Super Lawyer

Tag: banking law

  • “Clarity, professionalism and thorough preparation remain the constants across every forum.” – Mansha Khemka, Founding and Managing Partner at Khemka & Associates.

    “Clarity, professionalism and thorough preparation remain the constants across every forum.” – Mansha Khemka, Founding and Managing Partner at Khemka & Associates.

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

    You began your independent practice right after law school, at a time when structured platforms for women litigators, especially in criminal defense, were limited. What inspired you to take that bold step so early in your career?

    While studying law I realised that in Mumbai there were few structured opportunities for young women who wanted to build a career in criminal defence. Starting my own practice straight after graduation was a risk, but I wanted to create the kind of ethical and professional environment I had hoped to find. With strong support from my family, particularly my father, I began with pro bono work and built it one brief at a time. Those early choices continue to define our commitment to transparency and high professional standards.

    Having completed a decade in the profession, what initially motivated you to pursue law, and how did your experiences in law school deepen your understanding of the subject and shape your decision to take up litigation as a career?

    In high school I was active in debate and attended a Youth Conference at the United Nations in New York. Those experiences sparked an interest in advocacy and public affairs. I once considered becoming a commercial pilot but soon realised I wanted a career that allowed me to think critically and work closely with people. By the time I completed my law degree, litigation felt like a natural fit.

    Criminal defense, particularly white-collar crimes and complex litigation, is often regarded as one of the most demanding areas of practice. What drew you to this specialization, and how has your experience in this space evolved over time?

    Litigation is demanding but deeply rewarding. In criminal defence, defending rights and ensuring due process is both challenging and meaningful. Some of the most intellectually engaging matters have involved clients who cannot pay, where the work is driven entirely by principle. The hours are long and the stakes are high, yet the practice remains fulfilling. Persistence is key to sustaining a career in this field.

    You have handled high-profile and complex matters involving banking fraud, narcotics, and serious criminal charges. Could you share an experience that was especially challenging, and how you prepared yourself to handle it effectively?

    Early in my career I learned that knowledge of the law is only one part of effective practice. Litigation is about people, strategy and navigating systemic realities. The unpredictable nature of the justice system taught me to create internal processes that bring order to a naturally chaotic environment. We built systems to manage complex briefs while staying client focused and transparent. These lessons continue to guide how our team approaches every case and every client. Because we are active litigators, we bring a trial-tested perspective to all our non-litigation work. Our courtroom experience sharpens the way we draft contracts and structure transactions, and our work in criminal defence makes us particularly attentive to compliance and risk. This combination of skills allows us to offer advice that is both practical and strategically sound.

    As the founder and managing partner of Khemka & Associates, your practice has grown far beyond criminal defense into areas like consumer law, insolvency, family law, and cross-border matters. How do you manage these wide-ranging responsibilities while balancing your personal life?

    Balancing a litigation practice with personal life is never simple. I have been fortunate to have the support of family and friends from the very beginning. A turning point came when my younger sister, who trained with us while still in law school, formally joined the practice. Her distinct skill set enabled us to expand confidently into areas such as arbitration, consumer law, insolvency and family matters. With a strong team culture and shared values we have been able to grow while staying true to our commitment to professionalism and client service.

    You have also dealt with cases involving immigration law and cross-border issues. How have these experiences influenced your practice, and what unique challenges have you faced in handling such matters?

    Cross-border matters require working across jurisdictions and cultures. My early international exposure helped me collaborate effectively with foreign lawyers, but the real challenge lies in understanding different legal systems, managing clients across time zones and coordinating procedures. These experiences have strengthened our ability to handle complex briefs and positioned us as a practice that combines local expertise with a global perspective.

    Mentorship has been an important part of your journey, particularly in creating opportunities for young women lawyers. What values guide your approach to mentorship, and how do you envision the next generation of litigators evolving in India?

    More young women are entering the legal profession, but those who stay the course in litigation, particularly in Mumbai, are still relatively few. Many leave for personal reasons or because of a lack of sustained professional support. At our firm we make mentorship a priority, passing on the values that define our practice: open communication, an insistence that no task is too small or too big, and a belief that consistent effort and hard work are irreplaceable. As technology transforms courts and practice management, it will be inspiring to see how the next generation of litigators shapes this changing landscape.

    Having appeared before diverse forums ranging from trial courts to the Supreme Court and specialized tribunals, what key differences have you observed in the way proceedings are conducted in every forum, and how do you adapt your strategies to navigate these differences effectively?

    Each forum has its own rhythm and expectations. Trial courts require agility and a deep command of procedure. Higher courts demand precision and a focus on legal principles. Specialised tribunals often call for technical expertise. Every judge manages their docket differently. Success, apart from the merits of the case, depends on quickly understanding these nuances and adapting advocacy accordingly. Clarity, professionalism and thorough preparation remain the constants across every forum.

    Finally, after building an independent practice and establishing a recognized firm, what advice would you give to law students and young advocates who aspire to follow a similar path? What has been your source of motivation over the years, and how do you continue to stay inspired for the future of your practice?

    Litigation has some significant barriers to entry and starting independently is not easy. Whether you begin on your own or under the guidance of a senior, the training demands focus, resilience and discipline. We are all human and we will make mistakes; the more you practise, the more you learn and the better you become. Patience is key. Over the years I have found motivation in building a practice that combines the rigour of an international firm with a commitment to accessibility. We take on matters across a wide spectrum, sometimes at reduced fees or even pro bono when circumstances require, while maintaining the highest ethical standards. This blend of professionalism and service continues to guide the future of our practice.

    Get in touch with Mansha Khemka –

  • “The process of learning in an advocate’s life is imperative and keeps you in line with the advancement of life, law, and technology,” – Dr. Mohit Singhvi, Founder and Head at Singhvi & Co.

    “The process of learning in an advocate’s life is imperative and keeps you in line with the advancement of life, law, and technology,” – Dr. Mohit Singhvi, Founder and Head at Singhvi & Co.

    This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team

    Can you share with us how your journey into the field of law began? What motivated you to pursue a career in law, and what challenges did you encounter during your formative years in the legal profession?

    Frankly speaking, I was really bad at science and mathematics so that door was closed but had always liked to engage into arguments only to ensure that I have to fight for the right coupled with the attraction of the robes that lawyers carried in the courts which motivated me to the core. Now, I thank myself for choosing law as my career as well as my family and friends who supported my decision. 

    I never faced any challenge by the way, as I loved what I was doing, that included drafting, reading, researching as well appearing before the courts and tribunals. The only difficulty was to cope up with the financial doldrums. So, with whatever time I could manage and owing to my passion for teaching which I had developed during my law school, I engaged myself in taking up classes at universities, coaching institutes including taking up training sessions at ICSI and ICAI and was the youngest guest faculty at most of the places. That not only encouraged me to read and be well versed with the latest updates, it also helped me to have a harmonious balance between my expenses and income. Though the journey at Infosys, Vaish and thereafter with my litigation guru, Late Shri MR Singhvi, Senior Advocate and most importantly, my favourite mentor, Sr. Advocate Shri Ravi Bhansali was phenomenal and all the hard work and perseverance has led to the present day, for which I can’t thank enough to all those who had supported me in minutes.  

    As the Founder and Head of Singhvi & Co., what inspired you to establish your own legal consultancy firm, and what were some of the challenges you faced in the initial stages?

    I always believe that as a team of young individuals, you can always do more, think more and prosper more. The idea to have a team was dawning on my mind since law school days when we used to intern at various law offices and see the seamless way of functioning and sharing of thoughts and ideas. As a first generation lawyer, when you think of having your team, it brings along that guts to incur expenses of having proper office space, payment of professional fee to the team as well as office administration expenses. So, during the initial days, I ended up squeezing all my income in order to cope up with the management of the office. Though, the scope of work increased along with the client base and we could eventually end up serving varied clients at different locations with ease and came out with amazing reliefs and results from Hon’ble Courts and tribunals apart from serving the clients on non-litigation work. 

    Empanelled as counsel for various esteemed institutions, could you shed light on the significance of such partnerships in your legal practice? Also could you please share some insights to your role.

    In the beginning of my career, I always saw others engaging and thriving into empanelment of various private and government institutions but I was always busy serving my clients and could not spare time to invest in the effort to get myself empanelled anywhere. I always focused on work and ensuring timely resolution of my client’s grievances. With 7-8 years of experience in my kitty and having developed little name and reputation, there came a time when various institutions and companies approached for engaging me as a retainer/empanel as their lawyer and time just went in a jiffy without realizing the journey which has been extremely rewarding, challenging and full of learning nuance. The focus is yet again on serving clients with honesty and integrity and that is the success mantra. 

    Given your interest in contract and arbitration, could you discuss the evolving landscape of dispute resolution mechanisms in India, particularly in light of recent legal developments?

    Even as a law student, I was very keen in learning about the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 and used to request the seniors during my internships to involve and engage me in the respective arbitration and dispute resolution team which nurtured my mind at the very inception. The timely resolution of the disputes with such flexibility in approach revolutionized my mind and shaped me to work more and more towards this stream and today I have the honor to have resolved disputes related to partnerships, infrastructure, construction and JV and working capital consortium agreements amassing more than 3000 Crores. India has passed the proverbial litmus test after conjoint efforts from across the wings of the government in the last decade or so and has left no stone unturned to transform India into a matured arbitration hub and the future seems to be extremely promising and fructifying. 

    As a visiting faculty member at various institutions, how do you integrate academic insights into your legal practice, and what do you hope to impart to aspiring legal professionals through your teaching engagements?

    I always believe that the best way to keep yourself updated is to read and exchange. When you have to teach, you end up doing both though you do not realize that you gain so much from the students and professionals you engage with which will shape you into a better, healthier and smarter lawyer. I have been very practical in my approach towards my life as well as profession and that’s what I request each and every individual.

    As someone deeply involved in real estate transactions, what are some key legal considerations that individuals or companies often overlook when engaging in such deals, and how do you ensure comprehensive due diligence?

