Super Lawyer

Tag: First Generation Lawyer

  • “Starting my independent practice felt like a calling, but it was like graduating all over again. The learning curve was steep, the hours long, but the support I received was overwhelming.” – Mohit Mudgal, Independent consultant at Mudgal Law Chambers

    “Starting my independent practice felt like a calling, but it was like graduating all over again. The learning curve was steep, the hours long, but the support I received was overwhelming.” – Mohit Mudgal, Independent consultant at Mudgal Law Chambers

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

    Could you please share what inspired you to pursue law, and how your journey from a student to an established advocate shaped your perspective on the legal profession?  

    I am an accidental lawyer. I come from a background of a wide array of professionals, including engineers, doctors, academicians, and armed forces veterans. During my school days, I was keen to serve in the armed forces growing up in a defence household. However, as a turn of fate, I could not take the NDA examination since I was severely unwell on the day of the exam. Luckily for me, at that time, the curriculum for the NDA entrance examination and LLB courses used to broadly overlap, so I could sit for the LLB examinations and qualify for the 5 year integrated law course at Amity Law School, GGSIPU. The thought of pursuing law as a profession, without any familial guidance, was both daunting and at the same time, exciting. As my college was based in Delhi, throughout the tenure of my course, I interned at various law offices practising diverse spheres of law after college hours. This developed my interest in the profession while giving me invaluable exposure to real practice outside of classrooms and an understanding of the legal profession in its practicality. 

    At the inspection of your career, you started working with the magic circle firm –  Clifford Chance. What motivated you to shift your focus to active litigation and dispute resolution in India? How did this transition add a new dimension to your understanding of the law?  

    Around the time of my graduation in 2009, the global economic crisis was going on and the future seemed uncertain. In this background, opportunities and recruitment offers were few and far between. When I got an offer from Clifford Chance’s Indian office (now known as Clifford Chance Business Services) as a campus placement, I decided to take it up – even though it departed from my conventional choice of work –litigation and disputes. Working here provided an entirely new exposure where I was part of international transactions while interacting with top legal brains across the globe. Apart from the learnings in the field of law, this role helped me understand various global professional standards and work etiquette. After having honed my skills in this role for a year, I decided it was time to explore litigation & dispute resolution (my most preferred area of interest during my internships) and don robes!

    In 2018, you established the Chambers of Mohit K. Mudgal. Could you share the story behind starting your independent practice?  

    During my formative years in litigation and dispute resolution, I was fortunate to come across offices that provided great mentorship, a wide array of work and ample opportunity.

    From 2013-2018, I worked in Karanjawala and Co. where I gained invaluable exposure while advising and representing some of the biggest corporate houses and public figures. The issues involved in my work there ranged from complex high-value commercial disputes to matters of public importance being heard by constitutional benches of the Supreme Court. A large part of my work was briefing prominent senior advocates on complex issues which required one to be very thorough – not only with the brief but also with the law. 

    In 2018, I mustered the courage to venture into independent practice. Being a first-generation lawyer, the decision was not taken lightly. Having my practice felt like a calling to me, something I had wanted to do since day one. However, starting independent practice was like graduating all over again – the learning curve was steep and the hours were (and still are) long and exhausting. I was blessed to receive support from all corners – my previous employers, seniors at the bar, and even my peers. I am grateful for the trust bestowed upon me by these people in those initial years of independent practice. 

    As an expert in electricity laws, what challenges do you face in this niche area? How do you see the evolution of energy law in India in the coming years? 

    Electricity law is complex work that requires you to have a keen sector-specific expertise. It needs one to unlearn everything one knows about general legal principles and approach the field with a fresh perspective. The usual tricks of the trade do not always work in these forums, as the subject matter is very technical and the judges/ adjudicators are very clued in to these nuances. There is also a lack of organized dissemination of information when it comes to Electricity Laws. Some of senior lawyers provide

    When I started electricity work in 2018, there were very few established names in this sector. However, the last 6 years, it has seen a mushrooming of both work and lawyers in these tribunals. Given the vision of the country towards electrification of rural India coupled with the transition to green energy from conventional sources,  I believe that the sector shall continue to expand at a rapid and exponential pace over the next 10 – 15 years, at the very least. 

