Category: Supreme Court

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

Having a background in Business Economics, what inspired you to pursue a career in law? How was your experience during law school, and how did it shape your professional journey?

Law was not my first choice, nor was it the obvious path after studying Economics and Finance. My initial academic inclination was towards Finance, and I pursued it earnestly, even completing a Master’s degree. However, during my undergraduate years, I was introduced to Business Law and Company Law, subjects that I unexpectedly found both engaging and intellectually stimulating. I excelled in them, even receiving an award for my performance, which planted the first seed of curiosity about the law. That curiosity remained dormant until a friend encouraged me to attempt the Delhi University LLB entrance exam. Securing admission to the Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law felt like an opportunity worth exploring, and once immersed in the study of law, I realized it was where I truly belonged.

Campus Law Centre was an eye-opening experience. Unlike my previous academic settings, it was a melting pot of individuals from different backgrounds, each with unique motivations – some preparing for civil services, others drawn to political or judicial service roles. Few, like me, were focused on litigation and active practice. Studying law in this environment expanded my perspective, making me more attuned to the socio-political landscape and the practical realities of the legal profession. It wasn’t just about learning the law from textbooks; some of the most insightful debates happened informally, in the ‘Bamboo Garden’ next to the canteen.

Beyond academics, law school imparted valuable lessons that have remained with me. It taught me the importance of being approachable to people from diverse backgrounds and recognizing that intelligence is not determined by fluency in English, especially in courts across the country where different languages are used for argument. It also deepened my understanding of the intricate relationship between law and the broader socio-political landscape. Above all, it reinforced the importance of perseverance, a quality that continues to guide me in my legal career.

You completed your Masters at Columbia Law School, New York. What motivated you to choose Columbia Law over other institutions, and how has your experience there influenced your career? How has this degree been advantageous in your legal practice?

I chose Columbia Law School for its strong focus on international arbitration and commercial law, fields I was keen to specialize in. Columbia’s arbitration faculty is among the best in the world, led by Professor George A. Bermann, Director of the Centre for International Commercial & Investment Arbitration, alongside Professors Kabir Duggal and Robert Smit. Their presence attracts leading professionals and practitioners to engage with students through guest lectures and lunchtime seminars, making Columbia a hub for arbitration discourse. The fact that Columbia is located in New York was an added advantage. The city’s vibrant legal ecosystem offers unparalleled exposure, from regular events at top-tier law firms to seminars and workshops organized by the NY City Bar and State Bar associations. Columbia Arbitration Day is another standout event, bringing together global stalwarts in arbitration to discuss the latest developments in the field. 

Studying at Columbia reshaped how I approached the law. The learning environment encouraged critical thinking, collaboration, and exposure to global perspectives. With classmates from over 50 countries, discussions went beyond textbooks, offering insights into different legal systems and approaches. The faculty also made a lasting impact. For example, Professor Paul Shechtman, who taught Evidence and Criminal Adjudication, often used courtroom scenes from movies like ‘A Few Good Men’ and ‘12 Angry Men’ to explain legal principles, making learning engaging and memorable.

A key highlight was working as a Research Assistant to Professor Bermann, contributing to his book ‘Twilight Issues in International Arbitration’. This experience deepened my understanding of arbitration and reinforced the advantage of pursuing an LLM after gaining work experience. Unlike traditional academic programs, an LLM at Columbia is not about competition but personal and professional growth.

The degree has been invaluable in my legal practice, particularly in refining my approach to complex disputes and arbitration. It has also given me access to leading legal professionals across the globe. With cross-border transactions and disputes becoming increasingly common, it is essential to have access to legal knowledge that transcends jurisdictions. Having friends and colleagues working across different legal systems has been incredibly beneficial. For instance, very recently, in an international arbitration involving U.S. laws and a Delaware corporation, a corporate lawyer and dear friend from Columbia, well-versed in those laws, helped me strategize my approach to the dispute. This is just one of many such instances. Additionally, referral work from friends abroad has been an added bonus. I often serve as their point of contact in India, which has been mutually beneficial.

Most importantly, the degree has given me credibility, which is invaluable in my profession. With so many lawyers in the country offering, on paper, similar skillsets, the LLM and a foreign-bar qualification has helped me differentiate myself. It has ensured that clients view me in a different light, recognizing the value I bring to the table. In a competitive market, that distinction is crucial.

At J. Sagar Associates, you worked on a diverse range of matters, including constitutional law, corporate governance, insolvency etc. How did working across such varied legal domains shape your understanding as a lawyer? What were the experiences that have stuck by you?

JSA was my first job, and like any young lawyer, I was just learning the ropes. What made the experience truly enriching was the diversity of matters I was exposed to across various forums, including the Supreme Court of India. Unlike many large firms where junior associates rarely see the inside of a courtroom, JSA had a strong culture of ensuring its lawyers attended court regularly. This early exposure to court craft played a significant role in shaping my understanding of litigation.