    Land due diligence is the most critical aspect which was not really considered by the general public, barring corporate dealing into big land parcels. Over the past 10-15 years, I have witnessed imperative growth and recognition which has been extended to DD which assists to thoroughly investigate and assess the details & risks associated with a transaction before taking a final decision on the execution and acts as a shield to protect against possible fraud which is very common these days.

    As someone pursuing CS [Final], how do you perceive the intersection of company secretarial practice with your legal expertise, and how does it complement your role as a legal consultant? Also what motivated you to pursue a Ph.D. in Law, and how has this advanced degree contributed to your expertise and outlook in the legal field?

    I understood the importance of studies and knowledge gaining while being a part of Infosys which believed in the Continuous Education Programme (CEP) and that motivated me to improvise my skills and knowledge and learn every day. The process of learning in an advocate’s life is imperative and keeps you in line with the advancement of life, law and technology. Doctorate in law allowed me to understand the importance of research which I was always very keen on and is one of the important pillars for any one practicing law. 

    As a visiting faculty member interacting with students, what positive attributes do you find most prevalent among the current generation, and conversely, are there any areas you believe they could improve upon to excel in the legal profession?

    The present generation is advanced, well-read and extremely stylish. Though,  I see that they need to learn to remain grounded and stick to the basics of law and life which will prepare them to accommodate and live with the day to day challenges and set-backs litigation can offer you. Being punctual can add feathers to your profession as you may miss your matter by a fraction of second and the litigant suffers. This is just not a profession, this is service to the society and that’s why we lawyers are known as social engineers. Though, I believe that the upcoming generation should focus on dress well, address well and redress well. 

    With your busy schedule and demanding profession, it’s essential to find moments of relaxation. Could you share some activities or practices you engage in to unwind and recharge outside of work?

    I am fortunate to have my life partner, Deepika as a professional partner as well and that keeps us occupied and entertained. We travel a lot for work and use it for leisure as well and that maintains work-life balance. Thankfully, in Rajasthan we have a long summer break and decent winter break, which we dedicate to travel abroad with family and this has now become a norm of our lifestyle. We also enjoy cricket and our leisure time is mostly spent with family and friends while enjoying music and rejuvenating ourselves. 

    Your internship experience includes working with Infosys, a renowned IT company. How has this experience influenced your perspective on legal matters, and what differences, if any, did you observe between working in a law firm and an IT corporation?

    The work there was limited to compliance and drafting with minimal court work. Though, working with the top in-house legal team with fantabulous work style and strategies shaped my capacity to perceive, interpret and implement complex legal issues which has culminated into a matured and calculated approach in the legal profession. 

    Get in touch with Dr. Mohit Singhvi-

    • “Each case mainly has one or two arguments on which the entire case hinges, rest are all mainly fillers. So to ensure accuracy and effectiveness in the arguments, I mainly focus on these and try developing it more and in a better way.”- Ramnath Prabhu, Associate Partner at TLC Legal

      “Each case mainly has one or two arguments on which the entire case hinges, rest are all mainly fillers. So to ensure accuracy and effectiveness in the arguments, I mainly focus on these and try developing it more and in a better way.”- Ramnath Prabhu, Associate Partner at TLC Legal

      This Interview has been published by Pragya Chandni and The SuperLawyer Team

      Can you share with us what initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in law, particularly specializing in indirect tax litigation and international trade policies?

      My father and his brother both practice as Sales Tax Consultants in the city of Mangalore. Back in the early 2000’s, their work involved a lot of attendant work such as visiting the Sales Tax Department for filing monthly returns and yearly assessments etc. Nothing was online then, so when I was at school, I used to visit them during these rituals to assist. However, it was more for the customary lunch at a hotel that followed. 

      When I was studying at college for my degree in commerce, I got more involved in the work. This allowed me to get to know about the legal proceedings that follow, such as issuance of proposition notices, appeals and tribunal proceedings etc. For this we would rely on advocates at Bangalore, which sparked my interest in indirect tax litigation and so I ended up studying law.

      With your extensive experience in handling cases across various sectors like oil and gas, telecommunication, banking, and more, what motivated you to focus on these specific areas within the legal field?

      Taxation is a very niche area of practice. So once you decide to pursue a career in it, you have to deal with a variety of cases relating to different sectors. It also depends on the place where one practices. For example, at Bangalore you may find more service tax litigations because of the place primarily being an IT hub. Whereas, when it comes to excise and customs, it is Mumbai and Gujarat because of the large manufacturing industries, customs ports and corporate offices of leading companies being located here. So bigger cities have their own advantages. 

      Could you walk us through your journey from your early days as a law student to your current role as an Associate Partner at TLC Legal, one of India’s leading law firms in indirect taxes and international trade policies?

      I did my law at SDM Law College, Mangalore. After I completed my law, I joined the law chambers of Mr.K.S.Ravi Shankar, Senior Advocate at Bangalore who practices at the High Court of Karnataka, in the areas of Indirect Taxation.

      Then when I moved to Mumbai, I got the opportunity of working as an associate at TLC Legal, which specialises in indirect tax litigation and advisory. Working at TLC Legal has been very fulfilling as I had the opportunity of working on some of the interesting as well as complex cases. I got the opportunity to work with some of the best legal minds of the country. 

      You’ve had the opportunity to work with esteemed legal practitioners such as Mr. K.S. Ravi Shankar. How did these experiences shape your approach to legal practice and influence your career trajectory?

      I had the fortune of working at the law chambers of Mr.K.S.Ravi Shankar, who is not only a distinguished lawyer but also a revered scholar on vedas and other scriptures. He is an exceedingly well read man, bestowed with great skills of advocacy. His chamber had good work in indirect taxation that immensely helped me build my interest in the subject. Working with him taught me how to be disciplined at work (he would begin his day in the office at 7 in the morning!), which to a large extent I try to practice. His one piece of advice to me, which I still vividly remember, is to cultivate the habit of reading, and that I should spend 10% of what I earn on buying books.   

      As someone who regularly appears before the Supreme Court, High Courts, and Tax Tribunals, what are some of the unique challenges you face in representing clients in complex indirect tax cases?

      Taxation as such is not a very interesting subject, and I have been told this by many. It can be humdrum particularly with cases that involve too many numbers. A lawyer needs to sit with the client or his accountant and understand it clearly. This is where knowing a bit of basic accounting and reading financial statements would come in handy. 

      But the real challenge is presenting the case before a Judge. Some of them are extremely patient, some are quick tempered, some are very vocal – they keep asking questions, and they will not move an inch further till they are satisfied. Therefore, I follow the rule of reading the brief thoroughly from the first page to the last, as you never know how things go on in the Court. 

      One thing I learnt from my senior Mr.Vipin Jain is to think about how to make the case interesting for a judge. One way of doing this can be by giving real life examples – even abstruse questions can be explained interestingly with simple examples and anecdotes.

      Can you share some insights into your approach to drafting appeals, petitions, and providing legal opinions under GST/indirect tax laws? How do you ensure accuracy and effectiveness in your legal arguments?

      Drafting is an art and one needs to put in conscious efforts to improve this. My approach has always been not to be too verbose in appeals and petitions, but brief and concise. I don’t find any point in making long written arguments or citing several case laws. 

      One part which I take utmost care while drafting an appeal or petition is the drafting of synopsis and the dates and events. Synopsis is the soul of any petition or appeal, and sometimes the judges skim through it to understand the case before coming to the Court. Preparing a two or three page succinct synopsis helps organise and put the thoughts onto paper for whatever may be the complexity of the matter. This would also help recollect the matter for when it is revisited after several years down the line.

      Each case mainly has one or two arguments on which the entire case hinges, rest are all mainly fillers. So to ensure accuracy and effectiveness in the arguments, I mainly focus on these and try developing it more and in a better way. 

      With your background in international business, trade, and tax law, how do you stay updated with the evolving landscape of indirect taxes and international trade policies, and how does this knowledge benefit your clients?

      Yes, it is important to stay abreast in the legal profession. For this I read mails sent by a few subscriptions which track these developments. 

      Finally, what advice would you offer to law graduates who aspire to specialize in indirect tax litigation and international trade policies, based on your own experiences and insights gained throughout your career journey?

      I always believe in “each to their own”, meaning what worked for me, may not work for others. But since you have asked this, here are a few points that I can think about:

      • Focus on communicating effectively. Lawyers always communicate, either written or oral. You may know your facts and the law well, but you can’t make an impact unless you are able to communicate effectively. Reading helps with this. 
      • Make use of online resources. Today many courts are live streaming on YouTube. There are other YouTube channels as well, like the Justice Nariman Official Channel, which is immensely resourceful. Listening to these would help understand how great legal minds work.

      Get in touch with Ramnath Prabhu-

    • “While specialization is necessary, I strongly believe this approach is prejudicial to the interest of fresh graduates or ones with a couple of years of experience”- Anuj Bhandari, Advocate-on-Record, Supreme Court of India

      “While specialization is necessary, I strongly believe this approach is prejudicial to the interest of fresh graduates or ones with a couple of years of experience”- Anuj Bhandari, Advocate-on-Record, Supreme Court of India

      This Interview has been published by Pragya Chandni and The SuperLawyer Team

      Could you please share with our listeners how your journey in law began? What inspired you to pursue B.Sc. LL.B. (Corporate Law Hons.) from the National Law University, Jodhpur?

      It’s a fairly interesting story. To be true, being from a family of lawyers and judges, my father never wanted me to be a lawyer. For the final two years of my schooling I was preparing for engineering and did not even fill the forms for law entrance examinations. After clearing the entrance test for Engineering, while depositing the fee in an engineering college in Bangalore, I felt that I don’t want to be an Engineer and rather, want to become a lawyer. Hence, I requested my father to not deposit the fee and expressed my willingness to prepare for the law entrance examination. Being from Rajasthan, NLU Jodhpur was my first preference and luckily, I cleared the entrance next year. 

      Your experience spans both litigation and corporate law. What led you to choose a career path that includes extensive practice in the Supreme Court and various other courts and tribunals?

      After my graduation from NLUJ, I was fortunate to get placed with Amarchand Mangaldas, Mumbai. I was part of the Funds Team and was involved in structuring venture capital funds. One year in Amarchand gave me hands-on experience and confidence to take up corporate work which would benefit me later in my career. However, I couldn’t see myself doing only corporate work for the rest of my life and shifting to litigation was better sooner than later. I therefore shifted to Delhi and started with a litigation journey. 