    Alongside your work, you are actively involved in providing legal aid to the needy. How important do you think pro bono work is in the legal profession, and how has it influenced your approach to justice and fairness?  

    I always tell my junior friends at the bar and my office – to be thankful for their privilege and what they’ve received, and always dedicate some time to those who can’t afford to pay for legal services. We make it a point to try and help every such person who knocks at my door and encourage the same in my office. It is a service to society and makes you a better lawyer and human being.  

    With the evolving legal landscape, what advice would you give to young lawyers and law students who aspire to excel in litigation and dispute resolution? What skills should they develop to succeed in today’s competitive environment?  

    While embracing technology in today’s time, the young lawyer can churn out results like never before and in record time. However, in this endeavour, it is paramount not to lose sight of the old-school ways of taking up the rigour and hard work to be well-read and researched.  The gestation period in mainstream litigation is long and young lawyers should not give up easily or early. Do not look at others and yearn for more or feel like you’ve been dealt an unfair hand- the comparator is always yourself. You set your standards and those are the only markers you have to live up to. 

    As someone who has transitioned from a global law firm to running your practice, how do you approach mentorship within your team? What qualities do you look for in budding lawyers, and how do you help them develop their skills and careers?  

    Mentorship is one of the hardest and most rewarding aspects of this profession. It gives me immense pleasure to see my junior colleagues thriving and learning to problem-solve on their own. 

    Ownership and responsibility are something I always look for in budding lawyers. I always throw them in the deep end and give them all the tools and resources they need to do a good job, including guidance from me. I want their ambition and drive to be so high, and their performance so good, that they should be able to replace me on a brief. That is when I know I am doing a good job!

    What qualities do you observe in current law graduates, and where do you think they might be lacking in skills? 

    Current law graduates are mostly worldly wise and confident. However, often this confidence is misplaced owing to the lack of the basic understanding and reading of the law. The practice of law is hard work and dedication which requires one to have immense patience and perseverance. This is a taxing profession and gets the best out of us. Unless we put in the hours, we can never reap the rewards. 

    Given the demanding nature of your work in litigation, arbitration, and mediation, how do you unwind and manage stress? Are there any particular hobbies or activities you enjoy that help you relax and maintain a work-life balance?  

    Music is a part of my daily routine which helps me unwind. I’m catching a live gig over most weekends given the time! I enjoy sports and am a fairly outdoorsy person. I particularly enjoy trekking, boxing, cricket, badminton and the occasional poker game!

    Get in touch with Mohit Mudgal-

  • “While dealing with complex criminal matters, the main challenge one faces sometimes is the lack of knowledge when it comes to these specific subjects”-Lakshmi Raman, Co-Founder & Partner – Criminal Litigation at Numen Law Offices 

    “While dealing with complex criminal matters, the main challenge one faces sometimes is the lack of knowledge when it comes to these specific subjects”-Lakshmi Raman, Co-Founder & Partner – Criminal Litigation at Numen Law Offices 

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

    Can you share with us what inspired you to pursue a career in law, especially specializing in criminal law?
    Being a 1st generation lawyer, the only law I was privy to was on television. I have to confess that it was in my 9th or 10th Standard that the television was what got me intrigued into pursuing law, solely for the reason that a lawyer got to wear a blazer and a gown that looked like Batman’s cape. After my first corporate internship behind a desk all day, I knew corporate law was not meant for me and the court was where I would want to be. I was lucky enough to get an internship under Mr. Satish Maneshinde in my second year of Symbiosis Law School, Pune, and that was where my fondness and passion for criminal litigation began growing. I interned for a brief period with Mr. Siddharth Luthra as well in Delhi and thereafter continued my internship under Mr. Maneshinde until I graduated in the year 2013. It was these periods of my internships wherein I used to observe the court proceedings and arguments, that made me realize that I want to practice criminal litigation.

