What prompted you to choose Law? Did you always want to take Law as a career?
Yes, since I was about 12 or 13 years old I wanted to study law; it is difficult to say exactly why I chose law, as it was before the age of the internet and we did not have access to the sources we had today, but reading was a passion and I never changed my mind about the profession I wanted to follow.
Congratulations on being awarded as the DIFC Courts Law Specialist by the DIFC Academy, DIFC Dubai UAE, can you please enlighten our audience about this academy?
For over a decade, the Dubai International Financial Centre has catered to the learning needs of the financial services industry by providing a platform for top-ranked educational institutes to deliver professional development and higher education courses.
The DIFC Academy continues this legacy by partnering with some of the world’s most reputable institutions to offer a variety of options ranging from short certificate workshops to multi-year executive MBA degree programmes.
The Dubai International Financial Centre is a free zone with common law courts, though the UAE is a civil law jurisdiction.
Lexis Nexis published a series of books called the Laws of the DIFC. I co authored the section on the DIFC Law No 10 of 2004, the Court Law with Late Barrister Stephen Field of 1 Pump Court Chambers, UK. As a result I was recognised as a DIFC Court Law specialist .
What prompted you to choose banking and finance law as an LLM course, and how do you see this area bringing new opportunities for the young law professionals?
Banks are very important institutions in any economy as well as in corporate and individual lives. Certainly there are many professional opportunities with such degrees.
How crucial is it for the young legal professionals or even the experienced ones for taking Pro Bono work and is there any criteria for choosing the type of such work?
Pro bono is a way of giving back to society. Everyone cannot afford lawyers. Access to justice is considered a fundamental right in our country and every civilized society and as lawyers we should be part of the larger picture if possible.
Pro bono work gives lawyers exposure to different areas of law. For example, when working with a legal aid clinic, a firm receives a list of cases that need lawyers.
A corporate lawyer may get an opportunity to work on a matrimonial matter or an employment case.
Pro bono cases also give lawyers the chance to work with other lawyers in and build relationships and networks. Exchange of knowledge and ideas is extremely important and interaction with professional colleagues is an invaluable learning process.
You have so many publications on various topics, what tips do you give to our audience for choosing journals and topics as per that specific journal?
That would depend on the interest of the audience; there are specific journals for almost every aspect of law. However, it is important to do independent research, published articles can give an introduction to the topic but certainly do not replace self study.
Insider trading has been there since ages in corporate, such as writing a newsletter on the same, what can be the root cause for the same and steps that can be taken to avoid it completely?
That is a hard question; Strong regulatory and enforcement systems have to be put in place. Ethics and honesty are character traits imbibed from our families and society. Therefore strong laws can help reduce unlawful acts but cannot eradicate them totally.
Being associated with a UAE law firm, how can one prepare himself to settle there as a law professional in different areas? What is the road map for the same?
Look for a vacancy in a busy firm, learn about the new systems and law. At some levels different jurisdictions have challenges, but basically a lawyers work remains the same, wherever they may be.
What would be your parting message to our young readers?
Gain as much experience as you can, avoid any toxic offices that do not provide opportunities to learn and grow. Do not accept bullying and sexual harassment, good knowledge and hard work is the key to success.
How would you describe your job and yourself to a 10 year old?
I am a lawyer who helps people who were hurt in an accident get money for their pain.
Paul, as we read about you, being a member of the carpenters’ union (United Brotherhood of Carpenters) , how did it help you in your law career?
Being a member of the Carpenter’s Union taught me the value of hard work and the importance of an education. Being a carpenter is a physically challenging occupation and often very dangerous, so the importance of following rules, particularly safety rules, is very important.
Appearing before various law tribunals and forums needs extra effort, how do you plan your work to be super-efficient?
Planning is the secret ingredient to success and efficiency. Even if I handle a case many times, I always write an outline and emphasize the points I need to make.
This keeps me focused because it is very easy to become distracted and be thrown off track by a smart adversary, so thinking how I might lose a case is the best preparation for victory.
You have been actively taking up Pro-Bono cases and have done a lot of free service in your career trajectory? How important is it for Law Students and professionals to take up Pro-Bono cases and help the needy?
Pro-Bono cases are very rewarding. Volunteering time and expertise to those who cannot afford top legal representation is the hallmark of our justice system.
Pro bono cases provide attorneys with the chance to work with other lawyers in their firms who they would not otherwise know, as well as practice in areas outside of their day-to-day work. This fosters collaboration and increases future cross-firm prospects. It also assists attorneys in forming networks with other lawyers who work for legal assistance foundations. Networking leads to business development, which helps the firm as well.
As we all are aware of the 9/11 incident, how was your experience wrt getting justice for the victims? Please elaborate it
9/11 was a very difficult time for the entire nation. Being able to represent victims pro-bono was very special. At the time, no one understood the long term health ramifications connected to 9/11.
To delve into the medical records of these victims and come up with creative ideas to get them the maximum compensation, was a stand out moment in my legal career.
How hard is the bar exam to be passed in New York and how can one prepare with a well curated road map?
The NY State Bar Exam is one of the hardest in the country. To pass it, you have to prepare for it as a full time job. Get on a schedule, study 9-5 and take lunch everyday at the same time, just like a job.
Again, preparation is the key to passing the bar. Do the hard work in the morning and the rest of the day will fall into place.
Lastly Paul, what tips are you likely to give to students willing to practice as a Personal Injury lawyer in the US?
Personal injury is a very competitive field. tell everyone you meet and family and friends that you are a personal injury lawyer. To be successful you need cases. A great trial lawyer is useless without cases to try.
Paras, please tell us how it feels to achieve so much at such a young age marking your presence globally?
It gave a sense of great pride, as I won my first legal battle against a giant company misleading and selling fairness creams in India. It boosted my confidence to handle high stake and complex legal disputes single handedly. But now, it acts as a motivational force to work for public causes.
