Super Lawyer

Tag: blockchain

  • “Law aspirants should familiarize themselves with this disruptive technology  and understand its implications in a wide array of areas such as contract law, regulations, data privacy,  intellectual property, and digital currencies”- Anshuman Gupta, Counsel, Fox & Mandal

    “Law aspirants should familiarize themselves with this disruptive technology  and understand its implications in a wide array of areas such as contract law, regulations, data privacy,  intellectual property, and digital currencies”- Anshuman Gupta, Counsel, Fox & Mandal

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

    Sir, could you please share with our readers how your journey in law began and evolved, leading  you to specialize in commercial litigation, arbitration, and mediation? 

    I had intended to join the Indian Air Force as a reconnaissance pilot rather than practice  law. The National Defence Academy in Pune required unaided 6/6 eye vision as a visual criterion  and a passing grade in mathematics and physics in 12th standard as an educational requirement for  admission to the Air Force wing. However, when I was in my early teens, I developed myopia and  found that I struggled with mathematics. It implied that I wouldn’t even meet the eligibility criteria  to take the entrance exam. At first, I was dejected, but as they say time is a great healer! 

    Years passed by and in my high school years, I developed an interest in civics and business studies  which contained chapters on constitution, business law and ethics which propelled me to take up  commerce stream in 11th standard and eventually I pursued undergraduate course in law. I took up  internships with an independent counsel, LPO and law firms to understand different facets of law  and organizational structure of lawyers. Initially, I worked on a bouquet of dispute resolution matters, 

    My work included inter alia real estate, testamentary, writ, arbitration, commercial, company,  banking, labour and with the passage of time, I realised that my area of interest was in commercial  litigation, arbitration and mediation. 

    You’ve achieved significant recognition, being enlisted by Forbes India and acknowledged by  The Legal 500 and with experience across various industry sectors, from aviation to real estate, you’ve  covered a wide array of legal areas. How do you manage to navigate and excel in such diverse practice  areas? 

    I believe to excel in diverse legal practice areas, a thorough understanding of facts and  legal issues, effective strategy and planning, and time management are crucial. Keeping abreast of  recent updates through legal publications is also essential.  

    A successful lawyer should adopt a personable approach, comprehensively understanding the client’s  business, and creatively using resources to address the legal issues. In my view, continuous learning  and dedication to provide quality support to my clients drives my motivation to excel. In addition to  this, a successful lawyer must imbibe the spirit of learning throughout one’s career and be able to  creatively use its resources to fulfill the requirements of the client. 

    Your academic background includes an LLM in International and Commercial Law from King’s  College London. How has your international education shaped and influenced you?   

    Pursuing a master’s degree in London on a scholarship gave me a great deal of exposure  to a relatively different university pedagogy and to students from diverse backgrounds. The subjects  were more advanced and in-depth than those I studied in the undergraduate law program and writing  assignments and thesis helped me develop my research and analytical skills. Most of the assignments  which were given to us revolved around practical legal issues compelling us to apply our legal  knowledge in real-world settings. 

    Pursuing a degree abroad also made me become self-reliant and independent. I think when you face  challenges independently, you develop resilience and confidence which benefits you in various  aspects of life. 

    Interacting with fellow international students and locals enabled me to expand my network. Building  friendships establishes a global alumni network, expanding your horizons and introducing you to  diverse ideas and perspectives that may not have been part of your previous considerations.

    From your independent practice to your current role at Fox & Mandal, you’ve navigated various  professional settings. How has this journey contributed to your personal and professional growth,  and what key lessons have you learned along the way? 

    Working in diverse work environments enabled me to understand the perspectives and  challenges one goes through in its legal practice. For example, in an independent counsel setting,  one needs to pay attention to the legal cases as well as take care of administrative tasks such as billing,  operational requirements of the setup and HR aspects etc. However, in a law firm you might be  spared from the administrative responsibilities and focus only on your work that has been assigned  to you.  