Working on high-stakes, complex disputes meant that research was at the heart of everything we did. As juniors, we were expected to delve deep into legal principles, dissect arguments, and anticipate counterpoints. This process instilled in me the discipline of extensive reading, a habit that continues to serve me well. Another key advantage of being at a top-tier firm was the opportunity to interact with some of the finest Senior Advocates in the country. Sitting in case conferences with them, observing how they analysed a brief, structured their arguments, and approached strategy was an invaluable learning experience.

I was also fortunate to work under a mentor who was exceptional in corporate and contract law. His insistence on first-principles thinking kept me on my toes. I had to be thoroughly prepared before even approaching him for a discussion. This ensured that I developed a strong foundation in legal reasoning and analytical skills early on.

JSA’s marquee clients in the construction and banking sectors further honed my expertise in arbitration and financial law. Many of these cases laid the groundwork for my later specialization in insolvency and arbitration. The firm’s rigorous environment, 100+ hour weeks, working weekends, and months without a holiday was undeniably demanding. But it taught me the value of perseverance, attention to detail, and consistency – qualities that are indispensable for success in the legal profession.

As a Research Assistant at Columbia Law School, you contributed to drafting chapters for the book Twilight Issues in International Arbitration. How did this research experience deepen your understanding of international arbitration, and how have you applied these insights in your own practice?

Working with Professor George A. Bermann on ‘Twilight Issues in International Arbitration’ was an incredible learning experience. Every year, Professor Bermann takes on several research assistants, but only a select few get the opportunity to contribute to major projects like this book. I was fortunate to be among those chosen. The book was a four-year project, and during my time at Columbia, I had the privilege of assisting for a year alongside five other students.

Before this, I had read about international commercial arbitration but had little exposure to twilight issues. These are matters that lack clear legal authority, leaving tribunals to rely on ‘soft law’, general principles, or comparative approaches. Researching topics such as corruption, res judicata, iura novit curia, collateral estoppel, lis pendens, costs, and ethics helped me understand how arbitration functions beyond codified law. This experience also gave me a nuanced perspective on how different jurisdictions approach these unsettled issues and whether international standards are emerging.

One of the most unique aspects of the research was our access (albeit limited access), granted with Professor Bermann’s approval, to hundreds of confidential arbitral awards from the American Arbitration Association (AAA). Studying these awards provided rare insight into how tribunals across different legal traditions navigate twilight issues. It also deepened my understanding of international arbitration from a common law perspective, particularly the reasoning processes of U.S. based tribunals.

In my practice, this exposure has been invaluable. Many complex arbitrations involve legal grey areas, and my research experience has helped me anticipate how tribunals might handle such issues. Additionally, the ability to analyse arbitration decisions critically, especially in the absence of binding precedent, has shaped the way I strategize arguments.

While at IndusLaw, you represented clients in ad-hoc and institutional arbitrations, both domestic and international. How do you view the Indian arbitration framework in comparison to international arbitration mechanisms, and what do you think the future holds for arbitration in India?

At IndusLaw, I had the opportunity to work on a range of high-stakes arbitrations, including leading a major SIAC arbitration seated in Singapore. Collaborating with top global legal professionals and law firms reinforced my understanding of international arbitration frameworks and best practices.

While India has made strides in arbitration, it remains far from being a global hub. Judicial intervention, procedural rigidity, and the tendency to appoint retired judges often make arbitration as slow and expensive as court litigation. The frequent challenge of arbitral decisions in courts undermines the efficiency arbitration is meant to provide. Alarmingly, some public sector entities are even moving away from arbitration in their contracts.

The outlook is not entirely bleak. Both the government and the private sector are advocating for institutional arbitration, businesses are increasingly prioritizing settlements, and the rise in foreign investments is leading to adoption of more institutional arbitration clauses. For arbitration to progress meaningfully, young practitioners must refine their expertise through advanced education, specialized training, and practical experience. Additionally, India needs to foster a pool of specialist arbitrators with a deep understanding of modern commercial disputes, rather than relying predominantly on retired judges. With increasing cross-border transactions, Indian arbitration cannot function in isolation. It must align with international best practices to remain competitive and truly serve its intended purpose of efficient and effective dispute resolution.

What inspired you to establish Vidvat Legal? Leading complex litigation and arbitration matters across various forums, could you share some of the most challenging and impactful cases you’ve handled since founding your firm? What strategies do you adopt to manage high-stakes disputes and ensure a successful outcome for your clients?

Starting Vidvat Legal was a conscious decision driven by the need to push my boundaries as a lawyer. After years in top-tier firms, I had gained extensive experience handling high-stakes matters, honing research and drafting skills, and learning to navigate complex disputes. But I wanted to go beyond just being a skilled practitioner. I needed to understand the business side of law i.e., how to generate and retain clients, build long-term relationships, and create tangible value for those I represent. Equally important was the challenge of operating independently, without the built-in support systems of a large firm. Independence has also allowed me to explore areas I had never ventured into before, such as trust law, employment law, land law and constitutional matters.