      Beauty about having an independent practice is that one is not confined to a particular forum or field of law and can push boundaries. Delhi being hub of litigation work, there are ample of opportunities in various courts and tribunals. One has to rather restrict himself from taking up work in multiple forums. I try to confine myself to the Supreme Court, but work naturally spills over to the High Court and various Appellate Tribunals. 

      You’ve worked in diverse areas such as banking, arbitration, constitution, consumer, debt recovery, and more. Could you elaborate on how you found your niche within the legal profession and the areas that resonate with you the most?

      Trend lately has been on super specialization in law. The law firms have dedicated teams to handle one subject or even one area of the subject. This trend is seen more in Tier-1 and Tier 2 law firms.  While specialization is necessary, I strongly believe this approach is prejudicial to the interest of fresh graduates or ones with a couple of years of experience.  In my view, any young lawyer should not specialise at an early stage of his career, rather a lawyer should have an experience to deal with as many subjects, fields and branches of law as possible. It not only gives an overall better understanding of law but also gives the ability to apply principles, precedents, and concepts from one field to another. Interplay of various subjects of law is an important tool which needs to be understood and applied both in courts and while undertaking advisory work. 

      I encourage my juniors to take up matters across various forums and subjects and not confine themselves to any particular field. While allocating work as well, I  ensure that my team gets to work on different subjects. I believe it not only helps them to have confidence in undertaking new assignments but will also aid them later on in their career.

      From being an associate at Amarchand Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co. to becoming a partner at Pricus Legal LLP, can you discuss the pivotal moments and experiences that shaped your career trajectory?

      Getting through Amarchand in college placement was one of the most memorable moments of my life. It was nothing short of a dream coming true, and of course it was financially highly rewarding. I was awed by the corporate culture, high profile clients and of course the stakes involved. However, having worked there for a year, I couldn’t find my calling in corporate work. As a result, I took the difficult decision of resigning from the firm and shifting to Delhi.

      I was fortunate to get a chance to work in the chamber of Mr Parag Tripathi, Senior Advocate, who was also Additional Solicitor General of India at the time. He is one of the finest orators and sharpest minds in the legal fraternity. I am proud to be part of his chamber and couldn’t have prayed for a better ‘Guru’. Working in his chamber gave me a chance of working on thousands of cases. Every day over 20 matters were listed which were split amongst 4–5 juniors. On an average each junior had to brief sir in 4 to 5 cases everyday. Every briefing used to be like a short moot court for us where we had to be ultra precise and to the point in our briefing yet making sure we don’t miss out anything relevant and at the same time answer a volley of questions. Doing this for nearly 4 years prepared us well for anything the future had to offer. 

      I took yet another difficult decision to leave the chambers of Mr. Parag Tripathi and started my practice in the later part of 2012. Subsequently,  I also cleared the Advocate-On-Record exam in 2015. 

      Having handled litigation both for individuals as well as companies, over the years, I started getting corporate advisory work as well. As we were getting corporate advisory and transactional work alongside litigation, we decided to formally incorporate Pricus Legal LLP to better manage and handle corporate work.

      Being from a litigation background, I find that the way a litigating lawyer perceives things even in any corporate transaction or documentation is very different from a corporate lawyer. Experience in litigation comes in handy to foresee possible disputes and loopholes. Therefore, as a matter of practice in our firm all corporate advisory/transaction has to go through the litigation team as well.

      As a registered Advocate-on-Record in the Supreme Court of India, you have been involved in several landmark judgments. Could you share one or two cases that you found particularly challenging or significant in your career?

      An interesting case which comes to mind is that of Bhagwan Singh v. Dilip Kumar where son of sitting MLA was involved in gang rape of a minor and was granted bail by the High Court on the ground that FIR was lodged nearly over a year after the incidence and there was no direct evidence to connect the accused with commission of alleged crime. I was representing the minor victim who approached the Supreme Court against grant of bail by the High Court. We were able to persuade Hon’ble Supreme Court to set aside the bail on the ground that High Court can’t look into the evidence at the stage of bail and should confine itself to criteria like seriousness of offence, statement of prosecutrix, likelihood of influencing the trial et cetera while deciding the bail. Judgement makes an interesting read.

      Another decision which I recollect is that of Ravi Khandelwal versus Taluka Store in which we challenged an order passed by the Larger Bench of the High Court in a reference involving question of interpreting Section 14(3) of Rajasthan Rent Control Act which provided a protection to the tenant against any suit for eviction for the first five years of tenancy. The Supreme Court overturned the conclusion of Larger Bench of High Court holding that even if a suit is filed within five years of commencement of tenancy, but during the pendency of suit five years lapse, the defect in the suit stands cured and the protection granted is achieved. However, what was more interesting was that the Hon’ble Supreme Court directed eviction of premises directly even when the appeal of the tenant was pending before the Single Judge of the High Court. Direction of eviction directly by the Supreme Court even while appeal on merits was pending before the High Court to my mind is unprecedented.

      You’ve been a panel lawyer for various esteemed organizations. How did these associations come about, and how does being a panel lawyer for such entities impact your legal practice?

      Getting any panel is fairly difficult, particularly in initial years of practice. Working in the office of ASG, all of us were empanelled with the Union of India which opened the doors for panels of other PSUs. One panel thereafter led to another over the years. Even though these panels are not usually financially very rewarding, they give an opportunity to appear and argue before the court and provide a constant source of work. In initial stages when individual clients are scarce, panel work comes in handy and ensures regular appearances before the court. 

      With your extensive experience in various legal domains, including banking, insurance, constitutional law, and more, how do you balance staying versatile with the need for deep specialization?

      There is a saying that clients choose lawyers specialization. As I mentioned earlier, I strongly believe that lawyers, particularly in litigation, should not get specialised early in their career. It is only after a few decades of practice and incidentally handling a particular kind of cases more than others, that lawyers would get specialised on their own in a particular field. Personally, I would any day choose to do a variety and different kind of work every day rather than get super specialised in any particular field. One of the reasons why I shifted from corporate to litigation was to do a variety of work, but I think that’s a very personal choice.

      Lastly, considering your journey and achievements, what advice would you like to give to fresh law graduates who are about to embark on their legal careers? What are the key lessons you’ve learned that you would like to share with them?

      I would strongly advise young lawyers to explore different fields of law for the first few years of their career before choosing and settling into one which matches their aptitude and liking. Fresh graduates should not be reluctant to change their field, particularly in the first few years of their career and do something which they can call their calling. As one progresses into his career it becomes exponentially difficult to venture into these experiments.

      I also highly recommend that every fresh graduate should start his career with litigation and rough it out in courts at least for sometime. It is only then one understands actual application of law and gives a perspective completely different from mere theoretical understanding. Even if eventually, they decide to move into a corporate setup, the experience in litigation will give them immense confidence. Getting into a super specialized team right out of college is not something I would recommend. Legal Profession is not a 5 year long but a 50 years long career and the initial few years should be an investment on oneself.

      Get in touch with Anuj Bhandari-

    • “In law, Precision is power. Precision in understanding the law, articulating arguments, and drafting documents defines the quality of a lawyer. Immersing oneself in the field and staying ahead is key for aspiring legal professionals.” – Prachi Dave, Managing Partner of Dhaval Vussonji & Associates

      “In law, Precision is power. Precision in understanding the law, articulating arguments, and drafting documents defines the quality of a lawyer. Immersing oneself in the field and staying ahead is key for aspiring legal professionals.” – Prachi Dave, Managing Partner of Dhaval Vussonji & Associates

      This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team

      Can you take us on a journey from your college days to your current position as the Managing Partner at Dhaval Vussonji & Associates? What were the pivotal moments or experiences that shaped your professional trajectory?

      Embarking on my legal career, I pivoted from a potential future in medicine to law at Government Law College, devoid of campus life but rich in opportunities. My journey began with an internship at Kanga & Co., where I was drawn to the practical aspects of law, a contrast to academic theories. This internship transitioned into a clerkship, offering me invaluable mentorship from firm partners. My stint at the National Stock Exchange revealed that my true calling wasn’t in-house but in the legal field.

      Joining Dhaval Vussonji & Associates during its burgeoning phase was a pivotal moment in my career. It was a leap into the unknown, a challenge I embraced wholeheartedly. This decision not only allowed me to grow professionally but also to contribute significantly to the firm’s expansion and success.

      Your career spans various sectors, from banking and finance to real estate and capital markets. What initially drew you to such a diverse legal landscape, and how do you find balance in managing these different areas of expertise?

      My foray into the diverse legal landscape of banking, finance, real estate, and capital markets was not a deliberate choice as it was a natural progression shaped by curiosity, client trust, and the interconnectedness of these sectors.

      Initially, my involvement in one practice area organically led to opportunities in adjoining fields. Clients, satisfied with our work in a specific domain, entrusted us with their legal needs in related areas. This expansion was less about a strategic plan and more about the evolution of client relationships and the recognition of our firm’s expertise.

      My fascination with challenges and a constant thirst for knowledge have been the driving forces in my journey through these sectors. Understanding securities markets from a regulator’s perspective, and then applying that insight as an advisor, provided a unique vantage point. The legal nuances of finance and securities, once alien, gradually became my comfort zone, thanks to the dynamic environment and expertise of my colleagues.

      When I transitioned into real estate law, I didn’t just see it as a new field to conquer.  Instead, I viewed it through the lens of my previous experience, blending the knowledge of real estate dynamics with the intricacies of funding and financial regulations. This approach allowed me to appreciate the laws not just as rules to be followed but as frameworks designed to protect certain values and objectives.

      This holistic understanding has been crucial in managing these different areas of expertise.  By recognizing the interplay between various sectors, I’ve been able to adopt a unique approach to legislation and practice. It is about seeing the big picture – how a decision in capital markets affects real estate development, or how financial regulations influence banking operations.