Generally, complex matters are so critical that advocates fear not even taking them, but you have ferociously fought and won too. What keeps you going with these matters?
I do not think that advocates have any fear of not taking complex matters. It is a personal choice of one whether to take such matters or not. For example, I have personally fought cases dealing with Right to Information (RTI) Act involving critical questions of law. This has both positively & negatively impacted public at large in getting information from authorities.
Being a responsible citizen and an advocate, I understand the importance of protecting right to information. This is what keeps me going with these matters.
Our audience is keen to hear your landmark legal battle against ICAI, ICSI, ICWAI, CBSE and DU
As ICSI student, I requested ICSI to provide me copies of answer-sheets at cost of Rs. 2 per page as per RTI Act. But ICSI was adamant in charging Rs. 500/- per subject from all examinees. This was causing wrongful loss to examinees and wrongful gain to ICSI. Case was litigated at all levels and was ruled in my favor by the Supreme Court of India in ICSI Vs. Paras Jain, Civil Appeal No. 5665/2014.
Subsequently, the ruling has been followed in letter and spirit by professional and educational institutions ICAI, ICWAI, CBSE and DU which all were charging exorbitant fee from examinees.
In nutshell, this landmark judgment has been beneficial for student community in India
What obstacles have you faced in acing your career in litigation and shining with true colors, tell our audience the accurate road-map?
Though there have been many obstacles but certainly the crucial obstacles were to get the family support and to find the right seniors to mentor in the process of litigation. I wish to thank my parents and my wife who stood by my choice of pursuing career in litigation. I also wish to thank my seniors Mr. Rajiv Mohan, Mr. Jayant K. Mehta, Mr. Abhimanyu Kampani, Advocates, who have been the guiding force in my career.
For accurate road-map, I would say that law students must participate in moot court, debates, writing competitions and undergo different internships. This enables law students to analyze & to know their area of interests, and helps them in pursuing their career in a particular field.
We have read that you are the founder of Whistle for Public Interest-WHIP, our audience is excited to hear from your end, what’s it all about?
Whistle for Public Interest-WHIP is a group of law students and young lawyers founded in 2015 when I was in law school. Group has been working consistently for transparency, legal reforms and environmental protection. Group has been successful in bringing use of A4 Size Paper in legal proceedings, use of Mic-System & setting up of Online RTI Portal in Supreme Court of India.
The group has also intervened and assisted the Supreme Court of India and High Courts on questions of law relating to right to information.
Group has also been providing internships to law students through “Intern from Home” Program. Under this program, law students interact with subject experts on issues of public interest and understand ground realities & its impact. Group efforts have also been recognized and appreciated by former Chief Justice Akil Kureshi, High Court of Rajasthan.
Truly speaking, there’s been a lot of misconceptions regarding litigation in India right now, what piece of advice would you like to give to our young law students?
Law colleges and law students have a major misconception that only Corporate & Arbitration laws can assure law students lucrative career in law. But today every law has its own significance and its impact on clients and the society. In my opinion, law students should explore other areas of law as well and practice litigation according to their interest and passion.
Law students can easily do these things by attending conferences, seminars & court hearings. Ultimately, the purpose of life is to secure joy and the Comparison is the thief of joy.
How would you describe your journey as a legal professional so far? What part of it do you enjoy the most- teaching law or practising law?
To begin with, my journey as a legal professional cannot be described as anything short of a “privilege” – where not only do I get several opportunities to learn from the vicarious experiences of my seniors, friends, and colleagues, but also from the clients we represent. My journey is an amalgamation of academic endeavours and practice as the question aptly puts it. I cannot help but highlight that I was lucky enough to embark and act upon opportunities as and when they came my way with utmost hard work and professionalism.
In my professional journey, now close to a decade, I have had the privilege to represent global MNCs to individual clients – from Padma Vibhushan to Padma Bhushan Awardees to individuals who I looked up to during my days at law school. I have also had the privilege of representing a conspicuous bar association of Delhi comprising of 12000 lawyers, NLU’s, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Law enforcement agency (Delhi Police) etc. as a lead counsel and take pride in appearing pro-bono for various bodies/litigants and have been appointed as amicus to assist litigants by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi.
It’s a very enriching experience which enabled me to find an extended family within the legal fraternity on both the practice and the academic side. I have had the privilege of teaching / delivering lectures from Delhi Police Academy / Specialised Training Centre to several NLUs including NLUD, RGNUL, RMLNLU etc. to Delhi University, Hindu College, University of Oxford, Indian Police Institute, to several other esteemed private institutions such as Lloyd Law College, Symbiosis etc.
In terms of enjoying the academic side over practice or vice versa to separate my passions that overlap. Theory and practice are not only inseparable but essential in pursuing both effectively. Theory/teaching exposes me to the academic side which effectively equips me to deliver better on the practice side of the legal world. I think legal professionals should enrol/undertake teaching assignments at law schools so as to provide law students with a multidisciplinary/ practical insight into the legal world. I would conclude by saying that both teaching and practice are an indispensable part of my legal personality (on a lighter note). I enjoy them both equally!
As a Counsel for various commercial matters, representing clients at forums including Supreme Court, High Court and Tribunals, what do you believe has been the reason for your drive towards Litigation?
As a litigation counsel, I witness an opportunity to grow and learn on a daily basis – the reason for my proclivity towards litigation since inception. Litigation – though equally challenging has been a mentally enriching and soul-satisfying experience. My proclivity towards litigation is mainly because of the work satisfaction that I derive out of every matter – both personal and for those we represent. Every case has its legal and factual quests that make the research and arguments worth its toil.
Another incentive is being able to network. Even a lunch table at a court premise is nothing less than a crash course on certain legal topics and current affairs. The ability to meet diverse clients with multi-disciplinary needs and wants makes the work even more interesting.
