Super Lawyer

Category: Partners, General Counsels and Senior Advocates

  • “Dream big so that you work hard to achieve the life you want, but in the meantime, don’t forget to live.” Encouraging young legal professionals to approach their careers with positivity and resilience – Karan Bindra, 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗜𝗔𝗔 𝗟𝗟𝗣

    “Dream big so that you work hard to achieve the life you want, but in the meantime, don’t forget to live.” Encouraging young legal professionals to approach their careers with positivity and resilience – Karan Bindra, 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗜𝗔𝗔 𝗟𝗟𝗣

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

    Can you share insights into your journey from college to becoming the Founder and Partner at KIAA, LLP? What were the pivotal moments or experiences that shaped your decision to establish your own firm?

    Like every law student, I too have had my share of carefree days in college but as I progressed into senior years, the zeal of doing something started to kick in. In the early year of 2011, after the completion of our law degrees, the members of KIAA LLP (as they are today) found themselves taking divergent paths in the legal profession. Some ventured into roles as in-house counsels for corporations, while others worked with seniors in the field, gaining valuable exposure and experience. However, as we navigated our journeys, it became evident that establishing one’s presence in the legal field required more than just exposure. While working with seasoned professionals sure helped us create a space for our own in the industry, the opportunities that we had created for ourselves in that space needed to be tapped in time.

    Realizing this, I engaged in discussions with like-minded colleagues, Ankur and Chayan, who shared similar perspectives on the importance of creating a niche for ourselves in the legal arena.

    Fortuitously, our discussions culminated in a collective decision to join forces and establish KIAA LLP in early 2012. This marked the inception of our law firm, where we aimed not only to leverage our individual experiences but also to pool our strengths and work collaboratively. The firm was founded on the belief that client satisfaction using correct knowledge, providing the right information, and ensuring accessibility of service to our clients even if located in the remotest part of the country. Hence, that got us a name for our perspective, KIAA LLP- Knowledge Information Access Associates Limited Liability Partnership.

    Given your involvement in pro bono services for organizations like Malala Funds and Trust Law, how do you balance commercial legal work with contributing to social causes?

    So, it’s not about balancing at all. It’s about aligning your principles of  life with your work, and what is a man without principles?

    I was born and raised in a Sikh Family with the teachings of the Gurus. I want to take this opportunity to refer to a verse from Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji which has immortalized words of Guru Nanak Dev Ji – “One who works for what he eats, and gives some of what he has in charity, O Nanak, he knows the path to fulfilment.” Taking inspiration from which, we have always been inculcated with a habit of doing ‘Sewa’ which can be either through  ਮਨ,  ਧਨ (tan (physical service), man (mental/emotional service),  or  dhan (financial support)).

    My intention of working for social causes has always been that of giving something back to society in terms of my time and efforts. So, I utilise my knowledge and expertise to earn my livelihood through commercial matters, and I consider myself privileged to be able to utilise some of it for a social cause.

    KIAA, LLP has received numerous awards and recognitions. What do you attribute the success of the firm to, and what sets it apart in the legal landscape? 

    I attribute the success of the firm to my team- my co-founders, associates and every other member of our staff who do not hesitate to work around the clock if need be. It is also about the work culture at KIAA LLP that we have all built through the years. I have always said that we measure our success not by trophies, awards or cheques but by ‘Client Satisfaction’. I think, our ‘Client First’ attitude is our USP!

    You’re a member of various legal associations and clubs. How has being part of these networks enriched your professional life and influenced your perspectives on law?

    To be very honest, networking is very important in our profession and being part of the legal associations and clubs is a great way to socialise and build a meaningful network. I have benefited greatly from it, not only because I met many of my prospective clients through these clubs but I met people from various walks of life including law, seniors & juniors having different experiences.

    These kinds of experiences widen your horizons as a lawyer. The job of the lawyer is to understand the perspective of his client, and the Court both. We all know how dynamic and subjective human nature is. Being a part of these clubs helps you enhance the emotional quotient- the greatest asset of our profession!

    You’ve served as the Central Government Counsel at the Delhi High Court. Could you shed some light on your role during that time and share any experiences or cases that left a lasting impact on your professional journey?

    Certainly! I was pleased to be appointed as Government Pleader in the year 2012, and I remained on the list of empanelled lawyers with the Central Government Litigation branch at the Delhi High Court until 2017-18.

    This six-year period was most significant in shaping my professional journey. It exposed me to the intricacies of handling multi-faceted and high-stakes government matters.

    One of the distinctive aspects of appearing on behalf of the government is the sense of responsibility and accountability because your actions and advice can have a direct impact on the general public. It goes beyond individual client representation, as you are entrusted with safeguarding the interests of the larger public and the government as a whole. That’s the combination of power & responsibility that a government counsel bears on his head.

    A set of experiences that seemed cumbersome to my 10-year younger self but had the most impact on my professional journey was the manual filing process prevalent at the time. Unlike today’s E-filing systems, we used to stand in queues before filing counters with strict deadlines to meet. This hands-on experience taught me the importance of time management, meticulous preparation, and adherence to court procedures.

    Now, the agility and clarity with which a court case needs to be handled comes as a second nature to me. I guess, now I truly understand the meaning of this phrase “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.”

    Can you tell us a bit about the talented team at KIAA, LLP? How do you nurture and support your team members, and can you give us an idea of the size of your team or the number of interns involved in the firm’s operations? 

    First things first, I think every person at KIAA, LLP knows their job well and my co-founders & I give our Associates a free hand to conduct the matters. Of course, we discuss each proposition together and work on possible solutions but flexibility is the key.

    We believe people can work better if they are not micromanaged. We allow them to work freely while standing strong and tall as their support should the need arise. We are a happy, hardworking and fun-loving bunch of about 15-17 people including our clerical staff.

    You’ve expanded KIAA, LLP into a multi-service law firm. What inspired this diversification,  how do you ensure the team provides practical legal solutions to clients?

    I’d rather say, WE have expanded KIAA, LLP into a multi-service law firm. Naturally, when we started the firm, we were a boutique firm working only on the matters that our clients got to us. Over time we realised that most of our clients (largely business & commercial houses) face similar problems, and we thought why not have an end-to-end solution for all these problems starting from compliance to representation in appropriate forums?

    That’s how we undertook expansion and diversification. Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, we also took our time, took one department, one specialisation at a time. Categorised various departments and hired associates having specialised knowledge in that department. KIAA, LLP as you see today is years of hard work, late nights, early mornings, sweat & blood.

    We have only one mantra of providing legal solutions to our clients- WE PUT OUR BEST PERSON ON THE JOB!

    In addition to your legal expertise, you’ve delved into blockchain and cryptocurrency, as seen in your certification from Berkeley Law. How do you see emerging technologies influencing the legal landscape, and how is KIAA, LLP adapting to these changes?

    Well, the emerging technologies can influence the legal landscape in many ways or they have already started influencing the system, I’d rather say. With Smart Contracts, Live Streaming of court hearings, E-Filings, E-tokens etc. It would come as no surprise when there will be an official cryptocurrency being used as legal tender! Maybe there will be dedicated law firms for Crypto Law Practice in the future, who knows!? The possibilities are endless!

    We are talking about two things that are highly dynamic- Law & Tech! An impact on one industry will definitely impact the other.

    Outside of your busy legal career, can you share a personal interest or hobby that might surprise our readers and provide a different dimension to your personality?

    I love travelling! I find immense joy in exploring new places and immersing myself in different cultures. It’s not just about leisure; I often plan my trips strategically, making the most of the court summer vacations to indulge in this personal interest. Whether it’s a serene beach destination, a historic city, or a picturesque mountain retreat, I appreciate the diversity our world offers, and I make it a point to experience it firsthand. It helps me unwind, gain fresh perspectives, and recharge for the challenges of the profession.

    Another hobby that adds a different dimension to my personality is playing golf. I find solace in the greens, it helps me strike a perfect balance between relaxation and skill, offering me a chance to clear my mind while engaging in a sport that requires focus and precision.

    Not many would know but I am also an avid collector of watches and antiques. I appreciate art & craftsmanship. Each watch or antique item tells a unique story, and helps me travel in the era bygone!

    Having navigated through diverse legal challenges, is there a piece of advice or a valuable lesson from your career that you would like to share with the upcoming generation of legal professionals as they embark on their journeys in the legal field?

    I would say to my young colleagues & fellow persons: – Dream, Work & Live! Dream big so that you work hard to achieve the life you want but, in the meantime, don’t forget to live. That would mean allowing yourself to make mistakes, they would teach you lessons no law school and mentor can teach. Keep moving and be positive about your work because like a wise man said-

    ‘A pessimist makes nothing not even a mistake!’.

    It would be most appropriate to end this conversation with a saying of Steve Winwood, “The finer things I feel in me, the golden dance life could be.”

    Get in touch with Karan Bindra-

  • “Over the period of years and working experience I  have realized that a person has to be evolving with the time and have a complete control and know-how of its surroundings along with current legal and technical knowledge of gadgets”- Persis Hodiwalla, Managing Partner, JP Legal Corp.

    “Over the period of years and working experience I  have realized that a person has to be evolving with the time and have a complete control and know-how of its surroundings along with current legal and technical knowledge of gadgets”- Persis Hodiwalla, Managing Partner, JP Legal Corp.

    This Interview has been published by Pragya Chandni and The SuperLawyer Team

    Could you please share your journey and the pivotal moments that led you to pursue a career in law, particularly in the field of entertainment and media law?

    As a teenager, I possessed a skill of questioning and having healthy negotiations at home and with teachers in school towards studies and life. Parents always wanted me to become a doctor or an engineer, however due to my low maths score I couldn’t qualify in either of the fields. Whilst growing up there were property related issues in the family, thus at a very young age I had started reading the legal notices and their responses. The legal language mentioned in such notices was very intriguing for me and as such I was always curious to know the nitty-gritties involved in various types of laws which governed our country. Consequently, before I could complete my 10th grade she had decided to become a lawyer. Also, law does not require any maths or complex chemical calculations. Throughout my school life always had a good command over spoken and written English language and could memorise vast portions of her school syllabus along with general knowledge gained by reading newspapers, these basic skills were enough to have a zeal to become a lawyer and to get into a good law school. 

    Thus, after completing school in 1999, I got into commerce stream and completed my basic graduation from Mumbai wherein she got to learn about business management and economics. Post that in 2004 I got admission into the 3 year Law Course from Jitendra Chauhan College of Law, Mumbai. In those 3 years I was also interning at a reputed law firm wherein I obtained hands-on experience of drafting the legal language, visiting the High Court of Bombay, meeting counsels, reviewing the agreements, drafting legal notices. Over the period of 3 years my teenage dream of drafting and executing legal documents unfolded and by the end of the internship and law college in 2007 Persis was ready to take on the legal fraternity with her skills of drafting, negotiating and executing legal documents.

    On a personal front, during my childhood, my parents used to take me to watch Hindi films in the theatres at Mumbai and  thus as a child I always had this thought that someday my name should appear on that big theatre screen in the capacity of a lawyer. Unknown to  how life after 2007 would open avenues for me in the media and entertainment sector.

    Thus in 2007 after completion of B.com and LLB graduation, I was very aggressive in search of a legal job in the market. As destiny would have it, I secured a job as a Legal Executive in Adlabs Films, Filmcity Mumbai in October 2007. In her tenure of 3 years there, she got hands-on experience in drafting, negotiating and executing all the Film production, distribution agreements. Not only I worked in the legal side of the company but was also fortunate enough to learn the technical side of converting the final film footage into a digital cinema print and distributing the same worldwide. In this tenure I also got a chance of reviewing and negotiating the business conducting agreements wherein the single screen and multiplex cinema chains owners were giving their old cinemas to be refurbished and run under the brand name of Big Cinemas in India. On the other hand, the benefit of working in the entertainment sector was that I got a chance to see and meet many film actors and was also invited to a lot of film screenings and parties. Overall during the entire tenure I had a holistic approach of how the Film fraternity functions and gained the legal and commercial knowledge of each and every aspect involved in the Filmmaking business in India.

    Thus by the year 2010 I was sure that I would pursue a career in my lifetime in the Media and Entertainment industry as it was very challenging and vulnerable.  Being very hard working and a person who is open to learning new things happening in the industry along with multitasking and managing numerous verticals in the company made me an all-rounder in the media and entertainment industry. All this was possible due to the support of my seniors and friends which I had made whilst working in Adlabs Films.

    Given your diverse educational background, how have your experiences at Southwestern Law School, NALSAR University and Mumbai University contributed to shaping your legal career, especially in the entertainment sector?

    I graduated in Law from Mumbai in the year 2007 wherein my major subject was Intellectual Property. At that time I thought that  field was much more exciting and challenging to be a part of. Back then, the Entertainment and Media Industry in India was not as structured as it is today and people worked with each other based on the relations amongst them. However, it was later that this industry evolved with the agreements and contracts and commercial deal structures. Hence there was a need to further study the market and the laws in depth to cater to this industry. Hence, I later went to pursue her Post Graduate Diploma from Nalsar University, Hyderabad. 

    In this PGD Course I got a chance to study the laws governing the content which is circulated through cable and radio in India along with the advertisement codes applicable on brands. This was an in-depth study of the laws and real life examples prevailing in the media and entertainment industry. Thus, I completed the course in 2011.

    However, post that when I was working for another media company in Mumbai which was dealing with Hollywood studios in Los Angeles, I realized the importance of learning the nuances of the legal framework prevailing in the US entertainment and media industry. Whilst working, I also wanted to learn about the various commercial aspects which are required in structuring the deals internationally. 

