clear standing of pursuing career in IPR. My journey to where I am today is a testament to consistency and dedication towards work. In the early days of my career, I was young, enthusiastic, and eager to understand the complexities of law. Finding a mentor was crucial, and I dedicated myself to learning and hard work. Patience and perseverance were my guiding principles until I eventually established my own firm. I’m grateful to all who supported me on this journey.
Your previous associations highlight diverse experiences, from attending hearings to coordinating raids. How have these experiences enriched your understanding of the legal ecosystem?
My past roles, from attending hearings to coordinating raids, have significantly broadened my understanding of the legal world, especially in intellectual property law. At hearings, I learned about courtroom dynamics, legal strategies, and how judges interpret laws. Coordinating raids taught me practical enforcement tactics, gathering evidence, and dealing with challenges in IP protection. These experiences gave me real-world insights into how the law works in practice, essential for effective advocacy and helping clients navigate legal issues.
Apart from legal expertise, what other skills or qualities do you believe are essential for a successful career in Intellectual Property Law?
According to me, effective client relationship management, proper preparation and thorough documentation collection before starting work, creative thinking etc. are essential for a successful career.
Given your extensive experience, you’ve likely encountered various misconceptions about Intellectual Property Rights. What is one common myth or misunderstanding about IP law that you often find yourself dispelling in your practice?
What I have encountered mostly is the basic misconception amongst the client that
“If he makes even a slight change to his commercial benefit and file mere trademark application, it becomes his property.” “Further, registration of trademark is expenses which client wishes to do once they earn good amount of money under that trademark”
Trademark law protects only distinctive words, symbols, logos, signs, names that are capable of distinguishing the goods and services from those of others. Any modified version cannot be granted protection until the same is distinctive.
As a guest faculty at various institutions, you likely interact with aspiring legal professionals. What differences, if any, do you observe between students of today’s generation and those from when you were in their shoes? How do these differences influence your approach to teaching or mentoring young legal minds.
With students increasingly digitally savvy and globally connected, they are more aware of international issues, which shapes our discussions on legal topics with global impact. I integrate real-world examples from around the world to enrich their legal education.
I also stress the values of ethical behaviour, professionalism, consistency, and empathy in legal practice. This instills in students a strong sense of responsibility and integrity as they prepare to enter the legal profession.
As someone who has witnessed the evolution of Intellectual Property Law over the years, what emerging trends or developments do you find particularly intriguing or promising for the future of IP protection and enforcement?
In recent years, I’ve seen a significant shift in intellectual property (IP) towards protecting digital innovation and technology. Advances in AI, blockchain, and biotech have created new challenges and opportunities in IP.
Businesses and consumers are increasingly aware of and enforcing IP rights, especially post-pandemic. This cultural shift is fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, promising a bright future for IP for India’s economic growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
Beyond the courtroom, Intellectual Property disputes can sometimes involve alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration. How do you approach these alternative methods, and what unique advantages do they offer in resolving IP conflicts?
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provides a special way to settle intellectual property conflicts, standing out from traditional litigation. It offers confidentiality, speed, and cost-effectiveness, making it appealing for resolving disputes amicably while protecting sensitive business details and avoiding long legal battles.
I focus on the client’s business interests and try to create an environment that encourages open communication, emphasizing active listening, strategic negotiation, and exploring creative solutions tailored to the unique complexities of each dispute. These are a few of benefits of mediation.
Beyond legal pursuits, what are your personal hobbies or interests that you find enriching or rejuvenating?
As a legal professional, I strongly advocate for maintaining a balanced lifestyle that includes regular outdoor activities to foster mental and physical well-being. I try to spend quality time with my family and indulging in my hobbies. I particularly enjoy playing table tennis and badminton with my family whenever possible. Additionally, I have a passion for driving.
Internships play a crucial role in shaping the careers of law students. Could you elaborate on the significance of internships in providing practical experience and mentorship opportunities for aspiring legal professionals? Additionally, what advice would you give to law students or young lawyers aspiring to specialize in Intellectual Property Law?
For those looking to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, I would advise seeking internships in Tier 2 or Tier 3 firms, as they offer opportunities to learn about prosecution, opposition, and litigation all at the same time. Typically, internships in Tier 1 firms only provide exposure to either prosecution, opposition, or litigation. It’s also important to maintain a network with professionals, stay updated on industry trends, and take a proactive approach to learning. This field is dynamic and rewards dedication and hands-on experience.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Team Superlawyer for inviting me and giving me this opportunity.
We’re delighted to have you here. Could you walk us through your journey from your college days at the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, to where you are today as a respected founder partner at Acumen Juris?
I’ve always been a regular student, not particularly the outstanding, studious type one might expect. Unlike those who decide early on what they wish to pursue, I hadn’t planned that far ahead. However, I found myself fascinated by the profession of law.
During my college days, I stayed connected with people and even contested in college elections, which helped me build valuable relationships and skills. The path wasn’t always clear, but I realised my passion for taking on new challenges while working in the industry. This realisation led me to establish my independent practice and eventually run a full-service law firm. Embracing challenges with a positive attitude has been key to my journey.
Starting a legal practice and establishing oneself in the industry requires determination and perseverance. Can you share some challenges you faced during the initial stages of founding Acumen Juris, and how you overcame them to build a successful law office?
Indeed, establishing oneself in the legal industry requires immense determination and perseverance. With years of experience, these qualities became ingrained in me.
When I decided to start Acumen Juris, I envisioned creating something different. After years of working long hours six days a week, I sought a balanced life that included time for family and adventure. With this in mind, my partners and I founded the firm with a simple strategy: to operate as a firm from the outset, rather than as individual practitioners, to gain recognition and trust from corporate clients. Our extensive experience and commitment to delivering high-quality, timely services have been key to our success.
I worked across multiple time zones, advising clients globally, supporting their business setups in various jurisdictions, and handling complex transactions.
Your expertise extends beyond M&A to areas like commercial contract, drafting, venture capital funding, and legal due diligence. What inspired you to venture into these diverse areas, and how do they complement your overall legal practice?
My expertise extends beyond M&A to encompass critical areas such as commercial contract drafting, venture capital funding, and legal due diligence. These skills were cultivated during my tenure at a mid-size firm, where I approached challenges with a proactive mindset and a commitment to achieving excellent client outcomes.
In addition to traditional legal responsibilities, I have successfully undertaken corporate valuations required under FEMA 1999 for major corporations. This involved dedicated efforts, often beyond regular work hours, supported by a collaborative and supportive, firm environment.
My deep knowledge of FEMA laws, a focus since the start of my career, enhances my capacity to provide strategic guidance in transaction advisory, resolving complex structures and related legal matters.
These varied experiences have significantly enriched my legal practice, enabling me to offer comprehensive solutions and strategic insights that effectively address the diverse needs of my clients.
You’ve recently handled a notable transaction that garnered attention within the legal community. Could you share some highlights or key takeaways from this case, and how it showcased your expertise in navigating complex legal issues to achieve a favorable outcome for your client?
One recent standout in my career was overseeing a significant 900 crore share swap transaction where we represented the seller side. This transaction was particularly challenging because of its complexity, involving multiple intricate legal components and several limitations. I played a pivotal role within the core team, contributing to discussions, providing strategic advice, finalizing agreements, and devising efficient tax structures across sell-side entities.
Throughout the transaction, our approach began with a thorough legal assessment to gauge feasibility, followed by comprehensive risk assessments, and tax planning to design efficient structures.
Success in such endeavors hinges on years of experience navigating diverse transactions, a robust knowledge base, adept interpretation skills, a proactive attitude, and, crucially, a skilled and cohesive team. I am privileged to work alongside a talented and efficient team that played a pivotal role in achieving a favorable outcome.
This experience underscores my capability to manage complex legal challenges and deliver results that meet the strategic objectives of our clients.
You’ve co-authored multiple editions of a bestselling book on the Companies Act, 2013. Can you tell us about the journey of writing and updating this book, and how it has contributed to your understanding of corporate law?
Contributing to a bestselling book on the Companies Act 2013 has been a pivotal milestone in my career, marking a journey of personal and professional growth. The experience of co-authoring and witnessing its success has been immensely gratifying.
Throughout the process of writing and updating the book, I drew extensively from my practical experience advising clients on corporate law matters. This real-world application provided invaluable insights into the statutory provisions, case law developments, and practical implications of the Companies Act 2013.
Overall, this experience has deepened my understanding of corporate law and strengthened my ability to provide informed counsel to clients. It underscores the importance of continuous learning and practical application in evolving legal landscapes.
In addition, key person in developing the only website for FEMA Laws while working in the previous firm.
With your extensive experience in providing transaction advisory services, what do you consider as the most critical factors for ensuring mutually beneficial terms in agreements related to funding processes or joint ventures?
In the realm of transaction advisory services, securing mutually beneficial terms in agreements related to funding processes or joint ventures requires a multifaceted approach. This approach involves conducting thorough assessments of all parties involved, encompassing their financial health, market positions, potential synergies, and strategic intents.
It’s crucial to establish clear and precise objectives upfront to ensure alignment of expectations and goals among stakeholders. Addressing potential obstacles with innovative solutions and structuring agreements that mitigate risks while maximizing benefits are paramount factors. Moreover, building trust and fostering transparency among stakeholders throughout the negotiation process is essential for cultivating a collaborative and mutually advantageous partnership.
Navigating negotiations with skilful diplomacy, knowing when to concede and when to stand firm, while maintaining open and constructive communication, ensures that agreements are not only favourable, but also set a solid foundation for long-term success and value creation for all parties involved.
You’ve been actively involved in speaking at various forums and contributing articles on corporate laws. How do you balance your commitment to legal practice with these extracurricular activities, and what motivates you to share your knowledge with others in the legal community?
Balancing my commitment to legal practice with speaking at forums and contributing articles on corporate laws can be challenging, as it often requires allocating time from either my personal or professional life. However, these activities are integral to establishing and expanding the presence in the legal industry.
The primary motivation behind engaging in these extracurricular activities is twofold. Firstly, they serve as crucial avenues for showcasing and publicizing my knowledge within the legal community, thereby enhancing my professional reputation and attracting potential clients. Secondly, participating in speaking engagements and writing articles allows me to stay updated on evolving legal developments, enriching my expertise and broadening my perspective.
While there may not always be a perfect balance, I find immense value in contributing to the legal discourse through these platforms, both for personal growth and for the benefit of my legal practice.
You’ve provided legal services across a wide range of sectors, including retail, logistics, hospitality, and more. Is there a particular sector or type of client that you find most rewarding to work with, and if so, what makes it stand out for you?
