Super Lawyer

Category: Interviews

  • “To be able to make a career in the field of IP, one should be creative or at least understand certain facets or methods of its expression. You should have the zeal to learn more and more everyday.” – Zainab Syed, Founder of Zainab Syed & Associates.

    “To be able to make a career in the field of IP, one should be creative or at least understand certain facets or methods of its expression. You should have the zeal to learn more and more everyday.” – Zainab Syed, Founder of Zainab Syed & Associates.

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

    Maam, you have an impressive background, having completed your schooling in Kuwait and your law degree in Kashmir. Can you share some experiences from your early years that inspired you to pursue a career in law? What aspects of the field motivated you to become a lawyer?

    Thank you. Well, from the very beginning, I have been quite principled and straight forward, advocating for whatever I believed to be the right thing. I was also elected as the school head girl, which made me quite responsible and vocal at the same time. My family is my support system, my parents instilled in me and my siblings a good work ethic and the importance of hard work and dedication. So, it was quite natural for me to choose this as a profession. I also landed myself a job with Amnesty International, soon after I gave my class 12th CBSE ( gulf) board exams . The job was at the Indian Embassy of Kuwait, wherein me and my team were helping with sending back Expats to India, who had been forcibly detained in the country with no documents in their possession. We helped so many helpless trapped Indians during that time. This is when I saw the real world, the injustice and helpless people looking for hope in us, being able to help these people made me realise that this is what I want to do in life.

    I am a very empathetic human being, at times it does have a negative impact on my life or my decisions, but I think that is how I was raised and I’m proud of it and always will be. Everything about this field motivates you to become a lawyer, however, if I have to name some of the aspects, they would be as under:

    • It’s a mental marathon that offers endless opportunities for problem-solving and critical thinking. 
    • Lawyers often find themselves at the forefront of societal change, advocating for individuals and communities. 
    • Lawyers stand as the principal architects of legal frameworks that safeguard civil liberties and shield the marginalized.
    • Through their steadfast commitment to furthering social equity, provision of pro bono services, and facilitation of access to justice, lawyers emerge as pivotal agents in fostering equity and parity.

    Early in your career, you worked at the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, handling cases related to service matters, property disputes, family issues, and more. What are some key experiences from that time that shaped your legal understanding and laid the foundation for your practice?

    After completing my law degree from Kashmir, and getting my license to practice, I decided to join the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir under the guidance of a very renowned and senior Advocate Mr. Syed Manzoor Hussain, who has an expertise of over 40 years now. Working with him, I learnt so many aspects of law which I had only read about. The whole experience of working with him in matters related to Service, property, defamation, Matrimony etc helped shape my career in the initial days. I remember the first time I appeared in Court, I got a favourable order in our matter, and the Hon’ble Justice at that time, commended me for my boldness and confidence, which increased my morale ten times more than what I had walked in with. Working at the High Court with my Senior, taught me that not all days will be in your favour, some may be against you, and it is then that your caliber and patience is tested. I remember working with my senior and assisting him in a service matter wherein even after having worked for more than 20-25 years in the Sericulture Dept of Jammu & Kashmir, the employees were not regularised by the govt, which should have been done, soon after they had finished 7 years of service, and after citing numerous judgements, submitting ample evidence, we finally managed to get them regularised. There were other matters also, like property disputes, salaries being withheld and unlawful terminations that we were able to get relief granted for our Clients. However, it won’t be fair to deny having any bad experiences, and those bad ones teach you to be more particular about your choices, and show you your hidden potential.

    After joining SS Rana as a Senior Trademark Attorney and handling tasks like trademark filing, prosecution, and responding to examination reports, how did your experience in Intellectual Property Law compare to your previous work in the court? How did the work culture differ?

    I shifted to Delhi after the 2013 floods in Kashmir that crippled life there, everything from records to documents were destroyed. It was then that Mr. Senior, who had seen the amount of hard work and dedication I had put in those 2 years, suggested that I move to Delhi as things would take quite some time to get normalized back there. It was definitely a very tough decision to move to Delhi and start afresh, but like they say “Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be” , and that is what I did.

    I joined S.S.Rana & Associates as a Junior Associate Advocate. This was an IPR law firm and I had no experience in this field, and IPR had been my favourite subject back in the University. I was lucky enough to be working under Mr. Vikrant Rana ( Managing Partner) in the Trade Marks Department. He believed that we need to partner with our clients, make their concerns our own, understand their businesses, and proactively get out in front of their problems without actually getting out in front of them. I believe that the biggest achievement in my career and what boosted my confidence is when your ideas or suggestions are taken positively and also implemented by Senior Lawyers or whom you work under. Under the guidance of Mr. Vikrant Rana I became a pro in Trademark matters, as I already had a flair for writing, and an eye for detail my examination report replies became popular among the team, Within a short span of time, I was training juniors in Trademark Department, handling complex cases and giving legal suggestions for IPR protection not just to National but international Clients as well.

    I guess it was my honesty and dedication that always made me visible and stand out in the crowd. I had never imagined that Intellectual Property Rights were this vast and interesting, I guess the subject only teaches you 10% of what the law actually is. The work culture differed in this way that instead of having 1 senior to report to at the High Court, here I had the opportunity to learn from everyone, my knowledge was not restricted to the belief and ideas of one individual but it was open to accepting new things from so many different skilled and intelligent minds. Also of course, as we didn’t directly deal with clients on a daily basis unlike my previous workplace, this helped with the stress of client dealing.

    On a lighter note, I remember when I was at the High Court, there was this very old Client of ours, almost 70-75 years of age , he would come to Court almost every other day, even if his matter would have been listed after 3-4 months, he visited every week without fail, asking about the status of his property dispute matter. When asked why are you here every week, he replied “I enjoy seeing you all work like this, I never had to work this hard in my entire life, I guess I was lucky, and to be honest, I don’t actually have anything more important to do”, I am sure, as I write this interview, he must be sitting in one of the courtrooms at Srinagar.

    Following your tenure at a law firm, you transitioned to working as IPR counsel for several companies, managing their IP portfolios and providing legal advisory. What motivated this shift, and how did you navigate the complexities of this role?

    I quit my job after the pandemic hit us, and took the decision of moving back to Kashmir, as we all know how serious it had gone back then, having lost a few loved ones back home, I realized that i had to be where my family is, as my family means the world to me. So it wouldn’t be wrong to say that all Natural Calamities happening in my life, brought with them a new hope and a new beginning for me. As I had already learnt the art of managing clients and their brands, it didn’t take me much time to make a Client base of my own, in my own home town. To be honest, these brands I worked for, all belong to Kashmir, and it was I who had approached them and introduced the concept of IPR protection and the importance of IPR in their business, that is how I got to work with them.

    This role did indeed bring with it many issues or complexities, as Intellectual Property Rights were not very popular or known to the people in my home town, and even though we have way too much IP out there to protect, we had issues, issues like business owners using identical names for their business and wanting to protect their brand, or business owners not wanting to take legal action against parties infringing their IP. For such issues, we started educating the business owners about the importance of IPR and the benefits of protecting their IP.

    What led you to establish your own practice? What were the challenges you faced in the initial stages, and how did you overcome them? What continues to motivate you in your practice today?

    When I was working with my previous law firm, it would worry me so much that out of all those queries coming in about IP on a daily basis, I never came across any query coming from Kashmir. I don’t know why, but people have the misconception about Kashmir being a conflict zone, hence no one there does anything or everyone is living in fear, they have no life of their own. As I knew the real Kashmir, I wondered why no one there was coming forward to protect their brands or even enquiring about it.

    This led to establishing my own law firm Zainab Syed & Associates, which was the first ever IPR law firm in Kashmir. Challenges like I mentioned before were the little of half knowledge about Intellectual Property Rights. The initial year indeed was a very tough one, where converting any query was like winning the Olympic gold medal, as people didn’t want to spend money on something they didn’t feel was necessary to protect, also, there were cases where someone had taken money from them for filing their trademark and they had never reverted after the money was transferred or cases where applications were filed by third party websites ( names not taken) who file applications in bulk without application of mind or a proper search or opinion, which lead to refusal of such marks.

    I am a very competitive person, and the thing is that I only compete with myself. I believe that in this race in life, you run alone, it should never be about how many people went ahead of you, it should always be about what you have to do to finish the race. That is how I was able to face these challenges at work, I never took up matters that I knew had no chances of success, I didn’t think about the number of applications I was filing, what mattered to me was how many applications I could get registered. I was very patient with Client’s who didn’t quite understand why and how of IP, I never gave up on any Client until I would make them protect their brand by filing applications, I was persistent in this goal to protect more and more brands for my home town , or at least make them aware about Brand Protection.

    Looking back how far I have come in this field and in expanding my practice, I am proud to say that I started from scratch and today I not only have Clients from the State of Jammu & Kashmir but from all across India and Abroad as well. Also the biggest motivation has been the success rate of our applications, and the flow of work we get from recommendations from our existing clients. Although I don’t let success get to my head or failure get to my heart, I guess that’s what learning is all about.

    What has been one of the most challenging IP infringement cases you’ve handled to date, and how did you approach its complexities?

    I wouldn’t be able to put them on a scale of 1 to 10, as all IP infringement cases are mostly complex and very challenging. One of our clients had received an infringement notice from the U.S for a name used in their café. They were asked to shut down the café and remove all use of the mark, however, our Client was the registered proprietor of the mark and the opposite party neither had a trademark application for the said name either in India or in their home country, and after almost a year of negotiations and emails and meetings we were able to convince them that the said Intellectual property solely belonged to our Client and there was no way that they could stop him from using the said brand name.

    Also there was a matter where our Client had been using their family business name since almost 40 years and they had a registration that had expired and not renewed due to inadvertence of the previous lawyer, a third party had now taken advantage of the said thing and applied for the said trademark and started using the said name. We filed a fresh application in the name of our Client, filed opposition against the opposite party’s application and sent them a seize and desist notice. The Opposite party gave us an undertaking that they would never file this mark in future or even file a slightly similar mark in the future and also abandoned their trademark application and changed their business name to something else.

    So I believe that overpreparation is the key to success, you should always be over prepared with facts and you should know your Client, and know about your Client, sometimes, your own Client does not have the right facts, so you always need to do your side of research and homework, so its only when you are convinced, you will be able to convince the opposite party.   

    As an IPR consultant and attorney for PHDCCI in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, how has your role contributed to the promotion of Indian industry, trade, and entrepreneurship through intellectual property rights?

    Our Law firm was appointed as their IPR Attorney and Consultant a few months back, and it is indeed an honour to work with this establishment that has changed millions of lives with their constant support and guidance. In these few months, boosting research and development, intellectual property rights (IPR) have contributed significantly to India’s economy. In fact, IPR and economic growth go hand-in-hand as intellectual property rights are essentially designed to aid innovators and reward innovation, This is where IPR comes in. With a patent in hand, innovators can issue licenses for mass production, which directly contributes to the economy. In this regard, we have been able to file 19 patents for PHDCCI and almost 70 Trademark Applications till date. We have also organised various seminars and visited various Universities of Kashmir where we have encouraged young minds and innovators to get their works Patented and protect their IP Rights. Further, we are also working on increasing the number of GI’s filed from the State of Jammu & Kashmir as there is tremendous scope of obtaining a GI registration here in the State.

    With continuous support from the president of PHDCCI Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Mr. Vicky Shaw Sir, who is a visionary and a great man, we have been able to achieve the goal we had set for Zainab Syed & Associates, i.e. educating the masses with the need and importance of Protection of Intellectual Property Rights. 

    What advice would you give to young aspirants interested in pursuing a career in IPR law? How can they start early and excel in this field? Are there any specific resources you would recommend for those looking to deepen their knowledge?

    To be able to make a career in this line, one should be creative or at least understand certain facets or methods of its expression. You should have the zeal to learn more and more everyday. This field broadly covers technically complex yet fascinating projects, which invariably require an informed knowledge of trends or developments in line with their type. So, in short, along with enthusiasm, one should have an eye for detail. I would advise them to first start with internships at IPR law firms only and not law firms that have IPR as part of their work. This will enhance their skills and keep them focused on IPR itself, not shifting from one thing to another. The other thing I would advise them would be to never give up on their dreams irrespective of how many times they fail or make mistakes, as one only learns from mistakes. To excel in this field, I would suggest some important points to remember:

    • Before filing a Client’s trademark, always conduct a search on your end, not just in their respective class but in class 35 as well, as this would give you a broader idea.
    • Never rely on the statement “It is a coined term we have not copied the same from anywhere” always do an internet search on if the word means anything or has been taken from an already existing name outside the Country.
    • No similar or identical marks found on the records of the Trade Marks Registry does not always mean you are good to go, it can also mean that the said mark could not have been registered as it is non-distinctive or descriptive or is prohibited under the Trade Marks Act/Rules.
    • Always encourage clients to file applications claiming use of the mark if they are already in business as this gives them prior rights over their mark.
    • Always file applications in the correct class.
    • If a registered mark is cited in your Client’s application, always check if their application had an examination report and how did they reply to the marks cited against them, as this can be used in your reply as submission.
    • Never differentiate the marks in your reply if you intend to oppose the cited mark at a later stage.
    • Always encourage your Clients to change their brand names if they are at the initial stage of their business and have not yet used the name anywhere, and have come to you for suggestions in filing the trademark application, and you see a mark that is either similar or identical to their brand.
    • Always introduce the concept of negotiation to clients or co- existence with the opposite party, where you know that there is a scope of co-existence or negotiation and it is not a straight case of infringement or malice.
    • Be up to date with recent judgements and case laws on IPR and any amendments in the law. Always note down case laws and use them in your replies as and when necessary.

