Super Lawyer

Category: Interviews

  • Mini Gautam, Independent Legal Consultant, on being in-house counsel, and writing a book

    Mini Gautam graduated from ILS Law College, Pune University, in 2010. Presently, she is a Senior Manager in the strategy and planning department of one of the leading infrastructure finance companies in India. She plays a key role in legal strategy and transactions crossing a certain level of criticality and threshold.

    In this interview we speak to her about:

    • Challenges associated with being an in-house counsel
    • The recruitment process in her company
    • Writing her book and the publication process

    You are working in the strategy and planning office of your company. How different is that from a regular legal function?

    I am working in the strategy office of Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited, one of the leading infrastructure finance companies in India with operations of affiliated entities extending into the oil, power, construction equipment leasing, and telecom sectors. The quality of work here is superlative. We are expected to not just pick up and read laws, but to structure and provide practical and workable solutions. The motto is to try and furnish the solution; not just identify the problem. That has helped me to look at everything from a commercial and systematic point of view.

    I don’t want to delve into the philosophy or art of law anymore as a commercial lawyer. I want to know what is it that affects my organization and to what extent. That’s it. Once I have that base knowledge, everything becomes easier.

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    What are the essential requirements that a law student must fulfill in order to pursue a career in financial services? 

    CA, CS, MBA are really helpful for working in corporate law. I don’t have any of these degrees and some of the people who I have had a chance to work with and who have a good grasp of the law and a clear understanding of concepts, do not either. So I will be compelled to say that degrees don’t add the kind of value that practical experience does. In my experience, I have found that the harder and harder you work, the more the number of hours you put in and as a lawyer, that’s pretty much all you need to be successful.

    How would you describe the roles and responsibilities associated with being a senior member of your organization?

    Thankfully, I have been given a good role in my organization. I would think corporate in-house wise, this is probably the best exposure a person can get. The scope of the work is diverse and spread across multiple sectors; so there is never a boring day or repetition of any kind. The learning curve is really good.

    Why did you shift from a mid-sized law firm to a company?

    Moving in-house from a mid – sized law firm was one of the best decisions of my life. Working in-house has made me appreciate and soak in one thing, the beauty of business. The kind of challenges involved in running a company, whether they be on a day to day and operational perspective or whether they are from a structuring and transactional viewpoint. While being in a law firm may help you understand the academic and doctrinaire aspects of law, in-house heaps a whole lot of responsibilities on you that are fundamental to the functioning and sustenance of a corporate house.

    What are the challenges associated with being an in-house counsel?

    The biggest challenge of working in-house is balancing legal and business needs and aspirations. You have to learn to pick your battles wisely; some things you fight tooth and nail for, some things you let go and live to fight on another day.

    As in-house counsel, you have to be thorough with the business requirements; every decision you make is crucial and may have spill – over effects over a long duration.

    You don’t have that much scope to go wrong or make a mistake. Your business teams rely on your judgment entirely. Once you have taken a call, that’s that.

    Would you hire a hard working student or a street smart one? 

    We are always looking for hard-working students to come on board. The willingness to work hard and yes, to some extent, the ability to work smart is the key differentiator between students who get selected as opposed to those who don’t. We don’t want to know how much you already know as a fresher; because trust me, you know nothing. We just want to know how willing you are to be remolded and recast; everyone starts at zero.

    What do you see in candidates when you go for recruitment? 

    While conducting an interview, the one thing that matters the most is the sincerity of the candidate. It is the single most important and deciding factor and is much more relevant than grades or moot courts or paper publications or internships. The practice of the law in any setup is a hard and challenging job. It requires patience, commitment and a dedicated number of long hours. The process we follow for recruitment is giving out assessment internships. We believe that gives both us a chance to review the candidate’s work and also the candidate an opportunity to understand the way we function and most importantly, our thought process. Training of resources necessarily involves having colleagues who can understand the “why” of what you are talking. Once that happens, you don’t need to micromanage or recheck work.

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    What is the role of a mentor in any job?

    A mentor is probably the single most important influence on a job. The majority of people quit their jobs because of the kind of boss they had.

    A good mentor can change your entire perspective regarding your job. The idea is not to micromanage your resources but impose faith in them; so that they take on responsibilities themselves and feel like they are adding worth to the larger scheme of things. One of the biggest mistakes I find is employers who keep repeating phrases like“one will leave ten will come”, “nobody is indispensable,” etc. especially in Indian law firms where the general assumption is that law students are being manufactured by the dozen. A good mentor will make you feel valued so that you put in that extra effort.

    An excellent resource is not easy to find and tougher to retain. Do we really want automatons who will pop out drafts and agreements without application of mind and more importantly, without an iota of genuine interest in what they are doing or do we want genuinely interested, inspired and initiated individuals who are strategically important cogs in the wheel.

    As a mentor at some point in time you will need to realize what is it you are looking for; a false sense of power at keeping track of what time your employees entered and when they left office even if they are playing candy crush under their desks? Or can you let your employee manage his own schedule, deliver good quality of work to you and if required is ready to put in 200% of what his or her capabilities are.

    You can only be a good mentor to someone if you are free from insecurities yourself, and most importantly when your focus is on getting the job done rather than just purely wanting to harass another individual. Your mentee’s growth is also a part of your own.

    What are the challenges associated with being a woman?

    Generally, I don’t feel biased against in any manner being a woman working in a corporate set-up. It is only when I attend meetings and find that in probably eight out of ten I am the only woman in the room that I realize that something is wrong with not just our country but the world over.

    Women generally start with great careers on the same footing as men. But as they move ahead, they fall behind. Marriage, children, the excuses are plenty. Yes, I understand women who are staying back at home to raise kids and look after their families are probably doing something much more worthwhile than what working women can achieve in their lifetimes. But I really hope that these are genuine cases of a voluntary choice made by a woman and not a manipulation or a societal unsaid and yet undeniable obligation.

    What are your long term goals?

    The journey may have been hard and stressful at times but if given a chance I wouldn’t want to change a thing and would retrace my steps to exactly the same destinations. While good experiences are comforting and encouraging in life, it is the bad ones that teach you in ways nothing else can.

    Honestly speaking, I fail ten times a day. I make mistakes, take wrong decisions, don’t understand certain things, may not be able to articulate myself properly, stand up for things that may not be so important while ignoring the ones that really matter, the list is sadly endless. If two years ago somebody had asked me what your weaknesses are; I would have given some smart alec answer and said my only weakness is that I don’t have any. Today, I have matured and understood myself and the world enough to know that I am far, really far behind where I want to reach and that it’s not such a bad thing. I have understood that making mistakes means learning. I have realized that perfection is a notion, not a reality; and you should never aspire to perfection. You should only aspire to growth.

    It’s hard to say what I am seeking or where I am trying to reach with certainty. As of today, I love my work and my job. It is fulfilling and satisfying. But yes, a job cannot be a long-term goal.

    There has to be some ideology or philosophy you subscribe to; something that you are so passionate about that it wakes you up every day with a cheerful buzz in your heart. I am in pursuance of that passion; hope to reach there at some point.

    What would be your advice to our readers?

    My advice to readers especially law students is please don’t take life too seriously. Nothing is life and death issue; definitely not jobs and placements. A job is a means to an end, not an end in itself. Keep your priorities in life clearly demarcated.

    Loved ones always come first, and in that list, you should put your own name on top. If anything makes you feel depressed or unhappy or dissatisfied; there is just no need to do it. There is no rush. Life is not a race. Don’t be in a hurry to get somewhere. Enjoy the journey; the journey is what life is.

    Congratulations on the release of your new book, The Gutter Princess ­ Diary of an (Un)Willing Prostitute. Where did you draw your inspiration from for this book?

    I have always been inspired to write on subject matters which are more relevant to women, how a sex worker came to be the protagonist of my first published novel, is a question I cannot answer definitively. I believe the fact that we do not feel any empathy for women who are prostitutes by choice made me feel really pained from within, because I knew that the word choice was being misinterpreted. A society which cannot provide education or means of sustenance to so many of its members, does not get the moral high ground to judge a woman who chooses to earn a living through an honest means of employment. We cannot accept such women in our fold, whereas we do not give a thought to the men who are availing their services. The fact that our society, or probably any society, carries double standards and prejudices against women is known, the question is, what we are going to do about it. This book is a simple attempt to do something about it.

    What inspired you to consider writing as a serious endeavour? 

    I have been writing since I could hold a pen, it is an outlet for me to express my emotions, happiness and frustrations. I don’t know how I would classify it, as a serious endeavour or as a hobby, one sounds too professional and one too amateur. Writing is a form of art, and it’s hard to classify or compartmentalise art. The only thing that matters is the joy it brings to the artist. I write because it makes me feel happy; the entire process of starting with a word and ending with a tale, a story revolving around characters. The more real and convincing your characters are, the more successful you are as a story teller. Fiction is a bad word; it feels “made up” and “fake,” while it doesn’t have to be so. A story of made up characters can also be as real as anyone’s life story, it all depends on where it takes the reader. I find it sad that people are losing the habit of reading due to time constraints; it is so much easier to curl up on your sofa with Netflix than to do so with a good book. But studies have shown that watching the television can add to depression while reading actually helps in developing cognitive abilities and gives you experiences the telly cannot. There is increasing awareness towards physical fitness; I wish we could also lay stress on mental well – being.

     

     

    What authors or writing would you say has influenced your style of writing? 

    I keep my writing original, and for this reason, I never give my work for feedback or reviews to other people (only exception being my husband) while I am writing, I don’t want my work to be reminiscent of someone else. I read a lot, and have read extensively from classics to contemporary literature, but when it comes to my own writing, I like to keep it as simple as possible, almost as if I am in conversation with my reader. I feel the current market is ripe for such writing, and readers are also in favour of titles which they can resonate with. However, this is no reason for the market to be flooded with only coming of age romance novels, and it is high time it opens up to other subject matters as well. A light, breezy novel is always welcome, but sometimes you need something more, something which makes you think and shakes you from within.    

     

    What are the challenges and learning opportunities that you were faced with in writing this book?

    The biggest challenge for me was that I didn’t want to base the novel on research; I wanted it to come out as a story and not as a documentary. I was writing about the life of a sex worker, but as a form of fiction, and that made it hard. I wanted to write about sexual abuse freely, but you know how it is in our closed society. I received some reactions from readers saying the language was too raw or harsh for them to accept, especially for people from older generations, but that they otherwise loved the content. I accept that with grace, and do not find it upsetting that some people did not like the language as long as the overall message hit them, and they could empathise with the protagonist.  

     

    Being a lawyer involves a lot of drafting and writing; would you say that your background and experience has helped you shape the novel that you have authored?

    Yes, there are fields which may be mutually repellent and there might be ones which don’t really attack each other, but which can go hand in hand. The legal profession is largely one which can accommodate a lot of things, you find many lawyers pursuing their other interests as well. I don’t perceive it is because the profession is less demanding, but because it follows simple common sense and analytical thinking, and therefore a good lawyer can be a good CEO or a good sports analyst or anything else he wants to be. I believe we are blessed, being lawyers, the field is vast and encompassing, and if you really apply yourself, there is a lot which can be achieved while continuing with the practice of the profession.  

     

    Would you consider moving into writing as a full-time occupation?

    I think the moment we make something our full time occupation or profession, we stop enjoying it, and I don’t want to do that with something as pure as writing. I also enjoy being a lawyer, and I don’t feel the need to give up one to pursue the other, not as yet, at least. I write in an erratic and eccentric manner. There are times when I have written five thousand words in a day, and then there are months when I haven’t written a word. I don’t like to force myself to write, but generally, I do keep writing for my own happiness and satisfaction. To honestly answer the question, yes, I am writing another book, whether I will publish it or not, is something I will decide based on how the book shapes up, if it shapes up at all. I started with writing on simpler and sweeter things, but after writing one book on prostitution, I found that a pen is a good weapon to hit masses with, and when you have that kind of an instrument at your disposal, you should wield it wisely. My current book is also on a social issue and has flavours of human bondage in it, but again, I am not sure, when I will complete it, I don’t like to put a deadline on something I am enjoying so thoroughly.

      

    How do you manage your time between your professional commitments as a lawyer and your passion for writing?

    The answer to this question is in the question itself, as you rightly say, it’s a passion, and we can always take out time for something we feel passionate about. The problem generally is not with lack of time, but with, lack of time management. I write because I need to write, it’s almost an involuntary emotion like hunger. As long as I don’t need to complete books based on deadlines, I don’t think the two would have a problem in co-existing. I don’t want to dilute the quality of my writing, and so I’d rather stick to fewer book releases but more meaningful ones. Meanwhile, it’s super being a lawyer.

  • Priyan Garg, Associate- Business Development & Knowledge Management, Karanjawala & Co., shares his insight on moving beyond barriers and alternative career opportunities

    Priyan Garg graduated from Amity Law School, Noida in 2015. Having a versatile law school experience has helped Priyan build a wholesome view of the legal world. He has, during his law school years, edited the Amity Journal, coordinated seminars, participated and brought laurels in moot court competitions and helped the society by drafting wills for senior citizens. Right after graduating from law school, he joined as a Marketing Executive at LexisNexis India.

