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  • “I began without grand design, yet my early immersion in constitutional law revealed something compelling: a practice that could simultaneously satisfy intellectual rigor and serve consequential social purpose.” – Siddharth Sijoria, Advocate at Supreme Court of India.

    “I began without grand design, yet my early immersion in constitutional law revealed something compelling: a practice that could simultaneously satisfy intellectual rigor and serve consequential social purpose.” – Siddharth Sijoria, Advocate at Supreme Court of India.

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

    Looking back, what motivated you to pursue law as a career? Did you have a particular vision for yourself when you first started, and were there any formative incidents or mentors who significantly shaped your path?

    Law discovered me rather than the reverse. During my formative years, I found myself deeply absorbed in poetry and literature—disciplines that demand precision in interpretation, sensitivity to nuance, and the ability to wield language as both artistic expression and analytical instrument. Law emerged as the natural culmination of these inclinations, a field where critical reasoning and linguistic precision determine outcomes of profound consequence.

    As a first-generation lawyer, I navigated without inherited wisdom. My education came through careful observation and, ultimately, through the extraordinary fortune of mentorship. During law school, I joined the chambers of the late T.R. Andhyarujina as an intern, spending afternoons and evenings there while attending classes. After graduation, I transitioned to full-time practice under his guidance. His influence proved transformational.

    Mr. Andhyarujina embodied a particular philosophy: that sustainable excellence emerges not from momentary brilliance but from disciplined preparation. His observation—”What a brilliant mind accomplishes in twenty minutes, a methodical mind achieves in thirty, provided it commits to the work”—became foundational to my approach.

    I began without grand design, yet my early immersion in constitutional law revealed something compelling: a practice that could simultaneously satisfy intellectual rigor and serve consequential social purpose. That understanding continues to inform my work today.

    Your LL.M. at Central European University offered a deeply comparative and international perspective on constitutional law. How did this global exposure influence your understanding of Indian jurisprudence?

    My constitutional law foundation was established during my Supreme Court years, working on landmark cases that revealed the sophistication of Indian jurisprudence—particularly our Basic Structure Doctrine, which represents one of India’s most profound contributions to global constitutional thought. When I decided to pursue advanced study, I received offers from several prestigious institutions but chose Central European University, which offered me a scholarship and possessed an unparalleled focus on comparative constitutional analysis.

    The academic experience was transformative. My thesis examined how the Basic Structure Doctrine operates across India, Colombia, and Benin—three democracies grappling with similar challenges of constitutional preservation against majoritarian excess. What emerged was striking: Indian constitutional jurisprudence commands extraordinary international respect. Our Supreme Court’s reasoning isn’t merely cited abroad—it actively shapes constitutional interpretation in courts from Bogotá to Johannesburg.

    This revelation fundamentally altered my understanding of constitutional practice. Indian constitutional law isn’t an isolated national phenomenon but part of a global conversation about democracy, rights, and institutional design. The comparative methodology I learned—analyzing how similar constitutional challenges are resolved across different legal traditions—has become central to how I approach constitutional interpretation. It revealed that while constitutional texts may be national, constitutional principles increasingly transcend borders.

    Working under T.R. Andhyarujina exposed you to landmark constitutional cases. How did that experience shape your litigation philosophy, particularly in handling complex constitutional matters?

    Mr. Andhyarujina approached constitutional interpretation with scientific rigor. He demonstrated that constitutional adjudication represents not rhetorical exercise but systematic methodology—testing state action against established principles while defining the proper relationship between governmental authority and individual liberty.

    The cases themselves were instructive. Yakub Memon v. State of Maharashtra engaged fundamental questions of due process in death penalty jurisprudence, particularly the safeguards surrounding curative and mercy petitions at the final stage. Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India tested the constitutional validity of criminal defamation, requiring the Court to balance free expression with the reputational rights protected under Article 21, and ultimately upholding criminal defamation as a reasonable restriction. State of Karnataka v. Selvi J. Jayalalitha reaffirmed that even a sitting Chief Minister enjoys no immunity from prosecution, emphasizing constitutional accountability. RBI v. Jayantilal N. Mistryadvanced transparency under the RTI Act, holding that the RBI, as a public regulator, cannot shield information behind claims of fiduciary duty. Union of India v. V. Sriharan clarified the distribution of remission powers, underscoring Union primacy in matters implicating terrorism or CBI investigation. Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker addressed the Governor’s discretionary powers in state politics, reaffirming that—save in narrow constitutional exceptions—Governors cannot act independently of ministerial advice, thereby strengthening federalism and the principle of separation of powers.

    Each matter reinforced constitutional law’s practical consequences. Whether protecting individual liberty, defending democratic discourse, ensuring governmental accountability, or preserving federal balance, our arguments carried implications extending far beyond immediate parties. That methodology—meticulous preparation, analytical precision, unwavering constitutional fidelity—continues to guide my approach to complex constitutional matters today.

    After completing your master’s degree, you returned to India and chose to start practice independently. What motivated you to take that path, and what were the major challenges you faced in building your practice?

    I had always aspired to establish my own independent practice. In my view, every lawyer, sooner or later, has to  build their own chamber to truly establish themselves in the profession. Having already gained valuable experience at the Supreme Court and various High Courts, I felt it was the right time to take on greater responsibility. When you practice independently, you are directly accountable to your client—successes and failures alike rest on your shoulders. Unlike in a traditional chamber, where you are guided step by step in filing, drafting, or tracking matters, going independent compels you to learn these processes innately while carrying the full weight of client expectations.

    I went on to establish offices at the Madhya Pradesh High Court, primarily at the Gwalior and Indore Benches, while continuing my work in Delhi. Over the years, I have also been entrusted with significant responsibilities. I was appointed as Additional Advocate for the State of Maharashtra in the Krishna River water dispute following the formation of Telangana. I have been empanelled as Counsel for the State of Madhya Pradesh, and I also regularly represent institutions and industry bodies, including the Indian Association of Hallmarking Centres and other organisations connected with hallmarking regulation. Each of these experiences has enriched my practice and strengthened my resolve to continue balancing litigation with advisory work across diverse forums.

    After building a successful independent practice, what led you to join Clavius Legal? How do you envision the firm’s role in India’s evolving legal landscape?

    After years building independent practice—including state government representations and my appointment as Additional Advocate for Maharashtra in the Krishna River dispute—I reached a threshold where the matters I was handling demanded institutional sophistication commensurate with their complexity and global dimensions.

    Clavius Legal represented something distinctive in the Indian legal market: a boutique firm with genuinely international standards and integrated practice architecture. Aside from a very busy arbitration and white-collar crime practice that is marked by both scale and the magnitude of mandates we handle, we are building a public law, regulatory, and policy practice that increasingly intersects with our dispute resolution work. As India becomes increasingly central to the global economy, legal challenges no longer respect traditional practice boundaries. Modern disputes involving sovereign asset recovery actions, multinational enforcement investigations, or cross-border regulatory matters require teams capable of seamlessly integrating constitutional law, dispute resolution, regulatory expertise, and international legal cooperation.

    The firm’s vision aligns perfectly with contemporary realities. Today’s complex transnational matters—whether involving sovereign states, multinational corporations, or international arbitration—demand scale and sophistication that isolated practitioners simply cannot provide. Working as part of global teams on complex transnational cases has become the norm rather than exception. Our integrated model reflects this understanding: constitutional principles inform commercial disputes; regulatory compliance intersects with international law; dispute resolution increasingly involves multiple jurisdictions and enforcement mechanisms.

    As Practice Co-Chair for both Dispute Resolution and Public Law, Regulatory & Policy, my role involves ensuring that these different practice areas work seamlessly together. When we’re handling a cross-border investigation, for instance, it might simultaneously involve regulatory compliance issues, dispute resolution, and constitutional questions about procedural fairness.

    Alongside litigation, you have maintained an active presence in writing, teaching, and research. How do these engagements complement your courtroom practice?

    In my early years, I often read columns by eminent lawyers who could distill complex legal issues into short, sharp pieces. When I first attempted to write during my college days, I realized how difficult it actually was. Over time, and after several failed attempts, I began publishing articles in newspapers. That discipline of concise writing has greatly helped me in practice, especially in drafting synopses for the High Court and Supreme Court, where the ability to present arguments briefly and persuasively is crucial.

    I have always believed that writing, research, and teaching are integral to legal practice. They keep one updated on developments in the law while also strengthening analytical clarity. Even today, I remain engaged in such work—most recently with the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Centre, where we are working on a series of publications to mark 75 years of the Indian Constitution. Academic engagement and international conferences also provide opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from colleagues worldwide, which in turn enriches my courtroom advocacy.

    Teaching forces intellectual discipline—you cannot explain constitutional principles clearly unless you have mastered them yourself. Writing requires precision of expression. Both skills prove indispensable in advocacy, where clarity is paramount and time is often scarce.

    How does your international engagement, particularly through the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, enhance your practice?

    My role as Co-Chair of the Young Commonwealth Lawyers Organisation provided invaluable exposure to legal challenges across fifty-four jurisdictions while building networks essential for contemporary practice. The position involved creating platforms for professional dialogue, organizing training programs, and facilitating knowledge exchange.

    The collaboration opportunities proved particularly meaningful. Meeting the President of the Gambian Bar at our Goa conference led to involvement in constitutional amendment projects and subsequently to representing the Bar against Maiden Pharmaceuticals after contaminated cough syrup exports tragically caused over seventy children’s deaths in Gambia. These experiences underscore how international engagement enriches domestic practice while building capabilities essential for cross-border matters.

    This global perspective has become indispensable in modern practice. Matters routinely involve multiple legal systems—whether handling sovereign asset recovery actions, managing international arbitrations, or coordinating transnational enforcement proceedings. Working as part of global legal teams requires a deep understanding of how constitutional principles, due process requirements, and legal procedures translate across jurisdictions.

    Your practice spans constitutional law, criminal law, arbitration, and regulatory disputes. How does your constitutional grounding influence your approach across these varied areas?

    For me, the Constitution is not confined to writ petitions—it is the foundation that underpins every area of law. Whether I am arguing a criminal matter, an arbitration, or a regulatory dispute, I see the Constitution as the lens through which questions of fairness, due process, and accountability are assessed.

    In criminal cases, constitutional protections—like liberty, dignity, and safeguards against abuse of process—guide how I build defenses. Due process requirements are particularly crucial when representing individuals in white-collar investigations or enforcement proceedings, where constitutional safeguards must be rigorously protected against arbitrary state action. In arbitration and regulatory disputes, constitutional values inform arguments about equality, reasonableness, or the limits of executive power when regulatory aspects are involved.

    Even highly technical cases, such as hallmarking compliance or river water disputes, ultimately return to constitutional principles: how authority is exercised, whether discretion is checked, and whether justice is delivered consistently with rule of law.

    This constitutional grounding provides a unifying framework across diverse practice areas. Modern legal challenges increasingly span multiple disciplines—a regulatory investigation might involve constitutional law, enforcement proceedings, and policy advocacy simultaneously.

    What has been among your most challenging cases, and what lessons did they offer about modern legal practice?

    Every case brings its own challenges, but two stand out for me personally. The December 2021 nationwide protests by hallmarking centers presented extraordinary challenges. When the Bureau of Indian Standards suddenly imposed stringent compliance requirements—demanding costly upgrades while vesting broad discretionary authority in regulators—the entire industry faced potential shutdown. Courts typically hesitate to intervene in technical regulatory matters, yet representing an entire industry carries immense responsibility. Securing comprehensive protection from the Delhi High Court provided crucial relief during a critical period.

    Another case involved defending an individual falsely implicated in criminal proceedings. Drawing on Paramveer Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh—which mandates preserving police station CCTV footage to prevent custodial abuse—I convinced the Madhya Pradesh High Court to direct production of crucial evidence. The case illustrated how constitutional protections, when effectively invoked, can provide genuine relief against injustice while reinforcing due process fundamentals.

    Both matters demonstrated essential lessons about contemporary practice. Effective advocacy increasingly requires understanding technical regulatory frameworks alongside constitutional protections. Moreover, the scale and complexity of modern legal challenges make collaboration across practice areas not merely beneficial but necessary.

    What advice would you offer young lawyers aspiring to excellence in litigation and public law?

    Legal advice cannot be universal—every practitioner navigates unique circumstances and opportunities. However, certain principles prove consistently valuable. Young lawyers must cultivate genuine confidence grounded in rigorous preparation. Establish clear professional vision and develop systematic approaches for achieving defined objectives.