     Also, I would suggest that they visit the WIPO website and get themselves registered for some of the online courses WIPO offers for IPR.

    Given your demanding role, how do you unwind and recharge? How do you effectively balance work and personal life? Do you have any hobbies or activities that help you relax and recharge?

    Being a daughter, a wife, a mother and a Lawyer running my own Law firm, it has always been challenging, but I suppose having that support from your family actually makes a lot of difference. My family has always been very supportive of all my career decisions, and they have always been my strength and motivated me to become a better version of myself. My husband, on the other hand, has always given me the leverage to choose what I want to do in life, he has always supported me in every decision I made after marriage and continues to do so. However, I don’t take that for granted and I understand the importance of having a balance between my personal and professional life by

    • Setting boundaries: This involves establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life by defining specific working hours and separating work-related tasks from personal activities.
    • Time management: Efficiently organizing and prioritizing tasks, ensuring that you allocate enough time for work responsibilities as well as personal pursuits, such as spending time with family, engaging in hobbies, or pursuing personal goals
    • Stress management: Implementing strategies to manage stress levels, such as practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular physical activity, taking breaks, and unplugging from work-related activities when needed
    • Flexibility: Having the ability to adapt and adjust your schedule to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or personal needs without jeopardizing work commitments

    I have a 2-year-old son, I guess that is enough for you to understand what keeps me up and charged.

    Get in touch with Zainab Syed –

  • “The early stages of a lawyer’s career can be analogically likened to the early stages of development of a child. One needs to have an extremely inquisitive and childlike approach towards learning the law and the legal procedures in the early stage.” – Anuj Tyagi, Advocate-on-Record at Supreme Court of India.

    “The early stages of a lawyer’s career can be analogically likened to the early stages of development of a child. One needs to have an extremely inquisitive and childlike approach towards learning the law and the legal procedures in the early stage.” – Anuj Tyagi, Advocate-on-Record at Supreme Court of India.

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

    Given your extensive expertise and experience, was law always your first choice of career, or did your path evolve over time? Could you share some key moments from your academic journey at National Law Institute University, Bhopal?

    Law was never my first career choice. I even prepared and appeared for engineering entrance examinations, including IIT JEE.  Law happened completely by happenstance. My father heard his colleagues including a District Magistrate speaking to another colleague (in the context of his son’s higher education) about entrance examinations of National Law Universities which, in their words, were like the “IITs of Legal Education” and if one could get through such NLUs, they would have a very bright career. After enquiring further with the said District Magistrate about the NLUs and the entrance procedure, my father, in the evening broached the possibility of my appearance for law entrance examinations. In a way, law immediately sparked my interest, and I immediately went to the so-called ‘cyber-cafes’ of those days and researched further about the scope of the entrance examinations and how I could prepare for the entrance examination. I then came across Law School Tutorials (LST) and ordered their study material and started my preparation. I subsequently qualified the entrance examinations of Symbiosis Society Law School, Pune, Army Law School, Mohali, GGSPIU, NLIU (Bhopal) and several other entrance examinations and eventually joined NLIU, Bhopal, after briefly enrolling and studying at SSLS, Pune. So clearly, the road that led me to law evolved over time.

    After completing your law degree, what motivated you to pursue an LL.M. at Queen Mary University of London, and how did it enhance your previous education? Can you also share your experiences and the differences you observed in their teaching pedagogy?

    I was of the firm belief that at all times after you graduate, you must either be in the pursuit of earning or learning. I had been harbouring this desire to pursue an LL.M. right since I graduated.  When COVID-19 struck, I took this opportunity and enrolled myself for an LL.M. in International Dispute Resolution at QMUL, UK. It was very hard to keep up with the expectations of the teachers in terms of the pages to be read per day, despite the substantially reduced work pressure but I somehow managed to graduate with Merit. The biggest difference in the teaching pedagogy between the two great institutions was that at NLIU, at the undergraduate stage, the focus somehow remained more on foundational, theoretical, lecture-based learning while at QMUL, in the graduate programme, stress remained on in-depth analysis, critical thinking, and practical understanding of key concepts. There was no scope of securing good marks at QMUL, if one did not understand the intricacies of the key concepts concerned. Mostly the questions were in the form of real-life situations and one was supposed to write a suggestive note as to what one, as a Counsel, would have advised one’s client in the fact situation concerned. The other key difference was in the method of marking and evaluation at QMUL. Upon the end of the evaluation of the answer sheets, at QMUL, we would not only receive the marks but also detailed comments from the evaluating teachers which would further help us acquire an in-depth understanding of the concept and also help us understand where we lacked in the evaluation of the given factual situation. That was, in my view, a game-changing aspect. If one would not understand what one could have done better, one would commit the same mistakes again and achieve the same range of marks. However, a clear understanding of the areas where one could have done better in terms of expression or otherwise, would always promote a deeper learning of relevant concepts.

    In the early stages of your career, you must have encountered various learning experiences. Could you share some of these with aspiring lawyers? Additionally, what prompted you to start your own practice, and what were some of the initial challenges you faced in establishing it?

    I would like to first underscore the importance of the answer to this question for your readers. Please note that this is the most important and relevant part of this interview, from the perspective of an aspiring lawyer or a law graduate. I was indeed exposed to many learning experiences, especially in the early stages of my career. I would begin with saying that the early stages of a lawyer’s career can be analogically likened to the early stages of development of a child. One needs to have an extremely inquisitive and childlike approach towards learning the law and the legal procedures in the early stages of one’s career. The first year was mainly about familiarising myself with the procedures and practices at the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Hon’ble High Court, the District Court and the various buildings and rooms that formed a part thereof. I, fortunately, had a senior from my college who was working as an Associate at the first chamber I joined immediately after graduation. I used to pose at least 100 questions to him on a daily basis in the course of our daily trips to the court. He was very patient with me and answered all my questions with calmness and ease. Thanks to him, I quickly understood the basic legal procedures, including but not limited to the courtroom etiquette, which side of the dias to stand on when representing either side, how to give appearance slips to the court staff, how to hand over documents/judgments at the bar, the position of the various courts, the important offices of the officers of the registry, how to inspect the file etc. It is very important to have gone through the grind yourself at the initial stages because if you haven’t done something yourself once, you’ll never get to understand the procedure in detail and will encounter issues even while delegating it to your juniors/clerks in future.

    One of the early learning experiences taught me to show up at the courts at least 15 minutes before the designated court commencement timings to avoid missing your matters and eventual embarrassment, regardless of the position of your matter on the causelist. In my initial years, a matter was listed at item no. 42 in a cause list listing a total of 70 matters for consideration of the Hon’ble Court. Assuming that the matter would certainly not be called out in the first hour, I turned up at 11:30 am instead of 10:30 am when the court concerned would commence the hearing. Much to my surprise, the matter had already been called out and taken up. Upon enquiry with the court master, I learnt that between Item no. 1 and 42, there were two connected batches cumulatively concerning 35 matters and that the rest of the matters had been passed over and therefore the matter came up for consideration earlier than expected. I had to wait till the court had taken up all the other matters and was to rise when I mentioned my matter and got my presence recorded and thankfully prevented any harm to the client’s interests. 

    Through one of the other learning experiences, I learnt to not take pleadings casually and to be absolutely accurate with the words while drafting pleadings. In one of the cases being conducted by one of the Advocates I was associated with in my early years (who held the brief for the defendant), I observed that while denying the pleadings of the plaintiff in the written statement, instead of the word ‘plaintiff’, the word ‘defendant’ was wrongly used. The enormity of the consequence of this inadvertent error was such that a civil suit filed by the plaintiff was decreed, under Order XII Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, on the sole basis of this inadvertent ‘admission’. This caused immense loss to the client and massive embarrassment to the concerned Advocate. After learning this important lesson, I haven’t ever filed any pleading/statement in any case without reading it at least thrice and believe you me, I have found some mistakes even in the third reading. I feel there is no other way to ensure accuracy. I further think that as an Advocate, you shouldn’t be making careless mistakes. You are paid not to make mistakes by the client. As such, you must conduct your cases with a heightened sense of responsibility. 

    Another learning that I drew from the whole episode was that one should keep one’s eyes and ears open and learn from the mistakes committed by others, without waiting to commit a mistake oneself, at the expense of one’s client. 

    Lastly, through another experience that I had with a client, where the client abruptly denied a clear understanding which I had with a client, I learnt that an Advocate should record the understanding arrived at with the client in regard to any aspect of the matter being handled for the client. Before filing pleadings/statements on behalf of the client, one should always email it to the client and ask the client to read the same in great detail and then respond to that email with an instruction to file the same if the same is in order. In my experience, following this practice will certainly save a legal practitioner from many embarrassing situations on more than one occasion in future. Further, in answer to question at serial no. 8, I have enlisted many other useful lessons I have learnt in the last 15 years as an Advocate.

    In so far as the second part of your question is concerned, there comes a stage in every lawyer’s life when you feel that you’re ready to take the plunge. The stage is usually marked by reasonable confidence that the lawyer would be able to handle a given matter by himself/herself before the court and that he/she will be able to sustain his/her basic expenses without any external help. When I got reasonably sure in regard to both the aspects mentioned above, I took the plunge into private practice, in October of 2015 and god has been kind ever since. I always tell my associates that the biggest challenge in advocacy is not advocacy itself, but the art of dealing with the clients so as to ensure that the clients pay up your fee well in time and your relationship with your clients remains cordial and transparent, built on the edifice of trust. In this regard, please note that the issue of fee should be discussed and settled soon after the client has conveyed his decision to hire you, without any delay. There should be no hesitation in discussing and settling fee with the clients at the earliest opportunity. I realise that this is easier said than done and that it takes years to get good with this but this is one of the most important aspects of advocacy. That said, the other biggest challenge which you have to overcome in setting your own practice is to get enough clients to sustain your practice and to grow it sustainably. You may be an exceptional advocate, but you don’t get to display your skills unless you appear before Courts frequently and that doesn’t happen unless you hold enough briefs for your clients to make that happen. The initial challenges for me too, therefore primarily pertained to having a good number of clients, getting those clients to realise the value of my legal advice and getting them to pay up my fee on time.

    Having represented clients in both domestic and international commercial arbitration, could you describe one of the notable cases you’ve worked on, especially your experience in the ICC Arbitration in Zurich?

    The international arbitration matter between an Austrian Company which was represented by me and a government organisation functioning under the aegis and administrative control of the Government of India, deserves a special mention here. Brief redacted facts were that my client was an Austrian Company which, along with its Indian Collaborator, supplied a complex chemical plant to a government organisation. The contract subsequently ran into rough weather and our client issued a Request for Arbitration [RFA] to the said government organisation, in accordance with the terms of the contract and the ICC Arbitration Rules [ICC Rules]. The seat of arbitration was Zurich and the other side was represented by a well-known and established Indian law firm which was substantially bigger in size than our team. The valuation of the subject matter of this arbitration was in excess of Rs. 1000 crores. We first represented the client before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court and obtained a stay against encashment of the client’s bank guarantee. This reaffirmed the client’s faith in us and led us to represent the client in the entirety of arbitration proceedings. The arbitral tribunal comprised of 3 members, including a former Chief justice of India, and a German engineer as co-arbitrators and a lady from Beirut, Lebanon, as the chairperson of the tribunal. The arbitration was administered under the aegis of ICC and governed by the ICC Rules. We had the hearings of this arbitration at Zurich, Paris and London and eventually succeeded in the case. Our claim was largely allowed and the Respondent’s counterclaim was dismissed. The victory was significant and it sparked my interest in arbitration which would become a lifelong association in times to come.

    You have significant experience in sports-related litigation. Can you discuss some landmark cases you’ve handled involving National Sports Federations and the Indian Olympic Association?

    I was introduced to sports-related litigation by a dear friend of mine in the year 2020 and since then, it’s been a constant in my practice. I have represented/advised the Kho Kho Federation of India, the Handball Association India, the Rajasthan State Olympic Association, the UP Olympic Association, the Pondicherry Olympic Association, the Delhi State Kabaddi Association, and famous discus thrower in a wide array of legal proceedings, including proceedings before Hon’ble Courts/arbitration tribunals. One of the landmark cases that I’ve been a part of is the PIL bearing W.P(C) 195/2010, titled “Rahul Mehra vs. Union of India and Ors.”. In this matter, I represented KKFI, which was an impleadment applicant. By way of the judgment dated 16.08.2022, a division bench of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi held that the National Sports Code is applicable to the Indian Olympic Association and the National Sports Federations along with their constituents. The Hon’ble Court further extensively dealt with and ruled on various aspects of the administration of the Indian Olympic Association and National Sports Federations including the validity of permanent posts like life president in IOA, differential voting rights to National Sports Federations and State Olympic Associations in IOA, the applicability of Model Election Guidelines, the applicability of age and tenure guidelines on members of the Executive Committee of NSFs and IOA, size of the Executive Committee, eligibility of a person against whom charges have been framed to contest the elections. Though the judgment is under challenge before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, it makes for an essential read for every sports lawyer in the country just for the ground it covers in the realm of sports regulation and administration.