One of the more challenging cases I handled after founding Vidvat Legal was representing a Sequoia-funded startup (operating in over 60 countries) in a SIAC arbitration seated in Singapore. The dispute, against a London-based customer, centred on claims for service fees, resource costs, and setup charges under the company’s master services agreement. The case’s multi-jurisdictional nature required navigating international arbitration frameworks and foreign contract laws. Midway through the proceedings, I led settlement negotiations and secured a favourable resolution of over USD 200,000. After the matter was resolved, I worked closely with the client to strengthen their master services agreement and localize employment contracts, ensuring they were more robust and better equipped to prevent similar disputes in the future.

Another impactful matter was representing (pro-bono) a batch of Delhi University students whose first-year examination results, conducted during COVID, had not been declared even as they approached their final year. The delay had severe consequences, preventing them from applying for higher studies and job opportunities. With college officials unable to resolve the issue, I studied university byelaws, and education guidelines to build a strong case. After petitioning the university, the matter gained traction, and during the pendency of the case, DU finally released the students’ grades, providing them the relief they had been waiting for.

Success in high-stakes disputes is not just about winning but about managing client expectations and mitigating risks. My approach is simple. Master the facts, conduct rigorous research to ensure well-founded arguments, and draft pleadings that are clear, concise, and structured for ease of comprehension. Keeping clients engaged with timely updates and feedback is crucial. In hearings, I focus on being articulate, respectful to the bench and opposing counsel, and ensuring that every argument serves a strategic purpose.

With your admission to practice in both India and New York, and now serving as an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India, how do you navigate the differences between the legal systems of these two jurisdictions? How has practicing in both countries shaped your approach to legal matters, and what challenges or advantages have you experienced in doing so?

I do not actively practice New York law, but my understanding of it plays a crucial role in international disputes, especially those governed by common law principles. While the procedural aspects of different jurisdictions vary, at its core, law is about logical reasoning. Beyond the specific wording of statutes, common law principles remain largely consistent and are applied in similar ways by courts in India and abroad. Rather than navigating stark differences, my experience in both systems complements my practice and allows me to approach disputes with a broader perspective, particularly in cross-border matters.

Your legal expertise spans a broad array of fields, which is commendable. What advice would you offer young lawyers who aspire to build a diverse and successful legal career like yours? What skills, qualities, and mindset do you think are essential to thrive in today’s competitive and multifaceted legal environment?

Building a diverse and successful legal career begins with a strong foundation. While specialization has its advantages, early exposure to different practice areas provides a broader understanding of the legal landscape and equips you to handle complex, multi-faceted matters. The ability to think critically and apply legal principles across domains is invaluable, allowing you to refine your focus over time based on your strengths and interests. Success in law goes beyond knowledge of statutes and precedents. It requires a problem-solving mindset, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. In a field shaped by evolving regulations and judicial trends, those who stand out are not just those who work hard but those who work smart by seeking mentors, building strong professional relationships, and finding ways to distinguish themselves in a competitive environment.

The reality of the profession is that it is not always a level playing field. Opportunities do not come equally to everyone, whether in securing internships, landing jobs, receiving promotions, or even in the way clients and courts perceive you. Merit is important, but it is not always enough on its own. Recognizing this early and focusing on positioning yourself strategically will help you navigate these challenges more effectively.

Commitment to the profession often comes at the expense of personal time, with long hours and urgent matters disrupting plans. Flexibility and resilience are necessary to thrive in this demanding environment. Despite the challenges, the intellectual stimulation, career growth, and the impact you can create make the sacrifices worthwhile. If you remain dedicated, disciplined, and focused, the legal profession will offer immense rewards in the long run.

Managing a demanding legal career while maintaining personal well-being is undoubtedly a challenge. How do you manage to strike a balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life, and what strategies do you use to ensure both aspects are in harmony?

Balancing a demanding legal career with personal well-being is an ongoing challenge, and I would not say I have mastered it yet. It is a constant effort, with some days feeling overwhelming and others more manageable. There is no perfect formula, but I have learned to prioritize based on impact. When it comes to case preparation or any matter that directly affects a client, I ensure that I dedicate the necessary time and focus. However, when it is about networking or attending outreach events, I make a conscious effort to prioritize my personal life, spending time with family and friends.

Time with family is something I deeply value, and I make it a point to take breaks whenever possible to step away from work and be with those who matter most. Even during busy periods, I find small ways to stay connected. For instance, while driving, I use the time to catch up with friends and family over calls, making the most of the uninterrupted hours in traffic. Striking a balance is not easy, but being intentional about how I spend my time helps ensure that both my professional commitments and personal well-being receive the attention they deserve.

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