    Currently, he is Associate in Charge – Knowledge Resource handling Business Development and Knowledge Management at Karanjawala & Co.

    In this interview, he talks to SuperLawyer about:

    • His choice of law school and the benefits of going to a law school in Delhi NCR.
    • His life at law school and experience with editing for a journal.
    • His take on opting the unconventional path for law graduates.
    • His unique work profile as  Associate in Charge- Knowledge Resource at Karanjawala & Co.
    • His revelation of the importance of making yourself a brand.

    Please tell our readers a bit about yourself. Why did you choose to do law? Did you have any other interests before deciding to pursue law?

    I’m a lawyer by qualification, currently working as Associate in Charge – Knowledge Resource handling Business Development and Knowledge Management at Karanjawala & Co. While in college, I have interned at a number of places such as PSHRC (Punjab State Human Rights Commission), ASG Pinky Anand, Geeta Luthra, JSA, Luthra & Luthra, Karanjawala & Co., LexisNexis etc. But, right after graduating it was the marketing side of legal world which grabbed my attention. While a lot of fresh law graduates aim to join legal practice as a litigator or in corporate practice, it was the marketing side of legal world which has not received much importance and has a lot of potential.

    I started my career with LexisNexis handling Marketing, Business Development & Strategy portfolios and I am presently with Karanjawala & Co.

    I chose law over sciences because I found one massive advantage in the field. Science in India is a domain that is extremely hard to enter, with difficult competitive examinations and few seats at State-run institutions. After one graduates with a degree in engineering or medicine, however, the task of building a career is less daunting. Law on the other hand, is quite the opposite. It is comparatively easy to study law and become an advocate, and far harder to establish oneself once enrolled. Aged seventeen, I felt it would be easier for me to challenge myself at a later stage, when I was more mature and had the backing of increased knowledge and a professional degree.

     

    Which law schools did you apply to? How did you zero in on Amity Law School, Noida and why B.B.A. LL.B.?

    To be honest, Amity was not my first choice as a law school. While I had heard good things about the institution, I was fearful of joining a privately run school. After CLAT, I had the option of joining a lesser-known National Law School. Nonetheless, I chose to undertake a program in law at Amity. There were three reasons behind this decision. First, being in Delhi allowed me to be closer to home (Chandigarh was only a few hours’ drive away). Second, in the NCR, I found myself at the heart of the Indian Legal System. Not only did this ensure that many successful personalities would be available in college for guest lectures and seminars, but also it increased my chances of gaining adequate work experience. With the best counsel, law firms and all levels of Courts present in the city, the opportunities for a keen intern were many. Third, I was fascinated by the courses Amity had on offer. The B.B.A., LL.B (Hons.) programme offered the unique opportunity of studying economics and management with law. I find now that this combination has given both, a rounded character to my personality (having now studied science, commerce and arts), as well as prepared me to better understand the needs of corporate clients I may have in the future.

     

    How would you describe five years of your college life? Please share your experience as an Editor of the Amity Law School Journal. Any tips for law students who aspire to get published?

    I would like to believe that I made the most of my five years at law school. I studied when I was required to, and ensured I had time for my friends and myself too. Law does require lots of studying, yes, but a law school experience is incomplete without participation in volunteer programmes, co-curricular activities and sports. Looking back, I am glad I made the most of the resources I had available.

    As far as Amity’s journal is concerned, I was fortunate to be involved in the publication’s nascent stage. This encompassed work that ranged from receiving an ISBN number to creating an editorial board and calling for academic writing. Needless to say, it was an exhilarating experience.

    My experience in academics is limited to the years I have spent as a student. I do, however, hold very strong views when it comes to the state of academic writing in India today. There is a great void in the legal space when it comes to original academic writing. It is the Indian education system that is largely at fault for this; students are taught to learn another’s views, not taught to think for themselves or to form their own opinions. The legal space is full of unoriginal work. To illustrate, an article titled “The Law of Arbitration in India” is not an original academic work. Such an article, like most one reads nowadays, merely summarizes the law on a subject. At best, a paragraph is saved at the end for the author’s own opinion. It is incredibly rare to find new approaches to law, new solutions to legal problems, or strong criticisms of existing legislation and precedent. My advice to anyone wanting to be published – be original and show something new through your writing.

     

    You have received a number of Corporate Awards at your college such as “Best Business Acumen and Awareness” citation and Shri Raian Karanjawala Trophy at ALS, please tell our readers about them.

    Apart from classroom studies, internships and mooting activities I always made it a point to be involved in various committees managing events happening in the University which gave me an overall exposure to what goes behind organising and hosting an event. During the five years of my law college I actively organized the Amity International Moot Court Competition, Amity Quiz on Competition Law, Amity Competition on Law Reforms, Debates etc. According to me, there is no substitute for accuracy in knowledge. Know yourself, know your business, know your men, is the mantra of today’s success. Successful business persons understand the thin line of difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their benefits.

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    I received the citation of “Best in Business Acumen and Awareness” for displaying a charismatic persona, administrative acumen and managerial skills of a high order and the ability to combine compassion with steely resolve.

    I received the Shri Raian Karanjawala Trophy on my convocation which has been constituted in the name of “Shri Raian Karanjawala”, an iconic legal luminary and a distinguished senior lawyer of India. His untiring efforts & contribution towards the development and maturing of legal systems have enhanced the image of India globally. Shri Raian Karanjawala Trophy is bestowed upon the student who has displayed extraordinary zeal and dedication towards learning and imbibing the tenets and spirit of law. Also, the student who has shown praiseworthy performance in corporate courses, interned in law offices/firms and attended conferences and seminars based on corporate laws.

     

    How important is mooting for a law student? Which moot did you enjoy the most, in terms of the organisation and the subject matter? Was there any “dream moot” which you wanted to participate in?

    Aside from academics, mooting is perhaps the most essential activity in a law student’s career. I participated in six moot court competitions focussing primarily on Constitutional Law. One may contest that the arguing system in a moot differs greatly from what one may experience in Court; however, I am of the firm belief that mooting gives one the right level of confidence in arguing etiquette and manner to be able to present cases before a real judge. Further, research being an essential component of any lawyer’s job, mooters will always find themselves at a significant advantage when faced with challenging research propositions at work.

    My favourite moot was the Justice Bodh Raj Sawhny Memorial Moot Court Competition held at NALSAR University. While the moot itself may not compare to others on offer in India, the subject matter – constitutional law – gave participants the opportunity to present unique arguments and step in the shoes of some of our nation’s most eminent senior counsels.

    The Philip C. Jessup moot is perhaps the only competition that comes to mind when I think of a “dream moot”. What is most attractive about this competition is the enormity of the challenge that is qualifying for the international round, the experience of participating alongside the best law schools in the world, and the exceptionally high calibre of judges and mooters alike.

     

    You have done a variety of internships, while focussing on litigation. Were you always inclined towards litigation? What according to you was instrumental towards gaining so many internships?

    I often compare law to medicine. To a layman, the job of a pathologist, while indispensable, doesn’t seem as exciting as that of a surgeon. To someone not yet initiated into the legal fraternity, the distinction between transactional law and litigation can appear similar. There is an indubitable excitement about litigation, about forming strategies and arguing before judges, that makes litigation attractive. It is for this reason that I found myself lured by the field.

    Having said that, interest in a field is not essential to get an internship in that field. Unfortunately, most internships in India are awarded through the applicant’s contacts or network. Where firms or practitioners accept applications, emphasis is usually laid on the candidate’s academic record and university, with secondary regard being given to non-academic achievements. I was very fortunate to have a good academic record, thereby ensuring that many applications were accepted. I also made a conscious effort to apply early and to continue to follow up with the organisation until they sent me a response. I’ve found that applications are not always replied to; “getting after” a firm to view your application is essential.

    Coming from a non-legal background, there was always a hunger in me to learn and explore different fields of law, owing to which I made it a point to intern and apply at a variety of organisations. I was fortunate to intern at a number of premier institutions such as Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC), Additional Solicitor General of India (ASG) Pinky Anand, Geeta Luthra, Hon’ble Justice Ravindra Bhat, Luthra & Luthra Law Offices, Jyoti Sagar Associates, PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Karanjawala & Co., LexisNexis India etc.

     

    You were the Convenor of Legal Entrepreneurship Clinic at ALS. Please share with us in detail, about the activities of the LEC.

    The Legal Entrepreneurship Clinic is a cell run by the students of Amity Law School, Noida. It is the first ever entrepreneurship cell to be formed in any law school across India. The E-Clinic caters to the intellectual and innovative minds that aspire to become legal entrepreneurs and it aims to foster and promote entrepreneurial spirit amongst such students.

    We at LEC organised workshops, panel discussions, seminars and competitions for aspiring entrepreneurs as an initiative to train and encourage their diverse and dormant talents. The Clinic endeavours to act as an incubator to the thoughts and ideas of aspiring lawyers, so as to make them prepared to be able to develop their ideas and concepts into practical business dimensions thereby helping them set up their own start-up. The Clinic works on the same objective as Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship, IIM Ahmedabad, whose main aim is to foster innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

    As a Convenor of LEC, I organised various Wills Camps for the elderly residing in the jurisdiction of Noida, U.P.; panel discussions on the new Company Law Act, 2013 and the latest being a seminar on financial literacy called FLAP – Financial Literacy Awareness Program.

     

    One of your last internships as a student was at LexisNexis India as a Marketing Trainee.  What made you shift from law to management?

    Post my stint as a Campus Ambassador at Lawctopus, I applied to be a Student Ambassador at LexisNexis India in my fourth year of law school. Having been associated with LexisNexis India for an entire year, which is a leading legal, taxation and academic publisher, my inclination towards the organisation increased and I was interested in understanding how a publishing house really operates. During the final semester internship I applied for an internship with the LexisNexis India and joined the Marketing Team as a trainee.

    The primary reason for this shift was my desire to explore the second half of my degree, “Business Administration”. LexisNexis India gave me the opportunity to work in the management domain, though within the legal sphere. Legal and managerial knowledge was essential to the job, and I was lucky to have a degree in both. As the final year was almost ending, I realized that I really did not have much enthusiasm in me for a litigation practice. I found litigation to be very procedural and mundane. Pursuing Corporate Law was another option for me, but I felt that it would restrict me to a very niche field. So I gradually drifted towards going for the Management field and challenge myself beyond my comfort zone.

    Secondly, I have never supported the conventional view of necessarily practicing law after studying law. There are a plethora of avenues out there, waiting to be exploited. I always wanted to use my acquired legal skills in a business environment, my long term aim being to become an entrepreneur. I think law gives you the edge of knowing the regulatory framework well enough, understanding the compliances and understanding the statutory and other measures required and applying them to run a business. I believe people working in organizations in the top positions ought to have a decent understanding of the law, in order to manage business in their top capacities. Discovering a new avenue was my primary motivation in this journey.

     

    As unique as it sounds, tell us about your work as Associate in Charge- Knowledge Resource at Karanjawala & Co., New Delhi. What is your job profile?

    As an Associate in Charge – Knowledge Resource, I look after Business Development & Knowledge Management of the firm. I’m involved in the indirect marketing of the firm by looking after the visibility of the firm. 

    Having worked for 3 years now in the legal marketing profession, I have a sharp view on the marketing of the law firms whilst taking the legal view into account. At Karanjawala & Co. I work with Senior Management and Partners at all levels looking after their Knowledge Management and Business Development – converting potential clients into permanent clients and engaging with even the most sceptical of clients.

    The Job Profile includes:-

    1. Working very closely with The Managing Partner and the Partners on the Marketing Strategies and Business Development of the different practice areas of the firm.
    2. Brand Development
    3. Publications on Legal Media Platforms & Research involved.
    4. Visibility of Firm over different platforms both domestic & international.
    5. Strategic Consulting – Including Business Plans & Marketing Strategy Development.
    6. Preparing Whitepapers for Conferences.
    7. Liaising Strategic Collaborations with Legal Events in the Country and representing the firm in them.
    8. Preparing submissions for legal awards in Indian market & International.
    9. Preparing Write ups and submissions for firm rankings in prominent legal directories such as Asialaw, Chamber & Partners, Indian Business Law Journal, Legal 500 etc.

    What according to you are the skills required to handle Business Development at tier one firms? How does one develop this prowess?

    I have been asked this question a number of times during Guest Lectures and Webinars. According to me for any kind of marketing you need basic understanding of the market, networking with the key people, common sense and passion to take risks and go beyond your comfort zone.