Some of your esteemed clientele include the Delhi Police, RGNUL(Patiala), NLU Delhi, South Delhi Municipal Corporation etc., to name a few. What are a few essential skills one must possess to establish and retain clients in litigation?
The clients as highlighted by you are mostly government bodies, of course as esteemed they are. Office management is pivotal when it comes to managing multiple government clients alongside our esteemed private clients which include MNCs of various kinds, individuals, foreign nationals and other bodies. It’s imperative that there is a working system in the office to ensure timely drafting/filing of pleadings, follow-ups with clients and timely filings. Needless to highlight, every client deserves time and attention irrespective of the financial stakes. Therefore, time and resource management become equally necessary.
Also, building a strong team is more important than ever. A law office is never a one-person show. From peon/clerk, interns to associates everyone has an indispensable role – provided there is an effective oversight at all times. Accountability is yet another fundamental principle I would like to highlight.
Accountability towards the client and their hardships can be equated to responsibility. Therefore both accountability and responsibility coupled with the right tools for office management are a few of the fundamental essential skills paramount to being a litigation counsel. Research and promptness along with keeping the clients informed is an added incentive in my opinion which goes a long way in client satisfaction.
With a Bachelor’s in law from Jamia Millia Islamia, an LLM in Comparative Law from McGill University Canada and an MSc in Criminology & Criminal Justice from the University of Oxford, you have esteemed degrees to your name. How important do you believe academic excellence is in one’s legal career?
Academic excellence may not be the correct label. Nor do I claim to be academically excellent. I may rather re-label this as an academic proclivity – which does go a long way in shaping the lens with which I view the legal world. In terms of academic institutions, they really give an insight into global/legal realms and highlight how legal systems/traditions of the world overlap. It also enables us to bring a trans systemic/multi-disciplinary tune to our practice which, in my opinion, enables me to better assist the Court than I could have otherwise without my LLM and MSc in criminology. Of course, besides that, you make great friends and these institutions and their affiliations equip me with several academic and other opportunities which I would have otherwise been deprived of.
I always, therefore, encourage my interns/associates to pursue higher studies when possible from an institution that promotes multidisciplinary education at a global level in the area of their interest and not merely a master for the sake of a label at their office.
You have been a recipient of the National Scholarship by the Bar Council of India Trust. Please tell us more about that and how can law students target achieving the same in their careers?
I think it’s a combination of luck with some passion for legal studies. Keep up at both! The latter you control, the former only works with the latter!
You also hold experience in teaching law as a guest faculty at renowned institutions. You have delivered guest lectures to IPS Officers on evidence-based policing. Tell us more about your work in legal academia. What are some of the emerging trends in legal education and what are your views on these changes that you have witnessed in your career?
I’ve had the privilege as highlighted earlier to be a guest faculty/ lecturer in various academic institutions including RGNUL, Delhi Police, RMLNLU, NLUD, Delhi University, Lloyd Law College, etc. I’ve also delivered seminars at Oxford and other international platforms and have publications in various national and international journals. My blogs are accessible at SCC, Bar and Bench and Livelaw alike on several social-legal topics. This academic interest is towards giving what I learn back to society, the legal community and the upcoming members of the bar at law schools across India.
As the question aptly puts it, the trends in legal education are gradually changing. Physical books are being replaced by virtual worlds – and physical lectures by virtual classrooms. Knowledge is ever-flowing. Digital platforms are disseminating knowledge / legal awareness 24 x 7 and the desire to know it all is ever-increasing. But one has to maintain a balance while adopting the emerging trends in the legal educational world.
There is a famous saying by Donald Rumsfeld, “There are known knowns, things we know that we know; and there are known unknowns, things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns, things we do not know we don’t know.”
Therefore, it is important to read and apply our senses in a global context and assess every piece of knowledge as if there has to be a second side to the coin. The times to come are going to revolutionise how we study and interpret law and facts.
You have publications to your credit as well and have published in reputed journals including the University of Oxford, London Redress, and other reputed journals, and also blogs at Live Law and Bar & Bench. What are 5 major skills a budding lawyer must possess to make them better researchers and writers?
In no order:-
Academic interest
Endeavour to write – One has to simply write. Good or bad. It gradually improves.
Readability – Make it comprehensive, coherent and easily decipherable.
Accessibility – Write on accessible platforms which are mostly free to access/read so as to provide access to legal education.
Commitment & Research – Original research, commitment to collection of data and analysis. Originality in ideas is pertinent.
Finally, a word of advice to our readers who are on their journey to establish themselves as litigation lawyers?
Don’t give up! There are ups and downs – but thereafter – only ups and ups with fewer downs. Good luck & Thank you for your time.
What factors made you opt for Law as a profession? How would you describe yourself as a law student?
There were 3 main reasons for me to choose to study law– a) I was good at debating and articulating my thoughts; b) I was in sheer awe of the black robes worn by Advocates and c) I wanted to opt for a profession different than the members of the family (the rebel in me).
You completed your masters in International Business Law from the National University of Singapore (NUS). What challenges have you faced in the admissions process?
I applied to NUS because I was aware of and most impressed by their pedagogue and selection methodology. NUS always looks at a student in a holistic manner without focusing on one aspect alone. I remember writing my Statement of Purpose with a lot of heart and I think that’s what got me through. The admission process was as smooth as butter and it was the best time of my life!
What special efforts does a law student have to make while pursuing law as a profession?
For any student to succeed in the field of choice one has to be diligent, focused and disciplined. These key strengths are what will get you through anything. In the same vein, I would like to add, that as a law student, you should write as much as you can, do as many internships as you can and be a part of the requisite co-curricular.
After interning and working under various law firms, you started practicing independently in Fashion and Entertainment Law, IP Prosecution, transactional and litigation. How would you describe your role as an independent practitioner? How strenuous is it to deal with and lead the matters?