    The said judgment was challenged by the Indian Olympic Association before the Hon’ble Supreme Court by way of SLP(C) 14533/2022. In the said matter, the Hon’ble Supreme Court initially appointed a one-man committee headed by a former judge of the Hon’ble Supreme Court tasked with the mandate to suggest amendments to the constitution/Memorandum and Rules of the Indian Olympic Association. The said committee held public hearings at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which were attended by all stakeholders including the representatives of the National Sports Federations and State Olympic Associations. I represented the Kho Kho Federation of India, the Handball Association India and the Rajasthan State Olympic Association at the public hearing. The matter is still pending adjudication before the Hon’ble Apex Court and I am fortunate to be representing the Kho Kho Federation of India and the Handball Association India who are the impleadment applicants before the Hon’ble Apex Court in the said matter.

    Another seminal sports-related litigation was a challenge to the elections of the then President, IOA by way of a civil suit for Declaration preferred by an eminent sportsperson whom I represented. The matter was hotly contested with several senior counsels representing either side. The matter went on for a couple of years and was ultimately rendered infructuous midway as the then President, IOA, voluntarily resigned from the said position before the end of his term and the matter was rendered infructuous as the desired objective was achieved before the conclusion of the trial.

    With your background in sports law and international arbitration, how do you foresee the future of sports law in India over the next 5-10 years?

    I foresee great developments for sports law showing up on the horizon. As of this day, the sports organisations, principally being the Indian Olympic Association and the National Sports Federations are regulated by the government through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports [MYAS] by issuance of executive instructions, circulars and letters which are binding on the NSFs and IOA. A compilation of such executive orders, instructions, circulars, and notifications issued by the government over a period of time, created in the year 2011, came to be referred to as the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 [National Sports Code]. The National Sports Code has been holding the field to date. However, recently, the MYAS introduced the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024, which was also put up for public consultation in the recent past. The bill proposes many reforms, making provisions for establishment of Sports Regulatory Board of India to regulate and supervise the National Sports Federations (NSFs); establishment of an internal grievance mechanism for athletes and coaches; establishment of an Appellate Sports Tribunal tasked specifically with the objective of adjudication of sports-related disputes, reservation for women and sportspersons of outstanding merit [SOM] in Executive Committee posts; establishment of Athlete’s Commission; relaxation of eligibility criteria for contesting of Executive Committee posts for wider representation.  Once the National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 is promulgated into law, it is going to revolutionise the administration and regulation of sports and herald a new era of sports development in India. 

    How do you manage the complexities of handling a wide array of civil and criminal matters at the Supreme Court of India? Can you share an example of a particularly interesting case and how you addressed the challenges it presented?

    My practice before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India is mostly confined to matters on the civil side. That said, one can manage the complexities of any case, one handles, with an in-depth knowledge of the factual and legal issues involved. The soundness of your research, the clarity of your expression, and the dint of your hard work would dispel the complexities with ease.

    One particularly interesting case that I can immediately remember was a bunch of 5 SLPs preferred by a group of Nursing Colleges situated in a particular state, inter-alia, against the Nurses Registration Council [NRC] of the said state. The Petitioners were represented by a number of AORs, Counsel and Senior Advocates and the NRC was singularly represented by me as its Standing Counsel. The matter came up before Court No. 2 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, headed by a division bench of 3 Hon’ble Judges of the Hon’ble Court, quite early in the morning and since the matters cumulatively comprised at least 2000 pages, I requested the Hon’ble Court to grant me some time for filing of proper counter-affidavits to the said SLPs. Considering the stress on the ‘urgency’ involved in the said matter and considering the ‘future of the students’ was said to be at stake in the said matters, the Hon’ble Court declined my request and asked me if I could prepare a summary and a chart to assist the Hon’ble Court by the following day. Daunted at the prospect of being able to comprehend and assist the court effectively with the matters in less than 24 hours, I requested the Hon’ble Court to grant me time till the day after. The Hon’ble Court, kindly agreed to my request and posted the matter for final hearing after two days. The task was daunting, still as these were the first 5 matters assigned to me by the MPNRC and I was at that point in time, not familiar with even the applicable statutory provisions, rules and regulations governing the subject matter of the said SLPs. Regardless,  I put everything else aside and started grasping the essence of each one of the said 5 SLPs. With great difficulty, after sleeping for less than 6 hours in the intervening 48 hours, I ended up making a note and table for the Hon’ble Court’s consideration. When the matter was taken up, I cumulatively argued for more than 30 minutes, without having to look at any of the case files. Several Advocates and Senior Advocates marshalled their arguments against the position taken by me. However, at the culmination of the hearing, the Hon’ble Court thankfully dismissed the entire batch of matters, on the strength of the arguments advanced by me and barred the Petitioners therein from approaching the Hon’ble Apex Court ever again on the said issue. The process that led to the culmination of the aforementioned matter not only enriched me immensely as an advocate but also reaffirmed my faith in my advocacy and on the principle that with hard work you can surmount insurmountable odds. Further, as is the case with the overcoming of any challenge, I felt victorious and encouraged to work harder and harder to sharpen the essential tools for my law practice.

    What advice would you offer to young lawyers who aspire to have a successful career like yours? Are there any resources or practices you recommend for staying updated with evolving legal trends?

    Some of the good habits I would encourage young lawyers to inculcate in the early years are:

    • Treat the matters of your senior as your own and handle them with the same level of ownership and responsibility. This will help you immensely later when you start your own practice.
    • Read your drafts at least thrice before filing the same. Every time you run through it, mark my words, you’ll find mistakes. Impeccable drafts create a great primary impression in the mind of the judge.
    • Never try taking shortcuts in the profession. They’re likely to do more harm than help you.
    • Read the whole judgment. Don’t just read the headnote to grasp the ratio. 
    • Never give in to the lure of unethical practices.
    • Always be loyal to your client but at the same time, remember that your ultimate loyalty lies with the court. 
    • Never mislead a judge and answer questions posed by the bench directly and promptly.
    • Have a sincere demeanour becoming an advocate while sitting inside the court. Don’t engage in fun or banter inside the court.
    • Communicate your fee structure to your client promptly, and without delay, and if possible, during the first meeting itself. 
    • Be thorough in your research and endeavour to know the jurisprudence regarding the legal proposition applicable to your case, in all its variations and limitations.
    • Lastly, remember that above-average intelligence, along with sincerity and hard work will do the trick for you in the profession.

    Further, it is substantially easier to stay abreast with the evolving legal trends than it was for the previous generation of lawyers. Earlier, to stay updated, lawyers had to rely majorly on law reports and journals. In contrast, today you have the advantage of a world connected with hi-speed internet which makes this job a whole lot easier. The other day, while I was patiently sitting and waiting for my matter to be taken up by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, a matter pertaining to legal ramifications arising from obscene comments made by a popular content creator was taken up by the Hon’ble Court. I was surprised to note that even before the matter got over, a popular online platform publishing legal news had already published a whole article on the issue. Today we live in a fast-paced world driven by technology where one has ready access to online law journals, online news portals, online legal research portals, video lectures on law by prominent jurists, and the latest addition to the list is AI driven legal research tools. With all this at one’s command, one can learn immensely and stay abreast with the latest legal trends at the same time, with ease.

    Managing a demanding legal career alongside a personal life can be difficult. How do you balance your professional commitments while maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium?

    My senior once told me that if you’ll not strike a work-life balance, you will never find enough time to complete the endless work that will keep you drowning till neck deep in its vast expanse. He always told me to leave for home on time every day so that you make the most of your days with your family. Law, as they say, is a jealous mistress. It certainly demands a lot of time and dedication from you, if you aim to excel in the legal profession. However, I am a firm believer of the age-old adage which states in the relevant part, that “if health is gone, everything is gone”. I endeavour to go to the gym 3-4 times a week to ensure my physical and mental well-being and I try to leave the office by 7-7:30 pm every day so as to be with my family by 7:45-8:15. These two habits have helped me in maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium.

    Get in touch with Anuj Tyagi –

  • “My advice to young lawyers, especially first-generation lawyers, is to not overthink the difficulties of starting an independent practice. Challenges are inevitable, no matter what field you’re in.” – Rohit Chandra, Founder & Principal at the Chambers of Rohit Chandra.

    “My advice to young lawyers, especially first-generation lawyers, is to not overthink the difficulties of starting an independent practice. Challenges are inevitable, no matter what field you’re in.” – Rohit Chandra, Founder & Principal at the Chambers of Rohit Chandra.

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

    As a first-generation lawyer, what motivated you to pursue a legal career, and what challenges did you face early on in your journey? 

    Honestly, not having to study maths anymore was my biggest motivation at first. But as I went through law school and started practicing, I realized what really keeps me going is the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives. There aren’t many professions that give you that kind of impact, and that’s what makes litigation so rewarding for me. Being part of such an esteemed fraternity pushes me to do my job with sincerity and diligence. 

    The challenges in building a legal practice are immense and ever-evolving, irrespective of background. However, as a first-generation lawyer, the journey comes with additional hurdles. Without an established network or a ready-made path to follow, the learning curve is steeper, and access to fair guidance early in one’s career can be limited. Despite these challenges, I firmly believe that resilience, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to the profession are what define success in litigation.

    How did your experience at the National Law Institute University, Bhopal, shape your path and influence your legal career? 

    NLIU has played a huge role in shaping me as a legal professional. During my time there, I had the privilege of meeting and building friendships with some incredible people who constantly guided, supported, and motivated me to pursue litigation as an independent advocate. In fact, every major opportunity in my legal career—whether internships, jobs, or other professional breaks—came through the support of my friends and alumni from NLIU. Needless to say, the institution has had a lasting influence on my journey. More than just academics, it helped me build a strong network that has been invaluable in sustaining my legal career, both inside and outside the courtroom. 

    Your career began at the Gwalior High Court, and later joined Advocate-on-Record (Supreme Court) office at New Delhi. What valuable lessons did you learn from these experiences, and how did they contribute to your development as a litigator?

    As a first-generation lawyer, I believe that gaining experience in a chamber is essential before starting an independent practice. For me, these experiences have been invaluable, shaping my approach to the profession and teaching me important lessons about sincerity and dedication in law. Whether in Gwalior or Delhi, I was fortunate to work closely with some incredibly hardworking professionals who mentored me along the way. Their constant support and guidance, even today, help me navigate the complexities of the profession. 

    During your time at RS Prabhu & Co., you had the opportunity to work with major corporations and industry players. What challenges did you face while handling corporate clients, and how did this experience enhance your expertise in corporate law? 

    My time at RS Prabhu & Co. was instrumental in shaping my professional growth. Working with major corporations like Reliance Industries, ONGC, L&T etc. provided me with invaluable exposure to high-stakes corporate legal matters. This experience not only allowed me to engage with some of the biggest industry players but also gave me the opportunity to work alongside and learn from some of the most respected legal pioneers in our fraternity. 

    Handling corporate clients comes with its own set of challenges. Large organizations operate in complex legal and regulatory environments, requiring a deep and constantly evolving understanding of corporate law. Each case or transaction presented unique challenges, pushing me to refine my legal knowledge and skills continuously. The dynamic nature of corporate legal work—ranging from regulatory compliance to high-value contractual negotiations—demanded adaptability, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. I will always remain grateful to Mr. K.R. Sasiprabhu, whose mentorship and leadership at RS Prabhu & Co. created an environment that nurtured my growth. His guidance not only enhanced my expertise but also gave me the confidence to establish my own practice. The challenges I faced while working with such major corporate clients ultimately strengthened my ability to navigate complex legal issues, making me a more well-rounded legal professional.

    What motivated you to transition from working in established law firms to starting your own independent practice in 2020? What were some of the significant challenges you encountered in building your practice from scratch, and how did you overcome them? 

    Starting my own independent practice was always the plan since my college days. However, the timing depended on several factors. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many offices were shutting down, that I saw an opportunity and decided to take a leap of faith. 

    One of the biggest challenges early on was establishing a steady flow of work, especially since I wasn’t originally from Delhi. Ensuring that my office could sustain itself financially while also keeping myself engaged was a priority. To do that, I took on a wide range of legal work—not just court matters but anything that required legal assistance. Some of these areas were new to me, as I hadn’t dealt with them much during my time with law firms, but they kept me occupied and helped me build a foundation. The early days of independent practice can be exhausting and uncertain, but the constant support and motivation from my family, friends, and mentors made all the difference. Their guidance helped me push through the difficult phases, and over time, I was able to establish a practice that I could sustain and grow. 

    When preparing for and presenting arguments in criminal cases, especially those involving serious offences, what are the key considerations you take into account? 

    When preparing for any case and not just cases involving serious offenses, the first and most important step is to go through the case file thoroughly. Every document needs to be examined in detail to ensure there are no gaps in understanding the facts. A solid argument starts with knowing the case inside out. It’s equally important to carefully study the legal provisions under which the offense is charged. The exact wording of the law matters, and staying updated on recent judgments and legislative changes is crucial. Criminal law keeps evolving, and being aware of these developments helps in building strong and effective arguments. 

    I also make it a point to write down my arguments, no matter how well I remember them. Practicing beforehand allows me to structure my submissions clearly and present them with confidence in court. This ensures that every important detail is covered and arguments are delivered in the most effective way possible.

    What advice would you offer to young lawyers, especially those who are first-generation lawyers, just starting their legal careers? What qualities or skills do you believe are essential for success in today’s competitive legal environment? 