    No Law School or MBA school can really teach you marketing until and unless you practically take it up and convince the people in front why they should listen to you. The most important thing in any role is the willingness to learn and willingness to take a risk of doing something different beyond your set KRA (Key Responsibility Areas). With so much competition in the market and a number of eligible candidates in the pipeline you can only sustain and grow in an organisation if you go beyond what the organisation is expecting out of you. I was lucky to realise this during my final year itself and mould myself accordingly – I studied the Bar Council of India Act extensively and laid down a plan of how legal industry can involve indirect marketing whilst not violating the Act.

    Be it LexisNexis or Karanjawala & Co., for Business Development/ Marketing activities one needs to carry out extensive research to understand the market segment your organisation is serving to and ways in which your law firm can impart knowledge whilst not violating the Bar Council of India Act.

    One of the most important thing for carrying out Business Development is that you need to be a people’s person and have good networking skills, along with a good hold on the language and convincing skills.

     

    Not following the conventional path, lately a lot of graduates are going for the uncharted waters. You being one; tell us the alternative career options for a law graduate.

     One of the most common mistake which the law graduates make these days is by not finding out their true calling and doing something which their peers are doing. Not only does it leave them demotivated after a period of time, it also hampers their CV.

    It is very important for all the law graduates to go beyond the conventional path of litigation and corporate and look for other untapped areas in the legal field. With foreign law firms entering the Indian market in coming years, a number of new career avenues have come up, such as:-

    1. Legal Journalism- A number of legal media websites such as Bar & Bench, Live Law and Legally India recruit law graduates as Publishing Editors, Editors and Reporters. In addition, all the leading newspapers and news channels of the country have a dedicated legal journalism team to cover all the major legal developments in the country.
    2. Legal Editors- All the newspapers and news agencies hire law graduates to work on their legal stories. In addition, legal editors can also work for blogs or write legal content for publishing houses such as LexisNexis & SCC Online.
    3. Business Development- It’s a very desirable combination if an individual knows both law and marketing. Such law graduates are hired by law firms or engaged by litigants to carry out their marketing activities and increase the visibility of firm on different platforms.
    4. Knowledge Management- Knowledge Management at law firms is all about creating, sharing, using and managing the knowledge and information. A number of law firms regularly submit articles for publishing and it is the duty of Knowledge Management Associates to vet these submissions or prepare Whitepapers for conferences.
    5. Head Hunting for Legal Industry- In the present times the process of legal recruitment and transactional shift has become more systematic due to organisations like Vahura and other independent Consultants. Such organisations engage law graduates who have an idea about the market and can find right talent for an organisation.
    6. Corporate Communication- The role of a Corporate Communication Executive is to act like a bridge between the lawyers and clients. It has been a seen a number of times that there’s a gap in communication between the lawyers and clients due to heavy work load. Corporate Communication Team not only keeps the clients updated about their matter but also roll out important developments taking place in the firm to media. Certain law firms also have a process of periodical Newsletters highlighting their monthly achievements and updates which is again taken care by Corporate Communication Team.

     

    Even after getting the most sought after opportunity, why did you choose Knowledge Management & Business Development over Litigation at Karanjawala?

    Firstly, I have never supported the conventional view of necessarily practicing law after studying law. There are a plethora of avenues out there, waiting to be exploited. I always wanted to use my acquired legal skills in a business environment, my long term aim being to become an entrepreneur. I think law gives you the edge of knowing the regulatory framework well enough, understanding compliances and understanding the statutory and other measures required to run a business. I believe people working in organizations in the top positions ought to have a decent understanding of the law, in order to manage business in their top capacities. Discovering a new avenue was my primary motivation in this journey.

    Secondly, the reason for my shift was my desire to explore the second half of my degree, “Business Administration”. First LexisNexis gave me the opportunity to work in the management domain, though within the legal sphere and Second, Knowledge Management and Business Development at Karanjawala & Co. not only challenged me to acquire new skill sets but provided an excellent exposure to work with Senior Management, Partners and GCs of leading Corporates.

    Also, I have come to the realization you can make a name for yourself at a very young age if you can undertake responsibilities not being performed by other.

    Is marketing as equally important for lawyers? 

    With the number of CLAT aspirants increasing every year exponentially, the competition in the legal industry has become top notch and the only way to excel is by doing something what others are not doing. Other than good knowledge of law, it’s very important for lawyers to look after their marketing and networking.

    The marketing activities for lawyers can be as basic as managing an active LinkedIn account to writing blog posts on contemporary issues. LinkedIn in present times, not only helps one to showcase their expertise but also helps you to get in touch with professionals 

    from legal field PAN India. Next, I have seen a number of aggrieved individuals reaching out to Lawyers if they are publishing articles on contemporary issues or issues which are most common in the legal field such as Family Law, Criminal Law or CPC.

    Finally, it all comes down to personal connections and networking. Today, all major cities have organisations & establishments organizing Book Launches and other Panel Discussions. Attending such events not only helps the Lawyers to get updated with law but also enables them to meet and network with a number of people at one place.

    If a lawyer is active on social media and networking events. It’s not surprising if they get an offer to author a book by leading publishing houses or also receive invitations from Institutions either as a judge for Moot Court Competitions or as a Guest Speaker.

    It’s all about showcasing you expertise and being omnipresent in the Legal Industry!!

     

     As a visionary and opportunist, what are your future plans? Where do you see/want to see yourself in the next 5-6 years?

    As a visionary and opportunist I have always followed a motto in life,

    “There is no fun in living a life that you don’t feel proud of. A life where you have just passed your time. Build a list of accomplishments behind you. The learning you will get in the process will transform you and your thinking process completely. That’s what will make you a leader ultimately. There are no short cuts to success. The more grind you undergo- the stronger you become.”

    My future plans involve making my name in Business Development domain and strengthening it with a MBA degree. Also, with the present government being in favour of foreign law firms establishing in India, the domain of Business Development & Knowledge Management has a lot of potential to grow manifolds. With a number of consultation organisations coming up in Indian legal market, this area is going to expand only.

     

     

  • Chitranjali Negi, A Lawyer, On working as an ODR Research Scholar and dedicating her career to Human Rights

     

    Chitranjali Negi graduated from Rohilkhand University in 2009. She is a Master degree holder in Law (LLM) [Administrative & Constitutional Law (Comparative)] & Ph.D. Law Research Scholar (Online Dispute Resolution).  

    At present, she works as a Lawyer at the Supreme Court of India, Permanent Member of Supreme Court Bar Association. She is also a partner at Santaniello International Law firm based in Italy Rome (2011- Present), Writing Legal Research Papers for Social Science Law Network, New York USA.

    In this interview she talks about:

    • Choosing Law as a career and her experience at Rohilkhand University.
    • Her experience at Santaniello International Law firm
    • Her keen interest in Human Rights and their protection.
    • About Online Dispute Resolution.

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    Most of our readers are law students and young lawyers. How will you introduce yourself to them?

    I am proud village girl who started with the rights of people through Amnesty International. Presently I am Lawyer at Supreme Court of India (2010- Present), Partners at Santaniello International Law Firm based in Italy Rome (2011- Present), Writer of a legal research paper at Social Science Research Law Network, New York USA & Ph.D. Research Scholar (Law).

    Why did you decide to study law? Tell us about your college life.

    My active interest in human rights and their protection was one of the major reasons why I decided to study Law. It gave me a profound insight how people are deprived of their rights because of ignorance and lack of care from government officials. This situation created my keen interest in Law. My college life was just like any other student

    Describe your experience as a partner at Santaniello International Law firm.

    I was invited by Luca Santaniello to be a Partner at Santaniello International Law Firm in the year 2011. I have been given several task, including Legal Research, Legal article writing, Drafting, Mediation, Arbitration, etc. This Firm respects my knowledge of Competitive Constitution, Human Rights & International Law, etc. My experience with them has been of mutual respect & in good faith.

    It is a common belief that working in the areas of human rights and policy research doesn’t pay well. How much of a hindrance is it for people joining this area of work?

    Human Rights & Policy Research in itself is a very satisfying experience. It would be not right to say money is everything. This experience is going to help me in my further career which is greater than money consideration.  

    Your work shows a great enthusiasm and interest in the field of Human Rights Law. What brought you into Human Rights? Were there any incidents which inspired you into it?

    It touched my heart on the occasion of World Indigenous day(9th August)  to be with indigenous (Boksha Tribes of Uttrakhand). I realized all top wealthy people are making a show of celebration of World Indigenous Day without involving the indigenous in reality. This touched my heart that how hypocritical the world is. This was my beginning in the path of human rights and supports a man on the street whose rights & dignity I must protect.

    What was your motivation for pursuing LL.M.? Why you opted for Administrative and Constitutional Law?

    It is my desire to get the pinnacle of my professional education, which is Ph.D. Thus to get Ph.D. in Law LLM is mandatory. To bring a change in any given society both Constitutional Law & Administrative Law have to be developed to a very high degree of efficiency.

    Is it better to work for a couple of years and then go for an LL.M or do one immediately after graduating?

    I too waited for some time to do LLM. This is necessary to get the ground reality before jumping into LLM studies.FB_IMG_1457166770068

    Where do you suggest one can intern or apply for an opportunity if he is interested in working on Human Rights issues?

    First of all, a lawyer should take up cases of Human Rights and understand the obstacle which comes in the way, the insufficiency of law in the protection of Human Rights. Then do some research & alongside join one of the International Organization of United Nations, Amnesty International, etc.

    What are the courses you have taken up as a law student? And which are the ones that may have a long-lasting impact on your career as a Human Rights Researcher?

    I am passionate with gaining knowledge & I take up an opportunity to enhance my level of understanding in Legal matters concerning Human Rights. Thus, I have studied Law, Human Rights Course, Amnesty International’s Workshops & Human Rights Campaigns.

    What are the top three things you keep in mind while compiling a research work? How do you suggest we become efficient at it?

    First of all, one should be in real love with the subject; Secondly, one should have an inquest mind to take a look at the frontier of that knowledge and take it beyond that frontier with research. Lastly, the research itself is a product of profit to look for money is a negative approach. Obsession! Obsession! The obsession to find the truth or unknown.  

    Please tell us about your current occupation. What do your primary duties and assignments include?

    My current profession is a practicing Lawyer at Supreme Court & Ph.D. Scholar ODR. I am handling cases which are at the final hearing stage & preparing my Ph.D. thesis which is at the point of editing to be submitting in next 3 months. I am invited by The Hague Institute of International Law at Peace Palace, The Hague, Netherlands to attend Online Dispute Resolution Conference 2016 on May. I am hoping to deliver a fine presentation on ODR’s future which I am working on now.

    What are the pros and cons of Online Dispute Resolution?

    ODR is a new animal in the arena of law; it has promises and faults. It promises democratization and humanization for the majority of citizen in an efficient and painless manner while cost efficient. It challenges the present system and threatens the people in power to share with ODR their authority.

    Where do you see yourself by the end of the coming five years? What are your long-term objectives?

    My foremost aim is to be a scholar in law. To contribute at international level in making it possible for every human being on this planet the right to seek justice without any hindrance.

    Lastly, what would be your message to people who want to have a career in human rights?

    Human Rights are the centre point which spells harmony and peace to our human family. It would be the greatest gift to human by judiciary. As a passing remark the President of USA, why Mr. Jimmy Carter, who declares, US will not have any relations with any State that abuse human rights.

  • Aounkar Anand, A Lawyer, on his startup RostrumLegal.com and current scenario of startup in India

     

    Aounkar Anand is a Co-Founder and COO of RostrumLegal.Com, an online legal education platform. He graduated from School of Law, MATS University, Raipur in 2014. He is currently pursuing LL.M in International Business/Trade/Commerce from National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL). Aounkar holds a Diploma in Cyber Law from Asian School of Cyber Law & GLC, Mumbai. Aounkar has interned with Wadia Gandhy & Co., Singhania & Co. LLP, FoxMandal Little, A.O.R Manoj Swarup in Supreme Court of India. Aounkar has Also worked as a Judical Clerk under Hon’ble Justice Satish Sharma, Office of Public Prosecutor District & Session Court Dhanbad, Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG).

    In this interview, Aounkar talks about:

    • His experience at the Law School
    • Rostrum Legal and his team
    • How he is managing the finances of his business
    • Current scenario of startup in India

    How would you introduce yourself? Please share a bit of what motivated you to pursue law as a career.

    Born and brought up in the Coal Capital of India, Dhanbad. I have seen the diverse lifestyle starting from the downtrodden people to higher class executives and realised that there do not lies a much difference in a way they are brought up. It is the mind and intellect of each that helps him building his lifestyle. In this scenario, I was a very friendly, helpful and happy to go, person. I enjoyed my schooling in many ways. I even got the opportunity to serve the nation by joining NCC and went up to Sergeant Rank. This gave me a disciplined life and taught me the perfection and management of any work entrusted to me.

    Like many others, I did my higher secondary schooling with the science background and took coaching for engineering entrance examinations for two years. There are numerous reasons for choosing to study law. I was fascinated towards working in the legal system since my childhood. One instance that I remember “Once I became a judge in a role-play in my school” and I think that particular incident was responsible for making me interested in studying law. Entering the law school opened a vast array of career options for me, and I have never regretted choosing to study law.

