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  • Mary Kavita Dominic, Rhodes Scholar, on receiving the coveted honour and writing the perfect Statement of Purpose

    Mary Dominic is a graduate from NUALS, Kochi, batch of 2017. She is the first student from her university to secure the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Mary has always been a passionate advocate for human rights. She has volunteered at a legal aid camp in the Attapady district of Kerala, which sought to enable the indigenous tribal community of the region. She has also interned with HelpAge India and participated in a National Human Rights Commission Survey, in order to fight for the rights of the elderly. She has pursued an online course on International Human Rights by Professor Olivier De Schutter of the Université catholique de Louvai. At Oxford, Mary will read for the Bachelor of Civil Law, focusing on international criminal law and comparative human rights.

    In this interview we speak to her about:

    • Writing the perfect SoP and getting letters of recommendation
    • Striking a balance between academic merit and extracurricular interests
    • Her programme in Oxford and her plans thereafter

     

    First of all, congratulations for bagging the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. How and when did you decide to apply?

    I was always in awe of Rhodes scholars, even prior to taking up law. But somehow, I always felt that such a prestigious scholarship was beyond my reach. It was my mother who suggested that I apply for it when she read about it in the newspapers.

     

    The Rhodes Scholarship is celebrated for its tedious application procedure. Could you take us through it?

    Firstly, you’re required to send in your CV, personal statement and six references (at least three of which should be academic) along with other personal details to the given mail ID. You can also send it by post. Based on this, some applicants are shortlisted for the preliminary interview. I had mine in Delhi. But I hear there were other centres too.

    The preliminary interview is a technical one where the panellists are most likely to be experts in your field. Since I’m a law student, I was interviewed by a legal panel. Likewise, there are panels for science, economics, political science, etc. Based on your performance in the preliminary interview, around eighteen applicants are shortlisted for the final interview. Here, the panel will comprise experts from varied fields. They’ll mostly question you on your area of interest. I think they try to gauge your passion for your proposed area of research.

     

    When is the appropriate time to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship?

    If you are currently pursuing a degree, you should ideally apply when you are in the final year of your course. Applications generally open in June for Indian students.

     

    What is the significance of the Statement of Purpose and how long did it take to write yours? Do you have any tips for prospective lawyers out there currently working on their own?

    Personal statements are crucial since they help communicate your passion and why you are a suitable candidate for the scholarship. It also helps them evaluate whether or not you possess any of the qualities that are expected of Rhodes Scholars.

    I must have spent a week contemplating what exactly to include in my personal statement. But the actual writing should have taken two days. I made a couple of drafts before sending out the final one.

    Before writing the personal statement, I watched videos of previous Rhodes scholars that are available online. One thing that all of them agreed on was that there is no straightjacket formula for writing a good personal statement. They do, however, advise you to be honest and explore your own creative self. That would be my suggestion as well.

     

     

    How do you go about writing a good Statement of Purpose?

    Like I said, there is no formula. Everyone has different interests and the Statement of Purpose should reflect those individual interests. Your personal statement should convey your passion for your subject and your research. You can talk about a personal incident that inspired you to pursue a particular field of study, or a specific sport that you draw motivation from. It is completely subjective.

     

    Moving to referrals – how much of a role did they play in your selection? Can you take us through the procedure involved?

    You will need to have 6 referees in mind. At least three of them should be academic referees i.e. professors who are teaching you in your current course or have taught you in your last completed course. There is an online application portal where the referees will have to register personally and upload their references.

     

    How important are good grades in order to bag the Rhodes Scholarship?

    Academic consistency and reasonably good grades are extremely important, as far as I understand. Since you will be sending in your CV along with other documents, your academic grades will be given sufficient weightage.

     

    How would you describe a well-balanced CV, one that has the potential to make the cut?

    It is important to have a good mix of both academic as well as extracurricular interests. I mostly had debates and moot court achievements to show for extracurricular achievements. I used to play the electronic keyboard, which was another non-academic activity that I had included in my CV. Before the final interview, I met other applicants, some of whom were national level dancers or sportspersons.

    But most importantly, I believe that the social work you do is extremely relevant because it demonstrates how you propose to give back to society. Internships with NGOs, participating in legal aid camps and volunteering for charitable organisations could have possibly enhanced my application.

     

    Are moots, or any other activity in particular, given significant weightage?

    Moot Court experience is definitely adds to your application and equips you to handle questions with confidence and clarity. It supplements your research credentials as well. But not having any significant achievement, will not, by itself, be considered a major deficiency in your application. Most importantly, it is the experience that counts.

     

    How did you prepare for your technical interviews? Describe your most memorable one.

    I had indicated in my personal statement that international criminal law was my specific area of interest. So, I focussed primarily on that area. I had already done a few moot courts dealing with the subject, so I revised the basics of what I had learnt. I had also brushed up on recent developments in that area.

    During the interview, while I was asked certain questions about international law, I was also asked general questions about current issues. One of the questions was about the alcohol prohibition in Kerala and my views on the same. I remember our discussion not being purely legal in nature, but also slightly political, which I rather enjoyed.

    Another question that I distinctly remember and which made me think quite hard was regarding the formation of Telangana and the legal issues surrounding the same. The interview, though challenging, was more like a discussion with the panellists, which was rather enjoyable.

     

    What are the qualities that are being sought in candidates, and do you have tips on how to hone them best?

    I am not exactly sure what they look for in the interview. Personally, I tried to answer the questions with confidence and clarity. I essentially thought through the entire discussion and tried to make my arguments logically coherent.

     

    The final round of interviews are notorious for being the most gruelling. What were some of the broad topics touched upon?

    You know, the final interview is not strictly a technical one. However, I found it equally nerve-wracking. Our final interview was chaired by Mr Kumara Mangalam Birla, along with nine other eminent panellists. It was a daunting task to hold your own and not be intimidated in the presence of such distinguished personalities.

    They asked me a wide range of questions from “Where do you think human rights come from?” to “Would you support the sterilisation of women who are likely to give birth to crack babies?” I also remember being asked about the protection of intangible cultural heritage.

     

    Are the questions random in nature or was there a general broad base where they stemmed from?

    Your CV and personal statement form a broad base for them to question you from.

     

    Do they prefer someone whose proposed area of research is interdisciplinary in nature or are they looking for someone who is remarkably accomplished in a more specific field of study?

    That is a difficult question to answer. Either way, it is your passion for the subject that really matters.

     

    Did not having any past Rhodes Scholars in your college pose a challenge while applying for this scholarship?

    To some extent, yes. I was not sure as to whom to approach for advice regarding the personal statement. But I had plenty of support from the faculty who were always honest about the areas that I could improve on and this proved to be extremely helpful. I was assisted by my friends as well as my seniors who had passed out. Some of them even offered to put me in touch with previous Rhodes scholars they were acquainted with.

     

    What do you wish to do post Oxford University?

    I hope to work at the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in Hague. But ultimately, I want to come to India and be a part of the Legal and Treaties Division under the Ministry of External Affairs.

     

    Any final tips that you have for juniors who may have already started the application procedure?

    A reasonably good academic performance, participation in extracurricular activities and sparing time for social work is important. For law students in particular, moot court experience and one or two publications might be helpful. However, this does not mean that this is the only way in which you can secure the scholarship. These are merely one or two options that you could consider. Most importantly, try to work on what you think you are passionate about and be honest in your application.

     

  • Priya Rawal, Senior Executive-Legal, Roche Diagnostics India, on healthcare regulations in India, family law and her work experience

    Priya Rawal, Senior Executive-Legal, Roche Diagnostics India, on healthcare regulations in India, family law and her work experience

    Priya Rawal qualified in law from Pravin Gandhi College of Law in 2010 and worked at Dave and Girish as a paralegal and as an associate after graduation. Later, she served at a top tier law firm, Economic Laws Practice before she started working full time with renowned family law expert, Mrs. Mridula Kadam. She eventually steered into the role of a business lawyer and has worked with leading healthcare companies. She is also a Certified Life and Wellness Coach from the Symbiosis Coaching Institute (accredited through the International Coach Federation and the Certified Coaching Alliance). She is currently Senior Executive – Legal with Roche Diagnostics India Private Ltd.

    In this piece, we talk to Priya about:

    • Her experience with assuming varied roles in the legal industry
    • The legal standards and practices upheld by the healthcare sector in the country
    • The difference between being a practicing lawyer and in-house counsel
    • The importance of trying one’s hand at different kinds of law before settling for a particular role

    Tell us a bit about yourself; what inspires you?

    Born and raised in the city of dreams, I am an enthusiastic and ambitious person by nature. That reflects well in the choices I make, both personally and professionally. I trust my instincts and follow the path they take me along, believing that every experience is a stepping stone to the goals I wish to eventually achieve, in terms of my career and life in general.

    My inspiration for everything continues to be the most dominant personal quality of my mother, which is happiness. I follow everything that brings me happiness and with that I can easily say my mother is the biggest inspiration of my life.

     

    What led you to become a lawyer?

    My decision to pursue law was more of an accident than a choice. I was born into a family of lawyers and for as long as memory serves, I remember watching members of my family read, draft cases and even argue, as much about law as about life. My father has been a major driving force in encouraging me to pursue law as he had immense faith in me. He was always encouraging of my inquisitiveness and thought I was a go-getter.

     

     How was your first experience working in a law firm?

    My first working experience in a law firm was an eye opener. Before you start working, you don’t completely understand the distinction between theory and practice. I have been fortunate enough to start my career as a student with a law firm that provided me with working opportunities at par with other senior lawyers and also encouraged me to handle challenging roles.

     

    Tell us about your experience of practicing in the Family Court?

    After around three years of working experience with law firms, I got the once in a lifetime opportunity of working with Mrs. Mridula Kadam, the distinguished family lawyer. Under her leadership, I grew not just as a lawyer but also as a person.

    Being a family lawyer isn’t easy; you need to be empathetic, strong, strategic and reasonable; and sometimes, all at once. You have a larger role to play as it involves life changing decisions for your clients. Practising family law has definitely been one of my best working experiences.

    Moreover, for a well rounded career in law, it is important to understand the judicial system, appear in courts and learn the nuances of arguing, drafting and negotiation in a competitive environment. Dealing with different people is another aspect which plays a huge role in enhancing a lawyer’s emotional intelligence and there is no better field than family law to closely understand the wide spectrum of human psychology.

     

    How did the transition from practising family law to being an in-house counsel take place?

    The transition was never planned. It just happens when you are open to new experiences, taking certain risks and keen on exploring alternative markets and working environments. I would emphasize that the younger you are, better are your chances at getting a 360 degree overview of the way things operate in different markets. I consider myself fortunate to have experienced working across such diverse fields because it has helped me understand what works for me and what doesn’t.

    Help our young lawyers understand how a typical day in a law firm would be different from being a practicing lawyer or an in-house counsel?

    That’s an interesting question. Let me just say, there is little common in the working environment apart from the fact that all roles deal with the legal issues of one’s clients. A day in a law firm would perhaps comprise a series of highly urgent matters, placed back to back for the lawyer to tackle. The day would most likely be challenging in terms of juggling tough deadlines and quality output. The working hours in a law firm are also very erratic.

