You have built a distinguished career as a Financial Crimes & Corporate Governance Lawyer. What initially drew you to this specialisation, and how did your academic background shape the perspective you bring to your practice today?
I grew up around conversations on business and decision-making, so questions of accountability and systems were never abstract for me; they were part of daily life. That naturally drew me toward financial crimes and governance, because I could see how one weak link could impact an entire organization. My academic journey from JGLS to experiences at LSE and Augsburg University gave me the global perspective I needed. It taught me to look at compliance and governance not just as rules to follow, but as tools to build trust and resilience. That mix of early exposure and academic grounding still defines the way I practice today.
In your experience across developed and emerging markets, what are the most striking differences in investigative and compliance strategies? Which international best practices could be effectively localised for India’s evolving landscape?
I would challenge the notion that the differences in compliance approaches lie solely between developed and emerging markets. In my experience, the real distinction is not geographical; it stems from the ethics, priorities, and compliance mindset of an organisation’s leadership. When leadership is genuinely committed to integrity and transparency, even jurisdictions with evolving regulations can foster proactive and effective compliance. Conversely, where leadership is indifferent or evasive, even the most advanced regulatory systems can be rendered ineffective.
That said, India can certainly benefit from selectively adopting global best practices, such as strengthening internal controls, conducting sharper and more independent compliance audits, and leveraging technology-driven tools for real-time monitoring. However, these mechanisms only achieve their purpose when reinforced by strong leadership and a well-equipped legal and compliance ecosystem that recognizes compliance not merely as a shield against penalties, but as a foundation for building sustainable trust.
Looking toward the next decade, how do you envision the fusion of technology, governance, and cross-border regulation reshaping compliance practice, especially with the rise of AI and digital investigation tools?
AI is certainly going to play an important role in compliance and investigations, but I don’t see it as something that will completely take over. The human element, the judgment, experience, and ethical grounding that specialists in this field bring, remains irreplaceable. Complex financial crime matters often involve nuance, intent, and context that no algorithm can yet fully grasp. It will take AI time to reach that stage.
That said, I view AI as an additional strength in the lawyer’s toolkit. It can help sift through vast volumes of data, spot unusual patterns, and accelerate processes that once took weeks. But at the end of the day, AI is a supporting hand, not the lead investigator. The control, the strategy, and the interpretation still rest with the human professional.
Right now, there is a tendency to overstate AI’s capabilities, almost treating it as magic. But in reality, it is just another tool, powerful, yes, but still a tool. I compare it to how Microsoft Office transformed law practice in the 1990s. Back then, it didn’t replace lawyers, but it fundamentally changed how we worked and made us more efficient. I believe AI will do the same; it will make us sharper and faster, but it won’t replace the human expertise at the core of the legal practice.
The surge in online fraud, cyber-enabled financial crimes, and digital payment scams has created new challenges for regulators, corporates, and law enforcement alike. From your perspective, what gaps still exist in India’s current framework to address these threats, and how can legal practitioners play a proactive role in combating them?
Online fraud is one of the fastest-growing risks, not just for individuals but for corporates and financial institutions. The sheer speed and cross-border nature of these crimes often outpaces traditional investigative and regulatory tools. While India has made strides with measures like the RBI’s fraud monitoring systems and the CERT-In framework, the ecosystem still faces gaps in coordination, reporting, and accountability.
One of the biggest gaps is siloed response—banks, fintechs, law enforcement, and regulators often act reactively and in isolation. A more integrated framework, with real-time intelligence sharing, is urgently needed. Another issue is underreporting; many organisations hesitate to disclose fraud incidents out of fear of reputational damage, which only perpetuates vulnerabilities.
Lawyers in white-collar practice can contribute significantly here: by advising corporates on robust fraud-prevention policies, ensuring compliance with reporting obligations, and guiding internal investigations that meet both legal and regulatory standards. Beyond that, we can help bridge the gap between technology and law—working with forensic experts, fintech players, and regulators to shape practical frameworks that keep pace with evolving digital threats.
As an established lawyer in governance, investigations, and white-collar matters, how do you mentor the next generation? What skills or tools do you recommend for them to thrive in today’s rapidly shifting regulatory and technological terrain?
Mentorship, to me, is first and foremost about giving young lawyers the confidence to keep going and ensuring they don’t give up when the work feels overwhelming. This is a demanding field, and in the early years, it’s easy to doubt yourself. Sometimes the best role a mentor can play is simply to reassure them that discipline, consistency, and patience will carry them through.
Beyond that, I see mentorship as preparing young lawyers not just for today’s challenges but for tomorrow’s uncertainties. I encourage them to cultivate adaptability, strategic thinking, and clear communication, because in white-collar practice, clients look to you as a trusted advisor, not just a lawyer. I also urge them to embrace technology – mastering data analytics, digital forensics, and regulatory tech platforms is no longer optional.
Most importantly, I remind them that tools and trends will keep changing, but ethics, resilience, and statutory grounding never go out of fashion. Regulatory landscapes will shift, but if you stay curious, disciplined, and grounded in the law, you’ll be equipped to thrive at the intersection of law, business, and technology.
Finally, what is your long-term vision for your practice as a Financial Crimes & Corporate Governance Lawyer? And how do you manage the demands and pressures of such an intense field while maintaining personal well-being?
For me, discipline always tops the list. Without discipline, nothing else really sustains. Over time, discipline creates habits, and those habits make it easier to do the workday in and day out. In the early stages of your career, when you’re putting in long hours and truly immersing yourself, that consistency shapes you into a stronger professional. It’s like practice in any field—the more you repeat, the sharper you get.
I also believe the right mindset matters just as much. Keeping the outlook of a leader, taking ownership, thinking ahead, and combining it with the endurance of an athlete helps you enjoy the journey rather than just endure it. This is not an easy profession, but when you bring discipline, habits, leadership, and endurance together, the work becomes something you grow with, not something you burn out from. That’s what keeps me motivated and makes the practice rewarding.
With over nine years of experience, what initially inspired you to pursue a career in law? What drove your decision to choose this profession, and how did your journey shape you into a mentor and a leading voice in technology law?
It’s always nice to be asked this question. It gives you an opportunity to pause and reflect. And when I do that, I’m taken back to the time I seriously started thinking about law – probably around Class 8 or 9.
I knew I enjoyed public speaking. I loved talking to people, reading, analysing things, and connecting the dots. Law felt like a natural extension of these abilities.
That was also around the time when internet use was just picking up in India. I remember, sometime in Class 10 or 11, my father got us a desktop computer. I used it to look up what CLAT was, what law school meant, and what this profession was all about.
I also had a clear sense of what I wasn’t great at – I was average at maths. And I remember thinking: if I became an engineer, I’d probably be an average one. I didn’t want that. So I chose law. And looking back, I think that was absolutely the right call.
I didn’t overthink whether I’d succeed or not. At that point, I just knew I’d enjoy it. And that was enough.
Once college started, I found myself drawn to finance pretty early on. That’s what pulled me toward corporate law firms. I began with transactions—PE/VC, mergers and acquisitions. I spent four years doing that at JSA. But I gradually realised that advisory work really resonated with me.
As I moved from JSA to IndiGo, I became more and more certain that the intersection of finance and tech was where I wanted to be. And that brought me to Ikigai Law.
It’s been five years since. And honestly, most days, I’m genuinely excited to go to work. I think that’s rare and I’m grateful for it.
Basically, if you love what you do, you don’t really work, you just do it.
Well, you still work. It’s still hard. That said, there are definitely parts you enjoy. There’s intellectual satisfaction, a sense of recognition, and those moments of achievement that keep you going. Over time, you also start to see a bigger purpose. Whether it’s mentoring others, hopefully inspiring them in some small way or doing something else for the society based on what you have built. All of that becomes a motivator. You learn something new every day. And most days, you walk away feeling good.
We all have our own challenges to navigate, and when it comes to FinTech, especially disruptive tech like blockchain, it becomes even more complex. Since blockchain sits at the intersection of technology, finance, and law, we’d love to hear your views on how companies are planning for this shift and how you tailor your consulting approach. As someone deeply involved on the corporate side, how have you adapted to these evolving technologies? What challenges have you faced, and how are companies responding to them? For instance, how do you navigate legal ambiguities around cryptocurrency, which isn’t legal tender but is still taxable?
It’s a very interesting question. I do work a lot in the Web 3.0 space, along with traditional domains like lending, payments, and Wealth-Tech. The interesting part about being a blockchain lawyer is that it allows you to do the same thing but in a completely different plane. It’s like being transported to another universe where you’re doing the same things, paying, investing, lending, but in a blockchain-based world.
Right now, there are very limited laws in select jurisdictions that apply to such technologies. The exciting part of being a lawyer here is that you apply traditional laws, for instance, those regulating cross-border money flow, like RBI’s foreign exchange regulations or the PSS Act, to this entirely new world. The best part is that nobody has done this before. There are hardly any judicial precedents. So your thought process is as original as it gets.
As lawyers, we rarely get the chance to be that original. And naturally, a corollary to advising clients on emerging tech is that you get pulled into policy-making. So you get to do exciting work that I don’t think the previous generation of lawyers got to do.
But the hard part is, you have to really think originally. You have to know how the law applies in the traditional world. You need experience. Take, for instance, something like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. You can pull out provisions from it and apply them to blockchain. Or the Collective Investment Scheme, something SEBI has been regulating since 1999. You might apply those same rules when advising a blockchain-based product emulating that scheme.
So yes, it’s exciting, it’s hard, but it’s the right time to be in this space.
You’re helping shape the future for generations of lawyers, and that’s a powerful responsibility. With your experience in suggestive work and public policy at Ikigai, could you share key learnings from that journey and how they’ve impacted your practice? Having transitioned from finance and law to technology, then an in-house role, and now back to private practice, how do you think these shifts will influence your career? How can young lawyers chart their own unique paths by learning from your journey?
In medical practice, unless you understand the human body, you can’t be a heart specialist. Similarly, in law, unless you understand the building blocks, you can’t specialize meaningfully.
So, for early practitioners, I’d say focus on the basics, reading the law, comprehension, analytical ability, and issue spotting. These only come when you’ve been exposed to a wide variety of laws, from IBC to RERA to the Motor Vehicles Act. The downside of specializing too early is that you miss that exposure.
The focus should be on building solid foundational skills, communicating well, writing clearly. Once that’s in place, you can specialize. Then you can apply those general skills to any sector, FinTech, SpaceTech, AgriTech. But if the basics aren’t strong, even in your chosen sector, things won’t work out.
So in sum, get the basics right. Then go with the flow.
The future in TMT space is definitely promising. I’m especially excited about AI, which is changing everything around us. And as lawyers, we play an important role. Who help sets the rules for this new world? We do.
We need more talented lawyers. We need thinkers. Not just people who can read the law, but people who can think about it. If you’re in law school or the early stages of your career, focus on that.
