You’ve worked extensively across multiple domains, from white-collar crime and NDPS litigation to cross-border family law, commercial disputes, and arbitration. What core principles have guided you in navigating such varied legal landscapes?
Across every area I’ve worked in—be it white-collar crime, international family disputes, or commercial arbitration—the core principles have remained the same: preparation, clarity of thought, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the client’s case. I believe in knowing the facts better than anyone else in the room and staying practical about how the law will operate in real-world scenarios.
While each domain comes with its own nuances, I’ve found that a strong foundation in legal reasoning and the discipline to prepare thoroughly are what make the difference. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on complex and sensitive matters, and it has reinforced my belief that there’s no substitute for sincerity and strategic thinking. I may not always take the loudest approach, but I make sure my work speaks for itself—and that has taken me further than I had imagined when I started.
Handling high-profile matters such as securing bail for a well-known actress in an NDPS case, and assisting in matters like the 2G and Satyam scams, must have come with immense pressure. How do you prepare for such sensitive and high-stakes cases?
High-stakes matters bring added pressure, but the key is to focus on the preparation. I had the opportunity to assist in the 2G and Satyam Scam matters early in my career, which helped me understand the scale and complexity of such prosecutions. In sensitive cases, I try to build the legal strategy step-by-step—starting with a solid understanding of the record, anticipating the likely challenges, and keeping the client well-informed throughout. When media or public attention is involved, it’s even more important to stay disciplined and avoid unnecessary noise.
I was also fortunate to have assisted in landmark matters including Vijay Madanlal Choudhary vs Union of India, where the Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and Madras Bar Association vs Union of India, which clarified the framework for the functioning and independence of tribunals in India. These cases shaped critical areas of law, and being part of the teams working on them gave me a deeper understanding of constitutional interpretation and statutory design.
Moreover, no matter how big or small the matter is, a good lawyer has to put everything into the case. That’s something I’ve always believed in and something I’ve learned from my father. Every case deserves the same level of sincerity and attention, whether it’s a high-profile matter or an everyday dispute.
As the Founder and Managing Partner of T&P Law Offices, how do you balance your responsibilities as a practitioner, team leader, and mentor particularly in a firm that handles complex, multidimensional disputes?
Balancing these roles requires careful time management and trust in the team. I try to remain hands-on in most matters while giving space to younger lawyers to take responsibility. I’ve realized that mentoring is as much about listening as it is about guiding. I also make sure we have systems in place that support efficient work—clear division of tasks, regular check-ins, and open communication. Ultimately, if the team works well together, things run more smoothly across the board.
Representing NewSpace India Ltd., ISRO’s commercial subsidiary, places you at the unique intersection of law, science, and national interest. What legal challenges or insights have stood out to you while working in the space-tech sector?
It’s a sector that’s still evolving, and every assignment brings new issues to think through. Working with NSIL has required understanding not just the legal aspects but also the technical and policy background. One major insight has been the importance of anticipating regulatory changes and making sure legal advice aligns with broader national objectives.
You’ve successfully mediated complex cross-border child custody disputes involving countries such as the US and UK. How do you navigate these high-stakes international matters, and what steps do you take to prepare for cases involving multiple jurisdictions?
My experience as a panel counsel for the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has given me practical exposure to cross-border custody matters, which are often both emotionally intense and legally complex. The first step is to develop a holistic understanding of the jurisdictional interplay—knowing when Indian courts will assume jurisdiction, understand the Hague Convention framework, and coordinating with foreign counsel where needed.
In several matters, I’ve worked closely with the US and UK embassies, and in collaboration with NCPCR, where the legal systems of both countries were able to align in support of the child’s welfare. In such cases, the legal frameworks often coincide in a way that strengthens cooperation between authorities and facilitates effective remedies.
I also prioritize mediation and alternative dispute resolution, especially when the well-being of children is involved. Each case demands cultural sensitivity, awareness of international norms, and the ability to negotiate without losing sight of legal enforceability.
One of the practical tools I’ve used successfully is drafting parental plans that outline shared responsibilities and structured arrangements—covering education, visitation, healthcare, and communication between the child and both parents. These plans, drafted keeping the child’s best interest at the core, have often helped in reaching settlements that are acceptable to both parties and enforceable across borders.
Ultimately, while the legal strategy must be sound, the focus in such matters must always remain on the child’s welfare, not just the legal outcome.
Having worked with prominent lawyers and leading firms, what were the most important lessons or values you carried forward into your own independent practice? Additionally, what was your motivation to establish your own practice?
Working with Senior Advocate Mr. Sidharth Luthra taught me how important precision and clarity are—both in how you present a case and how you think about it. At Saraf and Partners, I learned how to handle complex matters that involved a lot of moving parts, and how to function effectively as part of a structured team. Both experiences shaped the way I approach work even today.
But at some point, I felt the need to build something of my own—something more personal and meaningful. I’ve always wanted to contribute to society in a real way, and that was one of the reasons I joined the Delhi Legal Services Authority early on in my career. That experience reinforced for me that law isn’t just a profession—it can be a tool to help people, to solve problems, and to make space for fairness.
Starting my own practice was a step toward aligning my work with what I care about. I wanted more control over the kind of matters I take up, and the kind of environment I create for the people I work with. Law has its challenges, but for me, it’s something I’ve genuinely grown passionate about—it gives me a sense of purpose, even when the day-to-day is tough.
As a practitioner who actively engages with legal education through guest lectures and mentoring, how do you view the relationship between academic involvement and courtroom practice? In what ways has this engagement shaped your growth as a legal professional?
Academic engagement has always been an integral part of my professional growth. It provides the space to reflect more deeply on legal principles beyond the immediacy of courtroom pressures. Delivering guest lectures or judging moots requires distilling complex legal concepts into accessible ideas, which in turn sharpens my own clarity of thought and argumentation. It’s also intellectually refreshing—interacting with students often brings unexpected questions and fresh perspectives that challenge rigid thinking and encourage a broader view of the law.
Mentoring, both within and outside the office, has been equally meaningful. I’ve benefited from strong mentors myself, and I try to carry that forward by offering honest, practical guidance to younger lawyers. Teaching and mentoring remind me that legal practice isn’t just about individual success—it’s about contributing to the growth of the profession as a whole.
Given your specialization in white-collar crime, how do you approach ethical dilemmas, particularly in cases involving allegations of financial misconduct, corruption, or money laundering? Additionally, what drew you to a career in law and led you to focus on this area of practice?
I was drawn to law because I’ve always appreciated how structured, purpose-driven, and outcome-oriented the profession is. Over time, I naturally gravitated towards white-collar crime because it brings together the two things I find most intellectually engaging—analytical reasoning and investigative problem-solving. The issues are layered, the fact patterns are rarely linear, and the stakes—both reputational and legal—are incredibly high.
What I enjoy most about working in this space is the challenge of navigating complex regulatory frameworks and making sense of large volumes of financial or digital evidence. Each matter demands a deep dive, not just into legal precedent but also into operational realities—whether of companies, public institutions, or individuals in leadership roles.
Ethical dilemmas are inherent in this space, and they require a calibrated approach, one that balances legal strategy with integrity and foresight. My role is not just to respond to allegations, but to anticipate implications across forums—criminal, regulatory, and reputational. I believe clients come to you in such situations not only for legal defence, but for clarity, discretion, and a roadmap forward. That’s what I strive to deliver.
With nearly a decade in the legal profession and diverse exposure to litigation, advisory work, and international law, what advice would you offer young lawyers, especially women, who aspire to build resilient and independent practices like yours?
My first piece of advice would be: be patient, and keep showing up. There really is no substitute for consistency. A practice isn’t built overnight—it’s the outcome of sustained effort, credibility, and doing the work well, matter after matter.
For women in particular, the legal profession can present both visible and invisible challenges. It helps immensely to develop a strong support system—whether through peers, mentors, or collaborators. Equally important is to be assertive in taking up space: seek opportunities, ask the questions, and don’t hesitate to say no when something doesn’t align with your professional values or direction.
Most importantly, don’t let self-doubt become part of your inner vocabulary. The law is demanding, but it’s also deeply rewarding for those who stay committed. With time, clarity, and hard work, your practice will evolve in ways that are both sustainable and fulfilling.
Having graduated from NUALS, Kerala, and starting your practice directly before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, what inspired you to pursue such a high-stakes litigation career so early on ?
My decision to pursue litigation particularly by starting directly at the Supreme Court was rooted in both personal ambition and the exposure I received during law school. Coming from a first-generation legal background, I didn’t have familial connections in the profession. That absence could have been a limitation, but in many ways, it became a motivator.
A key factor that empowered me was the strong support of my family, especially my elder brother. His advice and encouragement played a crucial role in helping me make bold career decisions, including the step to begin my practice at the apex court. His belief in my potential gave me the confidence to pursue a path that was unconventional and challenging.
During law school, I had the opportunity to intern with a diverse set of accomplished lawyers. These experiences offered me valuable exposure to different styles of practice and deepened my understanding of litigation as more than just dispute resolution. I saw firsthand how litigation can serve as a powerful tool—not just for individual justice, but for broader policy reform and societal impact.
What truly attracted me to litigation was its intellectually rigorous nature. It demands more than a sound understanding of the law; it calls for strategic thinking, creativity in argumentation, and a deep sense of ethical responsibility.
Starting out at the Supreme Court was undoubtedly intimidating, but it gave me a unique opportunity to engage with complex, high-stakes matters early in my career. I was able to learn directly from senior advocates and constitutional experts. While building a reputation from scratch came with its own set of hurdles, the process made me more resilient, disciplined, and committed to the principles of justice.
What were some key challenges and lessons you learned while transitioning from working with an Advocate-on-Record to establishing your own practice in 2016, and later founding Scripta Lex Law Firm in 2018?
The transition was both challenging and transformative. One major hurdle was building a client base from the ground up. As a first-generation lawyer, I lacked industry connections and had to rely solely on the quality of my work and my ability to earn trust.