Having served diverse sectors, including retail, logistics, hospitality, and others, each offers distinct challenges and rewards, making it difficult to single out one as the most fulfilling. However, if I were to identify a particularly rewarding sector based on personal interest and professional satisfaction, it would be the technology industry.
Technology is integral to operations across various sectors, from hospitality to healthcare and education. Working with clients focusing on technology is particularly gratifying due to the sector’s rapid pace of innovation and the continuous evolution of associated legal frameworks. Staying abreast of emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, and industry trends keeps me intellectually engaged and drives ongoing professional growth.
Furthermore, technology firms often operate on a global scale, facilitating complex cross-border transactions and international collaborations. This global dimension adds depth to legal engagements, involving interaction with diverse cultures, legal systems, and business practices.
In my practice, I have had the privilege of supporting technology-driven enterprises across more than 25 jurisdictions, assisting with business structuring, ensuring regulatory compliance, and navigating intricate cross-border transactions through our extensive global network of associates.
Working with technology clients not only challenges me to deliver strategic legal solutions but also broadens my perspective as a legal professional, reinforcing my commitment to excellence and innovation in every client engagement.
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal interests is crucial for overall well-being. What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of the legal realm, and how do you find time to pursue them amidst a demanding legal career?
Maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal interests is crucial for overall well-being, albeit challenging in the demanding legal profession. Outside of my legal work, I have a keen interest in leisure travel, immersing myself in diverse cultures around the world, engaging in adventure sports, hiking, swimming, golf and indulging in cricket—a passion shared by many in India.
I make it a priority to play cricket every weekend and ensure I travel at least twice a year, either with my family or solo. One memorable experience was a biking expedition from Delhi to the highest motorable road in Ladakh and back, where I joined a group of strangers connected through mutual acquaintances—a journey that enriched my perspective on camaraderie and adventure.
Achieving this balance is only possible with the support of a dedicated and responsible team. Their commitment allows me the flexibility to pursue my interests while maintaining the high standards required in our legal practice.
In your experience, what are some emerging trends or challenges in corporate law that you believe young lawyers should be prepared for as they enter the legal profession today?
In today’s legal landscape, young lawyers face a dynamic environment characterized by evolving trends and challenges in corporate law. Initially, they must master the art of understanding and interpreting the law, which forms the foundation of their practice. Law is inherently practical and continuously evolves to meet industry demands, interpreting a crucial skill.
Emerging trends that young lawyers should prepare for include the increasingly complex global legal frameworks due to globalization. Understanding the differences across jurisdictions and navigating international transactions are essential skills. Moreover, the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics is transforming corporate practices. Young lawyers must grasp these technologies’ implications for legal strategy and compliance.
Another significant trend is the growing emphasis on sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) laws globally. Companies are facing greater scrutiny and regulation regarding their environmental and social impacts, requiring legal advisors to integrate these considerations into corporate strategies.
In summary, young lawyers entering the legal profession today must be ready to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. They should embrace continuous learning, adaptability, and a proactive approach to stay ahead in corporate law.
Internships play a crucial role in shaping the careers of aspiring lawyers. What advice would you give to current law students seeking internships to ensure they make the most out of these opportunities and build themselves into proficient legal professionals?
Internships are essential milestones for aspiring lawyers, offering critical opportunities to gain practical experience, hone essential skills, and establish professional networks early in their careers. Based on my experience and insights, I advise current law students seeking internships to maximize their impact and readiness for a corporate legal career:
Actively pursue internships with law firms and corporate legal departments aligned with your career aspirations and areas of interest within corporate law.
Approach your internship with a proactive mindset to absorb knowledge and insights from experienced corporate lawyers. Take the initiative to understand corporate transactions, regulatory compliance, and strategic legal advice.
Cultivate meaningful relationships with mentors, senior lawyers, and peers during your internship. Networking within the corporate legal environment can provide valuable guidance and potential career opportunities.
Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality in all interactions and assignments. Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic to earn trust and respect within the organization.
Strive for excellence in every task assigned. Deliver accurate, thorough work products and demonstrate your capability to handle corporate legal matters with attention to detail and precision.
Regularly assess your performance, seek constructive feedback from supervisors, and proactively incorporate learnings to enhance your skills and knowledge base.
Internships serve as pivotal experiences for aspiring corporate lawyers to develop foundational skills, gain practical exposure to corporate legal practice, and pave the way for a successful career in corporate law.
“This is the era of technological dynamism where the web, blockchain and AI are making a lot of changes in the world. The legal field is not an exception to this and a lot of things are happening in both the legal world as well in the legal profession. So, obviously the lawyers who are the forerunners in this profession are adopting this technology induced change and they can only survive by doing that.My advice to the young generation of lawyers would be to adopt this technological change very fast. They should be the fastest runners, otherwise, they will be out of the race. Especially AI is causing a lot of job loss in the legal profession..”
– Ajmal Khan Nadakkal, Partner & Head of Corporate Khalifa Bin Huwaidan Alketbi.
Mr.Ajmal Khan Nadakkal is based in Dubai and he has more than two decades of experience with a wealth of expertise in setting up regulated and non-regulated firms all across Europe, Africa and the Far East, as well as in major cities and states in India. He has a proven track record of handling complex corporate issues, including compliance and anti money laundering policies, taxation matters, and real estate transactions to name a few.
We would like to start our journey of question answers by asking you what inspired you to pursue a career in law, and please share your story of reaching to the top.
I’m a first generation lawyer. There are no other lawyers in my family and my family circle. From my school days, I had a passion to become a lawyer. I don’t know exactly what the reasons are, but there was definitely one teacher who really influenced me and he is the person who persuaded me to become a lawyer. So from those days, I was always thinking about how to become a lawyer. Then after my pre-degree, I tried my law entrance exams and got into a law college. It was definitely not an accident. I should be honest about the fact that I came to this profession by choice.
So when this was an inspired choice and you made it with all the diligence, what prompted your decision to transition from practicing law in India, then to Dubai as well?
After college, I started my career in the local courts- District Court, Manjeri. I practiced for almost six to seven years there, in Manjeri and other Courts and then I got an opportunity to switch to an in-house legal counsel role in Bangalore. In fact, that is the reason I got to a different domain of legal field. When I took up that opportunity, I got a lot of exposure. I traveled a lot across India to handle various complex legal issues for the group, to meet regulatory authorities. Also, I traveled outside India for investment facilitations. regulatory setting ups, then also got the scope of liaison with various international law firms for handling their legal issues. This gave me a really good exposure and then I felt, international legal opportunities are bigger and I should explore more if I can get an opportunity.Luckily again I got an opportunity in the UAE. Then I took up that assignment and came to Dubai. That is how I shifted.
What difference have you seen in the kind of practice we do in India as lawyers and the kind of practice you may have seen in Dubai? And when you compare these two how do you support this transition? Let’s say if someone obviously wants to move, what kind of lookout they should have in making that transition because you have smoothly sailed this.
The Indian legal system is more traditional, which is derived from different customs and different complex laws. It took centuries to evolve that legal system. So it has its plus and minus also. We always carry that baggage of our history, even in the legal system, which causes a lot of, you know, delay in the legal proceedings and complexities. Even though now we are trying to make big changes by technology ventures and all, but still the Indian legal system is too complex and people are facing a lot of difficulties, especially the delay in the litigation, dispute resolution, then red tapism everywhere.
We cannot avoid this and that is the problem.When I switched to UAE, I realised that this system does not carry much history. It is a new law and new entities, a new legal system. It was a Sharia backed legal system, but when the international business opportunities came to UAE, the rulers were really pushing the business opportunities and trying to be the global hub. During this time, they developed the legal system and the laws also to that standard, very fast developing and, technologically advanced and which always cater the needs of the business people. They gave priority to the business people who are going to come to the UAE and invest. So accordingly they made rapid changes and that favours a person who is making strong decisions, as there is nothing to curtail that speed. This is because one person can take the decision here without being impacted by many complexities.
That is the major difference. It’s all new and transparent, moving at a very fast rate, which makes the legal dispute resolution effective. People get a quick solution to their problem when they are approaching the courts and dispute resolution authorities. This helps them to continue with their business further. In our place, sometimes it even takes decades, especially in case of family disputes. So these are major differences I could feel in the two domains. So for somebody who wants to shift from India to Dubai, my advice is that there are a lot of opportunities here, and you can cater to the world and you can feel the international legal complexities here because of the presence of almost all the nationalities, whose disputes range from personal issues to business disputes. Now because of the estate planning and foundation trust systems here,people from different parts of the world are setting up the foundation and trust here taking advantage of the easy environment,giving a lot of opportunities to new lawyers.
The only thing is they have to be very fast in upgrading themselves and follow the new developments in the legal field, especially, with the help of technology. Technological advancement is also very much required, which is something the Indian legal system is still not that advanced for which even the law colleges in India are also lagging behind in this. So these are the things they should always keep in mind when they are planning to switch to Dubai.
You have talked quite a bit about dispute resolution mechanisms as well, and you specialize in managing these disputes, especially related to commodity derivative trading, investments, forex, gold, and bullion trading as well. We would request you to elaborate a little bit about these areas and their significance in the legal field, because it is an absolute niche of the niche field and most of us are eager to understand these fields and try and see the future in it.
I was also very new to this domain when I joined the in-house team in Bangalore, but that group I was associated with was into online trading, forex, commodity derivatives, securities, and that kind of a domain. So, obviously I happened to handle a lot of that kind of complex issues, disputes, crisis management and learned about trading -forex trading ,leverage trading And futures trading. I had to learn all these things. In fact, I would say I started an account and lost some money and learned from that experience too because without practical training this is almost impossible. After a year or two I realised that I was really struggling to cope up with this environment so I decided to start an account in trade because that gave me a lot of insights, how the positions have to be taken, how the leverage trading happens, how the margins are called for. This gave me a lot of input when I switched to Dubai and started my legal career. The legal profession here really helped me because UAE is also a place of online trading, leverage trading and all people sitting here are trading across different platforms across the world and also here.
In India, though there is a clear regulation about online trading licensing and regulation which all has to happen, still people are using shortcut methods and opening up phishing companies to fraud like taking people’s money and then vanishing. Many people lose their money because they don’t know what this regulation is, they are just fantasized with this leverage trading and the opportunity to make big money swiftly.
The marketing people always give them the positive and never the negatives. So they open the account and start trading. Then in the demo, they will show some profits while in real time they will lose. They can’t even pump in for the margin calls, so obviously they will lose the money.
So many such disputes came and which came to me. So as a person who understands this domain, whenever a client comes and discusses this with me, we will get the synergy. And I have managed a lot of such disputes. In many of the issues, I managed to get back their money and in some of the cases, the accused were convicted, definitely in many of the cases, the people who vanished, we cannot do much, but still we can educate the people and also the companies who wanted to regulate and do it in a streamlined way.