Wow! What a beautiful way of sharing your learning, it’s truly amazing. You’ve worked extensively as a principal associate advising FinTech startups within the Indian legal and regulatory framework. How do you see these startups overcoming jurisdictional obstacles, and what advice do you give them to navigate the Indian system? Do you notice significant differences between national and international regulatory approaches, and how do these impact startup success or failure globally?
That’s a good question. I think we, as a country, are doing well. Because see, UPI is a great success. The other parts of our digital public infrastructure, like account aggregator frameworks, which are ramping up, are all Government-owned and Government-promoted.
So the Government is doing its bit. Regulators are also, I think, trying really hard. For example, for the financial sector, RBI as a regulator not only looks after financial regulations but is also the monetary policymaker. So it has too much to do, but I think despite that, it has done a fair job.
Also, our industry is vocal enough to fight for its cause. We have the right kind of supporters for the industry, the right kind of advisors for the industry, and the regulator is listening. It’s not like the doors are closed. Regulators also understand the importance of having that dialogue with the industry because the time has passed when you can do law-making in silos.
So I think we are doing okay as a country. I’m not too concerned about the future. Now when I compare it to other jurisdictions, well, I would say that some practices are good in every jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions are more forward-looking in their approach. And India can borrow and learn from them.
Thank you so much for being absolutely clear about how the government has supported FinTech growth while also acknowledging its fallbacks. You’ve worked extensively in this space, but transitioning from traditional legal work to technology and law isn’t easy. You’ve mentioned COVID played a role, but what effort did that shift actually take? How did you successfully manage this transition and excel in a new domain?
Switching practice areas can be one of the hardest things to do. So I’ll take a step back and talk about why I made the switch.
I started my career, as I mentioned earlier, with a general corporate practice. I had the privilege of working with some of the most brilliant lawyers in the country at JSA, which was incredibly motivating.
While at JSA’s Gurgaon office, I got the opportunity to go on secondment with PepsiCo. At the time, PepsiCo was transferring all its major plants in India to Varun Beverages Limited – a massive business transfer. And being part of that was exhilarating. For the first time, I experienced what it means to run a business and impact of my advice on it. I was interacting with the communications team, the supply chain folks, plant managers – essentially everyone. My job was to orchestrate and help bring this entire transaction to a close. That experience made me seriously consider going in-house – it just seemed exciting and so much more connected to the business. That’s what led me to join IndiGo after four years at JSA.
IndiGo was just as exciting as I had imagined. I was working on aircraft leases, technology contracts, software that went into aircraft systems. That was my first hands-on experience of how law interacts with technology. And that really piqued my interest in tech. I felt like it was something I could understand and contribute to.
Then the pandemic hit. Around that time, I was already in touch with Ikigai, and stars just aligned.
So, some of the transition happened organically, some of it was by design and I think that’s how most careers unfold.
If I had to leave you with two takeaways from this journey, they’d be these:
First, don’t shy away from change and follow your instinct. Second, when an opportunity presents itself, grab it with both hands. Because chances are, it may not come again.
What a candid way of explaining things, where you had to put in that hard work, and you did. Congratulations to you for making that seemingly impossible transition from one aspect of law to another and making it big. On that particular note, we would request you to share some personal checklists or personal ways of dealing with these kinds of transitions because such broad area transitions are not easy, and many people are unable to do them.
What kind of suggestions do you have for these young lawyers who may start with one area but eventually want to transition? How do you do it, and how can one do it as smoothly as you have, without experiencing that stress of moving from one area to another while fearing the loss of something? Since you’ve done it, you’ll be the right person to suggest this to students and learners.
In addition to what I’ve already said, I’ve just one thing to add. In my experience, anyone going through a good law school, who has joined a good law firm or is working with sharp lawyers is smart and intelligent. That’s why they are where they are. So that is table stakes. What really makes a real difference is persistence, patience and resilience.
So, by the kind of understanding you’ve given us, resilience is absolutely important. Along with that, overcoming challenges is another key aspect. All of this you manage within the same 24 hours we all have. How do you maintain your mental, physical, professional, and personal health while juggling so much? What strategies do you follow, basic or advanced, to keep your sanity intact? As lawyers, we don’t talk enough about the stress we go through, whether in-house, in practice, or elsewhere. So how do you deal with it?
That’s one question I get asked a lot. And honestly, there’s no simple answer. Like most young professionals, work-life balance wasn’t really a priority for me early in my career. There was no fixed schedule – you worked as per the demands of your clients. And I think that’s okay. You’re younger, your energy levels are different, and if you start chasing balance too early, you may find yourself struggling for relevance later. I read that somewhere, and it really stuck with me.
Though, as I’ve grown older, I’ve found different ways to balance my life. And let me just say – I completely disagree with the idea that stress is something you should just get used to or live with because ‘it’s inevitable’. It’s not. Stress management, like lawyering or contract drafting, is a skill. And like any other skill, it can be learned.
You have to self-train. You have to find the right mentors, speak to the right people, and actively work towards it. I’ve done a lot of that over the years.
You also need a strong support system – people who are emotionally present and available for you. My family has been incredible, and I owe them everything. But friends matter just as much – both within and outside the profession. That’s been a huge source of strength for me. And most importantly, my husband is my biggest cheerleader and support system. Having that makes all the difference. Without it, it’s hard.
Another big learning has been understanding the link between stress and physical health. Over the last four or five years, I’ve realised it’s not just a mindset issue – your physical health plays a huge role. And I know this might sound like standard social media advice, but it’s true: you need to move your body. You need to eat and sleep well. That’s what made a real difference for me. In fact, staying fit has now become one of my core interests.
The third piece is having interests outside of work. That’s so important. We actively encourage this at Ikigai.
And finally, reading good books has helped. There’s so much you can self-learn today. As a generation, we’re incredibly lucky to have access to so much information. If we’re intentional about how we use it, we can teach ourselves almost anything.
Thank you so much for your beautiful answers. Just to quickly respond to one of the aspects you mentioned, yes, we are our own leaders, and while we agree we should take command and understand things, it’s not always that easy. Sometimes organizations are supportive, sometimes they’re not. What we take away from this conversation is the importance of understanding what you’re doing, how you’re working, and who you’re working for. If you’re in the right environment, you’ll not only thrive professionally but also personally.
I just wanted to share a few closing thoughts. I completely agree that the environment you work in, especially early in your career, can make all the difference.
I also want to take a moment to talk about what we’re building at Ikigai. At the senior and mid-management level, we’re very intentional about creating a space that gives even our younger associates a lot of independence. There’s a strong emphasis on thinking independently, and we’re a flat and non-hierarchical setup. You can speak directly with the equity partners, the founding partner, with me, or with anyone else on the team.
In many ways, we function like a new-age startup. Just like many of the clients we advise. And that’s something I’m genuinely proud of.
One of the most meaningful aspects of our culture, and something I hope more organizations adopt, is our deep focus on training and mentorship. It’s actually what drew me to Ikigai as a new lawyer. And now that I get to mentor others, it’s incredibly fulfilling. Personally, one of the ways I measure my own success is by how well I support and guide the associates and senior associates I work with.
My hope is that this approach becomes the norm across the industry. I’m excited about what that future could look like.
What initially drew you to the field of law? Was there a defining moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue it as a career?
They say ‘Blood is thicker than water’, well this proved true in my case and there were significant circumstances and events in my life that had drawn me towards the field of law. Later on, as a child as I grew up, I came to know my grandfather was also an advocate and somehow his stories and the cases he advocated motivated me to seek logic and reason in everything and life at large therefore making me question ‘Why?’
My grandfather Late Nirad Behari Sikdar who passed law in 1942 from Calcutta University had a great influence on me but I didn’t have the good fortune to see him but I had heard his stories which made me realise and achieve my destiny later in life and pursue a career in law. I think not seeing him was something I wish I had but then I realised by carrying forward this noble profession, this way I could be a part of him and yet pave the legacy he had made.
As an advocate, he was a senior counsel who had done some impressive landmark cases of that era like against the North Frontier Railways in the year of 1966; as he was a hardcore civil practitioner. I slowly developed a passion and love for law as I tread on my journey, as each day I consider myself to be an apprentice learning and improving the craft of practising law.
What motivated you to pursue an LL.M. in Corporate and Financial Law, and what drew you specifically to this area of specialization?
Well, my internships and clerkships were all aligned towards general corporate practice in Corporate Teams of law firms and organisations because from the onset of my law school, I was much interested in commercial laws and corporate laws. Slowly, I developed a sweet spot for this niche area of law.
I think it is very important to discover and understand your path at an early stage because then you can focus and decide your stream line in the field of law and hence carve your practice area. As a law student and even till now I was always focused on academia and research because better research means better practice and vice -versa. My main objective to do an LLM was to focus on research and academia pertaining to my practice area that would enhance my analytical reasoning and articulation on general corporate and commercial laws. This is a myth that masters are done to have a hike on your payslip or promotion in your organisation. NO, it doesn’t work that way, masters are done simply to have a niche area of intellectual understanding and to develop an expertise of knowledge in a certain specific practice area for those who like to pursue it.
Once I had asked my law school senior in my final year, “Should we do a masters”, his blunt reply was “Yes if you are rich”, well both my masters programs, I had been offered scholarships for the tuition fees because of my precedent academic credentials and entrance exam score also for the second one I didn’t take it because I was working(had taken a sabbatical from the firm), also so that a student who really needed the financial support would get it, hence higher education is not always necessarily only for the rich I suppose.
This area of specialisation is very dynamic as the regulatory, compliance part of the practice keeps on evoluting throughout the world and the best part is that the application is not necessarily bounded by the jurisdiction and surpasses borders and becomes universal for the application part of the law at most times.
In the early stages of your career working both in corporate roles and later with a law firm what key experiences helped hone your legal skills, and how did they contribute to building a strong foundation for your current practice?
Well, during my early years I remember that I was very curious, I wanted to solve problems, I asked ‘why’ till I was satisfied with the answer given. I always did my homework. I did more than what was asked for not because of my senior’s satisfaction but for the fact that I wanted to deliver. I remember asking myself “What can I give? ” and what I am bringing to the table.
I was punctual and I had an eagerness to learn. I think discipline played a strong foundation in building myself for the lawyer I am today but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to have fun and a good time. Balance is the key and with the right momentum and a little bit of luck the world is your oyster. Just like a lot of lawyers when I worked at law firms, clients were my main focus. Also when I worked in-house, stakeholders were my primary focus.
There is a saying that if a good in-house counsel takes care of the stakeholders, then the stakeholders would take care of you. As a lawyer I think it is very important to build relationships and that’s exactly what I have done in most places I have worked till now.
What prompted your transition from working in the corporate sector to practicing with U.S. & Co (Advocates & Solicitors)? How would you compare the roles and working environments of both settings, and what unique insights did each offer?