    Preparation remains paramount in litigation. Master both factual details and legal doctrine comprehensively. I learned through experience never to study only provisions directly relevant to immediate arguments—judges frequently pose questions whose answers lie in statutory sections you might otherwise overlook. Complete command of governing law and factual circumstances enables confident responses to both complex inquiries and seemingly simple questions.

    Cultivate disciplined reading habits, careful observation skills, and systematic preparation methodologies. Seek meaningful mentorship—finding seniors willing to teach makes a profound difference, though such opportunities often involve timing and persistence.

    Most importantly for contemporary practice, embrace collaborative approaches. Modern legal work transcends traditional boundaries. Constitutional challenges require understanding of regulatory frameworks; white-collar defense involves international enforcement cooperation; policy advocacy often connects to enforcement proceedings. Working as part of global teams on complex transnational cases demands ability to collaborate seamlessly across practice areas while maintaining doctrinal precision and constitutional grounding.

    Above all, remain perpetually curious about legal developments and committed to continuous learning.

    How do you maintain perspective and balance in such a demanding profession?

    Constitutional law provides inherent perspective. Regular engagement with fundamental questions of governance, liberty, and justice situates individual cases—regardless of complexity—within larger frameworks of professional purpose and social consequence.

    I sustain balance through continued teaching, writing, and mentoring activities. These pursuits remind me that legal practice ultimately serves purposes transcending individual professional achievement—service to clients, to institutional integrity, and to constitutional democracy itself.

    The collaborative nature of modern practice also helps. Complex matters require coordination across multiple disciplines, transforming pressure into shared intellectual engagement. Whether ensuring due process protections in enforcement proceedings or defending constitutional principles in regulatory matters, this collegial approach makes demanding challenges stimulating rather than merely stressful.

    Ultimately, remembering that constitutional law concerns human dignity and democratic governance provides both grounding and meaning beyond professional success. That larger purpose sustains one through the most demanding cases while reinforcing why this work matters.

    Get in touch with Siddharth Sijoria –

  • “The challenges of litigation, coupled with the responsibility of advocating for clients across diverse forums, continue to strengthen my passion for this profession.” – Ms. Vikas Jain, Advocate at Delhi High Court.

    “The challenges of litigation, coupled with the responsibility of advocating for clients across diverse forums, continue to strengthen my passion for this profession.” – Ms. Vikas Jain, Advocate at Delhi High Court.

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

    With nearly two decades of experience practicing across multiple courts and legal forums, what first inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how has your motivation evolved over the years?

    From an early stage, I was fascinated by how the law functions as both a shield and a tool for justice. Watching how legal interventions could alter the course of people’s lives inspired me to pursue this profession. Initially, my motivation stemmed from a desire to understand the technicalities of the law and its practical application. Over the years, however, the focus has shifted towards ensuring accessibility to justice and using legal knowledge to create meaningful impact. The challenges of litigation, coupled with the responsibility of advocating for clients across diverse forums, continue to strengthen my passion for this profession. Today, my motivation is rooted not only in professional growth but also in the satisfaction of standing by those who rely on law as their last resort.

    You have handled an exceptionally diverse range of matters, from property disputes and intellectual property rights to criminal law and matrimonial cases. How do you adapt your legal strategies to address the unique demands of such varied practice areas?

    Each practice area carries its own nuances, requiring flexibility and a tailored approach. For property disputes, the emphasis is often on documentary evidence and statutory interpretation. In intellectual property matters, strategy lies in understanding technical details and balancing innovation with enforcement. Criminal law demands precision in procedural safeguards, while matrimonial cases require a balance of empathy and firmness. I adapt by conducting extensive research, analyzing precedents, and understanding the unique facts of each matter rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Equally important is the ability to listen, both to clients and to the evolving expectations of courts, which ensures that strategies remain responsive and effective across different fields.

    Property law and land disputes in India often involve intricate regulatory frameworks and procedural challenges. What approach do you prefer while navigating these matters effectively?

    Property disputes in India demand patience, detail-oriented analysis, and a deep grasp of statutory provisions. My approach begins with meticulous scrutiny of title documents, revenue records, and mutation entries. Given the overlapping jurisdictions of civil courts, revenue authorities, and tribunals, I place emphasis on identifying the proper forum and ensuring procedural compliance at every step. I also rely heavily on precedents, since land-related judgments often clarify ambiguities. At the same time, I encourage alternative solutions such as mediation to avoid protracted litigation, especially in family or co-ownership matters. Ultimately, a combination of technical accuracy, strategic drafting, and practical problem-solving enables effective navigation of these complex disputes.

     In the early stages of your career, what pivotal experiences helped deepen your understanding of the law, and how did they shape your professional approach?

    The early years of my career were spent in extensive court exposure—observing proceedings, drafting pleadings, and assisting senior counsels. One pivotal experience was handling procedural objections in trial courts, which taught me the importance of detail and timing. Another formative experience was preparing special leave petitions for the Supreme Court, which deepened my appreciation for precision in framing legal questions. These experiences instilled in me the discipline of thorough preparation and respect for judicial time. They also helped me understand that every matter, irrespective of its size, deserves equal attention, since even minor details can alter the outcome. These lessons continue to guide my professional approach.

    Having appeared before the Supreme Court, High Courts, subordinate courts, tribunals, and other forums, how does your preparation and strategy differ when handling matters at various levels of the judicial system? Additionally, what has been one of the most challenging cases for you and how did you navigate it?

    Preparation varies significantly with the forum. In trial courts, strategy revolves around evidence, cross-examination, and building the factual record. High Court matters often focus on questions of law and precedents, while Supreme Court practice demands brevity, clarity, and framing of constitutional or substantial legal issues. One of the most challenging cases I handled involved a service matter concerning a disabled ex-serviceman’s appointment, which was delayed due to procedural hurdles. It required not only persistence before multiple forums but also empathy towards the litigant’s hardship. The case reinforced the importance of resilience, drafting precision, and relentless follow-up to achieve justice.

    When managing sensitive cases such as matrimonial disputes or criminal matters, how do you balance legal precision with empathy, and what preparation goes into handling emotionally charged situations?

    In sensitive cases, the lawyer’s role extends beyond legal arguments to offering emotional stability to clients. I approach these matters with active listening, ensuring that clients feel heard and supported while keeping the focus on the legal remedies available. Preparation involves anticipating emotional outbursts, safeguarding the dignity of parties, and ensuring that sensitive facts are presented with discretion. Empathy helps in building trust, while legal precision ensures that arguments remain credible before the court. This balance is essential because, in emotionally charged cases, the outcome is not only measured in legal terms but also in the client’s ability to move forward with dignity.

    Over the past 19 years, what significant changes have you observed in the legal profession, particularly with the advent of technology, and how have you adapted your practice to remain effective?

    The legal profession has undergone a remarkable transformation with the adoption of technology. E-filing, virtual hearings, digital research databases, and AI-driven tools have revolutionized how lawyers work. Earlier, access to judgments and precedents was time-consuming, but today, technology has made research more efficient and comprehensive. I have embraced these changes by adopting digital platforms, managing case files electronically, and using technology to enhance client communication. While traditional courtroom skills remain indispensable, technology has improved accessibility and speed. The key is to blend the discipline of classical legal practice with modern digital efficiency to remain relevant and Effective.

    What advice would you offer to young lawyers aspiring to build a versatile and enduring career in litigation and dispute resolution? Which skills, habits, or resources should they start cultivating from the earliest stages of their journey?

    To young lawyers, I would emphasise patience and persistence as the cornerstones of a litigation career. In the early stages, focus should be on building drafting skills, observing court proceedings, and learning procedural law in depth. Cultivate the habit of consistent legal research, as strong fundamentals in precedents and statutes build long-term confidence. Networking with peers, maintaining professional ethics, and respecting the bench are equally crucial. I also advise developing communication skills—both oral and written—as they are vital in every forum. Most importantly, never lose sight of empathy, because law is ultimately about people, and balancing technical knowledge with human understanding creates a truly enduring career.

    Get un touch with Ms. Vikas Jain –

  • “Practice in Environment law is not set like other fields, it’s evolving. Majority of the litigation is not statute based, but its based on the delegated legislation.” – Aniruddha Kulkarni, Standing Counsel for Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Maharashtra.

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

    Coming from a commerce background, what inspired you to transition into the field of law? Were there any pivotal experiences that motivated this shift and shaped your early legal interests?

    I have been interested in nature and ecology since childhood. My grandfather served in the Indian Forest Service and retired as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Head of Forest Force, Maharashtra State. His teachings have played a major role in my upbringing since my childhood. As a child I was used to identifying different types of flora and fauna in our home garden. I experienced wild animals in the wild through various wildlife safaris. I developed a habit of noting down their physical characteristics. 

    My daily jogging route passes through an amazing nature trail, Vetal Tekdi (hill in Marathi) , an urban forest in the city of Pune. As a college youth I started doing amateur photography wherein nature has been my major subject like clouds, sky, sunrise and sunset, trees, animals, birds, waterbodies, landscapes etc.

    In my last year of law, I applied to the Internship and Placement Cell of the college, wherein I gave Arbitration, Environment and IPR as areas of interest. NGT had started their Western Zonal Bench in Pune the same year and hence the Cell forwarded my application to the NGT. Luckily I was selected in the recruitment procedure which took place before a 5 Member interview panel at the NGT Principal Bench and being based in Pune, I was appointed as the first Judicial Intern at the NGT Pune Bench.

    I never aimed to practice environmental laws. Destiny brought me to the NGT.

    You hold degrees in Commerce and Law, along with an LL.M. in Constitutional and Administrative Laws. How has this multidisciplinary academic foundation influenced your approach to legal practice, particularly in the area of environmental law?

    I pursued LLM in Constitutional and Administrative Laws after 4 years of practice at Bar. I believe that a candidate requires psychological maturity to understand what one expects from a masters degree. I always wanted to pursue LLM in Constitutional and Administrative Laws with dedication. I never aimed to stand first in the University, however my dedication along with 100% attendance and consistency gave me a surprise. 

    Although NGT is a Tribunal, it is the only Tribunal in India which adjudicates issues affecting the public at large. It is also the only Tribunal where there is no hierarchy (unlike District Consumer Forum, State Consumer Commission and National Consumer Commission), no appellate Tribunal in between (like DRAT, NCLAT, ITAT, etc.) and appeal from NGT lies directly to the Supreme Court of India. So there are high stakes matters, wherein there is interpretation on the statutes and reliance on the case laws propounded by the Superior Judiciary.

    Moreover, being a Government Counsel, knowledge of Constitutional and Administrative Law is helpful in understanding how the decision making process takes place at various levels in the Government and the Legislature.

    As the Standing Counsel for the Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Maharashtra, you represent several key departments and agencies. What major challenges do you encounter while advocating for government bodies in environmental and civil matters?

    The decision making process on the Government side is a detailed process which involves many people at many levels. It is not a one person decision process. Courts and litigants expect that the Govt should take decisions at the earliest however they probably are not aware of the steps through which the issues traverse and the reasons for delay in taking the decisions. Convincing this aspect to the courts and litigants is one of the challenges. 

    At times it is also observed that given the expanse of the bureaucracy and number of authorities, departments and  ministries who work in tandem, at times they might be having a different views of the same issue. Getting them together on a consensus and then taking a decision in the larger interest by predicting future consequences, is also a task. It takes time, however because the court expects compliance of their order, a decision is taken by the Govt. 

    Having worked closely with regulatory authorities like the Central Pollution Control Board, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and the Airports Authority of India, how do you stay ahead of evolving regulatory frameworks? How do you manage and prioritize high-stakes responsibilities across such diverse institutions?

    Practice in Environment law is not set like other fields, it’s evolving. Majority of the litigation is not statute based, but its based on the delegated legislation. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. Of India and the CPCB keep issuing amendments to the various notifications and rules through circulars, guidelines and office memorandums. These changes are brought as there are advancements in the science and even changing nature of business and industrial developments. Being a Govt counsel, I have to remain updated about the latest developments. Practising in environmental laws for more than a decade, I can see the law evolving. Being the Standing Counsel and representing the CPCB and MPCB in many cases, whenever there is a case being heard, even if I am not appearing in that case, the Hon’ble Tribunal enquires with me about the latest development about a policy or legal development at the Government level. 

    As and when there is a new development, either the Govt provides me with the same or I do my own research and I document all such changes. I prepare a directory of all such developments in the form of notifications, government resolutions, office memorandums, circulars, guidelines etc. 