Running an independent practice also introduced me to the administrative side of law—budgeting, staffing, operations, and more. Shifting from solely legal work to managing a full-fledged firm required developing a new skill set quickly.
The most valuable lesson I learned was the importance of building and nurturing relationships. In the absence of a network, I made a conscious effort to connect with senior counsel, peers, and clients. Legal expertise is essential, but trust and communication are what sustain a practice.
Running my own firm has also taught me to take full ownership of every case. Beyond legal strategy, I now consider a client’s broader goals and circumstances. It’s given me a holistic approach and a deeper understanding of how to lead both in the courtroom and within my firm.
As a qualified Advocate-on-Record (AOR), what are the unique responsibilities that come with the role, and how do they affect your practice?
Being an AOR comes with significant responsibility. Only AORs have the right to file documents before the Supreme Court, which means every filing must be flawless in terms of format, compliance, and timing.
As an AOR, I’m also the official point of contact between the client and the Court. This means that my role extends beyond documentation, I must ensure that clients are informed, and expectations are managed appropriately.
This responsibility has enhanced my attention to detail and refined my organizational skills. It has also deepened my appreciation for the precision and professionalism that the Supreme Court demands, ultimately shaping me into a more disciplined and reliable practitioner.
You have significant experience across varied forums, Supreme Court, High Courts, NCLT/NCLAT, NCDRC, and more. How do you approach such diverse jurisdictions and areas of law? Which field has evolved the most in the last decade?
Each forum requires a distinct approach. At the Supreme Court and High Courts, cases often involve constitutional or public interest elements. These require legal foresight and arguments that resonate at a policy level.
In contrast, corporate forums like NCLT/NCLAT demand a deep understanding of statutory frameworks like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). I frequently collaborate with financial experts to address the commercial realities involved.
In the NCDRC, which deals with consumer disputes, the emphasis is on practical solutions and timely resolutions. These forums call for clarity, efficiency, and client-centric approaches.
Among all, Insolvency Law has evolved the most over the past decade. The IBC has transformed corporate debt resolution in India. As it continues to evolve through amendments and judicial interpretation, staying updated and agile is crucial.
Consumer Law has also seen major developments, especially with the growth of e-commerce. The introduction of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, reflects this shift and has changed how we approach digital consumer disputes.
Navigating these forums successfully demands continuous learning, adaptability, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
With your expertise over various aspects, can you share a defining case that shaped your outlook on litigation?
One defining case was a complex corporate insolvency matter under the IBC before the NCLT. The company in question had multiple stakeholders—each with competing interests. The legal issues were intricate, but so were the financial and strategic considerations.
What made the case significant was its timing, it occurred when the IBC was still evolving. We were navigating uncharted waters, relying on fresh judicial interpretations and creative legal solutions.
This case reinforced my belief that litigation isn’t just about resolving disputes; it’s about contributing to systemic and economic recovery. Lawyers play a vital role in shaping not only legal outcomes but also financial futures and social stability.
What gaps do you see in consumer awareness, and how should the Consumer Protection framework evolve?
A major gap lies in the lack of awareness, especially in rural and underserved areas. Many people don’t know their basic consumer rights or how to seek redress. Even in urban areas, legal processes can seem intimidating and inaccessible.
With digital commerce, new challenges like cross-border transactions, misleading ads, and jurisdictional issues have emerged.
To address these, the framework must evolve by:
Expanding legal literacy through targeted outreach programs
Simplifying online complaint processes
Strengthening digital consumer protection mechanisms
Enhancing enforcement to ensure timely justice
Creating user-friendly forums for efficient dispute resolution
Improving access and responsiveness will help make the system more inclusive and effective.
How do you balance pro bono commitments with your commercial practice?
For me, pro bono work is not just a commitment, it’s a principle. I believe access to justice should never be determined by one’s ability to pay.
Balancing both requires discipline. I set aside dedicated time and ensure that pro bono matters are managed with the same attention as commercial cases. In fact, these cases often sharpen my empathy and creativity, enriching my approach to complex commercial matters as well.
Pro bono work reminds me why I chose this profession—to make a meaningful impact. It grounds me and enhances the human side of my legal practice.
Where do you see the greatest opportunities for young legal professionals today?
There’s immense opportunity in emerging areas like data privacy, technology law, and insolvency law. With growing digital transactions and evolving privacy concerns, lawyers with expertise in tech-law intersections are in high demand.
The IBC continues to offer opportunities in corporate restructuring, cross-border insolvency, and distressed asset resolution.
Young lawyers should focus on:
Staying updated with legal-tech trends
Carving niches in emerging fields
Embracing specialization
Building digital fluency alongside legal expertise
Those who adapt early to these trends will be best positioned to lead the future of legal practice.
What advice would you give to law students or young advocates entering litigation?
Master the basics: Strong fundamentals are your best asset.
Seek mentorship: Learn from seasoned lawyers—it shapes your growth.
Be patient: Litigation is a long journey; focus on consistency and credibility.
Build relationships: Clients value trust, not just technical knowledge.
Work in teams: Collaborative success is sustainable success.
Use technology: Legal tech enhances efficiency and reach.
Specialize and build focus: Develop niche expertise to differentiate yourself. Alongside this, cultivate the habit of reading books—legal and otherwise. Deep reading enhances comprehension, critical thinking, and focus in a way that passive scrolling through social media never can.
Take care of yourself: Mental and physical well-being are vital for long-term growth.
And most importantly stay curious, stay ethical, and stay resilient. Litigation rewards those who show up, stay prepared, and work with purpose.
What was your experience like pursuing the B.S.L., LL.B. program at Symbiosis Law School, Pune University? What inspired you to choose law as a career path?
I was part of the 2000-2005 batch at Symbiosis Law School, Pune. At the time, that was the only campus of Symbiosis and it was affiliated to Pune University. Coming from the heartlands of Uttar Pradesh, where I studied across various districts, transitioning to a cosmopolitan campus was a cultural shift. School life in U.P. was more traditional and structured, but at Symbiosis, I experienced diversity, freedom of thought, and a broader outlook on the law and society.
I was never inclined toward science or mathematics, which were often the only options given to students back then. I wasn’t great at either. Fortunately, coming from a legal background, law was always present in my environment. It lingered in my mind and triggered a serious interest soon after school. I appeared for the entrance exam and secured admission into Symbiosis, and from that moment onward, I knew I had found my calling. The depth of civil and criminal law captivated me from the very beginning — corporate culture was never my cup of tea. I always wanted to be a courtroom lawyer, and that conviction only grew stronger during my law school years.
In the early stages of your career, you served as State Counsel for Uttar Pradesh at the Supreme Court of India. How did that experience shape your legal perspective, and what impact did it have on your professional growth?
I’ll be honest — nepotism does exist in our profession. But having said that, the opportunity to serve as State Counsel for Uttar Pradesh at the Supreme Court early in my career was a transformative phase. I was entrusted with drafting Criminal SLPs, Article 32 petitions, Reviews, and more. But it wasn’t just about the legal work, it was mainly the environment that shaped me.
Being in court every day, watching legendary lawyers argue, listening to courtroom banter… it was mesmerizing. That exposure taught me courtroom craft like nothing else. It is often said that a lawyer must be crystal clear on the facts, because the judges already know the law. That wisdom stayed with me. The court isn’t impressed by ornamental arguments; it respects clarity and preparation.
What inspired you to establish your own independent practice? Could you share some of the initial challenges you faced and how you navigated through them?
I started my independent practice quite early, opening a one-room office on the second floor of a building in Lajpat Nagar. It wasn’t easy. I had to knock on different doors, asking for work. Gradually, I got empaneled with banks and insurance companies. Alongside, I took on private civil and criminal matters and even matters related to IPR.
I never said no to any work — whether it was registering a marriage or conducting due diligence for agricultural, residential, or commercial properties. That consistency and “go-getter” attitude paid off. Word of mouth remains the best marketing strategy, and that helped me earn the trust of top professionals in MNCs.
Having the bank and insurance panels helped extend my practice pan-India. I proactively offered pan-India services and built a network of trusted lawyers across the country. It wasn’t easy. Far from it! It was, in fact, full of unexpected challenges, but persistence paid off. Today, I can proudly say that I run a reliable pan-India litigation practice serving multiple clients nationwide.
You’ve represented the Delhi Police in numerous cases involving fundamental rights and constitutional matters. Is there a particular case that stands out as especially challenging or impactful?
Every case has its challenges. But the ones that stay with you are those that show you both the human side of crime and the imperfections of our system. I remember one particular case: a brutal murder on a public road using large knives and swords. There were eyewitnesses, there were recoveries, and I was representing the victim.
There was strong evidence, but the accused were powerful. Witnesses were threatened, some were even bought off. I remember walking into the courtroom flanked by over a hundred men glaring at me. We had to move multiple applications to secure protection for the witnesses. Some still turned hostile. Working closely with the police, I saw firsthand how their hard work can be undone by manipulation and intimidation. That case deeply affected me — it showed me both the resilience and the vulnerability of our justice system.
When handling high-stakes criminal matters, how do you balance the legal complexities with the emotional and human elements that often accompany such cases?
In high-stakes criminal matters, it’s never just about law books and precedents. There are real people, real emotions, and very often, deep trauma involved. I’ve seen crimes born out of vengeance, impulse, and even false allegations. Whether I’m representing the victim or the accused, I try to understand the ‘why’ — in legal parlance, the “motive” — the story behind the act. It helps me build my case, because crimes are rarely black and white.
One must be both empathetic and analytical while handling criminal cases. That balance helps in framing a stronger legal strategy and also in dealing with clients and especially their families, who are often emotionally shattered.
In your experience handling matters under Labour & Employment Laws, what are the most common issues establishments face, and how can these be addressed proactively in the early stages?
Being associated with MNCs and institutional clients, I frequently deal with labour and employment contract issues. The most common problems arise due to ambiguous employment agreements, non-compliance with termination procedures, misclassification of employees, and disputes over wages or bonuses.