    My advice to young lawyers, especially first-generation lawyers, is to not overthink the difficulties of starting an independent practice. Challenges are inevitable, no matter what field you’re in. Instead of stressing over them, focus on finding something that keeps you going during tough times—whether it’s a strong support system, a particular area of law you enjoy, or just the drive to keep improving. A strong command over the language in which you argue is crucial, and it’s something you need to constantly work on. Never underestimate the importance of hard work—it’s one of the biggest factors in building a successful practice. Also, be disciplined. Always be on time, whether it’s for court hearings or client meetings. Being reliable goes a long way in earning trust and credibility. 

    Most importantly, learn to balance your time between applying your skills and improving them. Keep learning, stay open to feedback, and never stop refining your craft. And no matter how far you go, always be humble and grateful to the people who support you along the way. Success in law isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about how you grow.

    Get in touch with Rohit Chandra –

  • “I encourage younger lawyers to develop a deep understanding of the law, cultivate strong communication and advocacy skills, and maintain a high level of professionalism in their practice.” – Ishaan Chhaya, Partner at Revera Legal.

    “I encourage younger lawyers to develop a deep understanding of the law, cultivate strong communication and advocacy skills, and maintain a high level of professionalism in their practice.” – Ishaan Chhaya, Partner at Revera Legal.

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

    After over 13 years of experience in representing clients in disputes, through arbitration and court proceedings, can you tell us what initially inspired you to pursue a career in law? What motivated you to establish your professional journey in this field?

    My initial outlook towards law was fraught with ignorance – in school, one never saw it as an option. Law opened up as a career when I fortunately received admission into National Law University, Jodhpur and decided to join on my parents’ insistence. As time passed and as my studies progressed, having already been a voracious reader, I became drawn to the intellectual challenges and problem-solving aspects that the legal profession offers. I realised that law pervades almost every aspect of life and society which leads to learning new and interesting things every day. Once I graduated, the satisfaction of being the means for clients to secure their rights provided (and still provides) the drive for my legal practice..   

    Having gained substantial experience at law firms such as Phoenix Legal, and Tuli & Co., how has your approach to dispute resolution evolved over time? What unique perspectives have you brought to Revera Legal in your current role as Partner?

    Over the years, my approach to dispute resolution has evolved from a purely academic and legalistic approach to a more holistic and practical one. I have come to realize that effective dispute resolution requires not only a deep understanding of the law but also a keen awareness of the commercial and practical realities facing my clients. I believe in taking a proactive and solution-oriented approach, working closely with my clients to develop strategies that not only achieve their legal objectives but also align with their business goals. At Revera Legal, I have brought this perspective, along with my extensive experience in handling complex commercial disputes, to provide our clients with comprehensive and commercially sound legal advice and representation.   

    You’ve handled high-profile arbitration cases, including disputes in an LCIA-administered arbitration. What legal strategies did you employ to address the complexities of fraud and misrepresentation allegations in international arbitration, and how do you navigate challenges arising from differing governing laws and jurisdictions in cross-border disputes?

    Proving fraud requires demonstrating that the person committing fraud acted with intent to deceive, which can be difficult to establish through evidence in a civil trial. Fraud cases often involve intricate fact patterns and transactions, making it challenging to present a clear and concise case to the arbitral tribunal. In arbitrations involving fraud and misrepresentation, I therefore focus on building a strong evidentiary foundation. This includes meticulous document review, financial analysis, and engagement of forensic experts if needed. I also carefully analyse the arbitral tribunal’s procedural rules and the applicable law to tailor my arguments. In cross-border disputes, navigating jurisdictional and governing law issues requires a thorough understanding and crafty application of conflict-of-laws principles. In fact, as I speak, we are currently preparing for a potential dispute which presents an interesting conflict between Indian and US jurisdictions

    In the case of National Insurance’s claim against Chubb European Group under a  reinsurance policy, what challenges did you face when representing the insurer before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission?

    The National Insurance case presented a unique challenge as to whether the scope of consumer disputes includes reinsurance disputes. To address this, our team at the time. I  focused on demonstrating that the reinsurance policy in question was not being used for commercial purpose but rather a means for National Insurance to protect itself from significant losses that may affect its bottomline in the event that it settles a large insurance claim. The challenge was that to an untrained eye it would appear that an insurer, being in the business of providing insurance, was simply leveraging its reinsurance cover for receiving heftier premia in its insurance policies. We drafted submissions based on the specific terms of the policy and reinsurance notes, IRDAI regulations governing reinsurance in India, industry practices, , and relevant case law to show that obtaining a reinsurance policy is not used for generating profit but rather acts as security for unforeseen losses to the insurer. A final decision in the matter is pending I believe and I hope that the foundation that we created in the case years back, leads to the Hon’ble Commission ruling that an insurer is a consumer of reinsurance coverage and therefore can file a consumer complaint against its reinsurer.

    Drawing from your experience in providing pre-arbitration strategic advice for a FIDIC-based contract with the Ministry of Defence, what are the critical considerations when preparing the client for such disputes and future arbitration proceedings?

    A fundamental strength of FIDIC contracts is their emphasis on clearly defining and allocating risks between the employer and the contractor. When advising on FIDIC-based contracts, I first emphasize proactive contract management to mitigate potential disputes. This includes ensuring clear documentation of all project-related communications, adherence to contractual timelines and procedures, and prompt identification and resolution of any ambiguities or disagreements within the framework provided by the contract. However, should the case proceed to arbitration  the focus always remains on building a strong case file,  which needs in depth identification, analysis and organization of evidence much prior to invocation., Successful claims (or counter-claims) in such an arbitration and often depend on lawyers efficiently and accurately synchronizing and linking timelines, technical evidence and contractual provisions before formulating the statement of claims or defence.

    Your commitment to fostering diversity within the legal profession is admirable. How do you ensure that aspiring lawyers receive the mentorship and opportunities needed within your firm? What key qualities do you look for when mentoring young lawyers, and what guidance do you offer them as they navigate their legal careers?

    At Revera Legal, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We provide aspiring lawyers with mentorship opportunities, training programs, and challenging assignments to help them develop their skills and advance their careers. When mentoring young lawyers, I look for qualities such as intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, and empathy with a client’s position. I encourage younger lawyers to develop a deep understanding of the law, cultivate strong communication and advocacy skills, and maintain a high level of professionalism in their practice. Irrespective of personal or professional difficulties throughout their career, lawyers must foremost ensure that their client’s best case is presented.

    Given the demands of your career and leadership position, how do you personally manage to maintain a work-life balance? Additionally, how do you encourage your team to prioritize a healthy work-life balance while excelling in their professional roles?

    Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial for both personal well-being and professional success. Though this appears to be a difficult endeavour in the practice of law, which requires constant attention, reading and mental exertion, do attempt and encourage proper time management,  and distribution of responsibilities amongst the team to the extent possible. Lawyers are always doing a lot of heavy lifting, whether in court practice or transactional negotiations. In such a situation, having a  flexible work environment, rewards and recognition for achievements and drawing boundaries between work and personal life ensures sustainable growth in the profession. 

    In your view, what role will technological innovation play in shaping the future of the legal profession, particularly in the areas of arbitration and dispute resolution?

    Technological innovation is transforming the legal profession as I knew it at the inception of my career, and I believe this trend will continue to accelerate. In arbitration and dispute resolution, we are seeing the rise of online dispute resolution platforms, the use of artificial intelligence for document drafting and review as well as the adoption of virtual hearings by courts throughout the country. I also see that several lawyers and esteemed judges have altogether stopped using paper, instead using tablets and laptops in court, all of which are helpful in organizing, reviewing and carrying voluminous files, and are certainly friendly to the environment. In fact, I believe even notarial services are now being offered online, which are helpful when parties are located in far flung jurisdictions or locations. These innovations have the potential to make the dispute resolution faster, more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible. I am excited to embrace these advancements and leverage them in my firm and practice.

    Get in touch with Ishaan Chhaya –

  • “Trial advocacy is story telling. It is the skill of bringing out what really happened and this principle is true no matter the nature of the dispute.” – Mikhail Behl, Counsel, Arbitrator & Mediator at Chambers of Mikhail Behl.

    “Trial advocacy is story telling. It is the skill of bringing out what really happened and this principle is true no matter the nature of the dispute.” – Mikhail Behl, Counsel, Arbitrator & Mediator at Chambers of Mikhail Behl.

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

    Was there any particular experience or realization that solidified your commitment to pursue a legal career?

    Let’s just say that there have been moments in my life as well as in the lives of the people I hold closest to me where we could have benefited from having someone advocate for us. 

    After completing your law degree, you went on to pursue a Master’s at The University of Edinburgh, a highly respected institution. Could you share some insights from your time there and elaborate on why you chose this particular university over others? Additionally, being a recipient of both the University of Edinburgh’s International Masters Scholarship and the R.D. Sethna Memorial Trust Scholarship is an impressive achievement. How did these scholarships impact your academic journey?

    I was considering two schools, Columbia and the University of Edinburgh. Both their LLM programs in IPR were being run by people who I thought were at the forefront of Copyright law, Jane Ginsburg and Charlotte Walde respectively. 

    I opted for the Edinburgh LLM program because I was granted the University’s scholarship for India which together with the RD Sethna scholarship covered tuition. At the time my father who is a veteran of the Armed Forces had just retired from service and honestly without the assistance from these scholarships further studies would not have been possible at all.   

    You were a law clerk in the Bombay High Court. What are your takeaways from your clerkship at the Bombay High Court?

    My clerkship period taught me how important it is to have good people in high office. Ultimately, the justice delivery system is a human agency and as a law clerk in a High Court you will see how immense and immediate an impact it has on the lives of people. 

    After your Masters, you joined the chambers of Senior Advocate Dinyar D. Madon. Describe chamber life and how that period influenced your practice?

    I remember as if it were yesterday walking into Mr. Madon’s Chambers with just my C.V. in hand – no appointment and no references. It was a few days before Courts were to resume after the Diwali vacations and in Mr. Madon walked with his assistant Sanjay bhai carrying his freshly dry cleaned monkey jacket and gown. While I waited for an opportunity to speak with him, I had my first interaction with Cyrus Ardeshir (now himself a Sr. Advocate), his most senior junior at that time. I recall Cyrus stopping the dictation of a draft and speaking to me for a good five to ten minutes. I didn’t know it at the time but I think now that was ‘the interview’.  When I finally had a meeting with Mr. Madon, it was less than a minute and Mr. Madon told me he couldn’t take me in because chambers was full, he told me he had just taken on two more juniors just days before. I asked him to keep my C.V. but resigned myself to this being another rejection. In all, I was probably rejected by 20 chambers across the city most refusing to even see me.    

    A couple of days later, however, I got a call from Mr. Madon asking me to join from coming Monday. I couldn’t believe it, I later learned it was Cyrus putting in a good word for me that convinced Mr. Madon. I treat that moment as the first door that had been opened for me in the profession, every opportunity that I have had thereafter could only have been possible because Mr. Madon and Cyrus took a chance on a young stranger. There was no reason for Mr. Madon to call me back, I was a nobody and had no references to speak on my behalf. But this is who he is at his core, someone who helps. I wish more people knew this about him he is immensely charitable. 

    I know a lot of people probably think Mr. Madon’s chamber is too strict or old fashioned. Chambers had a strictly ‘no stubble’ policy. Interns have been sent away from work for breaking this rule. If we were leaving court for chambers it was bands off and ties on. Ties were mandatory in chambers. I wish I could tell you this was difficult for me, but I come from a very disciplined background, my father is a veteran, his brothers are veterans and his father was a veteran. My grandfather on my mother’s side was also a veteran. I loved it! In a lighter vein being clean shaven came easy for someone who till this day can’t grow a proper beard, so I may have gotten away with just shaving every other day. 

    I think I was very fortunate to join Mr. Madon at that particular phase of his career. He was absolutely flooded with work and would have anywhere between 20 to 40 matters on board on any given day. It was not unusual for evenings to have as many as 10 briefings. Then there was also Cyrus’s work. The juniors in Mr. Madon’s chamber shared a common work area and I think I learned how to draft just by listening to Cyrus dictate his drafts. I probably found my regular briefing attorneys through Cyrus as well who would ask me to fill in if he couldn’t it make it for a matter. All in all the exposure was immense. Chambers had a great library managed by Jairam a savant at whom you could literally throw any random proposition and within minutes he would just magically show up with the citation or source you needed.  

    If you haven’t worked with Mr. Madon, let me tell you he reads vertically and not horizontally and he does this super-fast. Most people think he is just flicking pages until he corrects them about the contents of an Affidavit or pleading. Working with him caused you to develop “coping” or “keep up” abilities that benefit me till this day. For me initially, this meant working very long hours and so I was entrusted with the keys for chambers. I locked up almost every night I was at his chambers. I think my key takeaway however from my period in Chambers was how important it was to develop your first principles. These principles if readily at your disposal are definitive of the fate of a proceeding and obviously also your career.  

    The immense exposure at chambers helped me realise my own strengths, weaknesses and interests. Just being associated with chambers gave me my first opportunities as an arbitrator. Judges knew that I was from his chamber and that everyone from his chambers had both ability and integrity the most important attributes of an arbitrator.  

    With over 50 trials and a breadth of experience across multiple legal domains, what advice would you offer to young lawyers aspiring to develop a diverse practice similar to yours? Which specific skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in such a competitive and multifaceted field?