      Congratulations on Dhaval Vussonji & Associates being recognized as a “Recommended Firm – 2023” by ILFR (International Financial Law Review). What does this prestigious recognition mean for the firm, and how does it reflect the team’s dedication and expertise in the financial and corporate legal landscape?

      Thank you. IFLR has been renowned for its discerning analysis and recognition of legal expertise in the financial realm and sets a high benchmark for law firms around the globe.  Being acknowledged by such a prestigious platform is not just an honour; it’s a confirmation of our firm’s standing in the legal community. This accolade is especially meaningful to me, as a professional deeply embedded in the financial law sector. It further intensifies the significance of our work and the impact we have made in this field.

      For Dhaval Vussonji & Associates, this recognition is a reflection of the caliber of matters we handle and the substantial volumes of each case we undertake. It validates the depth of our expertise, our strategic approach to complex legal challenges, and our unwavering commitment to our clients. It is an acknowledgement of the collective effort and dedication of our entire team, whose expertise and hard work have been instrumental in achieving this level of recognition.

      In addition to your legal pursuits, you’ve been involved in advising Shapoorji Pallonji on power projects in Africa. What unique challenges and opportunities did this present, and how did you navigate them?

      Advising Shapoorji Pallonji on power projects in Africa presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities, reflective of the continent’s dynamic and evolving energy sector.

      One of the primary challenges in African power projects is dealing with regulatory complexities. Each country has its distinct set of laws and regulations governing the energy sector, which often includes navigating bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring compliance with local and international standards. To address this, our approach involved thorough research and collaboration with local experts to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape.

      Another significant challenge is the infrastructure deficit. Many African countries are in the process of developing their power infrastructure, which can lead to logistical challenges in project execution. Our strategy here was to work closely with local stakeholders,

      including government bodies, to understand and anticipate infrastructural limitations, and devise practical solutions.

      Financing is another critical aspect. The African power sector, particularly in renewable energy, requires substantial investment. We focused on creating sustainable financial models, identifying potential investors, and facilitating partnerships that align with the project’s financial needs and objectives.

      Additionally, the socio-economic context in Africa cannot be overlooked. It’s crucial to ensure that power projects contribute positively to local communities. Our involvement extended to ensuring that projects were not only commercially viable but also socially responsible, aligning with local needs and contributing to community development. 

      The opportunity to work on these projects was not only professionally enriching but also personally rewarding.

      Your expertise extends to insolvency resolution, including notable cases like Binani Cements. Can you share a challenging experience from this area of practice and how it shaped your professional growth?

      The Binani Cement insolvency case was indeed a landmark in my career. It was riddled with complexities, not just in the sheer volume of the debt involved but also in the multifaceted legal challenges that came with it. Juggling the interests of various stakeholders and adhering to the stringent timelines of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) was a test of endurance and skill. This case honed my abilities to navigate through a high-pressure environment and underscored the importance of innovative legal solutions.  It was a vivid reminder that the law is not just about theories from textbooks; it is a living, breathing entity that often requires a blend of strategic acumen and legal expertise.

      Congratulations on being named one of ALB Asia’s “40 Under 40” in 2022! How does this recognition impact your approach to leadership and the legal projects you undertake?

      Being named in ALB Asia’s “40 Under 40” is an honour that extends beyond personal recognition; it signifies a broader commitment to leadership and excellence in the legal field. This recognition has profoundly impacted my approach to leadership and the management of legal projects within our firm.

      One of my core beliefs is that a true leader’s role is to cultivate new leaders. This accolade has reinforced that belief and encouraged me to continue focusing on mentoring and nurturing the talent within our firm. I firmly believe that by staying focused and striving for excellence, rewards and recognition will naturally follow. It is about setting a standard, leading by example, and inspiring others to reach their full potential.

      The recognition as one of Asia’s “40 Under 40” has instilled in me a greater sense of responsibility. It is a reminder that our actions and decisions can influence the trajectory of our firm and the careers of those we mentor. This has led to a more conscious approach towards leadership – one that values the development of individual capabilities and fosters a culture where everyone is encouraged to contribute their best.

      Your specializations include Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Mergers and Acquisitions, and more. Is there a specific area that you find most intriguing or challenging?

      In the panorama of my legal practice, the dynamism of Capital Markets stands out. It is an arena that is both stimulating and demanding, given its constant state of flux and the intricate regulations that govern it. The thrill lies in the challenge – to demystify complex financial instruments, untangle the web of regulatory compliance, and craft strategies that not only safeguard but also advance our client’s interests.

      You’ve witnessed significant changes in the legal landscape over the years. How do you see the evolution of the legal industry, especially in areas like real estate, banking, and capital markets?

      The legal sector, particularly in banking, real estate, and capital markets, has seen significant shifts driven by recent regulatory changes. The real estate sector has been transformed by the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), which brought in a new era of transparency and accountability. In banking, recent amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) stringent norms on non-performing assets (NPAs) have reshaped the legal framework, focusing on stronger compliance and risk management. In capital markets, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has been instrumental in implementing regulations to bolster investor protection and market integrity, including enhanced disclosure requirements and corporate governance standards. These developments have required legal professionals to adapt rapidly, specializing in the nuances of each sector to provide effective legal solutions.

      As someone deeply involved in insolvency matters, what changes or improvements would you like to see in the current legal framework to make insolvency resolution processes more effective and efficient?

      In India’s insolvency sphere, key enhancements are needed to boost the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code’s (IBC) efficacy. This includes enforcing stricter adherence to resolution timelines to avoid delays, clarifying the hierarchy of creditors’ claims to reduce litigation, and augmenting the infrastructure and manpower of the NCLT and NCLAT to handle cases more efficiently. Additionally, incorporating cross-border insolvency norms and

      streamlining the resolution plan approval process would further enhance the system’s effectiveness. Addressing these aspects would lead to more efficient insolvency resolutions, benefiting creditors and the economy at large.

      When you’re not in the midst of legal matters, how do you unwind and recharge? Any hobbies or activities that you turn to for relaxation?

      When stepping away from legal duties, I recharge by spending quality time with my family and indulging in reading, which provides a peaceful escape. My commitment to social work grounds me, reminding me of the broader societal impact of our actions. Additionally, as an avid sportswoman, I engage in health and wellness activities within the community, which rejuvenates me and maintains my balanced lifestyle. These pursuits offer both relaxation and a sense of fulfillment beyond my professional life.

      In your journey as a legal professional, what is one piece of advice you received early in your career that has stayed with you and proven invaluable? Additionally, what advice would you like to give to the upcoming generation who wants to excel in this legal field?

      Early in my career, I was told, “In law, precision is power.” This has been the cornerstone of my practice. Precision in understanding the law, articulating arguments, and drafting documents defines the quality of a lawyer. To those aspiring to make their mark, I would say, immerse yourself in the field, stay abreast of the changes, and always think a few steps ahead. Law is as much about anticipation as it is about knowledge.

      Get in touch with Prachi Dave-

    • “To succeed in the legal industry, one must possess a strong foundation in legal principles as well as critical thinking abilities. To succeed as a lawyer, you must be proficient in legal writing and research skills.” – Sumes Dewan, Managing Partner at Lex Favios

      “To succeed in the legal industry, one must possess a strong foundation in legal principles as well as critical thinking abilities. To succeed as a lawyer, you must be proficient in legal writing and research skills.” – Sumes Dewan, Managing Partner at Lex Favios

      This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team

      Reflecting on the early days of your career, could you share with us how you embarked on your journey in law and the challenges you faced when starting Lex Favios? What were some of the key lessons you learned during those formative years?

      I had a passion for Law from my early days and initially started as a Litigation lawyer, and after a few years in the profession found my calling in corporate law and eventually took up more specialised areas such as Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Finance and   Hospitality. I spent 18 years working with large Indian Law Firms and was a Partner with laws Firms such as Fox Mandal & Desai Diwanji, before I embarked on my journey to start Lex Favios. One of the biggest challenges was to retain clients, and find the right resources and lawyers to be part of a startup Law Firm. The initial one year was more challenging, as it took a lot of convincing to clients that we can provide quality legal services in diverse areas of practice. Further, another key challenge was hiring good lawyers with experience. However, we were able to retain talent and provide quality legal advice to the clients, by ensuring that each practice area has lawyers with sound legal knowledge of its respective field. The key lesson has been that a great Law Firm is built with great human resource and by ensuring that you provide legal advise only in areas in which the Firm has an expertise, as the clients today are looking for specialised legal advice.

      Being admitted as an Honorary Fellow of the Association of Fellows and Legal Scholars is a remarkable achievement. Could you share how this recognition came about, and how has it impacted your professional journey? Additionally, with numerous awards under your belt, how do you handle the balance between individual recognition and the collective success of Lex Favios?

      I always had a passion for legal writing, and I contributed  to the journals of  Honorary Fellow of the Association of Fellows and Legal Scholars and they published my Article in the Journal, which was a great achievement which lead them to admit me as an Honorary Fellow of the Association of Fellows and Legal Scholars. The said achievement was a great validation of the legal work being done by me and also led to being recognised by the clients. All the awards I have won or been honoured with has been a great affirmation of the work done by me in the legal field and in diverse areas of practice. Each award is a validation of the legal contribution to our clients and the faith that clients demonstrate. The individual recognition helps in pitching to new clients and for new work, as it demonstrates our expertise in diverse legal areas and part of “A” List of top 100 Indian lawyers, goes a long way in boosting client confidence with the quality legal advice the Firm can offer. 

      India has seen some notable legal developments recently. Are there any ongoing cases or legal trends that you find particularly intriguing or impactful for the legal community?

      Chief Justice DY Chandrachud established the group of companies’ doctrine as a valid and applicable theory in Indian arbitration law. For India-related dealings, the Cox and Kings ruling offers a comprehensive analysis of the Doctrine and its applicability in India. It is made explicit that signing an arbitration agreement does not automatically make one a “party” to the arbitration agreement. In situations when businesses are affiliated and engage in related transactions, this could be interpreted as agreeing to be bound by the arbitration agreement. Corporate groups should be careful to make sure the transaction is structured appropriately and that their conduct is in keeping with their aim when they want only the signatory firm to be bound by the arbitration agreement. They also need to be careful not to interfere unnecessarily with discussions or the fulfilment of contractual duties by another group company. The parties may also think about including explicit language in the contract to this effect.