They also started approaching us because of their domain knowledge. So this has become a real opportunity for me and also my team members to learn about this leverage trading and domain. Now we have started a division where we are setting up regulated entities in UAE and abroad because of this domain knowledge.
What kind of critical factors do you consider while dealing in corporate structuring and restructuring? Because they are definitely out of reach of most of us. We don’t understand that, or it is not taught in schools or colleges. Now, how do you see that platform can be built in order to make sure that these subjects reach to most of the students so that you also get a little workforce because as I can understand having that kind of the niche, you end up having very limited number of people with that understanding?So how do you see that happening anytime sooner in future?
Corporate structuring is a very important aspect of the business. Especially when somebody is starting a business, they should structure their business in a proper legal manner. What entity they should start, where is the destination they should start the business, what kind of license they should take up, and how the shareholding has to be allotted, and how the control mechanism has to be managed.All these kinds of things are very, very crucial when somebody starts a business. So, since we have a lot of this experience, we are able to advise all the entrepreneurs properly how to structure their business in the initial phase. Here, one thing, in UAE, most of the people who came here in seventies, eighties and nineties. Most of them are not very educated. They came here chasing their dreams. They faced a lot of struggles, hardships in the initial phase. They worked and then they started small businesses with whatever available corporate sector at that time was available, the legal corporate sector, then they started it like a civil company or a sole establishment and so on.
Then their business ventures grew really fast, beyond their imagination. Many of the big businesses here have all started like that and after reaching this stage of growth ,they are apprehensive about the fact that when the next generation is going to be onboarded the legal sector would not be intact and that it should be rectified as well. This is a very critical position because already the business is loaded and there is a lot of exposure . From here if they want to restructure their existing legal corporate system, this needs real advice, a proper advice with experience which only experienced persons can do because they need real time solutions.
It is in this area that we advise a lot of clients now who are passing their business to the next generations -How to structure the holding company, create foundation and trust to manage their will and wish in the subsequent generations and if the next generation is not interested in the business and a working partner is onboarded, how to sector the company in that way.
We also advise on creating an ESOP by stimulating the business through that channel.These are all things in which we really need proper advice and here liesour experience, that we gathered from the last 10 to 14 years of having real time experience in Dubai.
You started as a first generation lawyer, and now you own a company which works for all these corporate structuring, restructuring and licensing agreements. We would request you to elaborate on that as well.
I was part of a local law firm as a partner for the last 10 plus years and then recently, last year, we got a license of a legal consultancy in Abu Dhabi, which is named ABS Partners Legal Consultancy, otherwise the mainland was not allowing legal consultancy licenses. This is a recent development and we are one of the very few lawyers who got this license in our own names. In that we strategize these kinds of activities, especially this corporate structuring, estate planning, regulatory licensing, trademarks and intellectual laws, all these specific areas, especially the central bank licensing, Crypto licensing, VARA and other regulatory ESCA. So those kinds of activities we do in that legal consultancy license, which is based in Abu Dhabi.
Sir, about the ABS partners, which is doing this kind of work and you are one of the very first lawyers you have got in Dubai, the kind of transition you have seen when you were doing it in India as an Indian lawyer and when you are doing it in Dubai, when has it started? Because if I remember correctly, very recently, Dubai introduced its legal system in January this year. So would you care to elaborate on that as well, please?
In the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the major hubs. Dubai is still very strict on issuing legal consultancy licenses in the mainland to foreign lawyers. They have a regulation, but it is a bit stringent. It is not easy to get a license there, unless we have three international branches and all. But Abu Dhabi relaxed it a bit in the last year. We got a license almost a year back now. It was last year they introduced this and maybe the second or third license is issued in our name and we should have 10 plus years standing in the UAE. Since me and my partners had this eligibility criteria we applied and got it and now we are developing that to a different level, towards a niche area.
I have to cater to the niche area, which is not much explored by the other lawyers and law firms.
So while you are doing all these things, which are very much corporate centric, you must be going through a lot of mediation and conflict resolution techniques also. How do you make sure that you employ effective techniques for these and what kind of further assistance do you provide?
Because in mediation, it’s not only the end of the case, it’s like, it is just a kind of start if there is any conflict over there. So how do you cater to such clients? And there are clients who must be very, very, very big and not that approachable. How do you make sure that everything is done in the best manner possible for them?
Basically, we are business lawyers and we have a very good connection in the business world. So obviously when some issues happen, some disputes happen, they will ask us for solutions. Obviously always the first method is to try and amicably settle the dispute.
While getting into an amicable settlement area, I always try to understand the client psychology. We need to understand the client’s situation as of now. What is his financial capacity or whether he’s really in a bad shape or this dispute is derived from the ego of the business people. This kind of initial knowledge is what we need to gather, only then can we effectively mediate a dispute. When it comes ultimately, what I realized is everybody, if we can convince them properly to avoid a lengthy litigation and a time consuming process, they will always try to find a way for mediation and settlements.
Only in mediation and settlement, we should not have any agenda. We should try to resolve the matter in accordance with the requirements of both the people. So there, our expertise and experience again, we can give different options. If one option is not comfortable for the person, we can give another option.This is all by experience that we can now give different options and scenarios where we can effectively do dispute resolutions. And we have done quite a lot of such dispute resolutions as well.
Can you share any kind of case which can be very educating for learners as well. If at all you can.
Yeah. Recently, one scenario is where a local stake was involved. The locals were very adamant while the other people were the actual investors. But the local was just a sponsor, with some agreed terms. This was a big business house, and this was almost on a deadlock because both were fighting.As it came to me, I tried to understand the actual reason behind this local person’s issues and then I realized that he has a genuine cause for this as whatever the investors agreed with him initially, this was not honored.
Conveniently, the locals were not asking, not demanding, so they were not giving as well. But when they are parting from the partnership, obviously he asked for his latkes to be honoured. Then I convinced the other party, instead of losing the entire business for a small amount, honour the right because all these years, almost 20, 25 years, he did justice. It was in his name, but still he helped the investor in all ways to build the empire. So with this kind of convincing, the dispute was settled very smoothly and they are still good friends now.
I’m just a reason for it as actually there is not much difference between them. This is where sometimes a mediator is required so that the roles can be effectively played by knowing the psychology of the people. That’s it!
Sir, in all this, there is a lot of technology disruption happening even in the legal field worldwide. How do you see it is going to work out for us lawyers on national and international platforms both, as well as what kind of areas do you see are going to come up or are already there, which are bringing a different kind of practice, even in business laws or in business entities?
This is the era of technological dynamism where the web, blockchain and AI are making a lot of changes in the world. The legal field is not an exception to this and a lot of things are happening in both the legal world as well in the legal profession. So, obviously the lawyers who are the forerunners in this profession are adopting this technology induced change and they can only survive by doing that.My advice to the young generation of lawyers would be to adopt this technological change very fast. They should be the fastest runners, otherwise, they will be out of the race. AI is causing a lot of job loss in the legal profession.
But to me, as I have realized, AI is also giving a lot of opportunities to lawyers in terms of precedence search, the formats, many of the things, especially the legal research, everything is made very easy now because of the AI advancement and these kinds of things, the new lawyers should learn. They should be very fast in learning the new technologies, especially the blockchain, the web. Now, it is going to be a different era than the web. So with these technology adoptions they should do and then cope with the new trends in the law and in the technology.
Sir, how have you driven your life with these kinds of philosophies? And would you care to share some of them with us for us to get inspired as well? How have you lived your life and how have you achieved all this in your legal career?
I’m very savvy with technology, but what I do is I employ associates with good knowledge of technology and I learn from them.There is no hesitation in learning from the juniors when it comes to technology because they are my masters and there’s no ego on this. We should learn from the new generation. My son teaches me about new technology. My daughter teaches me about this. This should be our approach when we are not good in something we should learn from who is good in this.
Then about the philosophy of my career, we should be very transparent and we should not compromise our professional ethics. However, rewarding the other opportunity is there. We should not compromise our professional ethics. If we compromise, that will give you some gain, short term gain, but it will never give you a long term mileage.
Your professional advancement is possible only when you build a reputation. That is very crucial, which I always try to stick on
How do you make sure that you have your own time for your mental health, for your personal life and obviously for other activities as well?
Yes, the personal space is for my family and my small entertainments. I always kept that space, from the beginning itself. I like traveling. I like Hindi songs, then family time. I always try to find time for this. Even though my family will always complain but still, I’m always trying to find some time, especially two days in a week. I always try to give my family time.
Sir, thank you so much for such positive thoughts and sharing it with us. And it has been a learning experience that there are certain niche fields which our learners can look up to and can reach out to you as well.
And once again, thank you for agreeing to be on SuperLawyer YouTube channel. And it has been a pleasure, sir. Thank you so much for being here. Absolute pleasure
Can you walk us through your decision to study law? What inspired you to pursue a career in the legal field, and how did your time at Campus Law Center, University of Delhi, shape your outlook on the profession? What were some of the initial challenges you faced in launching your career, and how did you overcome them?
Like many others, I too was uncertain about my career path, so I explored various fields. I had a background in science from school and pursued a Commerce degree in college. It was during this time that I discovered law, which sparked a deep interest in me.
My time at the Campus Law Center, University of Delhi, played a pivotal role in shaping my outlook on the legal profession. The dynamic environment, enriched by diverse peers, inspiring mentors, and numerous opportunities, fuelled my enthusiasm. The rigorous academic curriculum, combined with practical experiences, provided me with invaluable insights into the complexities of legal practice.
Challenges that I Initially faced were transitioning from academia to professional practice, adapting to the practical demands of legal work, such as client interactions, case management, and navigating the intricacies of the legal system, which required a steep learning curve. However, I overcame these challenges through perseverance, continuous learning, and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues and mentors.
In your experience, what are the most common misconceptions people have about arbitration, and how would you clarify them?
Some common misconceptions about arbitration include that it is always faster and cheaper than litigation, that the arbitral awards are final and binding and hence cannot be appealed. Actually, arbitration can be more efficient, but not always. Although there are limited grounds for appealing a decision of the arbitrators, they can be set aside.
A common misconception that I often come across doubts the integrity of the arbitrators. I have always sought to reassure the clients that arbitrators are bound by strict ethical standards and the selection processes as provided in law ensures impartiality.
What inspired you to co-found SAMAGRA LAW, and what unique value do you believe your firm brings to clients?
While working at established firms has its merits, there’s a certain spark that comes with building something new. Perhaps that was my inspiration for Samagra Law to co-found a more dynamic and collaborative legal environment. A place where clients aren’t just cases, but partners in achieving their goals.
