Super Lawyer

Category: Founder

  • Commercial law can be very interesting. Everything depends on the lenses through which one views the world!- Neela Badami, Partner at Samvad Partners

    Commercial law can be very interesting. Everything depends on the lenses through which one views the world!- Neela Badami, Partner at Samvad Partners

    This interview has been published by Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

    Ma’am, we would like to know about your motivation to pursue law.

    I have always loved working with words and with people. I also thought I was good at problem solving. I love books and felt that would help in a career where I imagined the ability to be comfortable with processing large volumes of text was a plus point. I felt the law would give me the forum to marry all the things I enjoy doing.

    Was it your aim to become a gold medalist or it just happened?

    I think that gold medal was scored in a course which was taught very well, and that I enjoyed. A good teacher can make the driest subject matter interesting and bring alive its human dimensions. Since my interest was kindled, I had fun studying the subject. Then the gold medal ‘just happened.’

    Please elucidate about your experience of pursuing LLM from the University of Michigan Law School.

    One of the best decisions of my life, I think. I chose Michigan for a few reasons.

    One, I wanted the experience of living and studying in a small university town (Ann Arbor, in this case).

    Two, the small class size appealed to me. In the LL.M class, we really got to know each other as a group of lawyers from all over the world of all ages, with varied experiences and backgrounds.

    Three, the quality of the faculty and the brilliant mix of courses on offer.  

    I was looking to study both international law and commercial / corporate law, and I had the best of both experiences at Michigan Law. I took corporate law courses with Prof. Vikramaditya S Khanna, and also worked as a research assistant with him. I enjoyed the experience immensely and learnt a lot, including how to think about patterns and connections between law and business; as well as how to ideate projects and test hypotheses that need to be based on vast amounts of data.

    On the public international law side, I attended a course taught by ICJ judge Bruno Simma, called Leading Cases in International Law.

    I also did a handful of shorter courses for sheer joy. ‘Law and Popular Literature’ was a mini-seminar which met once a month over dinner at the home of Professor Gil Seinfeld. Given my love for books, and talking about them over good food and in congenial company, I thoroughly enjoyed this. (For book lovers, here are some of the titles we read: The Nine by Jeffrey Toobin, A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr, Scott Turow’s One-L, A Trial by Jury by Professor Graham Burnett, and In the Shadow of the Law, by Professor Kim Roosevelt). Similarly, the Uncensored History of International Law, taught by Dino Kritsiotis and the late Brian Simpson, was a fascinating course where we did a variety of readings that I remember to this day.

    What did it take to get the opportunity to work as a Law Clerk at the International Criminal Court?

    Serendipity. In 2004, the problem theme in the Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition was ‘The Case Concerning the International Criminal Court.’ My teammates and I spent close to six months researching and writing up our memorials, taking part in the India qualifying rounds and so on. We were the first team from NALSAR University of Law to make it to the World Finals in Washington DC, so by the time we were done, we knew quite a bit about the ICC. Hence it was quite natural to put in a convincing application for a clerkship. The time I spent in the Hague at the ICC was an incredible learning experience in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual environment. The professional bonds forged there were special.

    How did you end up in the commercial area of law? 

    Commercial law can be very interesting. Everything depends on the lenses through which one views the world!

    I have always had varied interests. I think it helps for a lawyer to have a broad vision of the world. After my ICC clerkship I had worked in the Capital Markets team at Amarchand Mangaldas, Mumbai (now CAM), before I went for my LL.M at Michigan. It was a whirlwind of a time since the capital markets were ‘booming’ in 2006-07 and everyone wanted to go public. It was a great learning experience for a young lawyer to be plunged from the get-go into the middle of hectic transactions and timelines. I learnt how to think on my feet, how to process information coming at me from all sides in different forms, and how to handle the variety of stakeholders involved in a public issue (promoters, C-suite folks, investment bankers, lawyers both Indian and foreign, auditors). At large all-party meetings or ‘drafting sessions,’ sometimes I would be the only woman at the table. I think the gender ratios are much better today.

    Going public brings it with a great deal of excitement for companies and it was pleasant to be a very small part of that. As capital markets lawyers we would mark-up advertisements to ensure compliance with the law before issuer companies could plaster them on billboards. I remember how tickled I would feel that a piece of paper I had marked up with a red pen would be magnified 100 times over and splashed on hoardings I’d drive under on Marine Drive.  

    What qualities do you think an M&A Lawyer must possess?

    No two M&A transactions are exactly alike, so I would say the skill to understand first principles thoroughly and then be able to apply them in any context is key. Knowing the basics is crucial to structuring deals in compliance with the law. For new and young lawyers, there is no substitute to reading the Indian Contract Act, the Companies Act, the FEMA and Regulations/Rules made thereunder end to end. Once that is done, understanding the documentation involved in an M&A transaction, why certain clauses are written the way they are written, what is the overall structure of the document, what is its internal logic and coherence, the commercial imperatives behind clauses – all these are very important. The best M&A lawyers understand not just the law and documentation but have excellent project and people management skills as well. Transaction management is both an art and a science and M&A lawyers must wear this hat too in an M&A deal.  

    Please tell us more about your experience in the sectors of fintech, e-commerce and IT.

    At Samvad Partners, I work a lot with startups, corporates, and venture capital and private equity funds. I have been based in the Bangalore office since 2009, so we have been very much a part of the Indian startup growth story. We can only be effective advisors when we understand the business of the client and the counterparties deeply, as well as the regulatory and policy landscape. I think as a firm, we have come to develop expertise in these sectors (amongst others) as we always try to understand the business as well as the technologies of our clients and take a holistic approach.

    IT is a very broad term – I think most of my work has a tech angle to it in some way or the other. A lot of the work I do for our VC/PE clients involves their investments in tech companies, so we really need to understand the business of the target company in order to do an effective due diligence. This can be very exciting since we have to keep pace with rapid changes in technology; the law can be slow to catch up. For example, we recently examined the business of a global company operating in the Web3 space, that wanted to issue tokens instead of shares. Data protection and privacy is another space that we see quite active at the moment.  