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    Kindly acquaint us with your college life. What activities were you involved in apart from the regular academic curriculum?

    Life, at law school, was not so comfortable but full of adventures and learning. Being the first batch of the fresh, we were always the part of management’s experiment, but thankfully everything went well. The five years in law school were the best part of my life, and there are numerous stories which I can share.

    I was actively involved in managing and organising various events in the law school. I was the convener of Legal Aid Cell, Library Committee and Moot Court Committee. I utilized these forums, organizing various legal awareness programmes and campaign at various countryside places of Chhattisgarh. These committees helped me a lot in honing my organizational skills, improved my legal understandings and also made me acquainted with real legal perplexity in the society.

    As a sophomore, in a “Management Subject Assignment” I along with my classmates started a t-shirt designing company named “INSANETEES”. We made more than 50 t-shirts and sold it on campus. This exercise was the foundation of my journey as an entrepreneur. Henceforth, The time in law school was overall a fun experience.

    You’re the Co-Founder of RostrumLegal.com. Please tell us about Rostrum Legal.

    RostrumLegal.Com is a brainchild of my Co-Founder Anurag Parihar. Before coming on black and white in December 2012, the embryo was conceived in 2009 itself. It was the hardships that we felt and the law schools having a faculty crunch gave us the idea to start with Rostrum. We started our journey with a course on Consumer Protection Act and amazingly we got 1012 registration in just 8 days. This was a great motivation for us, and we decided to move further and today we have more than 20,000/- learners from across 86 countries worldwide.

    Please explain to our readers how RostrumLegal.com functions.

    Rostrum has a unique team of legal professionals from working people in PSU’s and Private entities along with some of the Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors from different private and National Law Schools. It is accredited with International Accreditation Organisation.

    At Rostrum, we try to provide lectures and study materials from many other faculties of different law schools on a single platform. The idea is to make the same learning platform for a student ranging from a remote law school to an elite one. A learner needs to make a profile on the website and has to access the course of his choice. There lies a discussion forum along with certain badges to bring the enthusiasm to study further. Also, we provide course completion certificate which can be verified either from the website or by writing to the office.

    Could you also introduce us to your team?

    I should not forget to mention the hard effort of the faculties of our law school along with the cooperation of our batch mates and juniors who helped us to form Rostrum and are included as a team. It has been co-founded by Mr. Anurag Parihar, currently pursuing his LL.M. at Melbourne Law School and myself. Also, the team compromises Campus Ambassadors and the legal professionals from different organizations.

    How do you plan to expand Rostrumlegal.com regarding operations, infrastructure, as well as attracting more investments?

    We started our journey from a college hostel and within 3 months of the incorporation, we shifted to a space of 144 sq.ft. in the area in the heart of Raipur. After that in another 10 months, we moved into our second fully customised 1000 sq.ft office having all the unique and modern technology of imparting online education. Subsequently in April 2015, we moved our office to Bengaluru to give a moulding to the on-going process. In near future, we are planning to have professional tie-ups with some of the organizations, and our aim is to make Rostrum a platform for everyone to come and teach or to come and learn and help the society to have a digital world of education.

    What motivated you to start RostrumLegal.com?

    During my journey, I realised that, in India, there is a lack of uniformity in the teaching profession. Though we have more than 1000 law schools, it is only a matter of record. My inner subconscious has an omnipresence saying that “Teaching is a mission, not a profession” and I wanted to justify the same.

    With so much of competition existing in the online legal service field, what makes Rostrum Legal different from its peers?

    It cannot be said that Rostrum is altogether very different from its peers, but the thin line difference is the learner’s satisfaction. We take care of any complaint or suggestion made. We are also very happy to share the certificate verification from not only employers but also for many prestigious universities around the world. The pricing of the courses is pocket-friendly and does not put a burden; the learners are free to take any course at any point of time with a lifetime membership of the course.

    How would you compare the Indian startup scenario with the rest of the world?

    If we talk about the ground zero in India, the reality is very harsh and pathetic. The government is coming with many new policies and laws to regulate the startup community but the officials at the lower level are not manageable. The next big problem is the society not accepting the start-up culture. Parents still want a secured government job and a peaceful life of 10 to 5. Whereas in rest of the world the situation is entirely opposite and there is no role of corruption at the grassroots level.

    How are you financing the business? How do you plan to finance future expansion?

    Initially, we had started with on Rs. 2700/- and after that we are managing with the earnings from the different courses along with the annual classes for CLAT. Rostrum is looking for potential investors to invest in the future expansion and believes to get an investment by early 2017.

    Share the biggest challenges that you faced in the initial days of your career. How did you address them?

    As officially we started in the 3rd year of our law school the biggest challenge was to manage the classes along with the meeting with officials for necessary approvals and associations. Our Campus was 45 kms away from the city and had a difficult time with the internet connectivity. Hence, we used to go to some of the malls to use the internet connectivity. Also, to go hand in hand with classes and certain meeting dates coinciding with examinations were a significant challenge. In our early days, we managed it by working for more than 18 hours a day.

    What skills and qualities do you think have helped you achieve your current position?

    The fresh and calm attitude of both Anurag and me is the key mantra for the success. We did have differences but were able to sort them out due to our ethical mindset. Being a good manager along with the ability to work with perfection has helped me a lot in achieving the current position.

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    Where do you see yourself five years down the line?

    It is very much difficult to predict, but I want to see myself as a person helping millions of people regarding education and wish to build a society which is not divided at least regarding education.

    However, being the Chief Operating Officer of RostrumLegal.Com my dream is to setup a law school with all the ultramodern technologies and unexcelled facilities regarding other resources.

    What would be your message to our readers, particularly young lawyers and law students, who wish to foray into entrepreneurship?

    Well, be it a law student or a person from any background, he should not forget to fight for his rights and should never forget that no work is small or big. Being a law student if we cannot fight for our rights how will we stand for others? To start with entrepreneurship, risk-taking and decision-making capability should be inculcated. This helps you out in any scenario and gives you the way to your success.

  • Vaibhav Choudhary, An Independent Practitioner, on his international publications and experience at the Supreme Court of India

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    Vaibhav Choudhary is an Independent Practioner at the Supreme Court of India. He graduated from Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab, in 2012. After that, He has worked as a Research Assistant-cum-Law Clerk under honorable Justice Dipak Misra, Supreme Court of India. In 2014, He also practiced under Senior Advocate, Mr. Gopal Jain for a year. Since then he’s been practicing independently. Vaibhav has many publications to his credit for various Indian and International Law Journals. While in college, Vaibhav Interned with Trilegal, Finsec Law Advisors, ALMT Legal, Chambers of Senior Advocate Mr. P. P. Rao, Senior Advocate Mr. Pravin H. Parekh, Additional Advocate General Mr. G. R. Punia and PUCL, Jaipur.

    In this interview, Vaibhav talks about:

    • His experience at the Law School
    • His International Publications and their importance
    • How he prepared for Clerkship interview at the Supreme Court of India
    • His Landmark cases and his overall experience in the field of Law.

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

    As an independent legal practitioner, if you allow. The center of my practice revolves in and around Supreme Court of India.

    Also as an optimist, who is trying to build his legal practice in this strange and competitive land based on skills, guidance, and legal acumen.

    Describe your experience at Law school as an undergraduate student. Any highlights and incidents you would like to share?

    I did my law from Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab. As I was part of the second founding batch of the university, which was new in the arena and was building itself as a premier law school in the country, it seems like I grew with the University. When I took admission in 2007, our law school was running from a temporary campus located in the middle of the city. There were no hostels inside the campus. The idea of the permanent campus was yet to be put in shape. So the law school being in the formative years required more efforts as well as provided more opportunities for individual development. One such example was the formation of a Centre for Advanced Study in International Humanitarian Law, a one of its kinds in India and I was appointed the student coordinator for the same. This gave me an opportunity to advance the awareness of Humanitarian law in our country. We started an essay competition namely ‘ENSAYO’ to promote the humanitarian law among the law students in India. This Competition was directly sponsored by ICRC while offering significant cash rewards as prize money. This competition has now become international and got participation from SAARC countries students as well. Looking back, being part of such new initiatives, I feel proud to be part of such activities during my law school, and this has thus, stuck as a good memory.

    Like any other law school student, I also forayed into the diverse world of moot court competitions and debates. But later on, I diverted my path and decided to focus on legal writing and promoting legal research among my contemporaries which was then ignored in our law school. Resultantly, a lot of legal research followed and led to more than 15 paper publications internationally and nationally in the best legal journals in the world.

    Tell us about your international publications and importance of those publications.

    Two important extracurricular activities in a law school are moot court competitions and publications. I participated in few moot court competitions but, later on, decided to utilize my research skills into legal writing. All of my international publications were my project topics either assigned by my college or chosen by me. My first International publication was in the European Intellectual Property Review on the issue of software patentability. I was the first student in my law school at that point in time to get an international publication in such a reputed journal. Later on, my various college projects which I converted into article got published in numerous Journals and books i.e. International Tax Journal, Asian Journal of International Law, International Journal of Research in Commerce Economics and Management, International Academy of Law, etc. Research is more important than participating in a moot court competition. I have to admit it candidly that my selection for the clerkship in the Supreme Court was purely based on my research skills and publications. So, I got my first job because of my extensive research work. But if anyone is planning to opt for pure litigation as a career choice than publications or any other activities are of not that help per se, but it always comes in handy in legal drafting. 

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    Where did you do your internships while at law school? How important were these internships in shaping your career?

    Internships are next best aspect of a law school. Not just career-wise, internships frame your personal outlook too. They help to decide career path and also prepare you in advance for your future work experience. During my law school, my internships were not very precise or centered on one aspect of law only. I interned in PUCL, which by now was my best experience in law school. We did a survey on the social and economic aspects of the Jaipur Bomb blast victims which turned out to be quite informative and adventurous. I also did a Judicial Clerkship in Delhi High Court as well which gave me first-hand experience of ‘the Bench’ and its working which was a major reason for me to opt for Judicial Clerkship in the Supreme Court of India, post law school. I also interned with Senior Advocates in the Supreme Court, Mr. P. P. Rao, and Mr. P. H. Parekh. These internships helped me to build my end career choice of litigation. To also get a corporate law firm experience, I interned with ALMT Legal, FINSEC Law Advisor, and Trilegal. These internships helped me to get into the insight of the law firm working. So all the internships let you discover the in’s and out’s of all spheres of law, and one can identify without any recriminations, where their calling is.

    How did you prepare for the clerkship interview in the Supreme Court? What were the questions asked by the interviewer?

    No one prepares for an interview with the Supreme Court in strict terms, as there was never an accurate knowledge of what working in the Supreme Court entails, earlier. The Interview for the selected candidates was conducted on the premises of the Supreme Court. My Interview was taken by two former CJI’s- Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice HL Dattu. Both the Judges were very calm during the interview process and gave me ample opportunity to put forward my views. I was asked a variety of questions i.e. law school experience, extracurricular activities, legal questions, contribution to legal aid society, publications, etc. However, both the Judges were highly impressed by my publications and asked various questions related to it. I was among the fifteen students who were selected by Supreme Court Judge Panel through interview out of 200 students from various National Law Schools. 

    How was your experience with HMJ Dipak Misra as a Law Clerk?

    The experience was wholesome. It shapes the way I draft all legal documents, the way I do legal research, the way I put forward arguments in court, etc. even today. All the LCRA works through Judges Residence. HMJ Dipak Misra is very soft-spoken and intellectual person. He used to treat me as part of his family. I assisted him in drafting bench memoranda for the regular hearing matters, analysis notes of the legal issues and the plausible arguments which could be advanced, research on the settled law and related comparative law propositions, preparing pointers for judgments and orders so as to enable HMJ to dictate the same. I worked for two years with him. I consider him as my Mentor, who taught me how to read and interpret the law. He is a father figure to me and even after resigning from his office he keeps guiding me whenever I need his assistance. LCRA has shaped me as a better lawyer and has given me an edge over my contemporaries.

    What was the initiative taken by you and your fellow law clerks to increase the stipend?

    The stipend for the LCRA was Rs 25,000 per month. It is hard to stay in the NCR with that amount. So I along with my fellow law clerks approached the CJI to increase the same. However, then CJI RM Lodha denied our request at that stage. But with the help of other Judges who were part of the collegium it got increased by then CJI HL Dattu. But until that time, most of us left our clerkship.

    Tell us something about the transformation period into litigation in the Supreme Court.

    During my clerkship in Supreme Court, I was not able to figure out whether to go for a corporate firm or independent litigation. HMJ Dipak Misra came to my rescue and recommended me to join the litigation. Then the next question that came into my mind what type of litigation and from which Court should I start. Then by accident I met Senior Advocate Mr. Gopal Jain and joined his chambers. The transformation happened very quickly, thus, I was only able to take stock after a full month. Going from the chambers of a Supreme Court judge to that of a Senior Advocate is challenging. The work environment, as an example, changed completely. My mindset also had to take a complete U-turn as well as the work expected of me.