    It is essential to know and understand your role in each professional setting. Once this is clear in  your mind, it will be easier to handle and navigate the work and the expectations of your seniors and  your team. Another thing to remember is that the learning in this profession never stops. The law,  and the practice, is constantly evolving. You either evolve with it or be left behind.  

    In my short professional journey, I have learnt that one must be open to embrace new opportunities. It is only when you open yourself up, wonderful opportunities come your way to help you polish  your skills and be instrumental in your professional and personal growth. 

    For law students and recent graduates aspiring to build a successful career, what advice would  you give based on your own experiences and observations within the legal industry?   

    I believe law students and graduates should act like a sponge trying to absorb knowledge  and information from wherever they receive, be it reading an article/newspaper/blog, or listening to the submissions advanced by counsels or observations made by the judge in a courtroom or  discussion on a legal topic with colleagues over lunch.  

    I also believe that one must have the hunger and passion to excel in his/her field of specialization.  In addition, one must also be honest towards the work assigned to them. When you give your all to  the matter, whether you win or lose, it does not matter, what matters is – did I give my best? If your answer is yes, you will get immense gratification, there will be no regrets. 

    I’ve learned that being organized and having your case files at hand is crucial, whether you’re  conducting your own study or research or briefing a senior counsel. 

    Another factor which is instrumental in building a successful career is having a mentor to offer you guidance and support when you require the most. I consider myself fortunate to have numerous  mentors in my field like Mr. Sanjay Kumar Pathak, Mr. Kanishk Vardhan Shahi, Mr. Sonal Kumar  Singh and Mr. Kunal Vajani who have shaped both my professional and personal development. My  deepest gratitude to all of them.  

    Considering the evolving landscape of law and legal practice, are there specific trends or changes  that you foresee impacting the field in the coming years? How should aspiring lawyers prepare for  these changes? 

    The Covid-19 pandemic has not only showcased the feasibility of remote work but also  emphasized the flourishing potential through effective work procedures and cutting-edge  technologies, a concept previously unthinkable. 

    This shift emphasizes the increasing significance of technology in the legal sector. Whether you’re a  law student or a legal professional, proficiency in working efficiently in virtual environments and  familiarity with online collaboration tools is essential in the evolving landscape. 

    One trend which is already making its impact felt across the entire world is generative artificial  intelligence (AI). AI is being increasingly used by law firms/companies nowadays for document  review, legal research, contract analysis, communication etc. Aspiring Lawyers should make  themselves acquainted with legal tech tools and understand how technology is transforming the way  we practice law. 

    Furthermore, the use of blockchain technology and smart contracts is increasing across industries, including legal practice. Despite challenges, blockchain has revolutionized the world of  technology and business. Law aspirants should familiarize themselves with this disruptive technology  and understand its implications in a wide array of areas such as contract law, regulations, data privacy,  intellectual property, and digital currencies. 

    Finally, drawing on your extensive experience, what advice would you offer to fresh law  graduates who are just starting their professional journeys in the legal field? 

    The early years of this profession are the formative years and important for the fresh  law graduates. I reckon in my early years of the profession; a senior advocate narrated the importance  of commitment in the profession by quoting United States Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story – “The law is a jealous mistress and requires long and constant courtship. It is not to be won by trifling  favors, but by lavish homage.” One needs to devote a lot of time to the subject and not be casual in  the approach. Commitment and perseverance are inseparable and work hand in hand for success. As a practicing lawyer, I have realized that learning in this profession is perpetual. Embracing the  idea of being a lifelong student is paramount, resonating with the timeless adage, “Once a student,  always a student.”

    Get in touch with Anshuman Gupta-


  • Witness Ishita’s unique approach to supporting startups, SMEs, and SMBs, where legal challenges are met with a combination of intersectional learning and on-site visits to comprehend the intricacies of each business. – Unveiling the Journey of Ishita Sharma, Partner at Fathom Legal

    Witness Ishita’s unique approach to supporting startups, SMEs, and SMBs, where legal challenges are met with a combination of intersectional learning and on-site visits to comprehend the intricacies of each business. – Unveiling the Journey of Ishita Sharma, Partner at Fathom Legal

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

    Can you share your journey of how you ended up pursuing a career in law, particularly highlighting any key moments or influences that led you to this path?