    On the fintech side, we have been advising companies on a variety of new business models, including in the space of decentralized finance. We help our fintech clients structure their businesses in a legally compliant manner; as they need to be mindful of increased regulatory oversight.

    E-commerce continues to be an exciting space, as consumers we are thoroughly spoilt for choice! Our work here is similar to what we do for our other clients, helping them with compliance in different areas of law – foreign exchange management, company law, consumer protection, legal metrology, food safety and standards, and so on.

    The last question to you is what advice you would give to our audience who are looking forward to work in The areas of e-commerce, IT law and M&A? 

    It is difficult to say do XYZ to become an expert in these fields. At the end of the day, basics have to be strong because you will need your basics of contract law and company law to stand you in good stead in all of these fields. The other foundation you will need for all these fields is an understanding of the foreign exchange management regime. After the basics comes learning through experience, and reading up on sector-specific law and delegated legislation. Delegated legislation can be a maze. A good practitioner has an understanding of the overall picture and how to navigate the maze.  

    Over time, I have found that one typically does one’s best work when one enjoys what one is doing. So, I’d say, take the time to figure out what area of law you enjoy. Use your internships well to get a sense of the different options available. The same thing needn’t work for everyone. If there is a particular area of work you enjoy, go all-out with it. Read and learn deeply, not just the law/regulation, but white papers put out by regulators and think tanks, similar activity in other jurisdictions – be creative, think laterally, connect the dots in ways that people may not yet have thought of. Use your creative energies to their utmost. Stay abreast with the trends. Don’t expect someone else to make you an expert in the field, take the responsibility to make yourself the expert. Start writing and putting your work out there. Connect with the people in the field you’re interested in, who are doing similar work. Breathe it and live it until you achieve it. (Then, just re-double your efforts! )

    Get in touch with Neela Badami-

  • Perseverance and a strong dedication to expanding one’s knowledge base are essential for success in the field of law- Foram Shah, Partner, King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates & Attorneys

    Perseverance and a strong dedication to expanding one’s knowledge base are essential for success in the field of law- Foram Shah, Partner, King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates & Attorneys

    This interview has been published by Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

    Ma’am, please tell us about your decision to pursue law.

    During my preparation for the final year of my Economics Honors degree, I made the decision to pursue a career in law.

    Please tell us about  the hardships that you faced by you in your 18 years of experience in corporate laws and how you overcame them.

    Certainly, as someone with 18 years of experience in corporate law, I can attest that there are many challenges one can face in this field. However, I firmly believe that these initial hurdles can ultimately make you stronger.

    One common challenge for lawyers is obtaining good, high-quality work. In order to overcome this challenge, I have found that knowledge is absolutely crucial to advancing your career. Even during years when I didn’t have many quality clients, I never gave up on my belief in myself. Instead, I focused on continually educating myself by staying up-to-date on new regulations, revised and amended acts impacting corporates, and reading orders. By doing so, I was able to prepare myself to help corporates face new challenges in regulations and compliances.

    In short, perseverance and a strong dedication to expanding one’s knowledge base are essential for success in the field of law.

    Please elucidate about your international experience as a lawyer.

    I have been fortunate to have numerous opportunities to work on international transactions throughout my career. I have been involved in setting up companies and joint ventures in various parts of the world, as well as working on the acquisition of companies in Africa, Far East Asia, Europe, and beyond. In the course of these experiences, I have had the opportunity to work closely with local counsels and legal experts in each respective country, allowing me to gain a deep understanding of their unique internal laws and regulations.

    I consider my international experience to be an invaluable asset to my career in law. It has broadened my perspective and provided me with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that I can draw upon in a wide range of legal matters.

    We would like to know more about the  masters which you pursued from NLSIU in Business Laws and in what ways it has helped you in your corporate career.

    NLSIU Bangalore is a pioneer in offering Master’s program in Business Laws. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the various legal frameworks that are essential for businesses to operate successfully. Moreover, the program is designed in such a way that it not only imparts knowledge on laws but also focuses on developing essential commercial skills. This includes aspects such as understanding businesses of clients, commercial awareness, and negotiation skills.

    The program has certainly helped me in my corporate career by giving me a well-rounded perspective on how businesses operate in the legal sphere. Through this program, I have gained a deep understanding of various legal aspects related to businesses, such as regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and contract law, among others. Furthermore, the commercial skills that I have developed have been instrumental in understanding the businesses of my clients and working with them to achieve their goals.

    In short, pursuing a Master’s in Business Laws from NLSIU Bangalore has been an immensely valuable experience for me, providing me with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that have helped me succeed in my corporate legal career.

    You have also advised on Data Protection policy and GDPR policy. Please explain your experience. 

    Perceiving the current scenario, the data protection policies in India are still in the phase of the Personal Data Protection Bill, which was introduced in Parliament in 2019. The bill aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the processing of personal data in India, including provisions for data protection, individual rights, and obligations for data processors and controllers. The bill is currently under review and is expected to be amended to address concerns raised by various stakeholders. Once the bill is passed, it will become a law, and all organizations operating in India will be required to comply with its provisions.

    At present, in India, we do not have any strict guidelines; however, industries and companies have started preparing to implement the terms of new guidelines, which are expected to be introduced in the near future. As a partner handling several data protection mandates at King Stubb & Kasiva, my team and I are helping our clients and their departments to ensure that they are compliant with the guidelines from day one.

    On the other hand, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a comprehensive data protection law that came into effect in the European Union in May 2018. The law applies to all organizations that process personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where the organization is based.

    GDPR has several key provisions, including requirements for data protection impact assessments, the appointment of data protection officers, and the reporting of data breaches. The law also provides individuals with several rights, including the right to access their personal data, the right to request erasure of their data, and the right to data portability.

    Our team at King Stubb & Kasiva has worked extensively with Indian companies having a presence in Europe to comply with GDPR by formulating policies for them and ensuring that our clients comply with all aspects of GDPR. The team is well-versed in the requirements of GDPR, and we help our clients to navigate the complexities of the regulation to ensure that their businesses are fully compliant with the law.