My role as an independent practitioner is manyfold and I get to wear different hats from being an accountant to a paralegal to even a PR manager, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is most stressful but not as much as it is exhilarating and satisfactory.
Fashion and Entertainment Law, these words excite most young creative-minded lawyers. What according to you this area of law seeks from an advocate? Is this area as exciting as it sounds? How can one enter into Fashion and Entertainment Law?
I say often that I work in the most exciting genre/vertical/niche of civil law which is Fashion and Entertainment. I can understand the appeal that it has over students and young lawyers but I must warn them that like any other vertical of law, this also demands an equal amount of research, skill and strategy. Fashion and Entertainment law is an umbrella that houses many genres of law like Torts, Contracts, Intellectual Property, Custom law, Employment law, Criminal law and many others.
First, a student must understand each aspect of Fashion and Entertainment law which only internships can provide. Read as many cases and keep yourself updated on the latest developments. One can join a law firm with such a vertical or be an in-house lawyer for a fashion brand or even enter it through academics.
Would you like to discuss how brand names create a monopoly in the fashion industry?
For a brand name to create a monopoly in the market, they have to protect its name in terms of a trademark, its designs in terms of copyright or design, and its technology in terms of a patent and safeguard all of them through contracts. Apart from this, global goodwill and repute play a big role in creating a niche in the market.
You are also accredited with WIPF Powerful Women in IP 2021. Would you like to discuss your achievement and the hard work involved in that?
Before WIPF I was offered many awards for which I would have had to pay a sum of money in some form or the other. I detest that approach. So when WIPF got in touch with me, their first email stated that this did not involve any pecuniary transaction. This list was a compilation of the best Female IP lawyers in the country. For me to be on the same list as Justice Pratibha Singh and both of my ex-employers, was enough gratification for me.
Since the first lockdown, I shifted my focus online by conducting various webinars and talks. I also formulated my own Fashion Law Module. All I had was consistency and hard work and that was all I needed to get me to where I am today.
What considerations do you take into account while hiring a legal professional/ graduate in your firm? What advice would you give to others who want to set off in a similar direction?
I look at my juniors/interns as my colleagues and equals and expect them to work as hard as I do. A brief understanding of IP is important, the rest one always learns along the way.
Don’t be afraid is what I’ll tell others. Don’t hesitate in asking for work or looking for guidance. Teach yourself something new every day and you shall be more than fine!
Having both a stellar legal career and being a celebrated author, how would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
I am a practising Supreme Court Advocate and have a keen interest in our polity. As an advocate and responsible citizen of society, I always feel that I have a duty towards the society to elaborate the comprehensive survey of our Indian democracy and rule of law.
What was your Law School journey like? Was Law School where you first tried a hand at writing?
I had a wonderful journey in my college as a political science student and thereafter as a student leader in Law College. I had lots of opportunities to raise my voice on different platforms but not as a writer.
Tell us about the book “Ramayana Revisited – An Epic through a legal prism”. What was the idea behind choosing this subject?
The Idea has come up with my uncle who is a co-author of the book. We discussed a unique idea which had never been thought about in the legal world. After discussion with him, I was excited and immediately started preparing the defence and prosecution of the characters of Ramayana and we decided to leave it to the readers to decide the culpability. Supreme Court and High Courts Judges, Parliamentarians, Mythologists, Journalists and Vice-Chancellors have appreciated the book.
You have also written about elections in India in the book titled, “The Power of Ballot”. Was this idea always in your mind or was it something you and your co-author Anil Maheshwari together came up with?
I have seen personally the election process very closely and hence was always keen to write about the theoretical law and practical reality. I have read and keenly monitored lots of elections and their processes in the country. The writing of the book was there in my mind for almost a decade. In fact, I had petitioned before the Supreme Court for admissibility of the Internet voting on mobiles but those were the days when the Court did not deem it fit to admit the writ petition. Another writ petition on similar lines has been admitted and is under process in the apex court. We have given details of the admitted case in the book.
You seem to be deeply interested in History amongst other disciplines. How do you believe writing on this subject is essential in today’s time and age?
The idea to write on a subject which is very close to every citizen of India as I have always seen that Indians love elections which have become a sort of national festival across the castes, communities and regions in the country. Secondly, I have seen that elections in India in always been dominated by patronage, money, fake news and prediction which made me think to write about the book. Despite all these weaknesses, elections in India are the symbol of a thriving democracy even after seven decades since its introduction way back in 1952 after we attained independence. Let us discuss its shortcomings and make efforts to remove them.
You have been a member of the National Executive Committee of FICCI and PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India and have received many accolades from different sections of the society for your literary achievements side, we would like to know what got you interested in Commercial Laws as practice area?
This is not a variation as I have done the constitutional, civil and criminal litigation for almost three decades; lately, I started enjoying the commercial litigation of corporates. As a student of political science and law, this has always been my first choice and as an active lawyer and political analyst I always think that it would be good to pen my thoughts on law, the festival of democracy, duties, the exercise of the ballot by more than 910 million electors, management of the largest electoral process by the ECI and lastly the lifeline of democracy will be a good idea to share with the readers in the form of a book.
You have served as the former Additional Advocate General of Haryana and Senior Central Government Standing Counsel of various state governments in the Supreme Court of India. If you had to choose between litigation and writing, what would you choose and why?
As a lawyer, my first love is my profession and fortunately, it involves a thought process in drafting, therefore both litigation & writing go hand in hand and I would like to continue my passion for writing.
You are a founder of the law firm Maheshwari & Co., Advocates and Legal Consultants, a full-service law firm known in India and internationally dealing with corporate, commercial, transactional, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property. Please share about the challenges of your role and the advice you have for the next generation.