    Thus in the year 2012 I came across a law school named Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles which was providing a masters level 24 credits program in filmmaking, copyright law and commercial deal structuring in the media and entertainment sector. This was an 18 months course for international students who qualify to become a part of this course after passing the TOEFL exam and seeking the requisite score. After a long struggle of another year, I got myself enrolled into the course which commenced on/from January 2014 and graduated in May 2015. 

    During this course I  have learnt and mastered the art and skill of drafting and executing agreements prevailing in the international media and entertainment market along with US Copyright Law. In this course I  have learnt the nuisances of the Content Curating Industry. It was during this course that I learned to raise red flags in the script, train the production team and conduct due diligence of the underlying works of any original content and draft commercial agreements towards exploitation of each and every right which are embedded in the content. 

    Hence, by 2015 I had my qualifications and skills and abilities to take on the legal and commercial work in the media and entertainment industry in Mumbai. In the year 2016 India was also shaping up to acquire a lot of content to make films and/or web-series based on books, remake films into Hindi languages, commercially exploit and earn revenues through sale of theatrical and non-theatrical rights of the Film in India and worldwide. I had not only acquired all the knowledge through my education but also had hands-on experience by working as an In House lawyer for many companies, more particularly studios which were primarily into film making and distribution.

    You’ve held key legal positions at prominent entertainment companies such as Eros International, Reliance Big Entertainment, and Phantom Films. Could you highlight some of the unique challenges you faced in negotiating and executing agreements in the dynamic world of film production, distribution, and intellectual property rights?

    As an In House Counsel working for the Media & Entertainment Studios it is mandatory to firstly acquire all the intellectual property in the form of copyright embedded in the literary, musical, sound recordings and dance works from the original author of the work. The structuring of the deals are done in such a way that each and every person working on the content is engaged by the producer on work made for hire basis and in lieu thereof the producers have to pay off the monies to these cast and crew people. 

    On an average we as lawyers have to draft, review and execute more than 100 agreements and contracts on one film or web-series. Most of the crew i.e. the below the line agreements consisting of secondary cast, production artists are templatised and are on automated mode, thus executing them is always a fast track process. On the other hand writer, director and actor agreements are extremely critical to draft and execute as there are numerous clauses to be drafted in the same. The clause needs to ensure that all the intellectual property in terms of copyright and trademark are firstly acquired by the producer and then safeguarded in a diligent manner. Whilst drafting these agreements we as the lawyers representing the producer ensure that the intellectual property existing not only now but in future is also acquired for exploitation. These agreements are more than 15 pages which capture clauses like name, recitals, obligations, consideration, credits, termination, consequences of termination, representation and warranties, indemnity, miscellaneous etc. along with the annexures. 

    The unique challenges to close these agreements are to get all the lawyers representing the respective talents on the same page and align with the business understandings of the project. Most of the clauses are not acceptable by the producers as the demands from the talents are much more which are beyond the given approved budgets. Hence we either get on con-calls or sit across the table with the lawyers of the actors, writers, directors and musicians to arrive at a consensus wherein all the parties can amicably agree with each other and get the clauses drafted accordingly. Once all the parties have given their approval on all the clauses then the final approved version of the document is circulated amongst all the parties for confirmation and then proceeded towards execution thereof. 

    The other challenge is that a lot of time goes in negotiating these clauses and commercial understanding of the deal with the lawyers of these talents. We have spent at times more than 10 human hours in a single day negotiating these agreements and turning it around for execution within the next 36 hours. These are the times when our skills and abilities to deliver our work along with people handling skills are being put to test. At no point in time can we afford to lose our patience or get aggressive with the opposite party lawyers as media and entertainment is a very close knit industry and we have to work with such people time and again. 

    As a Partner at JP Legal Corp, you’re deeply involved in content production agreements and project viability assessments. How do you navigate the delicate balance between creative freedom and legal constraints in the entertainment industry?

    JP Legal is best known for providing its clients end-to end services i.e. from Script to Screen. 

    JP Legal provides personalised services to its clientele wherein its involved in the processes of content making right from the time the literary works for such content is being developed by the writer which is engaged by the Producer.

    Once the first draft of the script is being developed JP Legal reads the same and points out the red flags i.e. if there are any names of real persons mentioned in the script, branded products are showcased in the story line, any third party copyrighted materials (i.e. paintings, news footages, photos, music) are used in the script. This is done to ensure that none of the third-party copyrights are infringed in the script. Further in the event any footage, paintings, music is forming a part of the story line, then JP Legal initiates the License Agreements with the copyright owner and producer of the content and legally acquires the license to showcase such third-party material in the content. 

    Once the final draft of the script along with the above necessary changes suggested by JP Legal is locked by the Producer, then JP Legal trains the production team about the Dos and Don’ts to be followed whilst actual filming of the content to avoid any third-party copyright infringement issues. 

    In the meantime, whilst the script is getting locked and pre-production period of the content is under process, JP Legal drafts, reviews and executes all the Above the Line Agreements (i.e. Agreements for the Writers, Actors, Director, Head of Departments) and Below the Line Agreements (i.e. remaining crew) and hands it over to the production house. Under these agreements the obligations, representations and warranties of each cast and crew is detailed in depth and all the intellectual property is acquired by the Producer from them in universal perpetuity in lieu of the agreed consideration.

    Since Producer can be the assignor of the exploitation rights of the Content, JP Legal also drafts, reviews and executes agreements for Theatrical Distribution Rights of the Film, Non-Theatrical Distribution Rights Agreements like Satellite Rights, OTT Rights, Music Rights etc. with third parties. All these agreements ensure that the content is commercially exploited on every available window worldwide. 

    The new area of focus and revenue generating window for any content produced is the over-the-top platform. In the year 2020 when the world was hit due to the Covid19 Pandemic OTT’s role became more significant in India as the audience had no other source of entertainment sitting at home. 

    The top 3 OTT Players are Prime Video, Disney Hotstar and Netflix, other Indian OTT players are Zee5, SonyLiv, Voot, JioTV, Alt Balaji and many others. On an average these OTT platforms require a new show every fortnight of the month in order to cater to the audience of every genre quenching their viewing thirst and keeping them engaged and holding on to the respective content available on the OTT platform. 

    Most of the OTT players prefer to have content which is based either on the books, real life stories, old TV shows etc. So, the OTT platforms acquire the requisite rights for developing these web-shows from the book publishers, real persons on whom the show is being made or from the satellite companies with whom the old TV show rights are acquired accordingly. If the OTT platforms have any slightest doubt about any underlying rights not being cleared then they will not showcase such   content. 

    Most of the clientele of JP Legal are now inclined towards making content for the OTT platforms, hence at each stage JP Legal is involved with their clients to produce the content as required by the OTT Platforms in accordance with their rules and regulations. In order to be a support system to the clients towards production of the content for OTT Platforms, JP Legal has to from time to time be abreast with the applicable laws of the land and the current market scenario as we not only are a legal function but extend our support to commercial aspects of the content to ensure that the producer earns maximum revenues from the production of such content.

    In the Indian content creation industry, a writer is usually considered the most important person to create intellectual property in literary works. Thus, when an audio-visual content piece is developed, JP Legal ensures that a writer’s agreement (s) is elaborately drafted and executed to ensure that the writer has written the original script for the audio-visual content. But, of course, unless the script/story is an adaptation from a book or is a derivative work developed based on original content, then such aspects are in depth captured in the writer’s agreement. Similarly, music composers who create musical works, directors directing the content and the actors who are also part of embodying artistic works are important copyright owners of the works. Thus JP Legal ensures all the assignment of the intellectual property rights stemming from their work is assigned to the Producer.

    In the event any of our client is interested in producing a content based on the published Book or remake the content in another language, then we at JP Legal conduct a thorough due diligence of the chain of title on all the underlying materials of the original content is clear from any third-party infringement ensuring that all the intellectual property rights are flowing well from the original author/creator to the final exploiter/producer. Thus, to ensure the same, JP Legal will draft and execute numerous rights acquisition agreements to acquire the original rights from the original copyright owner or author. 

    As mentioned above JP Legal is appreciated by all their clients because there is JP Legal’s legal and commercial in-depth involvement in each and every content which is created by its client, unlike other law firms who only provide a production pack to their clients. This really sets JP Legal apart from all the other law firms. 


    Whilst   JP Legal ensures that the creative bend of the director is always safeguarded with the legal implications and regulations to ensure that there are no future litigations on the project and all rights of the project are safeguarded and well exploited in universal perpetuity by the producer and recoup all the investments made towards the content in a diligent and timely manner.

    Throughout your career, you’ve received several awards, including being recognized as the Best IP Lawyer among 100 Female Lawyers in India. Can you share the significance of these accolades and how they have impacted your approach to your legal work?

    I have been very obliged and humbled to every fraternity for rewarding her the awards and accolades for the work done by me  in the media and entertainment industry over the last 17 years. From 2019 when I was an In house Senior Manager at Phantom Films and later at Reliance Entertainment Limited, I have been a speaker at many Intellectual Property Forums in India and also had made submissions of my yearly work done to the respective fraternity to qualify for such awards. Thus to be a speaker on the panel the person has to have in-depth subject matter knowledge and confidence to speak on the stage. With the help of my seniors at work and colleagues I had gathered the strength to be on the panel with other renowned IP lawyers. These fraternities conduct a deep research about my profile and work and my speaking skills and then qualify my profile for the awards. 

    In the year 2023 I was also awarded the 40 under 40 Rising Star Award by Legal Era forum, JP Legal Corp. have been awarded the Lex Falcon Award in Dubai and many more. These awards and accolades always push a person to work hard and achieve their dreams and take a step towards success and get recognition amongst the legal fraternity.

    This year has given me an immense pleasure as Legal500 has once again ranked me as a Leading Individual in the TMT Category – India – Mumbai Focus, this ranking means a lot to me as after extensive research and scrutiny this title is being given to a lawyer. Further JP Legal Corp. has also been ranked in the Tier 2 – TMT category & Tier 3 for IP category for India – Mumbai focus for the year 2024. The Legal500 accolade is considered as epitome for me  as it elevates me and the law firm over and above other existing firms. 

    Your social media presence is quite extensive. How has leveraging platforms like LinkedIn contributed to your professional growth, networking, and perhaps even attracting opportunities in the legal and entertainment domain?

    In today’s day and age social media is a blessing for all the lawyers as the pace at which they can connect with the legal fraternity and clients is immense. On Linkedin we also reach out to lawyers who are working in the intellectual property area like trademark, patents and seek their advice as and when required for our projects. Also through LinkedIn we come to know about the current employment opportunities prevailing in the legal fraternity and if we have a candidate for the same then we surely reach out and put in a word for the candidate with the employer. 

    Further, through the LinkedIn portal, I have been very fortunate enough to connect with the various forums or groups who conduct intellectual property seminars across India. Once connected with these forums subject to my availability and the topics being discussed at the seminars, I participated as a panelist for one of the sessions hosted by these forums. Also time and again my profile has been shortlisted for many accolades and awards which through the LinkedIn portal is being publicised and known to the world. 

    A few reputed law firms practising intellectual property rights and these law firms on a weekly or fortnightly basis issue magazines which mentions about prevailing laws, latest judgements and litigations prevailing in the media and entertainment industry and they also upload the same on Linkedin. I also follow most of these law firms on LinkedIn and keep myself updated about the media and entertainment industry.

    Lastly, over the years I have been conducting numerous legal and business workshops in the law schools at Mumbai, Hyderabad and have taught the students about copyright law, drafting agreements and nuances of media and entertainment business. Through the LinkedIn chat box these students also get a chance to interact with me and ask their concerns and seek career guidance for themselves. I  surely respond to each one of them as and when time persists. 

    Thus LinkedIn is a great social media platform for professionals to showcase their career progress, achievements, accolades and seek information on various related topics. I make sure that my LinkedIn profile is well updated and intact with the latest information and news related to herself and JP Legal Corp.

    Considering your achievements and experiences, what advice would you give to recent law graduates aspiring to make a mark in the field of entertainment and media law, or law in general?

    Today’s generation has a lot of advantages of having access to a lot of social media platforms which provides them with a lot of knowledge and current information. Over the period of years and working experience I  have realized that a person has to be evolving with the time and have a complete control and know-how of its surroundings along with current legal and technical knowledge of gadgets.

    When I conduct the workshops in the law schools, I emphasize and encourage the students who want to pursue media and entertainment law to firstly study contract act and copyright act in depth, along with that have a fair idea about trademarks and patents. These students should be inclined towards drafting, vetting, negotiating and executing agreements prevailing in the media and entertainment sector. If a student wants to join a studio or production house, firstly that student should acquire knowledge about the businesses conducted by such a company and have a hands down experience in knowing the different types of agreements which will be executed for a particular deal.

    In the media and entertainment sector the law students should understand that more than legal knowledge this industry functions based on mutual trust and confirmation between the parties and also respect and value the sentiments of the persons creatively involved in the process of content making, thus firstly the student should have people’s management skill within themselves. Also this industry is very volatile and growing thus the student should be open to learning the new aspects of the business and be able to cater to the same. 

    Lastly, this industry has no fixed working hours, hence the student should be completely passionate about the industry to work for long hours. Students should have knowledge about the business and have zeal towards working in the industry. To their seniors this will showcase their sustainability in the industry. Also this industry requires a lot of hard work and one should be ready to give their best towards the legal work. Always keep yourself updated with the latest judgements, industry know-how, local laws, commercial deals happening across the industry all this will provide skills and abilities to negotiate the deals in better manner and get the best commercials for the clients.