After a certain point of time, I think change is inevitable, I took the jump trusting my instinct being the right time to do so. I think the best way to cater as an in-house lawyer is to understand the business because the organisation is your one client and your sole purpose is to make every effort to retain legal sanctity and regulatory legal compliance for the organization also to defend when necessary. Over here you dawn many hats but touch upon almost every available practice area but in a limited spectrum for your day-day work also you have to learn to efficiently manage your stakeholder and have good stakeholder management skills because they are not necessarily lawyers or have studied law but can be people from different verticals in the organisation. You have to be patient, diligent and research-oriented practitioner catering to your stakeholders.
Whereas, in private practice every client possesses a new challenge and there is a need that you got to have the client’s best interest at all times and do what is possible in offering the best possible legal service. Now, it becomes challenging when stepping towards the senior roles in a law firm because you are not only supposed to cater to clients but also bring in business and have a book as a partner which would be mostly about business development in the firm.
Each role has its own appeal and sets of unique challenges as the seniority increases, the complexity increases and the role becomes proactively engaging in different ways for both in-house and law firm lawyers.
As a Principal Associate handling a diverse portfolio of corporate clients across sectors such as IT, pharma, and infrastructure, you’ve led several high-value transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and investor rounds. Could you share insights into a particularly complex or high-impact deal you’ve worked on and how you navigated them?
One of the most challenging high value transactions was a cross-border acquisition in the technology space. The deal was a high value deal and our client was a mid-sized Indian technology company acquiring a European database company.
Now there were some key challenges we needed to focus on the deal:
Regulatory Issues across Jurisdictions- We had to navigate both Indian regulatory requirements of FEMA, SEBI and RBI Approvals and EU compliances including GDPR.
There was a heavy due diligence on the IP Risks done by the team.
We had to do Investor coordination, the transaction had multiple investors including PE funds and strategic investors with varying expectations. Aligning all the stakeholders required careful drafting of the SPA and waterfall structures.
For the cultural and operational integration, we closely worked with the client’s internal team and foreign external team for minimum disruption and retainment of key talent in the organisation. The deal closed after six months successfully resulting in a significant boost in our client’s global footprint.
While dealing with matters relating to data privacy compliance under the DPDP Act, 2023, how do you balance legal innovation with compliance in today’s fast-evolving corporate regulatory landscape?
Having an equilibrium in legal innovation with compliance under the DPDP Act, 2023 in India’s vigorously changing fast paced corporate regulatory environment requires a proactive strategic and multi-disciplinary approach.
It is very important to understand the spirit as well as the Letter of the Law. The DPDP Act emphasizes consent, purpose, limitation, data minimization, and accountability. It is very important to interpret the law holistically. To designate individual rights while enabling business innovation. Design should be made on the onset of privacy by design principles into products, services, and internal systems.
For better judicial interpretation regulatory landscapes e.g. India’s DPDP, EU GDPR, etc are mostly dynamic. It is very important in having a practical governance framework in place as a centralized privacy governance model. To conclude it should be understood that innovation and compliance are not mutually exclusive. In accordance with the DPDP Act, organisations should have a momentum towards an ethical innovation, to have solutions futuristic but privacy oriented. Thus, developing frameworks that are transparent, adaptable, user centric that supports the business which can promote in this evolving legal environment.
What are some common legal pitfalls startups often encounter during early-stage funding rounds, and how did you proactively address or mitigate these while managing the legal aspects of a technology startup?
Navigating startup early-stage funding rounds can be quite tricky and this may lead to derail progress or damage in the long run.
Some common pitfalls for startups (Early-stage funding) are:
Wrong entity in corporate formation and structure
Incapability in protecting and securing IP Intellectual Property
Chaos on Cap Table
Non-compliance with Securities Laws
Improper Due Diligence
Ambiguous Drafted Founder’s Agreement
Violation of Employment Laws
To manage these legal aspects, it is required to have an active startup focused mindset to set up the company properly and duly advise fundraising. There should be a clean obligation of IP, use safe templates and investor friendly terms, do equity management from issued founder stock. Commit to a structured well planned due diligence flagging risks. Also, last but not least there should be proper scrutiny for supportive compliance with corporate governance and employment law.
What advice would you offer to law students and young professionals aiming to explore corporate law, particularly in areas like M&A, data privacy, and legal compliance? Are there any specific resources or approaches you’d recommend to help them stay ahead of the curve?
I think for law students and young professionals it is very important to have sound knowledge because there needs to be a marriage between theory and practice, that’s where excellence happens. General awareness of recent deal structuring in the market and the tactics followed is always helpful; it helps us understand the latest trends in deal structuring M&A. Also, it’s very important to stay updated with the latest regulations and the statutory norms.
In data privacy one should have a clear understanding of GDPR and DPDP 2023 also one must keep in mind data privacy is not just theory its operational. It is cardinal to understand privacy and compliance are implemented in practice. One can get certified through CIPP/US, CIPP/E these are law focussed privacy certificates from IAPP.
Legal Compliance goes beyond because it acts like a bridge between legal, operations and ethics. Nowadays, businesses try to build a strong legal and regulatory foundation by developing practical, business – facing skills in Anti-Corruption laws: FCPA, UK Bribery Act, AML/KYC in Banking and finance, Anti -Trust Laws (Competition), Environmental & Labor regulations, corporate governance & SEC rules also sometimes there are industry specific compliance. For law students and young law professionals it is also important to make tailor made internship choices from an early stage and take special attention to corporate law classes, white-collar crime, regulatory law or ethics.
For M&A some recommended reads are: Mergers & Acquisitions and Other Restructuring Activities by Donald DePamphilis, The Art of M&A by Stanley Foster Reed, Alexandra Lajoux and H. Peter Nesvold. It also is important to read industry reports Like the Financial Times, Bloomberg M&A News, Reuter Deals etc.
For Data Privacy I recommend EU Data Protection and the GDPR by Christopher Kuner, Privacy Law and Society by Anita Allen & Marc Rotenberg, comprehensive research can be done through Westlaw, LexisNexis and Bloomberg Law.
It is advisable to do some certificate courses as well on these practice areas which helps to stay ahead of the curve and also equips with the latest trends and focus of the industry at large.
Legal Compliance is something where one needs to keep abreast with the latest regulatory laws and focus on the industry trends that provide valuable market insights to delve much further to understand the concepts and safeguarding it. It is recommendable to take one or two internships in an in-house legal department of any good organization to gain a much more mature practical understanding.
Balancing the demands of a legal career with personal life can be challenging. How do you maintain this balance, and what are your go-to ways to unwind or recharge outside of work?
Yes, indeed it is challenging and always has been and would be. Well, maintaining a balance is difficult as it is all about managing workflow and if there is work then it has to be done with maintaining a certain standard, that’s all. I try not to work on a Sunday most times because Sundays, I try to keep for my family and myself.
I try to rejuvenate from work by listening to all kinds of music under the sun and I myself play the piano since childhood for the last 24 years. Since my seventh grade I had been interested in Equestrian activities so I did learn In India and UK now also occasionally I go for pursuing this hobby at the Polo Club when I have the time. I like to travel when I have the time and also, I do love driving, I take out time for going on long drives. Off late, I don’t get to read much outside law these days but I do like to read novels and autobiographies.
Sir, you have extensive experience advising and representing clients across diverse legal domains. Looking back, what initially inspired you to pursue a career in law? How did your integrated B.S.W., LL.B. degree from Gujarat National Law University shape your early understanding of the legal system and its role in society?
Firstly, thank you for inviting me to your platform to share my journey. From a young age, I took a keen interest in public affairs. I religiously read the newspapers and followed the news on television. The dynamics of politics, society and international affairs fascinated me. To me, the study of law seemed like the perfect pathway to enter public life. I felt, and was also advised, that the subjects one would study in law school would hold me in good stead in achieving my goals at that point in time. So, that is how I found myself in law school. It is a different matter that at present, I’m doing something slightly removed from public affairs in the way I understood it as a teenager. But then again, litigation also intersects with public affairs, so I am content doing it.
As far as choosing BSW as my stream in law school goes, it was entirely by happenstance. I was allotted GNLU after the third round of CLAT counselling, by which time seats in my preferred Bachelor of Arts stream were unavailable. Given that BSW also aligned with my career objectives at that point of time, I decided to take the plunge. There was some trepidation, given that we were the first batch that was being offered this course. However, looking back, I have no regrets, given that it exposed me to a range of experiences, especially in the course of field work in rural areas, that I would otherwise not have had.
In the early stages of your legal career, what were some of the key formative experiences or challenges that deepened your understanding of the law and helped shape the direction of your professional journey?
Before I joined law school, I had a vague idea that the practice of law is demanding. It was during my internships while in law school that I got my first glimpse of what it actually meant. I had the privilege of doing most of my internships in Delhi at the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court. At first, I was star struck, seeing stalwarts of the legal profession in such close proximity. Over time, I saw them in action and gradually, began to recognise the mastery in their craft. Often, the fees charged by top lawyers get the spotlight, but what people do not see is the years of effort, hard-work, dedication and sacrifice that precedes that. Being exposed to that environment gave me a sense of what it takes to succeed in the profession. I, very reluctantly, came to terms with the fact that the conventional notions of work life balance would have to be foregone. After all, one has to work seven days a week for most of the year. Professional life is often fast paced and dynamic. It is certainly not for every personality type. At the same time, the profession also offers a sense of fulfilment and reward, provided the right effort is put in. Therefore, if one is able to accept the trade-offs, the profession can be deeply rewarding.
It was also during my internship phase and subsequent professional life that my understanding of the law truly started taking shape. It’s still an ongoing process. For me, it was essential to move beyond books and see the law in action to truly internalise it.
What was your motivation behind taking the England & Wales Solicitor Qualification Exam (“SQE”)? How has your dual qualification influenced your approach to your practice area?
My decision to prepare for the SQE was guided by multiple factors. Primarily, I believed that since the Indian legal system is largely derived from English law and is relevant to some extent in shaping Indian jurisprudence, pursuing it would be a good idea. The area of English law that I was keenest on learning was civil commercial law, which is especially relevant to my practice area. It has a rich jurisprudence dating back almost three centuries and continues to be the preferred legal system to govern a range of commercial contracts. A hallmark of English law is that it has adapted itself over time to facilitate commerce by balancing predictability and flexibility. That is why it continues to be referred to for guidance across the Common Law world. I was eager to learn about its development in greater detail.
Preparing for the exam was a unique experience, offering its share of excitement and overwhelm. It felt like going through law school again with the advantage of some professional experience, which made grasping concepts easier. The fact that Indian law aligns with English law in many aspects also helped. For me, being exposed to facets of civil commercial law and civil procedure were deeply enriching. It was remarkable to see the level of detail with which the Civil Procedure Rules along with the practice directions dealt with. Another subject which fascinated me was Equity and Trusts. It did not occupy a prominent position in Indian law school syllabi at our time. However, once I entered the profession, I understood the importance of this body of law, especially to my practice area.