Our team structure prioritizes a well-rounded approach. Senior partners with extensive experience bring a wealth of knowledge and strategic thinking. This, combined with a team of enthusiastic associates, fosters a blend of expertise and fresh perspectives.
Outside of your professional life, what hobbies or interests do you pursue to maintain a balance? How do they contribute to your work-life balance?
Balancing the demands of my legal career with personal interests can be quite challenging. Beyond my professional commitments, I prioritize reading and cherish quality time with my family, especially as a dedicated father and son to my aging parents and with childhood friends. While these roles occupy a substantial portion of my time, I also make sure to carve out time for reading, swimming and exercise.
As someone who handles technically complex cases, what strategies do you employ to communicate effectively with clients who might not have a legal background?
When dealing with technically complex cases, effective communication with clients who lack a legal background is essential. To ensure that clients understand the complexities of their cases without feeling overwhelmed, I make a conscious effort to use plain language instead of legal jargon. I break down complex legal concepts into clear and simple explanations and use relatable analogies or real-life examples to illustrate key points. Additionally, I actively listen to my clients to understand their concerns and questions, enabling me to tailor my explanations to their specific needs. I encourage clients to ask questions throughout our discussions to create an open dialogue where they feel comfortable seeking clarification on any aspect of their case. Regular updates on the progress of their case are provided in straightforward language to keep clients informed and reassured about the status and next steps. I approach each client interaction with empathy and patience, creating a supportive environment where clients feel empowered and informed. Managing expectations and providing realistic insights about case outcomes and the legal process helps foster trust and reduce anxiety. By implementing these strategies, my goal is to ensure that clients with limited legal knowledge feel informed, supported, and confident in their understanding of their cases and the legal strategies being pursued on their behalf.
How do you envision the role of technology shaping the future of legal proceedings?
Over the next few years, technology is poised to take legal proceedings to a whole different level. In my view, artificial intelligence will be vastly applied in legal research and review, which will really speed up the preparation stage of a case and involve reduced costs associated with case preparation. Virtual hearings—the creation of necessity throughout pandemics—will have become much more common, bringing improved accessibility and efficiency. Video conferencing and data analytics are going to further revolutionize courtrooms and litigation strategies. Blockchain technology could provide frontiers in smart contracts and secure document storage. We do, however, have to be very conscious of the challenges that are to be contended with, such as access to technology by all and efficient security and confidentiality processes in the legal proceedings.
Reflecting on your early days in the legal profession, do you remember the first time you fought a case? Could you share with us some anecdotes or memorable moments that occurred in the courtroom during that experience?
Yes, I do remember the first case that I fought in court. It was a civil suit filed by a vendor against my client, an automobile manufacturing company before the Agra district court.
An interesting anecdote, I used to be very curious every time I went to that court because the tablecloth on the judge’s table, which was white in color but the portion falling on the side where the lawyers used to stand and argue was varying shades of red. I couldn’t help but ask the court master about this and was most amused to hear from him that some of the local lawyers used to wipe their tobacco chewing mouths while making submissions before the court.
My opposite counsel was a veteran lawyer of the district court. He was somehow deeply impressed by my dedication to reach the court early in the morning on each date of hearing from Delhi as well as my research skills – citing relevant judgements before the court. I finally succeeded in getting the suit dismissed for lack of cause of action. I was pleasantly surprised when he congratulated me and wished me success in my career. Later, he recommended me to some of his colleagues for their cases before the NCDRC, which was really a sweet gesture from him.
With your background in aviation law and dispute resolution, how do you see the landscape evolving in the next decade, particularly in India?
In the first place, I hope to see specialized tribunals in India at the national level, such as the HCAA in Europe, to deal with aviation-related disputes, therefore providing a forum possessing the necessary expertise in handling complex aviation cases.
Arbitration is set to play an increasingly prominent role in resolving aviation disputes. It is uniquely suited to the aviation sector because it is fast, confidential, and expert-driven. We may see an increase in institutional rather than ad hoc arbitration to obtain greater consistency in results and to build up a jurisprudence of sorts.
There is also a growing requirement for more global legislation and arbitration within aviation. Environmental considerations can easily be envisioned to feature largely in aviation law in the future. We are going to witness more sustainability- and reducing-emissions-centered rules and disputes in the near future.
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to succeed in the legal field, especially in areas like litigation and arbitration?
What I’d like to tell young professionals who want to excel at litigation and arbitration would be:
Develop a habit of continuous learning. Laws and regulations are constantly evolving, especially where the field is so dynamic.
Specialize in a niche area within litigation & arbitration, as that will further enhance career prospects by showcasing your expertise and differentiation.
Establish a professional network. These are the relationships that will sustain you during your career with colleagues, mentors, and even opposing counsel.
Uphold high standards of integrity and ethics. Your character is your most valuable asset in the legal profession.
In your role representing government regulatory agencies and advising aerospace companies on offset contracts and technology transfer, Please share with us what unique insights have you gained about the intersection of legal frameworks and the rapidly evolving aerospace industry?
In my previous role, the interface with government regulatory agencies and aerospace companies provided me a vantage view of just how complex the intersection of legal frameworks and an evolving aerospace industry really is. This sector is controlled by a multi-faceted regulatory environment involving agencies like DGCA to AERA, coupled with multiple acts and policies. Consolidation is turning into a trend across global supply chains, driven by digitization and environmental factors. Such consolidation is producing new legal challenges and opportunities, especially within M&A activity, where due diligence is an increasingly important function.
Nishant, amidst your diverse legal expertise, is there a particular area of law that you’re especially passionate about or that resonates with you on a personal level? If so, could you share why it holds such significance for you?
I was introduced to arbitration in 2002 or 2003 and since then my passion for the same has only increased. In subsequent years, I was fortunate enough to be part of domestic and international arbitrations, ad hoc & and institutional arbitrations where I represented foreign clients and sometimes the PSUs. I got to work with some of the finest arbitrators and arbitration expert lawyers. Not only that, it also gave me an opportunity to interact with engineers, IT experts, financial analysts and the valuable takeaways helped me in my future cases.
The reason that I like arbitration is that it not only involves months of hard work but also the strategy behind the constitution of the tribunal and the structuring of the claim statement or the statement of defense. Conducting cross examination of the opposition witness has always been an enjoyable experience.
Besides that, it is an extremely dynamic field where law is constantly evolving, be it by the legislature or the courts. There were also instances where we could not find helpful judicial precedents under the Indian law and therefore had to look at English and other jurisdictions. So, to be constantly updated on various aspects of arbitration is an intellectual challenge that constantly drives me to learn and improve.
Can you please introduce yourself to our readers? As a third-generation lawyer, how has your family legacy influenced your approach to the legal profession and your career choices? How did those early conversations about legal matters shape your understanding of the profession and its nuances?
I am a third-generation lawyer, born in 1979 in New Delhi, and I recently completed twenty years of law practice. I completed my schooling at Hansraj Model School, New Delhi, in 1997, and thereafter had the privilege of attending Ramjas College, Delhi University, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, B.Com (Hons), in 2000.
While graduating, I considered various career options, including MBA and Chartered Accountancy. During this process, I discovered my acumen and passion for law and decided to pursue my LL. B degree from the Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, which I completed in 2003.
Additionally, I hold a postgraduate diploma in IPR Laws from the Indian Law Institute. I joined the bar in 2003 and began practicing at the High Court of Delhi in New Delhi, joining the family practice, which has now spanned more than 60 years. The practice was started by my grandfather, Mr. O.P. Dutta, and later joined by my father, Mr. Vinod Datta. My late mother, Dr. Savita Datta, was initially a lecturer who taught astrophysics, among other subjects, and went on to become the Principal of two colleges: Deshbandhu College and later Maitreyi College. She was my biggest source of inspiration and was appointed Director of the School of Open Learning, University of Delhi.
My specialization lies in litigation and arbitration, with a particular focus on cases on the Original Side of the High Court of Delhi as well as in the newly introduced genre of commercial suits.
I currently run two firms, each focusing on different practice areas within the wide genre of commercial laws, primarily before the Supreme Court of India, the High Court of Delhi, the National Company Law Tribunal, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, and other tribunals and commissions.
After completing my law degree, although joining my family’s law practice was a readily available option, I chose to join an outside office to broaden my horizons. During this time, I had the opportunity to intern with a leading law practitioner of the High Court of Delhi. After spending two years in this office and learning the ropes, I joined my family’s law practice, working alongside my father and later my wife, Ruchita. Speaking of the family practice, it began with my grandfather, the late Mr. O.P. Dutta, who moved to India from what is now Pakistan. At the time of Partition, he had a family (wife and children) and was working in a job. While working, he began studying law, completed his degree, and commenced his legal career in the 1960s. My grandfather was primarily a criminal law practitioner, and a successful one at that. My father, the late Mr. Vinod Datta, enjoyed a blend of High Court cases (civil and public law) in addition to trial court-level practice of both civil and criminal cases.
One of the biggest benefits of growing up in a family of lawyers is that you get to hear your elders talk shop in your younger days. Client handling, in terms of managing expectations and making full disclosures about cases, goes a long way in retaining long-term clients and maintaining fruitful and healthy professional relationships with them. However, the most important aspect of practicing law is to communicate well with clients. Client satisfaction, especially in the legal profession, is directly linked to managing client expectations and maintaining attorney-client communication. Making lofty and unfounded claims that are unlikely to be delivered will lead to a breach in the professional relationship with the client. Thus far, I have been able to fulfill my clients’ expectations and deliver the desired outcomes in almost all of my cases. Therefore, working in accordance with and within these parameters is what makes me stand out from the crowd.
What inspired you to specialize in litigation and arbitration, particularly focusing on commercial law?
To understand one’s inclination towards litigation in general, and commercial litigation and arbitration in particular, it is essential to appreciate what lies at its core: strategy. One must grasp the complexity of layers in intricate commercial disputes and formulate appropriate strategies and courses of action aligned with the desired outcomes, which may range from protecting intellectual property rights and preserving properties to handling purely ego-driven battles among rivals. It’s the thrill of the hunt. The early exposure to such discussions at home with my father, and the excitement he experienced in technical and complicated matters (which also came with bragging rights), made the lure of commercial law practice irresistible, and my professional journey has never been monotonous. There is another underlying reason that draws a person towards commercial law practice: with higher stakes and risks come better compensation for the counsel. This specialty, in addition to being the most exciting for me, also pays rather well.
You’ve emphasized the importance of adopting technology in legal practice. How do you see technology shaping the future of law, and what role does it play in your firm’s operations?
I believe in constantly innovating and adapting to the changing needs of the legal landscape. One of the key ways I have adopted an innovative approach is by embracing technology in my practice.