    With your extensive experience working under Advocate Satish Maneshinde and handling high-profile cases, how did those experiences shape your approach to practicing law?

    Immediately upon graduation, I joined the Chamber of Mr. Satish Maneshinde as a Junior Advocate and that is when I realized, what was studied in college in our CrPC syllabus was 5% of the learning of criminal litigation. It is not the books that will help you practice law in this field, but it is the experiences, practical teachings and observing advocates in court. I was fortunate enough to assist Mr. Maneshinde in various High Courts across the country and the Supreme Court and I realized how the practice is very different in each state, be it inside Maharashtra itself or in Karnataka, Delhi, Hyderabad, Tamil Nadu or Uttar Pradesh. From these experiences I learnt the soft skills which are very important in our practice area.  With respect to the high profile cases, those experiences taught me how important it is to keep calm and no matter who your client may be, in your head, he or she should remain just a client. In high profile cases the stress will be greater, there are people watching you at all times, and thanks to the new generation of paparazzi, your every move can be tracked. It taught me how sometimes it is important to stay shut and just say no comment when the media comes at you, because publicity is not how one should practice law, and sometimes anything that you say or do can be used against your client at a later stage.

    What motivated you to co-found Numen Law Offices, and how does your firm differentiate itself in the legal landscape?

    I always had it in my head to go independent one day, so that motivation was there from the beginning and I was grateful enough to have a boss and colleagues in my chamber who supported and helped me spread my wings, and till date cheer me on. I initially wanted to set up my own chamber practice but then a common friend of Arush, George, Chaitanyaa (my partners) and mine, got the 4 of us together and I guess, we were all at the same page in life so we decided to throw in our personalities and practice areas together and establish Numen Law Offices. We created a Firm wherein the Partners were young, the enthusiasm and passion was high and the determination was shared. Our firm, as of now, captures the best of the two cities in India when it comes to litigation – Bombay & Delhi. After more than 6 years of practice, when we started Numen Law Offices, I had learnt the ropes of dealing with varied criminal cases where the work started from the police station and went all the way up to the Supreme Court. I take up all kinds of criminal cases ranging from serious offences of murder, and rape to cheque bouncing and PMLA, EOW, MPID and other white collar crime matters. My idea was to bring criminal litigation into the law firm space and have all the work done within the firm, instead of outsourcing it. Basically have a mix of chamber practice and a law firm. I myself conduct trials that involve IPC, NIA, CBI, EOW, MPID, POCSO, and cheque bouncing.  

    Apart from having its own specific criminal litigation team that deals in various facets of criminal law including white collar crime, our Firm is truly unique owing to what each Partner brings to the table. We have Arush Khanna who is an officer of the International Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Committee and India’s first ever Ambassador of the Vienna International Arbitral Centre, apart from his regular practice in courts. There is George Thomas, who is an Advocate on Record (a tough exam to crack) in the Supreme Court and deals with all subject matters of law, be it civil, criminal, tax, etc. And there is Chaitanyaa Bhandarkar who practices a variety of commercial law, real estate, arbitration and private clients among other areas. Owing to this wonderful combination of what I would like to call “”the Fantastic 4”, we being a new law firm with very young partners managed to survive covid and are successfully managing to grow our Firm and win various accolades and recognitions from IBLJ, ALB, Legal 500, Benchmark Litigation and Legal Era, apart from getting orders and reported judgements. 

    Could you discuss some of the key challenges you’ve faced while representing clients in complex criminal matters, and how you’ve overcome them?