    Since a young age, I have been captivated by the notion of engaging in public service. Throughout my life, I have consistently embodied an altruistic spirit, always eager to extend a helping hand whenever the opportunity arises. This proclivity guided my career aspirations, causing them to fluctuate between the realms of medicine and civil service, ultimately culminating in my decision to pursue a career in law.

    The thrust behind this choice stems from my inherent sense of compassion. Moreover, the unresolved intricacies of one or two-generational family disputes served as a potent motivational catalyst propelling me toward the legal profession. This personal connection and resonance with the challenges of familial discord have played a pivotal role in shaping my professional trajectory, a narrative that aligns with the experiences shared by many individuals, including myself, on their journey toward a chosen career.

    Your academic achievements are impressive, including a degree from National Law University and a Harvard University Summer Course in Intellectual Property Rights. How did these experiences shape your approach to practising law?

    The rigorous curriculum at National Law University provided me with a solid foundation in legal principles and analytical thinking. It instilled in me a sense of discipline and a deep understanding of the complexities within the legal field. This educational background has been instrumental in shaping my methodical and detail-oriented approach when addressing legal matters.

    Further, the Harvard University Summer Course in Intellectual Property Rights enriched my perspective by exposing me to global standards and cutting-edge developments in the field. Engaging with a diverse cohort and learning from leading experts broadened my understanding of the nuances in intellectual property law. This experience heightened my appreciation for the intersection of law and innovation, fostering a creative and forward-thinking mindset in my legal practice. Not only that, it was only after this course that I was able to identify my target market and understand the businesses that we work with.

    In essence, these academic experiences have equipped me with a robust legal foundation, a meticulous approach to problem-solving, and a global perspective that I bring to my practice at Fathom Legal, enhancing my ability to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape thereby making Fathom Legal, Advocates and Corporate Consultants a full-service Entrepreneurship Law firm.

    You’ve had significant experience in corporate law, from debt recovery to Corporate disputes including company law cases as well. Can you tell your areas of work and what were your learnings from it?

    Throughout my 6-years of practice, I’ve navigated diverse legal landscapes, handling cases spanning from debt recovery, real estate, Insolvency and bankruptcy matters, as well as issues of Oppression and Mismanagement, Customs, and White-Collar Crimes, notably under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act before the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

    On the corporate front, our focus extends beyond litigation. We support clients in enhancing their technological frameworks by integrating legal expertise, ensuring compliance, data security, and addressing workplace safety concerns including Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) and DNI aspects. Our role involves providing comprehensive legal guidance on day-to-day organizational challenges. Pioneering the domains of Web 3.0 and Artificial Intelligence, we’ve assisted numerous startups with offshore incorporations and global entity restructuring via mergers and acquisitions.

    Each case presents a unique learning curve, emphasizing the significance of understanding clients’ pain points before meetings and maintaining composure during challenging situations. Continuous legal advancements prompt ongoing learning, offering a wealth of knowledge each day.

    Your work involves supporting startups, SMEs, and SMBs. What unique legal challenges do these businesses face in India, and how do you help them overcome these challenges?

    My Law firm, Fathom Legal, Advocates & Corporate Consultants is a one-of-a-kind full-service Entrepreneurship Law firm in India with its major clientele being SME’s, SMB’s and Mid-Cap companies. The reason to specifically focus on these industries is because, in my opinion, they form the backbone of our nation’s GDP. 

    Our client pool is versatile. A lot of our clients are SaaS companies, aggregators, Fintech platforms, Edtech Platforms, Export houses, traders, manufacturers etc. The most common problems that they face is cancellation of projects midway, unpaid bills, quality issues to state a few.