From the early days of my practice, I have digitized my office, making us more efficient and effective in our work by adopting use of applications such as Manupatra, SCC online, Live Law, Bar & Bench and Provakil. I have taken my offices’ legal research capabilities and automation to the next level, we also subscribed to various websites which assist in AI based document drafting. This means we can quickly and easily access documents and information, reducing the time and effort required to complete tasks. I have always been ahead of my peers in adopting the latest technology and software for legal research and dictation in my office. This has helped us stay ahead of the curve and deliver superior service to our clients.
Another way we have been innovative is by leveraging technology to stay connected with our clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we were able to continue serving our clients without interruption by transitioning to virtual consultations and meetings, executing all our work from home using just our laptops.
This ensured the safety of our clients and staff alike while providing even greater flexibility and accessibility to our clients.
Given your commitment to providing pro bono and legal aid services, can you share a rewarding experience where your legal expertise made a significant difference in someone’s life?
We understand the importance of giving back to the community, and we handle pro bono cases for clients who cannot afford to pay for legal services. We take pride in helping those who need legal assistance the most.
Our commitment to providing fast, efficient, and effective legal solutions, mentoring young lawyers, and giving back to the community has made a positive impact on the industry. We will continue to strive for excellence and provide the best possible service to our clients.
For young students aspiring to excel in litigation, what actionable steps or practices would you recommend they adopt to distinguish themselves and thrive in the competitive legal landscape?
The first and most important aspect that young students must understand is that excelling in litigation takes time and tremendous effort. The usual speech that law students get to hear about the three Ps (Patience, Perseverance and Persistence) is spot on. There has to be constant endeavour not only to outdo yourself more than your peers. One thing I picked up on early in my career was that stagnation is the enemy of growth and this encouraged me to handle and pursue litigation in various industries and sectors instead of limiting myself early on in my career to one forum or speciality. Today’s litigation landscape is constantly evolving at a rapid pace, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of being well-acquainted with technological advancements in the legal sphere and the need to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. Consequently, young lawyers must divert their time and energy to pursuing online and certification courses on diverse topics especially in the first ten years of their career.
Beyond your legal career, you’ve mentioned your mother’s influence and her achievements in academia. How has her legacy impacted your personal values and approach to life?
My mother was perhaps the hardest-working person I have ever known. Two important values that I learned from her are the importance of hard work and maintaining one’s integrity. Both are crucial in assessing one’s self-worth. In simple terms, being able to look at yourself in the mirror and feel confident and proud only comes from these virtues.
Could you please introduce yourself to our readers and share your journey from your early days in law to becoming an advocate-on-record at the Supreme Court of India? We’d love to hear about the pivotal moments, challenges, and inspirations that have shaped your remarkable career trajectory.
After graduating from Symbiosis Law School, Pune in 2009 I joined the Legal (Tax and Regulatory) Department of PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) where I had a short stint of about a year. My work at PwC mainly included doing due-diligences for various organizations and businesses, opening on labour law and employment law queries from pan-india PwC locations. While my time at PwC gave me a lot of exposure to the regulatory side of work, from the point of view of Indian as well as international clients, I felt that I wasn’t being challenged as much – mentally as well as academically. I started speaking to my law school batchmates who were pursuing litigation and that’s when it became clear that I was missing out on the real deal. Even though the economy was in a recession in the year 2009, I did the unthinkable and put in my papers at PwC and joined Parekh & Company, which is a full-service litigation firm. To be honest, it was very difficult to take a 50% pay-cut and say goodbye to the 9 to 5 job where I had the weekends all to myself. Looking back, it was the best decision ever. Upon joining litigation, I realized that there is no concept of weekends and no fixed timings. Juniors were expected to carry work home and make sure the filings were done in time, seniors were briefed well in advance and the clients got the reliefs they wanted. There were moments where I felt I’d bitten off more than I can chew but I just kept at it and before I knew it, I fell in love with the entire process. At Parekh & Co, I was under the guidance of my “first boss” as I call him to this very day – Mr. Sameer Parekh. At Parekh & Co., I had the privilege of working on matters being argued by some of the most distinguished legal luminaries like Mr. Harish Salve, (Late ) Mr. Ashok Desai, (Late) Mr. Ram Jethmalani, Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, (Late) Mr. Goolam Vahanvati, (Late) Mr. T R Andhyarjuna, Mr. Rohinton Nariman, K K Venugopal, Justice P S Narsimha, (Retd.) Justice U. U Lalit to name a few. After working in Parekh & Co. for about three years, I had a short stint at TMT Law Practice which is a technology, media and telecommunications law firm where I had the opportunity to represent clients across the entire spectrum of the media and entertainment industry, including television, films, radio, music, print and publications. Thereafter, I got married to my batchmate from law college – Diggaj Pathak, who was also pursuing litigation full time. Since we had put in about five years into the profession and got a fairly decent amount of work to pull us through, we decided that it was time now to take the plunge and go independent. That was truly the best decision of our lives. Now we were two like-minded individuals ready to take our love affair with litigation to the next level. People say it is difficult to work with one’s spouse and that one mustn’t mix business with pleasure but that has been far from the truth for us and we have had such a successful partnership where both of us have immensely contributed to each other’s growth in this profession. After spending 7 years in litigation, we became eligible to take the Advocate – on – Record examination and cleared it in the first attempt. There was really no looking back after that.
You have an impressive portfolio of legal representation spanning various tribunals and courts. Could you share a memorable experience from your early days in the legal profession that shaped your career trajectory?
Due to the work ethic I was exposed to at Parekh & Co., I learnt that one must never say no to any kind of work and that litigation encompasses more than just the Supreme Court or the High Court. There are so many tribunals and quasi-judicial bodies in Delhi like National Green Tribunal, Ministry of Mines, Central Information Commissions, National Consumer Fourm, Employees Provident Fund Appellate Tribunal, Debt Recovery Tribunal, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, Armed Forces Tribunal, Appellate Authority for Revenue cases etc. So there is really no dearth of work. There were times when I wasn’t sure if I could do justice to a matter but I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by such encouraging seniors and mentors who provided me with the necessary push so that I could give my 100% to the cases in question. I had the opportunity to appear very frequently before the Telecommunications Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) when Justice Aftab Alam (Retd.) was the Chairman. Justice Alam was extremely encouraging of women practitioners and would often appoint me as Advocate Commissioner in matters which really helped me build my confidence. Similarly, Justice Shiva Kirti Singh (Retd.) also appointed me as Local Commissioner in several cases for which I had to travel outstation and that again really helped me understand the telecommunications and broadcasting sector from close quarters. Apart from TDSAT, I had the privilege of working with Mr. Krishnendu Datta, Senior Advocate on various company matters before the NCLT. I was greatly inspired by Mr. Datta’s work ethic and the way he completely immerses himself into cases really had an impact on me. I also love to brief Mr. Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Senior Advocate for my Supreme Court matters from whom I get to learn so much. He is truly an exceptional individual. Then I had the good fortune of working with Mr. Meet Malhotra, Senior Advocate on several telecommunications and broadcasting matters. Words cannot describe how much Meet Sir helped me in building my practice in the energy sector. His trust and faith in my work has helped me immensely. I am deeply indebted to these individuals.
With your extensive involvement in telecommunications and energy sectors, what sparked your interest in these particular areas of law?
To be honest I never imagined that I would be practicing so extensively in these sectors but that’s the beauty of being a first-generation litigating lawyer – you never know what you’re going to get and sure enough you never say no to any kind of work! Having said that, I had the opportunity to work in the telecommunications sector early on because my partner was already handling the work in that area for a few clients. So, when we started working together, I had to naturally shoulder the responsibilities with him. Some of the cases before TDSAT were extremely high-stakes and in those matters we would brief Mr. Meet Malhotra, Senior Advocate from whom we got to learn so much. As far as work in the energy sector is concerned, I owe most of what I know in this field to Mr. Buddy Ranganadhan. Buddy Sir is an outstanding lawyer and briefing him is such an enriching experience, every single time.
Balancing a career in law with personal interests is crucial for holistic well-being. Could you share some of your hobbies or interests outside of the legal realm that help you maintain a sense of balance?
To be very frank, it is super hard to maintain a work – life balance being a litigating lawyer and even more so if you’re a female litigating lawyer. And if you are a mother, then you need multi-tasking skills of a different level. Even if you ace this time management, be prepared to pay the ‘motherhood penalty’. Yes, the legal profession is not immune to it. Every day of the week, we are in court and the evenings are spent lamenting on the cases listed for the next day. Sometimes, you’re in multiple courts on a single day and your meal-timings go for a toss. Then Saturdays are for the district court cases and Sundays are for drafting assignments, conferences with senior advocates and client meetings. One has to also take out time for social and professional commitments. In all this chaos, it is very easy to actually lose sight of your own health and the health of your loved ones. So, keeping fit – mentally as well as physically – is of utmost importance. I try to be active and take out time to take my toddler out to the park and ensure that I take at least 4 vacations a year. I carry work with me on those vacations too, much to my partner’s dislike, but that’s another story. I also enjoy judging moots and have had the privilege of judging some moot court competitions like the FDI International Arbitration Moot, the KTS Tulsi Mock Trial Competition etc. I also love to interact with young law students, especially first-generation lawyers who are sometimes overwhelmed by litigation practice and have had the privilege of speaking at the Delhi Faculty of Law on the topic of Career as an Advocate-on-Record. I also try to give my services to those who cannot afford it and have done a few pro-bono matters. The appreciation I receive from my pro-bono clients is really immeasurable.
Starting a legal career can be daunting for many young aspirants. What advice would you offer to the current generation of law students and aspiring lawyers looking to make their mark in the legal profession?
There are a couple of things that one must mentally prepare before joining the legal field. Firstly, always and I mean always remain an “eager beaver”. Everyone will see it – Judges, clients, seniors as well as colleagues – it will help you generate new work. Secondly, never say no to any case even if it is small research – you will learn so much from it and that knowledge is to be treasured. Thirdly, be prepared to sometimes miss out on important personal events like weddings, funerals, birthdays etc. as you may have a deadline or the limitation would be expiring in a particular case. If you have taken up some assignment or matter, you cannot leave it halfway no matter what. Having said that, it is also incumbent upon you to then make it up to that family or friend who’s function you missed. Fourthly, there will be times when you may be reprimanded at – by the Judge or your senior. Do not take it to heart, listen to what they are saying as they have experience which you don’t and experience must be respected at all costs. Fifthly, be kind to your support staff – court clerks, driver, office boy, nanny, cook etc. You will be most effective if you have a strong team backing you up. Sixthly, be grounded and grateful. It is easy to lose sight of where you started from when you’re making a lot of money but one must never take any matter – big or small, for granted. Lastly, be fair to your opposite counsel. There is life outside court also. We are a small fraternity and people talk. Not all cases you get would be very high stakes, but be determined to prove yourself. Slowly but surely, the work will start pouring in from all quarters.