    Trial advocacy is story telling. It is the skill of bringing out what really happened. This principle is true no matter the nature of the dispute. Once you understand this things start falling in place. The skills required are actually fairly achievable, I do not personally subscribe to the belief that this is any form of mysterious craft or skill. The ideal trial lawyer builds an understanding of how things should have been or were intended to be and works out the anomalies in the case before them from this understanding. A good trial lawyer should also work on building their intuitive powers, because understanding who they are examining and how those persons think and behave is vital. They will accordingly do well to learn to identify ‘tells’, traits and patters in people as this will help them in any trial. 

    In handling intricate trademark infringement and passing-off cases, you demonstrated remarkable expertise. Can you walk us through your approach in addressing complex issues like packaging similarity, particularly in the context of pharmaceutical products? 

    In these kind of cases, one is really presenting to the Court the likely perceptions of an imperfect and average human being as grounds for granting or refusing relief. Understanding this standard is definitive of success in this area of law.  

    Tell us something about the journey involved in setting up your own chambers and your decision to specialise in ADR?  

    I think setting up one’s independent chambers is fairly universal in the city of Mumbai. The more difficult question is probably the decision to specialise. This requires both introspection and courage. For me mediation and arbitrations fit well into my core skill sets. I think I am a good listener, I actually enjoy listening to people more than I do speaking. I love writing and it is something I think I do well. Over time I think I have developed a very distinct identity in my writing style as well. Writing is the most core ability an arbitrator can possess. Ultimately the entire arbitration is about the arbitrator’s award/order and if this output is lacking the process is meaningless. The fact that the Supreme Court has a constitutional bench mulling over the need for adapting an award is testimony to the importance of a well written award. 

    Balancing a successful legal career with personal life is undoubtedly challenging. How do you maintain this equilibrium? What strategies or routines do you employ to ensure both your professional commitments and personal well-being are well-managed, especially considering the demanding nature of your career?

    I wish I could tell you I have the perfect life. But that would be a lie. I have always wanted to be a “sports and extracurricular dad”. My most recurring dream is me teaching or watching my child learn the sport of their choice. But that dream hasn’t worked out for me. 

    That failing aside, I do have very many interests outside of law and I have no hesitation or shame in saying I am not a slave to the profession. I do not believe law is a jealous mistress. Because I know lawyers benefit from knowing things outside of law! I actively engage with a network of friends outside of the profession. I am always curious to know from them how their businesses’ work and how they deal with variable situations as and when those may arise in their respective fields. This network of friends has given me unimaginable insight into varied areas of commerce and trade. One I could never have obtained from just reading briefs or limiting my interactions to just other lawyers. 

    I am an avid mountaineer and have done several expeditions and treks both solo and through organised treks. My earliest memories are of camping in the Himalayas with my father of learning to pitch a tent probably at the age most kids learn to tie their shoes. I am extremely fond of landscape and architectural photography and have had my photographs featured in exhibitions around the world. 

    Over the last 7 years I have actively invested in learning and becoming proficient in Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting. I have done two accreditation courses as well, though I have no intention of teaching anyone other than myself. This activity in particular is what keeps my health both mental and physical well managed. I wish more lawyers understood the benefits of strength training. It is literally a lifesaving and life enhancing activity. I think most of the stresses lawyers encounter and even the insecurities lawyers have about themselves would disappear if they explored a more healthy life. I have also studied nutrition and follow a good sustainable diet and have a very healthy relation with food. 

    But the number one thing that brings me peace and happiness is spending the weekend with my parents. Every night before I sleep I thank god for my parents, they are truly remarkable people who have overcome such tremendous odds to become extremely well respected and loved people within their community. My father is a renowned oncologist and my mother is an adored educator. Trust me if you knew the circumstances they came from this shouldn’t have been possible. There is pure magic in their spirit. It is such a fortuitous conspiracy that they are my guides in this world. They gave me every opportunity they did not themselves have.  

    As a sole arbitrator in more than 100 arbitral proceedings and a member of several prestigious panels, including those of HKIAC, SIAC, and ADGM, how do you envision the future of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in India, particularly in relation to complex commercial disputes? How do you see the evolution of ADR in comparison to global institutions?

    I see ADR as the only hope for private dispute resolution in India. The court system is incapable of meeting India’s needs to resolve private disputes efficiently. The court system should in my opinion be limited to a scrutiny of citizen-state actions. The proposed introduction of arbitration appellate tribunals and recognition of emergency arbitrators is a great step towards developing an appropriate eco-system for private dispute resolution. What also needs to be done is to provide a separate execution mechanism and robust measures such as contempt and criminal prosecution against bad actors, both users, lawyers and arbitrators functioning within this private dispute eco-system. 

    Having successfully navigated the Bar Standards Board application process in the U.K. and being granted exemptions based on your experience, how has this international qualification enhanced your legal practice both in India and the U.K.? Furthermore, how has your accreditation as a mediator influenced your dispute resolution strategies and the way you approach conflict in your legal career?

    Becoming a barrister was an ambition I had to put aside for a while as I had to return home after my Masters for personal reasons. For fate to conspire and to later be made a barrister through the accelerated process with full exemptions from all academic and vocational training components was a miracle. Being called to bar at Lincoln’s Inn by none other than the Master of the Rolls was a surreal moment one that is etched in my memory and one I will cherish forever. Being dual qualified now allows me to not only receive instructions as counsel in multiple jurisdictions but to also act as arbitrator in disputes where English law applies. 

    My decision to undergo formal mediation training was born out of past experiences. I have seen far too many likely settlements fail both as counsel and arbitrator to not recognise an underlying failing within me as cause thereof. I am not one to let such failings persist. 

    The mediator training course at the Royal Society of Mediators taught me path breaking techniques that I apply subtly all the time as counsel and arbitrator. I think I am now always silently working away at a likely mediated settlement. When I function as a neutral the pure joy of using these techniques to bring people to a principled dialogue is by far the most satisfying part of my legal practice. To be honest, it has helped me immensely in my personal life as well. It is finely tuned my instincts and improved my communication abilities. An earlier version of me listened to respond and the new me listens to understand.  

    Get in touch with Mikhail Behl –

  • “With rapid advancements in technology, particularly with the rise of AI, IP and Data Privacy laws are evolving quickly. Staying updated through IP-specific news, following IP practitioners, and engaging with industry peers will be highly beneficial.” – Isha Gandhi, Senior Legal Associate at R K Dewan & Co.

    “With rapid advancements in technology, particularly with the rise of AI, IP and Data Privacy laws are evolving quickly. Staying updated through IP-specific news, following IP practitioners, and engaging with industry peers will be highly beneficial.” – Isha Gandhi, Senior Legal Associate at R K Dewan & Co.

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

    What initially inspired you to pursue a career in law? What aspects of law sparked your interest and shaped your understanding?

    I chose law as a profession because I’ve always had a passion for writing and speaking. Law provides the perfect platform to combine these interests, allowing me to express ideas clearly through legal writing and to advocate effectively in speaking engagements. The ability to analyse complex issues, craft persuasive arguments, and communicate them both in writing and orally is what truly drew me to this field.

    After completing your law degree, what experiences influenced your decision to specialize in intellectual property law? What were some of the key moments that helped establish your foundation in IP law?

    I developed a strong interest in Intellectual Property Law during my college years, which led me to pursue a specialized diploma in IPR laws from Symbiosis Law School, followed by a course from the World Intellectual Property Organization. The complexity and significance of protecting innovations in an increasingly digital world fascinated me. To deepen my understanding, I also interned with boutique IP firms during my college years, gaining valuable insights into IPR laws.

    When advising multinational corporations on IP protection strategies, how do you navigate the complexities of differing national IP laws and enforcement mechanisms? Can you share an example of a time when you successfully managed cross-border trademark infringement issues?

    Intellectual Property (IP) laws in most countries are largely governed by international conventions and treaties, such as the TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights), Berne Convention, etc. which establishes a common framework for IP protection. As a result, the fundamental principles of IP law are generally consistent across jurisdictions. However, each country may have its own specific regulations, enforcement mechanisms, and nuances in how IP rights are granted, protected, and enforced. Thus, navigating the complexities of different national IP laws requires a tailored approach.

    A key aspect of advising multinational corporations is understanding the unique regulatory environment in each region and developing a strategy that ensures protection while considering local enforcement challenges. One instance I recall involved a cross-border copyright infringement and trademark passing off issue where the infringer had obtained registration of a concerned trademark in India and the client’s mark was pending for registration. The Trademark laws are territorial in nature and there are multiple cases supporting this principle. In this case we had to establish the malafide adoption by the infringer before the Court and filed multiple rectifications against the fraudulent registrations obtained by the infringer in India. This collaborative approach helped to secure an injunction order in favour of our client.

    With the rise of digital platforms, how has IP infringement evolved over recent years, and what proactive measures can brands take to protect their intellectual property online? Drawing from your experience on the Internet Committee at INTA, which policies do you think are essential in addressing online IP issues, particularly with respect to domain name disputes and cybersquatting?

    The evolution of IP infringement in the digital space has been significant, with an increase in online piracy, unauthorized use of trademarks, and domain name disputes. Brands must adopt a proactive, multi-faceted approach to protect their IP online, including monitoring digital platforms, utilizing digital tools for brand protection, and engaging in vigilant enforcement actions. On the Internet Committee at INTA, we focus on creating policies that balance the needs of IP owners with the realities of the digital space. Policies to address cybersquatting, such as enhancing domain name dispute resolution mechanisms, are critical. Strengthening the cooperation between domain registrars, social media platforms, and IP owners is vital to combatting these challenges effectively.

    As privacy and data protection laws become increasingly significant, how do you incorporate cyber law considerations into your intellectual property advisory, especially when drafting documents such as terms of service, privacy policies, and user agreements?

    With privacy and data protection laws becoming increasingly stringent, especially with regulations like GDPR, it’s essential to integrate these considerations into IP advisory work. When drafting documents such as terms of service or privacy policies, I ensure they reflect both IP protection and compliance with data protection laws. This includes ensuring clear consent protocols for data usage, addressing how user data interacts with proprietary technology, and defining the ownership of data generated by users. The intersection of IP and cyber law is particularly important for tech companies or those with a heavy online presence, as they must navigate these dual concerns with care.

    How do you approach the drafting and strategy behind a commercial suit for trademark infringement or passing off, as well as copyright infringement, considering the complexities of such cases? Can you share an example of a particularly complex matter that required you to appear before the Delhi District Courts or High Court?

    Every case is unique, and before strategizing and drafting a commercial suit, I ensure a thorough investigation of the facts to build a strong case. This includes gathering evidence of use, assessing market presence, and evaluating the likelihood of confusion. Following this, I research the latest legal positions taken by various courts within the country, and in some instances, I also examine international legal perspectives. This ensures that my approach is both methodical and comprehensive.

    One particularly complex matter I worked on involved a copyright infringement case against a well-known global online audio-video streaming platform. The case required a deep dive into copyright infringement on the web and the liability of intermediaries. The research expanded to cover the copyright laws of different countries signatory to the Berne Convention, as well as relevant court decisions from multiple jurisdictions.

    For law students or aspiring lawyers interested in brand protection, what advice would you give them for building a successful career in IP law? Are there specific resources, strategies, or steps they should take while still in law school or right after graduation to get ahead, particularly in the evolving landscape of legal practice and emerging legal fields?

    For law students or aspiring lawyers interested in IP law, I recommend pursuing a specialized course in IP, in addition to thoroughly studying the relevant subjects offered by your college. With rapid advancements in technology, particularly with the rise of AI, IP and Data Privacy laws are evolving quickly. Staying updated through IP-specific news, following IP practitioners, and engaging with industry developments will be highly beneficial. Internships with IP law firms or in-house legal teams, as well as participating in IP-focused Moot Courts and competitions, provide invaluable hands-on experience. Building a solid foundation in both legal theory and practical application is essential as the IP landscape continues to evolve.

    Given the high demands of your profession, how do you manage to maintain a balance between your personal and professional life? What practices do you follow to prioritize your health and well-being while maintaining a successful career in law?

    Achieving the perfect work-life balance is often seen as a utopian ideal that many of us strive for. While there are times when one must prioritize work or personal life, balancing the demands of a legal career with personal life is undeniably challenging. This field is demanding and keeps you constantly on your toes, so it’s essential to make time for regular exercise and prioritize health and well-being.

    Over the years, I’ve learned that delegation is a key part of professional growth, and I make sure to delegate tasks when possible to manage my workload effectively. Having a strong support system—both professionally and personally—also plays a significant role in maintaining this balance.

    In addition to my passion for work, I make time for sports and dance to recharge myself. I’m a Kathak trainee and completed my third-year graduation in the art last year. In 2023, I was the runner-up in both the Singles and Mixed Doubles categories at the Delhi High Court Table Tennis Tournaments. I also practice mindfulness and make it a point to disconnect from work and travel when needed to maintain mental well-being.

    Having been with R. K. Dewan & Co. for nearly a decade, how has your role evolved over the years, and what factors have contributed to your continued growth within the firm? What do you believe has been key to maintaining your passion and motivation while managing such a dynamic and demanding career in intellectual property law?