    Get in touch with Persis Hodiwalla-

  • “Prioritize learning, dedication, and perseverance in the legal profession. There are no shortcuts to success; hence, young lawyers should embrace challenges, treat professors as legal gurus, and remain committed to continuous growth.” – Neerav Merchant, Partner at Majmudar & Partners

    “Prioritize learning, dedication, and perseverance in the legal profession. There are no shortcuts to success; hence, young lawyers should embrace challenges, treat professors as legal gurus, and remain committed to continuous growth.” – Neerav Merchant, Partner at Majmudar & Partners

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

    Could you take us through your journey from college to your first job and eventually to becoming a partner at Majmudar & Partners? What were the pivotal moments or experiences that shaped your career path, and how did you navigate the transitions along the way? 

    I come from a legal background. My father, Mr. Pravin Merchant, was a practicing Solicitor for over 35 years, and as a result, I was exposed to law early on.  I took up different part-time assignments, internships, trainings, etc., even when I was studying in college.  However, my first job (as a legal trainee) was at Kanga & Co., one of the oldest law firms.  Thereafter, I spent few years in private practice with other prominent law firms, such as Vimadalal & Co., and Gagrat & Co., before moving as an in-house counsel. My transition to being an in-house counsel was under tenuous circumstances. My father passed away in 1995 (when I was in second year law) and the pay standards in most law firms in India in the 1990s was not that high, as compared to in-house profile.  Hence, I decided to spend few years as an in-house counsel.  Except in a few cases, not many in-house counsels go back into private practice.  I went in-house at a relatively early stage in my career and after having spent seven (7) years in-house, I felt that my learning curve had hit a plateau.  Though, I had done large private equity deals, negotiated large outsourcing contracts and even built an entire legal department, I needed more challenges, which I thought I could get only in a law firm setting.  This was the genesis of my decision to move back into a law firm.  As regards my choice of Majmudar & Partners, I knew about Majmudar’s stellar reputation and had even seen their work on a private equity deal that they did against the company where I was the general counsel.  The high-quality work, top-tier clientele, and fantastic standing, both domestically and internationally, convinced me that this was the place for me.  The transition from an in-house set-up into a law firm was challenging.  The key challenge that I faced as an in-house counsel was that of changing my mindset and approach, to be able to think like a client.  Additionally, in private practice, lawyers deal with various clients (individuals and companies), which makes it more interesting.  To summarise, the main challenge was to switch gears in my overall thinking and perspective, and to give paramount consideration to the business objectives of the company. I believe, I made this transition quite well, and this helps me in my practice today.

    Having experienced both roles as a partner in a law firm and as in-house counsel for companies like Tata Housing and Patni Computer Systems, what notable differences did you encounter in these positions, and what factors influenced your decision to transition between the two roles?

    Good question.  One should understand that the industry and sector plays a critical role for an in-house counsel as regards adapting to the legal function, whereas when it comes to operating in a law firm, one must adopt to the work ethics, culture, etc. Firstly, the in-house lawyer is required to understand the industry and sector in which he or she operates, especially, because vertical line of business brings different and interesting challenges, compulsions, limitations and risk appetite. Secondly, the management approach and focus vary for each business. Thirdly, government rules, regulations and policies vary according to industry, which is not relevant when one works in a law firm set-up.  All of this makes it imperative for an in-house lawyer to remain focussed on the sector and ensure that nothing is missed in terms of legal strategy, advice, approach, risk mitigation, etc.  I think the foregoing factors did influence my decision whilst working as practicing lawyer as also as an in-house counsel.

    Having more than 25 years of experience, you’ve witnessed significant changes in the legal landscape. What key shifts or trends do you foresee in the field of dispute resolution, arbitration, and intellectual property in the coming years? A lot has changed over the years and much of it has been for better.  Whilst, it will be impossible to identify all the major shifts or trends, the most important shifts that come to mind are that, judiciary has evolved and matured over the years, the use of technology has become more rampant, the present-day judges are commercially savvy, procedural laws have undergone various changes as also laws on arbitration have become more stringent and focussed after taking cues from cross border arbitration cases.  In my view, IPR practice deserves a compliment because it is kind of evergreen in its own right and has gained momentum over the years, especially, with an extensive increase in the use of the internet, matters relating to infringement, counterfeiting, etc., has become more rampant, there is tremendous awareness re brand protection, logos, etc.   

    You’ve represented clients in enforcing an ICC arbitration award in India. Could you share insights into the challenges and strategies involved in the enforcement process, particularly in the Indian legal context?

    This question deserves a comprehensive response, and we could end up writing a complete chapter on this issue. Broadly speaking, over the years enforcement of foreign awards in India has become smoother as the courts have become sensitive towards being pro-enforcement and acknowledging India as a signatory to the New York Convention on enforcement of foreign awards in India.  Moreover, there have been various statutory amendments and judicial pronouncements which have helped in reducing the challenges of foreign awards by Indian parties.  In my view, the biggest challenge that persists is that of asset tracing and seeking an interim injunction against disposal of the assets.

    Your role involves advising on technology and telecommunication matters. With the rapid evolution of technology, how do you stay updated on the latest legal implications and challenges in this dynamic industry?

    I have been fortunate to work in these sectors very early on.  My first stint as in-house counsel was at GTL Ltd, which was in the business of installation of radio-frequency towers, laying down optic fibre cables, and providing other related telecom services. All of this compelled me to continuous learn, read and stay on top of the regulations, interact with governmental officials, and constantly review judicial precedents touching this sector.  I had to adopt a similar approach in the areas of technology. The Information Technology Act was introduced sometime in 2000, which, since then has been the legal backbone in relation to technology law.  There has been constant learning, checking new amendments regularly, focusing on the rationale of changes, and then advising clients on a given scenario.

    In your recent transactions, you’ve been involved in diverse matters, from challenging telecom regulations to high-stakes arbitration involving global players. Could you highlight one or two recent transactions that you found particularly intriguing or challenging, and share the key strategies that led to a successful outcome for your clients?

    In the recent past, we had represented one of the large telecom service providers, operating in the business of mobile portability. The TRAI (telecom regulator) brought in a certain regulation that impacted our client’s ability to do business in India. We assessed the relevant law, regulations and provisions and checked judicial precedents, as also researched on important provisions of the Indian Constitution, and filed a constitutional writ before the Delhi High Court considering that the regulation was impacting our client’s fundamental right to do business.  After some deliberation and with excellent arguments made by eminent Sr. Counsels, we eventually succeeded in obtaining a favourable order quashing the controversial regulation.  This allowed our clients enormous commercial relief and the time and efforts spent by the firm were highly appreciated.

    Amidst your demanding legal career, how do you unwind and recharge? Could you share some of your hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation outside the courtroom or office?

    I agree that having a good work-life balance is critical to reduce stress levels and to enhance productivity.  To manage stress levels, I spend my mornings in doing some physical training, reading interesting articles, etc.  In the evenings, I prefer to simply relax with family and occasionally with friends. My hobbies include reading, going for evening walks, long drives, an occasional movie in the theatre, etc.

    Given your extensive experience in the legal field, what advice would you offer to law students regarding the scope of the profession and the mindset they should cultivate while studying law?

    Firstly, all law students should opt to pursue this profession, only if they are mentally and intellectually driven to pursue such profession, and not because of any other reason. Practicing law is a serious profession as it demands commitment, dedication, and devotion.  If one compares the overall mindset of experienced lawyers versus young law students (including newly graduated lawyers), there will always be a general gap in terms of overall approach, thinking, priorities and perceptions.  In my view, law students (or freshly qualified lawyers) are dynamic, aspirational, and savvy, but they lack patience and perseverance. I would like to urge the younger generation to focus on learning, and hard work, and to treat their professors as legal gurus.  Law students should understand that there are no shortcuts to success; hence, they should not cut corners.  Youngsters should be smart in choosing their internships with firms where they genuinely see interesting client work that can help them apply legal theory in practice.

    As a seasoned lawyer, you’ve advised on foreign investment, general corporate matters, and joint ventures. What advice would you give to young lawyers aspiring to specialize in international law or corporate law?

    A simple advice to all young lawyers is to take up all kinds of work in the earlier years of their career, namely, matters relating to commercial disputes, arbitrations, securities law, foreign exchange law, employment law, or on general commercial queries, doing due diligence, working on a commercial contract, etc.  In other words, never say no to any legal work assigned by one’s senior.  After spending around 2 or 3 years as a generalist lawyer, one can pursue the vertical area of practice that is appealing or interesting.

    Get in touch with Neerav Merchant-

  • “Politeness is an understated skill to possess; it reflects integrity and professionalism in every interaction.” – From navigating high-stakes commercial disputes to advocating for legal reform in Chhattisgarh, Rishabh Garg, Partner at Pransh Law Offices

    “Politeness is an understated skill to possess; it reflects integrity and professionalism in every interaction.” – From navigating high-stakes commercial disputes to advocating for legal reform in Chhattisgarh, Rishabh Garg, Partner at Pransh Law Offices

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

    Reflecting on your journey from ILS Law College, Pune, to your current position as a Founding Partner at Pransh Law Offices, what pivotal moments or experiences shaped your career in law and What inspired you to establish a legal practice in Chhattisgarh, and what unique approach does Pransh bring to the legal landscape?

    My first encounter with Law was when I was an hour away from my higher secondary mid-term examinations at Symbiosis Junior College, Pune. I had received a call from my inconsolable mother, “Your father has been arrested”. I remember returning to my hometown Korba, Chhattisgarh after my exam and spending months going through the complex legal proceedings. It was then that I studied the law in detail and had a very many meaningful conversations with the lawyers. It took 4 months of hardships before he was discharged of all offences. I believe that’s when I found my true calling and joined ILS Law College in 2008. 

    At ILS, one had to be self-motivated in order to learn since the College did not mandatorily require anyone to partake in any activity other than attending lectures, which too, ended at 10 in the morning. This meant one had ample time to explore and identify one’s area of interest. I did a couple of internships in Corporate Law during the initial years, but it was my internship with a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court in my penultimate year that made me realise that litigation was what intrigued me. Therefore, after passing out of ILS, I applied to a few law firms and Senior Advocates in Delhi to begin my career in litigation, however, nothing materialised and I was forced to start my career from my hometown in Chhattisgarh. 

    In Chhattisgarh, I realised that although opportunities abounded, the learning curve was slow and Seniors did not take particular interest in teaching the nuances of the law to a young graduate. As such, at the advice of my peers, I left my practice in a year and joined Tech Mahindra in their litigation team in Hyderabad. Tech Mahindra had just taken over Satyam Computers at that time, which meant, being involved in several high stake litigations to deal with. I enjoyed my time at Tech Mahindra but since the goal was always to gain experience and come back to Chhattisgarh, I left that job within a year; pursued a Master’s Degree from the National University of Singapore; and founded Pransh Law Offices in Raipur in July 2016. 

    At Pransh, we believe in keeping things simple. We ensure that our drafts are prepared on time and there are no unnecessary adjournments in Court. We thoroughly research the legal issue involved before giving opinions. We are polite, we do not overcharge, and we keep our Clients up to date with the developments in their matters. We are a team of 11 lawyers who stand shoulder to shoulder in pursuance of holistic growth. We also often collaborate with other firms/lawyers to ensure the best possible outcome for our Clients. 

    Having pursued your LL.M. in International and Comparative Law from the National University of Singapore, how has your international education influenced your approach to legal practice in India?

    Studying at NUS for a year taught me to meticulously draft a legal document after extensive research. It helped me develop analytical skills, since at NUS, we were given reading material a week prior to lectures – where we were supposed to share our thoughts on the reading material. Other than that, the substantive law that I read there has not really helped me yet in my legal practice in India. In fact, a Masters does not really help in litigation, other than the skills one develops, and it is advisable only if academics is one’s calling.

    As a seasoned legal professional, you have extensive experience in high-value commercial disputes and advising clients in various industries. Can you share some insights into the challenges and rewards of practicing law in the domains of DDUGKY, Mining, Construction, and Infrastructure?

    In commercial disputes, it is important to know the business as much as it is important to know the law. These disputes are mainly governed by a Contract in writing, and therefore, a thorough understanding of the Law of Contracts is extremely important. 

    Early on in my practice, I got the opportunity to work on several low-stake commercial matters. Every matter had its own complexity where I made mistakes and learnt from them. Over time, it gave me the confidence to take on high-value commercial disputes; since there is no scope for making mistakes in high-value transactions. 

    One of the many challenges we often face in these domains is to quantify the damages that arise out of breach of the Contract. Courts, after Kailash Nath v/s DDA, have held that even Liquidated Damages have to be proved. Often, Clients – at least in a jurisdiction such as Chhattisgarh – don’t maintain their books of accounts properly to enable lawyers to quantify damages such as loss of profits and profitability. As such, a favourable Award / Order in such circumstances is always rewarding. 

    Pransh Law Offices covers a range of practice areas. Which area do you find the most fascinating or challenging, and why?

    As a firm, my colleagues practice extensively in criminal and civil law; however, I personally don’t have the temperament to practice criminal law. As such, I stick to commercial disputes only. 

    The fascinating part about commercial disputes is that they can be settled; there’s a quietus to the never ending litigation. I think lawyers have a substantial role to play when it comes to settlement, as they are the ones who initially inform their Clients of the merits involved in the matter. An honest opinion can help litigants make an informed choice whether to pursue the matter in Court or settle. 

    Your time with the Global Litigation and Arbitration Team at Tech Mahindra involved handling diverse cases. Can you share an interesting or unexpected challenge you encountered during that phase of your career?

    We were dealing with a litigation against Tech Mahindra in the Courts at Los Angeles, California, filed by a disgruntled employee who was sent Onsite from India. During discovery, we found documents against the employee; however, the legal costs, publicity, and risks of going through a jury trial forced us to settle the matter. It was then as an in-house counsel that I realised that litigation is not just about the law or proving who is right/wrong. There are many variables and considerations, such as costs, bargaining power of the parties involved, and attitude of the Presiding Officer of the Court, among others, that are to be kept in mind while dealing with a dispute. 

