This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
Looking back at your formative years and legal education, what early experiences shaped your perspective towards law and inspired you to pursue a career in litigation and dispute resolution?
Born and brought up in Delhi, I completed my schooling at DPS RK Puram, studying from nursery to 12th grade, with the initial years up to Class 5 spent in the junior wing of the school.
I belong to the pre-CLAT era, when each law school conducted its own entrance examination. At that time, choosing a college also meant carefully evaluating both its location and the professional opportunities that followed. I had intentionally decided against taking multiple entrance exams, but a trusted recommendation persuaded me to attempt the entrance for the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS). I was later formally informed that I had successfully cleared the entrance exam and was eligible to secure admission to NUALS. However, after passing the entrance exam for Indraprastha University (Amity Law School), I chose to enrol there, as its location in Delhi-NCR and its ranking in the top ten law colleges in India, were rather significant factors in my decision at the time.
My decision was primarily driven by the fact that Delhi provided a far more conducive environment for pursuing a career in law, particularly in litigation, which was my area of interest. However, with the benefit of hindsight, I now believe that institutional rankings are of limited consequence in the long run, especially for those committed to a career in litigation since law is a profession that transcends classroom learning and genuine mastery can only be forged through practical application and real-world experience.
While the school provided a solid platform, it was the inspiration I drew from my parents, both of whom had worked with the government and were highly accomplished from an early age, that set a high benchmark for me and encouraged me to take my academics seriously while also pursuing co-curricular activities such as debates and beyond. I was always drawn to writing and was made aware that I had a natural ease with language. Outside the school curriculum, I found joy in exploring a variety of non fiction books and articles, driven by a curiosity to better understand how the world works. I was particularly drawn to topics in psychology and neuroscience, which still continue to captivate me. I believe this reading has also quietly shaped me in becoming more empathetic, a quality that proves valuable particularly in mediation. I’ve always found satisfaction in tackling problems and working toward practical solutions, and was grateful that others felt comfortable seeking my advice. Through helping them resolve personal conflicts and find common ground, I developed a sincere interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
During my academic years, I remained actively engaged in co-curricular activities, including parliamentary debates, Model United Nations, coupled with several extra curricular such as taking part in inter-school competitions, winning as a solo singer in important music competitions as well as inter school level athletics which I believe does give one confidence and discipline while also encouraging prompt, judicious thinking under pressure, and embrace competition. In my opinion, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities teach early on that winning and losing are both part of the game, something I came to appreciate through sports and other competitions in these formative years, and which continues to shape my approach as a lawyer.
During your time at Law School, you undertook intensive internships with leading law firms, arbitration centres, and the offices of Additional Solicitor General. How were they transformative, and how did they influence your career path?
Internships were not mandatory for students at that time, unlike the current practice in most colleges, following the BCI notification. The primary reason to pursue them for me, was to gain exposure to the profession at an early stage. I was very keen on exploring a wide range of laws, including unconventional areas such as Sports Law and TDSAT matters, which were not commonly taken up. I enjoyed the process of securing internships through my own effort which has also helped me become independent. I actively went for interviews, followed up with offices, and treated the process as a learning experience in itself. Alongside this, I also participated in many inter-college and intra-college moot court competitions as a speaker and was fortunate to secure good positions and awards. After graduating, I have been invited to judge college moot courts, which often reminds me of my own time as a speaker and participant, recalling the long hours and sometimes several months of preparation that went into each round.
One experience from the internship days that stands out for me is when I wanted to intern with the office of an ex-ASG, which was very coveted, and very few students would get selected or allowed to intern at the office at a time. I pursued the application consistently, without using any references, and was ultimately offered the chance to intern. When he later realized that my family was acquainted with him, he asked why I had gone through the entire process, but for me, the satisfaction lay in doing it independently. Similarly, I secured internships at several law firms and at DIAC (at the time known as Delhi High Court Arbitration Centre), again through persistent applications and interviews. At DIAC, I gained early exposure to institutional arbitration and was introduced to how such proceedings are conducted in practice.