    Apart from working, what do you prefer in your free time? 

    In my free time, I enjoy exploring rural areas and helping out in schools or medical facilities. I also like to spend time gardening and listening to music.

    Lastly, what kept you going on in all these years?

    What has kept me going in all these years in the field of law is my passion for the profession and my desire to continuously learn and grow with always motivated and enthusiastic team at King Stubb & Kasiva. I am constantly inspired by the challenges and complexities of legal issues and the opportunities to help clients achieve their goals. Additionally, I am motivated by the positive impact that my work can have on businesses and individuals, and the satisfaction that comes with contributing to the greater good. 

    Get in touch with Foram Shah –

  • Pooja Chakrabarti, Partner, Argus Partner on decision to study law, attending University of Oxford, importance of authoring research articles and value of networking

    Pooja Chakrabarti, Partner, Argus Partner on decision to study law, attending University of Oxford, importance of authoring research articles and value of networking

    This interview has been published by Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

    At which point in time did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in law?

    I belong to a family of doctors and have virtually no lawyers in my family, however, something about the profession always excited me. I do not think that there was a particular point in time when this decision was taken, but in Class XII when I was expected to prepare for Pre-Medical Tests, I found myself looking at Law School brochures instead. Things moved fast and I joined Symbiosis International University, Pune soon after. I do not regret the decision at all and am grateful to have found my happy place.

    You have completed Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford. Can you share a roadmap which will help graduates aspiring to pursue their higher studies from such prestigious institutions?

    There is no specific roadmap really. Every university is different with distinct parameters to determine eligibility. Standing out is of utmost importance for candidates.

    For University of Oxford, primary impetus should definitely be on securing excellent grades, as the University accepts students from only the top 1-2% in a batch. Besides, it is good to have some solid co-curricular activity on your resume, such as moots, debates etc. Demonstrating passion for a hobby or an interest outside work is also appreciated. Lastly, an original, well-articulated Statement of Purpose helps, which would demonstrate how a candidate is unique. Although I attended Oxford after working for 5 years in a law firm and had never applied for judicial clerkship, many of my classmates had worked as a judicial clerk after graduating from a law school.

    Can you share some of your learnings, both on academic and non-academic fronts, while you were at Oxford.

    Oxford has definitely taught me to be systematic, disciplined and thorough. Considering only the sheer volume of the course material, it was a task to keep up in class. The course material would be circulated to students well ahead of the class and it was expected that every student would be thorough with it before class. In class, we would discuss, dissect, and analyse the material. We would also write our own papers for tutorials and debate the same with the Professors. We were always encouraged to question, probe, challenge and argue, develop new theories and pen them down. I enjoyed the entire academic experience.

    As far as non-academic fronts go, the University has a strong network of alumni, and I am in touch with some great friends I made there. The University also has a hectic social life with sit-down dinners, wine and cheese evenings and BOP (Big Open Parties). I have attended my fair share of these, including the long walks beside the Cherwell. Overall, I cherish the year and all it brought.  

    Being a litigator, you work in several areas like commercial litigation, arbitration, insolvency matters, intellectual property, constitutional law, real estate etc. Is it challenging?

    Every area of law is important and challenging in its own way. I am extremely passionate about my work. As a litigator, it is important to appreciate and understand the business aspects of a transaction and only then can you provide commercially viable solutions to your client. It is also essential to adapt to the ever-evolving commercial environment and analyse how the advice and strategy will affect the client’s business. There is a new challenge every day, but I thoroughly enjoy the rush of adrenalin it brings.  

    Given your busy schedule, how do you allocate time for authoring research papers? Do you think that publishing papers, as a lawyer, boosts one’s career?

    I am generally interested in writing about recent legal developments, and it is also a great way to stay updated, as writing also involves a lot of reading about the subject. Publishing papers improve visibility and demonstrate knowledge. It can also act as an excellent conversation starter. I have had many clients and peers approach me to discuss a particular paper I have written, and provide insights on the same. It is an effective way to stay connected to the larger ecosystem.

    How do you keep yourself updated with the current legal trends, given your busy work schedule?

    I am a voracious reader with varied interests. I subscribe to the databases available and follow them regularly for updates. I try to set aside some time during the workday for this purpose. Besides, Argus Partners has an extremely active and focussed Knowledge Management team that circulates regular updates on current developments, and this helps me keep updated.

    Do you think good grades and moot court experience are necessary to be a good lawyer?  What else do you think is required?

    I don’t think there is one formula to anything. Good grades demonstrate consistency and dedication but there is no hard and fast rule that everyone who scores high marks in law school turns out to be a great lawyer. The reverse is also true. Participating in a moot court is important as it enables young minds to analyse legal issues, research on them, draft contentions and argue, but the professional world is very different from the life a law school offers. What is important for a young professional is to keep learning and stay focussed.

    How important do you think it is to network with fellow lawyers and those from the professional front to grow in one’s career?

    Networking is an important building block. It is important to learn from others, share experiences and insights, and be a part of the larger legal community to build connections. Networking increases visibility, enhances professional reputation and helps develop a strong personal brand. In this age, it is important to be present and active on social media applications, such as LinkedIn. One can learn a lot from one’s peers.

    What advice would you give to a legal professional just starting out?

    One should demonstrate a zeal to learn, hard work, integrity, and ownership. Every assignment should be treated as an opportunity to bring out the best. I always tell my junior colleagues that they should be prepared for the long haul and not get distracted or demoralised with minor setbacks. Find a mentor, if possible, and learn from them. The journey is challenging, but consistency will bring success despite impediments.

    Get in touch with Pooja Chakrabarti-

  • Early on your career you may lack the natural gifts of more senior lawyers but you can make up for this by spending time preparing as best you can for every eventuality- Daniel Murphy, Managing Partner at MD Law Group

    Early on your career you may lack the natural gifts of more senior lawyers but you can make up for this by spending time preparing as best you can for every eventuality- Daniel Murphy, Managing Partner at MD Law Group

    This interview has been published by Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

    Sir, can you briefly tell us, what predominantly led you to choose law as your career?