    Beyond your legal work, you’ve volunteered as a teacher with Make A Difference. How has your experience in community engagement shaped your perspective, both personally and professionally?

    During my time at Make A Difference, I was tasked with teaching English to a Class of 4 Juvenile Convicts in a Juvenile Home in Pune. Professionally, it was obviously a very enriching experience since it was hands-on learning on how the Juvenile Justice Act worked. Personally, it was an experience that made me culturally sensitive and socially aware. These Juveniles were some of the smartest 10-year-olds I met who were also grateful for the learning opportunity. It made me trust the reformative form of punishment. 

    You’ve been recognized for your contributions. Could you share a bit about any notable publications you’ve authored or awards you’ve received, and what those moments meant to you?

    I have not had the honour of receiving any of the prestigious legal awards.

    My last publication was a result of a sleepless night during COVID-19 graciously published by Bar & Bench on Access to Justice in the State of Chhattisgarh, which can be accessed here:

    https://www.barandbench.com/columns/access-to-justice-or-lack-thereof-in-the-state-of-chhattisgarh

    Although it has been a while since I have done any legal writing, I believe legal writing offers a unique avenue for the expression of creative arguments; which unfortunately, legal pleadings do not provide. Legal writing fosters a dynamic and evolving dialogue within the legal community. I regularly read articles published on “indianconlawphil” and “indiacorplaw”. I can only wish that my practice affords me time to write such enriching articles.  

    As someone deeply connected to Chhattisgarh, how do you perceive the evolving legal landscape in the state, and what role does Pransh play in contributing to that evolution?

    We have been making representations to the Government urging them to establish more Commercial Courts in the State as well as set up other Tribunals like DRT, NGT, and NCLT but to no avail. More Tribunals would mean more opportunities for Lawyers as well as access to litigants. It would also ensure the development of a Commercial Bar in the State, which is non-existent as of date. There is still a long way to go! 

    Beyond the legal realm, what are your hobbies or interests that bring you joy and relaxation outside of work?

    General interests in movies/music aside, I went for a 7-day trek to Har-ki-doon a couple of years ago, which got me hooked on trekking. I make it a point to go on a trek during Court vacations in summer. It allows me to be completely disconnected, reducing the mental strain associated with information overload. 

    What advice do you have for law students and aspiring lawyers who are navigating their way through legal education and considering a career in law?

    a) Politeness is an understated skill to possess; b) Don’t be arrogant, it reflects in Court, and no one likes to deal with an arrogant person – neither the judge nor the client; c) Try and make the job of the Court easier – submit brief written arguments with case compilations, whenever possible; d) Be patient, the learning process is slow; e) Don’t be hard on yourself. 

    Get in touch with Rishabh Garg-

  • “Through open communication, continuous learning, and professional development, I cultivate a culture of collaboration that drives success.” – Purvi Shah Asher, Partner at M/s. Maunsukhlal Hiralal & Co

    “Through open communication, continuous learning, and professional development, I cultivate a culture of collaboration that drives success.” – Purvi Shah Asher, Partner at M/s. Maunsukhlal Hiralal & Co

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

    Reflecting on your journey from the initial days after college to where you are now, could you share some insights into the challenges or struggles you faced when starting your career, and how you navigated through them to reach your current position as a Partner at Mansukhlal Hiralal & Co.?

    When I look back at my early days, I faced several challenges, the foremost being establishing myself in a competitive legal landscape. I started working at the grassroot level and navigated the system while learning the legal skills. People believe that litigation is about drafting and arguing, but a huge part of litigation is the process that each of the courts implement.  

    In hindsight, starting my career at Mansukhlal Hiralal & Co. felt daunting. Balancing the steep learning curve with client demands was challenging. It was a centenarian firm with an impeccable reputation to vouch for. But I embraced mentorship, built relationships, and developed resilience. Each obstacle became a stepping stone, fuelling my growth and leading to my current role as a Partner. The most challenging part for me was networking. As  lawyers, we are not trained to network. Personally, I had to work hard to come out of my shell to expand my network. =I focused on continuous learning, and sought mentorship from seniors and experts. I worked in different roles to develop new avenues and set a solid base for the years ahead. This act of building a strong network and fostering positive relationships within the legal community also played a pivotal role in my journey. Being able to adapt and never give up was vital. This helped me overcome hurdles and move forward in my career to the position I am in today.

    Congratulations on being named ‘Woman Legal Leader of the Year’ by the Future Digital Summit 2022! Can you share with us what this recognition means to you personally and professionally? Also, given your achievements, including being part of the Asia Super 50 Disputes Lawyers, what motivates you to continue pushing boundaries and excelling in your field?

    Thank you for your kind words. These recognitions are truly an honour and a testament to the hard work of not just myself, but my entire team at M/s. Mansukhlal Hiralal & Co. In fact, it is humbling as well as intimidating since now the bar is set higher and I know I need to do even more than I have been, to stay on these lists.

    It was a pleasant surprise being named the ‘Woman Legal Leader of the Year’ by Future Digital Summit 2022. It is a substantial honour for me, both on a personal and professional level. Personally, it signifies that the determination and effort I have invested in my profession have been recognized and rewarded. Professionally, this accolade serves as a motivation to continue contributing to advancements in the legal sector, reinforce my commitment to diversity and inclusion, and to inspire other women to pursue leadership roles. 

    Furthermore, being part of the Asia Super 50 Disputes Lawyers adds another layer of motivation. It reinforces my dedication to pushing boundaries and excelling in my field and contributing meaningfully to the legal community. It’s a constant reminder that excellence is a journey, not a destination, and one cannot get carried away with it.

    As a TEDx speaker, we’re curious about your experience. What topic did you speak about, and how did sharing your insights on that platform influence your perspective on your legal practice?

    My passion for empowering women extends beyond the courtroom. I recently gave a TEDx Talk titled ‘Equality Begins at Home,’ where I explored how fostering gender equality within families can be a powerful catalyst for broader societal change.

    During my years of practice, I have represented several women who are ill-treated at home, be it mentally, physically, emotionally or financially. While I help them legally, I can say that in this evolving world, the term equality is used very loosely. There are so many facets of equality that need to be looked into. It is easy to understand that if you don’t grow up understanding what equality is, you will have difficulty in implementing it.

    I am sharing the link as well.

    During my talk, I emphasized the importance of looking into people’s mindset. It is a change that is required to bring equality in life. Equality is only spoken about superficially. It’s not just about educating a girl child or her having a successful career. It is how girls and women are treated at home and outside and breaking societal stereotypes to empower women. I shared stories of resilience, determination, and success, highlighting how only a change of mindset can have the transformative impact that empowering women can have on families, communities, and societies at large.

    As a lawyer, my experience speaking on the TEDx platform influenced my perspective on my legal career. It reinforced the important role of the legal system in promoting gender equality and protecting women’s rights. It highlighted the need for lawyers to actively participate in projects that promote women’s empowerment and advocate for policies that address gender inequality.

    On a personal note, my 13-year-old son was the proudest to have his mother be invited to be a TEDx speaker. He also related to the topic and understood its essence. He helped me throughout my preparation. So, for me, that itself was a big win.

    As a leader heading the corporate, real estate, and dispute resolution team, how do you foster a collaborative and innovative work environment among your team members? Can you share an example of a successful collaborative effort that had a positive impact on a project or case?

    As the leader heading the corporate, real estate, and dispute resolution team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment is critical to success. One effective way I encourage collaboration is by encouraging open communication and creating a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions. I believe in the power of ideas and actively seek opinions from individuals of different backgrounds and expertise. Additionally, I encourage continuous learning and professional development and motivate team members to stay abreast of industry growth and development. We hold in-house update sessions once a month where all the team members educate the other members with critical updates.

    One outstanding example of a successful collaborative effort in our group was during a real estate transaction for the sale of two adjoining plots of land with two separate structures. The interesting part of this land holding and the structure holding was that the ownership belonged to one family, and was divided into several entities being: 

    1. Individuals,
    2. Several HUFs
    3. Private Limited Company
    4. Partnership firm and
    5. Trust

    Along with this, there were several disputes inter-se between the co-owners including testamentary disputes, corporate actions, and partners-inter se, and there were several tenants in both the structures. All these land-holding structures and the disputes led to a very low valuation of the property.

    For the sale of this property, my real estate team, my dispute resolution team and my corporate team not only worked together but put a joint face before the clients and all the adversaries. With such seamless collaboration, all the disputes and challenges were resolved and the client got a substantially high consideration for this property.

    For aspiring lawyers and law students looking to excel in corporate law, real estate, or dispute resolution, what specific skills or areas of knowledge do you believe they should prioritize during their education and early career? Considering your diverse expertise, what types of internships or practical experiences would you recommend for students to gain a well-rounded understanding of the legal field and enhance their employability?

    For aspiring lawyers in corporate law, real estate, or dispute resolution, prioritizing skills such as legal research, negotiation, and communication is crucial. I personally believe that whatever practice area you choose, one should always have hands-on experience in litigation and dispute resolution. One may be brilliant at drafting contracts and commercial documents, but execution of the agreement is not the measure of good drafting. The measure of good drafting is the test of the court. If the document does not speak for your intent in drafting in the Courts, the draft is not good enough. I strongly recommend having hands-on litigation experience early on in your career and then deciding your area of practice.  I also strongly recommend judicial internships.

    Needless to say, staying updated on industry trends, and developing business acumen is essential. Practical experience through internships and networking can provide a holistic understanding of the legal profession and enhance employability. To gain a well-rounded understanding of the legal field, students should pursue internships in diverse areas, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government organizations. Practical experiences in drafting and research contribute to a comprehensive skill set. Exposure to different legal environments helps students adapt to various scenarios, making them versatile professionals.

    You hold licenses as a Solicitor in the U.K. and Wales as well as in India. How has being a member of both legal communities enriched your professional perspective, and how do you navigate the differences in legal practices between these jurisdictions in your daily work?

    Being a Solicitor in the U.K. and Wales as well as in India has enriched my professional perspective. It allows me to move seamlessly between legal systems, giving clients a global perspective. Having recognized the differences between legal practices, I use the strengths of each jurisdiction to provide comprehensive solutions. It provides me broader understanding of the nuances of international law and enhance the quality of legal services.

    Considering your extensive experience, are there any key changes or developments in the legal landscape of India that you find particularly noteworthy or impactful for the legal community?

    The Indian economy and landscape is changing every day. The laws we have also need to be updated at the same speed. There are several noteworthy changes in the legal sphere as well. As the world takes steps into the world of Artificial Intelligence and constant digital upgradation, the challenges of privacy have increased multifold. To mitigate the same, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) is a crucial development in the Indian legal landscape.  It is the very first comprehensive data privacy law in India with focus on individual rights. It empowers individuals with rights like access, correction, and erasure of their personal data, granting them greater control over its use. It also imposes obligations on data fiduciaries i.e. businesses collecting and processing personal data with respect to data security, transparency, and accountability. It also establishes the Data Protection Authority to oversee data protection compliance and investigate potential violations.

    The Indian government is actively working to update and improve its regulatory framework across various sectors. This includes initiatives like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA)

    The Indian legal system is embracing technology at an accelerating pace. Increasing use of technology in legal practice, including virtual court proceedings, has streamlined processes and increased accessibility. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges, emphasizing the need for legal professionals to adapt to the evolving landscape.

    Initiatives like the eCourts Mission and the introduction of online dispute resolution (ODR) platforms are transforming how cases are filed, managed, and adjudicated.

    Outside of your legal career, what are your favorite ways to unwind and relax? Do you have any hobbies or activities that you find particularly rejuvenating?

    I am a big advocate for work-life balance. Outside of my legal career, spending time with my son and my family are my biggest stress busters. I also find relaxation through various activities. I love reading, it gives me a break and a new perspective. I have re-connected with Bharatnatyam and it is really fulfilling to perform again on the stage. Traveling and exploring different cultures also rejuvenates me, and gives me new perspectives that positively impact my professional life.

    Get in touch with Purvi Shah Asher-

  • “I feel that increased technological advancement in legal practice will create better opportunities for young lawyers, will lead to increased transparency, lower rates of disputes,  faster dispute resolution, standardisation of legal fees and overall improvement of the legal system which directly impacts ease of business”- Saurabh Bhardwaj”, Partner, ORTIS Law Offices

    “I feel that increased technological advancement in legal practice will create better opportunities for young lawyers, will lead to increased transparency, lower rates of disputes,  faster dispute resolution, standardisation of legal fees and overall improvement of the legal system which directly impacts ease of business”- Saurabh Bhardwaj”, Partner, ORTIS Law Offices

    This Interview has been published by Pragya Chandni and The SuperLawyer Team

    Can you share with us what initially inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how did your journey in the legal field begin?

    My father who is a practising lawyer inspired me to become a lawyer. He believed that my analytical skills, command on languages and oratory skills would get me immense success in the legal profession. During my college days I interned with some of the best senior lawyers of the country and was mesmerised by their personalities and their court craft. I aspired to become a senior counsel one day and that’s why I started my career as a litigator. I started my career with my father but shortly thereafter joined the office of a young and successful lawyer in Tis Hazari District court. With my mentor and first boss I got the opportunity to work on some very high stake white collar crimes cases as off-counsels for tier 1 law firms. I was taking up my own matters as well as assisting my senior in his matters. After 4 years of litigation I felt I was stagnated as I had ready playbooks for all kinds of criminal and civil litigation and the cases progressed very slowly. I felt I should expand my horizons and learn a little bit about corporate legal work before I can decide which way to go.