    Each case in criminal litigation is different and has to be approached and tackled differently. It will hardly ever be the same route as another case. Apart from knowing the law, it is very important to know various other fields such as accounts, medicine, etc. While dealing with complex criminal matters, the main challenge one faces sometimes is the lack of knowledge when it comes to these specific subjects. Without understanding these subjects, it will be difficult to find the right strategy for your client. In the beginning, there were times where I was faced with a challenge of being unable to comprehend some accounting work or unable to understand a doctor’s analysis with medical jargon on a post mortem report and that’s when I turned to my friends. Friends who are CAs or doctors, who I can question time and again and in the manner I would need to in order to find the correct path to get my client out of the mess, which Google and textbooks could not provide. With respect to white collar crime, another challenge has been “how and why has the client done this” because it may make no sense to you at first. To overcome this, I realized, it is as easy and basic as just learning how to get correct instructions from your client and get them to open up and narrate their thought process to you. 

    You’ve been involved in a variety of cases, including white-collar crimes, sexual offenses, and drug-related offenses. Can you walk us through a particularly challenging case and how you navigated through it?

    This would have been 3 years into practice, where I was approached in court by an accused who was standing trial under the POCSO Act and he was requesting me to represent him and it was a pro bono matter. I of course enthusiastically said yes and later got to know the victim was 10 years old at the time of the incident. Then came the court date wherein the child had to be examined by the prosecutor and cross examined by me. Under POCSO, the recording of evidence is dealt with differently. The prosecutor, the defence lawyer and the judge sit on the same table next to the victim. None of us wore our bands or coats or gowns and there was candy on the table for the child to feel comfortable. I think this scenario enabled me to also be comfortable and my human side just kicked in and I was able to ask the questions I wanted to without affecting the child and at the same time carrying out my duty towards my client. Post court, I had a conversation with my sister about it and we discussed the emotions going through me and I realized being an officer of the court is all about representing a person who has a right to be defended. As lawyers we need to perform to the best of our ability for our client, but before everything else, we are officers of the court and we can maintain our humanity while doing so. I did have a candy as well and chose not to be hard on myself for having to do this, because at the end of the day, every person has a right to be defended, so it’s better you do it ethically than another lawyer who may not have been so kind to the child. 

    As a recognized legal leader, you’ve been acknowledged in prestigious lists such as “India’s Future Legal Leaders” and “India’s Rising Stars.” How do you maintain your professional excellence and stay at the forefront of the legal industry?

    It is all about hard work, consistency, being a good lawyer not only in court but towards your clients as well. I am always punctual, be it in court or when it comes to delivering work to a client and updating the client about the status of the case. I realized after getting into the law firm space that networking is integral and I try my best to work on that. At the same time it is crucial to keep reading the latest judgments so I ensure I take time out to read. And sometimes driving my car while blasting music to blow some steam off definitely helped maintain professional excellence. 

    Can you share some insights into your role as an external member of the Internal Complaints Committee under the POSH Act and its importance in ensuring workplace safety and gender equality?

    One of the main advantages of implementing the POSH Act is the establishment of safe and inclusive workspaces. When employees are assured that their workplace is free from sexual harassment, they feel more comfortable and confident. This improved sense of security encourages more women to actively participate in the workforce, leading to better gender representation across all levels of the organization. When carrying out the work as an external member, you have to be responsible as you have a very crucial role to play in the Internal Complaints Committee. This is the member that needs to act as a neutral third party that keeps the bias of the ICC in check and ensures that the management does not influence the decisions. Both parties involved are counting on you to carry out your job independently.

    Lastly, drawing from your rich experiences, what advice would you give to recent law graduates who are embarking on their legal careers, particularly those interested in criminal law?

    Be patient and first train under a senior for a considerable period of time. The only way to ace this field is by observing in court and gaining practical experiences. No book will be able to tell you how to cross-examine. Only observing our seniors in court when they are conducting trials will educate you. Start from the lowest level and learn the procedures upwards. One cannot directly start practicing in the High Court as a criminal lawyer. You need to know the procedures right from the time that a FIR is registered. If you are interested in criminal law you need to know that it does not start and end with white collar crime.