    Our team has a very different methodology of working. We believe in intersectional learning. A lawyer with an understanding of business is all that a client wants.  We visit our clients’ offices/factories and try to get hold of as many business nitty-gritties as possible to assist our clients in the most efficient manner.  After developing a detailed understanding we review their paperwork to identify the gaps in their systems and rectify those gaps through agreements and contracts making sure a proper checks and balance system is created within each organization for its smooth functioning.  Of course, it takes a couple of months to iron out all the long existing problems but we believe in providing a permanent long-term solution rather than a temporary fix.    

    Beyond your legal career, you also run an NGO, Paritripta Foundation, focusing on social causes and justice. Could you tell us more about the foundation’s work and its impact on the community?

    Paritripta Foundation holds a special place in my heart and is being nurtured as the legal advocacy arm of Fathom Legal. This not-for-profit organization spearheads various impactful projects, including ‘Project Patrkarita,’ dedicated to fostering free and unbiased media. Additionally, ‘Project Ankush’ focuses on educating young minds about various forms of harassment and equipping them with coping mechanisms. There are many more parallel projects that we wish to take up but are at a halt due to the limitation of funds.

    Moreover, we’re actively engaged in advanced research addressing critical societal issues. These encompass concerns like household cooking gas restrictions, the implementation of green roofs, challenges within overcrowded prisons leading to same-sex assault, as well as the exploration of PrEP and PEP drugs for HIV treatment. These issues strike at the core of our society and demand urgent attention.

    Our aim is to pursue public interest litigations on these matters, striving to contribute to a brighter and secure future for our nation.

    You’ve published several papers and books on legal topics. Is there a particular topic you’re passionate about, and can you briefly discuss why it matters in today’s legal landscape?

    In today’s legal landscape, Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) play crucial roles in shaping India’s economic and legal framework. Their impact extends beyond the economic domain to influence legal policies, regulatory frameworks, and compliance standards.

    FDI is critical for India’s growth trajectory, as it aids in infrastructure development, technological advancements, and job creation whereas FPI brings in short-term capital that can be beneficial but also poses risks due to its volatile nature. Both FDI and FPI contribute to India’s balance of payments, foreign exchange reserves, and overall economic stability.

    FPI and FDI necessitate robust legal frameworks and regulations to govern their entry, operation, and exit from the Indian market. Legal structures such as the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulations, and various other laws are crucial in governing these investments. 

    Both FPI and FDI significantly influence India’s legal landscape by necessitating robust legal frameworks, stringent compliance, dispute resolution mechanisms, policy advocacy, and the protection of investor rights. Legal experts like us play a vital role in facilitating, navigating, and safeguarding these investments within the country’s legal framework.

    You’ve had the opportunity to work remotely with international clients. What challenges and opportunities does remote legal work present, and how do you navigate them?

    Handling international clients presents a captivating yet challenging scenario. Initially, navigating different time zones posed a hurdle, compelling me to work during unconventional hours. Communication barriers with attorneys in Belgium and Japan were another obstacle. Understanding the diverse legal landscapes across various jurisdictions was crucial; lacking that knowledge made operationalizing in specific regions a challenge. Embracing technology became imperative for seamless cross-border collaboration, and leveraging the latest tech proved instrumental in streamlining processes.

    However, working with international clients was an eye-opening experience. It broadened my global perspective significantly, offering exposure to diverse practices. This exposure, in turn, elevated my performance, aligning it with international standards. Moreover, it instilled in me the importance of trusting and delegating tasks, a pivotal aspect in our industry.

    One particularly demanding yet rewarding client, a law and lobbying firm in the United States, reshaped my outlook on international relations. This collaboration extended to intriguing opportunities, such as RSVP to closed sessions at The White House. As a legal journalist, having my articles published in prominent legal blogs in the United States has been an enriching outcome of this association.

    Overall, this experience revolutionized my understanding of international relations’ intricacies, emphasizing the significance of trust, and offering unparalleled insights into navigating complex global landscapes.

    As a final question, what advice would you like to share with fresh graduates who are about to enter the legal profession, considering your journey and experiences in the field?