    What was your initial litigation experience with Senior Advocate, Mr. Gopal Jain?

    As also stated earlier, after Joining Mr. Jain I was bombarded with a variety of work which I never did during my clerkship. Mr. Jain has a broad range of practice which includes arbitration, telecom matters, electricity matters, legal opinions, vetting and settling of various legal documents, etc. With him, I have appeared in APTEL, CERC, DERC, TDSAT, NGT, NCDRC, High Court and Supreme Court. It was quite an extensive experience ranging from different courts and different matters. Although the beginning is always tough after some time, I got used to it. The best part of Mr. Jain’s Chamber was his office staff and his colleagues. All of them were very helpful and always ready to assist you. Mr. Jain is one of the outstanding seniors we have in the Supreme Court. He is very chilled and relaxed. He is among those lawyers with whom all young lawyers would like to groom their legal skills. Mr. Jain gives your free hand to do your independent practice while working with him. He will assist you and also appear in your personal cases as well. I will recommend him to all those who want to enter into the legal arena and want to build their practice subsequently.

    Discuss your landmark cases which you filed and won in the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court. (AIPMT cancelation by SC, All India Quota for AIPMT aspirants, Admission denial to LLB candidate by DU, Faculty of Law, etc.)

    After joining the bar, my first case which I filed in the SC was for the cancelation of the AIPMT examination due to mass irregularity. This matter was heard by the vacation bench and finally decided in our favor by the Supreme Court. Subsequently, I filed a writ petition in Delhi High Court on behalf of a Llb student against Delhi University, Faculty of law for denial of admission on the ground of non-submission of relevant documents. The HC decided in our favor and granted admission. Later on after re conduct of AIPMT examination I filed another writ petition in SC for Implementation of All India quota for the AIPMT aspirants. The SC decided in our favor and directed Medical Council of India not to transfer seats to State Medical Colleges. However, the order of the Court was not implemented in its full spirit by various States and contempt petition is pending in SC against the MCI.

    What challenges you faced as an independent practitioner in the initial stage?

    Being an outsider and without any legal family background, it is tough to set your practice in Delhi, or perhaps in any court for that matter. Initially, you have to fight out to get matters from people. The ultimate test of patience and perseverance is the establishment of your independent legal practice. Some matters you have to do as pro bono to make your goodwill in front of the clients as well recognition from the Bench.  Getting empanelment from PSUs and other places is quite a challenging task which requires tremendous backing and ‘Jugad.’ Presently I am working with my friends and colleagues to finalize and start our LLP in Delhi. We have yet to cross a couple of hurdles in that direction and are hoping to launch it soon.

    What are your views on the recent Supreme Court judgments?

    Recently, Supreme Court has been quite equivocal and strict, though fair. Supreme Court through its decisions from time to time has crossed many phases, ranging from judicial activism to pro-environment, etc.

    NJAC Judgment: I strongly feel that the SC has taken a very bold and right step by setting aside the NJAC Act and maintain Independence of Judiciary. This Judgment is a slap in the face of the executive who made a mediocre attempt to intrude with another vital organ of governance- Judiciary with their political appointments.

    Section 377 Curative Petition: CJI TS Thakur has taken a very bold step in the right direction by referring the matter for further adjudication to a Five Judge Bench to correct the mistake committed in NAZ Foundation. However, this is for the first time in the history of the SC that the three senior-most Judges of the SC has referred a matter to Constitution Bench in a curative petition. The issue of maintainability of such reference is yet to be decided.

    Supreme Court as Guardian of Law: The Indian SC has been recognized as World’s Most Powerful Court. Recently, the Court in a variety of decisions has shown its power and protected the rule of law i.e. Section 66A of IT Act Judgment, Yakub Menon Late Night Mercy Petition hearing, Coal Block cancelation, Patiala House Court Lawyers Matters, Banning of Diesel Cabs in NCT, Sahara’s case, etc.

    Last but not least, what’s next for you?

    My next step is to finalize the work on our LLP and launch it soon and serve our clients to the best of my ability. This along with the independent legal practice is keeping me occupied at the moment and the near future.

  • Karthik Ranganathan, an independent practitioner, on working as a tax expert and studying LL.M from NYU

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    Karthik Ranganathan graduated from JSS Law College, University of Mysore, in 2004. After that, he completed Company Secretary course from Institute of Company Secretaries of India in 2007. He worked as a tax consultant for Ernst & Young for two years and then in KPMG, as a Tax Senior, for one year. He then went to NYU School of Law for studying LL.M in International Taxation. He has worked with Nishith Desai Associates for a year on the matters of International Taxation. Since then, he has been practicing as an independent Taxation and Corporate Lawyer.

    In this interview, Karthik Ranganathan talks about:

    • His experience at NYU School of Law
    • What prompted him to choose law as a career
    • What opportunities opened up for him after doing the Company Secretary course
    • Building his own practice as a Taxation and Corporate Lawyer

    What prompted you to think of law as a career? If not law, what other options would you have considered?

    I know this may sound cliché but true.  I am a science student.  I should have become an engineer.  Thanks to my father’s persistent persuasion to do law.  I am a lawyer because of him.  He used to take me to advocates’ offices in my town for his court cases even while I was ten years old to inculcate the liking for this profession.  Though he always wanted me to become a lawyer, he could not see me becoming one.  I have never regretted to have become a lawyer.  I love this profession very much.  I want even my son to become a lawyer.  By the way, he is three years old.  I would have become an engineer but for this profession.

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    Describe your experience at New York University School of Law.

    NYU School of Law is an excellent place to do your LL.M. program.  It attracts students from across 70 countries every year for different LL.M. programs.  I always wanted to do an LL.M. abroad after my LL.B. degree (from JSS Law College, Mysore).   Being a company secretary as well, I first got admission for the NYU Corporation LL.M. program but later I decided to do LL.M. in International Tax.  I worked for three years at Ernst & Young and KPMG, Chennai to get into the NYU Tax LL.M. program as it is very competitive.  I also got admission at Georgetown University Tax LL.M. program.  But I preferred NYU to GU.  NYU has an International Tax Program (ITP) for past the two decades for foreign-trained lawyers and admits 25 candidates every year.  NYU also has General Tax Program (GTP) mainly for American applicants.  But both ITPians and GTPians sit together for several courses.  This makes the grading curve very competitive for ITPians.

    My experience at NYU was exciting but highly demanding.  I guess this is one of the hardest LL.M. programs.  However, the Professors at NYU are fabulous, but they make you run for your money when it comes to curriculum.  It is a ten months program having two semesters, the Fall and the Spring.  The Fall courses at NYU were pretty hard as it had required/ compulsory courses like US inbound and outbound taxation, corporate taxation, etc.  The Spring courses were relatively lighter.  But for me, the Spring too was hard as I chose some challenging courses like Subpart F income (Anti-deferral), Transfer Pricing, etc.  NYU Tax program has more than 60 courses to choose.  It has some of the finest Professors who have been with NYU for decades.  They are also senior partners of reputed US tax law firms, and so, they have hands-on experience with the developments and reasonably foresee the changes that may happen in the tax system.

    The ITP majorly concentrates on international aspects of US income taxation.  To get an idea of other jurisdictions’ tax system, there are several courses to choose which are taught by renowned Professors from other Universities.  I very strongly recommend this program to those who have a flair for tax laws.  Unfortunately, very few Indians do/ have done this program.  Good understanding of Indian income taxation and few years of related work experience should be sufficient to get into this program.  That apart, I have extensively traveled in the US during my LL.M. program and have earned some of the best friends from here.

    Why did you prefer to go abroad?

    It is mundane that Indians go abroad for the LL.M. program.  But it will shape your career and perspective if you get into the right program in the right University.  And, for specializing in international tax, I felt I have to go abroad. SL Photo 2

    How did you ensure University Ranks in BAL and LLB degrees?

    I took law career seriously from day one in my college.  I always assured that I read only books of reputed authors for the exams even though it wasn’t necessary all the times.  I did not read these books only for the purpose of exams.  This I think should have resulted in quality answers in my answer scripts which earned me two ranks.

    Why did you choose International Tax in LL.M.? What motivated you to choose that?

    I should have ideally done Corporate LL.M. being a company secretary at the time when I applied for LL.M;  I learned that NYU is excellent for its tax program and since I was in the tax team at EY for some time, I had gained more interest for tax laws.  It was a safe bet.  I cherish being a tax lawyer.  Tax laws are vibrant and provide much food for your interpretative skills.  If one can understand tax laws well (be it direct or indirect taxes) then I think she/ he can handle other laws comfortably as well.

    What are the opportunities that open up after completing the Company Secretary course?

    Frankly, I did not do company secretary course to become a practicing company secretary.  The course has very practical and profound insights of corporate and allied laws.  So I did it.  Further, doing LL.B. and company secretary course is a good combination, especially, for lawyers who graduate from tier 2 and tier 3 law schools.  The combination is suitable for both job opportunities as well as to set up practice in corporate laws.  It requires dedication as it is not as easy as you pass your law examinations!  I was told that the answer scripts are reviewed by three evaluators each one trying to lessen the marks obtained.  You can become a successful corporate lawyer if you do company secretaries course.

    Describe your experience in litigation and as an advisor.

    I am a litigating lawyer and an accidental advisor.  I started practicing in the Madras High Court soon after I finished law.  I made it a point that I do not specialize in any particular law right away so that I understand well the basic laws like Code of Civil Procedure, writ jurisdiction of High Court, appellate jurisdictions of various courts, arbitration proceedings, etc.  I also practiced a bit before the trial courts.  There is nothing more satisfying for an advocate than appearing before a judge and being heard patiently and even more satisfying if one gets a favorable order.  I practiced in the Madras High Court for a couple of years and then intended to specialize in a particular field of law.  As my senior with whom I practiced was a Senior Counsel for Central Government then, I was exposed to indirect tax matters at the High Court.  With this experience and my company secretary degree, I joined Ernst & Young, Chennai in its indirect tax team.  Ever since I joined EY until recently I started my independent practice, I have been majorly doing advisory services.  Now that I am independent, I ensure that I do both litigation and advisory services which include documentation.

    I feel it will be safe for independent lawyers to lay their hands on both litigation and advisory services simultaneously to the extent possible as both are good areas of practice, and one leverages the other when the flow of work gets limited.  There is much scope for advisory and documentation, given the recent trend in investments in and out of India, which may eventually result in one type of litigation or other.

    What are the skills an advisor must acquire?

    I feel advisory practice is harder than litigation practice.  You need to be superb in what you claim to be an expert so that you meet all your clients’ requirements.  Advisory will always be time bound.  A client hardly ‘adjourns’ your deliverable date nor can you frequently seek ‘extension of time’ for the deliverable.  Your clients will always nitpick or quibble over your deliverable, and most of them will have adequate knowledge in the area of your advice.  So you need to provide a good amount of value addition to their needs.  Further, you need to be always updated in the laws that you predominantly advise.  For tax, I can say, it always keeps you on the run.  Continuous reading and updating, talking to peers, attending educative events, etc. will help you to become an excellent advisory lawyer.

    What challenges you faced to become the most popular author among Indian readers and as a contributor with a most popular article in India on “Direct and Indirect Taxes on Union Budgets”?

    This recognition was by surprise.  In fact, I was awarded these titles thrice.  I usually write articles on tax and corporate law developments.  Union Budget is the mother of all tax updates.  When I published my article on my website, the concerned head of Mondaq.com which picks selective articles from across 80 countries called me from London and said that my article has been chosen as the most read article by its readers.  He said that within two days of its publication there were approximate, 7000 viewers for my article on interim Union Budget in 2014.  After that, my 2015 Union Budget articles were also awarded this recognition, and I received emails from them in this regard.  Article writing is pivotal to advisory practice.  I developed much interest in article writing soon after I completed law and have written couple of articles while doing company secretary course and while being with KPMG.  However, this was well nurtured when I was working with Nishith Desai Associates which shows incredible thrust for legal alerts.

    One needs to follow the relevant developments in the area of practice carefully and should ensure that the same is passed on to others by writing quality articles.  Much time and thought are required for creating a good read.  We always need to keep in mind the readers while writing articles as they are the intended beneficiaries.  Plagiarism, if practiced, will eventually come to light.

    Describe your experience when you appeared for the first time in English Business News Channel.

    It was with Bloomberg TV all the three times.  I was working with Nishith Desai Associates then.  The tax alerts authored/ co-authored by me were interesting to the news channel I guess as it dealt with the contemporary tax controversies.  The first two were on the live show which is usually just before the Mumbai stock markets open for trading, and the third one was recorded.  It was a pleasant experience.  I have to give the total credit to Mr. Nishith Desai and Bijal Ajinkya (my partners at NDA) to have given me a free hand to appear on the News Channel.

    How to become a member of professional organizations like IFA, IACC, FKCCI, and AIFTP?