    Being a Govt. Counsel I have to give equal priority to all the cases wherein the Govt. is a party. However, at times projects of public importance undertaken by the Govt. are challenged, that time the Govt. as well as me have to take care that no adverse orders are passed because it affects Govt. investment and if any such adverse order is passed, then the public is deprived of the benefits which accrue once the project is put to public use. 

    Your academic research and publications reveal a strong engagement with environmental jurisprudence. In what ways has your scholarly work influenced your litigation strategies and courtroom advocacy and how do you manage both pursuits?

    Research always helps, not just in publication but even in practice. Being Govt counsel I have access to a lot of official material which is otherwise not easily available and accessible. Whenever I work on academic research, such material is helpful for giving practical points. Similarly, if there is a case at hand, wherein I have done publication or if there is an ongoing research work, I can give the latest position of law or policy while advancing my arguments. Academic research and practice always compliment each other. It is not just the resources or knowledge, but even it improves the skills.

    Although finding time for doing academic research along with practice at Bar is difficult because first priority is always work. Research also takes time.

    As a Committee Member of the National Green Tribunal Bar Association (Western Zone), what are the key trends or emerging challenges you observe in the realm of environmental litigation in India?

    A lot of public as well as private infrastructural development is going on in the country. There are emissions of all kinds which are polluting the air and effluents which are polluting the water. Although there are laws for controlling all forms of pollution, enforcement is still a big issue. Issues of urban air pollution are getting chronic. Short term measures are not enough for even giving temporary respite and  Pollution Control Boards and other necessary Authorities, Boards, Ministries are understaffed. Vacancy in regulatory bodies affecting control and abatement of  pollution and penalising the polluter is an urgent need which needs to be addressed by the policy makers. At times the Govt. officers are overwhelmed due to work load and compliance of judicial orders, which can be addressed by creating sufficient posts and filling them with qualified people. 

    Climate Change is affecting everyone and nobody is in isolation and unaffected due to it. As the impacts of climate change intensify, we expect to see a continued rise in climate litigation as communities and environmental advocates demand accountability and justice from the regulators. 

    Environmental Laws is a dynamic law which is ever evolving. The changes are happening due to the policies implemented by the Govt. which gets challenged in the Courts, the courts either struck them down or direct the Govt. to modify. At times the uncertainty is caused due to judicial decisions that affect the industry. I haven’t come across any other prominent fields of law wherein the changes are taking so fast. Keeping ourselves updated with this ever changing field of law is a challenge to everyone, not just the lawyers but even the Govt. and the Judiciary. 

    As an adjunct faculty member teaching Environmental Law and related subjects at leading law schools, how do you incorporate your practical experience into the classroom? What guidance would you offer to students aspiring to build a career in environmental and civil law?

    In Pune city there are around 40 law colleges. The NGT Pune Bar is a small Bar and therefore I know that I am the only lawyer practising in environmental laws who is teaching the subject in two law colleges in the city. I educate my students by giving them practical inputs from the cases which I appear in at the NGT. As said earlier, NGT is probably the only Tribunal in India which deals with matters affecting the public at large. So people as well as students know these issues as they keep getting reported in newspapers and media. Further, I organise visits of students to the NGT wherein they get to see the pending cases which I discuss in class. Teaching and practice compliment each other. Experience from my practice at NGT helps me giving live examples to students and teaching experience gives me confidence to make better submissions in the court room.

    There is cut throat competition in traditional fields of law. Environmental Law is an emerging field where there is less to no competition. Students aim to practice in the corporate field, however they don’t know that practice at NGT is a part of practice in the corporate field as big companies, corporations and industries have to be defended for various alleged environmental non compliances. They need good lawyers to defend their cases. Environmental compliances form a major part of compliances by the companies. There is a dearth of good lawyers practising in environmental laws. Therefore every year I keep urging my students, especially in the final year, to consider environmental laws as a good field to practice once they get into the profession.

    Having said that, I even advise them that after passing out of their college, they shouldn’t directly jump to practice at the NGT or any Tribunal for that matter because Tribunals being quasi judicial authorities are not bound by the strict rigours of Civil Procedure Code and the Evidence Act (now replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam). For any lawyer, it is essential that they know the basics of the procedural laws. At the start of their practice, if they directly and exclusively start practice at a Tribunal, there are high chances of them not learning the procedural laws. So starting a practice exclusively in any field of law or Tribunal is advisable after having learnt about the basic procedural laws by appearing before the Trial Courts. Experience of appearing before the civil courts definitely helps and compliments practice in environmental laws because the cases before the NGT are of civil nature.

    Reflecting on the early phase of your career, what experiences most profoundly shaped your legal outlook? How did they contribute to building the foundation of your current practice and professional values?

    Having conceptual clarity on the basics of law is very important for shaping a good legal career. It starts from the law school and not when one enters the profession. Students are getting strayed away from studying through textbooks. Moreover, the majority of the students study from exam point of view rather than understanding the subject from knowledge point of view. They tend to study through readymade notes prepared by someone else rather than making their own notes. This habit is hazardous because it reflects in their professional lives later on. 

    Having a habit of studying through books and making my own notes helped me not only understand the subject but even making a conscious choice of which fields I want to explore and which I want to exclude when I get into the practice. In the age of AI, everyone is losing their ability to use their brains. As far as legal studies and profession is concerned there is a dangerous trend of students and young lawyers using AI for drafting and research. 

    My internship at the NGT in my last year gave me a different view towards litigation. When one undergoes a litigation internship under a practising lawyer, one prepares the case from their client side and anticipate what will be the tricky situations from the other side. However, when one interns under a judge, both the sides are kept before your boss and you have to assist them in decision making. High stakes are involved in many cases. Compensation which is awarded by the NGT goes in crores. Habit of preparing my own notes helped me in assisting the judges during the internship and that habit still helps me in my practice as well as preparing lectures. 

    Get in touch with Aniruddha Kulkarni –

  • “Across every area I’ve worked in, the core principles have remained the same: preparation, clarity of thought, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the client’s case.” – Ankita Tiwari, Founder and Managing Partner at T&P Law Offices.

    “Across every area I’ve worked in, the core principles have remained the same: preparation, clarity of thought, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the client’s case.” – Ankita Tiwari, Founder and Managing Partner at T&P Law Offices.

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

    You’ve worked extensively across multiple domains, from white-collar crime and NDPS litigation to cross-border family law, commercial disputes, and arbitration. What core principles have guided you in navigating such varied legal landscapes?

    Across every area I’ve worked in—be it white-collar crime, international family disputes, or commercial arbitration—the core principles have remained the same: preparation, clarity of thought, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the client’s case. I believe in knowing the facts better than anyone else in the room and staying practical about how the law will operate in real-world scenarios.

    While each domain comes with its own nuances, I’ve found that a strong foundation in legal reasoning and the discipline to prepare thoroughly are what make the difference. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on complex and sensitive matters, and it has reinforced my belief that there’s no substitute for sincerity and strategic thinking. I may not always take the loudest approach, but I make sure my work speaks for itself—and that has taken me further than I had imagined when I started.

    Handling high-profile matters such as securing bail for a well-known actress in an NDPS case, and assisting in matters like the 2G and Satyam scams, must have come with immense pressure. How do you prepare for such sensitive and high-stakes cases? 

    High-stakes matters bring added pressure, but the key is to focus on the preparation. I had the opportunity to assist in the 2G and Satyam Scam matters early in my career, which helped me understand the scale and complexity of such prosecutions. In sensitive cases, I try to build the legal strategy step-by-step—starting with a solid understanding of the record, anticipating the likely challenges, and keeping the client well-informed throughout. When media or public attention is involved, it’s even more important to stay disciplined and avoid unnecessary noise.

    I was also fortunate to have assisted in landmark matters including Vijay Madanlal Choudhary vs Union of India, where the Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and Madras Bar Association vs Union of India, which clarified the framework for the functioning and independence of tribunals in India. These cases shaped critical areas of law, and being part of the teams working on them gave me a deeper understanding of constitutional interpretation and statutory design.

    Moreover, no matter how big or small the matter is, a good lawyer has to put everything into the case. That’s something I’ve always believed in and something I’ve learned from my father. Every case deserves the same level of sincerity and attention, whether it’s a high-profile matter or an everyday dispute.

    As the Founder and Managing Partner of T&P Law Offices, how do you balance your responsibilities as a practitioner, team leader, and mentor particularly in a firm that handles complex, multidimensional disputes?

    Balancing these roles requires careful time management and trust in the team. I try to remain hands-on in most matters while giving space to younger lawyers to take responsibility. I’ve realized that mentoring is as much about listening as it is about guiding. I also make sure we have systems in place that support efficient work—clear division of tasks, regular check-ins, and open communication. Ultimately, if the team works well together, things run more smoothly across the board.

    Representing NewSpace India Ltd., ISRO’s commercial subsidiary, places you at the unique intersection of law, science, and national interest. What legal challenges or insights have stood out to you while working in the space-tech sector?

    It’s a sector that’s still evolving, and every assignment brings new issues to think through. Working with NSIL has required understanding not just the legal aspects but also the technical and policy background. One major insight has been the importance of anticipating regulatory changes and making sure legal advice aligns with broader national objectives.

    You’ve successfully mediated complex cross-border child custody disputes involving countries such as the US and UK. How do you navigate these high-stakes international matters, and what steps do you take to prepare for cases involving multiple jurisdictions?

    My experience as a panel counsel for the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has given me practical exposure to cross-border custody matters, which are often both emotionally intense and legally complex. The first step is to develop a holistic understanding of the jurisdictional interplay—knowing when Indian courts will assume jurisdiction, understand the Hague Convention framework, and coordinating with foreign counsel where needed.

    In several matters, I’ve worked closely with the US and UK embassies, and in collaboration with NCPCR, where the legal systems of both countries were able to align in support of the child’s welfare. In such cases, the legal frameworks often coincide in a way that strengthens cooperation between authorities and facilitates effective remedies.

    I also prioritize mediation and alternative dispute resolution, especially when the well-being of children is involved. Each case demands cultural sensitivity, awareness of international norms, and the ability to negotiate without losing sight of legal enforceability.

    One of the practical tools I’ve used successfully is drafting parental plans that outline shared responsibilities and structured arrangements—covering education, visitation, healthcare, and communication between the child and both parents. These plans, drafted keeping the child’s best interest at the core, have often helped in reaching settlements that are acceptable to both parties and enforceable across borders.

    Ultimately, while the legal strategy must be sound, the focus in such matters must always remain on the child’s welfare, not just the legal outcome.

    Having worked with prominent lawyers and leading firms, what were the most important lessons or values you carried forward into your own independent practice? Additionally, what was your motivation to establish your own practice?

    Working with Senior Advocate Mr. Sidharth Luthra taught me how important precision and clarity are—both in how you present a case and how you think about it. At Saraf and Partners, I learned how to handle complex matters that involved a lot of moving parts, and how to function effectively as part of a structured team. Both experiences shaped the way I approach work even today.

    But at some point, I felt the need to build something of my own—something more personal and meaningful. I’ve always wanted to contribute to society in a real way, and that was one of the reasons I joined the Delhi Legal Services Authority early on in my career. That experience reinforced for me that law isn’t just a profession—it can be a tool to help people, to solve problems, and to make space for fairness.

    Starting my own practice was a step toward aligning my work with what I care about. I wanted more control over the kind of matters I take up, and the kind of environment I create for the people I work with. Law has its challenges, but for me, it’s something I’ve genuinely grown passionate about—it gives me a sense of purpose, even when the day-to-day is tough.

    As a practitioner who actively engages with legal education through guest lectures and mentoring, how do you view the relationship between academic involvement and courtroom practice? In what ways has this engagement shaped your growth as a legal professional?

    Academic engagement has always been an integral part of my professional growth. It provides the space to reflect more deeply on legal principles beyond the immediacy of courtroom pressures. Delivering guest lectures or judging moots requires distilling complex legal concepts into accessible ideas, which in turn sharpens my own clarity of thought and argumentation. It’s also intellectually refreshing—interacting with students often brings unexpected questions and fresh perspectives that challenge rigid thinking and encourage a broader view of the law.

    Mentoring, both within and outside the office, has been equally meaningful. I’ve benefited from strong mentors myself, and I try to carry that forward by offering honest, practical guidance to younger lawyers. Teaching and mentoring remind me that legal practice isn’t just about individual success—it’s about contributing to the growth of the profession as a whole.