    A practising lawyer’s day is relatively far more organized, though they operate within a rather unorganized system. They are usually aware of the nature of the hearing scheduled in court and their appointments post court hearings. All they are never sure of, is whether the court proceeding will make substantial progress or just be adjourned to another date.

    An in-house counsel’s day would be better planned. They are occupied in meetings with the business stakeholders to understand their legal requirements. Having said that, the expectations are higher from a business lawyer as not only does it require understanding the law but also ensuring that the business operates efficiently within the framework of stringent regulations.

     

    Which statutes regulate the healthcare industry?

    The healthcare industry contains several other industries within its fold, and therefore different laws are applicable to these different industries. By and large, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, read with the rules, Legal Meteorology Act, 2009, Voluntary code – Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, Medical Council of India (MCI) rules and regulations, Drug Price Control Order, 2013, Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, healthcare industry codes are some of the important legal statutes that apply to healthcare companies.

    What are the legal challenges involved in the promotion and marketing practised by healthcare organizations?

    Provisions under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and rules there under, primarily govern the advertisement of drugs. Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP), a voluntary code, came into effect in India in  January, 2015 after years of deliberation, and laid down key provisions dealing with promotion of a drug, claims and comparisons of a drug, dealing with healthcare professionals etc.

    The challenge as I said is to be within the framework and make business initiatives happen by striking a balance between legal mandates and business requirements. Dealing with HCPs is undoubtedly one of the most sensitive issues handled by healthcare organizations today and they are taking utmost care to manage the same by adopting watertight measures to ensure transparent collaboration with the healthcare professionals.

     

    What inspired you to take up a Legal & Compliance driven role in your current organization?

    For me, it has always been quality legal role over anything else. In my current role, I am a critical stakeholder in ensuring that marketing/promotional initiatives take place within the framework of Indian laws and regulations. There is a dash of everything, be it strategizing litigation matters, drafting, negotiating and advising on contracts, drafting policies that are business-centric and in compliance with the laws and regulations and also working on audits and global and regional projects. I must emphasize that minimum outsourcing of legal matters to law firms makes the experience even more enriching.

    I enjoy working in an environment which provides room for discussions, debates and opinions. I try my best to leverage my learning as a Certified Life Coach and use it optimally to deliver high performance and mentor myself too.

     

    What would be your advice to the aspiring lawyers?

    Invest time in discovering your core strengths and which field of law interests you passionately. Experience of working full time with a practicing lawyer and a law firm, undoubtedly lays a strong foundation and provides a holistic overview. Make the most of the opportunities available at law schools by participating in debates, moots and related legal curriculum activities. Do not rush into anything only because it will pay you well or will look good on your résumé.

    One of my other personal experiences is that it is extremely important to understand the ‘why’. When you understand why you are doing something and how it impacts the firm or your client largely, work will become service and providing quality output will become ingrained into your system. Self awareness upon introspection or through coaching/mentoring will help you know yourself well; the rest is mere implementation and tracking the little milestones. I urge the young lawyers and students to use the coaching services available, which will benefit them motivate them to reach their fullest potential. It will acquaint them with the behavioral and technical skills that are required of a lawyer to succeed in their field.

     

     

     

     

    Disclaimer: The views expressed by the interviewee are personal to the interviewee, and do not represent that of the organization she works for.

  • Dilip Annasaheb Taur, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India, on humble beginnings and work experience in Criminal and Civil Litigation

    Dilip Annasaheb Taur, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India, on humble beginnings and work experience in Criminal and Civil Litigation

    Dilip Taur is a graduate in law from MP Law College, Aurangabad, batch of 2003. He subsequently went on to pursue a master’s degree in law from Mumbai University. Born into a family of agriculturalists, Dilip braved all odds to become a first generation lawyer. Astute in both civil and criminal law, Dilip has fought and won several crucial high profile cases in the past. He is perhaps known best representing former Maharashtra Home Minister Madhav Kinhalkar in the controversial case of paid media charges pressed against former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan.

    With an illustrious career spanning over a decade and a half, Dilip has had experience in all levels of judiciary in India. Currently, Dilip owns and heads Dilip Taur & Associates, a legal firm that deals in filing cases at the Supreme Court of India, High Court of Delhi, National Green Tribunal, Delhi (NGT) and the National Consumer Redressal Commission (NCDRC).

    In this interview, we speak to him about:

    • The importance of getting a hands-on experience in legal procedure versus classroom curricula
    • His experience practising before numerous fora, across all levels of the judicial hierarchy
    • Battling pressure in high profile lawsuits
    • His inspiring journey from a small village in Maharashtra to the Supreme Court of India

     

    You graduated from MP Law College, Aurangabad. Can you tell us something about the experience?

    I hail from the rural pocket of Marathwada. MP Law College was one of the only options available to me, owing to lack of resources and its proximity to where I lived. The college was not at par with other law colleges in the state such as GLC Pune or Mumbai. I was also fairly irregular in class as I was trying to focus more on practice-based learning by attending court sessions frequently.

     

    How did attending court proceedings regularly, as opposed to attending class, impact your learning?

    During my college days I would regularly attend JMFC and sessions court. I used to maintain a court diary and would follow senior advocates’ case dates without even knowing them. I used to attend every hearing of important cases. In fact, this experience helped me a lot with my education. The impact of court attendance was such that I was very confident while taking my college exams. I never felt like I was missing out on much by not attending classes in college.

     

    What is the importance of regularly reading judgments?

    Reading judgements has helped me understand the law, technical difficulties and procedural lapses while dealing with cases. It helped me grasp the various nitty-gritties of law and established legal principles which have been upheld by the Supreme Court. It boosted my confidence when I was drafting cases on my own. Law is constantly evolving and reading judgements helps you stay updated on ongoing developments in the field. I would advise all students of law and amateur lawyers to read judgements regularly in order to understand legal procedure better.

     

    You thereafter practised in the chamber of Mr. Raja Thakre in the Mumbai High Court. Tell us about the most memorable case you dealt with there.

    One of the most memorable cases I dealt with under the tutelage of Mr. Thakre was an application seeking custody of my client’s stolen property. Mr. Thakre guided me through the procedure and was very encouraging. He also gave me the chance to make an appeal to the High Court, which was my first appearance in the High Court.

     

    How did working in the chamber of Mr. Raj Thakre make you aware of the difference between being an intern and being a practising lawyer?

    During my time working in his chamber I realised that I should concentrate on drafting cases and work on my arguing skills. I would listen to him with rapt attention whenever he was arguing in court. I also learned a lot from my other senior colleagues whose expertise in the field of criminal law was edifying.

     

    Tell us about the skills you picked up during your time with Mr. Thakre, and how that paved the way for your litigation career.

    When I joined Mr. Thakre’s chamber I was an amateur with raw skills. Mr. Thakre’s working style influenced me to a great degree. I was always eager to hear his arguments. Initially I used to attend magistrate court sessions with him. Then I started attending sessions court in Mumbai. While working there, I was thoroughly impressed with the drafting skills of his colleague, Mr. Chimalkar, who continues to remain an authority in criminal drafting. I was fortunate enough to learn the craft from the best. In Mr. Thakre’s chamber I attended full-fledged trials, right from framing of the accused till the pronouncement of judgement.

     

    You had a sudden change of heart and decided to try your hand in the civil and corporate field. What made you make the switch?

    After working for almost two years in criminal law, I realised that criminal law has its limitations and it is restricted to the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act. So I decided to move to the civil and corporate field.

     

    Being someone who has practised both civil and criminal law, what are the factors aspiring lawyers should take into consideration before making a choice between the two?

    Someone who has had experience dealing with both sides of the coin will find himself at an advantage during a court proceeding. It helps you identify the criminal element in civil litigations and civil matters in criminal cases. I would personally advise young lawyers to familiarise themselves with both kinds of law in their initial days, before making a definitive choice.

     

    You have practised before numerous fora including the Supreme Court. Describe one memorable case you have dealt with.

    One of the most memorable cases I handled in the Supreme Court was the infamous case of paid news in the matter of Ashok Chavan, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and my client Dr. Kinhalkar, former Home Minister of Maharashtra. This case was very challenging and I worked very hard on it. I had briefed the erstwhile Sr. Counsel Uday Lalit (now a Supreme Court Judge) that the opponent was led by stalwarts like Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Singhvi and Mohan Parashar. I handled this case for three years before the Election Commission of India, then handled it for two years before the Delhi High Court and further two years before the Supreme Court of India. We won the case before all the fora. This case gave me the opportunity to closely work with Sr. Counsel Uday Lalit. During these five years of litigation I have worked under immense pressure but never succumbed to it. This case is very close to my heart and I will always cherish it.

     

    Another forum you deal with is the NGT. What is your view on tribunalisation of justice in India?

    Tribunalisation of justice has been a successful endeavour in India. Tribunals reduce the burden on the High Court and Supreme Court. Also most of the crucial issues related to obtaining environmental clearance for mining projects or disputes pertaining to the same are now being promptly resolved because of the NGT. Earlier, these files would just pile up in the offices of the High Court and Supreme Court, with no action being taken for years.

     

    For a prospective lawyer looking to go into litigation, how important is it for them to have prior contacts to help guide them?

    For a prospective lawyer I don’t think prior contacts are the only way. Yes it does matter, but all of it is secondary to your competence in the field. The briefing lawyers will identify you and can send the counsel briefs. In this way you can make contacts. Also by joining the chambers of senior members of council you can build contacts. I am the son of a farmer, I had to start from scratch, with no resources at my disposal. That should be testimony to the fact that it is your ability that takes precedence over everything else.

     

    Did you have such contacts? How did it positively affect your career?

    I started off with no contacts. My only priority was so work hard and in the process I made the acquaintance of some very influential people. Knowing them has helped my career in litigation.

     

    Do you believe in arguing cases you have don’t agree with morally? Have you ever done it?

    That differs from case to case. As an advocate, I believe I am obligated to fight every case that comes my way. I was morally conflicted during a rape case that I was handling, but that case got dismissed altogether eventually.

     

    How do you cope with pressure in case of high profile lawsuits?

    During my sixteen years of experience in litigation (three year as an intern and thirteen years of practice) I have handled various high profile cases. There was enormous pressure but I always found myself handling it with relative ease. I love the adrenaline rush of a high profile case. It pushes you to outdo yourself, it keeps you motivated. I actually look forward to sleepless nights; I find that it helps me stay at the top of my game.

     

    From being an intern to having your own firm, you have done it all. What, in your opinion, are the defining characteristics of a successful litigant?

    I have appeared before all fora from quasi-judicial authorities such as the tahasildar, collector, commissioner, minister and from magistrate courts to JMFC, sessions court, civil courts, High Court, consumer forum, tribunals and finally the Supreme Court. Nowadays lawyers start practice directly at the Supreme Court. I firmly believe that all lawyers should practise before lower courts for at least ten years before moving on to the Supreme Court, as it is in the lower courts that you learn the most.

     

    If you had to give one piece of advice to our readers, what would it be?