It’s worth mentioning that all my internships, except one, were unpaid and I never had any reservations about that. It was generally understood that internships were about learning rather than stipends; payment, if offered, was considered a bonus, not an entitlement. The one exception was at a law firm where, at the time of joining, I was clearly informed that I would be paid a fixed amount for the duration. If an internship is undertaken mainly or solely for financial reasons, it is important that this be communicated at the outset, since paid internships carry a very different set of expectations. Raising monetary demands midway is neither fair to the seniors nor consistent with professional conduct. Any agreement regarding payment should, therefore, be clearly confirmed in writing, preferably over mail.
Each firm I interned with also gave me insights into its specialized practice areas, which helped me appreciate the finer aspects of the profession and further helped me develop a sense of independence very early on. I believe internships are extremely important for law students, as they offer a practical glimpse into what lies ahead after law school. During my internship, I often worked long hours, staying back even after the associates had left to complete the work they had assigned, often under strict deadlines, and was usually among the first to arrive each morning, not with the intention of being absorbed in the firms, but simply to absorb as much as possible and maximize the learning experience.
You began your professional journey assisting the Additional Solicitor General at the Delhi High Court, where you were exposed to high-profile government litigation at a very early stage. Soon after, you worked with an Advocate-on Record at the Supreme Court. Looking back, what lessons did you draw from these formative experiences, and how did they shape your understanding of appellate practice and prepare you for eventually qualifying as an AOR yourself?
Immediately after graduation, I joined as an associate with the then ASG and had the opportunity to work on high-profile cases, including the “Nirbhaya” case among others. My time in the office gave me practical exposure to handling government matters, understanding the functioning of such offices, and working in a fast-paced environment where cases often arrived late in the evening and required the four associates to read files and prepare briefs within tight deadlines for the next day’s listing, which was quite demanding and often required working late into the night. While attending meetings and briefings was an interesting learning experience, starting the career in a designated senior’s office has its limitations, particularly in drafting, which is an essential skill for any litigating lawyer. Seeking more substantial drafting experience, I decided to join an AOR in the Supreme Court with whom I was already familiar. This arrangement allowed me to pursue my own private practice before lower courts and tribunals part time while working in the office, where I would take initiative to draft SLPs and government-side Counters, as the office was on the panel for the State Government.
While this may not hold true for everyone, I had recognized that taking the AOR exam would be professionally significant, yet I could not have anticipated the profound impact it would have on my career once I qualified. I was aware that becoming an Advocate-on-Record, particularly in the current generation, carries significant prestige, responsibility and accountability. Most who qualify today have amassed significant experience across various courts and tribunals before reaching the appellate stage practice, which equips them with a deeper understanding of the nuances of such practice, a perspective that is harder to acquire when starting directly at that level.
By 2014, you had taken the bold step of establishing an independent practice. What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you navigate them?
When I began my independent practice, my work was mainly in lower courts, service disputes before the CAT, and High Court litigation, and much of it non-contentious. Initially, I dedicated time to working on several pro bono cases. One of the turning points came when I was empanelled with DLSA/DSLSA for the CAT panel, where I was one of the five advocates and was selected on merit through a shortlisting and interview process. It is often assumed that legal aid is confined to the economically weaker sections, but under The Legal Services Authorities Act, children, women, senior citizens, disabled and socially backward classes are equally entitled irrespective of income. This gave me exposure to clients from very diverse backgrounds and allowed me to develop the ability to handle people and their concerns at an early stage.
What made the experience especially meaningful was the trust it created. The beneficiaries who appreciated my commitment towards their cause and work, often referred me to their acquaintances, and I would also receive referrals from some unexpected sources, such as court staff in some courts and other professional networks. The referrals have not been confined to service matters, but I have also been entrusted with their personal matters, including criminal, property, and matrimonial cases, among others. These acknowledgments strengthened my belief in sincerity and perseverance as the foundation of practice.
On a more personal note, I come from a family of high achievers and accomplished individuals, most of whom have pursued structured and conventional career paths.
Except for my grandfather, who had earned great respect in his time as a prominent lawyer, I had not personally heard of anyone establish an independent practice and face the unique challenges that come with it, though I often wish he had still been practicing when I entered the profession as he was a great inspiration and influenced my decision to pursue law. I grew up hearing stories of how clients valued his exceptional legal acumen and how he consistently achieved favourable verdicts.
Choosing litigation, and doing so as a self-made woman lawyer, brings its own set of hurdles, but it also gave me resilience, confidence, and the satisfaction of building a practice on my own merit. I believe it is important for anyone to have some support system, and for me, that strength came primarily from my grandfather and parents, who consistently encouraged me to pursue my dreams without being bound by the conventional expectations of society.