As a founder of a Law firm is a big responsibility on one’s shoulder which involves hard work, integrity, dedication, transparency & accountability and lastly the tender job of nurturing young lawyers and help explore their talents. I feel in any sphere of life one should always aspire and try to do a larger good for society.
You’ve graduated with a Bachelor in Engineering and then went on to pursue Law from the University of Delhi. What motivated you to switch your stream and pursue law?
It was demotivation that actually motivated me to do law. I was tired of the monotonous routine offered by my previous job and to break that I enrolled in an evening college offered by Delhi University at that time and thereby I entered into law and for some time I was pursuing Job as well as law side by side. But then I quit my job and entered into law and restarted my career as an Intern. Believe me, it is the most difficult task to abandon a good career and restart as an intern in a totally unrelated field and that was the actual motivation to take the law very seriously. Motivation is overrated as I was not that motivated but I had no choice other than to pursue law seriously and improve. It is a consistent effort to become better which actually worked.
You have been actively taking up Pro-Bono cases and have done a lot of free service in your career trajectory? How important is it for Law Students and professionals to take up Pro-Bono cases and help the needy?
At the initial stage, maybe for 2-3 years, you should not think about the fee as the experience you will gain will work wonders in years to come. That will compensate for free or pro bono work. I recommend enrolling with legal service authority in the initial years and helping the society and when you become established in your field then also devote some time to Pro Bono activities.
Not all students manage to get into good law colleges let alone NLUs. How did you, as an engineering student, become fortunate?
It is not about college or fortune. It is about how desperate are you? How needy are you? How much hunger do you have? When something is not working, we blame our college, the circumstances and our background. Instead of improving ourselves, putting hours in grooming our skills, we blame them. Your college or background has nothing to do with it. It is your hunger to achieve more.
Can you walk us through your day in life? What is the life of a Founder of a reputed law firm and a renowned lawyer?
I have to reach 10 AM to court if it is an argument, then have to spend a few hours preparing that too in the morning, so you can say, I have to start at 6 AM or 7 AM in the morning.
Between 10 AM to 4 PM I have to be in court and come to the office at 4 PM or 5 PM then have to start preparing for conferences scheduled for that day. Drafting work and preparation work for the upcoming day is delegated to associates who briefs me by EOD.
At 7 PM when I finish with conferences, I get briefs from associates and plan for the next day.
At 8 PM-9 PM, you-tubing and blogging are scheduled.
On weekends, I focus mainly on Judgement reading and conferences.
How has social media impacted your career?
As a first-generation lawyer, I started blogging in 2014, started youtube 2018 and LinkedIn in 2021 so the impact is huge as 90% of clients come through these platforms.
It is now close to a decade that you have been a Practising Advocate at the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and also are the Founder of LexSpeak Legal. What kept you motivated all the way long?
Again, I would say motivation is overrated. Someday you will feel motivated and someday you may not. It is consistent efforts and working on different cases, handling challenges that have worked.
Can you share with us what it is like to build a clientele from scratch? What tips would you like to share with the aspiring lawyers?
I was blogging for almost 7 years so it was my source but there are many sources for beginners like offering free legal advice on various online/offline platforms, joining legal aid, acting as proxy counsel for various seniors which in future may refer your matters. Socializing/Networking. Taking lead in legally solving social issues.
What key tips do you suggest to the lawyers representing in the Courts?
Well, I am still learning things so I am not at that level to give advice or tips. But I would like to emphasize that apart from legal skills lawyers should develop allied skills like marketing, accounting, finance, blogging, business management.
Tell us about yourself – Why did you choose law? If not law, what other career options would you have considered?
A Law of Torts book had accidentally fallen in my hands when I was in class 11th. The fact that this field required application and interpretation of existing legal principles appealed to me. Since then, I wanted to pursue my higher studies and profession as a lawyer. If not law, then I would have been a journalist or an author. I love to write and would have enjoyed merging my passion with my profession.
You were amongst the first batch of students that took the AILET Examinations and you stood at 16th in the All India Ranking. Could you tell us a bit about how you managed to secure such a good ranking and about your experience studying at the prestigious National Law University of Delhi?
I think the key to securing a good rank in any competitive examination lies in solving as many mock tests as possible. No matter how well you are prepared, what matters, in the end, is how well you did in the limited time that was given to you on the particular day of the exam. To bridge the gap between well-prepared and best-prepared, one should try simulated test-taking. It not only increases the confidence but also assesses the level of your preparedness.
National Law University, Delhi laid the foundation for my professional career. The academic pedagogy and the vibrant culture led to holistic development. Located in Delhi, it played a major role in being able to intern even during college days. It is the bedrock of not only my development as a lawyer but also who I am as a person today.
You have been Course Content Curator, Legal Editor, and Research Consultants to many firms and Organisations. You were also the Research Lead at WHO Legal Development Program in India. It would not be wrong to denote you as a Scholar. Can you tell us what about Research kept you going?
I am extremely passionate about both writing and law. There was nothing better than merging both my passions together and hence, I commenced my journey as legal research professional. During the initial years of my legal consultancy career, I exclusively worked on legal content creation and knowledge management assignments. I served as an external Knowledge Management Consultant to AZB and Partners and was also the Research Lead for the WHO Legal Development Programme for Road Safety in India.
The way research is conceptualized commonly tends to be more theoretical than practical. However, it was the latter aspect of the same that caught my fancy. For instance, while everyone knows what a force majeure clause is, it is its application that is rarely been written about. It was the application of legal concepts that I wanted to discuss rather than the theoretical underpinnings. A reflection of this fascination with the practical perspective of legal research can still be seen on the blog of my firm, Remote Lawyer.
You have studied at National Law University, Delhi, and completed your Masters at the National University of Singapore in Corporate and Financial Services Law. What difference did you find in the Pedagogy in Indian Schools and abroad?