    Get in touch with Lakshmi Raman-

  • “The legal profession is a triangle where you have only one edge, while the other edge is the opposition lawyer, and ultimately, the judicial system, which ultimately takes its time and decides finally”- Hitesh C Soni, Founder & Managing Partner at Hitesh Soni & Associates

    “The legal profession is a triangle where you have only one edge, while the other edge is the opposition lawyer, and ultimately, the judicial system, which ultimately takes its time and decides finally”- Hitesh C Soni, Founder & Managing Partner at Hitesh Soni & Associates

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

    Can you share with us the journey that led you to pursue a career in law, and what specific experiences or influences played a role in your decision to become a lawyer?

    I am a first-generation lawyer and hail from Mount Abu, the only hill station in the state of Rajasthan. While my childhood was spent playing soccer and exploring the wilderness of my town, little did I know I would be becoming a lawyer. Well, I can say the first thought ever came to my mind to become a lawyer was in 8th grade when my father, a businessman, once bought the constitutional book for his simple curiosity of reading it. No, he never wanted to become a lawyer, nor did he understand the legal text, but his choice to bring that book changed my life forever. Of course, television plays an important role in seeing court functions and, most importantly, seeing a duty on a lawyer to fight for someone he or she didn’t know. Another reason that motivated me to become a lawyer was my connection with the wilderness. When you’re close to nature, it is very obvious that you would be very philosophical, and I firmly believe that those encounters with nature were another quite solid reason for me to dream of becoming a lawyer. I was very curious, and the next thing I did was wonder how I could achieve this dream of becoming a lawyer. There was none who could guide me, but I also believe a path searched and chosen by oneself is the one where you do not get lost. I succeeded and joined a law college in Jodhpur.

    Establishing a law firm at the age of 26 is quite remarkable. What motivated you to take on such a significant endeavor at such a young age, and what were some of the challenges you faced in building your own legal practice?

    When you have clarity of thought and are able to take risks in life, things become achievable. Though it does not guarantee success, it warranties you, assures you to keep going, and when you feel down, it gives you hope to continue. I never followed the crowd collecting the internship certificates and academic accolades. I knew that law books are the same for everyone, and a degree from Harvard or Oxford is no guarantee of success in life. Though worthy degrees can give you placement, they can never give you a sense of satisfaction, especially when your dream is only to become a lawyer who practices law in the real sense and nothing else. Therefore, during my law school for the entire five years of my law, I joined a permanent internship with Rtd Chief Justice Rajesh Balia and majorly interned with Sr. Advocate Vikas Balia in Jodhpur. Since Jodhpur was not my hometown, I still had a choice to choose my life wisely. Bombay was next, a city that changed my life. It not only changed my life but also gave me a platform to show my merit. Immediately, shifting to Mumbai in the month of June 2017 with no background and only after a year of experience was a tough choice, which I never regretted. At the beginning, I faced very common issues like shelter, food, and survival, but God rewarded me with the risk. I was standing tall with limited earnings from individual briefs. I started my law firm, M/s Hitesh Soni & Associates, on November 27th, 2017, with no surety of covering the expenses in the future. I was always confident that if I had merit, I could do it every time. I never looked back then.

    Congratulations on receiving the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Lifetime Achievement Award’ at such a young age. How did it feel to be recognized with such a prestigious honor, and how do you believe your work contributed to earning this lifetime achievement award?

    Thank you. At first, it sounded like a dream and more of a fear with the title, as it is a precept to give to someone who wishes or thinks that he or she is going to retire from his or her profession, but after interaction with the award presenter, Smt. Meira Kumar, former Speaker of Lok Sabha, and noted personalities like Shri Lal Thanhawla, former Chief Minister of Mizoram, my perception proved wrong. I received the award at the age of 31, when I had just completed six years in the legal profession and five years at Hitesh Soni & Associates. I was the only young awardee in the field of law. Well, from the beginning of my practice until I received this award, I worked in a diverse field of law. This honor is more focused on how I started in a place like Mumbai, with no background, established something, and continued the same spirit, which must have contributed, and the rest are cases I worked on that I feel I should not discuss.