    My only advice to readers is that if you want to become a successful lawyer, work hard. Have experience before quasi-judicial authorities, lower courts. Follow at least 5 full-fledged trials before joining higher courts. Furthermore, work with honesty. Nowadays, even litigants are in pursuit of lawyers who are honest, rather than successful. If you are honest, success will follow.

     

  • Somnath De, Advocate, Delhi High Court and Supreme Court, on practice in IPR and Cyber Law

    Somnath De, Advocate, Delhi High Court and Supreme Court, on practice in IPR and Cyber Law

    Somnath De graduated from Kalyani University in 2011 he went on to pursue his higher studies from Symbiosis Law School, Pune and completed his post-graduation in Intellectual Property Rights in the year 2014. During his college days, he actively took part in conferences and has completed several certificate courses in Cyber Laws. Post graduation, he started working under the guidance of Adv. Pavan Duggal in his renowned firm Pavan Duggal Associates. During his stint at Pavan Duggal Associates he handled a number of cases pertaining to his specialization of Cyber Law and IPR. Currently he is working at an IPR law firm, Vohra and Vohra. He is a senior consultant of Astrea Legal in Delhi Region in the IP and Cyber Law matters. Based out of Delhi, Somnath practises in both the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court.

    In this interview Somnath talks about –

    • His college days
    • Importance of mooting in college
    • His reason behind the decision of practising in IPR and Cyber law
    • National IPR Policy
    • His work-experience

     

    Hello Somnath, how would you like to introduce yourself to the readers of Superlawyer?

    I am an Intellectual Property and Cyber Law attorney. My work is to help people protect their ideas, inventions, and identity, and I deal with counterfeiting and online rights and responsibilities towards clients. I help them, protect them from competitors and establish them in the market place.

     

    Kindly tell us something about your childhood, school and college days.

    I was born and brought up in Bengal. I come from a business family, and therefore, I have no legal pedigree. I completed my primary and secondary school education in Bengal. Subsequent to completing school education, I completed my B.A.LL.B (Hons.) from Kalyani University, W.B. I pursued my LL.M. from Symbiosis Law School, Pune with specialization in Intellectual Property Law. My almae matres , both for LL.B and LL.M, laid great emphasis on extra-curricular activities. I was an active debater and presenter, and loved playing sports. I was very lucky to find good friends with whom I have the warmest of memories.

     

    Did you ever take part in any co-curricular activities while being in college? Can you please share with us your experience and opinion on the importance of them in a law student’s life?

    I participated in a few moot court competitions as well as numerous national and international conferences during my college tenure. I have also penned a number of legal articles which were published in various national and international journals. However, apart from improving my legal skills, I love to play cricket and badminton, and to even engage in dramatics sometimes.

     

    How beneficial do you think mooting is for litigation?

    Practicing in court as a litigation counsel is a different ball game altogether. However, participating in moot court competitions can provide you with a very good idea as to what kind of lawyer you think you want to be. Writing skills and speaking skills are invaluable not only as a student but also when you enter the work force. Having to face a panel of well prepared and demanding judges in a courtroom setting can become an addictive experience. Therefore, participating in moot court competitions lays the roots to become a successful lawyer. A law student must make the most of these opportunities and should participate in as many competitions as possible.

     

    What exactly prompted you to take up law as a profession?

    Actually, there was no affirmed decision to take law on my part. It happened by accident and not by design. However, previously, i.e. during the time of my school days, I had already been introduced to subjects such as Philosophy, Reasoning, Logic, and Political Science, and this drew my fascination towards Law. Apart from that, I was fond of debating and reasoning. I felt that this would come in handy when I had to stand in court and argue on point.

     

    You have been practising in the cyber law and ipr law domain for quite some time. What made you choose these fields as the relevant areas of your practice?

    (Somnath has done his LL.M in IPR and is a certified cyber crime investigator and digital forensic investigator)

    I chose these particular fields because I am a strong believer in the digital format crucially shaping the future of the world. We are in an information age. We all are living in the digital world. The impetus came when I was in the 2nd year of finishing my LL.B. I used to read journals and numerous technological blogs and it was the complicated technicalities gradually surfacing including that of legal challenges faced by companies that motivated me to get into this nascent legal ecosystem.  In contrast to other disciplines of law, Cyber Law and Intellectual Property law was constantly evolving. I was fascinated by it and decided to concentrate my efforts in that direction. Then, I perused my Diploma in Cyber Law and after one year I became a Certified Cyber Crime Investigator and Digital Forensic Investigator.

    However, the advent of cyber space has brought newer parameters. The digital ecosystem that exists today has seen a dramatic increase in the scope of Intellectual Property Rights and Cyber Laws. Technology has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives and, consequently, the legalities pertaining to the Internet assume extra significance. The legal ramifications pertaining to Intellectual Property and Cyber security are being rediscovered regularly. Therefore, Cyber Law and Intellectual Property are emerging disciplines, as its contours are yet to be defined. The quantum of Cyber security breaches keeps on increasing with each passing day. That is what, even more than other factors, makes it such an exciting time to be specialising in Cyber Law and Intellectual Property Law as a new discipline of law.

     

    Apart from Cyber laws and IPR, what are the other areas of law that you are interested in?

    Apart from the Cyber Law and Intellectual Property, I am interested and am currently practicing in the fields of Media Law, Corporate Law, Completion Law and Constitutional Law.

     

    Can you please share with the readers your work profile so far? What is your average daily worktime like?

    After passing my LL.M, I got the opportunity to work with Mr. Pavan Duggal who had specialised in Cyber Law and Intellectual Property Law. After that, I joined Vohra and Vohra, which is a full service law firm, in the field of Intellectual Property and Cyber Law. Apart from this, I am an IPR and Cyber Law consultant to numerous organisations across India. As a legal professional, I have never declined any case or client however small and was least bothered about fees and other attending monetary issues. I think that such a mindset is instrumental for excelling in this field. As a lawyer, I feel, you should give sixteen to eighteen hours per day. As for me, after court matters, I come back to office. After completing my meetings, I prepare for matters which are listed to be heard the very next day. I believe you should plan out your day in such a way that you have about, say, four to five hours of unperturbed time when you can completely apply your mind to the case. I give two to three hours for my independent research works every day and staying up to date with current legal trends and international developments in my field.

    Law students seemed to remain confused on which particular field of law they should choose for his/ her career. What according to you should be the way of coming out from this maze of conflict?

    One of the key challenges is to match the pace of development in law. During your college days, you should do regular reading and be aware of legal developments, amendments to the law in India and elsewhere, cases, precedents and other development in the industry. I must say that you should absolutely listen to your heart in respect of which field you should choose to practice in. It must be something obviously which you are passionate about and have an ardent interest in; that is the key to build up one’s potential in this field and achieve your motive. Every arena of law has its own beauty. While it is true that should you opt for litigation you should possess a great level of patience, but the scope for litigation practice is widening day by day. Be focused, never lose hope and always keep trying. I also advise that you should choose carefully who you work for. Find someone who will teach you, groom you, pay you decently and mentor your practice after you leave.

     

    From a law student to a lawyer, how will you describe the transition?

    The beauty of this filed is that you will always remain a ‘student of law’. For me this is just the start of my journey, and there is still a long way to go. Things are harder than when I was in college. However, I enjoy my work and the challenges that I face every single day. Nevertheless, I definitely missing the life I once had with my friends.

     

    Your experience with the Bar Exam

    Well, the Bar exam, formally AIBE, was fun and totally relaxing for me. Apart from the actual examination and its concomitant experiences, it was also a kind of reunion with my friends. I was really pumped; questions were simple and only just needed a little application of mind. It was not a difficult encounter very much at all.

     

    Red letter day, so far

    I cannot discuss any specific case in detail due to confidentially. However, the classically antique day for me was when I dealt with a very high-profile case in mid-February, 2015, when we had to take an order at midnight from the Delhi High Court. I remember how there was no single restaurant open at the time to serve us any food. At last, we had food at a Gurudwara near Red Fort, Delhi. I had not slept that night and the next day I had to report early to the office to prepare for the subsequent hearing. Another one was when I started my practicing career. I had gotten the opportunity to deal with a matter independently. It was about setting aside an order and the matter was placed before the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court. The first item listed on the day of the showdown was my case. The case was really challenging. I was thoroughly prepared, and argued for twenty to twenty five minutes, faced numerous questions and clarifications as put forward to me by the Honourable Judges. During my argument, the Court Room was completely silent except the reverberation of my own voice and at the end of the arguments I had bagged an order in my favour.

     

    Any unpleasant or difficult case/ situation in the courtroom or outside

    There are ups and downs, which is part of this profession. Sometimes, really closely listed matters can become nightmares. To read voluminous documents and then complete the draft within time is a difficult situation. Therefore, it’s very important to manage time smartly and to be well versed with all the intricacies pertaining to the concerned matter.

     

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    Your take on National IPR policy

    I applaud the Government for effectively bringing this far reaching document which kindles creativity and innovation across sectors and also facilitates a stable, transparent and service-oriented intellectual property rights administration in the country. The said policy is enormously relevant for a country like India, being a repository of indigenous creativity and traditional knowledge. Further, by this policy, the Government is attempting to resolve the adjudicatory delays in the newly designated commercial courts. The policy further advocates generation of IPR, which will encourage start-ups and safe guard their Intellectual Property, which is the need of the hour given India’s massive strides towards a digital society. However, the said policy should not remain as a paper tiger; the Government should implement the goals envisaged in the practical world in full phase and plan out for proper mechanism, as the same policy is in a comparative context a directive that needs a fresh look.

     

    Your opinion on the challenges before IPR regime in India

    At the very outset, there is lack of awareness about Intellectual Property protection among many stakeholders. I must stress that a detailed annual plan ought to be there on spreading awareness about Intellectual Property Rights and the involved legalities alongside interactions with all possible stakeholders. There should be a quicker approach to reduce delays in clearing Intellectual Property applications to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, which are also one of the seven pillars of the National IPR Policy. Furthermore, India faces challenges to its IPR regime as developed countries try to put in place an even stronger framework through mega regional trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. India needs to create its own culture of innovation for its people and grow at a rapid rate. Apart from that, India is facing challenges of online piracy, data protection, vulnerability of trade secrets etc.

    Where do you want to see yourself five to ten years from today?

    My first aim is to build my expertise in my domain. I would like to be an attorney who will make sure every client who comes to me is satisfied with the quality of services and gains trust. I would also like to earn the respect of my seniors, peers and colleagues. Since I love to interact with people, I would additionally like to become an academician in my field of expertise alongside practicing as an attorney.

    Any piece of advice you would like to pass on to the readers?

    You should have the right kind of attitude towards the legal profession. It’s always advisable to think out of the box and be innovative in order to develop the culture and personality of a true legal professional. One should be determined, patient and remember that there is no alternative to hard work. You should always have faith in yourself and should never be disappointed, as failure is an integral key to success. It’s always advisable to stay up-to-date with both the national and international developments of your chosen field of law.