    I have always enjoyed the solving of problems.  Law presented challenges which required solutions which is why I decided to pursue the career.

    As a student of law, what were the subjects that deeply intrigued you?  

    I was always interested in international human rights law and international law as I had a background in international politics.

    How and why did you choose criminal defense as your primary practice area? What do you think are the primary challenging areas in this field of law?

    I chose this area as I felt I could make a significant different for disenfranchised people.  The constitution plays heavily in litigation which is fascinating

    You have witnessed a wholesome experience as a prosecutor in Newfoundland and Labrador while acting as the sole prosecutor on the Burin Peninsula. Can you share with us your key learnings that would guide budding lawyers who expect to launch their careers in criminal prosecution?   

    Always over prepare.  Early on your career you may lack the natural gifts of more senior lawyers but you can make up for this by spending time preparing as best you can for every eventuality.

    Sir, you have had an extensive experience in defence proceedings for offences ranging from common assault to attempted murder. Would you like to share some interesting strategies you employed to win a particular case?

    Applied pressure to a specific Prosecutor which had my attempt murder client released.

    As the managing partner at MD LAW GROUP, can you give us a glimpse of an average day at work?

    Often times they are long days. I interview clients, review documents that come from the prosecution and often spend days in court in trial,

    From your experience sir, what are your strategies and policies when it comes to negotiating with prosecution offices and how do you handle it when the negotiations don’t turn up in your favour?

    Always be respectful of your fellow lawyers.  You may be diametrically opposed in position but always show kindness and remember this is not personal but business. When things go wrong I usually summarize our impasse in writing and urge them to accept my position.

    Sir, with the infinite growth in opportunities, what are the areas you would suggest where upcoming law graduates can focus and elevate themselves?

    Based on my experience family law and employment law are excellent opportunities where the business can be marketed successfully.

    How important do you think are internships for law graduates in order for them to bag prestigious careers? What are the qualities that you look out for in your prospective interns or employees?  

    It is always important to seek internships to successfully start your career but there are many unconventional choices and I would not be discouraged if an internship was not obtained immediately.  In regards to qualities of internets or employees I think it is important that they come with an approach of willing to lean and are willing to roll up their sleeves and work.

    What would be your words of advice for new graduates? What is your take sir, when it comes to choosing a specialization in law in early years of one’s career?  

    Take your time the right opportunity will appear. I myself didn’t want to do criminal law but grown to love the work.  Be careful on specializing early you should really that first year to attempt course offerings before you make a decision.

    Get in touch with Daniel Murphy-

  • “Being kind and humane to your colleagues is not only a great attribute but also a much-needed trait in a profession which sees severe stresses, short deadlines, and complexly contentious issues”- Sukrit R Kapoor, Partner at King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates and Attorneys

    “Being kind and humane to your colleagues is not only a great attribute but also a much-needed trait in a profession which sees severe stresses, short deadlines, and complexly contentious issues”- Sukrit R Kapoor, Partner at King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates and Attorneys

    This interview has been published by  Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

    As a conversation starter, please tell us about how you ended up pursuing law as a career?

    I used to identify myself as an accidental lawyer, but with over a decade behind me since law school I am confident that I was meant to do law. It was through some family friends’ recommendations and guidance from a career counsellor that I ended up prepping for law school entrance exams in the pre-CLAT era and thankfully I landed up at GNLU, Gandhinagar.

    Although my earlier aspirations were to pursue accountancy (largely attributable to my having been brought up in Gujarat where pursuing CA has been a perpetual trend) I realised shortly after graduating from GNLU in 2011 that my natural acumen is much better suited for practicing law.

    Could you please tell us about the challenges that you faced when you switched to practicing law in India?

    So after spending a few years abroad and working with international organizations I realized that I did not want to limit myself to a particular area or a particular court. I figured my ability to crack a regulatory or legal framework in a short span of time worked equally well a variety of practice areas.

    With this the natural step was to transition to practicing law. The biggest challenges were making decisions, being to either practice in Delhi or elsewhere, sticking to chamber practice or moving towards consulting.

    In the present day I identify myself as a legal strategist and consultant focusing on corporate and commercial disputes. Dabbling in various avenues of practice and gaining a perspective on where I am best suited was the prime challenge and I hope it continues to remain one as a constant growth curve leads one to redefining their position of contribution.

    What according to you are the key drawbacks in the current legal and disputes landscape in India? 

    I think this question is better suited for a thesis. But just at the top of my head, while since Covid we have seen a much welcome transition towards adoption of technology by the Indian judiciary, the impetus must continue to bring further transparency and swiftness in the disputes landscape.

    Another challenge that I realise is the disparity in the pay structure for young lawyers, and I partly hold law schools responsible for this. See, a medical school is very closely attached to a hospital where a medical student deals with the rigours of practicalities in an operation theatre or a ward and emergency. However, law schools due to multifarious reasons have the ability to offer mostly theoretical knowledge. A young lawyer even from the best of law schools may not be able to appreciate the nuances of drafting even a basic affidavit from day one; whereas it is rather standard to expect a MBBS to perform stitches on a patient even prior to their graduation.

    While internships may offer some bit of exposure, not every internship will turn out to be as equally rewarding in terms of learning. Combining research acumen with a pragmatic approach will help increase the preparedness for young lawyers.

    What difference do you see between the legal education system abroad and the one in India?

    Speaking from my experience of having pursued a LLM in UK, one of the key differences is the method of pedagogy. Law schools in UK are a lot better equipped for seminar-based interactions whereas courses at Indian law schools are still largely structured around lectures.

    Additionally, the method of taking exams is also significantly different as UK law schools assess their students through take home exams which hone their research and legal writing abilities significantly.

    What keeps you motivated at work? 

    Thankfully many things.

    I have the constant urge to know answers to my clients’ questions before they ask them and presenting the way forward. I believe that’s the very foundation of expectations of a an in-house counsel from an external counsel and more so when concerning disputes and litigations.