    At this time I got the opportunity to work in the legal department of a popular Indian mobile phone company (Micromax) where I got to draft,review and negotiate commercial agreements for the first time. During my two years of working with the said company I learnt immensely about business and the role of lawyers in ensuring good business hygiene. I would work directly with business heads of various departments and get to learn in detail about their respective departments. I understood the scale of legal operations that are there in big corporations and how to manage them using available digital tools. I also learnt how to get things done by making interpersonal bonds with people which I could never learn as a litigation counsel. Later, I started my own boutique law firm with a few of my friends from law college and started providing comprehensive legal services to startups in NCR including disputes resolution, general corporate, M&A, IPR, compliances etc. In the year 2022 I decided to finally start working on my long standing dream of starting my own business in legal-tech space and that’s when i incorporated my own company to develop a B2B legal tech SaaS platform under the brand name “TrueCounsel”

    Versatility in Legal Practice:

    Legal profession is more art than science and although I do believe in the importance of specialisation, I feel a good lawyer can do anything and everything. Many great lawyers choose to specialise in one area of law but if needed they can take up any kind of challenge. A lawyer who has the capability of representing a client before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, can also represent a client in an international arbitration, can also negotiate a high stake deal, can also become a politician, can become a great entrepreneur etc. The level of preparedness, meticulousness, foresightedness and oratory skills that are expected of lawyers, make us ready to take any challenges head-on and with ease. We are mostly performing and at best of our behaviour be it before a court or in a virtual meeting or even when casually meeting anyone in our social circle.

    You have expertise in both litigation and corporate legal work. How did you find yourself navigating both these aspects of law, and which area do you find more challenging or rewarding?

    I find myself navigating between all aspects of law quite smoothly. I believe good research is the key to do well in any area of law or business or technology. I like to take on challenging problems and solve them by sheer hard work. All areas of law are equally challenging and rewarding in my experience and I feel that I thrive under pressure. Whenever I feel that I have become comfortable and bored, I try to take on a new and bigger challenge for myself. Presently I am focussed on learning how to mentor and train the young generation of lawyers which is very different from my generation and becoming a good leader. Also I am facing the challenges of being a tech founder and running a highly competitive business which is very different from being a lawyer.

    You mention a strong aptitude for managing large volumes of corporate disputes using the latest technology. How has technology played a role in your legal practice, and how do you see it shaping the future of dispute resolution?

    The first time I started managing huge volumes of agreements, consumer disputes and recovery matters as an in-house legal counsel, I realised this was completely different from being a litigator. This was the first time I used Microsoft Excel with the help of my boss and second mentor who is also a Chartered Accountant. I understood the importance of using digital tools effectively in order to manage large volumes of data. I had been using technology for legal research during my litigation days already along with OCR tools for extracting data easily for drafting but beyond that I did not know much about the need of tech in the legal profession. This was the time when companies such as ProVakil, Vakilsearch, MyAdvo, Mikelegal etc. had also come up with the objective of solving major pain points in the legal industry using technology. These companies provided solutions for easy discovery of legal professionals, contracts workflow management, automatic updates on court cases, enforcement of IPR etc. This caught my interest immensely as I could see that any problem can be solved using technology and that India is booming with a tech workforce which can create any kind of tech very fast. During the Covid times, the necessity for incorporating tech in legal practice got highlighted and we saw fast advancement in this direction.

    I feel that increased technological advancement in legal practice will create better opportunities for young lawyers, will lead to increased transparency, lower rates of disputes,  faster dispute resolution, standardisation of legal fees and overall improvement of the legal system which directly impacts ease of business.

    Could you share one or two experiences representing clients in high-stakes disputes that have left a lasting impact on your approach to legal representation?

    During my initial litigation days and also when I was working as an in-house counsel, I got to work on some very high stake disputes involving foreign entities. I got the opportunity to work with foreign lawyers and I was highly inspired by their inquisitive approach towards understanding Indian law. I drafted memos and legal opinions which were then vetted by tier-1 Indian law firms and finally shared with these foreign lawyers and that taught me how to appreciate law from an outsider’s perspective. I became more critical and inquisitive about statutes and legal provisions. Also I learned the importance of strategising in detail at the very commencement of a dispute and factoring in all possible outcomes of every step well in advance so that you are never caught by surprise. It also taught me how to manage voluminous documents and data effectively in order to succeed in any dispute because more than law, the facts make or break a case.

    Moving on to your current role as a Partner at Ortis Law Offices, what prompted this transition, and how has this role differed from your previous experiences?

    When I merged my law firm with Ortis Law offices, I made a hard decision to stop doing everything and focus completely on corporate legal work. This decision was prompted by the need for specialisation. I had been doing everything that would come to me and even actively generating work in all possible directions but I realised that although this keeps me motivated, it is not very effective in many ways. I realised that once you have more than 10 years of experience, you must pick an area of law and focus completely on it while generating other work for your partners in the law firm. This creates a good structural foundation for scaling up your legal practice. At Ortis Law Offices I learnt how to be a good mentor and senior. Earlier I would expect a bit too much from my juniors and as a result would become very frustrated with them. This led to low motivation and a toxic environment in my team but my senior partners at Ortis Law Offices taught me how to keep your team happy and motivated and give them space to blossom. Also, while working with other partners at the firm I learnt a lot more about working with MNCs and big clients than I had in my earlier experience.

    You’ve been involved in various acquisitions, funding rounds, and legal proceedings. Could you highlight a recent case or advisory role that stands out to you and share some key lessons or insights gained from it?

    Recently I worked on the acquisition of a company undergoing financial distress wherein I had to represent the said company and its founders. At the same time I had to negotiate settlements with the creditors of the company. This was a very stressful and hectic project wherein I learned how to keep calm and stand your ground under tremendous pressure while representing the losing side in a transaction.

    As someone with over a decade of experience in the legal field, what advice would you give to law students or recent graduates who are starting their careers in law? What lessons have you learned that you believe would be valuable for them?

    My only advice to young law students and lawyers is to do as much freelance work as possible. I believe that while working with seniors or in a law firm structure or as an in-house lawyer one tends to have huge scope for error and a lot of cushion but when you freelance you are directly answerable to the client which teaches you professionalism at a whole different level. It teaches you how to value their time and provide the highest quality of services that you can. 

    Another important advice is that you must keep adding skills in your arsenal. The moment you stop updating your skills you become obsolete and redundant. I recommend that the young lawyers should use as much technology as possible while doing their research, drafting or any other work to increase efficiency and quality of their product and keep a lookout for the latest advancements in legal tech.

    Get in touch with Saurabh Bhardwaj-

  • “Passion is key, and success comes from enjoying what you do. Invest time in learning about the industry, attend training sessions, and network with peers. As you climb the ladder, mentor and guide juniors with patience.” – Shagoofa Rashid Khan, Group General Counsel & Head Corporate Affairs at National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)

    “Passion is key, and success comes from enjoying what you do. Invest time in learning about the industry, attend training sessions, and network with peers. As you climb the ladder, mentor and guide juniors with patience.” – Shagoofa Rashid Khan, Group General Counsel & Head Corporate Affairs at National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)

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

    Looking back at the journey from your CA articleship to becoming the Group General  Counsel at NIIF, how did you initially decide to pursue a career in law, and what pivotal  moments shaped your decision to specialize in corporate law and investment funds?  

    My career path has been a case of pure serendipity. I chose the CA course as my group of  friends collectively decided this was the path forward for us. After qualifying as a  chartered accountant, I thought of giving civil services a shot. Hence, I picked “law” as a  second subject. I joined Government Law College (GLC), as it was convenient to attend  morning college and get to work at my chartered accountancy firm by 11 am. I had  encountered Nishith Desai Associates (NDA) in my work-related research, and hence  when they came to GLC for campus recruitment, it was a no-brainer to sit for their  interview. From what the interviewer told me later, I came across as a no-nonsense nerd,  and when they made an offer, I accepted. That’s how my journey in the professional field  of law started.  

    In those days, NDA was a leading firm in India in the fields of international tax and  investment funds. I joined the tax team and being a CA-and-lawyer, I got pulled into the  funds team. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at NDA and lapped up every challenge /  opportunity thrown at me, be it international tax advisory, international tax policy, fund  formation, fund documentation, corporate transactions work, pro-bono advisory etc.  

    Looking back, I can only conclude that whenever I was at the fork of a decision in my  career path, I took that leap of faith and successfully ploughed my way with self-belief  and hard work as my tools. And as for the challenging days, I had the blessings and  patience of my family and guidance from friends and well-wishers to pull me through.  

    As the Group General Counsel at the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund  Limited (NIIF), what are some unique challenges and exciting opportunities you  encounter in your current role? 

    When I joined NIIF, I already had over two decades of experience behind me. The niggling  feeling was, what next. I had been an external lawyer as well as in-house, so what more  could I look forward to. In NIIF I found the next chapter in my professional life.  

    During my interview for the post, my boss-to-be asked: what is it that makes NIIF an  appealing opportunity to you? My answer was, NIIF as a sovereign anchored fund is a  unique experiment in the history of India and it would be an honor to be a part of this  history.  

    As Group General Counsel and Head Corporate Affairs (GGC-CA) at NIIF, the unique task I  had to dive right into was ‘stakeholder management’. NIIF is 49% owned by the Government of India and balance 51% by sovereign, quasi sovereign, and other institutional investors (domestic and offshore). The Board is a representative of these diverse stakeholders as  well as independent directors. Hence, as GGC-CA being trusted advisor to the  stakeholders is key. A routine day is a combination of being the voice of reason, providing  clear legal advice, addressing compliance challenges, providing guidance on governance  matters, being sounding board for new ideas, and supporting business teams in executing  strategic decisions. As fiduciary for investors’ monies, it is imperative to approach every  legal/compliance conundrum with thorough technical analysis, test alternate outcomes,  closely monitor execution and reporting.  

    NIIF offers exciting opportunities for professional growth and intellectual curiosity as we  continue to scale our various investment platforms (across various infrastructure sub sectors), expand our private markets footprint, roll out new fund products (including our  maiden India-Japan Fund) and much more.  

    From your extensive experience in structuring funds to managing acquisitions and  joint ventures, you’ve covered a wide spectrum of legal aspects. Is there a specific area  within your expertise that you find particularly fascinating or enjoy working on the  most?  

    My first love has, and continues to be, taxation. As a student, I aced the subject and had  penned “be a core member of the team to re-write the Indian income-tax act” on my  vision board! Well, I haven’t achieved that goal but I have enjoyed my tryst with various  taxation matters. Researching on and writing tax opinions has been tremendously  rewarding, tax structuring of funds, managed accounts, fund investments, strategic  ventures and other collaborations helped me to deftly leverage my passion and expertise.  Through my focus on ‘policy advocacy’, I have also made representations (and drafted  proposed amendments) on tax, legal and regulatory issues.  

    Another fascinating aspect of my professional life (which am sure, other deal junkies like  me will also confess) is negotiating complex contracts. On the execution day of any  transaction, it is absolutely satisfying to check your score card and find that the deal  breakers were addressed suitably and the terms of the resultant contract have emerged  as clear and unambiguous, thus being capable of performance as well as enforcement.  

    In one of my early transactions, when I ended up being chosen as the common counsel  for the buyer and seller of a large real estate transaction, I asked the seller-client (who  had approached me first) that aren’t you worried a common lawyer may find a middle  path rather than fight for your side? His reply has stayed with me since: there is never a  good contract with a bad counterparty and never a bad contract with a good counterparty.  A clever lawyer is one that doesn’t miss the woods for the trees. Stay focused on why that  transaction is important for your company and thereby make the right legal calls for the  longevity and success of the business.  

    As a seasoned counsel, my approach is not to treat the negotiation room as a war zone.  Rather take it as an opportunity for parties on both sides to negotiate in good faith and  with the objective of finding the best workable solution for any deadlock in the commercial imperatives. Having worked on several transactions in my career, I have  realised that a deal can take a life of its own and it is very easy to get caught in the vortex  to make the deal happen. However, knowing when to keep going and when to back off  from a transaction is a critical skill to cultivate. “Sometimes your best investments are the  ones you don’t make”1.  

    As a jury member for awards recognizing Alternate Investment Professionals in India, what qualities or achievements do you look for in professionals that make them stand  out in the field of investments and legal advisory? 

    When Aditya Gadge of Equalifi reached out to me to be a member on their jury for “40  under 40, Alternative Investment Professionals in India”, it felt like coming of age and as if  we the jury members were handing over the baton to the next generation stars. The  nominees definitely lived up to this expectation. The nominees had dedicated years to  their respective fields with passion and had strived to make a mark for themselves.  

    The qualities that I appreciate are: consistency in performance, staying focussed when  faced with a challenge, ability to spot opportunities and own the space, and bias towards  quality in execution. For professionals in the legal and compliance function the qualities  that will make them stand out are: solid foundation (educational / practical training),  ability to navigate the grays, a strong backbone to withstand pressures/not take short  term calls, foresight to spot legal/regulatory changes on the horizon and impact on the  company/business and having an affable personality.  

    Being a member of SEBI’s Working Group on AIF Regulations and other regulatory  committees, how do you see the evolving landscape of investment regulations in India,  and what role do you think legal professionals play in shaping these changes?  

    There is no doubt that we are functioning in a complex and dynamic legal and regulatory  environment. Change is the only constant. Laws are being redrawn, regulations are being  upscaled and regulators are being conferred with enhanced powers. It is no surprise that  in such a scenario, the experienced senior and her freshly minted lawyer are reading the  new law at the same time!  