To avoid these issues, companies must ensure their employment contracts are drafted with legal precision, HR policies are clear and compliant, and they follow due process during hiring, termination, or disciplinary actions. Early legal intervention and internal audits can prevent most of these problems. A stitch in time truly saves nine in labour law.
What are the key considerations and recent developments in bail jurisprudence that legal practitioners should be mindful of when representing clients before the Supreme Court, various High Courts, and district courts in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana?
“Bail is the rule, jail is the exception”: this principle from State of Rajasthan v. Balchand (1977 AIR 2447) is often quoted but rarely followed in spirit. Bail today is a discretionary and often inconsistent domain. Two identical fact situations can yield two very different bail outcomes.
Judgments like Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar have helped reduce unnecessary arrests, especially in offences punishable with less than 7 years. But we still lack uniformity. Courts are supposed to consider whether the accused will tamper with evidence, flee, or pressurize witnesses. But over time, “gravity of offence” has taken disproportionate weight, which was never meant to be a primary criterion.
I’ve seen false cases filed to settle personal scores, even invoking POCSO where minors are tutored to speak against relatives in matrimonial disputes. Allegations under 376 IPC or Section 354 are sometimes misused in civil or employment-related vendettas. Of course, not every case is false; but the potential for misuse is real. Legal practitioners must push for more consistency and emphasize the fundamental principles of liberty and fairness.
What advice would you offer to young professionals aspiring to build a career in litigation? Are there any particular habits, resources, or practices that have helped you stay current and sharp in this fast-evolving field?
Use AI and digital tools wisely. They’re helpful, but they’re no substitute for deep legal understanding. Read every word in your draft. Don’t blindly trust technology or florid language from thesauruses or ChatGPT. Courts appreciate clarity and precision, not jargon or verbosity. Big, long drafts may work in corporate circles, but they don’t impress judges.
Precision wins cases. Read regularly — judgments, legal updates, articles — and never stop refining your drafting and argumentation. Litigation is a responsibility. Be present. Be prepared.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of your legal practice and your personal journey within the profession? How do you maintain focus and mindfulness in pursuit of that vision?
Advocacy has become more than just a profession for me. It is my lifestyle, my identity. I cannot imagine a day without the rhythm of courtrooms, case files, and client interactions. It’s what keeps me grounded, challenged, and constantly evolving. My vision is to continue offering honest, effective legal solutions, build on the pan-India practice I’ve established, and serve every client with the same commitment, till my last breath. There is no looking back.
Law runs in my blood; we are a family of lawyers. My father, a retired High Court Judge, has been my lifelong mentor. His insights, clarity of thought, and sense of balance in legal reasoning continue to guide me. Whenever I’m stuck, I know exactly where to turn. My wife is an in-house counsel, my mother (though not practicing) has a deep understanding of law, and not a day goes by in our house without spirited legal debates. Sometimes it’s lively, sometimes it’s noisy, but it’s always engaging. Along with the love and care that bind us, law is also the force that connects and energizes us.
Focus and mindfulness for me come from consistency and determination. The determination to read every document carefully, to understand every client personally, and to never compromise on precision. I believe in showing up — fully present and fully prepared — every single day. That’s what shapes long-term success.
I’ve also been fortunate to have worked under some of the finest seniors, whose mentorship helped me in understanding not just the letter of law, but also the unwritten code of ethics and decorum in the courtroom. Their teachings stay with me even today.
As the profession evolves with technology and new challenges, I remain rooted in traditional advocacy values: clarity, credibility, and compassion. That’s the compass I follow on this lifelong journey.
The field of law is intellectually stimulating but undoubtedly comes with its own set of challenges. What initially inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what continues to drive your passion for this profession?
During my school days, even though I was a backbencher, I was deeply committed to my studies and consistently ranked among the top five students. In 12th grade, my sole focus was to score well in the board exams. At that stage, I didn’t have the right exposure or mentorship to guide me through structured career entrances like CLAT, so I missed that opportunity. But in hindsight, I believe everything unfolded as it was meant to.
My journey into law began soon after, and it felt like a natural progression. What initially inspired me was the intellectual challenge the field presents—law requires critical thinking, structured reasoning, and a constant engagement with real-world issues. I was drawn to its power to bring order, resolve disputes, and protect rights.
What keeps me passionate today is how dynamic and impactful the profession is. No two matters are ever the same. Whether I’m drafting arguments, interpreting statutes, or strategizing for a client, there’s always something new to learn and contribute. The sense of purpose that comes from knowing my work can help individuals, shape policies, or uphold justice is incredibly fulfilling. Law constantly challenges me to grow, not just as a professional but as a person. That’s what keeps me inspired every single day.
After completing your law degree, what motivated you to pursue a Master’s in Corporate and Business Law from Gujarat National Law University? Why did you choose this particular specialization and institution?
Before pursuing my Master’s, my journey as a first-generation lawyer was rooted in curiosity and a hunger to learn through experience. With no mentors in the field, I gravitated naturally toward litigation. My first internship was under Hon’ble Mr. Justice Aniruddha P. Mayee, who was then an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court and is now a sitting judge of the Gujarat High Court. Observing his sharp advocacy and structured thinking left a lasting impression on me. It was there I discovered the energy and depth of courtroom practice, and I knew litigation was my path.
Being a hands-on learner, I expressed a desire to continue training under him. He encouraged me to first build a strong foundation at the trial court level, and referred me to a boutique litigation firm in Jangpura. For nearly three years, I balanced my law school schedule with intensive training at the firm, gaining invaluable exposure to real-world practice.
Later, I decided to pursue a Master’s in Corporate and Business Law from Gujarat National Law University. Having missed the NLU experience earlier, I was determined to learn in that ecosystem. GNLU’s academic rigor and national stature gave me the perfect platform to complement my practical litigation background with a solid corporate legal framework.
In the early stages of your legal career, what were some formative experiences that deepened your understanding of the law? How significant do you believe was the role of mentors or seniors during this phase?
In the early stages of my legal career, what truly deepened my understanding of the law was being exposed to its ground-level application. Working closely at the trial court level, I learned that law is not just about theory or interpretation; it is about people, timing, and precision. I saw firsthand how a strong cross-examination or a well-crafted written submission could influence the outcome of a case. This practical immersion gave me a sense of how justice is pursued step by step.
One particularly formative experience was learning to draft under tight deadlines in live matters. I understood the value of clarity, accuracy, and urgency. No classroom could have replicated that intensity.
Mentors played a critical role during this time. Their guidance was not limited to legal advice; they taught me how to carry myself in court, how to listen, when to push, and when to hold back. Their trust in giving me real responsibilities early on helped build my confidence. Being corrected in real time and then being encouraged to do better was more valuable than any textbook. These early lessons laid the foundation not just for my knowledge of law but for how I practice and perceive it to this day.
You have represented constitutional writ petitions involving sensitive issues, such as the rights of transgender and sexual minority prisoners. What inspired you to take on such complex matters? How do you approach the legal, ethical, and emotional dimensions of cases that receive widespread media attention?
Yes, I’ve always been deeply driven by causes rooted in social justice and constitutional values. My journey into such complex and sensitive matters began in 2020, when I filed a PIL in my own name before the Delhi High Court, seeking protection of attorney-client privilege in virtual communications during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court issued directions to the Bar Council of India, following which the BCI requested the government to specify secure apps for confidential communications. That experience showed me how a focused legal intervention can protect fundamental rights, even in emerging digital contexts.
Shortly after, I was approached by a legal correspondent who brought to my attention a disturbing gap, the complete absence of data regarding transgender in the NCRB’s prison statistics. This struck a chord with me. I filed another PIL arguing that in a system where transgender persons are neither acknowledged on paper nor provided with basic facilities in jails, their dignity and identity are systematically denied. I sought urgent judicial intervention to include “third gender” as a separate category in national prison statistics.
The Hon’ble Court took serious note, and the Union Government committed to including transgender persons in future jail data reporting.
Cases like these require more than legal knowledge, they demand empathy, courage, and a strong ethical compass. I approach such matters with humility and responsibility, knowing that they affect real lives and attract public scrutiny. My role is not only to argue persuasively but to uphold the dignity of those whose voices often go unheard. Media attention never distracts me, it reminds me of the greater duty I carry as a lawyer committed to constitutional values and human dignity.
After working with various Advocates-on-Record and Senior Advocates, what led you to establish your own independent practice? What were some of the initial hurdles you encountered, and how did you navigate those challenges?
I was fortunate to work under some of the finest legal minds in the profession, who not only sharpened my understanding of the law but also instilled in me the discipline, ethics, and confidence essential for courtroom practice. The exposure I received, whether through detailed research, complex drafting, or closely observing strategic litigation, made me realize the kind of advocate I aspired to become.
Eventually, I felt the urge to take ownership of my own matters and arguments. I believed that building an independent practice would allow me to grow beyond execution and step into strategic thinking, decision-making, and direct client advocacy. It was not an easy transition.
One of the biggest hurdles was earning the trust of clients without the backing of a senior’s name. I had to prove my capability in every brief and every appearance. There were also financial uncertainties and administrative pressures that come with running your own practice. But I overcame them through consistency, networking, and staying deeply committed to every matter I took up, big or small.
The challenges were many, but the sense of professional growth and personal fulfillment that comes with independence has made the journey deeply rewarding.
As an AOR you represent both private and government clients, particularly in matters under the Electricity Act. What are some recurring legal or procedural challenges you face in this domain?
As destiny would have it, my exposure to electricity and regulatory law began early in my career at one of the offices I worked in, where I had the opportunity to assist on matters for a panel representing electricity distribution companies before the Delhi High Court. That experience sparked a genuine interest in the regulatory framework under the Electricity Act. I gradually took on more responsibilities, working closely on drafting, strategy, and regulatory filings. Recognizing my growing familiarity and aptitude for the subject, the panel encouraged me to formally associate and handle matters independently. That marked the beginning of my journey in this specialized field.