    To the fresh graduates, I just want to say that stay curious and stay hungry for knowledge. Go aggressive on your hunger. Explore as much as possible. Catch up with the technology and stay ahead of it. For a flourishing practice make sure to meet new people and create your own network. Strengthen your logical, analytical, legal and business skills. Seek mentorship and develop soft skills. Explore diverse fields of law before you are sure to identify what you enjoy the most. Uphold ethical standards. Trust and integrity are pillars of the legal profession; don’t compromise them for any reason. Also remember, In the face of challenges or rejections, perseverance is vital. Keep pushing forward; every setback is a chance to grow.

    Get in touch with Ishita Sharma-

  • As lawyers we ensure that as the business of our clients grow and as they diversify into different sectors or launch new products, their respective policies, compliances, and agreements in place are revisited and updated as required  to counter the different legal hurdles that they may be  subject to- Raghav Muthanna, Principal Associate at IndusLaw

    As lawyers we ensure that as the business of our clients grow and as they diversify into different sectors or launch new products, their respective policies, compliances, and agreements in place are revisited and updated as required  to counter the different legal hurdles that they may be  subject to- Raghav Muthanna, Principal Associate at IndusLaw

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

     

    Can you tell us about your journey into the field of law and what inspired you to specialize in technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) and financial services regulation?

    There is this common saying that if one can’t do engineering or medicine in India, they end up doing law. While that may not necessarily be true for most people in our industry, to a large extent that does hold true in my case.  I am not going to say that I always dreamt about becoming a lawyer or that I was extremely passionate about the law, because that would be a lie. I was an average student at school, especially when it came to subjects like physics and maths, and so by the time I finished my Class 10th boards, I knew I had to end my misery and opt for commerce over science in Class 11. By opting for commerce, I had automatically ruled out engineering and medicine as career options, both of which till date, but even more so at the time, were considered the most sought after and ever green career prospects one could have. Thus, it was only in Class 12, after little deliberation, did I know that law is it for me, and that’s not because there was a lack of choice in the field of commerce, but it was what interested me the most out of the options I had in hand.

    My encounter with TMT was almost similar to that with law, it didn’t happen voluntarily, but like law, I am extremely happy that it did. I started my legal career as a general corporate lawyer who did anything from drafting and reviewing general commercial contracts to advising on complex regulatory queries, assisting with fund raise, mergers and acquisition and working on technology and employment law related work mandates as well. I spent a considerable time of my career especially my early to mid-years in the profession exclusively working on some very exciting and interesting PE/VC and M&A deals in different industry sectors. While I thoroughly enjoyed working on high value transactional work, after a certain point, for various reasons, I felt the need to explore new opportunities and seek change, which is when I was offered the opportunity to transition full time to the technology and corporate advisory practice group at my firm, where I have since, worked on some very interesting matters in the field of e-commerce, technology (specifically fintech and insure-tech) and data protection related mandates, while continuing to work on a lot of general corporate advisory matters.

    With over 9 years of experience advising clients in different sectors, could you share a specific project or case that had a significant impact on your career and the clients you served?

    It is extremely difficult to pin-point and pick one project or matter that stands out. There have been so many great projects that I have had the good fortune to be a part of. Some where the kind of work itself has been disruptive and cutting edge, while others where the work or business model in itself may not have necessarily been the most exciting, but the scale at which the business grew or the impact it had on the masses or the kind of targets such businesses may have met, despite the several roadblocks and hurdles it faced along the way, is what made such success stories extremely satisfying to watch. What in particular has been extremely gratifying personally is witnessing the meteoric rise and growth of several of the start-up clients I have been fortunate to work with as their external counsel. I have been incredibly privileged to have assisted several clients right from the days of their incorporation and seed investment to this date, where some of them have even gone on to become unicorns in such short spans of time. A few of the clients that I have worked or work with include Upstox, Groww, Google, Makemytrip, Mediassist, Air India, Licious, Big Basket to name a few.

    You have worked on a wide range of topics in the legal field, including data protection, cybersecurity, fintech, and emerging technologies like blockchain and AI. What drew you to these areas, and what do you find most exciting about them?