     

  • Varun Sriram, Partner, J. Sagar Associates, Chennai on steering a successful corporate legal practice with a law degree and completing Company Secretary course

    Varun Sriram, Partner, J. Sagar Associates, Chennai on steering a successful corporate legal practice with a law degree and completing Company Secretary course

    Varun Sriram graduated from Symbiosis Law School, Pune in 2006 and thereafter also qualified as a Company Secretary Course from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. He is currently a Partner at J. Sagar Associates, Chennai and practices mainly in General Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity and Banking & Finance. He has over ten years of work experience in corporate legal work.

    In this interview he talks to us about:

    • His law school life at Symbiosis Law School Pune;
    • The essentials of a good corporate lawyer;
    • His experience and work strategies for ruling the corporate market;
    • Opportunities that a corporate practice has to offer;
    • His views on the current demonetization of high value currencies and the new Insolvency Code; and
    • His fondness for corporate and commercial laws.

     

    What interests or influences propelled you to pursue law as a career? What other options were you considering apart from law and how did you make the final decision?

    It wasn’t out of any specific interest at the beginning. Interest grew over a period of time, over a few years into practice. I took up a science group in eleventh standard since most of my friends chose science and I wanted to continue to be in the same class as them. It was during my mid-term that I started considering options for higher studies mainly due to peer pressure. I knew science wasn’t my cup of tea and I should not continue in that stream. I asked the school principal if I could change streams to commerce and she was gracious to agree. I joined the commerce stream just a week or two before our half-yearly exams and aced business studies, economics and accountancy.  That’s when I knew what my fundamental interests/strengths were even though I was not sure about future plans. I was considering my options in twelfth standard and one of my teachers mentioned that no student for several years had opted for law. Plus I was reading Perry Mason books back then and had seen quite a few movies with court room drama. Thereafter when I heard about Pune law colleges and life out there, I was quick to make my decision. I joined Symbiosis Law College in 2001 and never look back. My other option was to do a professional course in culinary arts and become a chef. I enjoy cooking and thought I would take it to a professional level. Then someone told me I could be a lawyer and still cook for people, but the other way round would not work. It made sense and I stuck to the plan.

     

    What were your objectives and plans in the preliminary years of law school? What curricular and extra-curricular activities and internships did you opt for while in law school?

    I did not have a plan, at least not for the first two years of college life. I spent time exploring Pune and making new friends. Sometime during my second year, I realised I had lot of time in hand and enrolled for ACS. I did one internship every year including outside of my home town Chennai. I did a few moot courts as well. I was also part of AIESEC, Pune. I would sum up my college life as academically above average, well rounded and a lot of fun.

     

    Straight after law school, you got an offer from HSB Partners, Chennai. What was the work profile you were entrusted with there and how was your experience there during your initial days?

    I joined HSB Partners by chance and not by plan. I was exploring my options after college. I took up a special project with a Danish MNC based out of Chennai to work on compliance aspects for them. I thought I would take the opportunity to get some perspective on management/strategy issues on the side. Within a few weeks, I realised it was not the right fit for me. I needed professional guidance. I met with some Industry leaders, entrepreneurs and lawyers to get suggestions. I even had an offer from an FMCG MNC based out of Mumbai for a legal role. Still, I was not convinced. I had done an internship with Mr. TK Bhaskar (TKB) in my third year of college and decided it would be good idea to meet him and discuss some options. That was the turning point. He offered me a position instantly after a brief discussion around 8:30 PM. I joined the next day not knowing that stint was going to be my beacon in the years to come. Initially, I worked with HSB Partners for two years. I was involved in a variety of work on corporate & commercial contracts, PE/VC and M&A work, corporate litigation matters, merger/de-merger schemes, drafting legal opinions on various corporate/commercial matters and occasionally even running to the consumer forum. Most weeks were six and half day working weeks. It was a good experience, especially the diversity of the nature of work that I was exposed to. I was also fortunate to get a lot of time from TKB.

     

    Within a few years, (if I am not wrong it might be shortest journey for a new law graduate) you got promoted to partner at HSB Partners Chennai, a reputed law firm in the southern circle.  What skills and qualities do you think helped you achieve you this position?

    While I continued to enjoy work at HSB Partners, I wanted to have first-hand experience in a Mumbai law firm specialising in PE and M&A work. So I started applying to various firms and had the opportunity to interview with a few of them. A very good friend and senior from college was working in Economic Laws Practice (ELP) and arranged for me to interview with one of the Partners. I interviewed with them and was offered a position instantly by Mr. Suhail Nathani and I took it up. I worked in ELP’s PE/M&A team and did some fantastic transaction work. I learned a majority of private-equity transaction related nuances during my stint here. I moved after a few years to ALMT Legal in Bangalore and worked with well-known names like Mr. SR Arun and Ms. Dhanya Menon. I had the opportunity to do capital market work like IPO, Rights Issue etc. besides some good and large M&A transactions.         I spent almost five years between Mumbai and Bangalore before moving back to Chennai. I re-joined HSB Partners although I had an offer from a national level firm in Chennai. While I started handling more of transaction related work, I worked on other matters from time to time. I was extremely moved when I was elevated as a salaried partner, especially considering I was the first associate to be elevated as such. I think my progression is a result of the combination of many attributes – exposure to a variety of work, good mentorship, strong fundamentals and liking towards corporate/commercial legal matters, my dual qualification (Law and ACS) and my associations with reputed firms and individuals.

     

    Your linked in profile says that you are driven by an “interest to find resolutions to intricate business requirements” and that your “practice emphasis has always been to add value to clients”. What interests lead you to such a yearning?

    The first sentence of the statement is based on my interest and passion. The second sentence of the statement is the end objective of my first sentence. That’s how I look at it. Without facing challenging requirements, there is no intellectual stimulation. Without finding lawful yet workable solutions to clients under such circumstances, there is no value creation. Without value creation, there is no client. Thus I feel there is immense logic and purpose in that statement and living by it.

     

    What are the opportunities that a practice has to offer? What are the essential requirements to rule the Indian corporate market?

    The legal profession is going to become more specialised in the days to come. This is the natural progression. Clients demand, and rightfully so, deliverables under tight time-lines to keep pace with various commercial and M&A activities, competition etc. This is possible only if the lawyer in question is fundamentally strong in the subject matter and has good exposure on ground. The requirements for developing into a good corporate lawyer and continuing to be one are always dynamic and not constant or a one-time effort. I think the use of technology effectively will make a difference going forward. It is important to be aware of legislative/policy developments, changes, general business news, developments in transaction structures and practices, new and changing business models etc. It is combinations of all of these that aidsand improves one’s legal acumen and helps one perform better as a corporate-commercial/transaction lawyer. Being level-headed, rational and solutions driven is vital.

     

    Do you feel that doing a company secretary course from the Institute of Company Secretaries in India will be add fuel to one’s work profile at a corporate practice?

    Completing a Company Secretary course together with Law certainly gives an edge with regard to certain fundamentals academically, in corporate and secretarial laws and adds weight to one’s resume. But I would not attribute more than that. Anything I learned out of a text book until I applied it on the job was to some extent surreal. Most of the real learning is on the job at least that has been my experience. I think if one has the time to study and get an extra degree, why not. It could CS, CA or MBA finance – all of them are good combinations with a law degree.

     

    The newly enacted Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 has stirred a dynamic shift in the insolvency regime. What is in your opinion, efficacious about this code in the Indian corporate market?

    Prior to this legislation, there were multiple laws and forums that dealt with insolvency related issues. The insolvency code is a uniform and complete code dealing with insolvency issues and applicable to all companies (not banking companies), partnerships and individuals. The code has established a new framework, with a regulator, insolvency professionals and detailed adjudication mechanisms. The code if implemented properly, will lead to pro-active and effective resolution processes re insolvency matters.

     

    You are currently partner at J. Sagar Associates, Chennai. What is your work profile there? Could you share your experience at the firm so far?

    I primarily deal with private equity, M&A and other corporate and commercial matters. JSA is a tier-1 firm both in capability and culture. JSA is known and stands for work quality, expertise and good values. The organisation inculcates and encourages good ethos and transparency in dealing with people, both internally and externally. It is also interesting to note JSA’s active involvement in pro-bono activities. This year being the 25th anniversary, additional pro-bono initiatives are under-way. This milestone is being celebrated by reaching out and giving in ways we can, so that others may be lifted by an experience of equality, empowerment and justice. I feel fortunate, proud and a sense of satisfaction being associated with JSA.

     

    Why the special interest in corporate laws and commercial laws with a special focus on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity, general corporate matters and corporate compliance over a number of sectors?

    While I worked on a variety of matters during the initial two years of practice, I gradually realised I needed to focus on some area of practice. My natural inclination towards corporate/commercial and M&A matters made the choice easier. I think it’s important for any fresh law graduate to get a feel and sense of as many diverse areas of practice as possible, initially. At some point it will naturally lead to a focus in one or more areas of their liking if all goes well.

     

    Do you think the current demonetization of higher value Indian currency is going to boost the Indian economy?

    The market sentiments are polarised on this. Professional write ups, views and emotions are mixed and economists in some cases have taken a cynical view. While I am no expert on policy issues, I think the logic behind the policy measure is sound. Implementation of the policy is another matter and there possibly could have been more systems and checks put in place for it being more effective and reducing hardship to sections of people relying on physical currency in their daily life. But now that the policy is already in play, improvising implementation dynamically is the need of the hour. Whether the policy will actually meet its purpose and objective i.e. eradicate black money/counterfeit notes, weakens the parallel economy thus consequently leading to better GDP, digitalisation of payments and receipts etc., only time will tell. It is also important to measure the purpose and positive effects of the policy against the cost of implementation of the policy factoring in all adverse ripple effects created, in some objective manner to test the success of the policy.

     

    What were the challenges you faced in shaping up your career as it stands today and where do you see yourself ten years from now?

    It will be unfair to say I faced any material challenges in shaping my career. I was reasonably dedicated, took a keen interest in work and looked out for client interest while never diluting integrity. I did not see or think of them as challenges. I don’t know where I see myself in ten years. I just hope I have the strength and opportunity to do and continue to do what I like and proud of.

     

    Do you agree that law students with a corporate legal legacy (family background) are more likely to succeed in practicing it?

    Not necessarily. It may give a person an edge with respect to learning, networking and an immediate name in the market. But I believe one earns the tag as a good corporate lawyer over a period of time based on merit and work quality. Therefore, it is possible for lawyers without legal family lineage to also succeed, catch up, and even go past those who have it. It entirely depends on the individual, his/her capabilities and conviction. It needs to kept in mind that success is subjective, a state of feeling and difficult to be objectively measured.

     

    What is your parting message to law students and young generation lawyers?

    It is good to try diverse legal work for a few years before focusing on something more specialised. During the initial phase of your career, give more weightage to working with a good and reputed senior rather than the size of the firm, brand of the firm, pay package etc. Don’t give into placement/peer pressure. If often you do not feel a sense of pride/satisfaction relating to the work that you deliver, start assessing the situation as rationally as possible. Never hesitate to make drastic changes in the way you work or your career options when you are convinced the outcome will be more positive. But never make them in haste. Always think through, talk to well-wishers and more experienced people before taking any drastic steps relating to your career.