    Becoming a member of professional organizations is essential.  There are many quality professional organizations.  For advisory practice, this helps.  You get to meet several people who may need your services, and you get updates from your fellow members.  You may get a chance to address them which gives you recognition.  All these organizations have some basic requirements to become a member which are usually not difficult to meet.  One needs to keep in mind that some organizations’ entry and renewal fees are expensive but worth it.

    How important are the moot courts in the career of a law student? How can one increase his convincing power?

    Moot courts are crucial both for advisory and litigation practices.  Your research skills help you in your advisory practice and your oratory skills, before a court.  You get to learn those aspects of law which you will never learn in the law school.  You learn to win and lose which is typical when you become an advocate.  It improves your writing, research and analytical skills which are critical to providing good advice to clients.  If you participate in the moots to learn rather than to just win, you will become a matured law student and will catch up with the profession very quickly when you enter it. By preparing well for the moots and participating in the couple of them will enhance your convincing capabilities.

    Why did you go independent after working with big law and accounting firms?

    To practice independently was in my mind always.  There was much need for me to become independent because of my varied academic and work experiences.  I wanted to consolidate my litigation and advisory services which can be done only if I independently practice.  I do not regret this decision.  However, it takes a time to be recognized by clients and peers.  I have always felt that those who are confident and who can afford it should always go independent.  End of the day, it always feels good when your client knows you rather than for whom you work.

    What made you teach and what is your perspective on teaching?

    Again, I am an accidental teacher.  Soon after I quit my law firm job, I had plenty of time.  I sought an appointment with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Venkat Rao, of NLSIU to discuss some academic initiative.  When I met him and explained the purpose of the meeting, in the end, I was surprised with an offer to be a guest faculty to teach tax laws to the LL.B. and LL.M. students.  Given that there was a vacancy and that it relates to my area of practice, I accepted it.  I have been teaching at NLSIU since July 2013 as a guest faculty.  Many thanks to the VC and my students to have accepted me.  I also travel to other law schools in India once a year to provide a single credit seminar course on tax, investment or securities laws for about a week.  My greatest inspiration to teach comes from my NYU Professors who have been teaching for ages and have also been very successful tax attorneys in the US.  I firmly believe teaching can never get in your way of successful practice.

    Personally, I believe it is crucial that alumni of law schools should consider sharing their work experiences, preferably, in the form of teaching a course to the students of their alma mater or nearby law schools.  This will make the law students feel comfortable about the profession and will give access to practical insights even while being a student.

    Where do you see yourself in five years?

    I am in my initial days of independent practice and am moving things inch by inch.  More the confidence I earn from my clients and peers, the quicker I can reach a respectable position, I guess.  I believe I am on the right track.

    What would be your advice to our readers?

    This is one profession which will never let you down if you are dedicated to it.  There is always space and a need for quality lawyers.  The laws are becoming more and more complex in all areas.  Integrity towards clients and love for this profession will find your level anytime soon.

  • Sonal Mattoo, Lawyer, on practicing as an independent litigator and dedicating her career for women’s welfare

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    Sonal Mattoo graduated from National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in 1996. Since then, she has been practicing as a Criminal Litigator. She founded Helping Hands, in 1996, which helps implement policies against Sexual Harassment/ gender sensitization and other forms of harassment and discrimination at the workplace, besides carrying out training and investigation on complaints filed with the organization.

    She is also a founder and principal consultant of Mantran Consultants, a firm specializing in CSR activities, Counselling, Diversity policies, and workshops. She supports various clients as an independent Ombudsperson, handling employee complaints.

    Sonal is a Non-Executive Independent Director of Ashiana Housing Limited (a listed company) where she is the Chairperson of Investors Grievance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee of the directors. Sonal is also a Non-Executive Independent Director of Vatika Marketing Limited and V-Mart.

    Sonal’s initiatives in these areas and notably on sexual harassment workshops have been covered twice by ‘Femina’, ‘Around Town’ and ‘again twice’ by Cosmopolitan and Readers Digest ‘Joy’. She has also been invited by E-TV to develop and present 12 TV episodes on ‘Legal and General Issues Specific to Women’ for their program, `Nari’.

    A keen reader, Sonal has written articles on Sexual Harassment for Human Capital (India’s premier journal on HR), newspapers, seminars, and contributed a chapter on `Sexual Harassment’ for `Empowerment of Women in India, 2003,’ published by Law Publishers, Allahabad.

    In this interview she talks about:

    • Choosing law as a career and her experience at NLSIU, Bangalore
    • Her experience as a founder director of “Helping Hands”, Its motive and the activities it indulges in
    • Sexual Harassment at a workplace
    • Choosing to become an Ombudsman and her programme “Nari”

    What prompted you to think of law as a career? If not law, what other options would you have considered for your career?

    I always wanted to be part of a justice process. I didn’t have a plan B, so had to make my plan A work.

    Describe your experience at National Law School of India University as an undergraduate student.

    I was initially intimidated with the level of intellectual competency every student and faculty member possessed. The curriculum was designed to make you think, work hard, understand rather than memorize. An awesome 5 years, difficult to describe, but left a mark on everyone, NLSIU contributed to my personal and professional growth more than any other experience. There was outstanding, dedicated faculty and friends for life were the added bonus.

    How did you become a founder director at “Helping Hands”? What were the challenges that you faced?

    As a litigating lawyer, I found most people completely unaware of their basic legal rights and options. Moreover, 20 years ago the parallel Redressal mechanism was not as refined as it is now. We saw a gap in these two areas and set up Helping Hands to primarily support and educate people about their legal rights and provide a platform for counseling/conciliation/settlement of disputes.

    Helping Hands is a self-funded NGO. Funding was a challenge, so I decided to dedicate a portion of my earnings towards funding the NGO.

     12247020_10153702727915833_1187854441058432058_nWhat are the activities Helping Hands indulges in?

    At a corporate level:

    • Redressal, inquiry into complaints of workplace harassment,
    • Awareness sessions, training of ICC members and employees,
    • Support organizations as an ombudsman.

    At a non-corporate level:

    • Counseling
    • Education and awareness on legal rights and options
    • Resolving and negotiating family disputes.
    • Supporting senior citizens with preparing wills etc.

    What were the initial missions of the organization and what kept you motivated?

    The initial years were focused on supporting women and children who were victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse. The missions also included creating education and awareness around sexual harassment at the workplace.

    What do you think about the current situation of sexual harassment at a workplace? How do you think the situation can be improved?

    I’m fortunate to support organizations that have a zero tolerance policy and go beyond the letter and spirit of the law to ensure they are fair and provide a safe and conducive work environment to all employees.

    However, from the many independent clients, I advise the lack of sensitivity towards victims, corporate failure to take these matters seriously, protecting star performers and senior management, retaliation towards the Complainant are grim realities.

    Mandatory education and awareness are the only way out.

    If I want to become a founder director of an NGO how should I go about it?

    Find like-minded people to join your cause. Passion and commitment are the only requirements. Leave the rest, like registration, etc. to your lawyer and CA!

    How did you become an ombudsman? Is an ombudsman same as a mediator?

    As a member of the ICC, my email address and contact details was often circulated to the employees. Several would write requesting for help to resolve workplace issues, not necessarily related to sexual harassment. They were more comfortable speaking with a neutral third party. Hence, I started to support various clients as an independent Ombudsperson. While the primary effort is to resolve the concerns raised and mediate, often concerns raised call for an inquiry and stringent action basis on findings.

    Why should the leader(s) of an organization listen to an Ombudsman?

    The Office of the Ombudsperson is independent and works in the best interest of the parties involved. A third person’s perspective is always valuable and brings another dimension into the conversation.

    Describe your experience as an independent director of Ashiana Housing Ltd, Vatika Marketing Ltd, and V-Mart.

    Being the only woman on both boards, it’s driven home the point that both sexes must be represented in decision-making processes. The learning has been great for me. My colleagues on the board are incredibly intelligent and competent individuals, we bring our unique experiences on board and learning and listening to them encourages you to strive harder. I have finally learned to read a balance sheet!

    What were the issues you covered in the programme “Nari”?

    The programme covered legal issues pertaining to women, dowry, maintenance, legal rights as a victim, etc.

    How exactly would you define social entrepreneurship?

    The intention to help and bring about a positive change in the lives of people if given a formal structure and direction can have a wider reach with greater impact. The ROI is making a difference in people’s life.

    Do you think having family members or mentors with a legal background help in this profession?

    I’m sure it does, but it’s not a requirement. Anyone with passion, drive the ability to work hard and committed to the cause, irrespective of their support structures will be a success in the legal profession.

    What would be your advice to our readers?

    Do what you love and enjoy, the long hours and hard work won’t tire or bore you.

  • Arun Gupta, Founder, Factum Legal, on a profile in Corporate Commercial work and the Corporate Secretarial

    Arun Gupta is a Fellow member of ICSI and a member of the Bar Council of Delhi. He graduated with a B.Com(H) degree in 1995 followed by CS degree in 1999 and later qualified in law.  Arun is a lawyer with more than 15 years experience in Corporate and Commercial matters.

    Arun acted as a key contributor to the book authored by Corporate Professionals titled “Insight into Companies Bill 2012” and he is also an author of a book titled “Companies Act 2013- Impact on foreign companies in India” published by CCH, Wolters Kluwer in 2014.

    He started his own firm – Factum Legal, Advocates and Solicitors in 2013.

    In this interview he tells us about:

    • Life, law and the choices he’s made while pursuing it.
    • The benefits of having a commerce background while practicing corporate law and the value of additional degrees.
    • Factum Legal – its establishment and his plans for expansion.
    • His publication and the role of academic pursuits in a lawyer’s career.

     

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers, most of whom are students studying law?

    This is Arun Gupta, a Law Graduate and also a Fellow Member of ICSI, presently practicing as a lawyer in Corporate & Commercial Laws. I love to learn a lot and I’m always keen to upgrade my knowledge of changes in law and the impact of the same on industries.

     

    Tell us about your life before you joined college. Where did your interests lie as a student and what made you gravitate towards law?

    I was from a business family so as usual, I did not plan anything in my childhood. So I tried my luck in the family business also along with my studies, but after just a few months I realised that this is not my cup of tea and God had planned something else for me. I was always good in terms of scoring marks in school exams and enjoyed the law subjects, while doing regular B.com (h), so I think that was the beginning of an inclination to enter the field of corporate law.

     

    You specialize in corporate matters, Mergers & Acquisitions, tax law, among others. How did your interests develop in this field?

    Yes I specialise in corporate matters, Mergers & Acquisitions, Due Diligence, Compliances & Governance etc. Actually being a qualified company secretary and practitioner of Corporate Law what I enjoyed the most, from the beginning of my professional career, was to find solutions in all type of transactional issues in restructuring and also assessing and finding the potential risk in any acquisition or joint venture apart from governance and compliances issues. Being part of some fund raising activities including Initial Public Offer (IPO) & Preferential Allotment etc by corporates in India, the interest towards such areas developed and sharpened.

     

    How helpful was your background in commerce in aiding you with a better understanding of corporate law? Would you recommend professional degrees like the Company Secretary degree or any other such degree?

    This is very interesting, I strongly believe that a commerce background really helped me a lot in understanding commercial law, Economic and accounting issues. I initially registered myself for the science stream after passing class X, but after 5-7 days I shifted to the Commerce stream and I am extremely happy for that decision and thankful to one of my teachers for such wonderful advice. Well, I believe that an LLB degree itself gives a wider horizon in commercial, corporate, and Personal laws, but if somebody wants to explore Corporate law then a Company Secretary course would definitely add value to that person. My CS degree really helps me a lot in all kinds of Corporate Transactions and General Corporate Advisory, however one must not forget that the most important part in practical life is not really additional degrees but the approach in handling complex situations.

     

    Tell us about your initial years in practise – from starting out independently to the time you founded your own firm. What challenges did you face initially?

    Well, the initial years of practice were very tough, I started practicing from the beginning of my professional career and no one in my family was either an advocate/ Chartered accountant or company secretary, so to setup an independent practice was really a daunting task. But I did not bother about monetary earnings, what I concentrated on was whether I was earning knowledge or not and that really helped me in setting up own firm in 2013 again. So I think you need to maintain your patience also to be in the practice of law.

     

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    Your firm, Factum Legal, has been featured as one of the Promising Legal consultants of India, 2015 by SiliconIndia. Tell us about the firm in general and the kind of work you deal with on a daily basis.

    Yes, we have been recognised as one of the Promising Legal consultants of India 2015 by a business magazine Silicon India and the credit goes to the hard work of our team factum legal and the trust of our clients. We are a boutique law firm providing a comprehensive range of legal services and solutions for domestic and international clients. Our practice area embraces advisory, execution and representation services and dispute resolution.  We are involved in all kinds of M& A transactions, Legal Due Diligence, Commercial Agreements, Corporate Compliance, Governance & Secretarial Practice, Private Equity help desk, Litigation & Alternate Dispute Resolution, Inbound & Outbound Investment Transactions, Registration and Licensing Services, Renewable Power Projects.