    It was never going to be easy to not be drawn into the revolution of technology playing out in front of me. Having grown up in a generation that witnessed the birth of laptops and mobile phones in India and the constant transformation of various technology and products, be it storage devices for instance- starting from floppy disks to CDs in the 90s and then to pen drives and hard disks in the first decade of the 21st century to now being almost entirely replaced with online servers and virtual data rooms and cloud storage services, where the need for an external hardware itself has almost been made redundant, technology in its various forms and facets have always peaked my interest. A decade ago, when I was in law school, I hadn’t even heard of the terms ‘Blockchain’ or ‘AI’,  let alone be interested in them, but today, I receive applications from law students across the country expressing their desire in pursuing a career specifically surrounding disruptive technologies like AI, blockchain, Big Data, Metaverse amongst others that were almost unheard of not too long ago. While many of these concepts are relatively new and have come into prominence only over the past few years, the pace at which technology and the legal landscape around it has evolved in such a short span of time, is extremely exciting to witness. The number of initiatives taken by the Indian government in the recent past, has played a major role in creating and supporting so many new age service offerings, which for me as a tech lawyer, consistently keeps me engaged, enthused and optimistic about the tremendous growth opportunity and potential that the tech space has to offer to the large digital consumer base in India, as well as the various stakeholders in the field, which includes tech developers as well as tech lawyers like myself.

    You have been recognized as a recommended lawyer by Legal 500 and a ‘Rising Star’ by IFLR1000 in the field of ‘Financial Services Regulatory’ in India. What do you believe sets you apart in this highly competitive and dynamic field of law?

    I would like to believe that the small recognitions and little success I have been fortunate to have witnessed thus far in my career is down to a lot of luck and hard work. Sometimes you need to be lucky to be at the right place at the right time, under the right circumstances and to be exposed to the right opportunities, for things to work out, and I believe I have been fortunate that way. Luck will however only take you so far without hard work, dedication and ambition. As cliché as it may sound, there really is no substitution to hard work. All of that said, the recognition and success would not have been possible without a strong support system at the back end, whether it’s a team that makes you look better than you are, family and friends who have to put up with you cancelling plans or constantly cribbing, or even clients that have been very supportive and generous with their feedback and wishes over the years. I have also been blessed to have had great mentors along the way, each of whom have in some way or the other played a major part in shaping my career and ensuring where I am today. I have also been fortunate to work with some excellent lawyers both in the organisations that I have worked with as well as counterparts on various matters, most of whom have inspired me in some way or the other.

    Your work includes policy and advocacy initiatives, and you’ve submitted stakeholder comments on consultation papers issued by regulators. Can you talk about the importance of legal professionals engaging in shaping regulations and policies in the technology and financial sectors?

    I cannot stress enough on the importance of engaging with regulators on a regular basis. As a lawyer who advises several big and small companies in different sectors, I often see challenges our clients face when it comes to either launching a new product or taking decisions over some of their existing businesses, specifically in regulated businesses like insurance, finance, healthcare and education among others. This is largely because of the lacuna that remains around the operation of several new age businesses within the existing regulatory framework. This could be down to the regulators not having accounted or envisaged for the kind of business models and businesses that exist today, back when they formulated the law, or it could simply be on account of the rapid evolution of the business landscape outpacing the existing legal framework. Almost every service offering that is either provided in a regulated sector or offered in some way or form in connection with a regulated entity is either already regulated today or is proposed to be regulated in some manner. It thus becomes very important for the government to interact with actual stakeholders of a particular industry and vice versa, before a law can be passed so that each relevant stakeholder that is impacted by such law has expressed their inputs and concerns around the framework proposed to be brought in, before it becomes a law. As a consultant to several impacted clients/businesses and also independently as a lawyer that practices in areas that such law pertains to, we often engage in discussions with regulators either by meeting with them in person or writing to them either where we outline our views and provide our inputs and comments on the relevant bill/subject, while being mindful to ensure that the governments objective behind regulating such a business/subject in a legal and sound manner is not jeopardised in anyway. These discussions with regulators can go a long way in securing the interest of all the impacted parties, whether it is the customer, the business or any third person impacted by such regulations.