    Under the mentorship of legal stalwarts Dr. Mohan Dewan, Dr. Niti Dewan, and Mr. N. K. Bhardwaj, my nearly decade-long journey with R. K. Dewan & Co. has shaped me both professionally and personally. Starting as a first-generation lawyer, I have grown to independently advise clients and manage junior lawyers, a progression made possible by the trust the firm has placed in me, which has led to an expansion of my roles and responsibilities over the years. What continues to drive my passion and motivation is the dynamic nature of IP law and the constant challenge of navigating new and complex legal issues.

    Maintaining passion and motivation in such a demanding career comes down to balancing professional challenges with personal interests. I find excitement in solving complex problems for clients, and I stay driven by the impact that intellectual property has on innovation and creativity. Additionally, the opportunity to work on diverse and high-profile cases, along with the trust and responsibility the firm has given me, continues to inspire me. The combination of professional growth, personal development, and a supportive work environment has been key to maintaining my enthusiasm for IP law.

    Get in touch with Isha Gandhi –

  • “One of the most important lessons Justice A.K. Patnaik (Retd.), taught me was don’t rush after judgments. Read the statute first and try applying the law to the facts before moving on to judgments which explain the grey areas of law.” – Gaurav Rai, Managing Associate at C&S Partners.

    “One of the most important lessons Justice A.K. Patnaik (Retd.), taught me was don’t rush after judgments. Read the statute first and try applying the law to the facts before moving on to judgments which explain the grey areas of law.” – Gaurav Rai, Managing Associate at C&S Partners.

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

    With nearly a decade of experience in law, what first inspired you to pursue this profession? Was it a conscious decision from the start, or did it naturally evolve over time?

    Law did not seem a natural choice for me initially. I pursued science post 10th Boards and was leaning towards a career in engineering. However, within a few months into the 11th standard, I realised I was not made for a career in science. Also, I always wanted to do something different. While I was exploring a few options, based on what was my worldview at that age, one of my close family friends chose law and that is when I tried to imagine if that is something I would enjoy. By 12th standard I knew, law was the way to go. It stunned a lot of people in a small town where engineering and medicine seemed like the only options for science students. But I had made up my mind and haven’t looked back since. 

    After completing your law degree, you went on to pursue an LL.M. in International Banking and Finance Law from University College London. What motivated you to choose this particular university, and how has your academic journey there contributed to your success in your career? Could you also share some experiences or challenges you faced during the admission process or while studying at UCL?

    Initially I had not even imagined that pursuing an LLM abroad would be one of the options I had. But my father encouraged me to seriously consider it. I was clear that I eventually wanted to pursue Litigation and Arbitration back in India. 

    Since the UK is the home to common law and a lot of Indian law has evolved from the British era, choosing to pursue my LLM in the UK became a natural choice. 

    I researched online and had discussions with a few people who had already pursued their education abroad. The general consensus was that I should look for the professor under whose guidance I would want to write my thesis rather than only selecting a college / university. At that time my interest was in International Law of Foreign Investment and Treaty arbitration. Which is why I wanted to pursue my Master’s under Dr. Martins Paparinskis whose profile was something I was drawn to. He taught both these subjects at University College London in 2015-16. 

    The experience at UCL was exhilarating. Their style of teaching taught me the discipline of self study even before the lecture begins. We had the entire curriculum for the semester in our hands even before the introductory lecture. The focus was on discussions on the topics we were already supposed to have read up on and only to clear doubts based on the preliminary reading. Of the 4 subjects I had chosen, we only had only one lecture of two hours per subject in a week, giving us ample time to read before and after the lecture. This encouraged us to think independently which was the biggest takeaway from the course. 

    One of the most important courses I took up at UCL was the Academic English Writing Course. It was open to all and was a course which would help us write our thesis. This course has had immense long term impact on my career, as it was the seed which led to my academic writing bug later on and also for establishing the Arbitration Workshop Blog. 

    Honestly, the admission process was very streamlined. But I would be remiss in saying that I did everything on my own, I was given guidance by an education consultancy service in India. They were very clear that they would only guide me through the process while I focussed on preparing my essay for the selection process. They encouraged me to dig deep and write the essay based on my life and why I was the best candidate to secure a place in the master’s programme at UCL. The actual course work at UCL was enjoyable. Since we were non-europeans, we were also given the first preference in the hostel accommodations run by the University. To some extent the only challenge I faced was preparing my own meals as I chose an accommodation which did not have a mess but had kitchens on individual floors spread between 5 flatmates. But even that became enjoyable over the course of time.  

    Following your master’s, you worked as a legal assistant to Justice A.K. Patnaik (Retd.), Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India. What were your early experiences like in that role, and how did they shape your understanding of the law? Are there any values or insights from that time that you still carry with you today?

    It was the greatest introduction I could have had in the legal profession. I was the first legal assistant he had hired since his retirement from the Supreme Court and since his foray into arbitration. The one-to-one mentorship with him was a great learning experience. I got introduced to the practical aspects of contract law during my tenure with him and that has shaped my expertise. The practice of arbitration is associated more with contract Law rather than arbitration law and the fundamental aspects of contract law that I learnt on the job helped me immensely in my academic writing. 

    He had a terrific library on domestic and international contract law which broadened my horizons. I got into the habit of reading those books during my free time. One of the most important lessons he taught me was don’t rush after judgments. Read the statute first and try applying the law to the facts before moving on to judgments which explain the grey areas of law.

    When drafting arbitration awards for construction contracts, particularly regarding issues like delays in land handover, scope changes, and termination payments, what were some of the key legal challenges you faced?

    The key issues with constructions contracts were liquidated damages clauses which capped the damages for losses that occurred due to breaches on the part of the employer, such as delay in handover of land / right of away. It created a conundrum where an employer who had hopelessly delayed in handing over of the land or was in breach of an obligation under the contract, was still not liable for the damages to the extent sought by the Contractor, as there was either an exclusion clause or a liquidated damages clause. This is an interplay between Section 73, 74 and 55 of the Contract Act read with Section 23 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, wherein the terms of the contract, however absurd, governed the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal. 

    As far as change of scope of work is concerned, the disagreement stemmed from whether something amounted to change of scope of work or was it within the original scope of work. I can recall a case wherein the contractor had intimated to the employer that as part of the original objective of constructing the road, there was certain additional work that was required to be done such as shifting of certain pipelines which were not contemplated within the original scope of work. The contractor sought for the approval, however, never received the same. But as the same was necessary to move forward with the construction, they carried out the additional work and raised invoices towards it later. The Employer however rejected the invoices as they had not been approved. In such a scenario, arbitral tribunal had to rely on principles of contract law to hold that the Employer had by its conduct approved the changes, as it never objected to the same contemporaneously, and accordingly the contractor was granted the claim towards the additional work done as part of the construction.  

    Termination payment also is a complex issue. Concession agreements provide termination payment to be made to the contractor in the event of a termination of the contract, either rightful or wrongful, the quantum however being different. Such termination payment clauses are unique to concession agreements as in the DBFOT model, the concessionaire is not just responsible for the construction but also the financing among other things. In cases of termination payment, therefore, the issue of liability becomes very highly contested. Also, the quantification of termination payment used to be very complex and used to have certain grey areas, which made the calculation itself difficult. In cases where the parties spent maximum amount of time on the liability, if the issue of quantification was left unresolved, it became a challenge for the arbitral tribunal to understand the calculation methodology under the contract. This could lead to disagreement over the calculation itself and was particularly challenging on a few occasions while drafting the arbitral award in the office of Justice A.K. Patnaik.

    Can you share some of the most difficult aspects of representing public sector insurance companies in arbitration or before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission?

    While dealing with any public sector undertaking, the most crucial aspect is documentation. If contemporaneous documents are available clearly pointing out the issues / approvals etc during the project being carried out, it becomes easy to represent PSU’s. However the lack of documentation / decision making during the project approval / execution stage makes it difficult to successfully represent the PSU. Further, cases of Insurance come within the scope of Consumer Forums which are summary in nature and hence it becomes difficult to protect the interest of the Insurance Companies since the fora generally are established to protect the interests of the consumer. Insurance law is very technical and certain principles of law, such as, uberrima fides or utmost good faith are only applicable to insurance law. A perusal of various judgments and orders from the District and State fora indicate they do not truly apply these special provisions of law relating to Insurance Contracts and therefore the matter has to unfortunately be appealed to the National Commission. Even at the National Commission and Supreme Court level there is a dearth of the judgments which explain in detail the the unique principles of insurance law which should be applicable to various issues which the district and state fora can utilise and apply. This is one of the greatest challenge of defending a PSU Insurance company or any insurance company for that matter. 

    Having worked on complex arbitral awards and challenges involving patent illegality and public policy, how do you craft compelling arguments when challenging such awards, particularly when dealing with contract violations or lack of sufficient evidence?

    The challenge of arbitral awards is very tricky as the scope is extremely limited. Patent Illegality, as the term itself suggests, stipulates that the award should be illegal on the face of it and should not be just an alternate interpretation of the award. When challenging an arbitral award, the argument which is most convincing is, when the arbitral tribunal has gone beyond the contours of the contract or the law and given a conclusion so absurd that it falls foul of the reasonable man standard. It is rare to get a clear contract violation on the part of the tribunal and if there is such a case, the same falls squarely within the scope of the provisions of arbitration law for setting aside the award. 

    In some cases when the tribunal grants a particular award on the basis of equity the same becomes a valid ground to challenge the award when the parties have not permitted the tribunal to do so. In such cases it is best to stick to the point and not beat around the bush about each aspect of the award in an attempt to try all possible challenges and hoping one will stick. The more precise the argument and draft, the easier it is to convince a court of the patently illegal nature of the award. 

    The arbitral tribunal is considered the master of the evidence, and they have the power to decide the admissibility, relevancy, materiality and weight. Insufficiency of evidence therefore is not a ground for setting aside an award. This is because if there is some evidence, the tribunals are allowed to extrapolate and do intelligent guesswork basis the documents available for the merits of the claim and the quantification of the claims. It is only in cases where there is no evidence that an award made by the tribunal can be set aside. Although the Evidence Act (now the (Bhartiya Sakshya Sanhita) is not applicable to arbitration, the well known principles continue to apply. Hence when the tribunal applies some of these principles incorrectly, it gives an additional yet narrow window of opportunity to the judgment debtor to challenge the award. The crafting of the arguments in this regard therefore are on the lines that the principles of evidence which should have been applicable, have either not been applied or have been applied incorrectly. 

    The above are broadly the methods one can follow to challenge an award on the ground of violation of the contract or lack of evidence.   

    Looking back at your career, what project or initiative has been the most rewarding for you? What made it particularly significant, both professionally and personally?

    The Arbitration Workshop Blog, hands down, has to be the most rewarding project of mine. The initial idea and what it has turned into is surreal for both me and Gautam (my co-founder). The positive reviews I have received from people and the recognition it has given me in the legal circles warms my heart every time. We started the blog before the pandemic and consistently delivered through thought provoking deep dive articles, which is why I believe we have received continued patronage from our readers. It has also become a research tool as many of our hits are straight from google search. I hope we are able to carry on the same way and build it into something bigger, while remaining true to our core principles of creating a more informed arbitration bar and to always deep dive on an issue and discuss the entire jurisprudence, to make it a one stop shop for academic and practitioners alike.

    Given the demanding nature of your career, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? Also, how do you ensure your well-being safeguarding your personal health and happiness?

    Honestly it has been tough to maintain a work life balance. To put it bluntly, personal health does take a toll. In which case it is important to find ways to find your happiness and make sure you put efforts towards it whether it comes from work itself or from your side project. Also, finding 15 mins to 30 mins a day is only possible if you take a definitive stance that working out or eating right is most important to putting in long hours in this profession. I prefer playing table tennis in the evenings and working out in the morning at my home, so that it gives me the mental toughness of working through the day. Funnily enough, physical activity makes me more energetic. 

    Everyone needs to find their career, fitness and mental health goals and then balance it out. Because one size does not fit all. Most importantly balance does not mean that your day should be balanced. It could also be that you may have 3 hectic days. It is then important to take light on the 4th day and have the regular balanced days thereafter. The above scenario should not be considered as break in the routine, but rather a vehicle moving full speed ahead, which has gone a little off track, post which you take control and steer it back to the centre. 

    What advice would you give to aspiring lawyers who want to make an impact across diverse areas of law, as you have? Are there any resources or strategies you would recommend for staying up-to-date in the constantly evolving legal field?

    My go to practice is reading judgments straight from High Court websites. I track the roster which is currently deciding the matters which are of interest to me and accordingly, read judgments written by them. I start from the bottom so that I know what the court has decided and thereafter read from the top if it is of some interest to me. This has kept me in good stead over the years as I have maintained a digital notebook of these judgments and thereafter used it as a personal repository to research whenever I am faced with an issue of contract law or arbitration. The judgments also give me ideas to write something on a grey area of law which fuelled my writing career. There is no substitute to reading the original judgment, as articles generally are an interpretation of the judgment by the author of the article. The above practice also helps in increasing the speed of reading judgments and to give us a certain comfort while reading judgments. I am sure this practice will help any young professional aiming to improve their professional standing.

    Get in touch with Gaurav Rai –

  • “Don’t just focus on learning law. That is essential and mandatory for the litigation career but not sufficient. Keep your eyes and mind wide open.” – Vishal Sharma, Founding and Managing Partner at Sharma & Associates.