    Legal professionals play a pivotal role in such times. Legal acumen and clarity in drafting  are the two key skill sets that a legal professional brings to the expert group / committee.  With her experience, the legal professional can also help the ministry / regulator sift  through the clutter and narrow down the mischief that needs to be addressed through  the new law or regulation. The new law / regulation needs to address the ostensibly  contradicting objectives of keeping the industry in check (from malpractices) and support  growth of the industry. Thus, being effective through the policy drafting process becomes  very important.

    Unfortunately, clear drafting is becoming a dying art. Have encountered many lawyers  accessing the myriad library options and walking the easy ‘copy-paste’ path. There was a  time when our seniors would dictate complicated clauses off the top of their heads. The  technological advancements and legaltech solutions have unfortunately stymied the  creativity and thinking on your feet skills of young lawyers.  

    You transitioned from working at a law firm, Nishith Desai Associates, to joining Kotak  Investment Advisors Limited. What factors or considerations influenced your decision  to make this switch, and what notable differences did you experience in working with a  firm versus working directly with a company like Kotak? 

    My primary reason for the transition was to learn the industry from the inside. As an  external counsel, you are sometimes like an ‘armchair advisor’. You provide the advice,  give the pros and cons of each option and you move on. What makes your client chose  one option versus the other, how the risk chips stacked up for each scenario and finally  did the option yield the desired result or not – are all unknown to you as you have already  shut that file and moved on to the next deliverable on your to-do list.  

    Joining Kotak gave me that opportunity to learn the business side of asset management  industry. Building and growing the business by standing shoulder-to -shoulder with the  leadership made me the business lawyer that I am today. I am privileged to have worked  across multiple business / economy cycles impacting this industry. There are lawyers I  have heard say, “in my experience….” but most of these have not had any practical  experience and are merely shooting off theoretical knowledge as experience. If one is  serious about dedicating their professional life to a particular specialisation it is  imperative that one sees that industry from the inside-out.  

    “When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s  what this storm’s all about.”2 – so is the case with going in-house. You come into your  own – you are a sharper lawyer and decision-maker, you can provide 3600 analysis of the  issue at hand (legal, tax, regulatory, compliance, governance, risk and probability of  success if challenged), and you eventually build your own name/brand within your  company and the industry. For all those who have asked me the question, should they try  an in-house role, my answer has always been – just do it, you won’t regret the decision.  

    Having navigated through prominent roles at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and IDFC  Alternatives, what unique insights or perspectives have these experiences offered you,  shaping your journey and imparting valuable lessons to enhance your growth as a legal  professional? 

    I joined Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) after 10 years of being in-house. Hence, I will  admit I had my apprehensions. However, I buckled up for the ride, decided not to look back until I had achieved a short-term goal that I had set for myself and thereafter it was  as easy as getting the hang of building your Lego masterpiece! Through my stints at each  of my law firms and employers, the learnings I have gathered are:  

     Hire wisely: Take your time to find the right mix of professionals to be on your team.  A team is as strong as its weakest link. When you hire right, the members will up the  game for each other, will learn from each other, will work collaboratively and create  a lasting professional camaraderie. The corollary also implies that you need to let go  of the one that don’t make the cut, bring the morale down or don’t work as one team.  

     Be generous with your time: not just with your clients but also your team. The clients  and team are your twin responsibility as the team head. You need to make time and  effort to understand them well in order to succeed.  

     Learn-Unlearn-Relearn: keep an open mind. There are learnings to pick up from every  interaction. When tackling a challenging matter, empty your cup and restart to find  the right solution for the client. When juniors are going through personal challenges,  be kind and patient. If the junior is a sound and committed lawyer you don’t want this  talent to get lost, be supportive and collaborate with her in navigating the path.  

     Don’t indulge in a race to the bottom: Don’t compete on price. When you know your  expertise and experience lead to a superior output then command that premium.  Work with the people who will pay the value for your worth.  

     Clarity and forthrightness: Provide clear view based on fine reading of the law and  supported by appropriate underlying research. The number of “should” opinions are  increasing, so what is the client getting from such opinions. Another one of my favorite  quotes is: contradictions don’t exist, check your premises.3 Do your best in navigating  the greys and narrowing down to the right answer / solution. Stay your ground and  don’t compromise.  

     Don’t get complacent: “On a stone that doesn’t roll, moss grows certainly”. Keep  investing in yourself and your intellectual growth.  

    With over 25 years of experience, you’ve witnessed the evolution of the legal  landscape. Could you share some challenges you faced during your early career, and  how do you perceive the changes in the education system and internship opportunities  for aspiring legal professionals today?  

    I neither came from a family of lawyers/judges nor did I spend enough time at law college  as I had to hurry back to work post lectures. I remember bungling my first (and only) moot  court appearance! I learnt the ropes along the way. From education system wise, some of  the law schools are doing an excellent job at building the foundation of sound legal  knowledge in students. However, the ‘business’ of education comes in the way at times  and churning out graduates in large numbers takes over. Law firms too hire 100-200  students from law schools and throw them at the deep end of the pool. The legal  fraternity then loses talent as either the young minds burnout or leave the profession due  to lack of mentors, sponsors or support in carving their own niche. 

    Currently, there is an  evident short supply of talent in the middle (5 to 10 years PQE) segment. Most corporates are hesitant as in the short internship stints one is neither able to extract value nor make  effective use of an additional resource. However, it is imperative for corporates to take  on the ownership of providing more internship opportunities and these opportunities  could be created not just in legal and compliance functions but also in the business teams  as it would be a wonderful opportunity for the young minds to be exposed to a ring side  view of corporate India. To the students, my advice is to do as many diverse internships  as possible. Don’t box yourself too soon, in one field or another. Try out multiple  fields/businesses/practices, you may or may not choose that field eventually but the  learnings you will gather would be transportable and will stand you in good stead.  

    You’ve been recognized in various lists, including BW Legal World’s Top 100 General  Counsel Power list. What does such recognition mean to you, and how do you think it  contributes to the representation of women in leadership roles in the legal domain?  

    Being named on the BW Legal World Top 100 General Counsel Power List 2022 was a very  humbling and rewarding experience. When one’s work is validated by a jury of eminent  seniors from your field and you stand amidst peers that you hold in high esteem, it works  like a booster shot and makes you power on with renewed energy. The women comprised  ~ 35 out of the Top 100. Surely, there is scope for many more women professionals to  make their mark in leadership roles. May our tribe increase!  

    Improving the representation of women in leadership roles in the legal domain requires  concerted efforts to not lose talented women. To begin with, recognising that most  women professionals still carry a disproportionate burden for domestic deliverables despite  both spouses having similar demanding jobs. She goes through phases where going the family way, rearing the kids and providing elder care will raise demands on her time. So long as the woman professional is committed to career, it would be helpful to provide flexible options / customised solutions with respect to role, office timings or pace of  career growth. Another solution would be to provide a path for women to return to  fulfilling roles post their career breaks.  

    Apart from your professional achievements, we’re curious to know if you have any  hobbies or interests outside of the legal world. How do you unwind and recharge  outside of work? 

    While my professional work satiates the left side of my brain, my hobbies leverage the  right side of my brain. Hence, if I wasn’t a lawyer, I would have been an artist. I enjoy  dabbling in acrylic and oil painting (on canvas) and generally indulge in creative projects  around my house. I enjoy music and in fact when tacking a badly drafted document, I  switch on my playlist and hack through the document at the beat of my favorite songs!  Being a Mumbaikar has also been a boon, as I love going for longs walks along the sea face  after a tiring work-day as the cool sea breeze and hum of the city immediately recharge  my batteries.

    The legal profession is constantly evolving. What advice would you give to young legal  professionals who are just starting their careers, especially in navigating the  complexities of corporate law and investment funds?  

    A lawyer’s life is not easy. It is a demanding career and my first piece of advice is don’t  venture in this field unless you are passionate about law. Choosing to be a lawyer because  it is a safe financial bet will lead you to disengage very soon and you will end up dragging  yourself to work unhappy and bored. You will achieve your true potential only when you  enjoy what you do. If you are a good lawyer, you can distinguish yourself from your herd  of fellow lawyers by being curious, reading the text of law / regulation thoroughly,  challenging the premises, researching underlying legal principles and absorbing from the  conversations when participating in clients meetings / leadership meetings.  

    There is no textbook / handbook on the funds industry. So, the more time you invest in  learning about the industry the better lawyer you will be. Invest time reading about the  industry players (there are many corporate biographies / founders biographies),  understand the business of investing, research the legal structural options in India and  across the globe, study the commercial clauses of fund documents closely, understand  the trends / preferences of capital allocators (investors), get an exposure to work in other  jurisdictions, and research on laws/regulations (and their evolution) in relation to the  funds industry in other countries. When in doubt, ask for help. Reach out to your partner  and request time to discuss and understand better your work, your work output and ways  in which you can improve and grow. Further, attend training sessions conducted by  industry bodies (e.g. IVCA, CII, FICCI etc.) and above all network and interact with lawyer peers as well as peers from within the industry. Lastly, when you become successful and  reach the top, remember to send the elevator back down for the others i.e. be a patient  mentor and guide to your juniors. 

    1Donald Trump, in the article available at https://www.niveza.in/stock-news/learn-investing/sometimes-your-best-investments-are-the-ones-you-dont-make-donald-trump#:~:text=Sometimes%20your%20best%20investments%20are,don%27t%20make%20%2DDonald%20Trump

    2Haruki Murakami.

    3Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand.

    Get in touch with Shagoofa Rashid Khan–

  • “Law aspirants should familiarize themselves with this disruptive technology  and understand its implications in a wide array of areas such as contract law, regulations, data privacy,  intellectual property, and digital currencies”- Anshuman Gupta, Counsel, Fox & Mandal

    “Law aspirants should familiarize themselves with this disruptive technology  and understand its implications in a wide array of areas such as contract law, regulations, data privacy,  intellectual property, and digital currencies”- Anshuman Gupta, Counsel, Fox & Mandal

    This Interview has been published by Pragya Chandni and The SuperLawyer Team

    Sir, could you please share with our readers how your journey in law began and evolved, leading  you to specialize in commercial litigation, arbitration, and mediation? 

    I had intended to join the Indian Air Force as a reconnaissance pilot rather than practice  law. The National Defence Academy in Pune required unaided 6/6 eye vision as a visual criterion  and a passing grade in mathematics and physics in 12th standard as an educational requirement for  admission to the Air Force wing. However, when I was in my early teens, I developed myopia and  found that I struggled with mathematics. It implied that I wouldn’t even meet the eligibility criteria  to take the entrance exam. At first, I was dejected, but as they say time is a great healer! 

    Years passed by and in my high school years, I developed an interest in civics and business studies  which contained chapters on constitution, business law and ethics which propelled me to take up  commerce stream in 11th standard and eventually I pursued undergraduate course in law. I took up  internships with an independent counsel, LPO and law firms to understand different facets of law  and organizational structure of lawyers. Initially, I worked on a bouquet of dispute resolution matters, 

    My work included inter alia real estate, testamentary, writ, arbitration, commercial, company,  banking, labour and with the passage of time, I realised that my area of interest was in commercial  litigation, arbitration and mediation. 

    You’ve achieved significant recognition, being enlisted by Forbes India and acknowledged by  The Legal 500 and with experience across various industry sectors, from aviation to real estate, you’ve  covered a wide array of legal areas. How do you manage to navigate and excel in such diverse practice  areas? 

    I believe to excel in diverse legal practice areas, a thorough understanding of facts and  legal issues, effective strategy and planning, and time management are crucial. Keeping abreast of  recent updates through legal publications is also essential.  

    A successful lawyer should adopt a personable approach, comprehensively understanding the client’s  business, and creatively using resources to address the legal issues. In my view, continuous learning  and dedication to provide quality support to my clients drives my motivation to excel. In addition to  this, a successful lawyer must imbibe the spirit of learning throughout one’s career and be able to  creatively use its resources to fulfill the requirements of the client. 

    Your academic background includes an LLM in International and Commercial Law from King’s  College London. How has your international education shaped and influenced you?   

    Pursuing a master’s degree in London on a scholarship gave me a great deal of exposure  to a relatively different university pedagogy and to students from diverse backgrounds. The subjects  were more advanced and in-depth than those I studied in the undergraduate law program and writing  assignments and thesis helped me develop my research and analytical skills. Most of the assignments  which were given to us revolved around practical legal issues compelling us to apply our legal  knowledge in real-world settings. 

    Pursuing a degree abroad also made me become self-reliant and independent. I think when you face  challenges independently, you develop resilience and confidence which benefits you in various  aspects of life. 

    Interacting with fellow international students and locals enabled me to expand my network. Building  friendships establishes a global alumni network, expanding your horizons and introducing you to  diverse ideas and perspectives that may not have been part of your previous considerations.

    From your independent practice to your current role at Fox & Mandal, you’ve navigated various  professional settings. How has this journey contributed to your personal and professional growth,  and what key lessons have you learned along the way? 

    Working in diverse work environments enabled me to understand the perspectives and  challenges one goes through in its legal practice. For example, in an independent counsel setting,  one needs to pay attention to the legal cases as well as take care of administrative tasks such as billing,  operational requirements of the setup and HR aspects etc. However, in a law firm you might be  spared from the administrative responsibilities and focus only on your work that has been assigned  to you.  

    It is essential to know and understand your role in each professional setting. Once this is clear in  your mind, it will be easier to handle and navigate the work and the expectations of your seniors and  your team. Another thing to remember is that the learning in this profession never stops. The law,  and the practice, is constantly evolving. You either evolve with it or be left behind.  

    In my short professional journey, I have learnt that one must be open to embrace new opportunities. It is only when you open yourself up, wonderful opportunities come your way to help you polish  your skills and be instrumental in your professional and personal growth. 