    Looking back at your career, can you share a particularly challenging or memorable moment that taught you a valuable lesson or significantly influenced your professional growth?

    You learn something every day in this profession. It could be learnings from mistakes you make at work or it could be adopting and applying something new that you have learnt, heard or come across during interactions with your peers or clients. A big learning on a non-professional front which ends up playing an important part in the long-term sustenance of your professional career would be on how to manage a good work life balance and yet deliver on expectations at work. That is still a work in progress personally for me, but I believe striking that balance becomes key to ensuring that you do not burn out and continue to be motivated in a field that is otherwise often associated with long work hours and a lot of hard work.

    You’ve advised start-ups, venture capital funds, and established companies. What are the key legal considerations that emerging tech companies should keep in mind, and how can they navigate regulatory complexities in India’s evolving legal landscape?

    Most clients I interact with today in the concerned space are extremely knowledgeable and fully ingrained even in the regulatory side of the business, which makes my job as a legal consultant easier as my work is sometimes reduced to validating their understanding of the regulated space. Such is the passion that new age entrepreneurs come with. That said, the law can be too complex for most people, which is why most of the bigger companies that we cater to are ably supported by a large group of advisors both inhouse and external (like us) while the smaller companies often rely on our expertise and advise to navigate through the legal complexities that remain in several industries. The legal landscape like you rightly pointed out is ever evolving with the changing business landscape. Accordingly, as lawyers we ensure that as the business of our clients grow and as they diversify into different sectors or launch new products, their respective policies, compliances, and agreements in place are revisited and updated as required  to counter the different legal hurdles that they may be  subject to.

    Get in touch with Raghav Muthanna-

  • Legal professionals need to be tech savy not to look smart but to be smart because, the solution needs to be digital, fast, smart and Tech driven nowadays and more in future- Shaswata Kapat, Tech-Lawyer, DIFX – Digital Financial Exchange

    Legal professionals need to be tech savy not to look smart but to be smart because, the solution needs to be digital, fast, smart and Tech driven nowadays and more in future- Shaswata Kapat, Tech-Lawyer, DIFX – Digital Financial Exchange

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

    Can you tell us about your journey into the field of law, particularly how you developed a passion for technology law and web3?

    From my childhood I was always a tech Nerd, I still remember I would draw new smartphone designs, new kinds of computing devices in the back of my note books, and conduct odd experiments with my school best friends at his or my house. But then my family is a doctor’s family so got drawn into Medical & NEET entrance. But did miserably at entrances and got depressed and thought I can’t do anything in my life. From a bright student to a failure….life had taken a sharp turn, so my father suggested to study B.SC.LL.B where I would be able to study Science and Law together, and from my first class at Contracts and Constitution – Torts I fell love in law..and then GDPR came..so data privacy..and during 2019 into Web3 and this world…because I wanted to be part of this amazing revolution happening in Our technology, financial and social world.

    Your background includes expertise in Cyber Ethics & Forensics. How has this specialization influenced your approach to technology law, and can you share any notable experiences from your work in this area?

    As I was saying my course was in BScllb, so from start we were taught in law school ballistics,  forensic physics,  chemistry,  Cyber forensics,  bioinformatics, Toxicology and interned in 1st year in Chandigarh Central Forensic Science Laboratory,  live place where the heinous Kathua Rape case’s forensics has been done, that propelled my interest in the junction of Law – Science & Technology. So these experiences and learning curve helped me to later on write a research paper on core tech policy issues which got international recognition, referred to in International – USA University Law journals,  which was read coincidentally read by one of my then future seniors who hired me after a few years. 

    With your extensive experience in IP, Data privacy, AI Ethics, and Cyber Laws, how do you see these areas evolving in the context of emerging technologies like web3 and blockchain?