    Your expertise covers a wide range of legal areas, including constitutional law, corporate and commercial law, international trade, customs law, immigration law, and white-collar crime. What drew you to these specific fields, and how do you manage to excel in such diverse areas of law?

    These practices can never start with the practice of law, but the root is somewhere else. In my case, it is related to my law school days. I never studied for law exams only, but I interpreted the text as if I was going to deal with such cases in the future, and that’s the key. Reading is the key, and reading in a way not just for examination, is to keep in mind. Simply put, I never had any extra interest in any particular subject of law, but I was inclined and interested equally. In fact, if I can share more candidly, you have to be an expert in all subjects; what’s your next case? You never know.

    Being featured in the “2023 Annual Guide to the World’s Top Lawyers” and receiving various awards like the International Achievers’s Award and the Rashtriya Gaurav Award is truly impressive. How do these accolades impact your approach to your work, and what do they mean to you personally and professionally?

    Thank you. These recognitions bring a great deal of sense of maturity, integrity, and responsibility, specifically when justice in India is not always served hot. Actually, it is also another wrong perception; laymen think urgent reliefs are not justice. The legal profession is a triangle where you have only one edge, while the other edge is the opposition lawyer, and ultimately, the judicial system, which ultimately takes its time and decides finally. In the midst of this lies the other skill of a lawyer: to calm his clients and keep giving them hope, but more than simply giving them hope, you have to keep making consistent attempts for your client because, for you, it may be one of hundreds of cases, but believe me, for your client, that’s the only case and it matters a lot for them. I take it that way, and it helps me a lot. These awards remind me that when I saw a dream of nature somewhere, a prayer for my success was heard and answered. Though there is a lot to be done, it is just the beginning of a lifetime.

    Your law firm, Hitesh Soni & Associates, has expanded its presence to multiple locations, including Bombay, BKC, and New Delhi. What challenges did you encounter while expanding your firm, and how do you ensure consistent quality and service across these different locations?

    Mumbai was and will always remain a base for Hitesh Soni & Associates; after all, this is the place where my dream took flight. I am not so frequent, but I am a decent visitor to the Supreme Court of India. Whether it is related to our firm client or any other brief, Delhi is something you cannot avoid, not only the highest judicial body but also many other authorities, tribunals, and whatnot. We started the firm in New Delhi last year, in June 2023. The initial challenge for me was handling it without any partners there. Our firm is primarily operated and run by me and my wife, Adv. Vaishali H. Soni, and we are based in Mumbai, so it is a challenge for us to find a team of trustworthy individuals. I believe any law firm cannot go beyond the quality of minds that make it up. Thus, yes, it is challenging to look for like-minded individuals who can understand your value to the firm.

    As the founder of an award-winning law firm, what role do you believe innovation and adaptability play in the legal profession, and how do you incorporate these elements into the services provided by your firm?

    After international law firms came to India, good things happened, boosting innovation and adaptability for Indian law firms. Like ours, we have to keep adapting to innovation. Innovations for me are not just adopting AI and software but also matching the international industry standard for staff, juniors, and interns, who are ultimately India’s upcoming legal faces. Thus, it has a great role to play; without it, a law firm becomes outdated, and in these changing times, no one can afford to be that.

    Given your extensive experience and success in the legal field, what advice would you offer to law graduates who are just starting their careers and aspiring to make a significant impact in the legal profession?

    If you read my story, you would have experienced the challenges and had an idea of how I have done it, but to all fresh law graduates and aspiring lawyers, I advise you that it is immaterial how you started, where you started, and how you are going to start, but what is important is to remember that you are never going to feel down when you do not get an internship or a job; you do not get upset when you lose a case or a client backfires on you; and always remember that nothing can force a sun to set for a lifetime. Believe me, you are a sun, and the next sunshines are yours. Wait for your dawn to come. All the best.