    “Don’t just focus on learning law. That is essential and mandatory for the litigation career but not sufficient. Keep your eyes and mind wide open.” – Vishal Sharma, Founding and Managing Partner at Sharma & Associates.

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

    What inspired you to pursue a career in law despite having a background in science? What drove you to choose law as your profession, and how did your B.Sc. (Hons.) Computer Science contribute to your legal career?

    When I completed my B.Sc. (Hons.) in Computer Science from University of Delhi, some of my friends who had completed their engineering were placed in reputed Patent Analysis firms. A good science background is a mandate to work as a Patent Analyst. I found it interesting too and completed a few online primer courses on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) from World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). I also completed a Patent Analyst training program from an institute and thereafter joined a Patent Analysis firm in Noida. During all this I got a good exposure to IPR laws of India. But after some time, I realised that I needed a degree in law to excel more into this field so that I do not remain confined to the corporate offices and thus I resigned. I cracked the entrance exam and joined the prestigious Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi for three-year LL.B. 

    A background in science gives me an edge in IPR practice. Apart from this, a good understanding of Computer Science helps me a lot in handling cases of cybercrimes. 

    How was your experience at Campus Law Centre? When did you decide that you will go for litigation?

    In CLC, within no time I realised that it was not just IPR laws that I was interested in but in all types of laws. From my first semester at CLC and till date there has never been a second thought in my mind about litigation. Some of my classmates used to do corporate internships, some used to prepare for government exams, some were planning for LL.M. and some used to prepare for the judiciary. I did none of these. Whenever I got time, I used to go to various courts. I used to watch court proceedings and meet various advocates. 

    From a first-generation lawyer to the Founding and Managing Partner of Sharma and Associates (S&A), how has been your journey? What early experiences in your career were most influential in shaping your understanding of law and motivating you to establish your own practice?

    Immediately after completing my LL.B., I joined the office of a senior in my home town where I got initial exposure to drafting and court craft. I started going to various district courts of Delhi and Haryana and also Delhi High Court. Luckily, I started getting my personal cases also from my relatives and friends. I started accepting my independent cases side by side from the beginning itself which cumulatively later helped me in taking the decision of going independent. 

    I never went for a corporate office. I worked for a very less time with seniors but whatever work I did initially was completely court litigation from morning till evening. I got a full-fledged exposure to the court atmosphere right from the beginning of my career which included interactions with the judges, advocates and court staff. 

    The kind of work that I got from seniors during initial months of my practice played a significant role in shaping my independent practice. I never used to appear with my seniors in the court. I had to handle cases on my own on the basis of the instructions. This created the platform of self-confidence which later helped me in going independent at a very early phase of my career.

    How has your LL.M. (Professional) in Intellectual Property Rights from USLLS, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, helped you tackle complex legal issues in the realm of intellectual property?

    It proved to be a very good decision for my career. The class consisted of practicing advocates, AORs, legal officers, judicial officers and government officers. All used to discuss their works and experiences with each other which significantly increased my understanding of the legal profession. I got a network worth keeping for a lifetime. 

    It was a weekend programme. All the classes and exams used to take place only on Saturdays and Sundays. Thus, my practice did not suffer at all during this course. I recommend this to all practicing advocates in Delhi who wish to pursue LL.M. along with their practice.

    The course was not theory oriented for me. I used to correlate my experiences of IPR practice with the lectures and discussions of the professors. The valuable insights gained during the classes and discussions enhanced the quality of my IPR practice.   

    How do you see the relationship between Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and traditional litigation evolving? When do you think ADR is a more effective alternative compared to litigation in court?

    ADR and litigation go hand in hand these days. There are mediation centres in almost every court with well qualified mediators and staff. There are arbitration clauses in almost every agreement which we come across. Lawyers are common to ADR and litigation. A lawyer can represent his client before any ADR process or court as per the situation. People don’t come to the court to fight cases, they come to the court for relief and solutions. Mediation takes place in so many cases in the court on a regular basis. So, an advocate these days must have an understanding and skills of ADR.

    We at Sharma and Associates have the objective of providing solution-oriented services to our clients whether it be through litigation or mediation or arbitration. We have this strong philosophy that we charge our client not for the case but for the solution. There is a view that if a case gets settled the advocate will not get the fees which is actually not true. People come to court mostly when initial settlement talks fail. So, if an advocate even then gets the case settled between the parties on the basis of his skills, he can always charge his professional fees.

    I always say to the parties in civil and matrimonial disputes that time is money. ADR saves time and money for the litigants. I have personally seen that in settled cases the relation between the parties remains cordial as compared to decided cases. So, ADR is overall good for society as well.  

    Given your vast experience, what have been the most challenging cases you’ve handled? How did you approach the challenges, and what resources or strategies did you employ?

    I had Successfully argued application seeking cancellation of bail of the rape accused before the Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Special Court), Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi in 2021. After being granted the bail, the accused had not only launched an aggressive and defaming campaign on Facebook against the victim but had also circulated the victim’s mobile number to various people to harass her. I had been representing the victim pro bono right from the beginning in that case which involved allegations of rape on false pretext of marriage and cybercrime. It took several rounds of arguments by me and consequent detailed investigation by the police team to satisfy the Hon’ble Court about the misconduct of the accused.

    I had Secured Anticipatory Bail for my client in an alleged cheating case (420 IPC) of Rs. one crore related to FMCG goods in 2023 from the Sessions Court in the very first attempt itself. The complainant in that case was a mighty man with very good connections in the Police department and Court. I started my submissions with the clear facts and concluded with the settled laws through case laws. I addressed and satisfied the Court as to why the Custodial Interrogation of the accused was not required in the case. I also relied on the observation of the Supreme Court in Gagan Banga v. Samit Mandal & Anr. [Criminal Appeal No. 463 of 2022] that continuing trend of projecting purely civil financial dispute as criminal matter despite repeated judgments appears extremely disturbing. 

    Considering the demands of your profession, how do you manage to maintain a work-life balance? What strategies do you implement to safeguard your health and well-being while balancing a busy legal career?

    The issue of work-life balance comes before only those people who either take their work as a mandatory burden or who lack interest in their work. For me work and life are not different things. I don’t agree with people saying their work is their life either. Were you not living when you were not working? Will you not live when you will stop working? Work is a very important element of life but remember it is just one of the elements of life. Indulge in your hobbies, spend time with your family and friends, go on vacations and always spare some time for your body and mind. 

    I always ask my team to complete preparations for the cases of the coming month well in advance. I keep a note of pending works whether it be professional or personal in my phone and keep updating it. It is advisable to include different heads in this note like drafting, calls, research, meetings etc. I keep my clothes, bags and files ready for the next day before going to sleep to avoid hurrying in the morning. To be very honest it is not possible for me to go to the gym every day. I wake up a little early in the morning and do light exercises and meditation every day. I practice gratitude in the morning and evening every day to keep myself away from stress. I avoid using lifts whether it be courts or any other places. I can comfortably use stairs for going to the court rooms even on the seventh floor. 

    For aspiring lawyers who wish to make an impact across various areas of law, what advice would you offer? Are there any specific resources or approaches you recommend to stay current with the ever-evolving legal landscape?

    Don’t just focus on learning law. That is essential and mandatory for the litigation career but not sufficient. Keep your eyes and mind wide open. Observe and understand the society around you. Observe and understand the people around you. Your understanding of the society and the people must keep improving. People of all age groups will come to you for their legal problems. Your personality must reflect a certain level of maturity regardless of your age.  

    Networking is another essential requirement for litigation. Don’t meet and network with people just to expect cases from them. I have seen people doing that but trust me it won’t take you long. Keep building long term meaningful relationships and cases will come to you as a side product. 

    There is always a great emphasis on reading judgments of the Supreme Court and the High Courts. That is essential but not sufficient to excel in trial litigation. When I started my practice in trial courts, I adopted a different approach. I used to arrange and read the judgments of the trial courts where my cases were pending. Judgments of the trial courts contain facts, replies, issues, evidence, chief examinations, cross examinations, laws, arguments, relied citations and conclusions. By reading a trial court judgment, you can learn how to fight that type of case on behalf of either of the parties.  

    During initial years of practice, a young lawyer should accept all types of cases and legal queries. This makes your foundation strong. Later you can narrow down your areas of practice as per your interests and circumstances. Try to join a senior who allows you to take up your independent cases. Remember that the habit of salary is a slow poison if you wish to set up your independent practice. Aim to set up your independent practice at a reasonable early phase because later going independent becomes more and more difficult due to financial and other reasons. Some young advocates start their independent practice in partnership with other advocates which gives many benefits if goes well.    

    Get in touch with Vishal Sharma –

  • “While stubbornness may be a strong word, it is essential to survive in litigation, especially as a first-generation lawyer. The key is never to say NO.” – Dhruv Kumra, Independent Legal Practitioner.

    “While stubbornness may be a strong word, it is essential to survive in litigation, especially as a first-generation lawyer. The key is never to say NO.” – Dhruv Kumra, Independent Legal Practitioner.

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

    With over 17 years of experience, what initially motivated you to pursue a career in law? Was it your first choice, or did you contemplate it later in your academic journey? Additionally, could you share your experience in law school, and how did pursuing your master’s degree further shape your professional path?
    My entry into the field of law was not by chance, it was a well-thought-out decision. From childhood, my teachers and elders use to praise me for my analytical skills and attention to detail. They suggested I consider joining the field of law. When I was in 10th grade, my father took me to various career counsellors, where I underwent aptitude tests. By unanimous recommendation, the field I was advised to pursue was law. That was when I decided for certain that I wanted to pursue career in law.

    After completing my 10th grade, I began preparing for entrance exams. I took entrance exams for various National Law Schools and cleared some of them. My ranking in Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University was good, and since I was from Delhi, I decided to pursue law here being home State.

    I graduated with “First Class”. While pursuing law, I also did my PG Diploma in “International Trade and Business Law” from the Indian Society of International Law. I completed a summer course on International Trade Law at the same institution and also earned a PG Diploma in Corporate Law from Amity Law School. I also worked as a Rapporteur at the Indian Society of International Law and contributed to a project with the Ministry of External Affairs in the Legal and Treaties Division.

    I was fortunate to receive a conditional offer for admission to the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE), one of the world’s most esteemed institutions. I also received admission to the National Law School, Bangalore, for an advanced course. However, I couldn’t pursue it because I became deeply involved in litigation.

    I always wanted to pursue my master’s in London, and I collected numerous brochures during seminars. But, as they say, “Destiny” intervened. In my last semester, I had to undergo an internship, and I was fortunate to secure an internship with an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India. This was when I decided to postpone my aspirations to study abroad, as I got deeply engrossed in court work, and the desire to pursue a master’s degree faded.

    After almost 15 years in the profession, I finally did my master’s. Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) has always been close to my heart, so I pursued an LLM in ADR. Doing my LLM in this field allowed me to go back to the basic textbook style of learning, while my professional experience helped me understand the subject better and connect with it.

    During the early stages of your career, you must have encountered numerous valuable learning experiences. Can you highlight one particular experience that has stayed with you, and how did you navigate through the challenges of those formative years in your profession?

    This is one of those professions where challenges arise every minute, so one has to be ahead of the curve at all times. Even while drafting, you must put yourself in the shoes of the other side to anticipate what their response might be. As they say about the art of cross-examination, “Don’t ask a question to a witness until you know what answer the witness will give.”

    Law is a profession where every day is a new learning experience. One simply has to remain open to it. While “stubbornness” may be a strong word, it is essential to survive in litigation, especially as a first-generation lawyer. The key is never to say “NO”. I’d like to quote Sylvester Stallone from Rocky Balboa (2006): “It’s not about how hard you get hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, how much you can take, and keep moving forward.”

    Honestly speaking, there is nothing like “formative years” in this profession. You never truly settle, you comparatively settle. Instead, one reaches a point where you become more cautious because more eyes are on you, and one wrong move can be detrimental. As you gain more years in the profession, you become more cautious, as people are watching and waiting for you to make a mistake.

    One learning which I got was, Court is the new class room , try spending as much time possible listening to arguments in matters. Court room is one such place where many facets law and facts are discussed and subconscious mind silently develops legal aptitude.

    What inspired you to establish your independent legal practice, and what were the initial challenges you encountered while setting it up? How did you navigate through these obstacles, and what strategies or lessons learned during this phase have contributed to the growth and success of your practice today?
    The initial challenge is always managing daily expenses, especially in the early days. However, this was not much of an issue for me, as I am a workaholic and found ways to secure work to keep myself going. There is no shortage of work in this profession, but one must be willing to take on challenges and spend sleepless nights.

    The advice I would give is that if you develop a skill, there’s no looking back. There are no shortcuts in law, one must work hard to chisel your abilities.

    In your experience as panel counsel, could you share your experience working with organizations such as the Delhi Development Authority? What variety of cases did you deal with, and were there any particularly interesting cases?
    I have served as panel counsel for various government departments, including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Indian Tourism, LIC Housing Finance Limited, Delhi Legal Services Authority, and as Amicus Curiae with the Delhi State Consumer Commission, among others.

    Serving these government departments gave me extensive exposure to a variety of cases, including real estate, consumer, matrimonial, and criminal matters. This experience helped me understand the workings of government departments, particularly how files move within the system and the importance of an internal Office Noting.

    Every case is unique , so talking about one would undermine others. In one case, I was defending a landlord against a tenant who was very intelligent. Before cross-examination, the opposing counsel whispered to his client to deny everything. The opposing counsel was so confident in his client’s preparation that he sat at the back of the courtroom.