Electricity law is a unique blend of legal, technical, and regulatory dimensions. One recurring challenge is navigating the procedural overlaps between forums such as the State Commissions, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, and Appellate Tribunal. Each has its own timelines, jurisdictional nuances, and compliance obligations. Another frequent hurdle is the technical complexity of issues, including tariff computations, grid code compliance, and power purchase agreements, which often require a detailed understanding of engineering and finance concepts.
To overcome this, I make it a point to engage regularly with technical experts and stay updated on evolving regulatory guidelines and judicial precedents. Whether I represent government utilities or private players, I approach each matter by balancing legal strategy with technical clarity. This intersectional understanding is what helps deliver real value to clients in this challenging yet intellectually rewarding area of law.
What has been one of the most challenging cases you’ve handled so far? Could you share insights into how you prepared for it and managed its complexities?
There have been several challenging cases in my journey, and each one, whether a high-stakes regulatory dispute or a sensitive constitutional matter, has tested my legal acumen in different ways. What I’ve learned is that no case is “simple” once you delve into its details. Every matter demands thorough preparation, a clear strategy, and a deep understanding of both law and facts.
I approach complex cases by breaking them down systematically, starting with exhaustive legal research, understanding procedural nuances, and aligning the facts with the most persuasive legal framework. Often, the real challenge lies in navigating unpredictability, whether it is evolving judicial trends, stakeholder expectations, or tight timelines.
Support from peers and mentors, along with constant self-discipline, has been critical. I believe the ability to remain calm under pressure, think logically, and communicate clearly both inside and outside court is what ultimately helps turn legal complexities into opportunities for impactful advocacy.
What advice would you offer to young lawyers starting their careers? Are there specific habits, mindsets, or resources that played a key role in shaping your professional journey?
My advice to young lawyers, especially those stepping into litigation, is to embrace patience and perseverance. This profession doesn’t offer immediate rewards but it promises lasting growth for those who are committed. In the early years, it’s easy to feel disheartened when you see peers in other fields earning more or progressing faster. But law, particularly litigation, is a long game. The knowledge, credibility, and client trust you build over time compound into something far more meaningful than just a paycheck.
One habit that shaped my journey was showing up consistently, even when the work felt repetitive or unrewarded. Staying curious, reading beyond case files, and learning from seniors helped me sharpen both my understanding of the law and the courtroom. I also found it crucial to remain humble. This field rewards those who are open to learning every day.
Litigation tests your character before it builds your career. But if you remain focused, disciplined, and honest in your work, the profession will eventually give you more than you imagined. There’s no shortcut, only the steady climb. And that’s what makes every milestone worth it.
Being an AOR and balancing a demanding legal practice with personal life can be challenging. How do you manage your professional responsibilities while also making time for yourself? What do you do to unwind and stay focused?
Balancing a demanding legal practice as an Advocate-on-Record with personal life certainly has its challenges, but I’ve come to believe that balance isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing what truly matters with focus and intention. I’ve learned to manage my schedule by prioritizing what needs my attention most and creating small pockets of time for myself, no matter how busy the day is.
To unwind, I rely on simple but grounding routines: spending time with loved ones, going for long walks, and staying physically active. I also make it a point to disconnect from screens and step away from work conversations when I’m off duty. That break, however brief, allows me to return to work sharper and more focused.
For me, it’s not about achieving a perfect work-life balance every day, but about being present in whatever I’m doing, whether I’m in court or at the dinner table. That mindset keeps me centered. Over time, I’ve realized that sustaining a successful legal career isn’t just about how hard you work; it’s also about how well you care for your own well-being along the way.
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in law, and were there any specific events or formative experiences that shaped your decision to embark on this journey? Reflecting on your law school years, how did your education influence your understanding of the law, and how did it help you develop a foundational approach to legal practice?
Even though I was in the science stream, I was never drawn to any of the subjects. I saw myself getting intrigued with current affairs and news in the public domain. In school, I used to take part in Youth Parliament competitions where we used to debate laws which lay the foundation for me to study law. I also always found myself to be an advocate for rights of people from a young age. I also saw myself getting drawn to opportunities of public speaking. Law as a profession sat in the middle of all my interest areas, hence it became an obvious choice for me.
I went to O.P. Jindal Global University gave me immense exposure that shaped my world view and opinions. Unlike someone who always wanted to find a reason to stay out of the classroom in School, I mostly stayed in the library or classroom in law school. We had a vast and impressive library and an endless scope for learning which I made good use of. I took every opportunity to expand my horizons so I even took a summer course to study at University of Oxford on international human rights which gave me an opportunity to learn from people across the world their outlook towards human rights and how differently in India we perceive the same rights given our socio-economic background. These experiences helped shape my thinking and become more adaptable and accommodative. I chose my internships and moot court competitions according to the subjects I had studied so that I could get into more depth about those subjects. Soon into law school I realised I wanted to get into litigation and I wanted to be in Court arguing matters regularly so I chose to intern with different offices that were active in High Court as well as trial courts. I took electives and courses that would assist me in areas of constitutional, criminal and civil law, all of which were litigation intensive spheres. The things I learnt in these courses are still relevant in the work that I do and being diligent during law school years has proven to be one of my greatest allies in my professional career.
Beginning your career as an Associate at the Chambers of Advocate Ankur Sood must have been pivotal experience in your professional journey. Could you share some of the most valuable lessons and experiences you gained during this early phase, and how did you navigate the challenges of building your reputation as a young lawyer amidst the fast-paced world of legal practice?
They were most certainly the most transformative years for me as a lawyer. As I always dreamt of having an office of my own, the first valuable lesson I got was the importance of having good professional ethics and organisational skills. I saw my seniors being applauded by clients as well as colleagues for their remarkable abilities to manage an office. The second valuable lesson I got was the importance of having a simple yet impressive legal draft. Easy and well organised drafts always strike a chord with the clients and are designed to make law and justice easily accessible which is a vital legal right of the people. The third valuable lesson I got was that there was no alternate to being well-researched and well-read before appearing in Court. I remember I was once asked in the High Court to argue a matter on my own, barely one month into practice while I was only expecting to take a Passover for my senior. However, being put on the spot and made to argue gave me a massive confidence boost and I never looked back because I learnt that it was only upon me to build my own reputation in the fraternity and that nothing would spread word of mouth faster than my own abilities in the Court. Being a young first generation lawyer is not easy, therefore, I grabbed every opportunity to develop a new relation or a new client because I had the confidence in my ability to do justice to my client. No doubt I faltered at times but I was a quick learner and I did not let any shortcomings ever bog me down. I did not shy away from doing cases that did not pay at all or paid very less as long as they were matters of areas of law that I found interesting and had the confidence to deliver in. The profession requires unrelenting hard work and long hours which I was willing to put in because I saw every hour being put in the work as being a way to hone my skill. We are always learning to be more convincing in court which is a place where we stand alone to represent our own craft. I started my independent office just before COVID-19 struck, however that period came as a blessing in disguise for me as I started appearing in different courts all over the country thanks to the VC facility. Good luck and hard work have both paid off in my case.
Transitioning from a focus on civil law to specializing in criminal litigation presents a significant shift in approach and skillset. How did this shift refine your abilities in handling complex criminal cases, particularly high-stakes matters like those related to murder, theft, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act? Can you describe a particularly challenging case that you came across on the criminal side?
The most important skills in either area of law are your ability to be diligent with the facts and preparedness with the latest law on the subject. I feel as a lawyer you are anyway taught to wear different hats at different times so you automatically learn to have different approaches to any given situation. Dealing more with criminal cases taught me the value of being brief and direct, something that is lost in the pleadings of civil cases. It can be challenging to move from the civil and commercial side to the criminal side because of the habits developed in civil law to be as detailed and explanatory as possible. For instance, in civil law, you cannot lead evidence beyond your pleadings, so one tends to expand and leave room for directing the case in a particular direction. But largely, both parties are aware about the broad ambit of the case of either party. There is no such concept in criminal law, nor is there scope for filing pleadings at trial. You uncover a criminal case like a plucking petals from a flower, i.e. you keep on opening up your case one layer at a time to check which strategy is giving you the best result. Whether you are prosecuting or defending, it is very important to not delve into detailed merits of the case in the early stages of a criminal case so as to avoid giving away your strategy.
I don’t believe in calling any matter having a higher stake than the other because every client comes to you with the hope that you are their last hope. As a nation, we are not very litigation friendly and my experience is that in most cases people come to lawyers when they have no more avenues in front of them. As a litigating lawyer, every day in court is a day involving high stakes because the orders passed on a daily basis form a basis for the final judgment that you are expecting in the case.
One particularly challenging case that I have seen on the criminal side is one which I am currently handling. This case involves an alleged GST fraud where the accused is alleged to have prepared forged documents for creation of fake GST registrations in order to pocket large sums of money thereby causing losses of many crores to several persons whose GST details have been allegedly forged. The defence of this person rests on proving that it is not his usage of the laptops that has caused any of the fake GST registrations but rather it is the act of a different person who has impersonated or gained illegal access to my client’s laptop to create the fake registrations. An offence of this nature would be covered under Section 467 IPC which contains a punishment of life imprisonment and therefore becomes an extremely crucial matter that involves knowing technical know-how and the interplay of law and technology.
After gaining invaluable experience working with prominent legal minds, what inspired you to establish your own practice? What were some of the key obstacles you encountered while setting up your independent practice, and how did you overcome them to build a sustainable and successful legal career?
I think almost everyone enters the field of chamber litigation with a dream to run their own office and I was no different. I was lucky to have an amazing set of mentors who gave me the confidence in a short span of 3 years to venture out independently. While there is no right formula to this, I had two critical factors in mind while starting my own office. The first was confirming with myself whether I knew what advice to give to a client who came to me with any kind of legal query. It required knowing what next steps were to be taken in any kind of litigation in order to strategize for the client. This confidence I had got because of a wide variety of cases that I had dealt with before different fora in a span of three years and I had already seen many cases go from the first date till the date of judgment so I was sufficiently abreast with what was required at each stage. I did not feel the need for any more handholding in terms of what lay next in any kind of litigation.