    Given your specialization in white-collar crime, how do you approach ethical dilemmas, particularly in cases involving allegations of financial misconduct, corruption, or money laundering? Additionally, what drew you to a career in law and led you to focus on this area of practice?

    I was drawn to law because I’ve always appreciated how structured, purpose-driven, and outcome-oriented the profession is. Over time, I naturally gravitated towards white-collar crime because it brings together the two things I find most intellectually engaging—analytical reasoning and investigative problem-solving. The issues are layered, the fact patterns are rarely linear, and the stakes—both reputational and legal—are incredibly high.

    What I enjoy most about working in this space is the challenge of navigating complex regulatory frameworks and making sense of large volumes of financial or digital evidence. Each matter demands a deep dive, not just into legal precedent but also into operational realities—whether of companies, public institutions, or individuals in leadership roles.

    Ethical dilemmas are inherent in this space, and they require a calibrated approach, one that balances legal strategy with integrity and foresight. My role is not just to respond to allegations, but to anticipate implications across forums—criminal, regulatory, and reputational. I believe clients come to you in such situations not only for legal defence, but for clarity, discretion, and a roadmap forward. That’s what I strive to deliver.

    With nearly a decade in the legal profession and diverse exposure to litigation, advisory work, and international law, what advice would you offer young lawyers, especially women, who aspire to build resilient and independent practices like yours?

    My first piece of advice would be: be patient, and keep showing up. There really is no substitute for consistency. A practice isn’t built overnight—it’s the outcome of sustained effort, credibility, and doing the work well, matter after matter.

    For women in particular, the legal profession can present both visible and invisible challenges. It helps immensely to develop a strong support system—whether through peers, mentors, or collaborators. Equally important is to be assertive in taking up space: seek opportunities, ask the questions, and don’t hesitate to say no when something doesn’t align with your professional values or direction.

    Most importantly, don’t let self-doubt become part of your inner vocabulary. The law is demanding, but it’s also deeply rewarding for those who stay committed. With time, clarity, and hard work, your practice will evolve in ways that are both sustainable and fulfilling.

    Get in touch with Ankita Tiwari –

  • “Having a solid technical foundation helps me engage meaningfully with inventors, understand the core of their innovation, and translate that into precise legal language.” – Davender Punia, Patent Counsel at Wadhwa Law Offices.

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

    From engineering at BITS, Pilani to an LL.M. in Law & Technology at UC Berkeley, what inspired your transition from a technical role to a legal career, particularly in the field of intellectual property?

    I have always been someone who wanted to carve a slightly unconventional path. While many of my peers were heading towards an MBA or preparing for UPSC, I found myself questioning what would truly keep me intellectually engaged and professionally satisfied in the long run. That’s when I started reflecting deeply on my interests and I realised that law was something that genuinely intrigued me.

    So, I decided to take the leap and pursued an LL.B. from Delhi University along with my first job. During my law studies, I naturally gravitated towards patent law. It was a perfect intersection of my technical background and growing interest in legal thinking. That blend of technology and law really excited me.

    After completing my LL.B., I wanted to deepen my understanding and focus on this intersection, which led me to pursue an LL.M. in Law & Technology at UC Berkeley. Since then, I’ve been working as a patent lawyer, and while the transition from engineering to law was certainly a bold and challenging one, looking back now, I can say it was one of the best decisions I have made. It has been a fulfilling journey.

    In what ways has your engineering background influenced your approach to patent drafting, prosecution, or litigation especially when dealing with highly technical sectors?

    My engineering background plays a crucial role in how I approach patent matters. It has trained me to think logically, break down complex inventions into simpler components, and understand the technical nuances that are often central to patent drafting and prosecution. When dealing with inventions, having a solid technical foundation helps me engage meaningfully with inventors, understand the core of their innovation, and translate that into precise legal language. This ensures that the patents I draft are not only legally sound but also technically accurate and strategically strong. 

    Even in litigation, my ability to understand technical documents, prior art, and expert reports gives me an edge in building arguments and cross-examining technical witnesses. It helps bridge the gap between the legal and technical worlds which is essential in patent law.

    Transitioning from engineering to law is quite a significant shift. What were some of the key challenges you faced early on in your legal career, and how did you navigate them?

    Yes, the transition from engineering to law came with its fair share of challenges. The skill sets required in both fields are quite different. In engineering, the focus is largely on problem-solving in a structured, often individual capacity. On the other hand, law is much more dynamic and people-facing involving teamwork, client interactions, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

    Initially, it was a bit overwhelming to shift from working quietly on technical problems to having to articulate arguments, think on my feet, and engage with clients, patent officers or courts. Adapting to this new environment took time, but with consistent effort and mentorship, I eventually found a rhythm. Looking back, I see this shift not as a hurdle but as an important phase of personal and professional growth.

    You’ve been closely associated with the automobile industry- both through your prior engineering role at Maruti Suzuki and working on patent strategy for automobile companies. What are some of the unique IP challenges that companies in this sector face when operating in India?

    One key observation I have made while working with Indian automotive companies is that IP is often not treated as a strategic priority. It usually comes in late during product development, especially in a sector traditionally focused on production and supply chains. Enforcement is a major concern, particularly when it comes to tackling counterfeit products. Another challenge lies in vendor-level IP protection,many companies work with third-party suppliers without clearly defined IP ownership in contracts, which becomes a legal nightmare at a later stage.

    However, the landscape is evolving. With the rise of EVs, connected mobility, and software-driven features, IP is becoming increasingly important. Buyers today often care more about tech features than mechanical specs. Yet protecting such innovations especially software and AI is tricky in India due to patentability restrictions. A proactive IP strategy is now more essential than ever.

    Having represented clients in opposition proceedings and patent office hearings, how would you assess the Indian patent ecosystem in comparison to international jurisdictions? What best practices could India adopt to strengthen its system?

    The Indian patent ecosystem has come a long way, especially in the last few years. Timelines have improved, rules have been amended, digitization has made filings and hearings more efficient, the Patent Office is becoming more responsive, and special IP divisions are being set up at major High Courts. However, when compared to some international jurisdictions, there’s still room for improvement particularly in consistency of examination standards and depth of reasoning in office actions or opposition decisions.

    Another area where India can improve is in increasing technical training and specialization of patent examiners, especially in emerging fields like AI and biotech. Greater transparency in outcomes and timelines would also build confidence in the system. Adopting global best practices and encouraging early engagement between applicants and examiners, could also go a long way in strengthening the Indian IP ecosystem.

    Your time at UC Berkeley exposed you to global perspectives on intellectual property and business strategy. How has this international exposure influenced your legal thinking and practice within the Indian framework?

    Patent law is one field where the core concepts like novelty and inventive step remain largely uniform across major jurisdictions, thanks to global frameworks like the Paris Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). My exposure to the US patent system and interactions with peers from over 50 countries at UC Berkeley significantly broadened my perspective on how different countries approach similar IP challenges.

    This international experience equipped me to handle patent prosecution in jurisdictions like the US and EU with greater confidence. More importantly, it helped me view IP not just as a legal formality but as a strategic business tool. I now encourage clients to think about IP early and align it with their commercial objectives. It also made me more mindful of global standards in drafting, prosecution, and portfolio management. Bridging international best practices with the Indian framework has added real value to my practice and client outcomes.

    With rapid technological advancements, how do you see AI reshaping the legal industry? What steps can lawyers take to remain relevant in the age of AI??

    AI is a topic I am deeply passionate about. I would like to touch on two key aspects here- how AI is transforming the legal profession, and the legal challenges AI itself brings.

    AI will reshape every area of law, from IP to liability and contract interpretation to competition, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Even without a dedicated AI law like the EU AI Act, existing legal frameworks will increasingly need to address AI-related issues. The day is not far when most law firms will have dedicated AI law practice.

    On the other hand, AI is also changing how we practice law. Given the template-driven and repetitive nature of much of legal work, AI tools are being widely adopted to improve efficiency. Major law firms in India have started integrating AI into their workflows. While this boosts productivity, it also raises concerns about the future of certain legal roles. 

    As the saying goes, “AI would not replace lawyers but will replace lawyers who don’t use AI”. To stay relevant, legal professionals must embrace technology, continuously upskill, and focus on areas where human judgment, strategic thinking, and empathy remain indispensable.

    Following up on the previous question, what are the key legal issues AI raises in the context of IP law?

    AI raises several complex legal questions in IP law because it challenges traditional concepts of authorship, inventorship, and ownership. For instance, most patent and copyright systems globally require a human creator or inventor but how do we address inventions or creative works autonomously generated by AI? Should the AI’s developer, user, or owner get the rights?

    Another major issue is training data. AI models are often trained on vast datasets that may include copyrighted works, raising concerns about infringement and fair use. Determining the originality of AI-generated content also becomes tricky when the model relies on pre-existing works.

    Additionally, protecting AI algorithms and models themselves whether through patents, trade secrets, or copyrights poses its own challenges, especially when the invention combines both software and data-driven elements. Courts around the world are grappling with these issues, and it’s prompting a re-examination of existing IP frameworks. As AI continues to evolve, significant legal reforms may be necessary to address these emerging challenges effectively.

    Looking back on your professional journey, what advice would you offer to students or young professionals aspiring to build a career in IP law, especially in patents?

    My advice to students or young professionals aspiring to build a career in IP law, especially in patents, is to stay curious and build a strong foundation in both technology and law. Patent law sits at the intersection of science, innovation, and legal reasoning, so having a genuine interest in understanding how things work is key.

    Second, be patient. The learning curve can be steep, especially when dealing with complex inventions or international legal frameworks. Also, focus on sharpening your writing and analytical skills, they’re at the core of good patent practice.

    Lastly, stay updated. With emerging technologies like AI, biotech, and quantum computing, IP law is constantly evolving.

    I would especially encourage science and engineering students to consider patent law as a career option. It’s a unique field where your technical background becomes a real asset, and the work is both intellectually stimulating and impactful.

    Get in touch with Davender Punia –

  • “In essence, global success in law is no longer reserved for the privileged few. With the right mindset, a commitment to growth, and the courage to take that first step, no matter how small, you can carve your own path.” – Medini Sourav Dutta, Regional Lead Legal at The Hershey Company, Malaysia.

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

    Your journey from a remote village in India to a senior legal role in a century-old American multinational is incredibly inspiring. What early experiences or turning points played a pivotal role in developing your interest in Law in the first place?

    Growing up in a remote village in Assam, access to resources was limited, but the values instilled in me, resilience, curiosity, and a strong sense of justice, were profound. I vividly remember witnessing everyday challenges faced by people in my community, often due to a lack of awareness of their rights or access to legal support. These early observations sparked a deep interest in the mechanisms of justice and how the law could serve as a tool for empowerment.

    A pivotal moment came during my school years when I had the opportunity to assist a local teacher who was helping villagers draft and understand basic legal documents. That experience, though informal, was transformative. It opened my eyes to how meaningful an impact legal knowledge could have when applied with empathy and purpose.

    Later, during my university studies, I was drawn not just to the theory of law, but also to its application in real-world, cross-border business scenarios. This interest deepened as I began to understand the role legal professionals play in shaping not only individual outcomes but also the trajectory of entire organizations.

    Each step of the way, from the modest beginnings in my village to engaging with multinational teams across continents, has been driven by a belief that the law, when practiced with integrity and foresight, can be a powerful enabler of growth, fairness, and progress.

    Spanning over 15 years across industries like pharmaceuticals, IT, and manufacturing, your career reflects both depth and versatility. What foundational lessons from your early roles continue to guide your practice today?

    One of the most enduring lessons from my early roles is the importance of listening deeply and understanding the business context before offering legal advice. Early in my career, I realized that being technically sound in law is essential but not sufficient. To be truly effective, a legal professional must align legal strategy with business objectives and operational realities. This perspective has consistently guided my approach across industries.

    Another foundational lesson is the value of clarity and simplicity in communication. Whether I was supporting a pharmaceutical company on regulatory compliance or helping an IT firm scale its contract operations, I learned that demystifying legal complexity for non-legal stakeholders builds trust and accelerates decision-making. The ability to translate legal language into practical guidance is something I continue to emphasize and foster in the teams I lead.

    Lastly, adaptability has been a constant companion. Working across different geographies and regulatory frameworks, from India to the Americas, taught me to stay agile, culturally sensitive, and open to learning. The legal landscapes may differ, but the need for sound judgment, ethical integrity, and strategic foresight remains universal.

    These early principles, business empathy, clear communication, and adaptability, have become the cornerstones of my practice and continue to shape how I engage with stakeholders, lead teams, and deliver value in complex, evolving environments.