You’ve dealt with a wide spectrum of cases in the Supreme Court as an Advocate on-Record, a few of which resulted in reportable judgments. How do you see these experiences contributing to your professional and personal journey?
While my work in the High Court and lower courts has spanned matters, including appearances both for the government and for private parties, much of my work in the Supreme Court has involved representing predominantly private parties, including matters against different State Governments. What I’ve really valued about being an AOR is the chance to engage with a wide variety of matters, all under one roof in a short span. Over the years, I’ve handled cases touching on GST, Customs, SEBI, statutory appeals from NCLAT, Service disputes, Transfer Petitions, and criminal matters including bail, with some of them resulting in reportable judgments. Among those, most recently, I argued a batch of cases concerning compassionate appointments, where the Hon’ble Apex court upheld the High Court’s decision in favor of my clients, granted the relief we sought, and issued important directives to the State.
On the professional and personal front, it is truly the vagaries of litigation that will shape you the most over time. There are days when I appear for a Petitioner/Applicant on a particular issue, and almost immediately thereafter, I may find myself defending the Respondent on the same point in another matter. This frequent transition between perspectives necessitates not only a versatile approach to advocacy but also enhances the way one navigates difficulties in life, while also serving as a reminder that the law is never unidimensional.
Your work as a mediator accredited by the International Mediation Institute reflects a strong commitment to alternative dispute resolution. Alongside mediation, you also have substantial experience in arbitration. In your view, how are these mechanisms evolving in India, and what role do you see them playing in the future of dispute resolution?
In my view, not every conflict calls for the rigours of litigation, many can be effectively resolved through dialogue and a planned, structured settlement process, a perspective also endorsed by several sitting and retired judges across different courts. This line of thought naturally steered me towards arbitration and mediation, reflecting an inclination I had held from early on.
The journey for me in mediation began with intensive training of 120 hours initially with an international institute based in Germany, which involved regular simulations and close interaction with participants from diverse jurisdictions. This foundation gradually opened opportunities to mediate international disputes alongside colleagues from different countries, many of whom became professional associates during the course of training. I became involved in this sphere when mediation was still at its nascent stage, much prior to the establishment of a statutory framework and I was aware that it was a burgeoning field with great potential in future. Referrals followed naturally, leading to further exposure and practice. I would like to think of mediation, by its very nature, as an inherent skill while also one that is refined through experience and continuous practice. Once qualified as a mediator, one need not wear the mediator’s hat at all times. The profession demands the ability to know how to switch hats, as the skill set of a mediator differs fundamentally from that of an advocate.
During mediation training, we are introduced to several techniques, which come in handy, one of which is the classic ‘Orange parable’, it illustrates how two daughters quarrelled over an orange; one wanted the fruit to eat, the other the peel to bake a cake. By simply dividing it in half, each lost half of what she truly needed, but had the mother asked why they wanted it, both could have received 100% of what they sought. The story highlights how exploring underlying interests, rather than positions, often creates outcomes that add value at no extra cost.
My interest in arbitration began during college while preparing as a speaker for a prestigious international arbitration moot court competition. The research and learning involved sparked a deep curiosity about the entire process. This led me to apply for an internship with the DIAC, where I spent a few months gaining first-hand exposure while still in college. Gradually, I began handling arbitration matters and found the process very engaging, particularly the intricacies of cross-examination, which require precision and technicality rather than generic questioning, given that its appreciation in arbitration differs from that in a trial. A few years later, I found myself as an arbitrator in a matter that was successfully steered towards settlement. Over the years, I joined several national and international arbitration organizations through paid annual memberships. While these affiliations offer valuable professional connections, I believe the primary focus should remain on steadily building meaningful work in the field as accumulating memberships alone, without gradually building substantive work, may not serve a deeper purpose in advancing one’s practice or the profession.
It is becoming increasingly clear that ADR is not merely an alternative but represents the future of dispute resolution. With technological advancements enabling Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) and the legal framework evolving accordingly, it is especially being recognized as the way forward for cross-border disputes. Even for that matter in domestic arbitration and mediation, the ability for counsels and parties to participate remotely is a convenience that was virtually unknown until recently and with that convenience comes a greater willingness among people to engage in the process, leaving fewer excuses to avoid it.