     

  • Priyadarshini Natarajan, Principal Associate, HSB Partners, on Corporate Law Practice, Law School days, and the Company Secretaries’ Course

    Priyadarshini Natarajan, Principal Associate, HSB Partners, on Corporate Law Practice, Law School days, and the Company Secretaries’ Course

    Priyadarshini Natarajan graduated from ILS College, Pune in the year 2007. She has also completed a Company Secretary Course from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. She is currently Principal Associate at HSB Partners, Chennai and heads its General Corporate Commercial, Mergers & Acquisitions & General Corporate Litigation. She has over nine years of work experience in these domains.

    In this interview she talks to us about-

    • Her legal education at ILS College, Pune;
    • How to make the best use of internships ;
    • Her experience at HSB Partners
    • The importance a CS Course in a corporate lawyers life and
    • How to make career decisions while at law school.

     

    How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

    I am an enthusiastic person with a thirst for new experiences in life.

     

    You completed your legal education at ILS Law College, Pune. Tell us about your college experience and how it helped shape you professionally.

    ILS and Pune city were one of the many good things that happened in my life. Having studied and lived in a cocooned home environment in Chennai all through my school years, it was indeed refreshing and an amazing experience to be in the ‘student city’. ILS has an amazing campus, some really good lecturers in the faculty, a fine library, a reading room, huge classrooms, an enormous ground and a hill behind the college where one could go trekking! We had students from different parts of India and abroad and it is wonderful that we are still connected. I had lovely friends who would generously lend me their notes to study, and inspire and support me in all endeavors. The students always had so many ideas, and took many initiatives in both law related workshops as well as extra curricular activities. The college arranges for many guest lectures, diplomas, workshops, moot courts, international certificate programs and has a very good placement cell.

     

    Did you do extra curricular activities, and if so, how important were they?

    I love new experiences and during college it was the time to experiment with different things each year. I played with the college women’s cricket team, was part of Human Rights Cell in and did a few diploma courses on subjects such as Cyber Laws, Geopolitics and International Relations, and Corporate Laws. I spent three years trying my hand at guitar at the Institute of Modern Music.  I believe that extra-curricular activities  overall development, expand one’s circle, provide opportunities to meet various people and helps one have an open mind. I recollect that once I complained that I did not have enough time to practice playing the guitar every day, to which my guitar tutor, Mr. Shital Kulkarni, retorted “you mean to say you do not have 15 minutes in one whole day to practice?” I was dumbstruck and realised discipline and practice are not that hard and one just needs to make time for it. That voice still echoes in my head. What we learn in one sphere always helps us in other spheres of life.

    You are also a Company Secretary. How helpful is the fact that you are a Company Secretary, in the legal context?

    I pursued CS after I graduated and started practicing. I wanted to do something apart from work and therefore enrolled to do CS. I am always first a lawyer, then a qualified Company Secretary. Therefore, my priority was my law practice and I studied for CS exams only during free time, and I must say I passed CS mostly with the practical knowledge from work. CS does compliment corporate law practice, including due diligence assignments, provided that one is updated on the corporate compliances as much as one is updated on changes in the law.

     

    What should legal students aspiring to pursue CS course keep in mind whilst preparing for the same? Would you recommend pursuing a CS course during law school or after, and why?

    It really is a personal choice whether to pursue it during law school or after. Personally, I was able to appreciate the course better due to the practical knowledge from work assignments. If one is considering practicing corporate law, then one could consider pursuing it during law school as it gives an insight into the subjects and help in making a decision. However, one must keep in mind that a graduate is eligible for an exemption from taking the foundation exams and therefore could directly progress to the executive program of CS and thereafter the professional/final program. Whether one chooses to pursue it during or after law school, I would recommend going for private tuitions or the ICSI classes so that one can interact with other students and practicing Company Secretaries to get an insight regarding the options as well as to discuss the subject.

     

    Tell us about the internships you did whilst at law school. What is the most important quality of a good intern?

    We had two months off in a year, one in May and one in December, both being court vacation periods. During my first year of college, I had interned with Dr. Suresh, Mrs. Nagasaila, Mrs. Sudha Ramalingam who were also involved with PUCL, Chennai. I remember Dr. Suresh vehemently opposing the other side’s advocate (a public prosecutor) in vacation court and then came out of the court and shook hands with him. Dr. Suresh, whom I have great respect for, winked at me and said “no permanent enemies and no permanent friends”. All the three advocates as well as the other advocates I met there were not only intelligent, hardworking and inspiring but such amazing, distinct individuals. I was asked to be part of a client meeting, where a lady had come in for filing a case for rape. After the client meeting, the advocate told me the difference between facts and allegations and mentioned how the client (a rape victim) was contradicting her own statements. It does not mean that one ought to doubt the client but I learnt that while the client is giving the pieces of information, I must assimilate it quickly and have the script ready, be it drafting an agreement or filing a litigation. Another interesting person I met was Mr. Jose John, when I interned with King and Patridge, who is so hard working and humble. Other places I have interned are Menon and Gokulaney and Kini and Company. Mr. Ashok Menon and Mr. Harshad Gokulaney have also interacted with me and given some great advice. During internships, it is a stroke of luck to get the so called ‘interesting’ work in the one month period, especially during court vacations. However, there is something to learn from every work assigned to you. I had some exposure to research work, drafting of notices, watching vacation court proceedings, and reading of case bundles. If I speak of one value addition that stands out, it is the very interaction with such amazing lawyers who could give me an insight regarding work life after college, career path, choices to make, and taught me how to focus on the case without getting emotionally tangled in the client’s problems.

    I think the most important quality of an intern is to have an open mind! It is also important to spend quality time and a minimum of 4 weeks in one firm/ under a lawyer as opposed to trying to squeeze in a great number of internships. Honor those hours you get to spend in the office. Keep reading books/laws/magazines if you have not been assigned any work for the day/hour. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to the advocates and ask them for work!

    How important are internships for shaping a young legal mind and preparing him/her for the real world?

    I have had the opportunity to interact with many interns, some of them who have amazing confidence and clarity regarding their future career. In that sense I believe that many students are already quite conscious of the ‘real world’. As an intern, the assignment given tends to be etched in their memory for a long time to come. A small task such as numbering pages in a typed set, looking for acknowledgement cards, taking a dictation, doing research, or looking for a phone number of a governmental authority would come in handy when you graduate and start practicing. Try maintaining a log of each day’s assignments in all internships. It helps in self assessment, planning a future and most of all, makes an interesting read with a smile on the face when you finish 6 months or 1 year of practice post graduation!

     

    You work in HSB Partners, Chennai. Tell us about your experience working at this firm. What are the areas of law that you practice?

    I have been working with HSB Partners for nearly 9.5 years and it has been a wonderful experience with loads of opportunities. My primary areas of practice are corporate litigation, corporate transactions/ advisory and commercial agreements. The firm has a young vibrant crowd and amazing colleagues, both in the past and the present, who have been helpful and inspirational. The partners are not only approachable but are also very receptive to opinions of even the junior-most person, provided it is backed with law/reasoning. That helps in building confidence and the freedom to think independently and provide solutions. Each of the partners is very inspiring to work with and their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn makes one even more interested in the subject. For instance, I was one of those kids who did not like Labour Laws when I was in college. During my first month of work, I recollect that Mr. T.K. Bhaskar (the partner I work with) explaining an assignment to me that got me interested in this subject, which I thought I loathed. Anyone who walks into his room learns something new. In fact, when I was a fresher in the office, every single day I went back home having learnt something new. I used to feel so happy about being a better lawyer than the previous day. This remains true till date. I have learnt a lot from working closely with many esteemed senior counsels as well as a wide variety of clients. I have been fortunate to get the opportunities and mentorship that I have received, which has shaped me to the half way decent lawyer I am today.

     

    Did you always know that you wished to practice Corporate Law? If not, how did you make the decision to make Corporate Laws your career – what were the factors you took into consideration whilst picking a suitable area of law with a professional point of view.

    When I joined law school, my area of interest in law was Criminal Law and Human Rights. In fact till date, one thing that I want to do is to work for child development, child rights and work against child sexual abuse, though I get to do that only part time. I developed an interest and decided to pursue Corporate Laws after I completed a Diploma in Business and Corporate Laws. Though I never did an internship in this area,  I decided to start my practice in the area of Corporate Law considering my limited exposure during my other litigation internships vis-à-vis my skills, strenghts and suddenly developed an interest.

     

    What is the basis of recruitment at HSB? What do interested applicants need to keep in mind when applying to HSB?

    The usual- qualifications, past internship/work experiences, aptitude to work hard, sincerity, clarity in thinking, team spirit, achievements and extra-curricular activities. In addition, you must shed the attitude that you are a trainee and walk in as a lawyer.

     

    What is the most notable improvement from the erstwhile Companies Act, 1956 to the current Companies Act, 2013?

    Some of the notable changes are the introduction of the  concept of One Person Company, increasing the number of members of a private company, introducing the definition and duties of an independent director, making it mandatory to have a woman director in listed companies and certain public companies, introducing the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and casting it as a duty of a director to follow provisions regarding CSR, the concept of Key Managerial Personnel, et al. One of the most important changes is the introduction of National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in the place of erstwhile Company Law Board and shifting of all the company matters from High Courts, including matters related to reduction of share capital, schemes/amalgamation, and winding up – to the jurisdiction of NCLT and introduction of the appellate tribunal – National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

     

    What are the factors law students need to take into account while making substantial career decisions?

    Most important aspects that would aid in decision making are your interest, your passion, your strength, and your own dreams/goals. Pick something that you like doing. Some of you may not have the clarity as to which area of practice to choose and it may happen that some of you may not be able to find an opportunity to do work in the area that you desire. In both cases, keep your eyes open for opportunities and your ears open for any advice people have to give. If you fall in the former category, read a lot, try discussing with some advocates you have interned with, or batch mates, and try building a good network. Don’t hesitate to ask for help as you may never know from which quarter you may receive it.. If after all this you still do not know which area of law you want to practice in or if you want to be an in-house counsel, do not fret and just go with the flow. Having a good mentor and practicing a particular thing long enough with dedication and sincerity, would slowly make you an expert in a subject and in turn that will bring you success. If you fall in the second category, grab whichever opportunity you get and do your best. What is more important is to be focussed and do your best wherever you are. However, make sure to have your dream/passion/goals in the back of your mind. For example, if you want to specialise in Cyber Law and you end up in Civil/Corporate Laws, pursue your career in the opportunities you have. Optimise on the resources at hand and keep updating yourself with Cyber Laws. There will definitely be a window of opportunity and a break through. Believe in yourself, work hard, fight against all odds and follow your dream.

     

    What advice would you give current law students?

    Be passionate about what you do. It is a service industry and whichever area of law you choose, understand that you are dealing with and protecting someone’s rights. Anything you do or not do in a case/transaction could make a difference in that client’s life. So, strive to make a good difference. That apart, bear in mind that to understand if an area of law interests you, you must give it time. Patience, hardwork, consistency, sincerity and honesty may sound “cliché” but are the good old principles that will make you successful. Accept whatever work that comes your way and do your best. Be open minded and receptive to changes! All the best!