    Along with this I have the support of a great team (both mentors and colleagues) at King Stubb & Kasiva which only multiplies my motivation.

    Given a hectic schedule, please tell us about how you spend your time off.

    Over the years my definition of time off has changed significantly. As a disputes counsel one really needs to shed the ideas of weekends, etc., as that’s when a lot of work actually takes place in terms of briefing conferences, arbitration proceedings and mediations.

    While a lot of people highlight the adversities of glorifying long working hours and I do partly agree, balancing the time with a huge chunk falling in favour of spending time doing law is the requirement for any counsel who seeks to add value.

    During the time I am not doing law, I tend to interact and catching up with family and friends, planning for travels and travelling, reading and some bit of occasional kite-flying.

    Lastly, please tell our audience about the lesson you have learnt the hard way.

    Being kind and humane to your colleagues is not only a great attribute but also a much-needed trait in a profession which sees severe stresses, short deadlines, and complexly contentious issues.

    A lot of people may say that one should be patient but not many can explain how to achieve it. Patience is actually a great quality for a disputes counsel, and this requires putting in a lot of work to have complete clarity.

    Get in touch with Sukrit R Kapoor-

  • “Law firms are not be all and end all for a law graduate – there are a lot of career choices you can adopt”- Somdutta Bhattacharyya,Partner at Argus Partners

    “Law firms are not be all and end all for a law graduate – there are a lot of career choices you can adopt”- Somdutta Bhattacharyya,Partner at Argus Partners

    This interview has been published by  Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

    Tell us what inclined you to pursue law as a profession?

    Well there is no inspiring story here unfortunately. I did choose science as my study stream for my plus two boards, but that was because my parents initially wanted me to become a doctor. Law happened pretty accidentally actually! It was more like law chose me. My uncle, who is a lawyer at the Calcutta High Court, told me at that time of the emergence of the national law schools across the country and the bright, young graduates these institutions were producing and suggested I should try taking the exams for these law schools. I only took the exam for WBNUJS, Kolkata (ours was the last batch who took individual law school exams instead of the CLAT) after preparing for about a month. The results came out about two weeks before the boards and I was very happy to find that I had gotten through. I decided that this was what I was going to pursue and make a career out of. And that is how it happened.   

    Do you have any mentors so far that helped you so far in this journey, and how far do you consider the role of mentors crucial in the industry?

    Yes of course. You cannot grow as a professional in the legal industry (or for that matter any industry) without the help of your mentors. A good mentor will teach you so much especially as a litigating lawyer – the art of a good draft, how much to say and what not to say in Court, how to strategize a matter etc. Whatever little I am today I am because of some excellent mentors I have had in the industry.

    Why does Corporate law attract so much attention? What makes it so unique?

    Well it would be easy to say that it attracts the attention of young graduates because of the money on offer, but that would be a shallow perspective. If you do not like and enjoy what you do on a daily basis, you will not stick around or grow, no matter the money on offer. This is why you see attrition rates are so high in the bigger law firms. However, if you like what you do, then the sky is the limit. Speaking personally, as a Disputes lawyer, I love the challenges of my job day in and day out. I have to keep our clients happy and they must feel comfortable to repose their trust in their high stakes, valuable matters in me. I have to advise them correctly, guide them down the right path, put every ounce of research and knowledge into these matters so that their chances of success are enhanced and they know that they are in safe hands – it is a challenge I am up for every day of the week.

    How do you manage your time schedule on a daily basis and what drives you to be consistent?

    I would not lie, law firm life can be pretty demanding – whether you are an A-1 level associate or a partner, every day brings its own challenges which consume most of your time. I have varied interests apart from law – I love reading fiction, watching sports especially football, spending time with my family and my dog. While most of my time is taken up by my work, I ensure that at the end of the day (no matter how late it is) I am taking an hour or two out to do these things I love – read a bit, maybe watch a film or a game of football, take the dog out for a walk, maybe go for a run or a long drive sometimes. It rejuvenates me and helps me face the next day with the same enthusiasm again.

    What differences have you noticed in international arbitration and national arbitration, I mean what’s more challenging amongst both?

    Both bring their own challenges to be honest. In an international arbitration, you are bound by the procedure of the institution under whose aegis the arbitration is happening – SIAC, ICC, LCIA etc. and the procedure is much more streamlined as opposed to domestic ad hoc arbitrations. Also, in international arbitrations you often have to work in close collaboration with foreign lawyers or law firms, and therefore seamless execution of the work can be a challenge as well as a learning experience at the same time. On the other hand, in domestic arbitrations, especially ad hoc ones, arbitrators adopt their own procedures and therefore the same may be different from one arbitration to another, and you are constantly adapting as a lawyer to make the best case for your client. However, arbitration in India has been developing at a fast rate, and amendments to the statute in 2015 and 2019 have ensured shortening of timelines and streamlining of overall procedure, and I believe the future of arbitration in India is very bright.

    Do you believe that AI will lead to data breach and violation of privacy, if yes, how can it be mitigated?

    I am not a data privacy lawyer and therefore I am ill-equipped to answer this question. My opinions on AI and data breach are based on what I have read in popular media, and I do not want to adopt a conspiratorial tone for your readers without in-depth familiarity with the issue myself.

    Few tips for our readers that helped you as well in this journey?

    First of all, you must decide what you want to do. Law firms are not be all and end all for a law graduate – there are a lot of career choices you can adopt – you can be a corporate lawyer, a litigating lawyer, an independent practitioner, an academic or venture into public policy. Do not follow the herd- look into your heart and see what you really want. As I said before, if you are not finding what you are doing everyday exciting or challenging, there is no point doing it. Also, no matter which path you choose, there is only one mantra of success for all of them – read. You have to read constantly as a lawyer, you have to keep updating yourself. Law evolves constantly, you can never be a good lawyer if you are not evolving with the law as well. That would be my two pennies for your readers.