Being a female practitioner in a male dominated profession do you have any specific advice for women who are keen to join litigation?
Let’s face it, the ratio of women-to-men in the legal profession is abysmally low. But the demographics are changing over the past few decades. While it is true that the legal profession demands long hours and constant availability, I want to tell these women who want to join litigation that the fruits of the hard work you will put in will be immense. If you are a working mother, and this holds true for any field, you will be perceived as less committed to your career because it is assumed that you choose to work only because you have financial needs to fulfil. Employers are wary of hiring mothers as it is thought that since they have familial responsibilities, they will be less dedicated to their roles. But this notion is completely wrong, and, if at all, only applies to a very small percentage of working women. We can be as passionate, as driven and as ambitious as our male counterparts. We are currently blessed to have Justice D Y Chandrachud as our CJI who is a staunch supporter of increased participation of women in the legal profession. He values inclusivity of women lawyers and makes a mention of it not just in open court but also at every public platform he speaks at. He was very pleased to see a dramatic increase in the number of women appearing virtually before the courts during and post-covid as it provided them the comfort of appearing from the safety of their homes. In 2024, a committee headed by our CJI designated the highest number of female senior advocates that have ever been designated by the Supreme Court in its entire history since 1966. Just imagine, 12 in 75 years and 11 in just one year! Justice Chandrachud has also encouraged more and more women to come forward, contest elections and hold positions of responsibility in the bar associations and the bar councils. He has further advocated for institutional support (like creches in courts) to ensure more and more female lawyers are inducted and retained in the profession. This augurs really well for us women practitioners. We should take full advantage of this changed scenario. In the coming times, I’m sure there will be more designations and more elevations. Personally speaking, I feel so inspired looking at the women senior advocates practicing today. Few senior advocates whom I have briefed and who had a great impact on me include Mrs. V Mohana, Mrs. Madhavi Divan and Mrs. Haripriya Padmanabhan. I hope to one day have the opportunity of working with (Retd) Justice Indu Malhotra, Mrs. Indira Jaisingh and Mrs. Aishwarya Bhati as well, all of whom are outstanding lawyers. So, my advice to young women aspiring to join litigation would be to perform decently at law school, write legal articles, if possible, take your internships very seriously and once you start a career in litigation, just stick with the grind. The results are inevitable.
As an advocate-on-record and panel counsel for esteemed organizations like TRAI, WBSETCL, Eastern Coalfields Limited and Central Coalfields Limited, what strategies do you employ to effectively represent your clients’ interests while upholding your own ethical standards?
Preparation is key obviously. Secondly, I inform the client of all the eventualities because anything can happen in court so one has to be prepared in advance. If the client has been slightly in the wrong, and is informed in advance of the probable reaction from the court, then it can give suitable instructions to his lawyer about the extent of the concession the lawyer can make on its behalf. Thirdly, if there is a senior counsel being briefed in the matter then he/she has to see how invested you are in the case. It makes it all the more interesting for them. Since some of the matters for these clients are very high stakes, I always get instructions in writing to avoid any miscommunication later on.
Your educational journey includes international exposure during your schooling in the United States. How do you think such cross-cultural experiences contribute to a lawyer’s ability to navigate diverse legal scenarios?
I studied in California for about three years and it was such an enriching experience. Since my father was in a transferable job, I changed almost eleven schools and had the opportunity to stay in many different parts of India too. This gave me so much exposure as I had to get used to adapting to a new place every few years. That helped me tremendously. The legal professional is so multi-faceted. You may be able to impress your client with your legal knowledge but if you’re not able to smooth talk your way in a Bihari or a UP accent with the Court Master or the Alhmad to get a certified copy or a shorter date then what is the point of all the fancy education that you have had?
Becoming an Advocate-on-Record involves rigorous training and examination. What motivated you to pursue this prestigious designation, and how has achieving it impacted your legal career and approach to advocacy?
So, it is very important to understand that one doesn’t magically start getting Supreme Court briefs simply because one has cleared the Advocate-on-Record examination. In order for a steady stream of Supreme Court cases to come your way, you have to have what we refer to as a “parent high court” where the advocates from that particular high court keep sending you matters regularly to be filed in the Supreme Court. But the fact of the matter is that many first-generation advocates like myself do not have any such contacts with any high court so the cases initially will be far and few. One has only to ensure that they give their 100 percent to those cases. Soon enough, your client, your colleagues, your seniors will spread the word which will certainly translate into more matters. Having said that, choosing to practice exclusively in the Supreme Court is a completely personal choice and if that is the path you have chosen as a first-generation lawyer then you must keep reaching out to the lawyers practicing at various High Courts to generate Supreme Court work. But I speak for myself, I consciously did not want to restrict myself to practicing only in one court. I took the exam because I wanted to have this added qualification so that in the event a situation arises where I’m required to approach the highest court of the land, I should be able to do so myself without asking anyone else to be my AoR. I was also able to generate supreme court work by practicing in various forums like the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, TDSAT, National Green Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity etc.
You’ve been associated with the law office of DPSS, which holds a prominent position in the legal landscape. Could you share some insights into the working of your firm?
The Law Offices of DPSS was founded by my husband (Diggaj Pathak) and I about ten years ago. Diggaj was my batchmate at law school and we started out with just a handful of matters. We are soon going to complete 1000 files together. Though we have grown since our founding, we are the same agency at heart. We approach each of our clients with fresh eyes to offer them customized and unique strategies. We are result oriented, in as much as we try and get speedy relief for our clients instead of keeping them embroiled in litigation which can sometimes last for several years in our judicial system. If the circumstances permit, then we actively try to mediate and settle the cases for our clients which can sometimes get better and faster results than adversarial litigation. We feel we owe this to our clients and to our judicial system. Ultimately, as lawyers we must not burden our courts unnecessarily and if there is a way to sit across the table and negotiate terms of a settlement then we always explore that option.
Can you tell us what initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in law, and how that interest developed during your time at The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences?
I belong to a family of lawyers. I was fascinated by this profession from childhood. I was hugely inspired by watching my father practice as a lawyer. He is still a huge inspiration for me. So, from my very childhood, the legal profession was the only thing in my mind as a profession. When I was in class 12, I saw in the newspaper that Professor Menon would set up WBNUJS at Kolkata. I was fortunate enough to sit for the entrance examination and got through. Five years at WBNUJS were the best five years of my life. These are the formative years for any individual. WBNUJS has given me exposure to diverse fields of law and much beyond. My love for law in general grew further in WBNUJS. I got to interact with professors and other students, who played a huge role in my growth and development as a lawyer. WBNUJS taught us the importance of learning basic skills not only in law but also in life.
With 19 years of experience in the legal field, you’ve specialized in areas such as dispute resolution, real estate, and corporate advisory. What aspects of these practice areas do you find most fulfilling, and why?
Each practice area has its own charm. Since litigation was always my first choice, I am a little bit biased towards dispute resolution. I have gained experience in diverse areas of law due to my interest in studying different laws and use them to solve problems faced by the client. While in real estate and corporate advisory, you are generally restricted to certain aspects / branches of law, in case of dispute resolution, depending on the nature of disputes, one has to deal with diverse laws. Sometimes, we have to study legal provisions which were unknown to us and do research on such laws to prepare an argument for the client. I think the opportunity to learn laws, interpret them and use them to give relief to the client makes dispute resolution the most fulfilling for me. When our hard work in dispute resolution helps our client get the desired relief from the Court, it gives you a sense of satisfaction.
Your practice spans multiple industry sectors, including FMCG, construction, healthcare, and education. How has working across these diverse sectors shaped your approach to legal challenges?
I love and enjoy learning diverse laws. While dealing with these sectors, I not only learn the laws applicable to these industry sectors but also I have to understand their businesses. Diverse experience in multiple industries and multiple practice areas have helped me acquire diverse skills which, in the era of specialization, give me an advantage in dealing with a client, who may face different legal issues. Working across these diverse sectors have brought me a wider range of perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, which have enabled me to advise my client on diverse issues in a holistic manner.
One of your key strengths is effective knowledge management within your team. Can you elaborate on the strategies you use to keep your team updated with changing legal frameworks and ensure they are well-prepared for complex cases?
I believe that we lawyers remain students of law throughout our life. We keep on learning. We learn from seniors, colleagues, juniors and clients. Once we stop learning, that will be the end of our profession. Thus, constant learning and sharing of knowledge within the team are very important aspects. We, as a law firm, encourage everyone to be updated with changing legal frameworks and share such updates within the team. In addition to usage of e-mails or WhatsApp, we encourage everyone to discuss with each other new updates – new laws, rules, notifications, judgments, amendments etc. during office hours. Such discussions help everyone gain diverse perspectives of law rather than having his own interpretation only. This helps them to apply the law in diverse cases they handle.
You have represented schools in West Bengal in matters related to fees charged during COVID-19 and appeared before both the High Court at Calcutta and the Supreme Court of India. How do you approach such sensitive and high-profile cases to ensure the best outcomes for your clients?
The education sector is very important in nation building, and was severely impacted by Covid. Physical classes had to be stopped and some of the parents suffered financially. On one hand, the schools have a right to carry out their activities – which are dependent on the fees to be collected from the parents and utilizing the same for educating the students and taking care of its teachers, officers, non-teaching staff and other stakeholders. On the other hand, we have to exercise the rights of the student to get an education. There has to be balance between these two interests, which in fact are not conflicting. The schools we represented adapted very quickly and shifted to online classes for the benefit of the students. Considering the hardships faced by some of the parents, the schools had taken the decision to provide various concessions to the students who needed such concessions. We did not approach the litigation in a generic adversarial mode. We understood that given the situation, the judges would have been sympathetic to the interest of the students, because the future of the students was to be considered. Thus, our approach was to ensure that the Courts also understood the rights of the school authorities – the importance of continuation of fees so that interest of teachers, administrative staff, other staff, contractors and all other stakeholders were also protected and it was important for the students themselves that the schools should survive and be able to continue to provide education to its students. Of course, there was some financial losses to the schools initially, but the schools survived Covid and continue to provide education to its students while protecting the interest of the students, teachers and all other stakeholders.
You have also been involved in significant corporate transactions, such as private equity investments and business transfers. What are the most critical factors to consider during such transactions to safeguard your clients’ interests?