The second was the frequency of my appearances in court. I did not want to start my own practice and spend the majority of my days at home or in the office. When I saw that I had sufficient work that would require me to give more importance to it than I could give to my senior’s office, I thought it fit to move on. From the first month of when I went independent, I had 15 appearances in a month in different courts which I thought was a decent tally to be on my own.
Key obstacles that I faced were the anxiety of finding more work and building connections. For first generation lawyers, finding work is often tough. I was not in the habit of going out to network and find work. Luckily work flowed in at a decent pace for me as word of mouth spread and many law school friends of mine from other states reposed great faith in me to pursue litigation for their clients in Delhi. In the initial phase, the pace of growth was slow and the outbreak of COVID-19 proved to be a period that required a lot more hard work to be able to sustain a practice. During COVID-19, I spent the first six months gorging on legal commentaries and SCC Online in order to expand my knowledge base. To cut costs, I used to manage the filings by myself and did not keep a clerk until it became essential for me to hire someone. I made many judgment compilations on key legal points that are of great help till today.
When handling complex criminal cases, especially those involving multi-jurisdictional issues, what strategies do you employ to navigate the legal intricacies of different courts and jurisdictions?
Different courts and jurisdictions often mean that the rules of procedure as well as general practices of courts and investigating agencies differ. We have in our country several different wings of investigating agencies and all of them have entirely separate rules of functioning. Scandinavian legal theorists propounded that the life of law is not logic but experience. This is best exemplified when one is faced with multi-jurisdictional issues. Different jurisdictions bring with them challenges and frameworks that are prevalent only within that jurisdiction and the best way to deal with them is to fit in your case within that framework. Every Court has its own procedures, customs and practices. It has to be seen whether any party is indulging in forum shopping in order to invoke different jurisdictions to suit one set of procedures or practices.
I am currently dealing with a matter that spans across three states with multiple investigating agencies involved. At the outset, it is always important to look at whether the case is even maintainable under multiple jurisdictions. It is then important to check for overlaps and conflicts in the different jurisdictions and see if they can help in identifying loopholes found during different investigations. For instance, I am handling a case where statements given by one witness to different investigating agencies are contrary to each other fundamentally and a comprehensive reading of the same would allow us to safeguard our client from prosecution in both jurisdictions.
In litigation, every step that you take becomes a matter of public record and it is very difficult to hide missteps taken along the way. Therefore, it becomes very crucial to be fully aware about the expected reliefs in any given jurisdiction and to file appropriate pleadings in order to minimise the risks of unfavourable outcomes.
Given your extensive experience across a wide spectrum of judicial and quasi-judicial forums from the Supreme Court to specialized tribunals, how do you craft your litigation strategy specifically for RERA matters? In your view, what distinguishes real estate litigation under RERA from traditional civil or commercial disputes?
RERA disputes come in various forms, i.e. judicial as well as administrative. These proceedings are largely summary in nature, i.e. there are no trials or leading of evidence or cross examination etc. in the traditional sense. Real estate litigation can be very complex because it requires a specific expertise in knowing local land laws, environmental laws, understanding of developmental contracts, builder buyer agreements and also understanding the interplay between government departments and private entities. Since it is a fairly recent legislation, there are several areas of law that remain unexplored and it allows for more room to have fundamental jurisprudential arguments.
For instance, I am currently working on a dispute that involves a developer who has abandoned a project and is looking to develop a different project on the same land by seeking new investments. Several key issues arise in this case, such as (a) whether a developer which has failed to deliver a project should at all be allowed to migrate to a different project on the same parcel of land. If yes, what sort of limitations can be placed on the developer for the second phase of development. If no, what happens to the parcel of land and how does one take a project towards deregistration; (b) whether a developer can be allowed to migrate to a different project on the same parcel of land without first satisfying the claims of its original allottees/buyers. It is also interesting to see how and before which forum these questions can be decided. I would put these cases in the hard category of cases because they require a very in depth analysis of RERA and its objectives and its interplay with other laws because often the plain language of the legislation does not provide all answers.
One very key factor that is always in mind is that RERA was not only enacted for the purposes of solving real estate litigation, but also for the enhancement of the real estate sector in this country which I feel plays a vital role in strategizing how to go about resolving a dispute. We are often faced with questions that pertain to public policy and socio economic reform. Sometimes, apparent and evident contractual remedies may not be the correct remedies under RERA and therefore our pleadings and arguments are designed in a manner to suit the objectives of RERA Act.
However, I must add that due to the proceedings being summary in nature, these disputes are usually faster to resolve than traditional civil and commercial suits. So one strategy always is to simplify pleadings and make concise arguments. Earlier, RERA orders were executed through different authorities that was leading to long delays but RERA has recently been given the power to execute its own orders which can often turn out to be a challenge and therefore we are constantly finding ways to shorten the execution proceedings to ensure speedier justice to the people who have secured orders in their favour.
What has consistently inspired you to pursue a career in law, especially given the high-pressure demands of litigation? How do you maintain a healthy balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, ensuring sustained performance without burnout?
There is no greater satisfaction than a good day in Court. When you see the hours of toiling while doing research, making drafts and constructing arguments in the office yielding results, the adrenaline rush of a favourable outcome, however small or big it may be, is what keeps me consistently inspired. I also find that litigation allows one to wear so many hats in a day and puts lawyers in a unique position to understand different walks of life and allows us to have key insights into other professions. For example, doing medical negligence cases allows lawyers to not only learn the legal standards of medical negligence but also widens our horizons to understand hospital procedures. A simple cheque bounce dispute could make one get into understanding the internal workings of corporations etc. which I feel is rarely available to people in any other profession. The high pressure of litigation is therefore well-compensated by the diverse set of skills/knowledge that one learns on the job.
In a profession such as litigation, you have to learn to accept unpredictability. A seemingly jam-packed day often turns out to be completely free and vice versa. It is therefore important to find moments every now and then to do activities that lower down stress levels and ensure sustainable working models. I ensure personal well being by remaining physically active by playing a sport or regular exercise. I also like to meet my travel goals to help with the exhaustion of a high pressure job. It would be a good idea to not give up on pursuing hobbies and to take out time for them as and when the opportunity is available instead of waiting for a weekend to clear the schedule up. Lastly, in order to avoid a burnout it is essential to ensure that there is no conflict or doubt in your mind about practising law.
With your diverse and accomplished legal journey, what guidance would you offer to aspiring legal professionals? Are there particular strategies, learning resources, or a roadmap you would recommend for law students and young lawyers who aspire to excel in litigation or corporate advisory practice?
It is very important for young lawyers and law students to enter the field of litigation. I especially feel that more female law students must strive to enter the field of litigation as it will go a long way to break gender based barriers. I personally feel that there is room for female lawyers to enter the field of criminal litigation to ensure more gender sensitive dealing of criminal matters. So, I would really encourage young lawyers to come to Court and join litigation. However, this encouragement comes with certain disclaimers. First and foremost, I would advise every young legal professional to be sure of their key skills and capabilities because litigation and corporate advisories require a completely different set of skills to finesse. There is no substitute for a voracious appetite for studying and reading in litigation because it is very important to remain up to date with latest developments in the law and also having the skill to place the developments in the historical context of how the law has been shaped over the years. Lawyers are bombarded with information and documents day in day out and they are expected to be abreast of all developments and therefore presence of mind with a willingness to grasp more is a sine qua non for every litigator.
The second skill is learning professional etiquettes which is helpful not only at the bar but also with the clients. As the legal profession is a noble one, it is very important to uphold the highest sense of loyalty to clients as well as the Courts and know that short cuts and convenience must never take precedence. This is extremely important to uphold the dignity of the profession. Lawyers must protect this dignity through their conduct at all times.
The third advice would be to remain inquisitive. It is very important for a legal professional to understand the meaning, scope and applicability of any legal problem before him or her. This curiosity and inquisitive nature will allow room for creative uses of the law which is extremely important especially now that the world is transforming and artificial intelligence is percolating all walks of life.
With your vast experience and accomplishments in the legal field, could you share what initially sparked your interest in law? Was there a defining moment that led you to pursue this career, and what drew you specifically to specialize in intellectual property law?
The greatest reason or inspiration for taking up law was my maternal grandfather who came from a family having many generations of lawyers including his father and uncles. My grandfather was himself a lawyer by qualification but joined the Sales Tax Department and retired as Commissioner of Sales Tax, Government of Maharashtra. He was extremely passionate about law and on behalf of the Sales Tax Department, briefed and closely interacted with many distinguished lawyers of his time including the then Advocate General Mr. H. M. Seervai whom he deeply admired. The countless anecdotes he narrated to me and the zeal he had for the legal profession had a profound impact on me, unknowingly and when the time came for me to choose my profession, law came as a natural choice.
While Law was in the family, Music, Literature and Art also ran deeply in my family, my mother being a Hindustani Classical Vocalist and my grandmother, a vocalist, poet, playwright and writer. They would often participate in seminars on copyright in relation to the fields of music, literature and art. I would accompany them and listen to the sessions with great interest. That sparked my curiosity and by the time I completed my graduation in law, I found IP to be a fascinating and an ever-evolving subject having an application across industries and I was convinced to take it up as my field of specialization.
You began your career as an Associate with a law firm. What were some of the key experiences during this early phase that helped deepen your understanding of the law, especially intellectual property law, and laid a solid foundation for your expertise in this area?
I began my career with a full-service law firm Desai & Diwanji where I mainly worked on corporate and commercial transactions. My experience in intellectual property law began when I joined my present firm in the year 2008. Exposure to myriad cases in the areas of IP prosecution, legal advisory, contentious matters, anti-counterfeiting, IP transactions etc. involving different kinds of IP including trade marks, copyright, designs and some aspects of patents, right in the beginning of my tenure, gave me many opportunities to research, learn, resolve issues and deepen my understanding of the subject. Also, I firmly believe that there can be no substitute for hard work in laying a strong foundation, especially in the initial years of your career. I spent a lot of time reading, researching, studying the suggestions of my seniors and colleagues which I continue to do as learning is a never-ending process and updating yourself from time to time ensures you never feel complacent or stagnant.