  • Samar Inam Khan, Matrimonial lawyer, Divorce Mediator and Arbitrator, on establishing Legal Experts India

    Samar Inam Khan, Matrimonial lawyer, Divorce Mediator and Arbitrator, on establishing Legal Experts India

    Samar Inam Khan graduated from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2003. At present, he is a Matrimonial Lawyer, divorce mediator, Arbitrator and a Criminal and Civil Lawyer as well. He is also a chairman of his own founded Law Firm which is still Sole Proprietorship Firm namely Legal Experts India.

     

    In this interview he talks to us about:

    • His law school experience.
    • Why he chose matrimonial matters.
    • His own law firm- Legal Experts India.
    • Most challenging part of being a chairman at his own founded law firm.

     

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

    I am a Matrimonial Lawyer, divorce mediator, Arbitrator and having Criminal and Civil Lawyer as well, touched almost all spheres of law including IPR, thoroughly saw how law manipulated by lawyers and also saw how judges do injustice in many cases.

    Judges sometimes do not recognize law and misses or try to miss the citations and give relief to the party who do not deserve to get such relief, these things usually happens in lower courts and when the other person goes for higher court by way of appeal or revision, they get actually justice.

    In many cases party lose faith in judicial system which in my own opinion, citizen of India believe in.

    What motivated you to gravitate towards law? If not law, what other options would you have considered for your career?

    Law is always my first choice and I never been gravitated because it is such a procedure in which I believe citizen will actually get justice.

    If I was not a Lawyer I chose to be a real Journalist.

     

    Tell us about your law school experience. Share some highlights from your college days that shaped you as a lawyer.

    I graduated Law from Jamia Millia Islamia, the experience was wonderful but what I saw or experienced was there was a split; politics was something attracted by many students because of faculty, the senior faculty member were not into any split hence there was three major splits, one and other against each other and the third one was neutral.

    These things made students more mature so that as and when they entered into practice, they knew they will face similar approach within the court between the lawyers, and exactly the same happened, many of pass outs after few years left and joined some corporates as their representatives, only few left who had patience. Patience is the most important tool to get into practice.

     

    Why did you choose matrimonial matters? What motivated you to choose that?

    Marriages are broken, love birds get married and after love and affection in three- four months, expectations increases, the result of which one or the other partner gets frustrated, which causes disturbances, fights between families starts, It is the emotional and the physical needs of a man and a woman that bring them into a relationship which then culminates in a marriage. In days gone by, couples were more tolerant of each other and let go many matters to save their marriage because it was unacceptable for a marriage to breakup.

    Physical and/or mental abuse: This is one of the major factors which finally bring about a breakup of a marriage. This is caused by the sadistic attitude of one of the partners which was kept covered up before a marriage. The spouse who gets the brunt of it, is kept under control, and is intimidated and manipulated. There is less chance for such a relationship to continue for long.

    Attraction towards another of the opposite gender: This happens because of one spouse does not give time enough for his/her partner. Communication gap, in words or physically, may develop between the two which, as it widens, paves the way for attraction of one spouse/partner towards another person of the opposite gender.

    Cheating and Infidelity: When a spouse begins to get attracted towards an unmarried person or one who is married, intimate relationships between the two develop and deepen and if the developing intimacy is not noticed by any one, it may end up in infidelity. This may go one for a long time till it is discovered causing devastation to the marriage/s and breakups.

    Constant humiliation before others: One spouse/partner may be less empathetic than the other; they have no inhibitions in speaking ill of their partner/spouse before other people. The targeted spouse is always made to feel that s/he is ‘good for nothing’; there is no regard for his/her dignity and sentiments. This is because of the selfish attitude of the targeting spouse who shows off to people that life of the two together would never be as good as it is at present without her/him. The suffering partner is invariably made to feel inferior. S/he may even have to undergo humiliation by his/her spouse before others about his/her inability to bear children.

    Constant nagging: This is again an attitude of a partner/spouse to keep the other at his/her beck-and-call. The targeted partner has to bear up with the other partner’s constant fault-finding, complaints, scolding, criticisms and frequent sarcastic remarks. There is no concern for the feelings or the respect of the partner. The tendency to nag is more common with women than with men. This is done in an effort to adjust their partner to their standards of living. When the targeted partner does things to please his/her partner, s/he comes up with new ‘points of improvements’. The suffering partner may tolerate it for a long or a short time but the breakup is inevitable.

    Repeated comparison of one’s partner with another man or woman: One partner may constantly compare his/her spouse/partner with others simply belittling them, trying to tell them that their lifestyle is not of a calibre which s/he desires. The targeted spouse/partner generally ends up developing an inferiority complex; s/he tries to match up to the standards of their partner to maintain peace and keep the relationship/marriage intact but it is of little use and it ends up in a breakup.

    These things causes break-up between the couple, as and when any family intrude in a matrimonial life, things will go away, and causes number of litigations, fake allegations which actually crafted and drafted by a lawyer, many of lawyers only works for their greed to earn more fee/income.

    I first try to resolve the issues between the couple, if fails, try to let the couple go for pre-litigation before trained mediator, if that fails, only then I try to get things go as it should.

    There are number of fake cases registered under section 498-A, wives try to conceal their income in PWDV Act and 125 Cr.P.C cases, such things actually motivated me to be a matrimonial expert to get the truth before the Court.

     

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

    Hard work, Patience, mediation, preparing cases at my own/self-drafting, being a good listener, Sharp memory, making arguments at my own, self-reliant, self-dependent, creating like-minded team and team work.

     

    Please tell us something about your own law firm- Legal Experts India.

    Legal Experts India was started by me as Sole-Proprietor in 2004, where I was alone in the said year, I took the risk of not getting any penny, thereafter I connected with few corporates for Arbitration, I myself designated as Sole- Arbitrator, and then the firm started working, now we have litigants, Arbitrators, IPR specialists lawyers at different parts of the country on Panel basis, at New Delhi itself we have Six Associates and we have base at Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand as well.

    Legal Experts India is at glooming stage and now we are expanding at faster pace.

     

    What falls within the scope of your responsibility? Tell us about a typical work day.

    I as Chairman of the firm designate my associates what matters he/she should engaged into, I myself argue in the cases, be it any case, I try to boost up my interns and new associates, I try to gauge their mind-set what they actually wants to do, I let my juniors be free of any stress and call them associate only, I never let them call me Sir, I ask them to call me by my name only, so to feel easy.

    My typical work day is to reach court directly, ask associates whether they are prepared for the case, if not I myself appear before the court because I usually get myself prepared a night before, guide them what to do, then in chamber I starts drafting and checking out citations, same I direct to my associates to do, in the end of day I check all files, get prepared myself for other day and then tell my associates in which case and court they are required to appear.

    I do not try my associates to have so much stress; we at Legal Experts India leave office by 5 Pm so my associates also have social life as well.

     

    What is the most challenging or stressful part of being a chairman at your own founded law firm?

    The most challenging one was the start-up, I started it without having too much knowledge of all the spheres of law, I stood against few very senior lawyers those days, but courage and patience wins the game.

    Thereafter choosing the right associates was another challenge and I chose only few, but those days were as stressful as I was apprehended if I chose the right ones or not.

     

    What do law firms in India look for in potential candidates? What must a law student do to get hired in a top-tier law firm?

    Be it top-tier or mediocre, to get into a law firm students need to read about the law firm a day or two before, what they actually wants, and be just on topics,  student should show curiosity to join and work without any time boundations, students should also know whether their work will be admired, they must not expect too much salary in start.

    At the time of interview be just and proper, wear formal cloths, and never show from which background they are, at the time of interview they should have eye to eye contact, and never approach indirectly.

    What should be your parting message to our readers?

    Struggle is not just word, it speaks and its sounds louder, a Legal Practitioner practicing for more than 5 years and not earning too much, never underestimate him, he is having much more knowledge to gauge and perform.

    As and when he starts earning good the people around who underestimated him will only watch, and he will not turn back to them.

    In short never underestimate a practicing lawyer.

     

     

  • Rahul Phukan, Legal Director/Head Director of Legal-Real Estate, on his achievements and experiences from a graduate to director

    Rahul Phukan, Legal Director/Head Director of Legal-Real Estate, on his achievements and experiences from a graduate to director

    Rahul Phukan graduated from University Law College, Bangalore University (2000-2005). At present, he is leading legal real estate (Legal Director/Head of Legal-Real Estate) and expanding stores across in India and other countries in South Asia and managing a team of experienced lawyers based on regional offices in India for the purpose of procuring, development, opening and operation of stores in India.

     

    In this interview he talks to us about:

    • His experience at internships.
    • His career graph.
    • Qualities that helped him to become the head of legal-real estate.
    • Changes in life after becoming the head of legal-real estate.

     

    How did you choose law? Did you always know that this was what you wanted to do?

    I made up my mind to pursue law pretty early in life- may be around standard eight in school. There were certainly influences in my formative years from the family. The tales of my great grandfather being a pioneer in the field of law and one of the first Indian district court judge in north-east of India (Larger Assam State including East Bengal under British). There were lawyers in the next generation who were also academicians and experts. The generation after had my uncle who was a Supreme Court judge with whom I had spent quite a bit of time- I think enough time to get influenced and convinced! I remember, the family house in Jorhat, Assam, had a library- though I didn’t read much from there but just glancing through the books perhaps also left a mark and fascinated me. Having said that, no one in the family ever told me that I should pursue law, I think the influences were strong enough to shape my decision which my parents definitely appreciated and supported.

    Adding to that, though I knew I would do law for sure, but what would I specialise in was something I was not sure of. But I still pursued it with an intention that I will explore and find my area of interest.

     

    Tell us something about your college life. Which activities did you participate in? How did you go about developing expertise and knowledge in your areas of interest?

    I am a proud alumni of University Law College,Bangalore. At college we had the liberty to participate in various moot court competitions which I thought was a great way to develop research and analytical skills. I also made it a point that I interned with various lawyers and law firms. I started my internship right from the second year in college. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time with a leading national law firm after college each day. When I look back I realise that the internships which I did gave me a very practical overview of the legal field and by working on various subjects, I could actually test the water and decide what I wanted to do on a long term basis. Besides this, I also made it a point to visit courts every now and then and witness the working of the judiciary. I feel this is important no matter which field of law one chooses -at least to have some knowledge of the courts! As a student, one gets  extremely inclined to certain subjects like IPR, Corporate Laws, Human Rights, etc. but it is the practical experience which helps one to decide where one’s interest lies and sometimes also to discover that the interest is actually on a totally different subject.

    Apart from the extra- curricular activities, interaction with my teachers in class, discussion with peers and seniors in college were something which really helped me understand the legal field better and understand the practicalities. Academically, as a student I was one of the top five rank holders in the University.

    While it is important to enhance expertise and knowledge, it is equally important to have a life beyond college, internships and extra-curricular activities. I continued doing what I always enjoyed doing i.e. play tennis and cricket, read books and listen to music and attend various concerts and events. The idea was to have the right balance of academics and life in general- making both enjoyable!

     

    Many lawyers say that the first year after graduation is the most difficult year for young lawyers. How was your first year after graduation?