      Given your focus on capital markets and corporate finance, how do you navigate the complexities of international transactions, and what advice do you often find yourself giving to clients in this regard? 

      The key strategy I follow is gaining a thorough understanding of the laws and rules governing the relevant jurisdictions. This involves being aware of recent changes to the financial rules, corporate governance guidelines, and securities legislation. 

      I have been instrumental in handling various cross border transactions, both on the M&A and capital markets wherein our role goes beyond advising on Indian Laws and we work in collaboration with counsels in other jurisdictions, to understand the regulations pertaining to acquisition of equity, listing of shares in other jurisdictions other than India and bringing them in sync with Indian Laws. Indian companies listing outside India or setting ups operations outside India, need to adhere to both Indian Laws and laws of the country where the investment is being made. It is important for a legal counsel to be aware of laws of both the countries and advise the client on the applicable regulations and compliances.  Unexpected difficulties during and after the transaction are reduced by having a thorough awareness of each entity’s financial situation, legal status, and reputation. Pre-transaction planning, negotiation tactics, and post-transaction integration plans are all included in this. 

      For aspiring lawyers entering the field today, the legal landscape is vast and evolving. What areas or emerging trends do you believe hold the most promise for young legal professionals, and why?

      The need for legal experts who comprehend data protection, cybersecurity, and the legal ramifications of cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence is rising along with our increasing reliance on technology. Legal experts who focus on privacy and data protection may assist companies in navigating laws like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and provide guidance on the best ways to handle sensitive data, as data privacy is becoming an increasingly important topic. Remote work and legal IT tools are being welcomed by the legal profession. In the changing legal landscape, lawyers who are skilled at using technology to provide effective legal services and facilitate remote cooperation will be in a strong position. The areas of practice such as cyber security, date protection, artificial intelligence and insolvency are the new emerging legal practice areas for young professionals in the field of law. 

      Given the dynamic nature of technology and its impact on various industries, how important do you think it is for law students to develop expertise in technology law? Are there specific skills or knowledge areas within this field that you would recommend they prioritize?

      Having a solid understanding of technology law is crucial for law students in the quickly changing legal world of today. Technology law interacts with many different businesses and legal fields, covering a broad spectrum of legal concerns pertaining to the use, advancement, and regulation of technology. Almost every business, including healthcare, banking, entertainment, and others, depends heavily on technology. In order to solve the particular issues posed by emerging technologies like blockchain, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, it is imperative to comprehend the legal ramifications of these innovations. It is also crucial to comprehend the legal ramifications of entrepreneurship and new company models as technology continues to spur innovation. Technology lawyers may help new and existing businesses navigate legal frameworks, protect their intellectual property, and make sure they are following industry-specific requirements. 

      Regarding specialized knowledge and abilities in the field of technology law, law students who are interested in this area should prioritize learning about cybersecurity and data protection laws and regulations, since these issues are becoming more common. Technology lawyers frequently handle matters pertaining to trade secrets, copyrights, patents, and trademarks. Understanding intellectual property law is crucial to safeguarding the inventions and developments of clients.  It is crucial to be knowledgeable about privacy laws and regulations in light of the growing concerns about privacy. This entails being aware of local privacy regulations as well as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

      Lex Favios has received recognition as the Best New Law Firm and in various other categories. What do you attribute this success to, and what goals do you have for the firm’s future?

      As a Law Firm, I understand that teamwork, creativity, and a common goal lead to success rather than individual accomplishments. I wish to express my gratitude to our team for their excellent teamwork in navigating the complexities of the legal field by playing to each other’s strengths. I attribute this success to my skilled and dedicated team. The Firm has a dedicated team of lawyers, for each Practice area and each team plays a vital role in making the Firm meets its goal. Their expertise and commitment contributed significantly to the Firm’s success. As the legal landscape constantly changes, flexibility is essential. What has made us unique is our dedication to remaining on the forefront of legal trends, fostering innovation, and making investments in professional growth. In addition to overcoming the difficulties, we have grown stronger, more resilient, and better suited to assist our clients in a world that is always evolving. 

      The Firm is a member of Legal Netlink Alliance, a member network of USA and Europe, which enables us to provide legal services across the globe.

      As for setting goals for the future, it includes the following expanding the firm’s legal knowledge to provide a wider range of services to clients, establishing new offices or broadening the firm’s clientele to include clients in other areas, bringing in new business and strengthening ties with current clients to grow the clientele of the company. 

      Beyond your professional achievements, we’re curious about your personal interests. What hobbies or activities do you find yourself drawn to when you’re not immersed in the legal world?

      Beyond my professional engagements, I love to spend some time on reading books, playing golf on the weekends, watching law related web series and spending time with my family and kids, which is a nice rejuvenation and charges me for the upcoming week. 

      For aspiring lawyers or students pursuing a legal career, what aspects of their college journey do you believe are most crucial for their professional development? Are there specific types of internships or experiences you recommend they focus on to better prepare for the challenges of the legal field? 

      I suppose the most crucial aspect of their college is networking. One should build a strong network within the legal community. The students should attend seminars and conferences to connect with lawyers, judges and other legal professionals. To succeed in the legal industry, one must possess a strong foundation in legal principles as well as critical thinking abilities. To succeed as a lawyer, you must be proficient in legal writing and research skills. Finally, they should be taught and practice ethical and professional decorum. Integrity and trustworthiness are essential in the legal field. I believe that they should explore several legal fields as well in order to have a comprehensive viewpoint. This will help them in making educated decisions regarding potential career pathways.

      Get in touch with Sumes Dewan-

    • “Young lawyers should avoid being a generalist and look for specialization. Law is a profession and should be treated as a career which spans 30-40 years.” – Anil Choudhary, Partner at Finsec Law Advisors.

      “Young lawyers should avoid being a generalist and look for specialization. Law is a profession and should be treated as a career which spans 30-40 years.” – Anil Choudhary, Partner at Finsec Law Advisors.

      This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team

      Your journey includes an LL.M. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) from NALSAR. How did your time at these prestigious institutions shape your approach to law, and do you have any memorable experiences you’d like to share from your time at Harvard?

      It was a privilege to be part of the two leading law institutions both in India and the world. As a law student, I was exposed to the best professors and brightest of legal minds which helped me develop my curiosity in law. I understood very early that law as a subject is ever evolving and there are no right answers in law. It is all about thinking in pairs where you need to think both sides of an argument and not rush to conclusions. 

      HLS for me was an exposure to the international world as we had students from more than 50 countries in the LLM batch. I made friends from various countries and understood their culture and thought processes. HLS not only made me a better lawyer but more than that it gave me tools to understand the world and its people better. 

      As a member of the New York Bar, you bring an international perspective to your practice. How has being admitted to practice law in New York influenced your career, and what unique insights do you gain from practicing in both India and the U.S.?

      I can confidently say that NY Bar was the toughest examination I gave in my life and for which I worked the hardest. As a lawyer trained in India, it is more difficult to crack the NY Bar since you would need to unlearn Indian laws and focus on both federal and NY state laws which at times would have conflicting positions. 

      Although I don’t actively practice US laws, having been exposed to securities law jurisprudence of the US- it helps tremendously in my practice in India. Most of Indian securities laws have been made on the similar lines as US laws and while Indian laws are still at a developing stage- US laws have an established history and jurisprudence. I often refer to US laws to draw parallels while assisting securities market players in both advisory and disputes practice.

      Congratulations on co-authoring the book ‘Securities Regulation – Primary Market Offerings in India.’ What inspired you to delve into this subject, and how has the book been received in the legal community?

      In my first few years of practice, I was a capital markets lawyer and had worked on several IPOs. I quickly realized that most of the laws surrounding this practice have been influenced by US laws and the knowledge of US securities laws is essential to excel in the field of securities laws. This motivated me to do my LLM at Harvard and once I returned I was itching to put down on paper a comprehensive legal book on doing IPOs in India. There was no existing literature and for me it was an opportunity to understand the Indian laws contextualizing it to the prevailing US laws. The book was more of a learning experience for me to better understand the policy rationales and choices India has made to regulate the Indian securities market as compared to other developed jurisdictions.

      I have heard that few law schools and MBA colleges use the book as part of curriculum and most law firms also have a copy of the book. I believe it was well received but it would now need an update and reprint for which I am trying to motivate myself.

      Finsec Law Advisors has likely seen various achievements during your tenure as a Partner. Can you highlight a moment or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of, either for yourself or for the firm?

      FLA is one of the very few firms in the country that is a specialist firm in the field of securities laws and financial regulatory space. We have been consistently ranked as the Top Tier in all Indian and global rankings of laws firms specializing in Indian securities laws.

      The Firm over a decade has been the forerunner in thought leadership and policy development of securities laws. We are active in advisory, disputes and policy work in the financial sector laws. Over the years, we have not only advised top marquee clients like top blue chip listed companies, largest mutual funds, stock exchanges, FPIs, AIFs etc. but have been actively assisting the growth of the fintech industry with clients like Zerodha, Smallcase, Navi etc. We are proud to develop a niche practice area focussed on expert and quality services to our clients and forerunner in thought leadership and policy development.

      You’ve been actively involved in academia, giving guest lectures and teaching a credit course on Securities Regulation at NALSAR University of Law. How does your involvement in academia complement your legal practice, and what insights do you gain from interacting with students?

      We as a firm work on a very focussed area of practice and therefore for us it is not only important that talents joining the firm not only have proven academic excellence but also have a keen interest in securities laws. For us law school courses and other academic endeavours help us develop students’ curiosity in the subject and also assist us to go back to basics to explain laws in first principles. Our practice requires specialized skill sets and continuous learning, teaching stints and guest lectures also lead you to re-read the laws and overall help me in my professional growth.

      With over 17 years of experience, you’ve seen the legal landscape evolve. What changes in the legal industry do you find most intriguing or challenging today?