One key difference is that schools abroad focus more on understanding than rote learning. For instance, there were many occasions at the National University of Singapore, wherein we had open-book exams, take-home exams, etc. which tested a person’s ability to understand and apply the legal concept rather than reproduce the theory around the same. Another important difference I found was the focus on in-depth legal research. The research papers were thoroughly vetted and the faculty was always looking for an element of originality.
What was that one learning experience in your entire career trajectory that you’d credit to have shaped your career and your role as the Founder of “Remote Lawyer”?
I left a plum middle management job at a multi-national company to start my career as an independent legal consultant in 2018 and the rest is history. My stint as an independent legal consultant taught me more about the legal profession and the field of law than any organized institution would ever have. Experience is the best teacher. When you do not have anyone to correct your mistakes, you start becoming more careful. When you have to solicit clients on your own, you automatically shed the shell of an introvert and learn how to network. It was my 2.5 years as an independent legal consultant that gave me the confidence that I can set up an organization all on my own. It taught me how one can create value in oneself.
Can you walk us through a day in your life? What is the life of a Founder of an Online Legal Consultancy Firm like?
Managing a virtual legal consultancy, such as Remote Lawyer, with a diverse clientele from varied sectors and different time zones, requires meticulous planning ahead of each day. Before I end work for the day, I create a To-Do list for the next day. Every morning, I review this To-Do list along with the corresponding deadlines and plan accordingly. A typical workday consists of reviewing and drafting agreements, drafting notices and opinions, attending negotiations and client calls. I also run a YouTube channel by the name Remote Lawyer and make it a point to create content for the same, at least once every two weeks. It is a part of my commitment to give back what I have learned to the legal fraternity. Along with client assignments, I also make it a point to take out time to curate content for the blog of my website, at least once a week.
It is now close to a decade that you’ve been a part of the legal fraternity. What do you think is the difference between the law profession right now and the profession a decade back? And, what all changes would you like to see in our Indian Law Profession?
A decade back, the very concept of a virtual legal consultancy would have been unheard of. The fact that legal services can be delivered right in your inbox, without the need for you to meet your lawyer, would have been an unthinkable idea back then. The legal profession today demands change and transition from the traditional to the modern. The fact that legal tech is booming and growing and there are so many software technologies that assist us lawyers in our day-to-day life shows that we need to adopt new technological advances. The subject matter we deal with every day is also fluid. Fintech and Information Technology laws, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, etc. are novel concepts and lawyers need to keep pace with the changing legal landscape.
Lastly, is there any suggestion or advice that you’d like to give to our readers?
I have always felt that creating value in oneself is extremely important. From a young age itself, try to become that resource that every company and firm wants to hire. Be meticulous in what you do. Question everything and accept nothing without supporting evidence. And most importantly, focus on application rather than rote learning. Knowing what the law is will help you to a certain extent, but understanding and applying that law in a way that helps your client is what will enable you to leave your mark as a successful lawyer.
Did you always want to become a Lawyer or was it something that you decided in the later part of your school life? What other career options would you have considered, if not law?
Law was never my first choice. In fact, I was oblivious to the law as a profession and wanted to be an engineer like most of my peers. In my 10th standard, I was inevitably put to choose a career path like any other 14-year-old kid. Though I didn’t have any preference in my mind, I was introduced to the law as a profession by my father. After talking to my friends, neighbours, teachers etc. about the same, I was convinced that law would be the perfect field for me as it could help me fulfil my dream of doing a corporate job while learning something new every day. I believe that had I not been a lawyer, I would probably have been a CA or an MBA executive or maybe even an engineer.
You are quite active on LinkedIn. How important do you think LinkedIn is for professionals? Does that also discourage young struggling minds?
I believe that after COVD, Linkedin has become the foremost place for networking amongst the legal fraternity. According to me, if used properly, anybody can immensely benefit from this platform. At the same time, it cannot be denied that students may feel discouraged after seeing the achievements of their peers or lack of response. However, this cannot be treated as a hurdle and rather this is the necessary motivation required to reap the full benefits of this platform. According to me, continued usage of Linkedin along with posting valuable content can easily boost someone’s career. Networking has never been so simple and accessible in the legal profession before Linkedin.
You also took part in various competitions and have published numerous papers and Articles. How important do you think these are in shaping your understanding of law?
Writing is one of the most rudimentary skills of a lawyer. As a law firm associate or as a junior lawyer, much of a young lawyer’s time is spent drafting briefs, research notes and petitions. Therefore, through writing a lawyer can improve his understanding of the law and how to communicate his thoughts properly. Another underrated advantage of writing is a novelty. Lawyers are required to generate out of the box solutions every day to tackle everyday problems. Writing papers compels a lawyer to think and to bring novelty in his arguments. I believe that all my writing achievements and endeavours have played a major part in shaping my career and helped me reach where I am today.
You have been working on Arbitration cases since the beginning of your career and are now working as an Associate at KN Legal. Why did you choose Arbitration and what scope do you think it has in the future?
I have always considered myself to be a libertarian. Therefore, the consensual basis of arbitration resonated with the libertarian in me. Moreover, as I started exploring arbitration, I just couldn’t think of anything else apart from arbitration as my career path. This is because virtually every commercial contract contains an arbitration clause today. Disputes may be big or small, but today every commercial dispute is adjudicated through arbitration. Moreover, I believe that arbitration is the future of commercial arbitration. Anyone desiring to work in a corporate setup or the commercial litigation sector necessarily needs to know about arbitration. Furthermore, in the context of India, we may see more and more instances of mandatory statutory arbitration. Therefore, the scope of arbitration is limitless.
You also happen to be a member of various International Arbitration Centres. Besides ADR, you are a mediator and ODR Consultant at Sama. Do you think it is time for India to adopt ODR on a larger scale?