    Get in touch with Somdutta Bhattacharyya-

  • “While there are challenges due to the unique nature of transactions in the real estate sector, I have come across many outstanding women lawyers in the field”- Shriti shah, Partner at Quillon Partners

    “While there are challenges due to the unique nature of transactions in the real estate sector, I have come across many outstanding women lawyers in the field”- Shriti shah, Partner at Quillon Partners

    This interview has been published by Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team.

    Ma’am, as a conversation starter, our audience would like to know about your story of being a Lawyer.

    I didn’t start off wanting to be a lawyer. I took up commerce after Grade 12 and completed my graduation. I enjoyed accounting but I didn’t really see myself doing numbers. It was a very critical time of my career and I starting thinking what to do next – MBA or law or something else. I don’t have lawyers in my family so it was not an obvious choice for me. But I thought law college would be academically challenging and interesting. It really wasn’t until I joined Government Law College and started my articleship with Ms. Kalapana Merchant at a solicitor firm that I thought I would like the pace of law.  One of the things that I liked about my articleship was that it gave me a flavour of different streams of law i.e. corporate, intellectual property, real estate and financing . After graduating from law college and qualifying as a solicitor, I decided to focus on corporate law as it excited me the most. I have worked as a lawyer for about 15 years. Currently, I am a partner at Quillon Partners, a law firm which focuses on M&A and private equity.

    Being into the legal profession, you must have heard things like “real-estate is not for women”, what are your views upon this?

    While there are challenges due to the unique nature of transactions in the real estate sector, I have come across many outstanding women lawyers in the field. Fundamental changes introduced in the real estate laws by the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 have led to greater transparency in the real estate sector and women lawyers no longer shy away from entering this sector.  

    Could you tell us about your struggles as a woman lawyer?

    There was a time when I wanted to focus on my family. I like to try different things – so I took up knowledge management (KM), business development and human resource which are very different and interesting roles. While knowledge management was nascent in 2011, law firms had started giving KM importance with several laws undergoing changes e.g. the Companies Act was completely revamped in 2013. During this time I also got an insight into Business Development.  Often different roles, help you to draw from one to the other. While I did KM, the corporate experience I had helped me and then when I went back to doing corporate law – the KM and Business Development experience helped me immensely. I still continue to be involved with the KM, BD and HR functions of the firm.   

    We see a lot more women lawyers now. However, as one progresses up the ladder of seniority, the scales start to tip with a decrease in the number of law firm partners being women. This landscape is starting to shift and many Indian law firms like international law firms are now working consciously towards inclusiveness and gender diversity. Personally, I have had very supportive seniors at Quillon Partners and they have been very encouraging. 

    Please shed some light upon your role as an M&A Lawyer.

    The role of an M&A lawyer varies from transaction to transaction depending on the kind of the transaction and who you are representing (e.g. buyer, seller, company). M&A lawyers have a versatile and extensive role throughout the transaction. All the legal mechanics of a transaction, including negotiating and drafting agreements to reflect a commercial deal, arranging finance and liaising with the client and their other advisors. Typically, in most transactions, it involves advising, planning, structuring, due diligence, drafting of the transaction documents, negotiations, obtaining regulatory approvals and finally closing of the transaction.  

    How do you see the M&A sector in the coming 5 years?

    Globally there was a dip on the deal street in 2022 due to several factors, including war and inflation. India seems very attractive to many global firms post Covid with investments in China taking a back seat. Mergers and acquisitions in India are expected to increase in 2023. The deal market is expected to be active in several sectors such are pharmaceutical, technology, infrastructure and healthcare. Therefore in-bound M&A investments are likely to increase. Out-bound foreign investments are also on a rise with the recent changes to the regulatory framework. India is expected to be a very attractive investment destination given the benefits of demographics, cost arbitrage, presence of large consumer market and democratic stability.

    Coming towards the end of the conversation, could you tell us three qualities which an M&A Lawyer must possess?

    Constant thirst for knowledge– legal technical knowledge is important but learning can’t stop with formal education. We have opportunities to learn new things in just about everything we do and from everyone we meet. It could be learning from a past deal, keeping oneself abreast with new laws, adapting to new technology, or learning people skills, it is a constant never-ending process.

    Being organised and structured – usually in most deals, time lines are tight and one needs to break the tasks and prioritize work streams in order to be able to service clients efficiently. Keeping an eye on the ball is key.

    Enjoy what you are doing – there are often personal sacrifices, sometimes long hours and only if you enjoy what you are doing, it’s worth it.

    Get in touch with Shriti Shah-

  • Woman in the Real Estate sector: a Discussion with Veena Krishnan, Partner at SAMVAD: Partners

    Woman in the Real Estate sector: a Discussion with Veena Krishnan, Partner at SAMVAD: Partners

    This interview has been published by Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

    What inspired you to choose law as a career and how has been the decision so far?

    I chose law as a career only because I cleared the entrance test conducted by NLSIU and felt that it would be beneficial if I studied at a University par excellence. I did not even consider law as a career and wanted to become an engineer. Out of the myriad of entrance exams I wrote, my parents had gotten the form for the NLSIU entrance exam and I simply wrote it on a whim. I have not regretted the decision since.

    What were the challenges faced by you at the beginning of your career?

    I wanted to become a practicing lawyer and be based out of Bangalore. At that time, finding good law firms was a challenge and it was initially difficult for me to find a good law firm to work with in Bangalore.

    Since you have also been a part of PoSH and the statutory Prevention of Sexual Harassment, do you think it is implied in local committees where women are neglected in informal sectors? 

    The Local Complaints Committee is a saving grace for women in the informal sector. As far as other establishments are concerned, there is a mandate for a POSH Committee but the LCC helps domestic workers and informal workers who may not be working in an organizational setup.

    Talking about work-life balance, there has been an ample amount of discussion on health issues as a lawyer, what do you believe are the best practices to maintain the equilibrium?

    I have by and large managed to strike a healthy work-life balance in my sphere of work. Some of the practices I would recommend are – daily exercise and physical activity which would lead to a healthy body and mind; any form of spiritual practice such as yoga or meditation which would enable the mind to stay calm; also while it is important to work hard and strive for professional success, it is important to keep a mental distance from success and failures and not get too attached to the outcome of one’s efforts; time management and conscious utilization of each minute of the day is very important.