    At The Hershey Company, you’ve played a key role in ensuring compliance with corporate governance, legal obligations, and regulatory standards across regions including APAC and Europe. Could you share one of the most challenging situations you’ve encountered in this journey, and how you effectively navigate it?

    Thank you for the question. While I must respect the confidentiality obligations inherent to my current role and cannot discuss specific internal situations, I can share that navigating complex compliance challenges across diverse jurisdictions requires a combination of proactive stakeholder engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and adaptability to evolving regulations.

    In my experience, the key to effectively managing such challenges lies in fostering open communication with local experts, aligning legal strategies with business goals, and maintaining a flexible yet rigorous approach to compliance. This mindset has consistently enabled successful navigation of complex regulatory environments without compromising confidentiality.

    With extensive experience in negotiating high-value contracts, what common pitfalls have you observed in commercial negotiations and how can legal teams proactively avoid them in high-pressure environments?

    One of the most common pitfalls I have observed in high-value commercial negotiations is focusing too heavily on legal minutiae without fully understanding the commercial drivers and deal dynamics. While it’s crucial to safeguard the company’s legal interests, an overly rigid approach can alienate the counterparty or delay progress, especially in high-pressure environments where timing and agility are critical.

    Another frequent misstep is insufficient alignment between the legal team and internal business stakeholders before negotiations begin. When legal teams are brought in late or are not fully briefed on the business objectives and risk tolerance, negotiations can become reactive rather than strategic, leading to missed opportunities or poorly structured outcomes.

    To proactively avoid these pitfalls, I emphasize the following approaches:

    1. Early and continuous collaboration: Involving legal professionals at the outset of the deal cycle fosters a proactive, strategic approach rather than a reactive one. By gaining a deep understanding of the underlying business rationale, legal teams can craft solutions that not only mitigate risks but also actively facilitate and enable the successful execution of the deal.
    2. Scenario planning and fallback positions: In high-stakes negotiations, pressure can lead to rushed decisions. By preparing fallback positions and pre-approved negotiation levers in advance, legal teams can respond quickly without compromising on key risk parameters.
    3. Clear internal alignment on priorities: Before entering negotiations, I ensure that all internal stakeholders, from finance to operations, are aligned on what is negotiable and what is not. This clarity helps present a united front and prevents conflicting messages during the negotiation process.
    4. Balancing firmness with flexibility: Successful negotiations often require finding creative middle ground. Legal teams that are solution-oriented, commercially aware, and culturally attuned are far better positioned to achieve outcomes that are both compliant and commercially viable.

    Ultimately, effective negotiation is about understanding both the legal and human elements of the deal. By staying calm under pressure, communicating clearly, and staying focused on the end goal, legal teams can not only protect the business but also enhance its reputation as a trusted and pragmatic partner.

    Legal technology and process optimization are central to your work. What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for legal departments embracing automation and AI in contract lifecycle management?

    The rise of automation and AI in contract lifecycle management presents an exciting opportunity for legal departments to transform from being reactive support functions to strategic enablers of business efficiency and growth. When implemented thoughtfully, legal technology can drastically reduce cycle times, improve compliance, and deliver actionable insights from contract data, turning legal operations into a source of competitive advantage.

    With AI-powered analytics, legal teams can extract trends from thousands of contracts, identifying risks, renegotiation triggers, or compliance gaps proactively. Automation also enables standardization and scalability, especially for high-volume, low-risk agreements, freeing up legal talent to focus on complex, strategic matters.

    However, the challenges are equally significant. One major hurdle is change management. Legal functions have traditionally been risk-averse, and shifting mindsets toward embracing technology can be slow. Without clear alignment between legal, IT, procurement, and business teams, implementation can become fragmented, resulting in poor adoption and underutilized platforms.

    Another challenge is balancing automation with judgment. AI can streamline workflows, but legal decision-making still requires human insight, especially in nuanced or high-stakes scenarios. Ensuring that automation enhances, rather than replaces, critical thinking is key.

    To navigate this journey successfully, I believe legal departments should focus on three core principles:

    • Start with process clarity and optimize before automating.
    • Select tools that integrate seamlessly into existing ecosystems and workflows.
    • Invest in capability building, ensuring teams are trained not just on how to use technology, but how to extract its full strategic value.

    Ultimately, the goal is not just to automate for efficiency but to elevate the role of legal as a proactive, tech-enabled partner in the business ecosystem.

    You’ve led teams and collaborated across functions globally. What leadership principles have stayed with you, especially when working with diverse legal and business stakeholders?

    Leading and collaborating across diverse legal and business teams, often spread across different geographies, cultures, and regulatory environments, has taught me that effective leadership is grounded in empathy, clarity, and trust.

    One principle that has consistently guided me is the importance of active listening and cultural sensitivity. In global environments, legal and business perspectives can vary significantly depending on local norms, risk perceptions, and market dynamics. Taking the time to understand those perspectives, before offering solutions, builds credibility and strengthens collaboration.

    I also believe in leading with clarity of purpose. Whether I’m guiding a legal team or partnering with cross-functional stakeholders, I strive to clearly communicate goals, expectations, and the rationale behind key decisions. In complex projects, especially those involving regulatory or commercial risk, clarity helps align efforts and fosters collective ownership.

    Another key principle is empowerment through trust. I have found that giving people the space to take ownership while being available as a sounding board, creates stronger, more resilient teams. It is especially important when managing legal functions across time zones, where micromanagement is not only ineffective but also unsustainable.

    Finally, I try to lead by example, particularly when it comes to integrity and accountability. In legal roles, your credibility often precedes you. Being consistent, dependable, and fair, even under pressure, helps build long-term trust across both legal and business communities.

    In essence, leadership in a global legal context isn’t just about directing, it is about connecting, aligning diverse perspectives toward common objectives, and doing so with authenticity, respect, and strategic foresight.

    Your early exposure to litigation and dispute resolution must have provided valuable perspective. How did you decide to transition to an international practice and how did you navigate the complexities involved with it?

    My early exposure to litigation and dispute resolution gave me a solid ground in the fundamentals of legal analysis, advocacy, and risk assessment. Working on contentious matters in the Indian legal system taught me to think critically, anticipate challenges, and understand the nuances of courtroom dynamics, all of which are invaluable skills, even outside the litigation context.

    However, over time, I became increasingly drawn to the preventive and strategic side of legal practice, particularly how legal frameworks could be leveraged to support business growth, mitigate risk before it materializes, and enable long-term value creation. I saw international practice as a natural evolution of this interest. It offered the opportunity to work across jurisdictions, partner closely with business leaders, and help organizations navigate regulatory complexity on a global scale.

    The transition wasn’t without challenges. Moving from a litigation-focused role to an in-house, cross-border environment required me to reorient my mindset from issue resolution to issue prevention, and from adversarial negotiation to collaborative problem-solving. I invested significant time in understanding international legal systems, both common law and civil law traditions, as well as gaining fluency in business operations and corporate governance.

    One of the most effective ways I navigated this shift was by embracing continuous learning and remaining adaptable. I took on roles that expanded my exposure to multinational operations, built relationships with colleagues across functions and cultures, and sought mentors who had successfully made similar transitions.

    In hindsight, my litigation experience gave me a strong foundation in legal rigor and risk management, while my move into international practice allowed me to broaden my impact, helping businesses not just survive legal hurdles, but thrive through strategic legal support.

    Having worked across both common and civil law systems, what key differences do you notice in legal operations, and how do you keep up with the ever changing dimensions of legal compliances across jurisdictions?

    Working across both common and civil law systems has deepened my appreciation for the diversity in legal reasoning, procedural approaches, and the role of precedent in shaping legal outcomes. In common law systems, there is a strong reliance on case law and judicial interpretation, which demands a nuanced understanding of precedent and how it evolves over time. In contrast, civil law systems are more codified and statute-driven, requiring a close reading of the legislative framework and its administrative interpretations.

    From an operational standpoint, these differences manifest in contract drafting styles, dispute resolution mechanisms, and compliance expectations. For instance, civil law jurisdictions may favor more concise contracts that rely on statutory provisions, whereas common law jurisdictions often require more detailed, self-contained agreements. Similarly, the pace and approach to regulatory enforcement can vary widely. What is standard in one jurisdiction may be seen as intrusive or inadequate in another.

    To manage these complexities, I take a proactive, layered approach to legal compliance:

    • Local Expertise: I collaborate closely with local counsel and regional experts to stay aligned with jurisdiction-specific interpretations and enforcement trends. This ensures that our global strategies are grounded in local realities.
    • Knowledge Sharing and Internal Training: I prioritize creating internal awareness through cross-functional training, compliance toolkits, and internal policy updates, making sure legal and business teams are equipped to operate responsibly across borders.
    • Regulatory Monitoring and Strategic Technology Use: I leverage legal tech solutions and regulatory intelligence platforms to track evolving legal landscapes, particularly in areas like data privacy, ESG, and trade compliance, where change is rapid and multidimensional.
    • Harmonization with Flexibility: Wherever possible, I advocate for harmonized global processes that can be tailored for local adaptation. This allows for consistency in core legal and compliance principles while respecting jurisdictional nuances.

    Ultimately, navigating these varied legal systems requires not only technical knowledge, but also cultural sensitivity, open communication, and a commitment to continuous learning. It is this blend of structure and adaptability that allows legal operations to remain effective and compliant in a constantly shifting global environment.

    What advice would you offer to young legal professionals particularly those from non-metropolitan backgrounds aspiring to make a mark globally? And how do you personally stay ahead in this ever-evolving legal ecosystem?

    To young legal professionals, particularly those from non-metropolitan or modest backgrounds, I want to say that your origin does not define your destination. What matters most is your willingness to learn, your resilience in the face of challenges, and your ability to adapt. I come from a remote village in Assam, and I understand firsthand the barriers, both visible and invisible, that can make global aspirations seem out of reach. But those very roots can also be your greatest strength. They teach you humility, grit, and the power of persistence.

    My advice is to focus on building a strong foundation in both legal knowledge and practical skills. Be curious, ask questions, and don’t shy away from stepping outside your comfort zone. Seek mentors, even if informally, and be open to feedback. Language, geography, or access may feel like limitations initially, but with consistency, self-discipline, and digital access to global knowledge, those gaps can be closed.

    Also, understand that legal excellence today goes beyond black-letter law. Develop a commercial mindset, be tech-aware, and build cultural fluency. In a globalized legal ecosystem, your ability to collaborate across time zones, cultures, and functions is just as critical as your ability to interpret a statute.

    As for how I stay ahead in this evolving field, it is a combination of continuous learning, strategic networking, and hands-on collaboration. I make it a point to stay informed through industry publications, legal tech forums, and cross-functional discussions. I also learn immensely from mentoring others which offers fresh perspectives and keeps me grounded.

    In essence, global success in law is no longer reserved for the privileged few. With the right mindset, a commitment to growth, and the courage to take that first step, no matter how small, you can carve your own path.

    Get in touch with Medini Sourav Dutta –

  • “Litigation demands more than a sound understanding of the law; it calls for strategic thinking, creativity in argumentation, and a deep sense of ethical responsibility.” – Dushyant Tiwari, Advocate-on-Record at Supreme Court of India.

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

    Having graduated from NUALS, Kerala, and starting your practice directly before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, what inspired you to pursue such a high-stakes litigation career so early on ?

    My decision to pursue litigation particularly by starting directly at the Supreme Court was rooted in both personal ambition and the exposure I received during law school. Coming from a first-generation legal background, I didn’t have familial connections in the profession. That absence could have been a limitation, but in many ways, it became a motivator.

    A key factor that empowered me was the strong support of my family, especially my elder brother. His advice and encouragement played a crucial role in helping me make bold career decisions, including the step to begin my practice at the apex court. His belief in my potential gave me the confidence to pursue a path that was unconventional and challenging.

    During law school, I had the opportunity to intern with a diverse set of accomplished lawyers. These experiences offered me valuable exposure to different styles of practice and deepened my understanding of litigation as more than just dispute resolution. I saw firsthand how litigation can serve as a powerful tool—not just for individual justice, but for broader policy reform and societal impact.

    What truly attracted me to litigation was its intellectually rigorous nature. It demands more than a sound understanding of the law; it calls for strategic thinking, creativity in argumentation, and a deep sense of ethical responsibility.

    Starting out at the Supreme Court was undoubtedly intimidating, but it gave me a unique opportunity to engage with complex, high-stakes matters early in my career. I was able to learn directly from senior advocates and constitutional experts. While building a reputation from scratch came with its own set of hurdles, the process made me more resilient, disciplined, and committed to the principles of justice.