Throughout your career, you have worked on complex IP transactions in industries such as media, entertainment, pharmaceuticals, and FMCG. What do you believe are the primary challenges businesses face when dealing with commercial transactions involving IP rights?
As for already existing IP of the parties involved, gaps in IP ownership, lack of proper documentation for securing IP rights, third party claims to IP, vulnerability of registered IP to revocation are some challenges seen in commercial transactions involving IP rights. Similarly, while negotiating strategic collaborations or service contracts, differentiating between already existing IP and IP generated under the contract, deciding upon an ownership structure for the IP generated out of such services or collaboration could be challenging.
Your experience spans both domestic and cross-border IP disputes. How do international IP issues differ from domestic ones?
IP disputes per se, such as infringement, passing off etc., governed by Indian laws and taking place in India may not have material differences only by reason of one of the parties being a foreign entity. However, where these disputes emerge from cross-border contracts governed by foreign laws and have elements of IP protectable or enforceable under Indian laws, there could be challenges. Similarly, when an Indian entity wishes to enforce its IP rights against a foreign entity for acts done outside India, foreign laws may apply. Although IP laws worldwide have many commonalities, they are not completely harmonized. Concepts of authorship, ownership of IP, infringement, exceptions to infringement, availability of overlapping protection under different types of IP laws such as Copyright & Designs or Trade Mark & Designs, subject-matter of trade marks, copyright, designs or patents (more so in light of emerging technologies) might vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Accordingly, these disputes may have different nuances.
Could you share your insights from handling domain name disputes under ICANN’s UDRP? In addition, what role does arbitration play in resolving international IP disputes, particularly within frameworks like the ICC?
The domain name dispute resolution process under ICANN’s UDRP is effective particularly when disputes arise out of cybersquatting or prima facie bad faith registration of domain names. In my experience, this process has been cost effective, expeditious and helpful especially where the adverse party is not located in India or where the registrant’s name and address is not disclosed by domain name registrars. Institutional arbitration, such as under the ICC Rules, plays an important role in resolving multi-jurisdictional / international IP disputes. However, these are typically disputes arising out of contracts and lawyers play a crucial role in informing the arbitrator (who may be qualified in laws other than the governing law of the contract) of nuances in the laws that are applicable to the dispute.
Intellectual property is often crucial in mergers, acquisitions, and private equity transactions. How do you ensure that IP rights are effectively safeguarded during these processes, and what is their role in such transactions?
Intellectual property is often the driving force for most acquisitions, mergers and collaborations. Effectively identifying IP, particularly unregistered IP, ensuring a proper and seamless transfer of all IP, registered or unregistered in favor of the acquirer, designing an efficient IP matrix in cases of joint IP ownership / collaboration, identifying third party contribution, claims or rights in IP creation and devising appropriate techniques to secure all IPR through documentation and statutory filings are some aspects to be considered during such transactions.
What advice would you offer to aspiring IP lawyers or those considering a career in intellectual property law? Also, could you share some resources or strategies you use to stay current with global legal trends, particularly in the IP domain?
To aspiring IP lawyers, I would like to say that IP is a fascinating subject having many dimensions and is ever evolving particularly with newer and emerging technologies. IPR is relevant across industries and with the growing awareness of IP, career opportunities in this field are increasing. You could choose sub-areas of your interest to practice such as IP prosecution, litigation or transactions and advisory. However, aiming for holistic exposure to various kinds of IP cases especially in the initial years will certainly help in the long run. Needless to say, like in any other field, hard work and a well-balanced approach helps one grow in the profession and also as an individual. These days there are several online platforms, newsletters, digital publications and media offering information and updates on IP related transactions and disputes, both domestic and international. There are also many subscription-based databases where one can find articles, copies of judgments and orders for detailed reading.
Having graduated from Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, what was your experience of getting into an NLU, and was law always the career path you envisioned for yourself?
I got into a NLU in the pre-CLAT era (2005-06) so it was a very different experience back then. Hailing from a small-town, there was a lot of misinformation as to what a 5-year course was like. I remember telling my parents that I want to do law and their reaction was “why would you want to do that. You are good at studies and law is for people who cannot do anything else.” However, I was somehow able to convince them and then came the most difficult part, applying to the institutions. At that time each institution used to have their own selection process. A different exam for each institution. I remember giving at least 12 exams in one season (April-June). I am sure I missed many others.
As regards the exams, most were MCQ based, except a few. And what I realised was that I was a good student mainly in the eyes of my parents. Despite giving 12 exams I got into only a handful and none of the top few. Thankfully, I got into HNLU which happens to be in Raipur which in turn happens to be my hometown too. In a way I was fortunate to enjoy both the campus life on weekdays as well as home-cooked food on weekends.
When it comes to law as a career option, I was (like any other kid in their school days) mostly confused about my career. I was brought up in a joint family so I had already seen some of my siblings/ cousins pursue their careers in medicine, engineering and management. However, none had pursued law by that time. As usual I was mostly inclined towards a career in Engineering (was already pursuing PCM in school), but I’d blame the destiny for my career in law. In my 12th Std. I fell seriously ill (was on bed-rest for almost 5 months) and could barely give my board exams. So naturally I could not even prepare for any competitive exams. During my bed-rest I had a lot of time to read which led me down the path of exploring various aspects of our lives including law. Fortunately or unfortunately, I used to ask a lot of questions, was very opinionated and liked arguing unnecessarily and that’s when someone jokingly suggested that I should pursue a career in law. And again, fortunately or unfortunately, I took that as advice. In hindsight, it turned out to be a good decision.
In the early stages of your career, you worked with various law firms specializing in Customs, Trade Remedial Measures, Service Tax, VAT, and CENVAT Credit. How did these experiences contribute to shaping your legal career?
Initially in my college days I was fortunate to have some opportunities of participating in International Trade Law moots which ultimately laid the foundation for my first job which was in International Trade Remedies. This experience was highly enriching as it got me firsthand experience in not just the legal aspects but also from a cost accounting perspective. To give you an insight – in order to avail these trade remedies, the ‘domestic industry’ (which is suffering at the hands of below cost imported products) was required to prove that there is an injury to it due to the imports. This required a lot of research and analysis into the cost of production (and export to India) for the exporters. Once we established that the imports into India were significantly below the cost, we used to prepare a memo for representing before the nodal agency (current Directorate General of Trade Remedies aka DGTR) mixing it up with the legal principle for determining the injury to the domestic industry. This paved the way for me to do “number-crunching” which most advocates dread.
Over time as I developed some understanding of the numbers, it became easier for me to get an entry into the world of taxes. That is when I got an opportunity in BMR Advisors, Mumbai, which was a consulting stint for me. Being a CA firm, BMR had a different way of working than a law firm and that was also an immensely enriching experience. While the work hours were erratic, it gave me exposure at a level which is incomparable to any. By this time I had become a full-time indirect tax professional getting to work on not less than 35 legislations (pre-GST era) across the country and having a list of marquee clients.
After gaining experience in several law firms in Delhi and Mumbai, you transitioned to corporate practice. What inspired this career shift, and how did the work culture differ between law firms and corporate environments?
While consulting gave me the most extensive exposure into indirect taxes, the work-life balance was not as great for me. Like many lawyers, I hit a burn-out phase, couldn’t keep up with long working hours and also faced some health issues. This led to an introspection and I took a sabbatical from work.
While I was taking a step back, I was also trying to figure out what I want in life as a whole, figuring out the bigger picture. This is when I got an offer from Godrej’s Corporate Legal Team. It was an exciting opportunity, primarily because it gave me an opportunity to continue my passion of practicing taxes and at the same time allowed me some work life balance. Even more interesting was the ability to work on different clientele, as the corporate team in Godrej used to cater to multiple companies under the banner of Godrej Industries and Allied Companies.
Though, there is a general perception that in-house lawyers have it easy when it comes to the work pressure or for that matter the gravity related to it, when I started working I realised the stark difference in the way you have to approach any problem sitting in-house vis-à-vis consulting. Consulting it seems (though I may be wrong) is more focussed and less business-driven. In-house practice requires much more involvement from a business perspective and even more important is a solution-based approach. I was no longer a mere legal consultant but a business partner too at Godrej.
One of the most stark difference in the way of working in an in-house role was the greater autonomy that I got. Unlike a consulting role there is a lesser hierarchy and one gets more room and time to give out a deliverable, although it did come with its own set of accountability. However, this played a pivotal role in shaping my career and the choices I made in the time to come.
Over the four year period that I worked with GILAC I not only got opportunities to work in indirect taxes but other areas as well like general corporate, regulatory/ licensing matters, environment, etc. This broadened my expertise in law and also provided me an insight into the myriad issues that a business has both at macro and micro levels. These four years trained me in being a better lawyer by thinking more like a business person and less like a lawyer. Godrej also gave me a lot of opportunities to travel and develop a network of some great individuals across the country, who helped me later in my career.
Following your role as Manager at Godrej Industries Limited and Allied Companies (GILAC), where you spent four years as part of the corporate legal team, you decided to establish your own practice. What motivated this move, and what challenges did you encounter during the transition?
GILAC and the Epiphany
The role as Manager, GILAC was a very fulfilling role. But everyone outgrows their work and work environment sooner or later, it is a natural progression. This came for me in the form of an epiphany: around 2017 when GST was about to be implemented, I was offered a few roles back to consulting (mostly from law firms and big-fours). However, at this stage I had already had experiences in both these kinds of work environments, I was aware of the ways and the work. This somewhere discouraged me from going back on the same track. However, I had a gut feeling, I knew it was time for me to make a move – where? I did not know.