    Among all the aspects, i.e,  lease and purchase of office spaces, stand-alone buildings, IT complexes, land, and properties conveyed by government entities such as the KIADB, etc, which one do you find the most interesting and challenging? 

    I find the lease of office spaces and acquisition of land parcels most challenging in terms of the title and documentation issues that arise in these transactions.

    Any road-maps that were followed by you, that you would like to share? 

    Spending time with family and friends; keeping a mental distance from my successes and failures; not comparing myself to others who are more or less successful than me (this consumes a lot of brain power and is a drain on one’s energy); emphasizing on teamwork and delivering quality work to the client and investing time and energy in helping juniors learn the ropes.

    What advice would you give to someone considering a real estate purchase? 

    It is important to make a commercial decision first on whether this property is suitable or not and then look at the legal aspects. The title and other aspects may work fine, but there are several instances where legal things are fine, but it does not work commercially for the client.

    What advice would you give to young law professionals? 

    Take your time and be patient to settle down in an organization, do not be in a hurry to jump jobs; be proactive in asking seniors for work and actively working on seeing a transaction to closure rather than simply doing the work allotted to you; when you are assigned work, do not simply sit down and start on it, but figure out the transaction structure, ask to be included on client calls and meetings. Do not compare yourself to your peers, as each lawyer’s journey is different; work hard and you will surely find success.

    Get in touch with Veena Krishnan-

  • Somya Singh, Founder at Avant Garde Corporate Communications In a FireSide Chat With SuperLawyer On Careers In Legal Journalism & Importance Of Legal Tech In Litigation

    Somya Singh, Founder at Avant Garde Corporate Communications In a FireSide Chat With SuperLawyer On Careers In Legal Journalism & Importance Of Legal Tech In Litigation

    This interview has been published by Prabhjot Singh, Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

    What motivated you to choose law as a career? And how has been the journey so far for you?

    Every law student at some point in time questions the decision taken to study law. And at the same time, each one has an interesting anecdote to share. Mine was a simple one. There was no tussle at all. I cherished studying something of everything and everything of something. At a young age, after having a casual family discussion, I concluded that Law is the only field that will give the freedom to touch different subject matters and not restricted to one particular field.

    And rightly so, the journey has been spectacular so far. More so for the same reason why I chose law at first place. No two days are same. This profession surprises you every day. It challenges you every day. In the journey to perform for others, you end up outshining yourself. Of course it demands lot of patience. Specially if you are a first generation lawyer. But with few breaks and pauses, one must continue to keep moving and enjoy the journey while you help people with the toughest phases of their lives alongside.

    What were the challenges that you faced in the beginning of your career?

    Being a first generation lawyer is no cakewalk. One has to constantly keep oneself updated. One craves for constant flow of work with dignified reimbursement. Unlike other professions, we do not have one place to go every single day. There different places in one city and at times different cities of the country. What kept me driven was the faith my clients had in me that I can deliver and eventually when I did, they became my biggest marketing tool. My clients have brought along work by referring me further.

    And it became a chain. And that’s when I understood, when you get a genuine client, take up the case, work hard and deliver. Even if you are not paid accordingly, just don’t drop the case for this reason in the initial years. I have learnt so much only because my clients trusted me. So, I may agree that initial years are tough as too many things go parallelly yet, many small steps taken in the forward direction will one day make you take a giant leap.

    What was the main idea behind Avant Garde Corporate Communications and how far does it help you reach your career peak? 

    To be honest, I don’t feel I am even half way mark of my career peak as there is immense potential in this field to learn and deliver. The idea behind one’s own firm came when I left my first and the only law chamber I had joined. I was a quick learner and in one year’s time I had pushed myself enough to gather as much as required to take up cases individually.

    The only concern left was to upgrade oneself in respect to different laws and forums but that being a continuous process, I thought it’s time to fly solo.

    My well-wishers were apprehensive about starting my own firm so soon but I made it only because irrespective of the fact whether I had done a particular kind of matter or not, I picked up cases and worked my way backwards. Today, we represent clients before various courts of the country with not being identified as a firm doing only limited kind of matters.

    Somya, do these legal tech tools have helped litigants and corporates so far in preparation of different documents or filing and what in the future would be challenges for lawyers in dealing with such tools?

    Needless to say, legal field requires studying, creating, maintaining and modifying a lot of material. The paper work is humungous. The introduction of Artificial Intelligence have definitely made our lives a little convenient but one may not rely on it solely. The biggest challenge that I see is the secrecy to be maintained by the law firms in respect to their clients. Imagine all the confidential information of a high-end client saved in a cloud of the firm and the entire thing gets compromised if your system is hacked. One will live in a shadow of fear constantly.

    On the other hand if you insinuate to automation and AI, lawyers will be replaced, that’s not happening in 100 years at least. There is more to this profession than just preparation of documents and research. A lawyer has the power to change the course of the case at any conjecture which the AI would not be able to match in near future.

    Being a POSH Trainer, you must have seen organisations neglecting the role of different related laws and regulations. Can you please put some light on the reason and how efforts can be made to improve the situation?

    During the Financial Year 2021-22, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) registered more than 1.67 Lakh company incorporations as compared to 1.55 Lakh companies during FY 2020-21 which is the highest ever so far. It’s an indication that India is growing as a market, as an economy and as a land of opportunity. But the numbers when it comes to compliances under POSH are shockingly low. The sole reason behind this is when it does not come from the Top Leadership.

    The management presume that all is well in the heaven until it happens. To break the myth, sexual harassment has been part of the society since forever. It is only now that people have gathered courage to speak about it. But still, there is a long way to go. People misinterpret POSH Act a tool to harass male employees. Although it is all about gender sensitisation.

    There definitely a requirement of more awareness coming from government as well as the organisation to encourage people to be aware of their rights irrespective of their gender. Despite there being a penalization clause, I think the requirement is that of a strict compliance of the Act in order to gain a goodwill for the entity whether big or small.