     

    What would you advise young lawyers who are starting out working in the corporate sector. What areas might they find interesting?

    My advice is don’t jump into corporate law because it is a lucrative career, but do what you enjoy most. We are lucky that we are born and practicing the profession in India as there are ample opportunities in every sphere of Legal services, so you should choose the subject based upon your knowledge and interest. My advice to all young lawyers and students is that there is no shortcut to gain knowledge, you have to work hard to become an expert in your area of interest.

     

    You have authored a book on the Companies Act 2013 and have quite a few publications to your name. How helpful is an academic pursuit in the life of a practising lawyer and how can one find time out for the same considering the hectic schedule one inevitably finds himself in?

    Authoring a book or writing articles and publications needs a huge time investment, and you cannot do such things just for the sake of doing them. You can write articles on a particular topic when you have command over the subject. The practice of law is based upon knowledge and expertise and an academically strong lawyer can really achieve a lot in a short period of time. If you ask about finding time, then I am of the view that time is essential, time is precious but if you enjoy something you always have time to pursue those things. Just to inform you, now also, I am working on a book relating to Companies Act 2013.

     

    In the present environment of cross border transaction among corporates, what is your strategy to expend internationally?

    We as a firm, believe in collaboration and mutual cooperation, so in that direction, we have joined an international legal network, which will surely help us in gaining knowledge and executing cross border transaction with local and cultural expertise. Further we have also entered into a strategic relationship with a European Full service Law firm ‘Adamas’ to serve our clients in their cross border transactions in the best and most effective manner. We will continue to expend internationally with such mutual cooperation for another few years.

     

    Finally, what would be your parting advice to our readers?

    I would like to suggest everyone ‘Have a zeal to learn, work hard, and discover your interest area as early as possible’ and the rest will follow on its own.

  • Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, on building a career in litigation and on legal writing

    Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, on building a career in litigation and on legal writing

    Gopal Sankaranarayanan is an advocate at the Supreme Court of India. He graduated from NLSIU, Bangalore in the 2001 batch, immediately after that he went for a Masters in Criminology from the London School of Economics. A prolific writer in various journals and leading dailies, a co-founder of Care For Air, an independent, volunteer organization and a successful practitioner of law, Gopal speaks to about:

    • His college and university experiences.
    • Mooting – the culture and its importance.
    • Helping Bhutan draft its Constitution
    • Legal writing, research and his new project Care For Air.
    • His views on Section 498-A and his advice for being successful in both personal and professional spheres.

     

    Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?

    I am a son, husband, father and friend. I am also an Advocate of the Supreme Court.

     

    You graduated from NLS Bangalore in 2001. How was preparation for the entrance exam like then?

    The entrance exam in the mid-90s was very different from what it is now. There were fewer candidates taking it then – a few thousand or so – and the questions were fairly straightforward Math, English, GK, Logic and Legal Reasoning. With time, they have become more complex, and with the advent of the CLAT, fairly random, inconsistent and thoughtless, which is why I am helping my friend Prof. Shamnad Basheer in his challenge to its arbitrary nature which is pending in the Supreme Court.

    Preparation for me when I took the exam was interesting. I took it twice, in fact. The first time in 1995 with less interest, a week after a teenage romantic heartbreak and which led me on to the NLS waiting list and then St.Joseph’s College in Bangalore for a year. That was probably my best year of College – I travelled the country for literary fests, I bunked classes to have beer at Brigade Road and investigated kabab roll joints across the city.

    The second time the following year I spent a week reading that godforsaken Competition Success Review and flipped through the equally mammoth Manorama Yearbook to figure out who had won the Padma Vibhushans and to understand what GATT was. It didn’t help. But what did was the fact that a friend was in NLS and she gave me a few ideas, most important being to finish all the questions. I weaselled my way in, though if the faculty had any idea, they would have nipped it in the bud!

     

    How was your time at NLS – could you share your experience with us?

    My time at NLS was a lot like life. It was a microcosm of India – girls and boys from across the country from a variety of backgrounds all thrown into this melting pot– there was competition, pettiness, talent, imagination and insecurity. I tried my best not to change who I was (which wasn’t a great idea because I have a prickly personality!). As a result, I tried everything, giving academics the least priority. I played a lot of sports, and was most partial to Cricket and Hockey. I mooted nationally and internationally, helped co-found and convene our annual fest LeGala led by the wonderful Meghana Abraham, participated in literary and cultural events across the country from all the IITs to BITS Pilani’s unparalleled Oasis, sat in dive bars in Nagarbhavi, did all-nighters with cigarettes and dumb charades, danced and sang, choreographed fashion shows, and loved my internships with K.K.Venugopal, Zia Mody and Karanjawala. Subject wise, I fell in love with Constitutional and criminal law and fortunately, that affair continues.

    I made some very dear friends at NLS – many for life, and I am happy that their interactions have made me richer, while not necessarily enriching them! One of those collegemates now shares her life with me, though she claims she barely noticed me then.

    On the flip side, I had my share of controversy and run-ins with the faculty, a few of whom completely lacked the emotional maturity to deal with young people. There were others, like Prof.N.L.Mitra who probably saw some potential in my rebellious streak, and when I objected to the undemocratic manner of NLS student elections, he allowed me to form a Committee to revise our Constitution. That effort thankfully bore fruit largely due to the efforts of P.M.Thimmaiah and Nandan Kamath.

    In my entire tenure at NLS, there were very few members of the faculty who really had what it took both academically and emotionally – A.K.Rai and V.S.Mallar were the exceptions, and the blame for this lies at the doors of a series of Vice Chancellors who were insecure and lacked the imagination to encourage young academics to truly flourish.

     

    You did your Masters in Criminology in the London School of Economics. Tell us a little about your time there.

    I guess the fact that I didn’t seem like a nerd appealed to LSE when I applied seeking to enlarge my passion for theoretical criminology. At the time, LSE was still a part of the University of London and we had multiple faculty across King’s, UCL and SOAS taking a single subject. I knew Nicky Lacey was at LSE, and that’s why I applied, but to have the erudite Robert Reiner and the accomplished Ben Bowling (now Deputy Dean at King’s) teaching us about feminist theory, stop-and-search and media manipulation was fantastic. The rigour they expected and the inputs we got from international students made the subjects so much more attractive. As we could opt for a non-specialized subject as well, I chose International Law of Armed Conflict & Use of Force, which was helmed by Prof.Christopher Greenwood (now a judge at the ICJ). Greenwood to me sums up everything a Professor ought to be – charming, informed, witty, humble and extremely disciplined. While he taught us, he was also a Queen’s Counsel, advising the British Government on the invasion of Iraq (this was shortly after the September 11 attacks), editing the ILRs (with Lauterpacht Jr.), churning out a series of articles in the top International journals, appearing before the ICJ and also taking 4 other courses on law. Teaching one course at the Masters level can be exhausting – to do all this is superhuman. Along with Greenwood, giants like Christine Chinkin and Rein Mullerson (Gorbachev’s former Advisor) brought into sharp perspective the practical real-life experience that is so necessary for a good academic. I could probably bore you to death about how the approach of teachers in the UK ought to be emulated here – so that they give you some respect and treat you as equals, or at least sentient beings.

    Apart from the classes, which after a long while, I truly enjoyed, I also played Hockey for LSE’s First XI team, and won medals for the Universities League and Championship that year. We trained under the shadow of the iconic Battersea power station and I will never forget freezing my butt off while running around on this Pink Floyd pitch.

     

    What is the value addition of a Masters in your career?

    I think if you are curious and you like to learn, you should always step beyond our shores to try and experience that world. For me, my Masters was always just going to be knowledge for the sake of it, as I had no plans of working in London and was coming back to practice. I have almost never used the actual lessons or the subject matter of what I was taught in my practise, but the tools of research, of pithy presentation, of verification of sources, of comparison, of context I apply on a daily basis.

     

    What has been the role of sport in your college days and thereafter? What role do you think sport plays in getting a postgraduate seat?

    I was and continue to be passionate about sports. I still play tennis, badminton, basketball and golf as time permits, and whenever Amit Sharma remembers, I will turn out for a day-night cricket match! As the great American broadcaster Heywood Broun said – “Sport doesn’t build character. It reveals it.” If you allow it, it can be the most defining aspect of who you are. Sport has taught me passion, camaraderie, leadership, sharing and loyalty. It has given me perspective about everything else I do because it is so inclusive and rewarding. You don’t have to play it, you don’t have to be good at it, you don’t even need to understand it to actually be moved to tears when something great happens. I haven’t seen anybody crying enraptured by a great argument in court or a wonderful contract clause. If I were unwell, I would probably skip Court, but I have stepped onto a cricket field with one hand in a cast, and shared a 45 run partnership for the last wicket with Siddharth Agarwal, who now knocks it out of the park in Delhi’s criminal courts.

    During my years as a lawyer, I have been happy to see the seniors at the bar readily reach for their cheque books when I approached them to donate for Shiva Keshavan’s luge at the last Winter Olympics, and my own recent experience as Secretary of the Lodha Committee has been very rewarding in helping formulate policy at the highest levels of one of the world’s most watched sports.

    As far as your applications question is concerned, I can imagine sport playing a big role if you apply to Universities that have strong sports agendas (Duke, Michigan, etc.) or if the evaluator is partial to sport. But if you are unfortunate to have your exquisite essay read by a serial academic topper who frowned at such frivolities, you are up the creek without a paddle.

     

    What are some of the important observations you have found regarding the moot culture in India in recent years, when you have acted in the capacity of judge?

    I have had varying experiences. I know it’s very tough to know what to prioritize before which judge – some prefer citations, some (like me) love to go into the facts and work the angles, others just want to show how much they know. There are, however, 3 basic things I tell mooters –

    (1) Dont interrupt the judge, but please don’t be obsequious;

    (2) Stick the moot problem on your bedroom door and read it a hundred times – it always throws up something new;

    (3) Use real life examples to illustrate your point and make it simpler to understand (this is actually the Mukul Rohatgi staple!)

     

    What role do you think mooting should play in a law student’s life?

    I think it has its place. It shouldn’t be an overarching priority because there is so much else on offer in your 3 or 5 years at college. For most young people, this is your last free stretch before responsibilities overtake you. If you can, enjoy it by doing other stuff and meeting new people. This might be the time to walk over and talk to that girl or guy who sits quietly in the second last row without interacting with anybody. Go over, have a coffee together and figure out what makes them tick. Not as a social experiment, but just because it is what humans ought to do.

     

    Will you give us a brief recount of the time you helped the Kingdom of Bhutan draft their Constitution?

    This really happened by chance. I was in the Chambers of K.K.Venugopal, Sr.Advocate [KKV] and he was approached by the erstwhile King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuk to advice on a Constitution. He is quite a forward thinking man, and as a monarch, realized that a Constitutional set-up would be a progressive one. There were many interactions with the Law Minister and the Chief Justice of Bhutan, accompanied by their advisors. Their initial draft was a mish-mash of the UDHR, the ICCPR, the US and Indian Constitutions. KKV spent hours reworking it while I researched the areas that required special attention and suggested alterations where necessary. This was not an easy task for two reasons: One, it required me to fully understand the development of South Asian constitutional law, and Two, KKV almost always asked me questions to which I had no answer! Eventually, the Constitution came into force, with KKV playing the role of Bhutan’s Ambedkar and B.N.Rau rolled into one, while I visited Thimphu in 2008 and sat in their Parliament watching their most polite legislative proceedings.

     

    You have several publications to your credit. Tell us a little about writing legal articles and research in a lawyer’s career.

    Research is compulsory. Articles are voluntary. Just as with moots, I spend several hours reading caselaw, online articles and books to come to terms with a legal point. If it is a considerable one which I believe the public would like to know about, or an anomaly, or something which is just patently unfair, then I feel compelled to publish. I write from the heart, and I know that often candour is unappreciated, but it also corrects an incorrect impression that people may have. I believe legal writing should be so exhaustively researched that there can be no doubt that it is original and that also there is something novel to say. Also, anyone interested in writing should attempt to have their work spread across multiple publications so that there is no suspicion of nepotism or partiality.

     

    Is there any habit or skill you picked up over the years that you believe is critical to a lawyer’s success?

    Integrity. If you try to mislead the court or try pulling a fast one on a colleague, the ephemeral pleasure will ruin your reputation for life. Before you know it, judges and lawyers put you down as someone whose word cannot be trusted, and their displeasure starts dampening your performance. While hard work and application are important, they are meaningless without the respect of others.

     

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    Tell us a bit about your love for Constitutional law and work experience.

    As I mentioned earlier, this was something born out of some invigorating classroom discussions we had in Law School with Profs. Mallar and Vijayakumar.