This brought me to my next pivotal juncture. Between 2017 and 2018 I did my second round of soul searching, figuring out my place in the bigger picture. I had always wanted to set-up something of my own. But how would that happen, I had not a single clue about it. For almost a year, I prepared myself to take that leap of faith. With some guidance from my seniors and colleagues I closed down on litigation. But the road ahead was difficult.
Preparing for litigation
Like in a video game the difficulty keeps increasing with every level, so in life difficulty keeps increasing as one grows. In order to start my career in litigation I had prepared a lot. For me (so I thought) it had to be a calculated risk. Foremost, since it had already been 7 years for me in my career, I could not have relied on anyone else for my sustenance. Hence, I set up a capital fund for myself. Unfortunately, there are no PE/ VC Fund or angel investors in the litigation space.
Next I reduced my liabilities to almost nil, except for my day-to-day expenses. This meant that I could not afford a new car or buy a home for the next few years. This also meant that I live as frugal a lifestyle as possible. Having your own practice is like running a full-fledged business, alone. Club that up with living in the most expensive city (Mumbai) in this country, you have a recipe for disaster. So it was clear to me that the longer I could sustain myself on that capital I had saved, the better are my chances of succeeding. However, all of this was easier said than done.
Creating something of your own is like learning to become a potter from scratch. Even if you know what you need to do, there still is a huge learning curve. During the past 6 years of my independent practice, the one thing I have learnt is – you can never stop learning. There is learning both on the professional and personal front. As lawyers we see a lot of personal trauma and injury – nothing prepares us for the same. Most days, stakes are so high that even the stress level is off the roof. But rarely does anyone prepare you for the same. It is a journey we figure out on our own. For me personally meditation has done wonders and I always advise my juniors to practice daily to have a better life.
Game of Survival
A newly launched car in the market, trying to gain a market share, requires a good deal of marketing and promotion. But what do you do when you don’t have a budget for the same? Well, you don’t sell cars, you sell the next best thing. While starting out when I faced my fair share of rejections, I started taking up all kinds of matters (next best thing), because ultimately it was my own survival at stake. I was away from home, burning cash on a daily basis with limited to no support from elsewhere. Thus, from filing a Section 125 maintenance application to arguing Section 9 applications under IBC, I went for anything and everything. I was no longer just a tax lawyer, I had become an ‘advocate.’ In hindsight, it is this resilience and hunger for survival which ultimately defines one’s existence.
But more than this there is one more thing which played a pivotal role in my survival. It is generally said that it takes a whole village to raise a child, same goes with a law practice. It takes a whole lot of support from a great number of generous people to believe in you enough to give their cases in your hands. I guess I just got lucky enough to have too many of these kind people. Initially one does feel that it’s your fight and you have to fight it alone, but along the way you do find a few great companions having their own fights and looking for and even ready to lend support. Couple that with a little bit of hard-work and you have a recipe for something sustainable.
Only one more learning in my journey so far – “the only way humans have ever figured out of getting somewhere is to leave something behind.” This very important dialogue from a very famous movie, helped me realise my full potential. Most days I was too worried where my next sustenance is going to come from, but it was those really adventurous days when instead of thinking about my sustenance, I cared more about the kind of work that I was doing. I took risks in terms of letting go of work which didn’t fit well in my value system or even my aspirations, though it may have brought in some easy money. Thus, most days it was a mental fight with oneself, marred by self-doubt. How I overcame that, is the story of my life.
As a Counsel at the Bombay High Court, you handle a diverse range of litigation, including tax, corporate-commercial, IP, and constitutional matters for well-known clients. Could you share an example of the most challenging case you’ve worked on and the preparation involved?
It is sometimes said in Hindi: “Mauka milta har kisi ko hai, jazbaat ye hain ki mauke ki tayyari me aapne kya kiya?” (Opportunity will knock on your doors, it is up to you whether you’re ready for it or not) Something similar happened with me when a govt. agency approached me to file a Section 9 Application under IBC before the Hon’ble NCLT in Mumbai. The Application was to be filed against a company which had defaulted in payment of certain dues to the agency under a contract. Prima facie it was a simple case but the remedy for the same was not under Section 9. There were multiple disputes to the claim and I had already informed clients that chances are bleak. Still upon their insistence, we proceeded with the filing of the application and as was expected the same was dismissed.
As already highlighted earlier, there are a lot of generous people out there who are willing to bet on you. One such person was a counsel representing the agency, who despite losing the matter placed his faith in me and requested me to carry out a research as to what can be an alternative remedy. The matter involved an issue of high commerce involving thousands of crores of public money. I took that as a challenge and embarked on one of the longest running and almost awe inspiring litigation journey so far in my life.
Upon deeper study I realised that the agency had contracted with the company to collect some kind of taxes on its behalf and when the company defaulted, there were various coercive mechanisms available with the agency (as with any tax collector like Income Tax Dept. or GST, etc.) which it could have adopted to recover the same. The only hurdle was that the assets of the company against which such coercive recovery could be implemented were not within the jurisdiction of the agency.
A law researcher is like a seeker in a game of Quidditch (Harry Potter), one can’t lose sight of that Golden Snitch, that proposition of law. My focus was to extend the jurisdiction of the agency to the location of the Company and its assets. And the answer I found was in a 130 years old legislation which is still in force – which allowed the agency to request the collectors, in the jurisdiction where the Company and its assets lie, to act on its behalf for the recovery of any dues in the nature of ‘land revenue.’ I know, pretty colonial.
However, up until this point it was simply a prologue and the real battle started now. The actions of the agency were first not accepted by the collectors and were therefore marred by inaction. This led to rounds two of litigation seeking mandamus against the govt. functionaries. Once the govt. functionaries sprung to action upon directions by the Hon’ble Bombay High Court, the defaulting company challenged the validity of recovery. To be honest it was not an easy task to defend a 130 years old legislation which was based on colonial ideas. However, we still gave our best and obtained 4 back-to-back favourable orders (two of which even got reported). This took almost two years.
In the third round of litigation, the issues went up to the Hon’ble Supreme Court and here was a real test of the legal principles which had found some favour with various benches of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court. By this time we were in the third year of this matter’s litigation journey. Defending an already settled position (by a high court) never seemed like an uphill task like it did this time. Endless hours of conferences with not one but three senior counsels, endless volumes of research and from that was derived crisp arguments which should hopefully sit well with the Hon’ble Judges. Every time a senior counsel played the devil’s advocate, we had to recount our steps from the beginning, rethink the proposition of law from the start. However, the hard-work paid off and we got at least two favourable orders from the Hon’ble Supreme Court, upholding the law laid down by the Hon’ble Bombay High Court.
While this should have been a personal victory it felt more like providence. For the first time in my life I understood the meaning of this term which almost every well know lawyer in this country believes in.
But this was not the end; at the beginning of this year, we were back to square one, when just before the auction of the attached assets of the company could be carried out, the company underwent CIRP and Section 14 moratorium was put in place. Remember, we had already lost that battle in the very first round? The matter is now still sub-judice with various other dimensions being opened, including lifting and reverse lifting of corporate veils.
Although, there are other matters which have brought much more fame as well as remuneration to me than this matter, still I feel this matter deserves more to be mentioned in response to this questions than others.
What are the key challenges you have faced while dealing with compliance and disputes under highly specialized regulations like the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, the Insecticides Act, or the Legal Metrology Act?
Most specialised legislation are highly technical as they need to regulate various technical and scientific products. While dealing with such legislation one doesn’t just read the law but also about the products and the science relating to the same. This although is very challenging but it also very interesting and stimulating.
In most cases involving first time registration under such acts, there mostly is an overlap of various IP protection laws (mostly patents). One of the primary concerns of the clients in such cases becomes the protection of their IP when the idea is still undergoing IP registration process and yet it needs to be converted into a product-market fit (PMF), by obtaining relevant licensing and registrations.
Another important aspect of these legislations is the product liability. Under all the recent legislations like FSSAI, Drugs & Cosmetics, Insecticide & Fertilizers, Legal Metrology, etc. there is a concept of default attribution whereunder it is incumbent upon the companies to designate a specific officers who may be held responsible for various defaults which may occur under the Acts. At times the responsibility is even affixed on Managing or Executive Directors of the Company, creating a huge gap in terms of the risks. This is even more aggravated by the fact that while the licensing/ registration requirements under these Acts may be centralised at State/ Union level, but their enforcement is very decentralised. Meaning that when there is a default the same is mostly identified by an official generally at local level in some remote location. An apt example of this is the Maggie (Nestlé) case which started out in Barabanki District in Uttar Pradesh.
As India is growing as a global exporter, especially, in food and pharma sectors, the exposure has become manifold. A number of Indian companies from the pharma sector are on the edge of facing even class action suit due to product liability. In order to mitigate such exposure we are advising a lot of Indian companies to rely on insurances in the form of Commercial General Liability (CGL), Product Liability, D&O, and E&O policies to cushion their exposure.
You have provided advisory and litigation support to startups across various sectors, including Fin-Tech, Agri-Tech, and Edu-Tech. What specific challenges do Agri-Tech startups face in India?
Food security is one of the biggest growing concerns world over and the answer to the same lies in the marriage of technology with agriculture. A huge number of tech companies world over are working towards this much needed collaboration. The five primary aspects of agriculture – soil, water, seed, nutrition and protection – all have seen major technological research being undertaken to improve the quality and quantity of food. Food safety being the biggest concern, there is a lot of emphasis on sustainability and organic production.
Some of the major challenges that Indian Agri-Tech space is seeing in the current times:
Funding: While innovation in a lab can be easily created, replicating it into a commercially successful product is much more difficult. Especially, keeping in mind that agriculture is dependent on various other factors like weather and irrigation. Thus, mere effectiveness of any product is not a guarantee for its commercial success. This result has caused the funding ecosystem to develop unevenly in the Agri-Tech space. A lot of sustainable and organic technologies are facing the brunt of it.
IP Protection: Most start-ups working in this space lack the basic understanding of the IP protection laws. Further, since a lot of research is funded by the govt. (like through agriculture institutes (ICAR) or KVKs in collaboration with some private players) not enough attention is given to this aspect. One more deterrent is the affordability. Since agriculture in India is still very fragmented and individual driven, to make the newer products affordable is a challenge.