On the whole, studying for the SQE certainly broadened my perspective on my legal practice, which I try to bring to bear in my work. One example that comes to mind is the guidance on steps to be taken and best practices at different stages of a litigation (from pre-claim to execution) are pieces which I have sought to incorporate into my practice.
You’ve represented and advised clients in and relating to both, domestic and international arbitrations. What are your thoughts on the evolution of the arbitration landscape in India and where it stands in the international landscape?
One of the most important considerations while incorporating arbitration clauses in contracts is the choice of seat, given its ramifications on the conduct of the arbitration and enforceability of the award. While choosing a seat, parties would essentially look at whether the legal framework, predisposition of courts and the general structure of the legal system is favourable to aiding arbitration, from the interim measures stage to enforcement of the award. In the last 15 years, there has been a concerted effort in India to encourage arbitration, be it through judicial decisions or legislative change. Pain points have sought to be resolved. The general trend has been positive. After all, it must be recognised that to attract and encourage trade and commerce, India needs to provide an effective and efficient dispute resolution mechanism to businesses. Arbitration provides a potential answer to this. However, one hurdle that is yet to be overcome entirely are the delays in courts processes, right from appointment of arbitrators to hearing challenges to awards. This is primarily a consequence of the heavy roster of Indian judges. This structural bottleneck would have to be addressed if India is to compete as a hub of international arbitration. Here again, the general trajectory has been in the right direction. We must also recognise that the effect of changes sought to be made will not appear overnight. We can certainly be hopeful that in the coming decade, India will occupy a more prominent role in the international arbitration landscape.
As a Principal Associate in Khaitan & Co’s dispute resolution practice, you’ve dealt with complex matters across insolvency, arbitration, and constitutional litigation. Can you please talk about some of the key strategic and legal insights from your experience?
Without going into the specifics of matters, one of the significant learnings from my professional life is that no matter how good or bad a client’s case might appear to be, its ultimate outcome is far from certain. Therefore, while humility is the order of the day in all situations, it assumes even more importance when your client appears to be on a strong footing. One must never let their guards down.
On the other hand, even when your client does not appear to have the best of cases, earnest effort can get your client a result favourable to it in the circumstances. Essentially, the outcome of a case is not always black and white in terms of winning or losing. There are a range of outcomes in between which can be of tremendous help to clients. It is, therefore, important to understand the Client’s needs and devise strategy accordingly. While the Client should be given an accurate account of the merits of their case, it should not influence how you defend the case.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, lawyers must remember that they are officers of the court and they have a responsibility to assist the court in arriving at the right decision. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between the responsibilities towards your client and the court.
Also, while litigation strategy is essential, it has to be balanced with thinking on the feet. We operate in a dynamic environment, where evolving circumstances might require a complete reorientation of strategy. Therefore, it is important to develop the muscle to deal with such changes.
With your interest in public policy and sports governance, what institutional or regulatory reforms do you believe are most needed in India’s sports ecosystem? Are there specific areas where legal intervention could drive meaningful change?
The need of the hour is to ensure good governance of sports governing bodies (“SGBs”) so that the interest of athletes is at the forefront. A report by the Indian Express earlier this year highlighted that 770 sports-related litigations pending in courts across India, out of which more than 200 related to governance of the SGBs. This means that valuable energy and finances that could have been used to support athletes is being diverted towards other causes. Ensuring that SGBs get their houses in order is essential so that athletes can receive the support they need and deserve. There are numerous accounts of athletes having to fight against the system to achieve their goals. If we are to become a sporting nation, reform of SGBs is fundamental.
The Union Government has taken several steps in the right direction. The Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 which was published for public comments in October 2024, offers some hope. The Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs recently announced measures to foster more accountability from National Sports Federations. However, it must be remembered that sport is a State List subject under the Constitution. Therefore, the onus is on states to ensure good governance of SGBs at the State and District level. Orissa has shown the way in this regard. Moreover, it is critical to understand that to build India’s sporting credentials, we cannot look at the government for all our solutions. Private sector involvement and investment has to be facilitated across sports. For that to happen, a favourable sporting ecosystem conducive to investment has to be created, which takes us back to reform of SGBs. Private players will be wary of supporting sports which are not well administered. On the other hand, if the sport is being administered well, it will naturally attract private sector support. Rugby India is a case in point. Despite not being a major sport in India, it has managed to secure private sector funding because it is well governed and is more likely to achieve its targets, however modest they may be, than a sport which is more prominent but ill-administered.
What advice would you offer to young lawyers aspiring to work in the dispute resolution practice in a law firm? Were there any particular habits, values, or resources that played a significant role in your own professional development?
In a law firm, you don two hats- one of a lawyer and the other of a businessman. The latter does not get highlighted enough. As a junior, you are so engrossed in the minutiae of the legal side that the business side gets neglected. Before you know it, you are eligible for partnership and to stake your claim, you must show your business building credentials. It is then that you truly start focusing on it. While it is certainly true that the initial phase of your career should be spent honing your craft, some time should also be devoted to learning the business of law. As you move up the ladder, the amount of time you devote to it would necessarily need to go up. So, my advice to those aspiring to work in law firms would be to start learning the business of law early in your career so that you don’t have to endure baptism by fire.
As far as values go, the ones that have served me best are responsiveness and reliability, be it with colleagues, clients or even the Bench. These are fundamental to success in a service industry like ours.
To develop professionally, I have tried to push myself out of my comfort zone by embarking on educational endeavours frequently. Time is always a constraint but I have never let that be an excuse.
Finally, as lawyers, it is important to remain updated about developments in my practice area. It is also essential to anticipate areas where I could bring my professional skills to bear in the future, so that I can position myself accordingly. To this end, I try and read about developments and trends within and outside the law on a daily basis. I immensely enjoy reading and learning new things. I love that I’m able to do that in this profession.
Given the high-pressure nature of litigation and arbitration, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? Are there specific practices, routines, or philosophies that help you stay grounded, focused, and resilient in your career?
As I said before, to work in the law, you have to forego conventional notions of work-life balance. However, that does not need to come at the cost of spending time with your family and yourself. In fact, both are basic human needs. Even within this system, one can find a way to give them the time they deserve. All it requires is conscious effort and awareness. Being particular with your schedule helps. It goes without saying that support from family is also necessary in adjusting to this way of life.
It is important to underline the importance of taking care of one’s physical and mental health so that you are able to be the best version of yourself every day. It is very easy to go off the rails, given the demanding work environment. I try and fit in 3-4 days of physical activity every week. To regulate my emotions and nervous system, I have incorporated breath work into my routine. The third area which I try to focus on is the food I eat. I love eating but to operate optimally, I avoid eating foods that inhibit my mental functioning. I do indulge myself from time to time but not on a regular basis.
Coming from an academic background in economics, what inspired you to pursue a career in law? Has your background in economics enhanced your ability to navigate complex commercial and transactional disputes?
Looking back, I believe I was always meant to be a lawyer. I distinctly remember in Class 6, I wrote in my slam book that I wanted to be one, without fully understanding what it meant. One vivid memory is from a school session where we talked about our parents’ professions, and I was fascinated by a friend whose family included a prominent criminal counsel — I was hooked. My time at Modern School, Vasant Vihar, further shaped this instinct. I was drawn to history, public speaking, dramatics, and editorial work, all of which naturally nudged me toward law.
However, as a first-generation lawyer with no immediate role models, I had to be practical. At that time, I had topped in economics and was equally passionate about history. I faced a real conundrum: pursue economics, follow history academically, or take the uncharted path into law.
I chose to study Economics (Hons.) at Delhi University, knowing well that if law was truly my calling, I could always pursue the three-year law course later. That clarity helped me focus. Though I did well academically, I realized early on that economics was not my true passion. I enjoyed its rigour but not the heart of it. The day I graduated was the day I gave myself permission to fully pursue law.
That said, I don’t regret my economics background — it has deeply shaped my approach to litigation. Understanding economic models, financial structures, and market behaviour enables me to unpack complex commercial disputes with greater insight. Whether it’s a shareholder conflict, contractual dispute, or regulatory challenge, my economics training helps me grasp the underlying commercial drivers, spot inconsistencies in financial narratives, think strategically and to ask “why” until something actually made sense. In high-stake litigation, clarity of thought and structured analysis make a tangible difference, and this analytical discipline has been a real asset throughout my career.
Early in your career, you worked with a range of law firms and senior lawyers. What are some of the foundational experiences during that period that continue to shape your legal practice today?
Early in my career, as a first-generation lawyer with a three-year law degree, I was acutely aware that I needed to make every internship count. I sought out diverse experiences, interning with Tier 1 and Tier 2 law firms, specialized litigation boutiques, corporate firms, and even spending time with trial court, High Court, and Supreme Court lawyers. This breadth gave me a panoramic view of the profession and helped me understand its many facets.
My final internship was with Mr. Amarjit Singh Chandhiok, Senior Advocate, which eventually led to me joining his chamber. Many questioned my choice to work with a senior counsel straight out of law school, but I knew the value of the environment I was entering. Fali S. Nariman’s phrase resonates deeply with me: “When you mention a famous racehorse, the first question is always, ‘From which stable?’ The stable matters.” For me, Mr. Chandhiok’s chamber was that stable, the ideal place to hone one’s craft.
Mr. Chandhiok is the quintessential mentor. His razor-sharp eye for detail, encyclopaedic knowledge of civil and commercial law, and unmatched clarity of thought set a high bar for anyone aspiring to excel in litigation. It was there I truly understood the critical importance of strategic thinking before stepping into court and the necessity of being impeccably prepared. The chamber handled a wide spectrum of complex cases—arbitrations, election petitions, shareholder disputes, guardianship matters, civil suits—each presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities.
The work ethic instilled in that chamber remains with me. Often, the briefs would come only by late evening, requiring all-nighters to prepare comprehensive notes for Mr. Chandhiok’s arguments the next day. This rigorous training taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and an unwavering attention to detail. But beyond the technical skills, it was Mr. Chandhiok’s words of wisdom after every case, his humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence, that reminded me there is always more to learn and room to grow.
Many successful lawyers speak warmly of their formative chambers, and I echo that sentiment. That environment shaped not just my legal skills but my approach to the profession and to clients, grounded in diligence, strategy, and integrity. It remains the foundation upon which I continue to build my practice today.
What made you switch from a Senior Counsel’s chamber to a tier 1 law firm, JSA Advocates & Solicitors. What changes did you encounter making the shift from a senior counsel to a law firm.
I wanted to broaden my horizons and take on the role of a drafting and filing counsel, while engaging with a wider spectrum of complex commercial and transactional disputes. I first learned about a vacancy on Mr. Dheeraj Nair’s (Partner) team through my best friend who works at JSA. I had also seen Mr. Nair in action, strategizing thoughtfully and decisively alongside Mr. Chandhiok during a court hearing, which left a lasting impression on me.