ODR has been a subject matter of debate in India for quite some time now. However, it was because of COVID that litigants were compelled to explore ODR as an option. Moreover, in my experience, such litigants have now started to recognize the benefits of ODR. Another factor is that India’s digital infrastructure has considerably improved and therefore, repeat players should consider adopting ODR for at least less complex and repetitive disputes.
Can you walk us through a day in your life? What is the life of an Associate of a boutique law firm like?
To say that a law firm associate’s life is busy would be an understatement. Moreover, with the advent of COVID and the work from home option, the lines between professional and personal life have considerably blurred. However, this comes with a silver lining as it allows me to develop my specialisation at a quicker pace. Moreover, I am involved in every step of arbitration and litigation including pre-litigation strategy, client meetings, drafting and appearing during the hearings etc. Furthermore, the small size of the team helps to ensure effective communication.
You completed your Masters’ dissertation on the topic ‘Promoting Efficiency of Arbitration in India by Using Technology’. Can you tell us a bit about it and how you see promoting Arbitration using Technology in India?
In spite of being a practising lawyer who has seen virtual arbitrations every day, I was surprised to see that there was no information regarding the use of technology in Indian arbitration. There is no awareness regarding the use of technology in arbitration in India. Therefore, I took up this topic to discover the viability of the use of technology in the Indian arbitration landscape. After my interactions with various industry experts (whom I cannot thank enough), I believe that there is a huge scope for use of technology in Indian arbitration especially in small value disputes because of its cost-effectiveness. Moreover, this market seems to be niche and only a handful number of players and users exist which is largely due to COVID. However, through proper endeavours, technology can have long term benefits for India seated arbitrations.
Lastly, is there any suggestion or advice that you’d like to give to our readers?
I always say that ‘it is good to dream big but it is not bad to start small’. Students and young professionals like me should see every opportunity as a learning opportunity. With the advent of COVID, knowledge and opportunities have never been easier to grasp. Contrary to popular beliefs, quality internships can be done right from the comfort of home. Furthermore, as already stated above, writing is the most important skill for a young lawyer. Lastly, reading and engaging in meaningful conversations pertaining to any area of law can be a sure shot way to be a successful lawyer.
Please tell us about your journey towards choosing the legal field. What made you pursue a career in law, given that you were a science student?
Law somehow always intrigued me as a child because of its dynamic and ever-changing nature. As a student, I was always fascinated by dozens of books that lawyers possessed and what they did with all of them. My uncle is a corporate lawyer, and I remember visiting his office once. I was somehow amazed at the setup, his command over the language, and his ability to organize and analyze facts.
My interests as a school student were rooted in Geography, Physics, Mathematics and English. An explorer by nature, I wished to study everything in-depth, so I found formal schooling education very dull.
Law allows you to explore every single day.
You have pursued multiple internships during law school in different areas of practice. How have these internships shaped your career and choices? What do you believe is the relevance of internships for a law student?
Yes, I am a lawyer today because of my internship experiences. I am fortunate to have gotten an opportunity to pursue 14 different internships ranging from NGOs, Companies, Law Firms, Litigation Lawyers at The Supreme Court, High Courts and Trial Courts and with a Policy Research Centre.
From this vast palate of internships, I decided that litigation and dispute resolution would be my first choice.
Coming to its relevance, I feel that litigation gives you real-world exposure to the subjects that you read in college. One must structure them in such a way so that maximum benefit can be derived out of them. Try to structure your internships around the laws that you read in the preceding semester. My advice would be to keep on experimenting with your internship preferences till you reach your final year.
With your rich experience at both The Supreme Court and the Rajasthan High Court, what key differences have you noticed in the work culture at the courts in Delhi and Rajasthan?
As different as Chalk and Cheese!
I am glad that I got an opportunity to work in both these jurisdictions. For me, I started working at:
Supreme Court on the Government’s side for two years, and simultaneously worked in Delhi High Court and other Tribunals.
Learning: Drafting of Special Leave Petition, Registry and filing work at SC, Patience and Perseverance in dealing with Government Officials, Court preparedness and ability to think on your feet.
Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur and Jodhpur (along with frequent visits to the SC) and Trial Courts and Tribunals.
Learning: Command over the Hindi language for Trial Courts, Cross-Examination of Witnesses, Preparing evidence, Understanding the Relevance of Facts at Trial Stage. Appreciation of evidence by Appellate Courts. The difference in the practice of Civil Law, Criminal Law, Service Law and Commercial Law.
Advisory for Startups in Healthcare and E-commerce Space.
Learning: Relevance of understanding a business from a commercial perspective and understanding the needs of a company and its future goals. Most importantly, building a contract and a strategy in sync with the business processes.
Being a founding partner in a law firm and becoming an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India.
Learning: Nothing comes easily, and initially, you have to be an all-rounder to establish your enterprise, the importance of team building and leading by example, of fruitful conversations and discussions. Advocate-on-Record is a huge responsibility as it involves diligence and allegiance to your parent court, i.e. The Supreme Court. You are responsible for the cases that are being filed in your name.
In your opinion, is it better for a fresh graduate to begin their litigation career at the Supreme Court, or is it better to practice at the courts in one’s city, considering one would have a well-established network there?
I took a reverse trajectory in the sense that I started from the Supreme Court, then worked at the High Courts and Trial Courts for a while to establish my practice. Today, I am an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India. Litigation is a challenging ball game altogether.
Today I would like to break a well-established myth that one should work for 5-7 years with a Senior. I say, don’t. Work for 2-3 years at max, identify your area of interest and then go independent. You are then required to catch up with your peers by running around and researching about Courts/Tribunals where there is a vacuum of good lawyers. Go and pursue your area of interest, and in 2-3 years, you will be able to create your space.
Do not limit yourself to your city, instead use your existing connections to the maximum. Start with pro bono work, and slowly build your network.
What inspired you to go independent and start your law firm, J&G Advocates, six years into practice? Please share some details about your firm’s areas of expertise?