    When I came into practise, I started assisting KKV in some Constitution Bench cases and I realized how much reading it involved. A turning point came when Mr.Fali Nariman, after seeing me assist KKV in a matter recommended me as his junior counsel for the 9-Judge Constitution Bench hearing the scope of the Ninth Schedule [I.R.Coelho]. I was overwhelmed by his generousity, and later by the fact that preparing for it meant I had to read Golak Nath and Kesavananda cover to cover! It was a brief 5 day hearing under the strict gaze of Chief Justice Sabharwal, and we subsequently succeeded, but even if we hadn’t, it was a personal achievement – to spend hours brainstorming critical aspects of our Constitution’s fundamentals and then to assist one of our finest minds in putting it across.

    Subsequently, I spent 4 continuous months on the reservation challenge in Ashoka Kumar Thakur and learnt that nothing about Constitutional law is easy or brief. It requires rigour and reading, and while it takes time for an opportunity to come your way, it invariably will. I was thus fortunate to address the Constitution Bench concerning the postponement of reportage [Sahara v. SEBI] and to successfully challenge Section 6-A of the Act setting up the CBI [Subramaniam Swamy]. Recently, my arguments on vagueness and liberty were accepted by the Bench that heard the challenges to Section 66-A of the IT Act [Shreya Singhal] and also struck down Section 118-d of the Kerala Police Act.

    At NLS, we were taught one trimester by the late Justice A.M.Bhattacharjee, whose unique grasp of the subject is best reflected in his book “Equality, Liberty & Property” [now out of print]. I remembered his Chapter on Privacy when we were doing the AADHAR case earlier last year, and it was this little bit of stray reading which allowed us to have the case referred to the Constitution Bench, doubting the correctness of how Kharak Singh had been followed. So, you never know when a little extra can come to aid!

    Outside of its use in the Courts, I was always fascinated that while the Constitution was our most important textual document, we had little general knowledge about it. How many Indian homes have a Constitution? But many have the Gita, Bible or Koran. The more I realized how Indian courts have made the Constitution such a dynamic instrument of social change, I felt something needs to be done to increase its reach. An early suggestion to Sumeet Malik from the Eastern Book Company to have a coat pocket edition of the Constitution bore fruit, and the slim leatherbound volume of which I am the proud editor is now in its ninth edition. It is an endeavour to have it in every home soon – our entire Indian cricket team have personal copies and this was what was presented by the President to Arvind Kejriwal when he visited him on the occasion of his election last year.

    I also conceived of an Oral History project which was implemented by Rainmaker, where we conduct and upload free on YouTube hour-long video interviews with the doyens of the legal profession so that those who might otherwise not have a chance to interact might have access to their lives. Soli Sorabjee, Iqbal Chagla, Harish Salve, Gopal Subramaniam, Ashok Desai, Raju Ramachandran, Goolam Vahanvati, and several dozen more have shared their life stories.

    Things like this, apart from actually arguing in court, are way more fulfilling, as they allow your countrymen to slowly become aware of their Constitution and their rights.

     

    What are your views on Section 498-A and the realities of its application?

    I think, much as the Supreme Court itself has, that this provision is being abused often. In some States there are police advisories not to automatically arrest the accused in such cases and to be cautious. Marital discord is usually irreparable once you reach this stage, and the deepset rancour coupled with the lethargy of our judicial process eventually leaves the victim (husband or wife) with no way out of an unhappy situation. Based on my Note, the Supreme Court recently laid down guidelines in Arnesh Kumar, but I don’t know how it is being implemented in the respective States.

     

    How do you manage your professional life and personal life? Do you keep both separate?

    Actually, I don’t. I am thankful that my wife Haripriya Padmanabhan (also a Supreme Court advocate) is such an excellent multi-tasker – she does her Court work (much better and more thoroughly than me), she manages our three kids, she cooks wonderfully and she discharges her role as the Secretary of the school PTA, so that all I really have to manage is my own practise!

    One of the things Haripriya and I agree on is that family is more important than anything. Thus, we have our office a mile away from home so we can be close to the kids, but we don’t work on anything together. We have our distinct practise areas (she is more into commercial litigation, education and civil law) and we never discuss law at home. Our work grants us the flexibility to be home with the children during the day and when there is pressing work, we work into the night after they sleep.

    It’s not easy, especially when you come into Delhi from outside and you don’t have grandparents around, but with patience, luck and friendship, you will always find a way.

     

    What do you do in your free time? Have you continued activities related to literary and debating (as you were given awards for the same in college)?

    I love films, books and music. The arts have always been my weakness and I collect what I love. Travelling Wilburys, Billie Holliday, Sam Cooke, Guru Dutt, Stanley Kubrick, Wong Kar Wai, Watchmen, Sandman – I love them all.

    Recently, a more grim issue has taken up my time – air pollution. It is something that is slowly enveloping our cities and making India unliveable, particularly affecting the very young, the pregnant and elders. A few of us have founded Care For Air, [www.careforair.org] an organisation aimed at raising awareness about the problems and solutions regarding the toxic air. We make presentations to school and residential communities and continue to spread the message.

    L&D-wise, one of the things I do on an annual basis is to host MyLaw’s A Question of Law, a quiz on law for lawyers, law students and the general public on Law Day (November 26th). Its light hearted and fun, which is evident from it being conducted at Monkey Bar! We just finished 5 years of that, and it is a lot of fun with several hundred participants and regular rounds of tequila shots.

     

    Do you have any parting advice for all our readers out there?

    Just one: tomorrow, you could be hit by a truck, so don’t keep worrying about your majestic long-term goal. Keep small workable milestones which have nothing to do with your peers and where they have reached in their lives. Make time for sport or music or painting or language or whatever you enjoy. Try and travel, even to small places nearby. Don’t let work come in the way of your important relationship moments (weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, even funerals). If you have a partner or a child, try and be there for his or her doctor’s appointments or school performances or shows. When you’re 55 with an empty nest, you won’t remember which case you were arguing when your daughter was winning the relay.

    As the windows of Chartres Cathedral will tell you, as long as we are on the shoulders of the giants who came before, we will always be okay.

  • Gulika Reddy, Advocate, Madras High Court, and IBJ fellow, on work in the social sector

    Gulika Reddy, Advocate, Madras High Court, and IBJ fellow, on work in the social sector

    Gulika Reddy is a lawyer in the High Court of Madras, a consultant at the Centre for Child and Law at National Law School of India University, an International Bridges to Justice Fellow and the founder of Schools of Equality. She graduated from ILS Law College in 2011 and since then has worked extensively in the field of human rights, crusading for the rights of women, children, climate refugees and various other victims of discrimination and injustice.

    In this interview, she tells us about:

    • Human rights law – the areas she works in and why.
    • The International Bridges to Justice Fellowship
    • Schools of Equality
    • Advice for law students wishing to pursue Human Rights Law.

     

    Which areas of human rights interest you most and which human rights abuses are you most interested in working to address in your career, and why?

    Social groups have been divided on the basis of various facets of identity including race, gender, sexuality, class, caste and religion, resulting in violations of individual or group rights merely due to one or more aspect of one’s identity. Growing up in India, I felt anger at the normalization of this form of social injustice. Since my life experience is closely tied to my gender, related issues were those that resonated most strongly with me. Compounding this was the social acceptance and general sense of apathy towards gender-based violence in India. My untested belief that knowledge of law was empowering and a powerful instrument for social change motivated me to go to law school.

    After I graduated, I began practicing in the High Court of Madras and soon realized that in India legal responses have neither reduced its occurrence nor have they improved access to justice for victims. In spite of protective legislations, millions are unaware of their rights, conviction rates are abysmal and attitudes within the judiciary prevent rather than promote justice. Examples of judges telling victims of abuse to “adjust” to their circumstances and suggesting rape victims mediate with or marry their rapist as a form of compromise expose inadequacies in the current system and make evident the need for a change. I have been working towards facilitating this change through interventions in the legal and education system.

     

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    You are the recipient of two fellowships the International Bridges to Justice fellowship. Describe the kind of work you’ve done as a part of the fellowship.

    While practicing in the High Court of Madras, it became apparent that several other challenges exist which lie outside the ambit of litigation.These relate to lack of rights awareness, inadequate access to affordable and sensitized counsel and ineffective implementation of the law. To address these issues, I began to advise non-profits that work in the field of human rights alongside my litigation practice. In recognition of my work, I was awarded a Fellowship by International Bridges to Justice, which allowed me to scale up my efforts.

    Using the fellowship, I set up a collaborative program that brought together non-governmental organizations (NGOs) andacademic institutions and to organize periodic rights awareness programs and dispense free legal aid forindigent and marginalized women. I also set up a pro bono network of lawyers to provide free legal aid for these women in prison, most of whom were sex workers who had been coerced into the sex trade and then abandoned by their families due to the “shame” associated with the trade.

     

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    What motivated you to start Schools of Equality? How would you describe the work that it does?

    Despite receiving free legal assistance, women at the awareness workshops expressed reluctance to approach the legal system, as they felt further victimized by the judicial process and functionaries under the law. To encourage functionaries to act with sensitivity and a sense of urgency, I conducted training and sensitization programs with human rights lawyer, Ms. Geeta Ramaseshan.In spite of our efforts I observed that attendees were unable to shift deeply entrenched attitudes towards women. It became apparent that the insensitivity present within the Court system was symptomatic of widely held beliefs about women and gender roles in society.

    Recognizing that gender socialization begins early and is reinforced by societal institutions, culture and media, I started Schools of Equality, an organization that runs activity-based programs which aim to shift social attitudes that perpetuate gender-based violence. The program encourages students to question notions of power related to gender and its intersectionalities like caste, class, religion and sexuality; to understand the right of choice; and to respect each other’s rights.As a part of the curriculum, they learn about their rights; interact with social justice movements, lawyers, artists, writers, photographers, musicians, performance artists, and therapists; frame their own opinions; learn creative modes of self-expression; and take action to build communities of respect.

     

    What is the format of the program?

    Our year-long programme has been incorporated within the mainstream school curriculum. We organize one session a week conducted by a trained facilitator, who exposes the students to a variety of approaches to equality, allowing them to frame their own opinions. Our team of facilitators come from a variety of backgrounds including law, film, journalism, art, education, psychology and theatre. This year, the sessions in the first term focussed on examining issues of identity and stereotypes. Sessions in the second term will focus on creating rights awareness and discussing the impact of media and popular culture on equality and social justice and the final term will see students draft their school constitution, plan campaigns and organise events within their local community.

     

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    How have schools responded to the programme? Can you include quotes or testimonials from schools?

    Although it was challenging to introduce this curriculum within the existing conservative school system, transformation amongst the students and action taken by them within their communities captured the attention of other schools, the national media and the local government. The local government in Chennai and Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh appreciated this approach to addressing social justice issues and have now introduced the program in government schools at the city and village level.

    We have received extremely positive feedback from teachers, parents and students we work with. Here are some of the responses:

    Teachers: “Schools of Equality provides a safe and empathetic platform for students to talk about the most essential yet sensitive, so-called forbidden topics in society…helping students become resilient and global citizens, aware of their rights”

    “It’s so nice to see the space you have created for them (the students) where they feel comfortable to speak. They’ve opened up and seemed more confident in their own skin. For some of them, the transformation has been so positive that it’s difficult to even recognize them anymore.”

    Parent: “I have been hearing about Schools of Equality from my son. I feel you have made him feel empowered and I see him empathize as well.”

    Students:

    “I liked all of us interacting and talking about each other’s problems and also realising what empathy is and how much it matters.”

    “The questions asked in this class were thought-provoking and intriguing. This class was very useful to us.”

    “Schools of Equality has changed the way I view everything.”

     

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    What is your vision for the role human rights law and lawyers should play in promoting social justice?

    My vision is a human rights framework that provides a robust mechanism to bring national government responses closer to their international commitments. While it is important to carefully assess and arrive at a human rights framework that sufficiently represents all stakeholders, what is even more critical is ensuring states’ compliance with the same.

    We have multiple actors and agencies, working on the global issue of social injustice in different locations, at different paces, and none free from partisan politics. Rights on paper are insufficient in the absence of genuine participation in what needs to be a collective effort to deal with issues of social justice internationally. Therefore, while framing law, equal emphasis must be laid on creating fundamental enabling conditions that will aid effective implementation. This will involve building collaborative networks, facilitating coordination between state and non-state actors and conducting training and capacity building to prevent and respond to social justice violations.

    Also, lawyers must look beyond formal legal structures and be innovative and creative in developing interventions along with experts in other disciplines. These interventions must appreciate the embededdness of social injustice issues within the larger socio-cultural context, and must involve community engagement to address it at the interface of law and society. Only a multi-pronged approach that is designed with a clear understanding of this systemic problem, the factors that have contributed to it and the societal and institutional roadblocks that contribute to its perpetuation will help address issues of social injustice.

     

    What advice would you give law students wishing to pursue a career in Human Rights Law?

    A lot of the advice I have for a law student interested in a career in Human Rights Law is captured in the “Letter to a law student interested in social justice” by William P. Quigley: https://law.duke.edu/curriculum/pdf/interested_social_justice.pdf