    What were some key challenges and lessons you learned while transitioning from working with an Advocate-on-Record to establishing your own practice in 2016, and later founding Scripta Lex Law Firm in 2018?

    The transition was both challenging and transformative. One major hurdle was building a client base from the ground up. As a first-generation lawyer, I lacked industry connections and had to rely solely on the quality of my work and my ability to earn trust.

    Running an independent practice also introduced me to the administrative side of law—budgeting, staffing, operations, and more. Shifting from solely legal work to managing a full-fledged firm required developing a new skill set quickly.

    The most valuable lesson I learned was the importance of building and nurturing relationships. In the absence of a network, I made a conscious effort to connect with senior counsel, peers, and clients. Legal expertise is essential, but trust and communication are what sustain a practice.

    Running my own firm has also taught me to take full ownership of every case. Beyond legal strategy, I now consider a client’s broader goals and circumstances. It’s given me a holistic approach and a deeper understanding of how to lead both in the courtroom and within my firm.

    As a qualified Advocate-on-Record (AOR), what are the unique responsibilities that come with the role, and how do they affect your practice?

    Being an AOR comes with significant responsibility. Only AORs have the right to file documents before the Supreme Court, which means every filing must be flawless in terms of format, compliance, and timing.

    As an AOR, I’m also the official point of contact between the client and the Court. This means that my role extends beyond documentation, I must ensure that clients are informed, and expectations are managed appropriately.

    This responsibility has enhanced my attention to detail and refined my organizational skills. It has also deepened my appreciation for the precision and professionalism that the Supreme Court demands, ultimately shaping me into a more disciplined and reliable practitioner.

    You have significant experience across varied forums, Supreme Court, High Courts, NCLT/NCLAT, NCDRC, and more. How do you approach such diverse jurisdictions and areas of law? Which field has evolved the most in the last decade?

    Each forum requires a distinct approach. At the Supreme Court and High Courts, cases often involve constitutional or public interest elements. These require legal foresight and arguments that resonate at a policy level.

    In contrast, corporate forums like NCLT/NCLAT demand a deep understanding of statutory frameworks like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). I frequently collaborate with financial experts to address the commercial realities involved.

    In the NCDRC, which deals with consumer disputes, the emphasis is on practical solutions and timely resolutions. These forums call for clarity, efficiency, and client-centric approaches.

    Among all, Insolvency Law has evolved the most over the past decade. The IBC has transformed corporate debt resolution in India. As it continues to evolve through amendments and judicial interpretation, staying updated and agile is crucial.

    Consumer Law has also seen major developments, especially with the growth of e-commerce. The introduction of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, reflects this shift and has changed how we approach digital consumer disputes.

    Navigating these forums successfully demands continuous learning, adaptability, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

    With your expertise over various aspects, can you share a defining case that shaped your outlook on litigation?

    One defining case was a complex corporate insolvency matter under the IBC before the NCLT. The company in question had multiple stakeholders—each with competing interests. The legal issues were intricate, but so were the financial and strategic considerations.

    What made the case significant was its timing, it occurred when the IBC was still evolving. We were navigating uncharted waters, relying on fresh judicial interpretations and creative legal solutions.

    This case reinforced my belief that litigation isn’t just about resolving disputes; it’s about contributing to systemic and economic recovery. Lawyers play a vital role in shaping not only legal outcomes but also financial futures and social stability.

    What gaps do you see in consumer awareness, and how should the Consumer Protection framework evolve?

    A major gap lies in the lack of awareness, especially in rural and underserved areas. Many people don’t know their basic consumer rights or how to seek redress. Even in urban areas, legal processes can seem intimidating and inaccessible.

    With digital commerce, new challenges like cross-border transactions, misleading ads, and jurisdictional issues have emerged.

    To address these, the framework must evolve by:

    • Expanding legal literacy through targeted outreach programs
    • Simplifying online complaint processes
    • Strengthening digital consumer protection mechanisms
    • Enhancing enforcement to ensure timely justice
    • Creating user-friendly forums for efficient dispute resolution

    Improving access and responsiveness will help make the system more inclusive and effective.

    How do you balance pro bono commitments with your commercial practice?

    For me, pro bono work is not just a commitment, it’s a principle. I believe access to justice should never be determined by one’s ability to pay.

    Balancing both requires discipline. I set aside dedicated time and ensure that pro bono matters are managed with the same attention as commercial cases. In fact, these cases often sharpen my empathy and creativity, enriching my approach to complex commercial matters as well.

    Pro bono work reminds me why I chose this profession—to make a meaningful impact. It grounds me and enhances the human side of my legal practice.

    Where do you see the greatest opportunities for young legal professionals today?

    There’s immense opportunity in emerging areas like data privacy, technology law, and insolvency law. With growing digital transactions and evolving privacy concerns, lawyers with expertise in tech-law intersections are in high demand.

    The IBC continues to offer opportunities in corporate restructuring, cross-border insolvency, and distressed asset resolution.

    Young lawyers should focus on:

    • Staying updated with legal-tech trends
    • Carving niches in emerging fields
    • Embracing specialization
    • Building digital fluency alongside legal expertise

    Those who adapt early to these trends will be best positioned to lead the future of legal practice.

    What advice would you give to law students or young advocates entering litigation?

    • Master the basics: Strong fundamentals are your best asset.
    • Seek mentorship: Learn from seasoned lawyers—it shapes your growth.
    • Be patient: Litigation is a long journey; focus on consistency and credibility.
    • Build relationships: Clients value trust, not just technical knowledge.
    • Work in teams: Collaborative success is sustainable success.
    • Use technology: Legal tech enhances efficiency and reach.
    • Specialize and build focus: Develop niche expertise to differentiate yourself. Alongside this, cultivate the habit of reading books—legal and otherwise. Deep reading enhances comprehension, critical thinking, and focus in a way that passive scrolling through social media never can.
    • Take care of yourself: Mental and physical well-being are vital for long-term growth.

    And most importantly stay curious, stay ethical, and stay resilient. Litigation rewards those who show up, stay prepared, and work with purpose.

    Get in touch with Dushyant Tiwari –

  • “International arbitration demands not just legal proficiency but also adaptability, cross-cultural awareness, and a strong grasp of commercial realities.” – Sarthak Gaur, Advocate-on-Record at Supreme Court of India.

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

    With your impressive and extensive legal background, what first ignited your passion for law? Was there a defining moment or experience that influenced your decision, or did your interest evolve gradually over time?

    As a first-generation lawyer, my journey into the legal field wasn’t a conventional one, nor was it influenced by early exposure or family tradition. In fact, until I was in 12th standard, I had never considered law as a career option. I was raised in an environment where engineering and medicine were viewed as the most respectable and secure professional paths. Surrounded by mainly engineers and scientists, I too felt the societal pressure to pursue these fields, especially during the early 2000s, when Computer Science and Information Technology were rapidly gaining traction and many of my seniors were securing promising opportunities both in India and abroad.

    Despite this prevailing narrative, I never truly felt drawn to either engineering or medicine. I found myself searching for something different, a discipline that would not only challenge me intellectually but also allow me to connect with the world in a more meaningful way. Around that time, I was also deeply interested in photography, which sparked my curiosity and creativity. However, during those years, building a stable career in photography seemed unconvincing and uncertain, particularly given the expectations around me. It was during my 12th grade in the year 2011-12 that I first came across the 5-year integrated law program. The more I explored it, the more I realised that ‘law’ resonated deeply with me.

    What attracted me most was the law’s interdisciplinary nature, its ability to intersect with almost every aspect of life, from economics and politics to human rights and technology. It struck me as a subject rooted in real-world issues, one that was dynamic, intellectually stimulating, and, most importantly, closely connected to society. This alignment felt natural to me, especially because I had grown up witnessing my parents’ active involvement in social work. Their dedication to community service instilled in me a sense of responsibility and an urge to make a meaningful contribution.

    Convincing my parents initially took some effort, given our family’s lack of familiarity with the legal profession. However, once they saw my determination and passion, they became my strongest supporters. Since then, they’ve been unwavering in their encouragement, always motivating me to excel and make a mark in this field.

    Looking back, choosing law was a turning point that defined not just my career, but my identity. What began as a curiosity evolved into a deep-seated passion, and I remain inspired by the impact this profession can have on individuals, communities, and the broader social fabric.

    Looking back at the early stages of your career, which experiences were pivotal in enhancing your understanding of the law? How did these formative moments shape the trajectory of your professional journey?

    Looking back at the early stages of my legal career, there were several defining experiences that significantly shaped my understanding of the law and laid a strong foundation for my professional journey.

    During my time in law school, I made a conscious decision to pursue a career in litigation. This clarity helped me seek out internships with litigation-focused law firms and seasoned advocates, where I was exposed to the practical aspects of the legal system early on. Beyond classroom learning, it was the experiences in moot courts, college seminars, and conferences that truly enriched my perspective. These platforms gave me the opportunity to engage with practising lawyers, judges, and professionals from diverse areas of law. I was also fortunate to have had the guidance and encouragement of some exceptional professors, whose mentorship played a crucial role in shaping my legal thinking. Their support and accessibility created a nurturing academic environment that motivated me to explore the subject deeply and confidently pursue a future in law.

    One of the most pivotal phases in my early career was my time at Parekh & Co., a reputed law firm in New Delhi. It was here that I transitioned from theory to practice. The firm provided me with hands-on exposure, and the mentorship I received from the partners and senior colleagues was instrumental in helping me build a strong legal foundation. I was entrusted with significant responsibilities early on, which greatly accelerated my learning curve.

    My professional development continued at Karanjawala & Co., where I had the chance to further expand my legal expertise across a wider range of matters. The firm offered a dynamic and fast-paced environment, where I was exposed to varied practice areas and a broad client base. It also allowed me to deepen my understanding of litigation strategy, court procedures, and the practice of law.

    Across both firms, I was fortunate to handle high-stakes and complex litigation, appear for prominent clients, brief some of the country’s top senior advocates, and even gain international exposure in specific legal domains. These experiences collectively played a pivotal role in shaping my professional outlook and strengthening my commitment to the field of litigation.

    Together, these formative years were essential in defining my career path. I had the benefit of working under exceptional mentors, gaining valuable practical insights, and being consistently challenged in ways that helped me grow as a legal professional. These opportunities not only nurtured my passion for law but also instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and resilience that continue to guide me today.

    Becoming an Advocate-on-Record is a significant accomplishment. How has this role influenced your practice, what responsibilities does it entail, and what opportunities have arisen as a result of this distinction?

    Becoming an Advocate-on-Record (AoR) in the Supreme Court of India is a significant professional milestone, and for me, it was a goal I had set early in my career. Having consistently worked with AoR firms (law firms officially registered with the Supreme Court owing to the presence of multiple AoRs), I was fortunate to be immersed in an environment that demanded high standards, deep procedural knowledge, and a commitment to excellence in litigation. This experience not only shaped my early understanding of Supreme Court practice but also inspired me to pursue the AoR qualification. Clearing the exam was both a deeply fulfilling personal accomplishment and a pivotal step forward professionally.

    The role of an AoR comes with exclusive responsibilities and privileges. Only Advocates-on-Record are authorised to file petitions, vakalatnamas, and other pleadings before the Supreme Court in their name. In addition to representing clients, AoRs are responsible for ensuring strict procedural compliance, coordinating legal strategy, briefing senior counsel, and serving as a vital link between the client and the apex court. To become an AoR, an advocate must undergo formal training and clear a rigorous examination, an intensive process that ensures only well-prepared professionals are entrusted with this role.

    For a first-generation lawyer, this distinction has been particularly empowering. It has enhanced my credibility, allowed me to represent more clients before the Supreme Court, and significantly expanded the scope of my practice. The AoR title is widely recognised as a mark of legal competence and reliability, which has naturally led to increased client trust and broader professional opportunities.

    At Vayam Legal, the law firm I co-founded, my qualification as an Advocate-on-Record has further strengthened our firm and added significant value to our litigation practice. It aligns with Vayam Legal’s commitment to delivering strategic, high-quality legal solutions across all forums, including the Supreme Court of India.

    Since attaining the AoR qualification, I’ve experienced a clear evolution in the nature of work I engage with, ranging from constitutional and commercial matters to public interest issues. It has reinforced my belief in the importance of long-term goals, continuous learning, and building a practice grounded in credibility and trust.