Each private equity investment and business transfer is unique in its character. It is very important to understand the business part of the transaction, you can only use your legal expertise in a particular transaction if you understand the business part of it. Due diligence plays an important role in private equity investment and business transfer. If you are on a buyer side / investor side, then identifying the legal risk in the proposed transaction is very critical to safeguard your clients’ interest. You need to explain the risk to your client and advise your client regarding various ways to mitigate the risk – through changing the structure of the deal, through execution of additional documents or through incorporating appropriate clauses in the documents. It is important for the client to make an informed decision. Our job is to identify the risk and advise the client on mitigating the risk; However, sometimes, the client has to take a business call. Legal expertise should be used as a business enabler and not as a deal breaker.
Lastly, what advice would you give to fresh law graduates who are just starting their careers and hoping to make a significant impact in the legal profession?
Every individual is different and each of them must find their own way to make a significant impact in the legal profession. What may have worked for somebody need not work for all. A fresher must find a right path himself which suits him. Of course he may learn from other professionals / seniors, but such learning has to be suitable for him. However, the basic template to have reasonable success in the legal profession is the same as in any other profession. It is hard work, discipline, dedication and finding the right balance. You should keep on learning and have faith in your ability. You should be passionate about what you do, spend time learning the craft and use your knowledge to solve problems for your client. You will definitely get an opportunity in this profession, you have to be ready for such opportunity and if you are prepared to take advantage of such opportunity with your hard work, you will be able to make an impact in the profession.
Your journey in the legal profession has been remarkable, from your early days to founding Aura & Co. Could you please allow us to walk through your journey and share how you came to this profession and what challenges you faced during your initial days?
Walking into the initial days of my legal career drives me a little nostalgic. However, in response to your question, I initially earned my Bachelor of Science (Honors) degree from B.S.A. Degree College and K R Degree College affiliated with the University of Agra in 1996, followed by a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the Agra University in 1999. Hence, technically my career as a legal professional commenced/ began in the early 2000s. I was admitted as an Advocate to the Bar Council of Delhi in 2000, and by 2003, I was enrolled as an Advocate with the Supreme Court of India. Since the early days of my practice, I started gaining immense recognition for my expertise in handling complex legal issues. As challenges are concerned, like every practicing advocate, I also faced some minute challenges but my dedication and devotion towards the legal profession, and the immense support of my family members gave me a drive to work hard every day and led me towards the path of becoming a successful advocate.
As the Managing Partner of Aura & Co., you’ve managed to build a comprehensive legal service covering various aspects of law. What inspired you to establish such a diverse legal platform?
From the very inception of my career, I had an aim to provide my expertise in the legal field in various dimensions to society. The only vision that I have been carrying is to provide unprejudiced, unbiased, and unsurpassed legal services to my clients in the relevant legal domain. In response to your question the vision behind establishing the firm is that the firm must be chosen for the clients and take that relationship forward by making ourselves deserving enough to be their business advisers and not just legal service providers. Moreover, it is my ideology that the management of the firm should make sure the echelon and efficient functioning of the firm while providing opportunities and avenues for its members to grow and learn. The main aim to establish the firm was to encourage leadership development and transparency between management and its associates.
Further, the establishment of the firm aims at the Firm to work with clients engaging with legal teams and the wider business to help them in achieving the right commercial outcome. As a result, the Firm aims to support the client’s technology, outsourcing, corporate and commercial needs. The structuring of the firm is intentionally coupled with effective, timely, and practical solutions the factors that are predominant in choosing the firm by the clients. The vision of the Managing Partner follows the vision the firm that is vision is to provide continued excellent and practical timely solutions to the clients.
Your tenure as Additional Advocate General for the Government of Rajasthan must have provided unique insights. Could you please share some details of this role and the commitments that come with this? How did this experience influence your approach to legal advocacy?
It is an opportunity for me to be appointed as Additional Advocate General for the Government of Rajasthan and represent the State of Rajasthan before the Supreme Court of India. It is a matter of immense pride that I have got such an opportunity. Being on this post for the past 3 months, I have experienced a veracity of legal arenas and the enlarged scope of working of the State of Rajasthan.
Given your extensive background in both civil and criminal law and your involvement in law-making and policy advising at high levels, how do you navigate the complexities of cases that involve overlapping legal areas, and how do you envision the role of legal professionals in shaping public policy?
Like every legal practitioner, it is my role to navigate the complexities of the cases. As a matter of fact, there is a plethora of cases where there arises overlapping of legal areas, in such a situation me, and my team are inclined towards the providing best services to our clients in an efficient and ethical manner. We as a team make all possible attempts to get our clients the best legal, practical, and workable solutions for our clients.
How do you foresee the role of international law evolving in India, and what steps is Aura & Co. taking to prepare for this shift while also promoting legal awareness and education among the general public?
In my opinion, India has been a significant and influential player in the global arena. It plays a pivotal role in the intricate relationship between international law and diplomacy. With its vast population, rapidly growing economy, and geopolitical influence, India is uniquely positioned to influence and shape the course of international affairs. India’s approach to international law is characterized by a delicate balance between its commitment to principles of sovereignty and non-interference and its recognition of the importance of international legal frameworks in addressing complex global challenges. India’s multifaceted role in global diplomacy and international law is the complexity of the relationship between these two critical components of international relations. As a rising global power, India’s approach to international law and diplomacy continues to evolve, and its engagements will continue to influence the ever-changing ideology of global governance. In doing so, India reinforces the interdependence of diplomacy and international law, illustrating its vital role in shaping the future of international relations and global governance. As the promotion of legal awareness and education among the general public is concerned, we as a law firm with the help of writing articles, research papers, and attending seminars have attempted to convey our thought process in the society concerning the development in international law. Also, Aura & Company with its associated Lawyers, is a law firm that has a strong international presence. The firm currently has an office in the United Kingdom under the name Aura & Company International Ltd. The firm is also in the process of opening offices in Dubai and Canada. In addition to its services, Aura & Company Lawyers’ sister concern, Auraleagueglobal, provides advice and services to clients involved in international litigation. With its expanding global reach, Aura & Company Lawyers is well-positioned to provide support and guidance to clients operating in various parts of the world.
As one of the premier law firms in India, what qualities do you look for in potential legal interns, and what advice would you offer to students seeking internship opportunities at Aura & Co.?
In my opinion internships play a crucial role in our careers. Working at a competent law firm can give a law student a major competitive edge over others. As the qualities are concerned for the potential legal interns, the firm expects the interns to have a desire to learn, be punctual, be hardworking. Being a premier law firm, we provide opportunities to law students from the different areas of the country.
Reflecting on your extensive experience, are there any cases or achievements that stand out as particularly rewarding or challenging? What made them memorable? Also, how do you balance the demands of your various roles, from being a Senior Panel Counsel for multiple state governments to managing a premier eLaw Firm?
As Professional Achievements are concerned I have over 3000 appearances in the Supreme Court of India. I have been involved in numerous landmark cases reported in various law reports. I have got an opportunity to Work alongside eminent legal professionals including Harish Salve, Mukul Rohatagi, and K.K. Venugopal. I have actively engaged in seminars and conferences related to legal process outsourcing and innovative legal services. Being a legal counsel, the commitment to the cause of providing clients with professional, responsive, and diligent legal support with the degree of excellence and integrity that one expects from legal advisors. The assistance may be in connection with litigation(s) or advisory work pertaining to disputes before all Courts, Tribunals, Commissions, and other various authorities and boards with our extensive team of lawyers and officers having expertise in respective fields. These are certain reasons that helps me to balance the demands of my various roles, from being a Senior Panel Counsel for multiple state governments to managing a premier eLaw Firm.
Apart from your professional endeavors, what personal hobbies or interests do you pursue to maintain a work-life balance?
I am inclined towards learning new languages.
What advice would you give to young lawyers who aspire to take on roles as significant and varied as yours in their careers? If at all, there is something to chase, chase the might of the white-collar bands which signifies being subservient only to God (as the ministers of the church in earlier days felt, from whom the robes and the bands are borrowed for the dress code) and be fearless and truthful learned counsel. There is much more than money in-store when you are a dignified and respectable officer of the court. As an advice to the young lawyer, firstly, a legal professional needs to be proactive. The best juniors take the initiative on seeking out problems, solutions and opportunities. They don’t just wait for these to be handed to them by their supervisor / law firms. Secondly, lawyers should take care of the easy stuff. The real value that juniors provide is all the other stuff within our control and skill level (so that the supervisors don’t have to think about it), such as proofreading and formatting; properly naming and saving documents in the right place; and carefully reading through all email attachments / relevant documents sent to us. Thirdly, communication, a lawyer who is good at communication gives an ad-on advantage to progress in this field.
Dr. Anthony, with such an impressive and diverse list of roles – Advocate, Human Rights Activist, TEDx Speaker, and more – could you share with our readers a bit about the journey that led you to wear so many hats?
My journey began in a very humble setting in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Growing up in a poor family, I had to work from a young age, selling newspapers and working in small shops to support my family while pursuing my education. This early exposure to hardship instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a desire to fight for justice. My legal education and subsequent practice as an advocate opened up avenues for me to address issues I deeply care about, such as human rights and social justice. Over time, my roles expanded naturally as I found myself addressing these issues in various capacities – be it as a lawyer, activist, or speaker. Each role complements the other, enabling me to make a broader impact.
Juggling between being a lawyer, human rights activist, and so much more must be quite a feat. How do you maintain a balance between your legal profession and your various social and humanitarian roles?
It indeed requires a delicate balance, but the key lies in passion and prioritization. My legal profession and humanitarian roles are interconnected, as both strive towards the common goal of justice and human dignity. I allocate specific times for my legal practice, social work, and speaking engagements, ensuring that each receives the attention it deserves. Effective time management and a dedicated team also play crucial roles in helping me manage these diverse responsibilities without compromising on any.
Your dedication to human rights is evident not only in your professional life but also through your social work in tribal and underprivileged areas. What motivates you to spend a significant amount of your time in these communities, both nationally and internationally?
The motivation stems from my early life experiences and the realization of the stark inequalities that exist in our society. Spending time in tribal and underprivileged areas allows me to directly engage with and understand the challenges faced by these communities. It’s one thing to advocate for human rights from a distance, but it’s entirely different to be on the ground, witnessing the struggles and triumphs of the people. This direct engagement fuels my passion and commitment to making a tangible difference in their lives.
As a dynamic criminal advocate and human rights ambassador, you’ve spoken at TEDx. Can you share a moment in your career that you consider a turning point or a particularly proud achievement?
One significant turning point was when I founded the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice (AICHLS). This platform has allowed me to channel my efforts more systematically and mobilize support for various human rights causes. Another proud moment was speaking at TEDx, where I could share my journey and inspire others to join the fight for justice and equality. Receiving the “International Human Rights Awards” and honorary doctorates were also affirmations of the impact of my work and further motivated me to continue my advocacy.