Beyond your work in courtrooms, you have also been invited to various forums and platforms. Could you share how such opportunities have enriched your professional journey?
My longstanding interest in subjects extending beyond law such as international relations/foreign affairs, which I have actively explored by writing articles on diverse topics that were published in reputed newspapers and journals, I believe for me, has opened doors to unique opportunities beyond conventional legal practice. These engagements have allowed me to be invited to various forums, media platforms and different Embassies, participate in discussions on cross-border issues, and build meaningful connections with diplomats and professionals in the field and beyond. Such interactions also help to enrich your professional outlook.
Alongside your independent practice, you serve as a Senior panel counsel for prominent government bodies like MTNL, NDMC, MCD, DDA and others. How different is it to represent government and public sector entities compared to private clients, and what unique responsibilities come with it?
Representing government and public sector entities presents challenges and opportunities that are distinct from a private practice involving private parties. The outcomes in public sector matters often have far-reaching implications, potentially impacting public funds, policy decisions, or matters of governance, rather than just individual or corporate interests. The process of receiving and executing instructions often involves multiple layers of guidance and approvals, requiring both patience and clear communication as directives pass through several officials. There is also an increased sense of accountability, as being a lawyer for the government involves safeguarding the public interest in addition to advancing the client’s position. Timelines and strategies can be shaped by the internal institutional protocols and procedural requirements, yet the obligation on the panel counsels to maintain the highest professional standards is unwavering. It requires not only a certain level of legal expertise, understanding of the court craft but also a balanced approach that respects both the letter of the law and the wider societal stakes involved. At the same time, private practice from the private Petitioner and Applicant’s side offers unique rewards. The chance to work closely with clients, shape the strategy of a matter, and see the tangible impact of your work makes the experience deeply satisfying, while each setting brings its own distinct professional lessons.
It bears mention that I have often encountered conflict of interest, since many individuals approach me for matters involving the same departments where I am empanelled. This highlights a limitation one cannot afford to put all their eggs in one basket. In fact, empanelment is sometimes perceived as the ultimate goal for many freshers, whereas in reality, it should only be meant to an end. The real challenge lies in the dynamics of whether matters are actually assigned which has numerous variables at play that are not always apparent to individuals aspiring for empanelment. In my view, empanelment is valuable only if one has a reasonable prospect of leveraging them over the long term, since more often than not they come at the cost of opportunities in private practice that one has to forgo.
With constant changes in legislation, regulatory frameworks, and commercial practices, how do you stay updated on the latest legal developments? What advice would you offer to students and young lawyers who aspire to build successful careers in litigation and dispute resolution?
First and foremost, I believe it is important to discover one’s own “Ikigai” , a concept beautifully articulated in the book by the same name, which speaks of finding one’s true purpose. For me, law was never about money or wealth, it goes much deeper.
At the same time, conviction alone is not enough, the law demands continuous learning, and purpose finds its true meaning only when matched with consistency and diligence. To stay current with the constant changes in legislation, regulatory frameworks, and commercial practices, I rely on a blend of traditional resources and contemporary tools. I am subscribed to reputed legal journals and follow bi monthly if not weekly updates from regulatory bodies. If a particular webinar or conference interests me, I make it a point to watch the sessions or recordings whenever time permits, as they invariably provide practical perspectives that go beyond what one finds in print.
On a more practical level, I find some WhatsApp groups to be useful for timely updates though one must be selective, as some are driven by informal exchanges rather than substance. I have also maintained paid subscriptions to legal databases, and whenever possible, I even like to read international publications such as The Economist and The Guardian to keep a more rounded view. In litigation, time management is extremely critical. There is always too much to read and absorb, so the key lies in prioritizing credible sources and ensuring that learning remains consistent, even if not exhaustive. After all, there are perhaps only a few professions/roles that demand knowledge across a vast spectrum of disciplines and engagement with society at large namely those of a judge, a civil servant and an advocate. Therefore, as a lawyer, the reading cannot be confined to judgments alone.
For students and young lawyers aspiring to build careers in litigation and dispute resolution, my advice is to not follow someone else’s path just because it worked for them. Your journey is unique, so find what resonates with you and let it guide your growth in this dynamic field.
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