Having now worked alongside Mr. Nair for seven years, I can confidently say that I owe much of my professional growth and success to his exceptional mentorship. He is not only an outstanding lawyer with a deep strategic mind but also possesses exemplary client management skills. It was with him that I truly understood the importance of building long-term client relationships, something that requires not just hard work but countless sleepless nights until those eventual eureka moments arrive, and trust me, they always do. His ability to simplify complex problems, think several steps ahead, and communicate with clarity is truly inspiring. What stands out most is his commitment to nurturing young lawyers by instilling confidence and encouraging independent decision-making, qualities essential to growth in the formative years of a legal career.
JSA is a visionary firm that genuinely values every lawyer’s contribution, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation. The firm’s forward-thinking approach and emphasis on teamwork create the ideal environment to develop as a well-rounded legal professional. At JSA, talent is recognized and nurtured, and I continue to learn and grow every day.
Of course, working at a law firm involves a shift in perspective. You move to the other side of the spectrum, from pure advocacy to client interface, drafting, filing, conferencing, arguing in court, and even raising bills. You need to stay on top of all these aspects. Importantly, it is here that you truly appreciate the commercial side of law, the strategic thinking, client focus, and business realities that shape legal advice and advocacy.
What made you give the prestigious Advocate-on-Record examination? As an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India, how has this designation influenced your practice, particularly when appearing before the Supreme Court? What additional responsibilities does this role entail?
My decision to pursue the Advocate-on-Record (AOR) examination was inspired by Mr. Dheeraj Nair, who is an AOR himself. His expertise and professionalism motivated me to deepen my engagement with Supreme Court practice. The AOR designation is a prestigious credential that signifies mastery over Supreme Court procedures, drafting, and advocacy.
Being an AOR has significantly influenced my practice by enabling me to file and argue cases directly before the Supreme Court, enhancing my ability to manage cases end-to-end. It has sharpened my drafting skills, improved my understanding of complex procedural nuances, and instilled a greater sense of responsibility and ethics.
Additionally, the role involves coordinating with multiple teams within the firm who seek to file cases before the Supreme Court, which helps expand one’s professional reputation. Being an AOR requires a comprehensive approach that balances client expectations, legal strategy, and court requirements. This designation has been instrumental in broadening my professional capabilities and strengthening my commitment to delivering high-quality advocacy at the highest judicial level.
You’ve advised on a wide array of legal issues including shareholder disputes and commercial contracts. What is your approach?
I have advised on a wide range of legal issues, with shareholder disputes being a key area of specialization. These disputes involve complex interpersonal dynamics, competing interests, and nuanced corporate governance challenges. Successfully resolving them requires a solid grasp of company law, contractual frameworks, and sharp negotiation and strategic skills.
My approach combines meticulous fact-finding with anticipating opposing strategies, crafting compelling arguments, and managing sensitive negotiations. This combination of legal acumen and practical strategy enables me to help clients navigate these disputes toward effective and sustainable outcomes.
With respect to gaming laws and regulatory compliance, how would you assess India’s legal framework in comparison to internationally accepted norms? What are the major compliance challenges businesses in this sector face?
India’s legal framework for online gaming is evolving but remains fragmented compared to more cohesive international models. The 2023 amendments to the Information Technology Rules introduced self-regulatory bodies and defined permissible real-money games, but the overlap between central guidelines and varied state laws continues to create compliance uncertainty.
Major challenges include regulatory ambiguity, inconsistent licensing processes, complex tax structures, and an aggressive enforcement climate. In contrast, many global jurisdictions offer streamlined, centralized regulation that promotes industry growth and investor confidence.
To align with international standards, India needs a unified national policy that reconciles state and central regulations and provides long-term clarity. In this landscape, lawyers play a key role in helping businesses navigate legal risks, ensure compliance, structure operations, and engage effectively with regulators.
You regularly advise foreign clients on Indian legal matters, especially in high-stakes, cross-jurisdictional transactions. How do you navigate the differences between the legal systems?
Advising foreign clients on Indian legal matters, particularly in complex, cross-border transactions or disputes, requires more than just a knowledge of Indian law. It involves simplifying the law, explaining the procedural nuances, and often, the practical vagaries of the Indian legal system. A lawyer’s job in this context is not only to identify the risks but to provide clear, actionable solutions.
Foreign clients and firms come to us for results, not just analysis. I make it a point to move beyond theoretical advice and focus on pragmatic, commercially viable strategies. Over time, I’ve built strong rapport with several international clients and counterparts, owing to my problem-solving approach and my ability to communicate local complexities with clarity and confidence. That balance between legal insight and practical execution is what truly makes cross-jurisdictional work successful.
Given your work with India’s leading e-commerce platforms, what are the recurring legal challenges these platforms face regarding intermediary liability and content removal, especially amid changing digital regulations? How effective are current mechanisms in resolving these disputes?
E-commerce platforms in India operate under increasing regulatory pressure, particularly concerning intermediary liability and content takedown obligations. While the IT Act provides a “safe harbour” to intermediaries, the practical enforcement of this protection remains inconsistent.
Many courts across the country are still hesitant to extend timely protection under the safe harbour principle, which creates urgency in seeking relief. Given how time-sensitive these issues can be, I often find myself moving quickly between courts in different parts of the country to secure interim protections and maintain operational continuity for clients.
A key challenge lies in navigating overlapping obligations, balancing compliance with evolving IT Rules, addressing takedown demands, and mitigating exposure to reputational and legal risks. Current mechanisms such as self-regulatory bodies and grievance redressal structures help to an extent but lack uniform enforcement and often do not provide swift remedies.
From a strategic perspective, it is essential for intermediaries and e-commerce platforms to establish clear internal protocols, escalation frameworks, and litigation preparedness. As counsel, we do not just advise on what the law says, but help clients anticipate regulatory action, build proactive compliance systems, and craft legal strategies that ensure effective and timely results.
Could you share your experience handling one of the most challenging cases you’ve come across? How do you approach such complex matters, from research to strategy and how do you manage the pressure in high-stakes situations?
I cannot single out one particularly challenging case because my work spans a wide range of complex matters. I regularly handle commercial and contractual disputes, shareholder and joint venture conflicts, domestic and international arbitration, banking fraud, insolvency, white-collar crimes, gaming laws, regulatory compliance, and public law issues. Many of these cases require creative thinking and tailored strategies, which clients expect from us.
I focus on extracting detailed information from my clients because as lawyers, we often find solutions or key documents that laypeople might miss. Asking questions, and then asking more, is essential. Clients appreciate this thoroughness over time. One important lesson I have learned from senior colleagues is the power of asking the right questions. An eye for detail makes all the difference.
My approach starts with deep research and understanding of both legal and commercial aspects. I develop dispute resolution strategies that combine pre-litigation efforts with litigation or arbitration while always aligning with the client’s business goals. Managing pressure in high-stakes matters requires discipline, preparation, and staying calm under uncertainty. Working across courts, tribunals, and regulatory bodies, I rely on meticulous planning and teamwork to navigate complex situations and deliver effective results.
This broad exposure has helped me develop a flexible mindset and problem-solving skills to meet clients’ needs even in the most challenging matters.
With rapid developments in data privacy laws and digital regulation, how do you foresee the legal landscape in India evolving over the next few years? Are there any trends that businesses or legal professionals should be particularly mindful of?
India’s data privacy and digital regulation landscape is evolving rapidly and is expected to become much more robust in the next few years. The upcoming comprehensive data protection law will impose stricter requirements on how businesses collect, process, and transfer personal data, emphasizing user consent, data security, and cross-border data flows. This will push Indian companies and foreign investors to enhance their compliance frameworks and technology safeguards.
Regulators are likely to increase scrutiny, focusing on transparency, accountability, and enforcement against violations. Cybersecurity norms will also tighten, and there will be closer coordination between data privacy laws and sector-specific regulations like finance, healthcare, and telecom.
As a lawyer advising clients in India, I focus on helping them understand these evolving rules in practical terms, not just the legal text. This means guiding them through data audits, compliance program design, and risk assessments, while also preparing them for potential regulatory investigations or breaches.
I work closely with clients to build proactive strategies that balance legal requirements with their business realities, helping them stay compliant while minimizing disruption. This client-centric, solution-driven approach is critical given how fast and complex the regulatory environment is becoming in India.
Is there a guiding principle or professional motto that you’ve followed throughout your career? What advice would you offer to young law graduates aspiring to build a career in litigation and dispute resolution?
A guiding principle I’ve followed throughout my career is to be practical, business-friendly, and bold in representing my clients. While developing strong legal arguments are important, often the most effective solutions come from understanding the client’s commercial realities and crafting strategies that balance legal rigor with practical outcomes. When a brief comes your way, defend your client like a warrior — with full commitment, clarity, and confidence.
Also, keep saying YES. Even when it feels daunting or you feel unprepared, step forward and volunteer. Some of the most defining moments in my journey came from saying yes to opportunities I wasn’t sure I was ready for.
For young law graduates aspiring to build a career in litigation and dispute resolution, my advice is to develop not only your legal knowledge but also your ability to think strategically and communicate effectively. Be willing to ask the right questions, dig deep into facts, and understand the context behind every dispute. Litigation or Dispute Resolution is not just about winning arguments; it’s about delivering solutions that work in the real world. Stay bold, stay curious, and never lose sight of the client’s goals. Practicality and fearlessness will set you apart as a trusted advocate.
You maintain a diverse and demanding practice appearing in courts, advising clients, contributing thought leadership, and more. How do you find balance between your professional obligations and personal life, and how do you manage stress in such a high-intensity career?
There is no such thing as work-life balance in law—that’s the honest truth, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. A good lawyer never really stops working; clients’ legal challenges keep coming, and you’re constantly thinking through solutions and next steps. Trust me, all of us in this profession enjoy that challenge.
To manage stress, I try to make some time for reading non-fiction, playing pickleball, taking family vacations, and catching up with my non-lawyer friends to stay grounded and keep my “other” world alive. But I’d be lying if I said there is any perfect balance between work and life.
With nearly a decade of experience in civil litigation, arbitration, and related fields, what initially motivated you to pursue a legal career, especially in the area of dispute resolution?
My initial motivation came from my neighbours in my hometown. Literally, every house has a name board with an Advocate written on it and this used to fascinate me a lot. Moreover, I honestly always thought that this is some kind of an easy money-making profession, I was clearly mistaken. I always thought that resolving conflicts through a structured framework inside a court room will be very exciting. My parents were very supportive when I told them that I want to be a lawyer. They supported me in my decision to move out and start a fresh life in Delhi as well. Initially it was a little tough for me, as coming from a small city with no background in legal fraternity, I had to face some challenges.