I have an exciting story to tell for this segment. Like other individuals, I also wanted to set up my firm. Initially, I worked for two years at the Supreme Court of India and realized that until & unless I don’t brush up my basics and trial skills, I won’t become a complete and competent lawyer. At the Supreme Court, I was fortunate enough to argue some good cases given to me by my seniors, and I learnt a lot.
When we started the firm, my colleague Neha had only 30-40 cases. In 1.5 years, the number rose to 120+ (despite the lockdown) because of our consistency and persistence. We did suffer in the past year, but we just didn’t stop working. The sheer independence one gets with his/her firm is unparalleled, even more than Startups (who are majorly investor driven).
Our firm specializes in Commercial Litigation, Dispute Resolution, White Collar Crimes, and Healthcare and Medical Laws.
How has the Diploma in Entrepreneurship Administration and Business Laws from NUJS shaped you as a professional?
Primarily, it sparked my interest in the practice of commercial law and litigation. Secondly, the course structure and lectures are nuanced and help get your basics right.
But, unfortunately, I think that is where they grab the bull by the horn.
How did the pandemic change your approach towards work, and how did it affect your practice or career plans?
To speak the truth, it affected our practice since the pandemic hit when the firm was only six months old. We started our practice on 1st October 2019, and COVID struck us right in March 2020.
As a ray of hope, I cleared my Advocate-on-Record Exam on 23rd March 2020. It opened another avenue for us as our work in the Supreme Court increased.
We also started doing a lot of advisory and non-litigation work to balance our work and compensate for our litigation practice during the lockdown.
You have expressed your compassion for health care laws in interviews as well as on public platforms. How did you develop an interest in such a niche and unexplored area of law, and how do you continue to cultivate your interest in this area?
As a kid, I was always annoyed by Pharmaceuticals’ overpricing of drugs and medical equipment. The sufferer is the common man.
While in my initial years of practice, I got a chance to look after a patient’s medical negligence. We got a compensation of Rs 5 lakhs for him from the Courts, which piqued my interest in this area of law.
Yet another side of Medical Law, which intrigued me, is Digital Health and its regulation, as I feel that it is the need of the future. But, at the same time, we need to have proper systems to regulate these laws.
I recently launched a course on Medical and Healthcare Laws with Enhelion, which law students can pursue to get an idea of the sectoral regulations.
How would you describe your career choices, starting from your internships to establishing your firm? Intuitive or well planned?
I don’t want to sugarcoat things. We all make intuitive decisions, and so did I. It is outstanding to do that, but at the same time learn from them. Even intuitive choices can make you understand the nuances of life. For example, my intuitive decisions helped me plan my future, and at the same time, taught me to never look up to anyone and never look down on anyone!
College life should be a mix of fun and work, so live it fully while you’re at it. By 4th year you should be able to figure out your career path.
What advice would you give to lawyers who want to start their practice as well as law students who are in the process of figuring out their interests?
Kids, if you’re in the fifth year and still haven’t figured out your interest, it’s terrific. In that case, find out what you’re good at and do it. Eventually, you will come to a situation where you would be able to identify your interest and your skill. Then, choose a career option, which has both these elements.
If you want to start your practice, just follow a few things:
Join a decent chamber, and learn the basics of drafting, filing, research and arguments. Do not shy away from dealing with the registry.
Do not compare yourself with your friends who are working in law firms. They must be having a hefty pay package, and you must be getting pittance despite all the sweat and hard work. But ultimately, a litigator would be in a better position five years down the line to establish and run his/her law firm since he would not shy away from doing the tiniest of tasks. To avoid comparison, develop a spiritual sense of being.
No work is negligible. It is about what suits you. If you want to know the society in and out, go to the trial court. Litigation is one of the most fulfilling professions, which gives you money and recognition after a few years. So be patient, and things will come your way.
Where do you see yourself in the coming five years? What changes in current trends do you expect?
In the coming five years, we see ourselves expanding wholly in the field of Healthcare and Medical Laws and establishing our presence in this niche area. We also see our firm robustly practised in the Supreme Court and all the Commercial Courts and Tribunals. We further look forward to building collaborations with various law firms to increase headcount and practice areas.
Is being a second-generation lawyer liberating or restricting?
My father is a criminal lawyer in Jaipur. From the very outset, he was very strict and never spoon-fed me to get matters or empanelled anywhere. It was evident that I wanted to establish my firm at a certain point. My mother was instrumental and encouraged me to do the same.
It is majorly about your mindset, you may limit yourself to your father’s area of practice, or you may venture out to newer areas. It’s more about what you dream of and how far are you willing to go to fulfil that dream.
What professional choices would have differed for you had you been a first-generation lawyer? Would you have preferred a corporate practice over litigation?
Never. I initially chose to practice in Delhi even when I could have joined my father’s chambers in Rajasthan. The reason was simple and straightforward, and I wanted to see the best in business, how they conduct their cases, and what distinguishes them from the rest.
I briefly worked in my father’s chambers from 2015 till 2018 to learn the nuances of Criminal Law and Commercial Writs. He encouraged me to take up my matters and allowed me to argue his cases at times. I still remember him asking me to argue a matter just minutes before the matter was about to close. From this, I developed a habit of going through every file.
Any parting advice for our readers? What are some critical skills that law students should look to develop to succeed in litigation?
Read, write and speak! Start this from Day 1, and you will be noticed. A lawyer without the law is like a labourer without skills.
Develop the skills of persuasion and patience. I would urge all the young litigators to sit in courts and watch proceedings as much as they can. Observe the skills of client counselling and watch your senior while he counsels a client.
Make the journey interesting by talking to fellow lawyers, taking their opinions on your cases or vice versa. A true test of a man is in the face of adversity, and litigation precisely does that. It tests you now and then.