    Being able to put your thoughts in the form of a legal reporter or journalist is such a treat in this profession, how do you see this domain to create more exciting opportunities for individuals?

    We are progressing each day. The horizon is getting broadened exponentially. As mentioned before, the profession is all inclusive. The commonality of the art of storytelling is common in both journalism and litigation. Brushing up this particular skill can definitely let you achieve life changing results for your clients.

    Somya, any hobbies you follow to sharpen your skills in this profession?

    You will be surprised if I tell you, playing a good game of chess opens your faculty in more ways than one. It gives you a perspective to look at everything from a bird’s eye view. This has helped me subconsciously over the years.

    Quite often, we have seen the importance of ‘Legal Content and editing’ undervalued, what’s your take on this Somya?

    A lawyer should be careful of his/her choice of words. Gone are the days when there were certain set of formats repeatedly used in and outside courts. People read maximum content online these days and legal content plays a very important role when it comes to education and upgrading both lawyers, law students and even public in general. Online portal should thus be careful about the content they are posting as its there for the larger good. Moreso for those who can afford legal consultancy of a reputed lawyer.

    Nowadays, people don’t have that zeal to pursue a career in litigation, what can be the reason for that apart from job security in corporate?

    If you pick up latest interviews of judges from the Apex court, they encourage young students to pick up litigation as their career choice as there is certainly lack of the same vis-a-vis the number of pending cases in the court. No wonder, its challenging and one needs to run places to get the desired result, at times spread over years. But keeping the spirit of this profession into consideration, one must not forget the changes it brings in people’s lives. We must break the myth that the courts work in stereotypical manner.

    On the contrary, one can be very innovative and apprise the court about the various aspects pursuant to the facts of the case.

    A good lawyer can make a remarkable change by assisting the court and also by counselling the parties. I understand the struggle part in the initial years specially a low salary for junior lawyers but one must sail through it. Over the years you build up the knowledge bank and it never fails to help you in different matters later. Consistency and perseverance can really take you places in this profession which goes missing in the present generation of “Influencers” earning quick money by dancing on a 15 sec music piece.

    Lastly, Somya, a few pieces of advice for our young law professionals?

    If you are tired, take a break, get up and get moving, do not stop. And when I say move, I mean to the courtrooms and not the court canteens! Keep upgrading yourself, don’t hesitate in taking up different kinds of matters. Remember, it can only take one case which you have worked very hard for, to change your professional trajectory.

    -SOMYA SINGH

    Get in touch with Somya Singh-

  • Thomas George, Managing and Founding Partner at Thomas George and Associates In Discussion With SuperLawyer On Most Important Habits To Be A successful Lawyer

    Thomas George, Managing and Founding Partner at Thomas George and Associates In Discussion With SuperLawyer On Most Important Habits To Be A successful Lawyer

    This interview has been published by Prabhjot Singh, Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

    What motivated you to choose law as a career? How has been the journey so far for you?

    Initially when I was a child, my cousin brother who was a barrister was an inspiration. When I was in 10th class, I was given the responsibility to be a volunteer to encourage the 10th class students to take up a career in law. From there on, I became passionate towards law. The journey was challenging and tipsy-turvy, as life took me through various careers; from being a supervisor to an executive in travel division, from being a manager in airlines to a failure in business at that time.

    I must say the decision to study law and start practice at a late age whilst struggling to catch-up with my colleagues and give the much-needed results to the clients was a herculean task which I could accomplish with patience and motivation from my wife and friends.

    What were the challenges that you faced in the beginning of your career?

    Ans) With the local language being Telugu and myself coming from Kerala, to understand the client’s deep rooted issues was a real challenge, which I could manage with the help of my friends and well-wishers, especially my career guide and senior Mr.T.Narayanamurthy, a public prosecutor in the Metropolitan Sessions Court, Mr.V.Amarkumar, a seasoned advocate in the field of criminal and civil law and Hon’ble Retired Justice P.Ramakrishnaraju who was instrumental in pushing me to complete my study in law at a difficult phase of my life which was caused due to a series of deaths in our family.

    Among all the specializations, i.e., civil, commercial, litigation, arbitration, business, banking, family, procedural and criminal, which area of law is the most interesting to you and why?

    I was passionate towards all branches of law and my career goal was to give relief to the client who approaches me. It was due to passion that I used to enjoy the proceedings and challenges that come in my way, and await the results.

    Any roadmaps that were followed by you, Mr. Thomas, and how do you consider the role of the same in this profession?

    There was never a roadmap but for the whole-hearted faith in God, I used to trek the path which came in my way.

    Somewhere Mr. Thomas, people have started feeling that corporate is a safe option instead of choosing a longer struggling period in litigation, do you think the same?

    Absolutely not. Litigation has now taken a different turn with the advent of the Information Technology. No doubt, corporate maybe a safe haven, but the kind of satisfaction that you get in litigation and the flow of money or reward, comes from unexpected quarters, which has been my experience.

    How do you push through your worst times? And what in litigation should one always learn to manage?

    I’m yet to see the worst times as I was passionate towards law and since I respect my career and when one respects their career, all the worst times become learning experiences. In litigation, one should always be hardworking, patient and a good listener, which will help you manage all adversities.

    Talking about work-life balance, there has been ample amount of discussion on health issues as a lawyer, what do you believe are the best practices to maintain the equilibrium?

    Good food habits and a positive mindset, spending more time with nature and with your friends who are not related to law or your career, and to learn the art of laughing at any issue coming your way in your life or in your career and adversities, will make you hale, healthy and hearty.

    What are the most important habits to be a successful lawyer?

    Patience and Persuasiveness, Punctuality and Good-Mannerisms are the key habits to be a successful lawyer…!

    Lastly, some tips for our readers?

    To all the incoming, budding, corporate and litigating lawyers, enjoy the profession with respect and learn to enjoy the challenges. Learn to respect every human being who comes in our way in our day-to-day life, because when you give respect, we get respect. Don’t ask for respect, instead command respect…!

    Get in touch with Thomas George-