    For law students and recent graduates aspiring to build a successful career, what advice would  you give based on your own experiences and observations within the legal industry?   

    I believe law students and graduates should act like a sponge trying to absorb knowledge  and information from wherever they receive, be it reading an article/newspaper/blog, or listening to the submissions advanced by counsels or observations made by the judge in a courtroom or  discussion on a legal topic with colleagues over lunch.  

    I also believe that one must have the hunger and passion to excel in his/her field of specialization.  In addition, one must also be honest towards the work assigned to them. When you give your all to  the matter, whether you win or lose, it does not matter, what matters is – did I give my best? If your answer is yes, you will get immense gratification, there will be no regrets. 

    I’ve learned that being organized and having your case files at hand is crucial, whether you’re  conducting your own study or research or briefing a senior counsel. 

    Another factor which is instrumental in building a successful career is having a mentor to offer you guidance and support when you require the most. I consider myself fortunate to have numerous  mentors in my field like Mr. Sanjay Kumar Pathak, Mr. Kanishk Vardhan Shahi, Mr. Sonal Kumar  Singh and Mr. Kunal Vajani who have shaped both my professional and personal development. My  deepest gratitude to all of them.  

    Considering the evolving landscape of law and legal practice, are there specific trends or changes  that you foresee impacting the field in the coming years? How should aspiring lawyers prepare for  these changes? 

    The Covid-19 pandemic has not only showcased the feasibility of remote work but also  emphasized the flourishing potential through effective work procedures and cutting-edge  technologies, a concept previously unthinkable. 

    This shift emphasizes the increasing significance of technology in the legal sector. Whether you’re a  law student or a legal professional, proficiency in working efficiently in virtual environments and  familiarity with online collaboration tools is essential in the evolving landscape. 

    One trend which is already making its impact felt across the entire world is generative artificial  intelligence (AI). AI is being increasingly used by law firms/companies nowadays for document  review, legal research, contract analysis, communication etc. Aspiring Lawyers should make  themselves acquainted with legal tech tools and understand how technology is transforming the way  we practice law. 

    Furthermore, the use of blockchain technology and smart contracts is increasing across industries, including legal practice. Despite challenges, blockchain has revolutionized the world of  technology and business. Law aspirants should familiarize themselves with this disruptive technology  and understand its implications in a wide array of areas such as contract law, regulations, data privacy,  intellectual property, and digital currencies. 

    Finally, drawing on your extensive experience, what advice would you offer to fresh law  graduates who are just starting their professional journeys in the legal field? 

    The early years of this profession are the formative years and important for the fresh  law graduates. I reckon in my early years of the profession; a senior advocate narrated the importance  of commitment in the profession by quoting United States Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story – “The law is a jealous mistress and requires long and constant courtship. It is not to be won by trifling  favors, but by lavish homage.” One needs to devote a lot of time to the subject and not be casual in  the approach. Commitment and perseverance are inseparable and work hand in hand for success. As a practicing lawyer, I have realized that learning in this profession is perpetual. Embracing the  idea of being a lifelong student is paramount, resonating with the timeless adage, “Once a student,  always a student.”

    Get in touch with Anshuman Gupta-


  • “Every hearing teaches something new; every case shapes a better advocate. In the dance of law, advocacy is my rhythm, and justice is my melody.” – Sonali Chopra, Partner at Arimus Law

    “Every hearing teaches something new; every case shapes a better advocate. In the dance of law, advocacy is my rhythm, and justice is my melody.” – Sonali Chopra, Partner at Arimus Law

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

    Reflecting back on your college days, could you share your journey from how you thought of doing law to your college days, and how did you navigate the transition from college to the legal profession, especially as a first-generation lawyer? What were the challenges you encountered, and how did you overcome them to establish your career?

    I have always been my mother’s “brighter” child. When the time came for me to choose a career path, my mother casually suggested law. Being a first generation lawyer, I had no insights into the profession, its scope or its demands. In fact, I had absolutely no first-hand knowledge about the life of a lawyer, beyond what is depicted in television, movies and John Grisham novels. At that time, after I compared law to the other conventional career choices, being a lawyer excited me the most. As my curiosity drifted towards law, the decision was made. To be honest, when I look back, I think doing law was just a choice I made by chance. But almost 15 years later I can honestly say that it was one of the best choices I have made.

    I studied law at Dr. RML National Law University and I am who I am today because of what my time in law school taught me. The five years I spent in law school were very internship centric. After the internships I did in my first year of law school, I realised that they gave me the practical exposure that law school did not. From my second year in law school, I started interning, every chance I got. While not taking away from the importance of academics, I truly feel that internships gave me first-hand knowledge about the profession. They exposed me to the practicalities and realities of a lawyer’s life. 

    Owing to my internship experiences, by the end of my third year in law school, I was quite sure that I wanted to start my career as a litigation lawyer. 

    My transition from college to the legal profession was smoother than I had anticipated it to be. Before I finished my last semester, I had job offers from two litigations firms. One offer I got was on account of a long internship I did at the firm and the other one was on account of an interview I gave while I was in my last semester. 

    In 2013, Lawctopus and Legally India posted several job openings. I remember I applied for the opening of an Associate at Arimus Law. I got an interview call. The interview was assessment based and not just an interaction with the Partner, Mr. Arjun Singh Bawa. A day before the interview I was sent a fact sheet and was told to prepare arguments from both sides. The interview was like a moot court competition. I argued my case and I got the job! It was one of the most exciting interviews I ever gave. In fact, even now, 10 years later, we still follow this assessment interview model while hiring at Arimus Law.

    The only difficulty I faced during the transition was the choice I had to make between the two job offers. One was with a very reputed law firm and one was with a comparatively newer law firm. Not having a mentor in the profession to guide me in the right direction, this choice was a tough one to make. I weighed the pros and cons, as I knew them then, and took the decision to join the latter, Arimus Law. My decision was swayed by the fact that Arimus Law had more trial work. 

    During this roller coaster ride, the biggest challenge I encountered was not having a professional mentor who I could go to for advice and guidance. 

    You’ve worked with various renowned advocates and senior advocates. Can you share a memorable experience or lesson that significantly influenced your approach to legal practice?

    I have been very fortunate to have got the chance to work with several renowned advocates and senior advocates. Every interaction with another lawyer has taught me something but the key learnings I have got over the years that I still keep in mind today are:

    1. Put effort into your list of dates and synopsis. It might be the only thing a Judge reads before dealing with your case. 
    2. Pleadings can make or break a case. Draft crisply, there is no need for non-essential verbosity. 
    3. Master your brief. Don’t just read it, think about it, dream about it. Make the brief your story. 
    4. By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. 

    You’ve had a diverse and impactful legal career, starting as an Associate at Arimus Law and now being a Partner in the same firm. Can you share a memorable experience or case that has significantly shaped your journey as a lawyer?

    While I was still in law school, my mother’s ancestral property in Delhi became the subject matter of litigation. I (and also my mother) strongly believe that this case has played a major role in making me the lawyer I am today. Being a property related dispute, it has a civil law angle, a testamentary law angle and also a criminal law angle. 

    When I was in law school my mother used to go and attend the hearings of this case before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court. Before each hearing I would have long conversations with my mother about what the case was listed for, what the lawyer’s strategy was, what could be the possible outcomes of the hearing etc. Whenever I was in Delhi for an internship or a break, I used to accompany my mother for meetings with the lawyer and for the court hearings. 

    The fact that I became a litigant before a litigation lawyer changed the way I deal with my Clients today. I make an effort to be more compassionate, empathetic, honest and available to my Clients. 

    It is also this case that enabled me to, very early on in my career, familiarise myself with the dynamics of a courtroom. What I have learnt about courtroom dynamics from this case is something that I benefit from, till date. Effective advocacy is so much more than just knowing the law. During the initial years of my career, the exposure I got from this case helped me bridge the gap between the theoretical world of law and the real-world courtroom dynamics.

    This case is still pending adjudication and every hearing still teaches me something new. 

    You’ve been appointed as a Local Commissioner to record evidence in various Suits by the Ld. Judges of the District Courts of Delhi. Could you share some insights into this role and how it contributes to the legal process?

    I’d like to start by quoting from the judgment of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court passed in Pushpa Devi Vs. Bimla Devi & Ors. (AIR 2000 DELHI 141)  – 

    “…However sad as it may seem the reality today is that Suits do not reach hearing for a large number of years…Delay therefore defeats justice”

    This judgement was passed over 2 decades ago but the situation unfortunately is still the same. 

    In my active practice before the trial courts in Delhi and on the original side in the Delhi High Court I have witnessed cases languishing for years at the stage of evidence. This is solely because of the sheer burden there is on the Courts these days coupled with the lack of infrastructure. I truly believe that the process of appointing local commissioners to record evidence in suits has considerably cut short the time a suit takes to become ripe for arguments. 

    You transitioned from an independent practice to becoming a Partner at Arimus Law. What factors influenced your decision to join the firm, and how has this shift impacted your approach to legal work and professional growth?

    I started as an Associate in Arimus Law in 2013 and I worked there for almost 3 years. 

    During my time at Arimus Law, I got the chance to research, draft, participate in client meetings and appear before multiple courts in a day. Within the first 6 months at Arimus Law, Mr. Bawa gave me the opportunity to argue a matter that I had drafted and got filed before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court. One evening before the matter was listed, Mr. Bawa made me practice my arguments before him and the next date he sat next to me and told me to take the lead. Every day after I came back from Court, I had so many questions, about the law, about the procedure or about an argument I heard another lawyer make in Court. Every evening somewhere between 7 PM to 8 PM, Mr. Arjun Singh Bawa, my then boss (and now Partner) used to wrap up his client meetings and take a coffee/snack break. It was during this time that I used to go into his cabin and bombard him with all my questions and doubts. I still remember how he used to patiently answer all my questions and clear all my doubts. Soon this became a ritual. My time as an Associate at Arimus Law was enriching and very rewarding. 

    After about 3 years, I started feeling complacent at work and that is when I decided to quit Arimus Law and look for other opportunities. Over the next 3 years I worked at various other chambers and gained more experience. 

    In 2018, when I had a few clients and enough money in my account to make rent for six months, I decided to take the plunge and set up my independent practice. To be honest, it was very daunting at the beginning. There were many unsettling moments of self-doubt, unsureness and fear. But with God’s grace, luck and a lot of hard work, I think I was able to establish a successful independent practice. I never gave myself enough credit but when I survived the COVID 19 pandemic without having to give up my office space, I realised I had done something right. 

    After I started working independently, I collaborated with Arimus Law for a few matters. In the end of 2022, when we had come out of the pandemic, I began wondering, “what next?”. To my surprise, serendipitously, in the beginning of 2023, Mr. Arjun Singh Bawa offered me partnership in the firm. 

    The 2 primary factors that influenced my decision to take up this offer were the experience I had working as Mr. Bawa’s associate in Arimus Law and the collaborative work environment that a firm set up can offer more easily as opposed to independent practice.

    The shift from being an independent (first generation) counsel to a Partner in a law firm has definitely made me more equipped. With the assistance of the exceptional team that we have built at Arimus Law, I am able to do more work without compromising on quality. 

    Could you share some insights into the challenges you faced in both roles? What were the unique challenges of working independently, and how have they evolved or changed since becoming a partner in a firm? How do you navigate these challenges while maintaining the high standards of legal practice?

    The biggest challenge I faced as an independent practitioner was to acquire new clients. When I started my independent practice in 2018 I had a handful of clients. I remember the time when I had court hearings only 2-3 times a week. This was a tough adjustment after being an associate in chambers where I’d get to appear in multiple Courts in a single day. However, I used that extra time I got out of Court to work more extensively on my briefs and find ways to get my Clients favourable results. Eventually, over the years I was able to do some good work for my initial clients who then graciously recommended me to their friends and family. 

    At Arimus Law I work with 3 other Partners. Mr. Arjun Singh Bawa who primarily handles commercial and contractual disputes, Mr. Arjun Dewan who primarily handles criminal and medical negligence disputes and Mr. Arjun Mukherjee who primarily handles IPR and criminal disputes. Over the last 6 months, we have built a team of young, dynamic and very talented lawyers. I must say that it has been my absolute pleasure to have a chance to work with all the members of our team. 

    Learning to balance responsibility, not only as a lawyer but in other roles is a challenge I have faced in my current role as a Partner but I am enthusiastically learning how to be a good lawyer, a mentor, a leader, and a good team player, all at the same time. 

    You’ve revised the 16th edition of the Pollock & Mulla – Specific Relief Act, 1963. What motivated you to take on this task, and how do you believe this contributes to the legal community and practitioners?

    I believe that the legal profession and academia are interlaced. I took up this task knowing that it will complement and enrich my legal practice by providing me with a platform to learn and grow.

    I don’t know about others, but even today, in the age of the internet, search engines and legal research tools, whenever I come across a provision of law with which I am not completely familiar, I look up a commentary to find the starting point of my research. I sincerely hope the revised edition of the Pollock & Mulla – Specific Relief Act, 1963 helps members of the legal community familiarize themselves with the Specific Relief (Amendment) Act, 2018. 

    Apart from your legal pursuits, you’ve trained in Bharatanatyam and performed several Bharatanatyam Recitals under the guidance of Padma Shree Geeta Chandran. Many individuals find it challenging to sustain their passion for the arts as they become busier with their professions or during higher studies. We’re curious to know about your journey with Bharatanatyam—how did your interest in this classical dance form grow alongside your legal career?