    People have a very big misconception about Web3 & blockchain.  That everything is this field is crypto currency.  It’s much more than that…web3 blockchain are the jumps of what we have seen since 1990 when the internet started to become commercialized..when web2 happened in 2010-12 the social media started to take place. But it’s more than that because it’s disrupting conventional financial system,  social ideology,  macro and micro economy. And in this new order of law everything is moving..so IP, Data Privacy,  AI Ethics, Cyber Laws all are part of it…your general civil litigation…corporate laws…criminal liability..Competition law…corporate governance..Banking law..capital markets all are part of it… these will be becoming more intertwined to each other, and we will see newer versions of every conventional law we have seen till now.

    You’ve worked with top-tier law firms in different parts of the world. Could you share some insights into the challenges and opportunities you encountered while advising clients on complex cross-border technology transactions and crypto projects?

    The biggest challenge is to be updated and be prepared for dynamic laws across the globe and how it connects and how it sometimes does not connect. For an example some clients want a bespoke corporate structure for their project to have banking in Singapore,  some Money remittance license in USA, corporate tax free entity in Caymans Islands, treasury in BVI, sister one in UAE and IP in Bahamas. So you need to know not only those countries’ laws…all sorts of laws required for this…so you need to keep studying, updating yourself…keep researching..try to come up with innovative and long term beneficial plans for your clients. As I have been the young lawyer in the room of some senior folks….it needs more of your quick analysing ability and effort to be on toe to toe with their experience. 

    As someone who’s deeply involved in the world of Web3 and Tech events, could you highlight some recent developments in Crypto & TMT law that you find particularly fascinating or impactful for businesses?

    There has been some big developments across the globe, starting with india’s Long due Data Protection Act and then with recent G20 Summit in India the G20 countries have called for global consensus based crypto and web3 regulations on this basis of recently published IMF – FSB Synthesis Paper on Crypto Policy. Then UAE with their forward thinking VARA & ADGM regulators coming up with some comprehensive regulatory frameworks and planning and Singapore and Hong-Kong are on the same path. And California and the EU are recently working on their AI regulations as well… every other country wants to regulate these emerging countries…but the countries who are acting first with pro innovation and ample light touch regulations are going to win the race of getting maximum business. 

    How do you balance your technical knowledge with legal expertise when representing clients in negotiations, drafting contracts, or advising on complex legal issues?

    Most of my clients are seasoned entrepreneurs and Tech wizards.  So it’s hard to be on their wavelength in a conversation about the technical side of the business connecting dots with law. So I keep Learning and keep using my background in core technology and science to bridge the gap between their technological solutions and my legal solutions.  So complex technologies sometimes don’t have their pre structured legal solutions.  So I always map their tech and their implications,  jurisdictions,  risks, solutions and then solve each challenge of them in a legal lense one by one and in the end connect the dots and give them the full picture legal solutions.  It’s challenging and it’s exciting!

    Given your belief in the transformative potential of AI and web3, what role do you see for legal professionals in shaping the future of these technologies?

    People are either getting fearful that AI will replace their jobs or web3 will replace conventional business ecosystems or either People are ignorant that they should be detached from AI & web3. Both thoughts are wrong,  you should embrace with awareness, you should harness the power of AI & web3 to take leverage and grow your capabilities and your business.  Legal professionals need to be tech savy not to look smart…to be smart…because the solution needs to be digital..fast…smart and Tech driven nowadays and more in future.

    Lastly, as a seasoned legal professional, what advice would you like to give to fresh graduates aspiring to pursue a career in technology law, especially in the context of the ever-evolving landscape of web3 and emerging technologies?

    This field is new, unconventional but with mammoth potential.  Don’t get caught in the dazzling rays in this field, try to understand and go deeper into this field, explore it and then choose this as a career.  Be very quick in your approach.  Because remember Technology always moves faster than Laws and regulations.  So you need to be in tune with technology and sometimes go beyond it … ..it’s a highly innovative and exciting and challenging field…if you love to be at the forefront of writing the future legal world of a newly forming digital world … .take up web3, AI and emerging tech law…. Best of luck & After all it’s fun to be a lawyer in this space!!

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