      I think there are two major shifts in the legal industry space- one is technology and the other is specialized skill sets. With the development of technology, starting a legal practice is just one degree and a computer away. Technology has ensured the barriers between clients and experts have been diminished and all services can be provided without requiring any physical meeting or sharing of documents. Now, with AI etc the legal industry would evolve further where the first level of research or first draft of an opinion or suit can be drafted by AI. The human skills would be to review and verify the technology output.

      Since technology would replace general research and drafting skills, top money would be paid by clients only for specialist lawyers. This shows the shift in trends in the legal industry wherein specialist law firms having the technical expertise and experience in narrow practice focus would only survive in the next decade or two. 

      Your expertise extends to regulatory proceedings, including cases of insider trading and securities fraud. Can you share an interesting aspect of this work that people might not be aware of?

      As a securities lawyer, we need to not only understand the regulatory framework but also understand workings of the securities market like trading, settlement, F&O and roles of intermediaries involved such as brokers, clearing members, stock exchanges, custodians etc. It is essential that we understand the securities market eco-system as we regularly need to analyse trading patterns, fund flows etc towards advising our clients. For effective advice, both legal and factual matrix need to be analysed carefully towards providing optimum solutions for the client.

      Also, we assist our clients in development of new products especially in fintech space and policy development wherein we assist in creating a regulatory framework for new services, platforms in the financial industry. We often work on complex technical issues in the space of payment systems, exchange control and other SEBI and RBI regulations that require us to be up to speed with the latest developments both in the field of law and technology.

      Another interesting part of my practice is that I not only get to advise clients on various financial regulations but also I regularly appear before SEBI and SAT to argue matters. Working on policy, compliance and regulatory proceedings/dispute at the same time gives us an edge on the regulator’s mind. We understand why the laws are framed, how the laws should be implemented and lastly, how it is enforced which help us to defend/advise our clients better.
      Thinking about the future generation of lawyers, what advice or insight would you offer to those aspiring to follow in your footsteps and make an impact in the legal field?

      I think young lawyers should follow their heart and choose a field that interests them the most. Only if you enjoy your work can you excel. Young lawyers should avoid being a generalist and look for specialization. Being an expert in one field of law would help them be less reliant on jobs in big law firms and help them set up their independent practice or law firm in the future. Law is a profession and should be treated as a career which spans 30-40 years and one should not look out for short term goals and treat it as a job without any long term goals. Lastly, I would advise young lawyers to be more patient and showcase more perseverance in their chosen field- in law nothing is more rewarding than experience and dedication which leads to self confidence of the lawyer which translates confidence of clients to the lawyer.

      Get in touch with Anil Choudhary-

    • A luminary in the legal realm with a diverse portfolio, shares his transformative journey from litigating lawyer to acclaimed General Counsel – “A Riveting Conversation with Dr. Mukul Shastry, Renowned General Counsel and Executive Director of Cube Highways”

      A luminary in the legal realm with a diverse portfolio, shares his transformative journey from litigating lawyer to acclaimed General Counsel – “A Riveting Conversation with Dr. Mukul Shastry, Renowned General Counsel and Executive Director of Cube Highways”

      This interview has been published by Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

      Dr. Shastry,  We are extremely delighted to have you with us for this interview.  Could you please introduce yourself for our readers and share the pivotal moments that led you to pursue a remarkable career in law, leading to your current role as the General Counsel and Executive Director at Cube Highways?

      At the outset let me thank Super Lawyer, it is absolutely my pleasure to be here with you. As regards my journey, I belong to a family of lawyers and judges. My father was a judge (District Judiciary), other uncles too judges and lawyers. Therefore, doing law was something in the blood. Post my studies I started as a litigating lawyer before Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur handling cases such as criminal bails, civil miscellaneous appeals, arbitration petitions, MACT appeals etc. As I was bright in academics, I completed my Masters (securing second rank across university) and also cleared UGC-Net in my first attempt. Hence, I was given a part time teaching assignment in Rajasthan University, Jaipur. 

      During that time Competition Act, 2002 was enacted which intrigued me as to why we need a law to regulate competition in the market and I enrolled myself in Ph.D. working on the hypothesis whether Anti-dumping duties would be relevant once Competition law comes to force. However, as there wasn’t much material in Jaipur at that time, my Ph.D. supervisor guided me to go to National Law University, Jodhpur. 

      At that time in NLU, Jodhpur, Prof. A.K. Kaul was the Vice-Chancellor who was an expert of Trade & Competition Law. He was kind enough not only to guide me but also to tell me what all materials I must read to understand the conundrum in other countries before I can start researching Indian markets. 

      Prof. Kaul goaded me that I must not sail in two boats. On one hand, I was practising law in Jaipur and on weekends was coming to Jodhpur to do my research. He insisted that I focus on one thing and I chose academics. At that time there was a vacancy in NLU, Jodhpur and I applied and cleared it. This is how my academic journey started. 

      After spending three and half years at NLU, Jodhpur and post completing my Ph.D. I wanted to work with a regulator. As during my research, I understood that the regulators’ perspective is the most important to execute the sector specific legislations. This was 2009 and at that time Competition Commission of India where I wanted to go did not have any vacancies, but RBI came out with Legal Officers vacancy. I applied and wrote the exam. I topped the All-India RBI Legal Officer – Grade-B, 2009 examination. 

      This is how my journey as a central banker started. In RBI I spent time giving legal advice to different departments such as Foreign Exchange Dept., Banking Supervision Dept. (DBS) etc. I spent around five and half years in RBI. After that I took a sabbatical and prepared for GMAT. I applied to IIM, Ahmedabad (India’s premier B-School) and got through. I did my MBA from IIMA (PGPx – One-year full time) and from there I was placed in RPG group, Mumbai.

      This is how my corporate journey started around a decade back. In the RPG group I used to handle the legal profile as well as the SPOC for a DBFOT project – Bikaner Sikar 440 KV line. I learnt the nuances of corporate life and applied my learnings from litigation, academics and regulator mixed with knowledge learnt at IIMA. 

      From RPG I went to Adani Group handling ports and logistics legal matters and then to Welspun Enterprises as Head Legal and now the General Counsel for Cube Highways.  

      Your journey includes a diverse range of roles from litigating lawyer to teaching criminal and competition law, and now as the General Counsel and Executive Director of Cube Highways. How has this varied experience shaped your perspective on legal practice, and what unique insights do you bring to your current role?

      An interesting question. The experience as a litigator turned academician turned central banker and then General Counsel has taught me different things. I understand how the court systems work and thus it helps in giving those advice from the perspectives of court practices. At times despite one’s case being strong on merits, it can have technical glitches and that can be disastrous. Therefore, I am extremely cautious as to how not to give those technical lose points whether it be laches, delay, non-response to a letter, conflict etc. 

      The academic knowledge helps me in doing in-depth research and those theoretical questions and acumen laced with practical prism helps in zooming in to minutiae details. The experience of a central banker helps in understanding how a bureaucrat will look into the decisions taken by a corporate. 

      Thus, the advice which I provide is holistic from litigator, academic, regulator and a GC’s perspective. This helps in much nuanced and sophisticated advice. 

      You’ve achieved a remarkable academic milestone with qualifications like LL.M, Ph.D. in Trade & Competition Law, MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, CS, and CAIIB. If you could go back to your early academic years, what advice would you give to yourself, considering the wealth of experience you’ve gained over the years?

      Well, if I sit in a time machine and go back, the advice I would give is that at times in pursuit of the different academic knowledge one loses focus on other good things in life. I now see my younger colleagues who are in college and along with being bright in academics are also focusing on hobbies such as sports, drama, singing, writing, playing some instrument etc. I still rue that I have not developed any such hobby that is necessary in shaping up your personality. 

      Thus if I could rewind, maybe I will pursue one or two courses less but would love to learn acting or singing or dancing or maybe play some sport like cricket, chess or badminton and  a much more engaging level. 

      Apart from your legal prowess, you have an extensive academic involvement, serving as Chairman, Industry Advisory Board at Amity and as a Ph.D. guide at two National Law Schools. What drives your passion for academic engagement?

      The youth attract me a lot. Whenever I am with young minds, I feel a kind of vibrance which otherwise is missing in the drudgery of corporate life. Whenever I interact with them their pointed questions, their free-wheeling attitude and the fireside chat intrigues me. The kind of questions they pose at times challenge me to re-think about my own knowledge and practices. That gives the biggest kick which even the astronomical salary and posh perks of corporates cannot give. 

      That’s why I make it a point to always find time to spend with young minds, to interact with them, share my life experience, learn from their perspective, and enjoy the vibrant energy all around. 

      Beyond the legal realm, you’ve been awarded Forbes Top General Counsel, BW Business World Top 100 GC, and Atal Achievement Award. How do you balance the demands of a high-profile legal career with such accolades and recognition, and what do these honors mean to you personally?

      Well, I have to thank Forbes, Legal 500, Business Worlds and Atal Award (Govt. of India) who have now started to recognize the General Counsels for the work they have done. It was not long back that General Counsels were not recognized, and many did not consider them lawyers. These recognitions have changed the perception in the past decade or so and I am extremely thankful to them. 

      Therefore, these recognitions mean a lot and more than me personally it helps the younger people to opt for in-house roles which have different challenges than faced by a litigating lawyer or a transactional lawyer in a law-firm.

      As regards balancing the demand, I must say that is the most difficult thing to do. But I make it a point that I allocate some time for these too as it is not only for personal satisfaction, but these inspire my younger colleagues to do great. Whenever, I have received any award it has inspired the people who know me that they must also strive harder to achieve such awards and to do good quality work. 

      Your commitment to contributing to positive change is evident. In what ways do you believe legal professionals can actively contribute to making a positive impact on society and the business environment?

      Nowadays legal professionals play a major role in any corporate. Their attitude, their approach to work, their work ethics play a critical role in shaping up the society they live in. Especially in a democracy, the stronger the legal fraternity, the stronger would be the democracy. To establish a rule of law and who better to ensure that than the lawyers and legal professionals themselves. 

      Whenever, a legal professional handles a matter whether it be of environmental violation, bad business practice, corrupt or fraudulent act, tortious conduct etc. if the same is handled with full devotion and keeping in the mind the fundamental principles enshrined in our constitution and legal jurisprudence, it not only impacts the society or business but the culture and legacy. 