You’ve been recognized with several awards, including honorary doctorates and the “International Human Rights Awards.” How do such accolades fuel your commitment to the causes you champion?
These accolades serve as important validations of the work being done and the causes being championed. They bring attention to critical human rights issues and inspire others to join the movement. For me, these recognitions are not just honors but also reminders of the responsibilities that come with them. They reinforce my commitment to continue advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves and to push for systemic changes that uphold human dignity and justice.
In addition to your legal practice, you founded the International Human Rights Advisory Council. Can you tell us more about the council’s mission and some of the key initiatives it has undertaken?
The International Human Rights Advisory Council aims to promote and protect human rights globally through education, advocacy, and direct intervention. One of our key initiatives is providing free legal aid to marginalized communities, ensuring they have access to justice. We also run awareness campaigns on issues such as child rights, women’s rights, and the right to education. Additionally, we collaborate with other organizations to address human trafficking and violence against women. Our mission is to create a world where every individual can live with dignity and freedom.
How has your venture, Legal and Legal Associates, made a significant difference in people’s lives by providing free legal aid, intersected with your role as a criminal lawyer, and can you share a challenging or interesting case where your dedication and skills played a crucial role in securing justice?
Legal and Legal Associates has been instrumental in providing free legal aid to those who cannot afford it, ensuring that justice is accessible to all. One particularly challenging case involved a group of tribal women who were falsely accused of theft. My team and I worked tirelessly to gather evidence, advocate for their rights, and eventually secure their acquittal. This case highlighted the intersection of my roles as a criminal lawyer and human rights activist, demonstrating the impact of dedicated legal advocacy in protecting the vulnerable.
How does your commitment to fostering understanding through the World Inter-Faith Council for Peace & Human Rights align with your initiatives like “Giving with Compassion,” and how do you envision the intersection of human rights and interfaith dialogue inspiring individuals to contribute to social causes on an individual level for a more peaceful world?
The World Inter-Faith Council for Peace & Human Rights and “Giving with Compassion” both stem from the belief that understanding and empathy are crucial for social harmony. Interfaith dialogue promotes respect for diverse beliefs and fosters a sense of shared humanity. By encouraging individuals to look beyond their differences and unite for common causes, we can inspire them to contribute to social justice initiatives. The intersection of human rights and interfaith dialogue is powerful because it not only addresses legal and social issues but also nurtures the moral and ethical dimensions of peace and justice.
How has your journey as a change maker shaped your approach to navigating the complexities of international relations as a diplomat and advocate, all while realizing the profound impact that an individual can have on society?
My journey has taught me that change starts with individuals who are willing to challenge the status quo and advocate for justice. As a diplomat and advocate, I approach international relations with a focus on collaboration and mutual respect. Understanding cultural nuances and building alliances are key to addressing global human rights issues. Realizing the impact one individual can have inspired me to continue pushing for systemic changes and mobilizing others to join the cause. It’s about creating ripples that lead to broader societal transformations.
On a more personal note, can you share a hobby or interest that you turn to for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst your busy schedule? How does it complement your work-life balance?
I find solace in reading and meditation. Reading allows me to explore new perspectives and ideas, which is essential for my work as an advocate and speaker. Meditation helps me maintain mental clarity and emotional balance, enabling me to handle the various demands of my roles effectively. These hobbies provide me with the necessary downtime to recharge and stay focused on my mission.
Aside from your professional endeavors, we’ve heard that you are involved in teaching and training. What advice do you have for aspiring advocates and human rights activists entering the field today?
My advice to aspiring advocates and human rights activists is to stay committed to the cause, no matter how challenging it may seem. Dedication, hard work, and perseverance are crucial. Always remain empathetic and understand the struggles of those you are advocating for. Continuous learning and staying informed about legal and social issues will equip you to be effective in your efforts. Lastly, never underestimate the power of collaboration and building networks, as collective action can amplify your impact.
Can you share a bit about your journey into the field of law? What inspired you to pursue this career path?
When I was in school, I was rather drawn to the criminal justice system, whether it was from what was covered in the news in then ongoing cases, criminal novels and shows which piqued my interest. Thereafter, I did my graduation in Psychology Honors from LSR, where my primary field of study was abnormal psychology, being intertwined with criminal laws. Even though during the first year of LL.B, like most of us, I was also equally attracted to the Corporate side and ended up interning for 6 months at Trilegal, the first day I set foot inside the Apex Court while interning with Mr. K.T.S. Tulsi sir, all my aspirations in this field shifted and I knew I wanted to practice criminal laws.
As a Partner at Mandla & Singh Law Chambers, what are some of the most rewarding aspects of your work?
In litigation, mostly everyone aspires to go independent someday and establish their own practice. For me, that juncture came a little earlier than expected and Mandakini Singh, (my senior associate from the Chambers of Tulsi sir) and I started this litigation chamber in 2018. Undoubtedly, it takes significant time and effort to get your independent practice off the ground, especially being first-generation lawyers, but then there were many seniors who were exceptionally kind to us to offer support and even refer work. The most rewarding aspect in running your own practice is the opportunity to not only build cases by formation of a narrative but also to oversee the outcome. It gives you a platform and opportunity to understand your shortcomings and actively work towards growth.
Your involvement in drafting legislation such as the Criminal Law Amendment Bill, 2019, reflects a deep commitment to legal reform. What drives your passion for advocating for change within the legal system?
The law is not static; it evolves over time through amendments and the introduction of new legislation to reflect changing moral and societal values. As our worldview and perceptions shift, so do the nuances of the legal system. Every judgment that explains or expands the scope of any section or act is an active step toward changing the limits and understanding of the legal system.Law and society are intertwined, each contributing to shifting the perspective of the other.
Could you tell us about a particularly challenging case you’ve worked on and how you navigated through it?
The most challenging case has been the Tablighi Jamaat case. There were 955 foreigner nationals from 48 countries which were detained for 2 months and when the Habaes Corpus case was preferred before the High Court of Delhi for their release, overnight chargesheets were filed against the foreigners.Even though there was not a single medical report which was placed on record in the chargesheet showing anyone as Covid-19 positive, yet the narrative in the media was running contrary to the evidence on record, which also colored the public perception. The impact and perception of media trials, particularly in sensitive and high-profile cases was highlighted. Media trials can lead to premature judgments and public opinion that may not align with the legal proceedings and the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” Furthermore, 2 months into the litigation, it surfaced that there were second FIRs against the foreign nationals and those who were repatriated on humanitarian grounds of plea bargaining after depositing costs to an extent of Rs. 52L to the Government, they were once again estopped from returning to their homes. It led to an arduous and protracted litigation” of 150 hearings, 955 bail applications, 5 writs, 44 discharge applications, 26 quashing petitions, 80 revision petitions, 15 hearings before the Supreme Court and then a trial in a Delhi court over 9 months. Even though there was not a single conviction in Delhi as even all the foreigners who chose to contest the charges in the trial were acquitted, this case was unprecedented under the unforeseen circumstances across the globe.
The other case, which was recently viewed as a landmark judgment in Pavana Dibbur v. Directorate of Enforcement.,2023 SCC OnLine SC 1586 wherein the Hon’ble Apex Court was pleased to quash the complaint u/s 44/45 of the PML Act, 2002 (akin to chargesheet) on the ground that s. 120-B IPC can be invoked only in reference to a predicate scheduled offence, was rather challenging as a case, as there were no authorities on this issue and all judgments of the Apex Court as well as various High Courts were ambiguous. The coming of this judgment reinforced the confidence that one can build arguments from bare reading of provisions and interpretation of statutes even if there are no judicial precedents precisely on the issue. Needless to say, it would not have been possible without the fierce and structured arguments led by Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora ma’am.
Your achievements in both academia and extracurricular activities are impressive. How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal interests and commitments?
I believe that lawyers led stressful lives as is, which makes it imperative to have interests outside of work, to balance out. More often than not, the demands of every day work and deadlines puts personal lives at the backseat. I personally make it a point to travel, even if it is a short trip, whenever the opportunity presents itself. It gives you something to look forward to as well. Apart from that, there are many tournaments organized by various Bar Associations, which are an amazing way to break the ice, forge better bonds with your peers and seniors.
Being an Advocate-on-Record before the Supreme Court is a significant achievement. How did you prepare for and approach the examination, especially achieving such a high rank on your first attempt?
I had started my career at the Apex Court as a junior, so I was always enchanted and inspired to become an Advocate-on-Record before the Apex Court. Truly, with running my own practice, I was able to only devote 20-25 days of study towards the examination and managed to secure a Rank #4. However, the fact that a lot of the concepts tested in this examination especially in the papers of Practice and Procedure as well as Drafting have nexus with everyday practice before the Apex Court, having practiced for 5 years, in terms of drafting, filing and arguments, before appearing in this examination made those papers fairly easy to prepare for.
As for the other two papers namely Leading Case and Advocacy and Professional Ethics, most of those cases were a part of the curriculum in college and hence were formative concepts which are widely referred to and relied upon across a spate of judgments and thus, if the basic concepts in law are clear, the examination is not all that tough. Therefore, the syllabus ought to not be viewed as something one can mug up for the examination, but if you truly read the judgments in its entirety, you will benefit in your practice as it will enhance your concepts and knowledge base, with concepts or sub-concepts which were perhaps not completely understood during college.
With your experience in criminal defense litigation, what do you find to be the most common misconceptions people have about this area of law?
It is no surprise that the salary for freshers in litigation is not comparable to the corporate sector, which has been a driving factor for an increased number of graduates preferring the latter. However, criminal defence litigation is far more rewarding in all aspects as compared to the corporate sector. Furthermore, another misconception is that criminal defence litigation is not for women, and for most of us, even our families are not comfortable with the thought of women visiting jails, police stations and lower courts. We have legal stalwarts such as Senior Advocates Ms. Meenakshi Arora ma’am, Ms. Indira Jaisingh ma’am, Ms. Rebecca John ma’am, Ms. Shobha Gupta ma’am, who are not just counted as the best female advocates, but in the list of the best advocates. Therefore, the field is not an old boys club.
As someone who has accomplished a lot in their legal career, what advice would you give to recent law graduates who are just starting out in the field?
Be patient, zealous and persevere. Law demands layers of intricate knowledge which is gathered across a spectrum of fields over a period of time. There are essentially no shortcuts to success and the only way to conjointly sustain and grow is through day-to-day perseverance. The skill-set which needs to be developed in this profession to stand out, are built over years of backbreaking work. Join offices which teach you work, develop your skills and offer you opportunity to grow.