    I confronted the witness with his signatures on the suit, and the very natural answer was that they weren’t his. This simple answer won me the case, as it invalidated the plaint. Immediately afterward, the other side tried to file an application to bypass the situation, but the damage was already done.

    With your extensive experience serving both private clients and government departments, how do you manage the differing legal needs of these two client types while upholding the same level of dedication and excellence in your service?
    Whether representing private clients or government entities, the law remains the same. However, there are different demands based on the client type.

    For instance, for a private client, developments in a case can often be communicated via phone, and that would suffice. For a corporate client, each step must be explained in writing, and updates must be communicated via email to all relevant stakeholders. Similarly, when working with the government, you must ensure that every action is recorded in the official file and directed to the correct officer.

    A lawyer dedicated to their work will treat both private and government clients with the same level of service. Both types of clients ultimately want to win and be represented effectively.

    Reflecting on your extensive legal experience, what has been one of the most intellectually challenging or intriguing cases you have handled? How did you approach the case in terms of legal strategy, preparation, and research, and what key insights did you gain from navigating such a complex legal matter?
    All cases are challenging and teach you something new. With each case, we return to the drawing board to research every aspect of it.

    At times, lawyers become so focused on a case that they lose sight of the core issue. For complex matters, we often peel back the layers one by one, only to realize that the issue was simpler than initially thought. The key to cracking a case is to follow the old-school method, read the file carefully without focusing on the law first, understand the facts, and then apply the law.

    In your experience working with corporate entities and managing cases related to real estate laws, what key pitfalls do these entities often encounter? What proactive measures or legal safeguards would you recommend to mitigate these risks from the outset, ensuring smoother transactions and compliance throughout the process?
    Faulty paperwork and inadequate due diligence are common problems in real estate matters. Many clients have projects in different states, and each state has its own peculiarities regarding record-keeping, such as local language requirements or state notifications, which corporate entities may overlook.

    While due diligence is generally conducted when purchasing land, local experts familiar with regional laws should also be involved in the process to ensure proper compliance.

    Balancing a demanding legal career with personal life is undoubtedly challenging. How do you maintain a balance between your professional commitments and personal well-being? What strategies do you employ to preserve your health and overall well-being while excelling in such a demanding profession?
    It is indeed very difficult for a first-generation lawyer to maintain a balance between personal and professional life and give equal attention to both. A first-generation lawyer faces many challenges, such as engaging and retaining competent staff, as well as maintaining an office, which many second or third-generation lawyers don’t face.

    One must work late nights, miss family engagements, and be available even on holidays to meet clients’ needs and deliver timely services. Additionally, corporate clients often work in different time zones, so we must be available 24/7 to respond to queries or emails.

    No doubt, this takes a toll on one’s health—grey hair and signs of aging appear earlier than expected. However, the adrenaline rush that this profession provides compensates for the physical toll. Post-COVID, work has become easier in some ways. Virtual hearings and digital tools have made it possible to work from anywhere in the world, making it more convenient for lawyers, especially first-generation ones.

    With your expertise spanning multiple legal domains, what advice would you offer young lawyers aspiring to develop a diverse practice similar to yours? What essential skills and qualities do you believe are necessary for success in these competitive and multifaceted fields?
    Discipline and consistency are the most important qualities I would recommend to any young lawyer entering the profession. By discipline, I don’t mean waking up at 5 a.m. and working late nights, but maintaining a consistent level of reading. Whether it’s law books, self-help books, or spiritual texts, consistent reading is crucial for any lawyer. Without it, a lawyer will not be able to make a mark professionally.

    So, be consistent with your reading, stay true to your work, and always advise your clients to the best of your abilities—not just to draw money from them, but to provide the right advice. Gone are the days when lawyers could manipulate clients for unnecessary fees; today’s clients often come prepared with knowledge from resources like Google.

    This experience reinforced the idea that litigation is a double-edged sword. Your success or failure often depends on both your preparation and your client’s actions. A well-read lawyer will earn the respect of judges and peers alike, and this silent appreciation will aid your future success.

    Get in touch with Dhruv Kumra –

  • “For legal professionals looking to transition into recruitment, my advice is to cultivate a balanced blend of technical legal expertise and strong interpersonal skills.” – Samridhi Kapur, Senior Consultant(Legal Recruitment) at Yellow Wire Consulting.

    “For legal professionals looking to transition into recruitment, my advice is to cultivate a balanced blend of technical legal expertise and strong interpersonal skills.” – Samridhi Kapur, Senior Consultant(Legal Recruitment) at Yellow Wire Consulting.

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

    With over a decade of experience in the legal field, what initially motivated you to pursue law as a profession? Was it a deliberate decision, or did it unfold naturally over time?

    I took up law because I have always been driven by a deep sense of justice and an innate curiosity about society. From an early age, my fascination with sociology and history opened my eyes to the ways in which laws shape communities and uphold fairness in everyday life. From class 10, I participated in several mock tests that not only sharpened my critical thinking skills but also provided a glimpse into the analytical rigor required in legal studies. These experiences helped me understand that law was not merely an academic discipline—it was a tool for societal transformation and a means to champion fairness. This early foundation instilled in me a commitment to pursue a career where I could contribute meaningfully to upholding justice and influence positive change, a passion that continues to inspire my work every day.

    Why did you shift your focus from traditional litigation to legal recruitment and how have your experiences at your previous organization influenced your approach to recruitment?

    I began my career in 2013 working with an Advocate on Record, and later had the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed lawyers at the Hon’ble Delhi High Court. After five years of invaluable experience, I took the leap into independent practice, primarily serving clients from the IT industry. My focus areas included contract and agreement drafting, negotiations, arbitrations, and litigation. Working alongside Senior Advocates provided me with exposure to high-stakes litigation and complex arbitrations. Observing their dedication, commitment, and in-depth research reinforced my understanding of what it takes to achieve the prestigious status of a designated Senior. Those years were instrumental in shaping my professional perspective and instilling a strong work ethic that I continue to value.

    Over time, while I honed my legal skills in litigation and independent practice, I began to notice a recurring theme: the success of legal teams often hinges not just on individual prowess, but on the collective strength and fit of the team itself. My experience at a US-based IT company, where I served on the core committee alongside HR managers and the country head, exposed me to a more strategic view of talent management. I learned firsthand the importance of aligning a candidate’s technical expertise with the broader cultural and operational needs of an organization. This exposure illuminated the critical role that legal recruitment plays in bridging the gap between raw legal talent and the strategic objectives of law firms.

    Realizing that my background in high-stakes litigation and rigorous legal analysis could be leveraged to identify and place the right talent, I made a deliberate shift from traditional litigation to legal recruitment. I saw an opportunity to combine my comprehensive legal experience with the strategic insights gained from corporate talent management to create a more nuanced, client-focused recruitment process. Today, at Yellow Wire Consulting, I use my in-depth understanding of legal practice to evaluate candidates not just on their technical qualifications but also on their potential to contribute to the unique culture of a firm. This integrated approach ensures that every placement supports both immediate operational needs and long-term organizational growth, reinforcing the idea that a well-matched team is the cornerstone of sustained success.

    Can you describe how your role has evolved since joining Yellow Wire Consulting and the impact its leadership has had on your growth?

    Since joining Yellow Wire Consulting, my role has evolved significantly from a conventional recruiter to a strategic talent acquisition leader. Under the guidance of our founder, Ms. Sarabjeet Kaur, I have been encouraged to look beyond traditional placement methods and develop a holistic recruitment model. Her visionary leadership has been pivotal in reshaping our approach, emphasizing that recruitment is as much about understanding a firm’s cultural and strategic needs as it is about evaluating technical skills. I have had the opportunity to engage in extensive market research, develop comprehensive HR manuals, and lead soft skills training initiatives that prepare both candidates and client organizations for long-term success. 

    This transformation in my role has allowed me to integrate my legal expertise with innovative recruitment strategies, ensuring that every candidate placement is not only a match on paper but also aligns with the broader vision and values of the client firm. The evolution of my responsibilities has led to a more proactive and adaptable strategy, one that is continually refined based on feedback, market trends, and the dynamic needs of the legal industry.

    What key elements do you focus on during the recruitment process to ensure the right match between candidates and client firms?

    At the heart of my recruitment process is a commitment to deep understanding and precision. I begin with detailed consultations with client firms to uncover both the explicit technical requirements and the subtle cultural dynamics that define their work environment. This involves engaging in comprehensive discussions with hiring managers and HR leaders to capture the unique values and operational nuances that make each organization distinct. Following this, I implement a rigorous assessment framework that evaluates potential candidates on multiple dimensions—ranging from their legal expertise and professional demeanor to their adaptability and interpersonal skills. 

    Every candidate is considered holistically, ensuring that the match goes beyond technical qualifications to include a genuine cultural alignment. This integrated approach is continuously refined by incorporating direct client feedback and current market research, allowing me to minimize mismatches and promote long-term retention. Ultimately, my goal is to create placements that serve as strategic partnerships, fostering enduring relationships that contribute to the sustained growth and success of both the candidate and the firm.

    In the competitive landscape of legal recruitment, what challenges do you encounter, and how do you address them?

    The competitive nature of the legal landscape presents several challenges, chief among them being the need to balance the often-divergent expectations of client firms and candidates. Many firms are primarily focused on technical proficiency and proven legal acumen, while candidates increasingly seek roles that align with their personal values, career aspirations, and desired work-life balance. This divergence can lead to mismatches if not carefully managed. To address these challenges, I have refined my recruitment strategies to adopt a more holistic evaluation framework. My approach involves conducting extensive, multi-layered interviews and competency assessments that go well beyond conventional metrics. I invest significant time in understanding the cultural fabric and strategic objectives of each client firm, which allows me to communicate effectively with candidates about the true nature of the roles on offer. 

    Additionally, I maintain an ongoing dialogue with both clients and candidates throughout the recruitment process, ensuring that expectations are continually aligned. By leveraging continuous market insights and detailed feedback, I have been able to adjust my methods dynamically, ensuring that our placements are sustainable and mutually beneficial in an environment where the stakes are high and competition is fierce.

    What advice would you offer to legal professionals aspiring to transition into recruitment and management?

    For legal professionals looking to transition into recruitment, my advice is to cultivate a balanced blend of technical legal expertise and strong interpersonal skills. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the legal landscape, including the operational dynamics of law firms and the broader judicial ecosystem. This technical foundation enables you to assess candidate qualifications accurately and understand the complex needs of client organizations. Equally important is the ability to communicate effectively, listen attentively, and approach each recruitment challenge with empathy and strategic insight. Skills such as critical thinking, strategic foresight, and an eye for both technical and cultural fit are indispensable. 

    I encourage aspiring recruiters to engage in continuous learning—staying updated with industry trends, seeking out professional development opportunities, and building robust networks. Ultimately, success in legal recruitment depends on your ability to build trust-based relationships and create synergistic matches that benefit both the candidate and the firm in the long run. Embracing this dual focus on legal acumen and human connection will enable you to navigate the complexities of the field and contribute significantly to building strong, cohesive legal teams.

    Could you share a memorable project from your professional journey that significantly shaped your approach to legal recruitment and reaffirmed your commitment to excellence?

    One defining project in my career bridged my early litigation experiences with my current focus on legal recruitment. Early on, while working with an Advocate on Record and at the Hon’ble Delhi High Court, I learned the value of rigorous analysis and dedication. Later, during my independent practice serving IT clients, I recognized that building cohesive teams was essential for success.

    This realization became even more pronounced when I spearheaded a comprehensive project, wherein our aim was not just to fill open positions but to create enduring, value-driven relationships between efficient legal professionals and a leading law firm. I led an in-depth consultation process with multiple client firms to meticulously map out their strategic objectives, work cultures, and long-term visions. By drawing on my extensive background in litigation and independent practice, I was able to identify candidates whose legal acumen, soft skills, and personal aspirations perfectly resonated with the unique needs of the firm.

    Moreover, this project involved developing customized HR guidelines and targeted soft skills training sessions to ensure that candidates were well-prepared to integrate seamlessly into their new roles. The tailored approach we adopted resulted in placements that not only enhanced the operational capabilities of legal teams but also fostered lasting professional relationships and improved team synergy. Witnessing the tangible impact—from enhanced legal operations to the sustained growth of both candidates and firms—was immensely gratifying. This experience has profoundly reaffirmed my belief in a holistic, client-centric recruitment strategy that has been a cornerstone of my journey from the courtroom to legal recruitment.

    With the fast pace of the legal industry, how do you and your team maintain a healthy work-life balance while driving innovation?

    While we work in a demanding environment at Yellow Wire Consulting, we strive for a practical balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. Recognizing that the legal industry often requires long hours and focused dedication, we implement clear work processes and regular check-ins to manage our workload efficiently. Rather than promising complete flexibility, our approach emphasizes realistic scheduling, open communication, and setting clear expectations. Under the guidance of Ms. Sarabjeet Kaur, our team is encouraged to recognize when to take a break and to support one another during busy periods. We focus on efficient scheduling and encourage team members to take necessary breaks to avoid burnout. It’s more about realistic adjustments, addressing workload issues as they arise and supporting one another through busy periods. This straightforward approach helps us stay productive and deliver quality candidates for law firms, without compromising our overall well-being.

    Get in touch with Samridhi Kapur –