      A wrong decision by the Supreme Court can shake up the investor confidence and wipe up the entire investment, which a developing country like ours requires. The government needs to be kept informed about the impact of the policy and bureaucracy approach and this primarily becomes the responsibility of legal professionals who along with handling litigation, transactional contracts are also responsible for regulatory interface. 

      Every successful journey faces challenges. Can you share a specific challenge or struggle you encountered during your career and how you overcame it?

      That is absolutely true. There can be no journey without its fair share of peaks and troughs. Well let me begin with sharing the biggest challenge. After spending a fair time in the government or regulatory sector when I joined the corporate sector the biggest problem was that now as a legal head, I was required to give solutions. Unlike the previous avatar of regulator or academician I was required to only put the legal position but now the task was to find the right and legitimate ways of getting the business done. 

      The senior management would require the solutions to the given business problem and that required not merely to state what the law is but to devise solutions, sometimes out of the box to achieve the business objectives. The most important thing to be kept in mind was that the solutions still had to be within the four corners of the legal and regulatory framework. 

      This required a sea-change in approach. I must say the learning at IIMA came absolutely handy. The syndi-approach of IIMA where the students were divided into a syni of 5 or 6 and they had to brainstorm and come out with solutions helped me in developing a wider horizon. Like in my IIMA days I had to interact with people who had worked in NASA or had come from a political background and that helped me understand differing perspectives. 

      This helped me in quickly adapting to the needs of the corporate sector and slowly and gradually I started delivering. Like Cube Highways which is a Private Equity run platform, and the issues that I faced here are different from that of an Indian promoter company, however due to the ability to understand different perspectives and angles, I more often than not am in position to solve them. 

      Away from the legal complexities and academic commitments, how do you unwind and recharge? Do you have any personal hobbies or activities that provide a break from the demands of your professional life?

      Well, my hobby is to read fiction, especially good science fiction or thriller murder mystery. I have read all types of top sci-fi novels starting from The Foundation, Dune, Leviathan Wakes etc. My current favourite is Marissa Mayers’ Renegade. 

      So, to unwind, I spend time reading these good prose while sitting at the comfort of my home. Sometimes, I switch off my phones and spend an entire weekend just lying down on the bed reading my favourite fiction novels. When I am not reading novels, I love to play gully cricket with my friends. 

      Your work involves connecting with industry stalwarts and senior counsels. Outside of professional networking, what’s one piece of advice you would give to young legal professionals who aspire to build meaningful connections in the legal and business world?

      Well for all my younger colleagues and legal professionals I have two pieces of advice. Firstly, as you yourself has stated, they must attend at least two or three conferences in a year and try to make as many connects as possible. Secondly, publish regularly and remain connected. I have always said that in legal field one has to publish or perish. Whether it is writing a simple piece on LinkedIn post or an editorial in news paper or in any magazine or on law blogs or anywhere, one must keep on publishing one’s thoughts. This helps in keeping you updated and build a network with like minded people. This also showcase your understanding of issues and at times these are seen by the senior general counsels and who’s who of the industry. That can help you land at your dream job.  

      Get in touch with Dr. Mukul Shastry-

    • “Embrace setbacks as a staircase to success. Failures often pave the way for victories in the legal arena” – Discover unconventional legal advice from Muneesh Dhawan, Law Veritas: ‘North’ Managing Partner

      “Embrace setbacks as a staircase to success. Failures often pave the way for victories in the legal arena” – Discover unconventional legal advice from Muneesh Dhawan, Law Veritas: ‘North’ Managing Partner

      This interview has been published by  Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

      Your legal journey spans more than two decades, touching various sectors and contributing significantly to the legal landscape. Please describe your journey including milestones and experiences that have shaped your extensive journey in the legal field.

      Throughout my extensive legal career spanning more than two decades, I have experienced numerous significant milestones that have shaped my journey. One such pivotal moment was when I co-founded Law Veritas and had the privilege of serving as one of the founding partners. Prior to this venture, I had gained diverse experiences as an independent practicing Advocate & Inhouse Legal Counsel in various sectors, including the dynamic power industry and esteemed banking and non-banking financial institutions.

      However, the trajectory of my journey took an intriguing turn with the evolution of Law Veritas. This evolution led to the establishment of a fresh legal entity known as Law Veritas: ‘North’. This strategic transition not only marked a transformative phase but also highlighted the importance of change and the strategic cultivation of a new frontier for the future. This new entity opened up exciting possibilities and opportunities, allowing us to explore uncharted territory and expand our reach in the legal industry. It was a significant milestone in my journey, representing growth, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in legal services.

      Furthermore, amidst these exciting developments, I assumed the esteemed position of National Legal Head at a prominent Non-Banking Finance Company, which stands as another monumental milestone in my career. It provided me with a platform to navigate and significantly contribute to the intricate legal landscape within the financial sector, fostering continuous growth and the refinement of my expertise in the legal domain.

      Each of these milestones, from the role of National Legal Head to co-founding Law Veritas to the emergence of separate entity Law Veritas: ‘North’ has been instrumental in shaping my journey and contributing significantly to the evolving narrative within the legal arena.

      Beyond the legal realm, you’re pursuing a Ph.D. in Law. How do you balance the demands of academic research with your role as a Managing Partner, and what motivated you to pursue further studies at this stage in your career?

      As I navigate the demands of pursuing a Ph.D. in Law alongside my responsibilities as a Managing Partner, I am reminded of a poignant quote by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This encapsulates the essence of my motivation—an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education and the pursuit of knowledge.

      Balancing these commitments requires meticulous time management and a genuine passion for both academia and the practical aspects of law. The drive behind furthering my studies at this stage of my career is fuelled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an enduring commitment to continuous growth.

      The pursuit of a Ph.D. in Law is not solely about personal advancement; it’s a dedication to delving deeper into legal academia, contributing through rigorous research, and expanding the understanding within the legal domain. Managing these responsibilities demands dedicated planning and unwavering dedication, yet the symbiotic relationship between academic research and practical legal expertise is immeasurable.

      I firmly believe that continuous learning not only fuels personal growth but also augments the quality of guidance and leadership I can provide within the legal sphere. Integrating academic insights into real-world scenarios enriches my role as a Managing Partner, fostering a deeper understanding that ultimately benefits the broader legal landscape.

      Your journey has taken you through various esteemed organizations, and now as the Managing Partner at Law Veritas: ‘North’. Can you share a career highlight or a particularly memorable experience that has shaped your approach to legal practice and leadership?

      Assuming the role of Managing Partner at Law Veritas: ‘North’ was a pivotal moment that completely transformed my perspective on legal practice and leadership. It wasn’t just a milestone in my career; it was an opportunity to merge my legal expertise with the responsibilities of leadership. At the heart of this role was a deep commitment to nurturing talent, particularly among diverse youth, by providing them with employment opportunities and comprehensive training. 

      The words of Swami Vivekananda, “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached,” resonated deeply and highlighted the dedication to empowering individuals to become skilled legal professionals. 

      Recognizing the importance of investing in young minds, there was a concentrated effort to impart essential skills and knowledge necessary for shaping the future generation of legal practitioners. This experience further emphasised that effective leadership goes beyond legal proficiency; it involves creating an inclusive environment that encourages learning, diversity, and personal growth, enabling individuals to realize their full potential within the legal field.

      Law Veritas received recognition as one of the 25 outstanding law firms by The CEO Magazine. What does this acknowledgment mean to you personally, and how does it reflect the separate entity Law Veritas: North’s commitment to delivering exceptional legal services under your leadership?

      Being acknowledged among the top 25 law firms by The CEO Magazine isn’t merely a cause for celebration; it reflects the dedication and commitment of our team. This recognition signifies our collective efforts and the values we uphold in delivering exceptional legal services.

      This acknowledgment personally inspires us to strive continuously for excellence in legal services, reaffirming our core values of integrity, diligence, and client-centricity.

      It’s not the end goal but a springboard for Law Veritas: ‘North’. As Steve Jobs put it, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.” This recognition fuels our ambition for more achievements, setting higher standards, and redefining the legal service landscape. This recognition symbolizes our potential and underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional legal solutions.

      Your legal career spans more than two decades, covering roles from independent advocate to in-house counsel, and now as a Managing Partner. How have you seen the legal landscape evolve, and what trends do you anticipate shaping the industry in the coming years?

      As a keen observer of this dynamic and constantly changing landscape, I perceive a crucial need for legal professionals to adapt and embrace technological advancements, all while upholding the fundamental principles of integrity and ethics that define the legal profession. The ability to leverage the full potential of technology, while ensuring the preservation of justice and fairness, will play a pivotal role in successfully navigating the future of the legal industry.

      Having said so, while automation and digitization can certainly improve efficiency, they cannot replace the critical thinking and analytical skills that lawyers bring to the table. The role of a lawyer goes beyond just providing legal advice; it involves understanding the nuances of the law, interpreting complex regulations, and advocating for clients.

      Outside the legal world, do you have any hobbies or activities that provide a refreshing break and help you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

      Balancing a hectic legal career, I find solace and rejuvenation through various pursuits. Spending quality time with family forms the cornerstone of my life outside work, providing a sense of grounding and joy. 

      Additionally, music is a constant companion, offering relaxation and a way to unwind. While I might not be an avid reader, diving into a book occasionally is a welcomed respite. My interest in current affairs, especially geopolitics, keeps me engaged and intellectually stimulated.

      Moreover, my devotion to God plays a profound role, providing spiritual nourishment and a sense of purpose beyond the professional realm. These activities collectively contribute to my work-life balance, ensuring I am refreshed and motivated to tackle the demands of the corporate legal world.

      We know about your legal bookmarks, but what’s a non-legal book or genre that you turn to for inspiration or relaxation?

      While I’m not an avid reader, I do find occasional respite in non-legal books. Here are four books in that genre that I’ve found insightful:

      1. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Mr.  Yuval Noah Harari

      2. “The Bankster” by Mr. Ravi Subramanian

      3. “The Intelligent Investor” by Mr. Benjamin Graham

      4. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Mr. Robert T. Kiyosaki

      Each book offers a distinctive perspective, from the broad canvas of human history to the intricate world of finance and personal wealth management, making them insightful and engaging reads beyond the legal sphere. 