After a couple of years in the profession, I was curious to know more about Alternate Dispute Resolution and this intrigued me because it not only requires a grasp of the law but also strategic thinking and negotiation skills to achieve amicable solutions. I witnessed situations where unresolved disputes led to prolonged challenges and dirty legal battles so I think Dispute Resolution is one of the best ways for a peaceful settlement.
Having earned your Master of Laws (LL.M) in International Dispute Resolution from King’s College London, with a focus on International & Commercial Arbitration, how did this advanced education influence your approach to handling complex international disputes? Additionally, what were the key criteria for admission to this prestigious institution, and what made you choose it over other options?
Pursuing LL.M in International Dispute Resolution from King’s College London significantly enhanced my ability to analyse complex international disputes. It gave me a lot of confidence in life personally and professionally as well. The program’s curriculum, exposure to diverse legal systems, and interactions with global legal practitioners and intellectual minds helped me develop a well-rounded perspective. I strongly feel that going for a Master’s that too after some work experience was one of the best decisions I ever made. Since I had some professional experience, I was able to relate more and indulge more in discussions with students from around the globe.
Admission to King’s required a good academic record, a compelling personal statement, and a clear vision of professional goals. To some extent my work experience and letters of recommendation from my mentors also helped a lot. I chose King’s over other institutions for its unparalleled reputation in Law, especially in Dispute Resolution and obviously I didn’t want to miss out the opportunity to study in a city that serves as a hub for international legal practice.
Starting your career in 2015 and accumulating over nine years of legal experience, what weresome of the challenges you faced in the early stages of your career? Could you share specific experiences that significantly contributed to your growth as a legal professional?
Being a first-generation lawyer with no background in the legal fraternity, I had to face a few challenges that too in a city like Delhi where I hardly knew anyone in the profession at that point of time. I think the biggest challenge was to survive with minimal resources at a salary of INR 12,000/- per month. It was all very new and overwhelming for me. I had no idea how this profession is going to treat me and how am I going to survive on my own. However, God has always been kind and I truly feel blessed for getting some great helping hands during the initial days of my career. As far as growth in this profession is concerned, I realised that you can only grow in the legal field if you start being honest to yourself, start respecting your seniors and stop comparing yourself with others in the profession. These three key points should never be neglected by young lawyers. Of course, having a good drafting or communication skills, networking etc. helps but realising your own worth by not comparing yourself and by being honest with yourself and by giving respect without any expectations will surely take you to heights.
On a lighter note, reading your files properly and being punctual in court will also help you grow in the profession.
In your current role, you manage high-stakes cases for various significant clients. What is your approach to handling complex litigation matters, and how do you strategize for optimal client representation? Additionally, what do you believe is the most important skill for law students to develop if they want to pursue a career in litigation?
While handling high-stakes cases, I prioritize a deep understanding of the client’s objectives and the legal landscape. My approach involves deep research, anticipating opposing strategies, and clear communication with clients to align on tactics. I also strongly feel that discussing all aspects of the matter internally with your team helps a lot. A junior most lawyer in your team can also give you one of the best advices, which is why discussing with the team and involving your team members while stargazing your next move is highly recommended.
For aspiring litigators/young lawyers, I would suggest to be very patient, calm and diligent reader. Reading with a calm mind can solve most of your issues as it will give you clarity and understanding of what needs to be done and what you need to avoid. Getting into a habit of reading judgments, research papers, articles etc. can be of a great help. Apart from this, I think being vocal in a polite way is also very important in the profession. This will upgrade your confidence and increase your participation in various discussions which will ultimately help you in enhancing your court skills.
You manage a team of senior advocates and advocates, how do you ensure a consistent workflow and minimize burnout? Additionally, what key values do you prioritize when selecting team members?
I treat everyone in the team equally and make sure that we work together as a team on the assigned matters. I prioritize establishing clear processes and maintaining open communication to ensure consistent workflow. I avoid acting like a senior and create unnecessary urgencies. I usually begin by understanding the unique strengths and expertise of each team member and assign tasks accordingly. This ensures that each team member is working in their area of proficiency.
Additionally, we encourage the team to maintain meticulous documentation of their work, ensuring continuity even when team members are unavailable due to court appearances or other commitments. By fostering a collaborative culture, we ensure that the workload is evenly distributed, and knowledge-sharing becomes a norm. I believe that a healthy work environment is crucial for delivering quality results consistently. To achieve this, it is important to encourage family/personal time and equal distribution of work among all team members. I also encourage the team to maintain work-life balance by respecting personal time and being flexible with deadlines whenever possible.
To create a positive and motivating atmosphere, I make it a point to recognize and celebrate accomplishments, both big and small.
While building a team, we should prioritise integrity, collaboration, and a strong sense of responsibility. Integrity is non-negotiable in the legal profession as it directly impacts our credibility and the trust of our clients. One needs to be respectful towards seniors in the profession in order to make it big in the profession. It often makes me wonder why the sense of respect and integrity we had earlier is now missing in the young lawyers. I strongly feel that it is high time for them to realise the importance of working respectfully as a team so that they can individually grow professionally and personally both.
Given your expertise in arbitration, what do you consider the most crucial challenge while dealing with complex commercial or international disputes? How do you think the Indian dynamics are changing when it comes to arbitration in disputes?
The most crucial challenge in arbitration is ensuring enforceability of awards, especially in cross-border disputes and emergency arbitration. Another significant hurdle is managing jurisdictional complexities while balancing client interests. In India, arbitration is undergoing a transformation with legislative reforms and increasing reliance on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. These changes are fostering a more arbitration-friendly environment. India still has a long way to go especially when it comes to enforceability issues, but I am sure we are on the right path and we will soon be known for our laws on dispute resolution.
In your opinion, what are the major challenges faced by Indian lawyers seeking to specialize in international dispute resolution? What advice would you offer to those aiming to pursue a similar career? Also, could you recommend any resources you use to stay updated with legal trends in this ever-evolving field?
Indian lawyers specializing in international dispute resolution often face challenges like limited opportunities for global exposure and the need for in-depth understanding of foreign legal systems. Indian universities have very less focus on international laws and not everyone can afford to study abroad. When I was in college, I had no idea of the New York Convention or International Settlement of Investment Disputes. All this was introduced to me only when I started working and when I did my research on the international dispute resolution while deciding to go for an LL.M. My advice to all young lawyers looking forward to a career in international dispute resolution is to seek internships with firms involved in international arbitration, build a robust network, and pursue certifications in international law. Attending various webinars and reading about development in international laws can also help a lot in your personal and professional growth.
With a career that blends legal practice and involvement in high-profile legal matters, how do you balance professional responsibilities with personal growth? What keeps you motivated to excel in such a demanding and fast-paced field?
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal growth requires disciplined time management and prioritization. I dedicate time to self-reflection and continuous learning through reading and networking. One should always know where to draw a line and should not raise any false expectations which may become a hurdle in your professional growth. What keeps me motivated is the knowledge that my work contributes to shaping fair and just outcomes, alongside the intellectual challenges and dynamic nature of the legal field. Even after a little more than 9 years of experience, I still learn something new everyday and my mind gets more curious to know about other facets of law and I think this is one of the best things of our profession.
With a decade of experience in commercial disputes, what initially inspired you to pursue a career in law, particularly in the area of dispute resolution?
So I did not really have it all figured out for me initially when I was making a career choice. Like most teenagers, I was confused and didn’t even know what I wanted to do. I had done 11th and 12th grade in the Science stream and at that point of time I had never fancied a career in law. I was more inclined towards doing either medicine or any other para medical field. Due to some family circumstances at that point in time, I was unable to pursue medicine and had to fall back on the next best career choice. The confusion did not end here. I saw both law and journalism as reasonably good career options. While the power that came with being aware of our rights inspired me to pursue law, I was equally enticed by the power to make a mass impact that came with being a journalist. I wanted to be able to make some sort of impact in what I did, so I secured admission in a journalism college on the same day when the first merit list at GLC was to come out. But as life would have it, something made me realise that I can make an impact even by pursuing law. So I left the admission secured in journalism and signed up for the five year law course instead. That was how I began my journey in law.
After earning your degree and being designated as a Solicitor, how did your early experiences in litigation at various law firms help shape your approach to handling complex commercial disputes? What were the key lessons you learned during this period?
While in my 4th year of college I made an unconventional but conscious choice of signing articleship for 3 years for qualifying as a Solicitor with a small boutique law firm in Mumbai which was primarily into dispute resolution. Even after qualifying as a Solicitor I continued working at this firm for a couple of years before I moved to a bigger firm. I was fortunate to be exposed to some very sensitive matters at this time including arbitrations, suits and writ petitions that were both complex and high value. So right from the start I was directly put into the hot tub and had to find my way into understanding complex commercial disputes and finding ways to resolve them. I believe that it was the training that I received during this time which set an extremely solid foundation for a decade of my career in dispute resolution that lay ahead. Many litigation lawyers are often given the advice that you must start practicing with the smaller courts, because this is where you actually learn the nitty gritty of trial and procedure. I did quite the opposite. I started my career with litigation in the Bombay high court and even supreme court, and quite honestly, I think it worked out beautifully well for me. The precision that is required for handling complex disputes in the higher courts forced me from the very start to pursue accuracy in whatever I was doing. Since the stakes in every matter that I was handling were high, there was very little room for error, which forced me to check, and re-check my work which was, I think, an extremely essential skill that one needs to develop in this profession. As far as nitty gritty of procedure is concerned, in my experience, I did handle a fair amount of disputes in the lower courts as well, and to be honest, I felt that the higher courts followed a more precise way of following the procedure with lesser adjournments and delays and more precision in interpretation of the law. Another key lesson that I learnt in my initial years at law firms was how to handle clients. Client counseling is a skill that is extremely crucial for the purpose of understanding a dispute and then effectively resolving it. Exposure to different kinds of clients, both corporate and individuals, understanding the dispute, understanding what exactly is the remedy that they are seeking, these things were extremely important. A client himself can make or break his own case and to get the right information out of the client is sometimes a very underrated skill. So these were some of the key learnings that I had during my initial years.
You have significant exposure to both domestic and international arbitration. Can you share how these two spheres differ in terms of legal approach and challenges, and what has been your strategy for effectively navigating both?
I believe, earlier on, while institutional arbitrations were not as popular in India, and ad hoc would be the natural first choice of parties, there was a vast difference in the way arbitrations were conducted in India and Internationally. Thankfully, the UNCITRAL and CIArb have done so. Post the 2015 amendment and the increasing pro-arbitration jurisprudence in India, the gap has narrowed down quite a fair bit . For example, something as simple as fast track arbitrations or document-only arbitrations was a concept India was oblivious to until recently. Fair to say that on interpretation of the law, there were not much difference in the approach, however International arbitrations have their own challenges when it comes to costs of arbitration. However, more than the arbitration proceeding itself, the major difference, which I believe will always exist, is in the system of the courts of various jurisdictions in challenges to the arbitration award or the arbitration procedure. The best strategy to effectively navigate both kinds of arbitration is to be open to learn, no matter how experienced you are in the profession, to be flexible in your approach to learning and most importantly to be observant of the smallest details.