Awareness: Making an Indian farmer learn about a new technology or product is likely talking to them through a grapevine. The conventional or rather traditional approaches have marred the efforts of Agri-tech companies in achieving a decent level of adaptability. While the govt. does come out with various schemes from time to time to promote such technologies (e.g. promotion of Integrated Pest Management, bio-gas production, etc.), the sector is so unorganised that it is still difficult to generate adaptability on a large scale and information moves mostly through the word of mouth.
Regulatory: The next aspect is the regulatory issue which plagues the start-up space in general and agri space in particular. Since most of the products used in application of agriculture have a direct impact on the quality and safety of food, there are high levels of regulation. While regulation itself may not be as much of a problem, the difficulty arises in implementation of those regulations. There are primarily three reasons for the same:
Lack of clarity in the laws themselves which lead to confusion. For example, the govt. keeps coming out with notifications making changes to various laws like Fertilizer Control Order in order to cover new and evolving bio-fertilizer and growth promoters. But most of the times such notifications are ad-hoc and badly worded leading to more confusion than clarification.
Lack of understanding amongst the implementing agencies. As already highlighted, the enforcement of these laws is decentralised and at a local level where the resources implementing the same have limited understanding or knowledge about the product at times leading to harassment. Should this happen in a remote location, the problem is aggravated even more.
Agriculture is a space which is already dominated by big corporations working in the chemical fertilizer and pesticide space which tend to try and retain their market share by adopting (not so apparent) predatory practices. This has led to suppression of innovation in sustainable technologies. Agri-tech start-ups coming out with newer and sustainable ways to deal with older problems, may result in displacement of already existing products, which may or may not be as profitable for existing players. However, there are no regulatory frameworks or for that matter incubatory eco-system to address the same.
What advice would you give to young lawyers and law students who aspire to excel in legal practice, based on your own journey and experiences?
This question treats me like a wise old man, which let me assure you, I am definitely not. In terms of knowledge & experience, I may very well be comparable to any other young lawyer. So the best I can share is my learnings:
Patience: The most important aspect of anyone’s life is patience. Whether it be litigation or any other form of employment patience forms the bedrock for achieving anything in life. Be it professional or personal, having patience makes a lot of things easier. But having patience itself is not an easy task, it definitely requires a concerted effort and making up your mind on a daily basis, convincing yourself every few moments.
Basics: So far as the field of law goes, there are certain basic concepts which every law student and any young lawyer should know. Unless you have your basics clear, you will always be far from excellence. I was fortunate to have amazing seniors in college to lead us along a path which started with learning the basics of law. Every student should know the laws on jurisprudence, interpretation of statutes and constitution at the least. Further, there are a body of rules in the form of legal methodology which come in handy whether you know the law itself or not. I always advise students and young professionals to always read a book called “Learning the Law” by Glanville Williams.
Reading: The next in the checklist is a habit of reading. I guess all known and reputed lawyers of the past have recommended this and so shall I. It is a sine qua non to have a regular reading habit. Not just about law but all aspects of life in general. Law is something which regulates every aspect of life and therefore, it doesn’t harm knowing about its various aspects. Bottom line – READ.
Compounding: Warren Buffet describes compounding as building a little snowball and rolling it down a very long hill. As the snowball rolls down the hill, it collects more and more snow until it becomes a huge snowball. This is not just true about money but also about knowledge and experience. As we progress in our careers, we see the effects of this compounding, when we keep practicing our skills and arts. But why am I discussing compounding? Because I see a lot of young lawyers running after easier ways to earn money, focussing more on remuneration than vocation. But what we fail to understand is that Vocation is that very long hill which gives results over time.
I believe the basics of life remain the same wherever we are, whatever we do. There may be a difference in pace and the scenery while we roll down that very long hill.
With such a diverse range of practice areas and an extensive clientele, how do you effectively manage the constant demands of your professional workload while maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
To be honest, I feel that I have not been able to manage my professional workload as effectively as I would want to. However, I must still credit a great team of colleagues who are there to support me and at times even lead me wherever necessary. The best way to manage my work that I have realised is to continue working with my junior colleagues, who grow out of their roles in my chamber. I continue to collaborate with them as peers and at the same time help them achieve their own aspirations.
In terms of the work-life balance, I feel the legal fraternity as a whole is not maintaining enough balance. But I still try to keep things simple by following these mantras:
10,000 steps a day
6 Hours of sleep a day
2.5 litres of water a day
Half an hour of meditation a day; and
At least 2 hours of family-time a day.
Again, easier said than done. Still we can all strive for it, although we can never achieve it – perfection and our tryst with it. I attribute much of my ability to maintain a balance to my family who not only hold me accountable but also support me through thick and thin.
Your career spans over 15 years, with diverse experiences in corporate law and litigation. Could you share with us how your journey began and evolved to your current role as a Legal Consultant at Paoletti Law Group? Please walk us through your Journey from choosing Law as a career to working in Dubai?
Law has always been my calling. Since the age of 14, I have had a deep desire to pursue a career in law. Despite coming from a business-oriented family, I knew that my path lay in the legal profession. I am the first lawyer in my family in 3 generations.
My journey in law began with my internship under the guidance of a senior advocate in Gauhati High Court in the year 2009. My senior, Mr. S.S. Sharma was a very patient and attentive teacher, and I learned a lot from him. I practiced under my senior’s guidance for 4 years and then started my own independent practice.
My thirst for knowledge is what led me to Dubai, UAE. I wanted to learn and experience law on an international level and Dubai offered me the perfect opportunity to do so. I landed in Dubai, UAE just before the lockdown in 2020, but I was blessed to still have found work here.
Throughout my career I have encountered an endless supply of legal issues, most of them demanding a unique solution. Navigating and resolving these issues have constantly kept me going. I love facing new challenges and finding out different ways of solving them.
As a legal consultant, you’ve navigated various legal landscapes, from India to Dubai. How do you perceive the differences in legal practice and client expectations between these regions, and how has this impacted your approach to advising clients?
Having experience in both India and UAE jurisdiction, I have had the opportunity to deal with diverse legal landscapes and understand the nuances of the expectation a client may have in each region. In both India and UAE, clients may have different legal requirements, but their needs, overall, are similar. All a client wants is someone to guide them through the legal maze and provide support and solutions for their issues.
Adjusting and adapting to the needs and requirements of clients and tailoring the services to the specific needs of each client is the best way to go. By utilizing my knowledge and expertise, I offer strategic and pragmatic advice that tackles each unique challenge and difficulties encountered by each client.
Moving from India to Dubai for your legal career marks a significant transition. What factors influenced your decision to relocate, and how has this move impacted your professional growth and experiences?
Like I have explained already, my thirst for knowledge and zeal to learn about law on an international level is what brought me to Dubai, UAE. Since moving here, I have had the good fortune to grow both personally and professionally. Working in Dubai has exposed me to diverse cultures, legal systems and business practices broadening my skill set as a legal consultant. This experience has been vital in shaping my understanding of cross-border legal practices.
Overall, the decision to move to Dubai, UAE has been instrumental in the development of my professional career.
Your role involves advising on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters. Could you elaborate on how you integrate ESG principles into your legal strategies, and why they are increasingly important in today’s business landscape?
Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into legal strategies involves a multi-faceted approach that encompasses compliance with environment regulations, promoting social responsibilities and best practices. This includes advising on risk mitigation strategies, conducting due diligence on ESG issues, and implementing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and standards. By aligning legal advice with ESG objectives, organizations can enhance their reputation, mitigate risks, and drive sustainable growth.
Considering your experience in international legal consulting, particularly in the UAE, what unique insights have you gained about cross-border legal practices and the challenges involved?
My experience in international legal consulting, particularly in the UAE, has provided me with unique insights into cross-border legal practices and the challenges involved. One of the key challenges in cross-border legal practice is navigating the complexities of different legal systems, cultural norms, and business practices, which can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. I strive to provide clients with advice that addresses their legal needs and helps them achieve their business objectives in an increasingly interconnected world.
Your expertise in drafting legal documents ranging from complex joint venture agreements to trademark registrations is commendable. What strategies do you employ to ensure clarity and efficacy in your drafting process? Any tips for students?
Drafting any kind of a legal document requires extensive research and accurate analysis of the issues and requirements involved in drafting that particular document. This includes reviewing relevant statutes and industry norms to ensure that the document is legally sound and meets the objectives of the parties involved.
For students aiming to excel in legal drafting, I recommend prioritizing clarity, precision, and meticulous attention to detail. Proper research and analytical skills, along with honing the ability to convey intricate legal concepts in straightforward language, will be instrumental in shaping their success in future legal endeavours.
With the demands of your profession, maintaining work-life balance is crucial. How do you unwind and rejuvenate after challenging days or intense legal engagements, and how do these activities contribute to your overall effectiveness as a legal consultant?
With the demands of my profession, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial to my overall well-being and effectiveness. After challenging days or intense legal engagements, I prioritize activities that help me unwind. One of my favourite ways of unwinding is spending time with my family and friends. Additionally, I find solace in travelling and exploring new places. Engaging in these activities rejuvenates me, enabling me to return to work with renewed energy.
With your extensive experience in diverse legal matters, what advice would you offer to aspiring lawyers looking to build a successful career in corporate law and litigation, especially in today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape?
Aspiring lawyers aiming to build a successful career in the legal field should focus on several key points:
First and foremost, continuous learning is essential. Stay updated on the latest developments through ongoing education, attending seminars, webinars, and conferences, and engaging in professional development opportunities. Networking is another key aspect of building a successful legal career. Build a strong professional network by connecting with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. Embrace new technologies and methodologies that can improve efficiency and effectiveness in your practice. Develop strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as effective communication is essential for a successful legal career. Uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in your practice to build trust with clients and colleagues.
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.”
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 brighterand 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.