    In essence, becoming an Advocate-on-Record has not only strengthened my individual practice but also helped shape the vision and capabilities of Vayam Legal. It’s a responsibility I carry with pride and a milestone that continues to define my professional journey.

    Over the years, handling special leave petitions, civil, and criminal appeals before various courts and tribunals, which case stands out as both interesting and particularly challenging? How did you approach such a case, and what resources did you rely on?

    As I’ve mentioned earlier, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the leading litigation firms in the country, which exposed me to a wide variety of matters across multiple forums, ranging from the Supreme Court and High Courts to tribunals and regulatory bodies. This diversity of experience has brought with it a number of cases that were both intellectually stimulating and professionally demanding.

    It’s difficult to single out just one case as the most interesting or challenging, as there have been several that tested my legal acumen in different ways. High-stakes commercial litigation, in particular, often stands out. These matters are inherently complex and highly contested, as both sides typically engage top-tier legal teams. The margin for error is minimal, and even the smallest legal point can tip the balance. Crafting a strong legal strategy, whether in advancing a claim or defending against one, requires not only deep legal research but also the ability to anticipate the opposing party’s arguments and prepare precise counterpoints. These cases challenge you to be at the top of your game, both in court and behind the scenes.

    On the other hand, I’ve also found cases relating to accessibility and inclusivity for persons with disabilities to be particularly meaningful. While these matters may not always involve procedural complexity, they are socially significant and present unique challenges in terms of real-world impact. With the introduction of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, there has been a legal framework in place to empower persons with disabilities, but actual implementation, especially in rural and under-resourced areas, remains limited. Working on such cases provides an opportunity to contribute to a larger social cause, even though the challenge often lies not in obtaining favourable court orders, but in ensuring their effective enforcement.

    In both types of matters, commercial or public interest, the approach remains rooted in meticulous preparation, strategic foresight, and collaboration. I rely heavily on thorough legal research, insights from recent judgments, and sometimes interdisciplinary perspectives, especially in socially sensitive cases. These experiences have deepened not only my legal skills but also my sense of responsibility as a practitioner who can influence both legal outcomes and broader societal change.

    You have dealt with a range of matters in the Indian automotive manufacturing sector. What, in your experience, have been the major legal challenges in cases involving electric vehicles?

    I have had the opportunity to handle several matters in the automotive manufacturing sector, including those involving electric vehicles (EVs). These cases have largely revolved around tender disputes, mediation, and arbitration, each presenting unique legal and strategic challenges.

    The Indian EV sector, being relatively new and rapidly evolving, brings with it a distinct set of legal complexities. One of the major challenges I’ve encountered involves the interpretation and application of tender conditions in public procurement, especially for electric buses and related infrastructure. As government-backed tenders are central to EV adoption, disputes often arise over eligibility criteria, technical specifications, and compliance, requiring a deep understanding of administrative law, procurement procedures, and the technology involved.

    Another recurring issue is the absence of stable regulatory standards. As the policy landscape continues to develop, frequent changes or ambiguities, particularly concerning battery safety, environmental clearances, and fiscal incentives, often create uncertainty. 

    With increased EV adoption, challenges are also emerging in areas such as product liability, safety compliance, and consumer protection. 

    Overall, dealing with matters in the EV space requires not only legal expertise but also a strong grasp of the sector’s fast-changing regulatory and technological landscape. It has been both a challenging and rewarding area of practice, offering insights into the intersection of law, policy, and innovation.

    In handling matters under the Copyright Act, 2012, particularly with respect to the use of music during marriage processions and social events, what key legal challenges have you encountered?

    In matters involving the use of music during marriage processions and social events under the Copyright Act, 1957 (as amended), one of the key legal challenges has been the interpretation of Section 52(1)(za), which exempts performances during bona fide religious and certain social functions from being considered infringement.

    The complexity often lies in determining whether the exemption applies when such events are hosted in commercial venues. The question typically arises as to whether the setting alters the personal or social character of the function, especially when claims are made that licensing fees are required despite the event being a private celebration like a wedding.

    These matters frequently involve navigating the tension between copyright enforcement and longstanding cultural practices. It becomes essential to analyse the legislative intent behind the exemption, relevant judicial precedents, and the extent to which such performances are truly commercial in nature.

    Another layer of difficulty is the practical enforcement and compliance landscape, where different interpretations can create uncertainty for event organisers and service providers. Addressing these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of copyright law, industry practices, and the social context in which such events occur.

    When representing clients in high-stakes international arbitrations, especially where foreign laws are applicable, how do you typically approach the complexities of cross-border legal frameworks?

    Approaching high-stakes international arbitrations, particularly those involving foreign laws and cross-border parties, requires a carefully structured and collaborative strategy. One of the key complexities lies in reconciling different legal systems, especially when the governing law of the contract differs from the procedural rules of the arbitration.

    These matters typically require close coordination with foreign legal experts to ensure accurate interpretation and application of the applicable substantive law. Working across jurisdictions also means navigating diverse legal traditions, commercial practices, and procedural expectations, which makes clarity in drafting, advocacy, and case presentation especially important.

    Effective communication with international stakeholders, whether clients, opposing counsel, or arbitral tribunals, is essential, as is an understanding of cultural nuances and business sensitivities. Strategic planning, well-supported evidence, and cohesive teamwork are all crucial to managing the complexity in disputes.

    Overall, international arbitration demands not just legal proficiency but also adaptability, cross-cultural awareness, and a strong grasp of commercial realities, especially when foreign laws and parties are involved.

    What advice would you offer to aspiring law students who wish to follow in your footsteps and build a successful career in law? What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success, especially in the evolving field of technology law?

    Law has become a highly respected career, and with the rise of top law schools, the standard of legal education has improved significantly. For aspiring law students, it’s crucial to build a strong foundation through both classroom learning and internships. Early exposure to practical work helps in understanding various legal fields and in making informed career choices, whether in litigation, judiciary, corporate law, or in-house roles.

    Clarity of direction, combined with patience, perseverance, and a positive attitude, is key to long-term success. The legal profession often demands time and resilience before tangible results appear, especially in litigation.

    As law continues to evolve alongside technology, students must stay adaptable and committed to continuous learning. Familiarity with areas like data protection, intellectual property, and tech regulation will be increasingly valuable. Above all, success in law comes from consistency, ethical practice, and a genuine passion for the profession.

    Balancing a successful career with a commitment to public service and education is no small feat. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what advice would you give to others who aim to follow a similar path while managing both professional and personal responsibilities?

    Law is undoubtedly one of the most demanding professions, both mentally and physically. The long hours, high-pressure environments, and the constant need for precision make it challenging to maintain a work-life balance, let alone dedicate time to public service or education. However, I firmly believe that striking this balance is not only possible but also essential for long-term growth and well-being.

    Constantly working without pause or personal reflection can lead to early burnout and diminished productivity. Incorporating activities outside of regular practice, such as contributing to legal education, engaging in pro bono work, or participating in public interest initiatives, provides a healthy shift in perspective. These engagements allow one to step out of a purely commercial mindset and reconnect with the broader role of law in society. They also remind us of the lawyer’s place as a trusted advisor, problem-solver, and social contributor.

    I also find that travelling and meeting people from different walks of life play an important role in maintaining balance and staying inspired. Travel gives me a chance to step back, recharge, and return to work with a fresh perspective. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds broadens my understanding of society, exposes me to different viewpoints, and often shapes how I approach my work.

    Maintaining balance doesn’t mean taking grand measures; it’s often about small, conscious steps, setting clear boundaries, taking short breaks, or making time for personal interests. Even small efforts can help preserve clarity, resilience, and creativity in a demanding field.

    To those aspiring to build a meaningful and well-rounded legal career, I would say, stay dedicated to your professional goals, but always make space for causes and interests that keep you rooted and inspired. This balance not only prevents burnout but also enriches your journey as a lawyer in ways that pure professional success alone cannot.

    Get in touch with Sarthak Gaur –

  • “With immersive experiences, gamification and AI-driven fan engagement, the legal landscape is evolving in real time, faster than we can keep up actually!” – Riya Rajkumar Sharma, Counsel at AM Sports Law & Management Co.

    “With immersive experiences, gamification and AI-driven fan engagement, the legal landscape is evolving in real time, faster than we can keep up actually!” – Riya Rajkumar Sharma, Counsel at AM Sports Law & Management Co.

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

    With your academic journey spanning commerce, English literature, and law, how did you navigate your transition into the niche field of sports and media law? What initially drew you to this area of practice?

    While my academic background has been interesting, it has not really been intentional. I studied commerce because I initially tried my hand at CA, which I failed at gloriously. I then did my masters in English literature solely for the love of the language while being a full time fellow at the Teach For India Fellowship. Post which I decided to do law. While the journey may not have been intentional, the quest for knowledge always has been. Learning new things has always excited me. In any space at all, even when I have failed. So when I got the opportunity to work in the field of sports and media law, I only saw it as another opportunity to learn. The transition did not feel difficult because I was doing something new everyday so it was, and still is, exciting.

    You’ve been involved in high-stakes media rights cases, including securing broadcasting rights for major international football leagues. Could you walk us through one particularly interesting case you’ve handled and share what the experience meant to you?

    One memorable experience was supporting a client in securing sub-continental broadcasting rights for three of Europe’s biggest football leagues. It wasn’t just about the licensing, it involved negotiating with multiple stakeholders across jurisdictions, one of which had a structure so complex that it took me 3 whole days to understand what the proposed structure even was! What made it meaningful was knowing myself a little bit better. That I could add value to a transaction in a very unique way and aid a client in closing a deal. That was a good day!

    Your work covers a wide spectrum from game development agreements and SaaS contracts to plug-in software agreements. What are the key challenges you face in balancing intellectual property protection with the commercial facets in such fast-evolving digital spaces?

    The pace of innovation often outstrips regulation, and that’s where the challenge (and opportunity) lies. Balancing IP protection with commercial viability often means designing agreements that are forward-thinking but also flexible. Whether it’s ensuring IP ownership in a co-development model or negotiating licensing structures for evolving SaaS platforms, the ultimate agenda of drafting agreements and structuring deals is to future-proof them while keeping them commercially sensible. The key is clear listing of rights, scope and exit mechanisms, especially when the tech itself may evolve the life span of the transactions.

    When drafting white-labelling agreements and enabling tech integrations, especially in light of evolving data privacy regulations, how do you address concerns around data security and brand protection?

    For me, it begins with clarity of thought and then it’s just a matter of expressing that thought on paper. I believe every privacy/data centric agreement should clearly lay out who’s responsible for what, who gets access to what, and who’s accountable when things go wrong. We always include strong confidentiality, indemnity, and data protection clauses that align with relevant laws like the GDPR or India’s DPDP Act. But beyond the legal terms, we also build in practical guardrails like audit rights or protocols for keeping data separated. When it comes to brand protection, it’s important to have quality checks and clear representations, especially when the tech touches end-users or customers directly and includes collection of sensitive data. Ultimately, the goal is to safeguard both the technology and the brand behind it.

    Athlete endorsement agreements can be commercially complex and high-profile. What is your typical approach to structuring these agreements, and which clauses do you consider most critical, particularly regarding brand alignment, image rights, and breach scenarios?

    It’s all about striking the right balance. We need to make sure the athlete’s image and reputation are protected while ensuring that the agreement gives some wiggle room for the brand’s creative expression. Typically, I would try to understand what the athlete’s expectations are from a deal with respect to the brand’s deliverables and ensure that those aspects are covered. Then, I add clauses which I find essential to protect the athlete’s interests such as ownership of the athlete’s attributes, the term of usage of a deliverable, exclusivity (or lack thereof), how the brand shall take approvals on all materials before they become publicly available, representations by the brand against defamatory statements against the athlete, etc.

    Beyond transactional work, you’ve also drafted POSH and POCSO policies. How do you ensure these frameworks are not only legally compliant but also practically implementable and attuned to workplace realities and cultural sensitivities?

    Legal compliance and framework are just the starting point. When I work on POSH or POCSO policies, my goal is to make them clear, usable, and rooted in the real dynamics of the workplace or institution. There’s no point in a policy that ticks the legal boxes but doesn’t resonate with the people it’s meant to protect or guide. So we focus on language that’s accessible and workflows that are actually implementable. We also put a lot of thought into the practical aspects of these policies like putting up awareness posters in venues, because a policy is only as strong as how well it’s understood and followed on the ground. The idea is to create safe environments, not just safe documentation.