As a Fellow at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, how has this designation enriched your skills and approach to arbitration?
I had taken the Accelerated Route to Fellowship, from CIArb London and I must say it went a long way in widening my knowledge of arbitration. The standards of procedure and conduct of international arbitration was meticulously explained by CIArb and the method adopted to teach during the course was key in building skills which are absolutely essential for a successful career in arbitration. The study was a rigorous one, which contained case study based, and unconventional questions, which forces one to think out of the box and present solutions. It ended with a rigorous award writing assessment, which further trains the mind to think from the arbitrator’s perspective and balance equities in a dispute. CIArb is also an internationally acclaimed standard and exposed me to a network of some of the brightest minds in Arbitration. I highly recommend budding arbitration practitioners to pursue the fellowship from CIArb to widen their knowledge and network.
In your current role, you focus on banking/real estate litigation and advisory relating to enforcement of security by Financial Institutions . What are the most common challenges faced by financial institutions in these areas, and how do you tailor your legal strategies to meet their needs?
In my current role I work on complex matters relating to recovery of stressed assets by financial institutions as well as Banking and real estate related litigation. I have come across cases with large amounts of money which turn into non-performing assets for these financial institutions due to the default of the borrowers. Most commonly, the challenges faced by these financial institutions comprise of dealing with fraudulent transactions made by the defaulting borrowers like multiple sales of their security, siphoning of monies and even forgery. Another major challenge faced by these institutions are the legal complications that arise due to the interplay of various laws in the country like RERA, SARFAESI, Transfer of Property Act, Slum Rehabilitation Law and general laws that sometimes form an impediment in enforcing their security effectively and delay the recovery process. My job in my current role is to work on effectively designing the best legal strategies for helping the clients achieve fast recovery of the stressed assets in the most efficient manner, and thereafter to implement that strategy, which may contain a combination of remedies. The most effective way of doing this is to keep myself abreast with the latest legal developments in banking and real estate related law and applying the latest law to the peculiar circumstances of the given case in order to come up with the best way forward.
Given your diverse background, what do you think are the key skills and qualities a lawyer needs to thrive in the fast-evolving legal environment, particularly when dealing with multi-jurisdictional disputes or complex financial matters?
I think the 2 most important skills that a lawyer needs, in order to thrive in the fast evolving legal environment, is preparedness and humility. I always believe it is extremely essential to know your brief like the back of your hand. Preparedness in law is a tool that can make a lawyer formidable. This must be coupled with humility. As our senior Mr. Fali Nariman put it, I quote : “The moment you say, you know everything, I’m afraid, that’s the beginning of your downfall.”
In addition to your demanding legal practice, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? Are there any personal habits or practices you find particularly useful in maintaining focus and achieving long-term success in your career? What strategies do you use to remain calm in high-pressure situations?
I am sometimes unable to stay consistent, but I do follow some sort of physical exercise for half an hour in the morning. It could be home work outs or yoga or just stretching exercises. Physical movement works wonders to keep the mind balanced and cope with stress. I also try and make it a point to travel whenever I get the opportunity. Also, meditation and spending time with Animals or in nature goes a long way to give the mind the much needed pause and refuel back into action. I read this somewhere and I believe it is so important for everyone in the hustle culture to know this- “Rest is not taking the foot off the gas, it is putting fuel in the tank” .
What advice would you offer young lawyers who wish to specialize in arbitration and build a successful practice similar to yours?
Few things: 1. Never be lazy to read. Know the difference between just reading something mechanically and understanding what you read. 2. Organise your brief well. We often underestimate the impact organisation has on productivity and when dealing with voluminous papers and proceedings, organisation can sometimes make or break your case 3. Cultivate the practice of updating yourself with the latest judgments. Arbitration as a practice area is evolving very fast with jurisprudence changing almost every day. Keeping abreast with the latest law makes a huge difference when it comes to advising clients.
Your journey has been quite diverse, spanning law, journalism, and corporate communications. Can you tell us what initially drew you to pursue a law degree at Symbiosis Law School, Pune?
I’ve always been a voracious reader and a tenacious writer. Early on, I recognized the importance of aligning one’s skills with career goals to truly excel. Both the legal profession and journalism seemed to perfectly match my pursuits. Ultimately, I chose to study law over journalism, drawn by the profound opportunity to enable justice, a cause that deeply resonates with me.
After obtaining your law degree, what motivated you to transition into the field of journalism, and how did you balance these two distinct career paths?
I feel there is an innate overlap in both professions. They both involve observing and studying extensively and then distilling all that knowledge into precise words. Although, as a lawyer, you bring your unique perspective to a set of facts, as a journalist, you state facts and help people form a perspective based on the set of facts. Both professions have the same underlying skill, i.e., drafting.
So, the transition for me was fairly easy. Once I entered law school, my forte and my passion for writing further solidified. I started working as a journalist part-time in college, which opened my horizons to the world of legal journalism, legal content and legal marketing as lucrative professions.
You’ve been recognized for excellence in both journalism and law. How have these two disciplines influenced each other in your professional life?
I have been passionate about both professions, so I started as a journalist while in law school, transitioned into a lawyer post law school, and then saw an opportunity to integrate both as a legal reporter and started working for a US publishing house. Taking a step beyond legal journalism into legal marketing was natural since the way to success is the continuous pursuit of knowledge. Right now, I am working in the field of law and using my writing skills to bring clarity to legal perplexities, as well as helping the firm that I work with augment its business.
As someone who manages content and media outreach at Fox Mandal, what strategies do you employ to ensure that the firm’s thought leadership and brand voice are effectively communicated?
Over the years, I have realized that adding value with consistency is the key to any initiative. As soon as we take up an issue or subject to write about or review, we check whether we are adding value or adding to the noise. If much is already out there, we try to explore new angles or new forms that the content could take, thus adding value or variety. Similarly, when it comes to the brand voice, we ensure that the value we intend to offer is clearly communicated. Clarity in thoughts and simplicity in words make communication much smoother. Then comes consistency, which embeds trust in the advertised capabilities and transforms average into excellence.
Your role involves extensive legal writing and communication. How do you maintain editorial governance to keep the content consistent with the firm’s style and tone?
As a law firm, it is expected that publication is done with adequate research and analysis. Honoring that responsibility, every draft goes through multiple levels of reviews and revisions. Apart from that, internal training is conducted periodically to ensure that firm members write responsibly with a lot of conviction. Templates and suggestions are regularly shared to maintain consistency. In addition, subjects are approached objectively, keeping all preconceived notions and interpretations aside.
In addition to your legal and communications expertise, you run a successful YouTube channel. How did you get started with that, and how do you manage to keep your content engaging for your audience?
As a first-time mother, there were new things I was learning each day, and I realized that the amount of guidance for new mothers was very limited at that time. The channel was created with the intention of simultaneously disseminating the knowledge I was gaining. Since my intention was never to monetize it or turn it into a career, the channel is only active when I come across something novel that I feel deserves to be out there.
You have been a speaker and judge at various legal competitions and events. What has been the most rewarding part of participating in these activities, and how do they contribute to your professional growth?
These opportunities have been instrumental in my self-learning journey and have significantly catalyzed my professional growth. The insights gained from these deliberations are unparalleled, providing a unique chance to expand my knowledge while contributing to the discourse. Additionally, witnessing the caliber of the next generation of legal professionals is refreshing. They are focused, savvy, and eager to learn, painting an optimistic picture for the future of the profession.
Given your extensive experience and accomplishments, what advice would you like to offer to fresh graduates who are just starting their careers in law and communications?
Identify and hone your natural skills. There are multiple options, and it sure brings in more chaos and confusion, but one needs to test the water before identifying one’s calling. Internships are a great way to navigate this clutter. It does not have to be with a premier law firm, it can be with a lawyer in your hometown or part time in the city where you study. But once you land any opportunity, try to question and understand the entire process involved. Don’t just be a cog on the wheel, try to comprehend the role the cog plays in moving the vehicle. Sometimes you may need to expand your area of operation, and this knowledge grants you the elbow room to explore your passion and prowess.
The content of this Article does not necessarily reflect the views/position of Fox Mandal & Associates LLP but remain solely those of the authors.
Can you share a bit about your background and what initially inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I spent my childhood in two wonderful, yet very diverse, cities – Hyderabad and Delhi. Moving cities and changing schools at a young age provided me with a rich tapestry of experiences and the chance to develop new interests. I discovered a passion for history and quizzing, which fostered an innate curiosity and interest in delving deep into complex issues. My involvement in debates on various geopolitical issues further fuelled this curiosity. These early interests, coupled with a desire to explore and understand intricate societal issues, naturally led me to the field of law, where I believed these interests would be best nurtured and developed.
What was your experience like at Nalsar University of Law, and how did your time there shape your legal career?
I am fortunate to call Nalsar as my alma mater, and my time there was incredibly formative and enriching. At Nalsar, I had the privilege of working as a research assistant for Professor Amita Dhanda at the Centre for Disability Studies. Professor Dhanda’s courses (specifically, Law and Poverty) were not only expertly taught but were also personally impactful. These courses instilled in me a strong sense of academic rigour and discipline; qualities that continue to serve me well in my legal career.
In addition to the academic exposure, my internships with top corporate law firms such as Khaitan & Co and S&R Associates were pivotal experiences. Although the duration of these internships was short, they were invaluable for learning and absorbing practical skills. These stints provided me with the opportunity to engage in a professional environment, understand the workings of high-pressure legal practice, and build essential interpersonal skills. These experiences collectively laid a robust foundation for my career, blending academic excellence with practical insights.
How did your LL.M. at The University of Chicago Law School influence your perspective on law?
The LL.M. program at the University of Chicago Law School was an experience of a lifetime. UChicago attracts the very best of faculty and students, creating an environment rich in intellectual diversity and extraordinary talent. Studying from leading practitioners in diverse areas of law (including Antitrust Law, Constitution Law and several practice-oriented courses) meant that the experience was rigorous, yet immensely intellectually satisfying.
The Law School also promotes multidisciplinary education in the truest sense, and I had the opportunity to cross-register for courses with other departments outside the Law School. I pursued my passion for History with the South Asian Languages & Civilizations Department, and took Professor Martha Nussbaum’s course on “Opera as Idea & Philosophy”. It was fascinating to learn from, and submit a paper for evaluation to a person whose work was an integral part of the courses I had studied in Nalsar.
These diverse academic pursuits, combined with the rigorous legal training at UChicago, significantly broadened my perspective and equipped me with a well-rounded approach to addressing legal challenges.
You recently completed the Tata-Blue Mint Leadership Program. How has this program impacted your role at Tata Digital?