      If you could share one piece of unconventional legal advice that you wish someone had shared with you at the beginning of your career, what would it be, and what advice would you give to our coming generation or those who have just started their career? 

      Reflecting on my journey, if there’s one cliché piece of advice I’d have cherished early on, it’s this: “Embrace setbacks as a staircase to success. Failures often pave the way for victories in the legal arena.”

      For those starting out in the corporate legal field, it is crucial to go beyond the conventional routes. Explore the world of technology, enhance your communication skills, and truly understand the essence of the legal profession. Networking plays a vital role – cultivate meaningful connections as it is the timeless recipe for progress. 

      Maintain a curious mindset, like an explorer venturing into uncharted territories. Remember, the corporate legal landscape is constantly evolving, so it is important to be adaptable and inquisitive. This mindset will open doors to unexpected opportunities and foster growth in this dynamic profession.

      Get in touch with Muneesh Dhawan –

    • “From Small Town Dreams to Supreme Court Realities: A Candid Conversation with Neelmani Pant, Advocate-on-Record”. Gain insights into the distinct responsibilities and pride associated with the role of a “friend of the court.”

      “From Small Town Dreams to Supreme Court Realities: A Candid Conversation with Neelmani Pant, Advocate-on-Record”. Gain insights into the distinct responsibilities and pride associated with the role of a “friend of the court.”

      This interview has been published by  Priyanka Karwa and The SuperLawyer Team

      How do you end up pursuing a career in Law? 

      I belong from a small town Ajmer, Rajasthan, my father is a lawyer in the same town, and I grew up watching him dress in black and white attire every day. We have a small office in the home where the clients used to come and share their cases in his office. Listening to them hiding behind the doors and watching my father helping them in every possible manner would always attract me towards this profession and here I am. 

      You graduated from M.S. Ramaiah College of Law, Bangalore in 2013. How does it feel being from (Non NLU) Law college – could you share your experience with us.

      Before joining this college I did give entrance exams of various National Law Colleges in 2007 (as CLAT was introduced in 2008) but was not selected in any.

      It was late mid-June when almost all the college admissions were closed and after rejections from all the national law colleges, I chose to travel alone by train from Ajmer for almost 42 hours to reach Bangalore in search of a good college.

      I made a list of reputed law colleges and decided to visit each one of them to try for a seat. The first on the list I visited was M.S. Ramaiah College of Law. At the entrance of the college, a big board was fixed displaying “admissions closed”. Not to lose hope I still managed to push myself and enter into the building walking towards the administrative room.  I swiftly entered the room where the manager had just ended a landline call by putting the receiver down and in a low voice I said “I want admission”. I was told to wait and have a seat, while the administrative persons had a meeting among themselves. After some time I was told by the manager that 80 seats of this academic year are full, however, a moment ago one candidate refused to join and now we have a single seat, are you carrying all your documents with you and the rest is history. This is the day when I learned the value of at least giving it a try and not giving up.

      It is true in today’s life various offices and firms judge based on the name of colleges, however, I would like to add that in my opinion being from NLU or non-NLU College does not make much difference, if you are sincere and are passionate about your work. In fact, being from Non-NLU in my case had only benefitted me for making me strong enough to face the challenges of a litigating lawyer as a career. 

      Not being the icing on the cake will only make you the bottom part of the cake which is hard and filling, meaning thereby stronger and in a way fruitful for your future if you want to pursue a career in litigation which is itself full of challenges. A will to learn and zest for life will never depend on what college or institute you belong to. Face the challenges and enjoy the journey.

      You graduated, Coming from a small town then working under an Advocate-On-Record at the supreme Court of India to becoming Yourself an Advocate-On-Record, How was the journey? 

      Being a lawyer is not easy, it demands lots of hard work, dedication and devotion. Especially, when you do not belong to this city that is in itself challenging. You have to live away from home starting from scratch. It almost seems like a never-ending struggle. After my graduation, I came directly to Delhi and shared a flat with my immediate seniors at Law College who were kind enough to give me some guidance. 

      I worked at various law offices where I was fortunate to be given the responsibility to handle matters individually. I used to draft, type and prepare it for filing and thereafter visiting courts for filing, everything right from:- 

      • page numbering,
      • attestation,
      • notarizing, 
      • court fees 
      • Photocopies etc, 
      • waiting in the queue for submission of the case at filing counter
      • curing defects
      • getting it listed and 
      • arguing before the court 

      While deciding a case in the court of law there is an abbreviated form of Latin Maxim de minimis non curat lex, “law is not concerned with small things.” However, in the practice of law, it works the other way round .i.e. “the practice of law is concerned with each and every small thing”. Until and unless you learn how in litigation the small and minute things work you will find it difficult to deal with major things.

      While digging the ground I never stopped looking at the sky. At the Supreme Court, I used to sit inside the court watching the proceedings in and out, observing the Hon’ble Judges their reactions and how learned advocates and senior advocates argue their cases and present themselves before the Court. Making notes, and learning the process and it is only a decade into 2023, with never to stop trying attitude and as they say “When there is a Will there’s a way” I cleared my Advocate-on-Record Exam.

      Your work involves a mix of civil, criminal and corporate matters. If you had to choose, which type of case do you find more thrilling and why?

      As recently Hon’ble Justice L. Nageswara Rao said:

      “There Is No Profession Thrilling Than Legal Profession”

      Well practice of the Supreme Court does require mixed knowledge of every subject, there is a CASE LAW paper in AOR Exam where one has to study all case laws around 64 judgments right from KESAVANANDA BHARATI SRIPADAGALAVARU VS. STATE OF KERALA & ANR. (Doctrine of Basic Structure Case) or LALITA KUMARI V. GOVTOF UTTAR PRADESH (Registration of First Information Report) to INDORE DEVELOPMENT Vs. MANOHAR LAL (Land Acquisition Case).

      Either Civil, Criminal or Corporate matters, the recipe is the same .i.e. mastery of facts, relevant statutes, research, and application of law/judgments, only the taste changes .i.e. the result.

      The thrilling part is not the subject, but the journey and the relief for which the client has engaged you and trusted you with the responsibility of seeking justice. When you give your best in the matter and present your true capabilities, knowledge, ideas, and skills of your experience, only then the whole process right from the first meeting with client up to the final argument stage the journey as a whole will thrill you and no matter what the subject is, your inner soul will always give a sign that yes you have done something worth for.

      Balancing a career as an Advocate-on-Record with various high profile cases, you must have some unique strategies for managing stress. What do you do outside of work to unwind and recharge?

      I am a son, a husband, a brother, and a friend. I am an old-school guy, I love being close to nature which keeps me calm and soothing and I also love to spend time with my family. Whenever I get time I travel back to my hometown and spend most of the time with family. In the morning I do give time to myself for at least 20 to 30 minutes, where I practice yoga, stretching, meditating, and gardening and relax with myself.

      In my opinion, there are no unique strategies for managing stress, in reality, there are not any because the simpler you live the simpler your life will be. In these hectic times of the world, people have stopped realizing that we work to stay away from these so-called words like stress, tension and problems etc., so how come working would give you stress. I am not denying that these issues don’t exist but once you are doing your work with true passion and dedication and have opted for the right profession that keeps you motivated you will automatically ignore the unwanted things in your life and would focus on improving yourself every single day.

      Being an Amicus Curiae in a service matter is an interesting role. How is the experience  compared to your usual courtroom battles?

      Well, it is a privilege and a great honour to be appointed as amicus by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and I am fortunate enough to play this role in my small legal career. As the Service matter is still pending consideration before the Hon’ble Supreme Court it would not be possible for me to discuss it.

      However, in comparison to usual courtroom battles, there is definitely a different sense of pride within you when the court recognizes you and shares the burden of responsibility on your shoulders. As an amicus you have to act as a “friend of the Court” and your endeavour must be to guide the court with all the facts and laws to reach every possible way of finding the right solution both for the Court and the litigant.

      Your journey involves work with a diverse range of legal matters. If you were to give advice to your younger self starting in the legal profession, what would it be, considering both the professional and personal aspects of your career?

      OBSERVE THE COURT:-

      I still remember in my initial days I attended a chamber matter before Hon’ble Mr. Justice Amitava Roy. My matter was listed as Item No. 12 and all the matters that were listed were for the reason of not curing the defects, for that reason the matters were pending in the registry.

      During Item 1 to 10, I observed that in every Item Your Lordship was asking how much time you need to cure the defects and the Advocates were asking for 6 weeks, some asked for 4 weeks or 3 weeks time, the court was strictly taking Action against the advocates for not curing the defects timely and in almost every matter your lordship were passing order “as a Last opportunity counsel is given 2 weeks to cure the defects, failing which the Special Leave Petition will stand dismissed”

      In item 11 your lordship had again asked “how much time” counsel replied “4 weeks”, and the Court said “2 weeks and failing which the Special Leave Petition will stand dismissed” with a comment “pull up your socks”.

      When item 12 was called out I walked towards the desk and was asked by Your Lordship “Yes sailing in the same Boat, how much time do you need” I replied It is my fault for not curing the defects timely and I leave it to my lords any time as would be directed I would cure the defects” and in response, an order “6 weeks’ time granted to cure the defects”, without any condition of dismissal. 

      In short, it is very important to read the mind of the court and decide in what manner you can drive the court in your favor.

      BE PATIENT:-

      My message to the readers is: Be patient, and be diligent as this profession does not give any overnight success stories. This profession sometimes also demands sacrifices, as I can relate with those who come from outside the city in the hope of fulfilling their dreams, “you might lose many things but believe me you will achieve everything”. In the end I can only share the slogan by Great Swami Vivekananda:

      उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत,क्षुरासन्न धारा निशिता दुरत्यद्दुर्गम पथ: तत् कवयो वदन्ति |

      Arise! Awake! Approach the great and learn. Like the sharp edge of a razor is that path, so the wise say—hard to tread and difficult to cross.

      Get in touch with Neelmani Pant –