    Get in touch with Hitesh C Soni-

  • “Sitting as an arbitrator shifts and broadens your perspective and, ultimately, also makes you a better advocate”-Rohit Bhat international disputes lawyer Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

    “Sitting as an arbitrator shifts and broadens your perspective and, ultimately, also makes you a better advocate”-Rohit Bhat international disputes lawyer Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

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

    You are an international disputes lawyer at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and you also lead Freshfields’ India disputes practice. Can you share with us the journey that led you to where you are today?

    I’ve had a somewhat unconventional path. Fresh out of law school in Bangalore in 2009, I took a leap of faith and moved to Delhi to litigate. As a first-generation lawyer who grew up in Mangalore and Bangalore, I wasn’t sure if I’d find my feet, but generous colleagues and mentors made that possible. 

    My first job was with Mr. Vikas Mehta, an accomplished Advocate on Record in the Supreme Court from whom I learned a great deal about the art and science of dispute resolution. In 2011, I joined Mr. K.K. Venugopal, who, apart from being one of India’s leading lawyers, is a fantastic mentor. His chamber has produced prominent senior advocates and judges, most recently Mr. KV Viswanathan, who was appointed to the Supreme Court last year. I was also fortunate to have the support of Gopal Sankaranarayanan, now a Senior Advocate, who helped me navigate what to me was a new and sometimes inscrutable world.

    A few years into my litigation career, it became clear to me that I would set up my own counsel practice. But before doing that, I wanted to pursue an LLM to deepen my study of public and constitutional law–areas of particular focus for me during my time with Mr. Venugopal. I attended Harvard Law School in 2016, an enriching year in which, among other things, I explored core constitutional issues such as equality and free speech. Upon returning, I began working toward establishing an independent practice, while continuing to assist Mr. Venugopal, who by then was the Attorney General for India.  

    My career shifted quite abruptly at this point. My wife, a journalist, was on a career path that looked increasingly like it would be outside India, which led me to pursue opportunities overseas. International arbitration was a natural fit and I accepted an offer to join the Singapore disputes team at Freshfields, where I have been since November 2018. My focus is international disputes, both commercial and investor-State, across a range of sectors and regions. India is an important part of our practice, and in November 2022, I began leading Freshfields’ India disputes practice. 

    Your experience with Mr. KK Venugopal means that you have handled a large number of cases before the Supreme Court of India, including landmark constitutional cases. Could you elaborate on one of these cases and share the impact it had on shaping your legal career?

    I was fortunate to have worked with Mr. Venugopal on many occasions. They include the case challenging the National Judicial Appointments Commission, the 2G telecom spectrum case, the Aadhar case, and the challenge to criminal defamation in India. The opportunity to work on these legally complex and often politically-charged cases was incredible and gave me a front-row-view to how the greatest Indian legal minds approached these subjects. 

    Working in Mr. Venugopal’s chamber was also rewarding because his juniors have always been an integral part of his team. That means your voice is always heard, your opinions are considered and your work is always credited.  

    You transitioned from the Office of Mr. KK Venugopal. How has your previous experience influenced your approach to handling international cases?

    My experiences in India, especially with Mr. Venugopal, have been instrumental in shaping my approach to complex, high-stakes international cases. But it wasn’t just the grand battles. Tackling hundreds of commercial cases at the Supreme Court solidified my foundation in core contract and commercial issues. Those cases honed my ability to think strategically like a lawyer, identify key issues, and grasp the commercial context. While specific laws may differ, the core approach to applying legal principles remains strikingly similar. A robust foundation from my India experience allowed me to seamlessly transition to the international disputes arena.

    You are on the panel of arbitrators at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the Thailand Arbitration Center. How do these panel memberships contribute to your professional growth?

    Serving on these panels gives you the opportunity to be appointed as an arbitrator (of course, appointments are not automatic. These institutions have a robust selection process for each case). Sitting as an arbitrator shifts and broadens your perspective and, ultimately, also makes you a better advocate. You gain a new understanding of what counsel can and should do to better serve their clients and the arbitral process.