The Blue Mint Leadership Program, which I completed a few months ago, was a transformative six-month experience. Selected for the program, I had the privilege of attending classes taught by esteemed faculty from the London Business School. As the sole lawyer in the program, I gained invaluable insights on understanding business through modules such as digital transformation, sustainability, inclusion and finance for non-finance professionals. This was broadened by business acumen and underscored the importance of cross-functional collaboration; a key takeaway being that working in diverse, multidisciplinary teams can drive greater impact within organisations.
The exposure provided by the Blue Mint Program has significantly contributed to my professional growth and leadership development. These enhanced capabilities have been a tremendous value-add at this stage of my career, enabling me to contribute more effectively to my organisation’s strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects.
Your career spans prestigious positions from Khaitan & Co to IndiGo Airlines, and now Tata Digital. Can you walk us through some of the pivotal moments that defined your career path?
I am acutely aware of the need to constantly further one’s learning (especially in our profession), and have worked towards this to pursue my career goals. Among the pivotal moments that have defined my career path, there are three that I would say were pivotal moments for me:
First, choosing to work with the competition law team at Khaitan & Co, gave me exposure to complex transactions under the mentorship of an excellent team leader. At the time, competition law was a nascent practice area in India, which made it that much more exciting to be so deeply involved in the creation of precedent. My penchant for research helped in this practice area, given the need to look for precedent from jurisdictions that have been around much longer.
Second, pursuing the rigorous LL.M program at the prestigious University of Chicago Law School (on partial scholarship) after working with a law firm for 5 years, fundamentally changed my outlook and reinforced my dedication to intellectual growth.
Third, on a personal note, the decision to move cities, start a new role, and welcome the birth of my daughter – all within a single week during January 2022 – taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and maintaining a positive outlook amidst rapid change.
These pivotal moments collectively define my career path and continue to drive my professional and personal development.
What advice would you give to fresh law graduates who are just starting their careers in the legal field?
As Roger Federer has said in his recent commencement address at Dartmouth – resilience, grit (over talent), and learning from failure are pivotal. Words of wisdom which, in my opinion, hold true not just for fresh law graduates, but for all of us!
Your parents had distinguished careers, with your father being a banker and your mother an esteemed lecturer and poet. How did their careers and your early life in Madras and Bangalore influence your path to law?
Having a banker father and a lecturer and poet mother created a unique blend of influences that led me on a path to law. From my father I learnt the importance of strategic thinking and perhaps an understanding of dealing with clients. It is on account of my mother that I developed a love for language and reading, as also appreciation for the power of words, all of which are valuable assets in the legal profession.The ability to communicate effectively, analyse complex texts and craft persuasive arguments are all essential skills for a lawyer. Additionally, growing up in a household with diverse interests and perspectives helped foster a well rounded approach to problem solving and decision making, which are also invaluable traits in the legal field. Overall, the combination of influences from both parents provided a solid foundation for pursuing a career in law.
You had a diverse educational background, studying at various institutions across India. Can you share some pivotal moments from your time at Don Bosco Boys’ High School and Bishop Cotton Boys’ High School that shaped your future career?
Both Don Bosco Boys’ High School and Bishop Cottons Boys’ High School laid emphasis on the development of the whole person, integrating intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions, and the importance of values like kindness, respect, honesty, and responsibility. They also fostered traits such as integrity, perseverance, and leadership through various activities and mentoring, encouraging a spirit of service and compassion towards others, especially those in need.
After obtaining a BSc. in Microbiology, you pursued an LLB degree from Kerala University. What motivated this shift from science to law, and how did your scientific background benefit your legal studies and career?
Yes, transitioning from Microbiology to law is quite a departure. My uncle Prof. Krishnan Nair, who had been the Principal of several Government Law Colleges in Kerala and after retirement Principal of the Kerala Law Academy Law College at Thiruvanathapuram was instrumental in persuading me to take up law. He also presented me with copies of the many law books authored by him and reading through them, also got me interested. I think a science background promotes meticulous attention to detail and critical thinking and analytical skills, which are crucial in legal reasoning.
During your final year of LLB, you interned with Mr. K.K. Ayyappan Pillai, a renowned Tax Advocate. How did this internship shape your early career, and what were some key lessons you learned from Mr. Pillai?
Tax laws is a complex and specialised field. Mr K.K. Ayyappan Pillai, a renowned Tax advocate at Thiruvananthapuram proved to be a valuable mentor, being a stickler for minute details, with exceptional researching skills, an uncanny ability to immediately spot errors ,a staunch believer in “hands on training” and “thinking on your feet”. I remember while training under him, on one occasion he made me accompany a client and appear before an ITO on a question of Agricultural Income Tax. The ITO placed before me a document which was in Malayalam and asked me to read a portion of it. Not being able to read Malayalam I shot back – “I have read it, why don’t you do so?” The ITO then read out the relevant portion and I was able to make my submissions ! The client was overjoyed with the result that he treated all of us in Mr. Pillai’s chambers to cake and tea! Mr Pillai instilled in me a strong sense of professional skills emphasising the importance of integrity, confidentiality and ethical standards.
John & Co. was a significant milestone. Can you describe the challenges and triumphs you faced in the early years of establishing the firm?
I took over as Managing Partner of the law firm K.J.John & Co. when Mr K.J.John, a very respected and well known Advocate on Record of the Supreme Court decided to retire in 2001. Establishing a law firm comes with its share of challenges and triumphs, especially in the early years. Establishing credibility and a strong reputation in the legal community takes time and effort. Clients often prefer experienced firms, so proving competence early on can be challenging. Further, a law firm requires significant initial investment in office space, and personnel and managing cash flow and ensuring steady revenue in the early stages is critical. Balancing client work, administrative tasks, and development efforts can be overwhelming, especially with limited resources and personnel. However, triumphs include acquiring important corporate clients and successfully handling their cases, which not only validates the firm’s capabilities but also starts building its reputation. Assembling a team of talented lawyers and staff who share my vision and values was also a significant achievement. Achieving sustainable growth, expanding practice areas, or opening new offices are milestones that reflect the firm’s success and acceptance. We opened a branch office of the firm at Kochi which was successfully managed for many years by a very close friend and coursemate in law college, till he was elevated as a Judge of the High Court. Navigating these challenges and celebrating these triumphs requires resilience, strategic planning, and a commitment to delivering exceptional legal services. Each hurdle overcome and each success achieved contributes to the firm’s evolution and long-term viability in the very competitive legal field.
You’ve been involved in landmark cases like the Sahara and PACL cases and Nirma Vs SEBI. Can you share insights into these high-profile cases and what they taught you about the intricacies of Indian law?
Certainly! Each of these landmark cases provided valuable insights into the complexities of Indian law and the legal system. The Sahara and PACL cases, for instance, highlighted the importance of regulatory compliance and investor protection in the financial sector. These cases involved intricate legal arguments regarding securities regulations, investor rights, and corporate governance, showcasing the need for thorough due diligence and adherence to legal frameworks to ensure fair and transparent dealings in financial markets.
The Sahara Vs SEBI case is one of the most notable legal battles in Indian corporate and securities law history. It revolved around the issue of Sahara Group’s non-compliance with SEBI’s regulations regarding raising funds from the public through Optionally Fully Convertible Debentures (OFCDs). SEBI asserted that Sahara had raised billions of rupees from investors without proper regulatory approvals and disclosure requirements, thereby violating securities laws and jeopardizing investor protection. Sahara Group, on the other hand, contended that the funds were raised through private placements and were not subject to SEBI’s jurisdiction. The case spanned several years and involved multiple legal proceedings, including appeals to higher Courts. In 2012, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment directing Sahara to refund the collected amount to investors with interest, through SEBI. The court also imposed hefty fines on Sahara for non-compliance. The SEBI Sahara case significantly contributed to shaping securities regulations in India, emphasizing the importance of investor protection, regulatory compliance, and transparency in fundraising activities. It also underscored the pivotal role of SEBI in regulating and monitoring capital markets to maintain their integrity and stability.
The PACL vs. SEBI case was another significant legal battle concerning securities regulations and investor protection in India. PACL, also known as Pearls Agrotech Corporation Limited, was accused by SEBI of running illegal collective investment schemes (CIS) without proper regulatory approvals. SEBI alleged that PACL had raised over ₹60,000 crores from millions of investors through its CIS (Collective Investment Schemes) activities, promising high returns on agricultural land investments. However, SEBI argued that PACL was not complying with the necessary regulatory frameworks and was operating in violation of securities laws. The case involved extensive investigations, legal proceedings, and efforts to recover funds for affected investors. In 2015, SEBI order PACL to refund the collected amount to investors and imposed penalties for non-compliance with regulatory requirements. In Appeal before the Supreme Court, the setting up of the Justice (Retd) R.M.Lodha Committee to sell properties of PACL and its associate concerns etc. and repay investors, was ordered. The PACL vs. SEBI case highlighted the importance of robust regulatory oversight in preventing fraudulent schemes and protecting the interests of investors. It also underscored the need for strict enforcement of securities regulations to maintain trust and confidence in the financial markets.
In the Nirma vs. SEBI case, the Supreme Court in its decision on the takeover offer by Nirma Industries Limited to the shareholders of Shree Rama Multi Tech Limited (SRMTL), concurred with the view of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), in disallowing the withdrawal of the offer by Nirma. he Supreme Court largely relied upon an interpretation of Reg. 27 of the. SEBI Takeover Regulations, 1997 to come to the conclusion that withdrawal was not permissible. This case shed light on the evolving landscape of corporate law and the regulatory authority of SEBI in matters concerning securities market violations and underscored the significance of regulatory oversight in maintaining market integrity and investor confidence. I was the lead Counsel in this case and I will never forget the day of pronouncement of judgment in this case, when the Hon’ble presiding Judge of the Bench that had heard the appeal, looked up and said ”Mr Venugopal you have won”!
Your practice spans various legal domains, from civil litigation to securities laws and arbitration. How did you develop such a broad expertise, and what areas do you find most challenging and rewarding?
My broad expertise developed through years of studying and practicing law across different domains. As Standing Counsel for the State of Goa from 17.01.2013 to 18.02.2021, I dealt with a wide range of legal issues and cases that affected the State and its residents, and these included everything from constitutional matters to administrative law, civil disputes, matters related to environmental regulations, water disputes and even criminal cases. Each case presented unique challenges and opportunities. I find the diversity of legal issues fascinating, but the complexity of securities laws and arbitration tends to be both challenging and rewarding as they require a deep understanding of regulations, market dynamics, and dispute resolution strategies.
As someone with over 33 years of experience and a recent designation as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court, what advice would you give to fresh law graduates entering the legal profession today?
I would advise fresh law graduates to prioritize continuous learning, build strong professional relationships, maintain integrity, and always strive for excellence in their work. It’s crucial to stay updated with legal developments and hone both legal knowledge and practical skills to navigate the complexities of the legal profession effectively. Additionally, fostering a reputation for reliability, honesty, and professionalism will be invaluable throughout your career.