    Your previous role as a communication consultant and brand manager is quite distinctive for a legal professional. How has that background influenced your approach to client engagement, negotiation strategy, or brand-related legal advisory?

    It’s been a game-changer, simply because communication is the most important aspect of absolutely any role you play in life, especially in a job where you write in legalese but must explain things to clients in a manner that is easy to understand and comprehensible. My brand communication and management background also allows me to understand the perspective of the brands when they ask for things a certain way which aids my negotiation of the deal, leading to faster closure.

    Given your involvement in technology-driven sports products like the ICC Immersive app, how do you see the intersection of sports, law, and emerging tech evolving over the next few years?

    In one word, exciting! We’re just getting started. With immersive experiences, gamification and AI-driven fan engagement, the legal landscape is evolving in real time, faster than we can keep up actually! We’ll see more attention on licensing rights for digital experiences, cross-border IP enforcement, data monetization and AI ethics. I see lawyers becoming key enablers of innovation in this space and not just compliance gatekeepers. It’s a thrilling time to be at the intersection of sport, tech, and law, and I look forward to witnessing it.

    You’ve worked with a range of international clients and platforms. How do you navigate the legal nuances across jurisdictions, especially when dealing with IP, broadcasting, and digital rights on a global scale?

    IP is one of those areas where the core principles of ownership, licensing and protection are fairly universal, which gives you a strong foundation to work from. But the real challenge is in how those rights actually play out on the ground. Every country has its own legal quirks like how they treat moral rights, how collecting societies work, what’s allowed digitally and those details can really shape how a deal gets structured. In sports especially, it gets even more layered. Each sport has its own ecosystem, different governing bodies, event rights, eligibility rules, media frameworks. So what works for a football league in Europe might not work at all for a cricket tournament in India or an e-sports platform in Southeast Asia. So it becomes about figuring out the local landscape quickly, not just the law, but also how the sport or the ecosystem operates commercially and culturally and then building legal and IP structures that actually hold up in practice. 

    What guidance would you offer to young lawyers who are eager to build a career at the intersection of sports, media, and technology law, especially those coming from interdisciplinary academic backgrounds like yours?

    If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be this: perseverance is everything. This field rewards those who keep showing up and stay curious. Ask questions to anyone who’s willing to answer. You’d be surprised how much you can learn from the most unexpected people, a filing clerk, a stenographer, fellow interns, senior lawyers, or even someone from a completely different organization. And at some point, that random piece of knowledge will come in handy (almost like a Slumdog Millionaire moment!). The opportunities to learn are all around you, but you’ve got to be open enough to catch them while willing to work harder than you thought you did!

    Get in touch with Riya Rajkumar Sharma –

  • “This niche was never planned. It was a series of opportunities seized at the right time and a passionate deep dive into whatever crossed my path.” – Nayona Roy, Commercial, Media, AI and Technology Lawyer.

    “This niche was never planned. It was a series of opportunities seized at the right time and a passionate deep dive into whatever crossed my path.” – Nayona Roy, Commercial, Media, AI and Technology Lawyer.

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

    With over 11 years of experience across commercial law, technology, and AI, what drew you to this unique intersection as your niche? Were there specific moments or projects early on that sparked this direction?

    This niche was never planned. It was a series of opportunities seized at the right time and a passionate deep dive into whatever crossed my path. I have never been one to restrict myself to just scratching the surface. On the contrary, I have always been a business-oriented legal professional. I went down the rabbit hole in any new opportunity, and each one became a moment of evolution. I still can’t say for certain that this is the finishing line. I continue to learn and evolve. In fact, I would take a step further to say that AI itself will not remain a “niche” for too long. It has already started to become mainstream. The world will soon see specialized domains being created within the supposed “niche” of AI. So what part of it I would end up being drawn to is for time to tell. As of now, I am just learning. 

    As for specific moments, there have been many. At the beginning of my career itself, I had a front-row view of the impact of regulatory compliance issues on the overall business and sustenance of a company. I had joined Unilever as an in-house counsel, and my entry coincided with the infamous MSG/ash in instant noodles fiasco, which had hit 3 of the largest FMCG conglomerates in the country. I was posted in UP at the epicenter of it all. While it was an incredible opportunity, the impact on business was palpable. That continued through Covid when I was with Coca-Cola when boilerplate clauses like force majeure became the biggest game-changer for a company, followed by my role in Qyuki coinciding with the TikTok ban, which had shaken the entire creator economy. Qyuki, however, was my first tryst with technology in which my seniors encouraged me to go down the NFT rabbit hole and explore synergies from a legal and business perspective between content and the metaverse. I ended up writing a white paper on it, which was dropped as an NFT at All About Music in a session in which we presented it. As a certification and security mechanism, blockchain is one of the primary drivers of AI. I continued my journey with Qyuki as a consultant while also building a legal technology product powered by AI. From concept to pivot to funding and building the beta version of the product, it was not only a journey down a rabbit hole, but also a massive learning curve for me. But there are darker truths behind the shiny veil of startups, and most startups are not able to make it. So that’s when I considered going back to a job and joined Dentons as a Partner for the AI and technology practice. Yet, a traditional law firm environment is not the right environment for someone who has gained interdisciplinary skills to thrive and grow in. That’s what led to the birth of The AI Lawby. I had already spent enough time in the creator economy and learned to create content. Governance of AI was jumping out as the most pressing issue. While the world kept talking about privacy, I was creating diagrams on a mind map to go to the roots of the product and evaluate it from a multi-lens perspective: Brand building, Compliance, and Technology. 

    From founding a venture-backed legal tech company to shaping AI governance frameworks for global teams, what motivated your shift from traditional legal roles to innovation-driven leadership?

    As I said, it was never by design but always an accident. I grabbed opportunities, thought out of the box, and kept discovering my path as I kept carving it. It’s not over yet. I am always a work in progress, and I would like to be so till my last day. There’s nothing as empowering as discovery and a realization that there is so much more to learn and do. Also, I never liked being placed in a box anyway. Most people believe that an in-house counsel’s role is that of a postman. There could be nothing farther from the truth than that. I chose to become an in-house counsel because that enables you to be entrenched in the business. You are both a lawyer and a client, and you can see the consequences of decisions you take directly on the client’s business. From a bird’s-eye view, it grounds you in reality. So I always used strategy over theory. That was my DNA. So I don’t think I was ever in a traditional legal role. At every stage I have embraced challenges and opportunities at the intersection of law and business. As technology kept invading our lives, the lines of traditional roles kept blurring. I firmly believe that we are in a day and age where interdisciplinary skill sets are the need of the hour while also having a specialization in one field. For instance, in law, I choose to specialize in technology—not just AI, but data privacy, intellectual property, product liability, and so many other aspects of technology—and I would not trade that to dip my fingers into a practice of M&A or banking or ESG, etc. However, at the macro level, beyond law, I am a complete generalist—be it UX, brand building or brand development, content writing, optimizing user journeys and efficiency, strategies in product funnels, etc. So when I work with a client, it is well beyond just legal advice – I am in the trenches with them. 

    You’ve worked closely with creators, artists, and founders to solve cutting-edge legal challenges. Can you share an experience which was the most interesting to you?

    I honestly don’t know where to start—there have been so many. I think the “most” interesting challenge is the one I am solving for and advocating aggressively—AI governance. Most people make the blunder of considering governance as a policy document being created, and the benchmark for them is a privacy policy, which is generally a boilerplate clickwrap agreement. But AI has pushed boundaries in incredible ways, and every use case is a separate one and mandates an extremely curated approach. The type and level of governance is influenced by so many variables—industry/sector, geography, unit economics, whether they are manufacturers or providers or deployers of technology, the specific use case in the industry, and so on. There can never be a one-size-fits-all approach, and unlike most lawyers, I dive extremely deep into product features specifically and entire workflows for every feature. My role does not end with just an assessment of the risk but extends further to providing solutions basis the resources and existing incentive/operational framework of the organization. So each one is honestly a fresh learning altogether for me. 

    You’ve supported businesses with fundraising, IP governance, and workflow automation. What are some of the key legal or ethical blind spots you see in today’s AI adoption and how do you guide clients through them?

    There are two elements to this question. From a pure play compliance point of view, I would say there are three broad issues: data privacy/cybersecurity, intellectual property, and product liability. As I said I not only dive deep into every feature workflow but I interview at least a sample set of the entire value chain of stakeholders (internal and external) and every inquiry, whether for the product or the stakeholder, is curated to the nature of the business. For example, if the client is in fintech, I would explore their ways of protecting customer data as well as an inquiry into the training data set to see if the system can be misused to cull out personal data once deployed. 

    From the ethical blind spots point of view in terms of the consequence of using the tools, I would say that there are issues of bias stemming from the systemic bias of the data set on which the model is trained or even the cognitive bias of the individuals training the system. security is another massive blind spot. And here i dont mean just cyber-security but even the safety of using the product – consider the crashes of autonomous vehicles. So ethical blind spots depend on the nature of the product, the use case, and the industry. 

    You’ve co-authored a first-of-its-kind e-book on art law and worked on complex issues of art estate and provenance. What are some legal challenges unique to the art-tech intersection, and how do you approach them strategically?

    I don’t see any specific challenges unique to the art-tech intersection. The art industry has some unique challenges—provenance, counterfeits, art financing, and royalties from the art estate, such as exclusive merchandise. These problems simply get accelerated with technology and are also countered with technology. For instance, AI has made it easier to detect counterfeits in the market and also create counterfeits seamlessly. Rights management has similarly moved from physical rights of a visual art piece to digital rights management wherein NFTs are created based on the artwork, or prints are sold through e-commerce without a royalty being passed on to the creator and without any licensing arrangement in the first place. So technology has simply added complexity to the existing issues in the art-tech space. However, one issue that personally disturbs me is of Generative AI – take the case of The Next Rembrandt – while it was a scientific experiment to identify how far AI could go, it has paved the way for so many iterations and developments, which I personally believe are unethical for the art ecosystem. The Next Remmbrandt is a new painting completely generated by AI in the style of the legendary artist Rembrandt after training an AI model on the enormous volumes of his original works. Technically, it’s a new piece. But has come into the picture with old pieces having been used as a base. The same thing happened with Ghibli Studio. This is not just personal inspiration. This is a usage of creative intellectual pursuits for commercial gain without a license. Strategy is different for each of these – for instance the Gen-AI problem is very well solved by a licensing arrangement which would propel AI and incentivise artists to continue creating breathtaking work. 

    You’ve held leadership roles in prominent firms and companies. What led you to establish your own independent practice and what were some key experiences from that transition?

    Most importantly, I would clarify that The AI Lawby is not a traditional private legal practice. And that itself is what powered the shift. If I get an opportunity tomorrow to play a part (even temporarily) for a futuristic organization that paves the way for me to leverage my skills appropriately, I would absolutely go for it. The old structures and paradigms are giving way to new ways of working, and progress lies in embracing the new. The present day demands agility, and I would continue to evolve as a multidisciplinary professional. What I offer to my clients through The AI Lawby is not legal practice. It is strategic consultation with an added feather of legal specialisation. 

    You’ve moved seamlessly between domain law firms, media-tech, AI governance, and art law. How has your legal philosophy evolved through these transitions, and what values ground your work at The AI Lawby today?

    The values that ground me are the same ones that I started my career with a decade and some ago: the willingness to be a perpetual student, the one to jump into the trenches with a solution-oriented mindset whenever a problem arises big or small; and resilience to spring back up after every setback. These remain consistent and actually more entrenched with every passing day. 

    With your expertise in legal tech and automation, how do you envision the role of technology transforming legal advisory over the next five years? What advice would you give and what skills should the next generation of lawyers start building now?

    The progress in legal technology is phenomenal but there are limitations inherently to legal tech. I think it’s a futile exercise for legal tech companies to create workflows that provide analyses. That cannot become helpful until we reach significant success in AGI (Artificial general intelligence) and we are far from even an entry into that as of now. However, in terms of document extraction and automating mundane tasks I think legal technology is already revamping the profession. It has multiple implications – TAT for lawyers should come down resulting in the need to focus on volume as the unit revenue from a mandate would be significantly reduced. Further, clients would also come with more awareness and not be at the behest of the lawyer. The change is inevitable. 

    My advice to new lawyers is to start with humility and be on a constant pursuit of new skills and learning. If they don’t develop interdisciplinary skills they will be left behind. However, this works even for those in more advanced stages of their career. The legal profession has always been called “an old boys club” and it’s time for those who continue to remain stringent in their perspectives and models to wake up and smell the coffee. 

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