    Yes, I agree for many the first year after graduation is a difficult year. There are numerous colleges in India where in the final year there is no campus placement if one has to opt to work for the corporate world or a renowned law firm.

    For me there was a period of dilemma right around the time I was about to complete my law graduation and few months after. I was unsure on the course of action I should take, though I was certain that I had to work for a corporate eventually. I quickly learnt that to excel in any role I take up, it was important to understand and acquire practical knowledge in the field I like- so as to become an expert in that field. This is when I started applying for law firms as I thought that to learn or experience all verticals of law there is no better place than a law firm. I am glad I was retained by Fox Mandal & Associates as a trainee and for the exposure I got to various aspects of laws – which most certainly helped me shape my career!

     

    What kind of internships did you do while you were a student? Any remarkable experiences during your internships that shaped your career choices later?

    I must tell you that internships are as important as academics. The more internships or time you spend observing the legal fraternity, the easier it is to make career choices. It is like a discovery trip!

    Right from the second year of college, I made it a point to do formal internships or just spend time every day with law firms or at an advocate’s chamber. My internships were mainly on corporate law practices including FDI, corporate compliance-labour laws and IPR. It involved civil litigation and real estate transactions. While interning with a law firm in Bangalore, I got the first taste of working on the real estate domain which I started to enjoy. What was fascinating for me was that the domain had variety of challenges on a day-to-day level. The number of legislations one is going through for any real estate transaction could vary with the location, ownership, etc. and each real estate project had its own uniqueness and set of challenges- I was intrigued!

     

    You have a lot of work experience, from working at a vast array of places. Can you tell us a little about your career graph up to this point?

    After college in 2005, I started as a Trainee at Fox Mandal & Associates in Bangalore. Fox Mandal as you may be aware is a full service law firm and hence as a trainee I was fortunate to work on the job with all verticals in the firm which was very intense and a great learning experience. During this time, I interacted a lot with various partners and industry experts to learn more and more about each work-stream practically.

    I continued as an Associate at Fox Mandal Bangalore and joined the real estate and infrastructure team. In the year 2009, I was promoted as a Senior Associate and subsequently, in the year 2010, I was escalated as the Group Head of the Real Estate and Infrastructure Wing at Fox Mandal & Associates, Bangalore. During the course of my retainer-ship with Fox Mandal, I was handling matters relating to real estate and property and had worked with various developers, Indian and international corporate/companies, financial institutions, property management groups/consultants, foreign state government/bodies. The matters mostly involved entry level strategy planning, due diligence, joint ventures, M&A, joint development, project construction and development, facility/built-to-suit campus development, pre/post lease/purchase/sale compliance & documentation(residential & commercial properties) and of course litigation and corporate law support.

    Thereafter, in 2012, I joined Goldman Sachs in Bangalore as Legal Associate for the Corporate Real Estate Legal (CREL) and Commercial and Corporate Contract– Asia Pacific except Japan. My role in Goldman Sachs involved providing legal support to conduct real estate matters, e.g., real estate transactions including investments, capital projects, building operations, critical systems and infrastructure and was also responsible for periodic regulatory, corporate entity reporting and corporate matters related to real estate entities. Further, I did review and draft a wide variety of corporate services and other contracts including: events, travel, technology, consultant, tax & audit engagement letters, market data, subscription, employment, training, procurement and vendor contract and related matters and advised on matters, in collaboration with divisional and other specialist lawyers. Not to forget, my work also involved management of internal corporate authorizations and procedural matters and legal issues as they arise in day-to-day activities.

    In December 2014, I joined Decathlon Sports India Limited as Real Estate Legal Advisor for the South Zone and later in September 2015, I took over as the Head of Legal/Legal Director- Real Estate.

     

    You are the head of legal-real estate. What qualities helped you to achieve this status?

    To start with, the most important quality is the passion for the field of Real Estate Law.  The passion does drive me to learn each day and come back greedier to work for more. Of course, one has to be hard working and dedicated to ensure that each work stream is done with 100% commitment and integrity. There is no short-cut to gain practical experience, so the more one efficiently works on various fields with an open mind, the bigger the gain is in terms of experience. I also enjoy interacting with people and in that sense I am quite observant as a person too- this helps me a lot in business relationships and negotiations.

    Right from my days at the law firm, I was leading a team- hence leadership and managerial qualities was a key quality as well. Today I lead a team of extremely able and competent lawyers at Decathlon. Also, the nature of work I do involves lot of decision making- hence I would say managerial courage is important too.

     

    Tell us about the nature of work you are entrusted with at Decathlon Sports India Private Limited.

    Decathlon Sports  is one of the biggest sports retailers and is rapidly growing in India. I lead the legal real estate team at Decathlon. The team is primarily involved with the business and development team right from sourcing of projects to opening of stores in India. There is a variety of legal issues one has to go through including but not limited to property laws for any given projects and as you may be aware that real estate is a complex subject with laws varying from state to state.

    I am also helping certain other regions in Asia for legal matter and store openings, has been one of my expertise.

     

    What changes came into your life after becoming the legal director / Head of legal-real estate? How do you manage to strike a balance between your professional and personal life?

    For me the change is not drastic- I still continue to enjoy the work I do like I always did. Of course, there is a lot more to handle now, but when one organises work based on the priority and business requirement with the support of an extremely efficient, competent and motivated team, the work flow can be channelized. Since, there is a variety of projects across regions; I do travel now quite a bit now.

    As a young lawyer, it was difficult to manage the work and life balance as we all want to learn and excel quickly. As one grows older- and with experience it is easier to find that balance between work and life to sustain the career growth and to continue and keep the hunger to learn without risking a burn out. Therefore, dedicating time for the family and friends who are my support system especially on the weekends, doing things I like, playing sports when I can is something which really brings that balance. I am also a foodie who likes to eat and cook and I love travelling or going out for drives- I find these things really relaxing and refreshing. Without this facet of life, one cannot get the best out at the workplace- home is where the heart is as they say!

     

    What are your plans for the future?

    I plan to continue working as a real estate lawyer for sure. Perhaps, I would also like to stretch my wings to the other regions out of Asia- which I really enjoy. What would be also interesting is, apart from being a transactional and business lawyer, to go beyond legal aspects and contribute more to the organisation I am associated with. Definitely, the lawyer in me helps me to be that business partner and the risk manager!

     

    What would be your message to our readers who are budding lawyers and law students?

    From my experience, I would say that while it is very important to excel academically, it is even more important to experience the legal field from practical point of view. At the beginning, one has to be patient and must only concentrate on the learning and experience. While job tile and remuneration is important but it is not bigger than knowledge- so if a young lawyer is open to learning and only concentrates on harnessing his/her legal skills at the beginning of the career- I can assure you that job title and remuneration shall all fall into place on the long run. Efficiency in work, practical knowledge, transactional experience, managerial and decision making skills are few things no law school can teach!

    Not to forget, while we are all focussed on our career goals- never stop doing things you like doing apart from work or studies or internships. The balance between hard work and life will make the journey complete and enjoyable.

    My good wishes to all budding lawyers- the legal profession is seeing immense change and the younger generation is clearly blending in well and pushing the standards higher.

    All the best and thank you for having me!

     

     

     

  • Rajrupa Sinha Roy, Assistant Professor of Law on importance of mooting, working as a junior research fellow under MoEF and pursuing a PhD from IIT

    Rajrupa Sinha Roy is an alumnus of NALSAR. Having studied law from Haldia Law College in 2009, she pursued LL.M from NALSAR in the year 2011. Currently pursuing his PhD in Environment Law from Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, IIT Kharagpur and gainfully employed at Adamas University as an Assistant Professor of law, she has taken part in several conferences in India and abroad. An academician throughout, she has worked in various projects that were funded by Government of India.

    In this interview she talks about –

    • Her college days
    • Her opinion on importance of Mooting
    • Her experience as a Junior Research Fellow in Ganga River Basin Management Plan
    • On pursuing a PhD from an IIT
    • Her experience of working as a professor

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
    I would describe myself as a strong and dynamic personality with a broad temperament as well as someone who is a staunch supporter of innovative and constructive ideas.

     

    Tell us something about your school and college days.
    I wish I could travel back in time to be with my friends with whom I cherish fond memories. School and college days had been the best days of my life as it has helped me in shaping my present career. I take pride in being a student of Bethune Collegiate School, Kolkata which has inculcated a sense of discipline in my day to day activities. My tenure as a student at Bethune has always since my graduation from there motivated me to accept the tough challenges presented from time to time. I graciously thank Ms.Rekha Sengupta,my ex Principal, for assisting me to deal with complex situations in life. Graduating from Haldia Law College was no different from my school days since my teachers and friends reserved the same support for the endeavours I had taken now to be a lawyer. My stay at Haldia Law College has nothing but offered immense opportunities in the form of inspiration to take up higher studies that I had taken from my teachers and seniors. I owe a lot of credit to these beautiful people for what I am today.

     

    How important do you think mooting or any co-curricular activity is in shaping one’s future career in law?

    I being a student of a non NLU understand the importance of mooting in contemporary academics as I never got the opportunity to participate in any National level Moot-court Competition due to lack of proper guidance in regard thereof. Mooting is a vital co-curricular activity for all law students as it brings out the inquisitive personality in a student. It also helps in building inter-personal skills and all-round development which are basic necessities for a successful lawyer. I strongly believe that whether a NLU or non-NLU, the university should prima-facie focus on conducting moot-court competition both at University and National level to help aspiring law students to hone their skill and exhibit the same. As for other co-curricular activities are concerned a law student must make sincere efforts to undertake publication of Research Papers, Articles, Case Notes etc. in reputed journals. Publications in reputed Journals aids in writing a strong resume for students seeking jobs or applying for higher studies in reputed Universities around the world.

     

    How important a role do you think law school plays in shaping one’s career?

    The theoretical and the practical aspects of studying law are divided by a fine line of critical thinking and analysis which can be put into effective usage. Take for example an instance where the culmination of a research oriented topic could be used for framing policies in the legal domain. As the saying goes that knowledge without its application is meaningless, theoretical ideas supplemented by practical usage can go a long way in grooming a law student for achieving a successful career at the best law firms and companies in India.

    rajrupa-sinha-roy-2

    Please share with the readers your LLM experience at NALSAR. What are the challenges you had faced while studying at NALSAR?

    I did not face much difficulty in terms of my academics as while studying for my LLB degree I had a course structure similar to that in most other law schools. However, though the syllabus and other activities were quite similar, I had but two very significant disadvantages; one was ‘Internship’ and second was ‘Moot-Court’. Nevertheless, I still treasure each and every moment of my stay at NALSAR and made friends for life.

     

    After completing your LLM, you worked as a junior research fellow in the ganga river basin management plan and policy project under the MoEF, GOI. Do share your experience on the same.

    That was a major turning point in my life where I got the opportunity to begin the most desirable research work on environmental law. I wanted to do my LLM in Environmental Law but that dream materialized in a pragmatic sense only when I started working in the Ganga River Basin Management Project. I worked in the project for almost three years where I mainly researched on various legislation and policies relating to the river Ganga. The association with prodigious academicians as well as the Ministry of Environment and Forest ascertained me with a range of opportunities. I received the chance to not only work with great academicians but to also attend several research-oriented programmes, which eventually helped me to determine the area of my Doctoral Dissertation.