    I was blessed to have a structured upbringing with academics, dance, sports etc. I started to learn Bharatanatyam at the age of 6. At Natya Vriksha under the tutelage of Geeta Akka, dance was just one of the multitude things I learnt. Geeta Akka filled my young mind with art, music, culture, history, mythology as well as social values of justice, equity an inclusion. Natya Vriksha was my second home. I danced regularly from the age of 6 till I turned 18, when I left to study law at Dr. RML National Law University, Lucknow. 

    Over the years I developed a passion for Bharatanatyam and all its nuances. During and even after law school I tried very hard to multitask and continue my journey in Bharatnatyam while practicing law. But both Bharatantayam and practising law are hard task masters. The practise of law leaves little time for anything else. Amidst the demands of my career in law, I could not give Bharatanatyam the time and effort it required. 

    At the age of 24, I made the very tough decision of giving up my dream of becoming a Bharatanatyam dancer. However, thanks to my Guru, Padma Shri Geeta Chandran and the Natya Vriksha Dance Company, Bharatanatyam is still a part of my life. Both my Guru and her dance company perform regularly and I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to witness these magical performances. 

    There have been days where I feel that the law took away Bharatanatyam from me, but then, in all fairness, the law has given me back so much more!

    As a panel member in various debates aired on Times Now and Mirror Now, how do you see the role of legal professionals in shaping public discourse on legal issues?

    In today’s world, the media is playing an undeniably important role in creating and shaping public opinion. There are several instances where the general public is unaware of the correct position of law in respect of certain issues. It is in such situations that legal professionals should be made part of a public discourse in order to enable them to highlight the correct position of law. This in turn gives the public the complete information that they should have to make an opinion. 

    Internships play a crucial role in a law student’s journey. Can you share insights into the kind of internships you pursued during your college days and how those experiences influenced your career choices? Additionally, what advice would you give to law students when it comes to selecting internships, especially considering the trend where many aspire to intern at tier 1 law firms?

    My recollection of my journey and transition from law school to the legal profession is a first-hand example of the importance of internships in a law student’s journey. Being a first generation lawyer I had no insight into the realities of the legal profession. Like I said earlier, my exposure was restricted to only what was depicted in television, movies and books. 

    When I started law school, I was hopelessly home sick. To begin with, internships were an excuse to go back home to Delhi. In my first year I interned with two NGOs. I bagged these internships through family acquaintances. 

    In my second year I interned with Mr. Vikas Dhawan (who is now a designated senior). He was then an advocate practicing primarily on the Original Side in the Delhi High Court. He was our lawyer in my mother’s property matter so it was again an easy internship to get. It was my time in his office that got me really excited about litigation. However, I still wanted to intern in different fields of law before deciding which one I was most interested in. 

    The next few internships were hard to get. I did not know many people in the profession and all my e-mail applications (sent months in advance) remained unanswered. But I did not lose hope! 

    I remember, in 2011, I printed several copies of my then 1 page CV and roamed the streets of Defence Colony (the hub of lawyers’ offices in Delhi). I walked into so many offices and handed over my CV to anyone who would take it. I bagged my next few internships like this. This exercise got me the opportunity to intern with Mr. P.K. Dubey ( now a designated Senior), Zeus Law, Mr. A.S Chandhiok (Senior Advocate), Sikri & Company etc.  

    I also briefly interned in the Corporate Division of O.P. Khaitan & Co. After my previous internships in the field of litigation, my short stint here was enough for me to know that I was not meant to be a corporate lawyer. The stifling hustle-bustle inside and outside the courtrooms  excited me the most. 

    I personally did not intern in any tier 1 law firm. This was only because I never got the opportunity. During my law school years I did fret a lot about not having any tier 1 law firm names on my CV but then, there was honestly not much more I could do about it. 

    I chose to not give up or lose heart. I took up every opportunity I could lay my hands on. I made connections as I went. And, I worked hard, very hard. 

    Being a first generation lawyer I can be very blunt and say, the journey can be challenging. My only advice to law students and young lawyers is to be brave, be curious, chase experience and continue learning. Take up every opportunity you can lay your hands on, be it big or small. There is no better teacher than experience!

    Get in touch with Sonali Chopra –

  • “In the dynamic realm of corporate law, success is not just about transactions; it’s about teamwork, evolving strategies, and navigating complexities. Each challenge is an opportunity to craft a lasting impact.” – Payal Dayal, Partner – Corporate Head, AKS Partners (Advocates | Solicitors | Consultants)

    “In the dynamic realm of corporate law, success is not just about transactions; it’s about teamwork, evolving strategies, and navigating complexities. Each challenge is an opportunity to craft a lasting impact.” – Payal Dayal, Partner – Corporate Head, AKS Partners (Advocates | Solicitors | Consultants)

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

    Reflecting on your journey, from pursuing law to your college days, could you share some key moments or experiences that influenced your decision to enter the legal profession? How did your time in law school shape your understanding of the legal landscape and contribute to the path you’ve taken in your career today?

    At the outset I must share that pursuing law just happened. I am a first-generation lawyer and hence the thought of doing law never came in discussions during my growing up years. But yes, one thing I knew, my grandfather wanted my father to be a lawyer so when I cleared my law entrance exam and finally got admitted to Amity Law School, I thought to myself how proud my grandfather would be, had he lived to see this day, as I get to fulfil his dreams. Other than that, it was sheer luck and destiny to do law from Amity in as much as I only gave the entrance exam for Amity Law School and cracked it!  

    Moving on to the first semester of law and the introduction to moot courts was all too overwhelming for me. I was always an active member of the moot court society and loved to participate in moot court competitions. I started admiring the dynamics of law as a field of study and enjoyed my college days to the fullest. A few subjects like International Law, Constitutional Law, Intellectual Property Law and Corporate Law were amongst my favourites. To top it all, I never missed a good internship opportunity which got me more in touch with the profession as it was practiced – being very different from our moot courts and theory we learn in college.

    After doing my final semester three-month internship with a top tier law firm in the corporate team, I decided to work in a law firm and in the corporate field rather than dawning the black robes.

    Your journey has been quite diverse, spanning from serving as an intern at organizations like Steel Authority of India Limited to your current role as Partner – Corporate Head at AKS Partners. How have these varied experiences shaped your perspective on corporate law, and what valuable lessons have you learned along the way?

    Each internship and each role in my previous law firms including the current one taught me a different lesson. As an intern at Steel Authority of India, I was involved with their ongoing arbitrations. As an intern at the International Labour Organisation, an agency of the United Nations, I gained knowledge of different aspects of labour disputes, and so on and so forth. My internship experience, irrespective of the organisation or a firm, have always been enriching ones. However, when one starts practicing, that becomes a different ball game altogether.

    What I am today in the professional field I owe to my mentor under whose mentorship I commenced my professional journey in the corporate field around 17 years back. It was truly there that my career shaped the way it has. I assisted and then independently undertook many transactions in diverse industry segments, opined on various industry specific issues, worked on FDI matters which fascinated me a lot at the time. These past learnings have eased my role and responsibility as a Partner-Corporate Head at AKS Partners. 

    The biggest learning that I take from the diverse experiences I have had is that teamwork always yields good results. You need to have trust in your team, at whatever position you are on the ladder. It plays a big role especially when you are mentoring juniors and delegating tasks to them. When I started out in the profession, my mentor always backed me. At times I would come up with ideas and solutions that my mentor had not thought of. That gave me a lot of confidence, and I have made it a point to imbibe the same confidence in my juniors. Another big learning is that clients often come to you with a ‘solution’ already in mind. Doing exactly as they say is often the easiest way but may not always be the best way. Therefore, you need to look at the problem objectively and guide them in the right direction.                            

    As a partner, you’ve represented clients before the Reserve Bank of India in compounding matters. How do you approach such regulatory challenges, and what strategies do you employ to navigate through the intricacies of regulatory compliance?

    I have appeared before the Reserve Bank of India (Mumbai) a couple of times but initially I appeared while I was still a Senior Associate. My mentor had utmost faith in me that I could handle the matter independently. Having said that, there is no shortcut to being thoroughly prepared particularly prior to appearing before the regulatory authorities. The regulatory authorities always appreciate lawyers who have systematically and carefully drafted their application and stated the reason behind a compoundable contravention. A methodically and logically drafted application taking care of all the nuances increases the chances of reaching the ears of the regulatory authorities. 

    Your horizontal practice areas include Commercial Contracts, Corporate compliance, Joint Venture/ Collaboration/ Acquisition, and more. Is there a specific area that you find particularly fascinating or challenging, and why?

    Acquisitions clubbed with market entry/ investment advisory, inter-alia, is my specialisation and what excites me the most is that each acquisition has a different strategy from the other and that there is no straitjacket formula that fits one and all. Particularly when there is a foreign company involved, FDI advisory clubbed with tax advise becomes very significant and the right structure and entry route is strategically quintessential. Very often, it is this first step which is challenging in addition to negotiating difficult aspects (usually the parked points) for which the principals are on loggerheads at the negotiating table. Having said that, taking the transaction to its righteous end, i.e., completion or closing as one may call it, excites me the most.   

    The Corporate Due Diligences you’ve undertaken covered a wide range of areas, including Labour and Industrial Laws, Environmental Laws, and Competition Law. How do you stay abreast of the ever-evolving legal landscape in these diverse fields, and how do you ensure your advice is both current and relevant?

    As a lawyer, it is one’s job to stay updated with the law at all times. I keep myself updated by reading the SCC every fortnightly and by frequenting regulator websites like RBI, SEBI, CCI, IBBI, MCA for latest notifications, master directions, press-notes, etc. on a daily basis before I begin my work for the day.

    To answer the second part of your question, before giving advise I always check the sectoral regulations and any updates on the point including in the form of apex court decisions.

    You’ve been involved in publications, including ‘The Drone Dichotomy – A Game Changer.’ What sparked your interest in this particular topic, and how do you see the legal landscape evolving with emerging technologies like drones?

    When I embarked writing on the topic, the regulations were yet to come out and the authorities were still grappling with the facts, i.e., the opportunities such a technology presented and challenges that it could pose as the idea of using “Drones” for various purposes was relatively new for the country. It immediately ignited my brainwaves to think of how this potential technology could be used and that too in a regulated way and even more towards the privacy concerns that were hovering in my mind for some time in case of absence of sufficient regulations on this aspect.

    Since then, the legal landscape has evolved substantially. The Ministry of Civil Aviation Government of India (MoCA) has framed comprehensive laws to ensure proper regulation of use of drones. The framework addresses concerns like safety standards, airspace management and privacy challenges. Of course there are several other aspects that are bound to crop up with more and more use of the technology and the regulator, i.e., MoCA, will have to come up with practical solutions whether it be on determination of liability in the event of an accident with various jurisdictions involved or accountability in case of remote controlled drones. International collaboration on regulating drone technology is no longer a far-flung concept.

    Your sector expertise ranges from Manufacturing to Renewable Energy. How do you keep yourself updated with the nuances of such varied industries, and what role does industry-specific knowledge play in your legal practice?

    I reiterate that one should keep reading and stay updated on the legal framework and nuances particularly in the sectors that one practices in. This can be done by reading the statutory framework along with the landmark judgments and articles on the point in the relevant sector.

    During your time at Amity Law School, you were an active member of the Amity Moot Court Society. Can you share your perspective on the significance of participating in moot court competitions for law students? How do you believe these experiences contribute to a student’s overall legal education and career development?

    I believe moot courts help the students in three ways. Firstly, it teaches the students to research, and not just in a bookish way but how one tackles situations in the profession. Second, it improves the drafting skills and to express oneself in an erudite manner. And most importantly, the arguing skills. Many students may not be natural speakers so it helps them to open up and become comfortable in facing the judges and making their point.

    Hence, I believe it is very important for students to participate in moot court competitions. Mere participation gives the students a lot of confidence, irrespective of winning or losing, and frankly, it teaches one how to accept defeat and prepares the students for the tough beginnings that await them.

    Internships play a crucial role in shaping a legal professional’s early career. What advice would you give to law students about choosing the right type of internship? For instance, do you recommend working under a senior advocate, in a law firm, or exploring other avenues, and why?

    I would recommend the law students to intern in every field and experience for themselves as to what appeals to them individualistically. All students cannot be pigeon-holed into any given category. Given the individualistic mindset, some may like arbitration and pursue a career accordingly, some may like litigation would accordingly prefer to pursue any further internships in the litigation wing of a firm or an individual practitioner and some would like the dynamics of the corporate set-up or some may even take to intellectual property law practice. My only advise for the students is that they should not miss any opportunity to intern and intern sincerely and explore for themselves as to what appeals to them the most.

    In addition to your professional achievements, we’d love to know more about your personal interests. What hobbies or activities do you engage in outside of the legal realm to unwind and recharge?

    The best way to unwind for me is to spend quality time with my daughter. Other than that, I like to paint and read fictional/ non-fictional books.

    Given your diverse experiences, both in law firms and as an independent legal practitioner, how would you compare the learning experiences in these different settings? What unique advantages or challenges do each offer, and how can young professionals leverage them to enhance their skills and knowledge

    My diverse experience made the difference between law firm practice and independent practice crystal clear to me. While in the latter, you are your own boss and command accordingly, in the former, depending on which rung of the ladder you are on, you mostly have a senior to poke you out of your slumber and weigh you down with lots of work irrespective of how much you already have on your plate. But then that’s what keeps you on your toes and it gives you utmost satisfaction at the end of the day to tick off things done from the to-do list one made in the morning. However, independent practice, while more lucrative, is not that easy, whether to establish or to command, as one has to be utmost sure of the advise one gives to the client as remember, you are your own boss and there is no cushion in the form of a senior. But this really enthrals you as you keep going and learn and master the art.  

    Get in touch with Payal Dayal-