     

    Please tell us about the selection procedure of for the fellowship program which you were inducted into.

    There is no specific selection procedure for these kinds of research programmes. It depends upon the types of Projects that are presently in the pipelines or are being initiated and the funding which is available for the same.

     

    Having secured a PhD from IIT, how would you describe the journey to attaining the same?

    The moment I enrolled myself for the PhD I was determined to achieve all the goals which would have never been possible before I joined.  The application procedure is very simple. The admission is open in July and in December every year. One can apply in four different categories for PhD in IIT. The first category is ‘Regular with Institute Assistantship’, which is the category where you will be ensured a Scholarship from the Institute. The second category is ‘Individual Fellowship’ (CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICAR/INSPIRE etc.). The third category is ‘Sponsored’. The fourth category is ‘Through Project’. You shall find all the rest of the details on the relevant web-page for the programme. The topic of my Doctoral dissertation is ‘Law and Policy Framework on Pollution of River Ganga in West Bengal’. I would not call it a challenge because striving hard for something which makes you knowledgeable and strong is worth the hardship and pain. I never thought in my life that I would go to Oxford University to present my thesis. I would always cherish these memories no matter where I go.

     

    You can be best described as an academician. When did you realize that academics is the place where you can excel professionally?

    I have always been fond of becoming an academician ever since I graduated as a law student. Being among the students gives me a sense of power and happiness. I believe I could positively contribute to the society by being a teacher. I could be a role model for students who are the future of this country.

     

    rajrupa-sinha-roy-4

    You are now working as an Assistant Professor at School of Law, Adamas University Barasat. How is your work experience so far?

    The experience till now has been very wonderful. Teachers and staff have been very kind and supportive. My role as Assistant Professor has been well appreciated by the Dean of law department and, most importantly, by my students. As I have already pointed out before, it was my love for teaching as well as academics that truly prompted me to take up this job of Assistant Professor at Adamas University.

     

    In today’s time, every law graduate wants to get into the rat race of landing a job at a corporate law firm. What prompted you to choose the less charted pathway of teaching law?

    Though working with a corporate law firm is a lucrative job, one has to be satisfied as well with what he or she is doing in life. My choice of working as an academician would definitely be more about my sense of satisfaction and happiness. As already mentioned, my love for teaching had a profound influence on me on taking up this job. I believe that teaching as a profession is not a less charted pathway as one can always do better in this field as well.

    You have studied at a traditional law college, a NLU, a college constituted under the aegis of IIT, and, currently, you are teaching at a newly instituted private law school. How has the collective experience of that been?

    It will be wrong to think that you could list out the pros and cons of a University because it is not the same as measuring how you would measure any place of work or vocation.  A more appropriate way to discuss what you mentioned would be to address the challenges I faced as a student at the institutes where I studied or taught. To be very frank, in today’s time, every student faces immense stress related to academics, peer competition and the drive to excel in life. One nevertheless has to remember that opportunities lie in adversity. University is a level playing ground and it is the student who has to decide the rules of the games where he can excel.

     

    Where do you want to see yourself five to ten years down the line?

    I am very much keen to pursue Post-doctorate from a reputed University where I can excel in my research skills with regard to environmental law.

     

    What final piece of advice do you want to pass on to the readers of the SuperLawyer?

    A good piece of advice for this young generation would be that no matter how hard life plays with you it is upon you ultimately whether or not you want to get up and walk to see what life has in store for you. Never give up and try to give your best shot and leave the rest up to the Almighty.

     

  • Suhasini Rao, Co-Founder, CubeRoute Advisory Private Limited, on being a Chief Product Officer at CubeRoute Advisory Private Limited

    Suhasini Rao, Co-Founder, CubeRoute Advisory Private Limited, on being a Chief Product Officer at CubeRoute Advisory Private Limited

    Suhasini Rao graduated from University of Pune, India in 2006. She is an attorney with over a decade of diverse, post-qualification experience including chamber practice, corporate consultancy, international academics and the development sector. Areas of academic interest include public law (domestic as well as international), environmental law, developmental and infrastructural issues and public safety such as anti-harassment, anti-corruption and protection from heinous crimes.

    At present, she is the Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of CubeRoute Advisory Private Limited.

    In this interview she talks to us about:

    • Importance of higher studies.
    • Cuberoute Advisory Private Limited.
    • Services provided by Cuberoute.
    • Her publications and importance of those publications.

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

    I am a lawyer but my work is better described as research, application and innovation in law. A large part of what I do involves trying to find easier and effective solutions to everyday problems faced by all sorts of entities while trying to comply with the law.

     

    What inclined you towards legal education?

    Environmental matters, especially the co-relation between the environment and crime, is a subject that has interested me for as long as I can recall. I chose to study law and to try and specialize in environmental law, as a result of interactions with environmentalists and naturalists during my school years. Subsequently, while my current area of work and practice is detached from everyday environmentalism, I try to stay in touch with the subject through research and allied projects.

     

    What were your areas of interest while you were in law school? How did you go about developing expertise and knowledge in these areas?

    I have a keen interest in Public international law, environmental law and criminal law since law school. From the very first year, I knew I wanted to compete in the Stetson University International Environment Law Moot Court competition, which I did in my third year. Our team went on to win the National Qualifiers and then represented India at the International Rounds. Internships too, played a roll in the learning process. Working with Mr. M.C. Mehta’s office through an internship was a fantastic learning experience. Since I am the first in my family to study law, I chose to intern with as many varied areas of law as I could, in order to better understand my capabilities and limitations and my likes and dislikes. In this process, I was lucky enough to intern in chambers of lawyers practicing at courts of first instance (civil and criminal) as well as appellate courts, and then garner some corporate and consultancy experience as well. The process of elimination is under-rated and it is important to note that unless one experiences a variety of circumstances and career realities, it is usually an incomplete picture on which crucial career choices are made.

    Share your experience at University of Torino, Italy.

    The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Centre (UNICRI) is one of the only institutes in the world to offer an LL.M. program in International Criminal Law. The degree is offered in conjunction with the University of Torino, Italy. Since I knew this is the subject I wished to study and that this was the only place I could do so, I chose to apply there. There have been many positive changes in the program since my time there but one of the most interesting and enduring qualities of the course is the diversity of students enrolled therein. In a class of 40 students, we had over 20 nationalities and about 15 different academic/ professional backgrounds. To this day, some of my closest friends and colleagues are those that I met at the program.

    Also, the program invites internationally acknowledged experts, justices of international courts and practicing attorneys of various international justice fora as faculty. Interaction therefore, is always academically sound and intellectually stimulating.

     

    How important is it for a lawyer to go for higher studies? What motivated you to pursue your LL.M. in International Criminal Law?

    A primary degree in law, such as an LLB in India or a JD in the US, is supposed to enable a graduate to practice law. So, unlike medicine or architecture or any other professional qualification, a Master’s Degree such as an LL.M. does not usually aim to enhance legal professional skills,but provides an in-depth perspective in the chosen subject as well as a chance to study a wider scope of application of such topics.

    Today, International Criminal Law is of more relevance than ever. It is that body of law that governs crimes committed across borders and across different identities of nationalities, ethnicities, and geographies. Money laundering, terrorist financing, human trafficking, piracy on the high seas, genocide, war crimes and a host of other criminal acts are increasingly prohibited and punished by all nations. This body of law, therefore, is vital to ensuring peace and justice across our world. I have always had an inclination to study investigation, international crime and cross-border matters and this program offered a good combination of the subjects. In fact, my thesis was on the subject of environmental crimes in the context of armed conflict.

     

    What advice would you give to people who are trying to decide which area of law to specialize in?

    There are two schools of thought to be considered while investing time, finances and resources in a second degree after a graduation in law. The first one advocates specialization in a subject closely allied to one’s chosen area of practice, if one chooses to work as a lawyer. This has obvious advantages of enabling better career opportunities, especially outside of India and also, a more comprehensive understanding of industry-related subjects. LL.M. in subjects such as project financing, international arbitration, and corporate governance can be categorized as such. On the other hand, if one is passionate about a particular area of law but which is not necessarily one that lends itself to professional practice, one can choose to earn an LL.M. in such a subject. For instance, LL.M. in human rights law, or even international criminal law are subjects that inspire academic study but are not widely practiced in India.

    Most importantly, an LL.M. is a degree that requires dedication and focus as it is a choice and not a compulsion. Hence, one should choose to earn this degree only if one is motivated to allocate sufficient time and resources to intensive study.

     

    Tell us something about CubeRoute Advisory Private Limited.

    Jaideep Chowdhary and I started CubeRoute over a year ago to focus on creating customized compliance solutions for our clients. Compliance with the law is an aspect that is troublesome for corporate, quasi-government and non-government actors, not because of a lack of willingness but because of a paucity of good training and awareness solutions. Legal professionals provide answers to legal queries but often miss out on accounting for business realities. Similarly, business strategies usually view legal compliance and awareness as an encumbrance. We, at CubeRoute, bridge the gap between these extremes. Our team therefore, comprises of professionals with a background in law, finance, management, marketing and business strategy, training and psychology, amongst others, to develop client-specific solutions.

     

    What are the services provided by the CubeRoute?

    Our services enable our clients to achieve efficient and accurate compliance with various legal mandates, in keeping with the letter as well as the spirit of the law. We provide consultancy services, business strategizing in envisaging new business models and revenue streams, content development services, corporate training and awareness workshops. We also work with child-focused entities to enable enhanced child protection mechanisms. Currently we offer services in subjects such as anti-corruption compliance, positive employment practices, child protection mechanisms and anti-competition laws. We also collaborate with various central and state government agencies in capacity building projects.

    Tell us about your publications and importance of those publications.

    Between 2014 and 2015, the Bangalore Mirror ran a weekly column – Within the Law – to highlight important legal concepts and legislation that affect the public. In this series, I wrote about the right to education, right to maintenance, marriage laws and similar issues. In 2015, I presented a paper on Women and Child Security under new legislation at the Xth Annual Conference, Centre for Public Policy, IIM – Bangalore. The publication explored the theme of bias and implementation difficulties in the anti-sexual harassment law as well as the law on sexual offences against children. Subsequently, I have authored articles for LexWitness, India’s leading magazine dedicated to legal matters, on anti-sexual harassment legislation and juvenile justice laws. I also write regularly for various online entities on subjects such as public infrastructure and property laws, family laws and security measures.

     

    What are your future plans?

    Individually, I would like to focus on bettering my understanding of public laws, focusing on food security, public infrastructure and anti-corruption and anti-money laundering. As a team, at CubeRoute we look forward to adding a greater suite of services, both offline and online, to our service menu and enhancing our team’s skills in serving our clients.

     

    What would be your message to our readers?

    Never be afraid to experiment. There is much more that can be done with a degree in law than practicing before a court. Make intelligent choices based on accurate information, but do not ignore your gut instinct. Most importantly, teach yourself the skill of how to learn – this is the one and only skill that will bring you survival and success throughout your career.