    Being recognized as a Future Leader and National Leader in global and Southeast Asia arbitration publications is a significant achievement. How do you think these recognitions have impacted your career, and what advice would you give to young lawyers aspiring for similar recognition?

    Thank you. Such recognition is valuable because it showcases your experience and expertise to a broad swath of the arbitration world and can be a stepping stone to more opportunities. That said, I wouldn’t advise young lawyers to chase it as an endgame. Instead, I’d advise them to focus the early stages of their careers on honing their craft. Good work does eventually get noticed. 

    You are the current Co-chair of Young ICCA. Tell us a little more about how it happened and your work with Young ICCA?

    I’m deeply interested in contributing to the development of arbitration and to ensuring that young practitioners have the support they need to succeed. Young ICCA is a fantastic organization with programs aimed at doing just that. When a co-chair position opened up, I put my hat in the ring. 

    With over 10,000 members, Young ICCA is one of the largest young arbitration bodies in the world. Our core programs are mentorship (we run mentorship cycles, assigning mentors to small groups of young arbitration practitioners), scholarships (we have tie-ups with leading universities to offer fee waivers for Young ICCA scholars), events (all our events are free, and we try hard to ensure they are focused on skills training), and publications (we run a popular essay competition and the winner gets a chance to speak at the ICCA congress). The work I do with Young ICCA is truly rewarding. 

    You’ve co-authored several articles. How important is thought leadership in your field, and how do you stay abreast of the latest developments to contribute meaningfully to the discourse?

    The law is complex and evolves every day. Thinking beyond your immediate case and grappling with the wider legal landscape is crucial to being a good disputes lawyer. Writing an academic piece allows you to dive deep and dissect tough issues from different angles. It widens your aperture and might force you to think ahead about how a particular area of law is likely to develop. 

    As a lawyer in private practice, the trick of course lies in carving out the time for such pursuits. I try to make time every day – okay, almost every day – to keep track of the latest developments in my areas of work and interest.   

    Considering your extensive journey and achievements, what advice would you offer to law graduates who are just starting their careers in the legal field, particularly those aspiring to specialize in international arbitration and dispute resolution?

    When I speak to young lawyers, I always tell them to remember that their legal careers are long. In the early years, what’s vital is building the foundational skills of research and writing, and acquiring a rigorous understanding of first principles. It sounds obvious and intuitive, but all too often, young lawyers feel pressured into picking or committing to a specialized field at the cost of the basics. 

    For lawyers aiming to practice internationally, there are usually two ways to do it. The first is to apply for a training contract with an international law firm, train there, and qualify into an international disputes practice. The second is to work in India for a few years, do a postgraduate degree and then look for opportunities with an international law firm. The second is the harder of the two paths. 

    Get in touch with Rohit Bhat-

  • “It’s essential to grasp the intricacies of a client’s business, their specific needs and to accordingly offer tailored solutions”- Dhruv Grover,IP Litigation Attorney at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.

    “It’s essential to grasp the intricacies of a client’s business, their specific needs and to accordingly offer tailored solutions”- Dhruv Grover,IP Litigation Attorney at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.

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

    Could you please walk us through how you initially decided to pursue a career in law, and what motivated you to specialize in Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation?

    As a first-generation lawyer, I leaned heavily on mentors to guide my path. Initially, my academic inclination was towards science during my 11th and 12th standards. However, an unexpected meeting with a seasoned lawyer (who turned out to be my first mentor in the field) at a family gathering shifted my perspective. He illuminated me on the vast horizons and multifaceted opportunities that were offered by the legal profession (beyond its cliché portrayal in popular media).

    While law school introduced me to a plethora of intriguing subjects, it was Intellectual Property (IP) that resonated the most with me. A defining moment came during an internship when a senior partner posed a thought-provoking question: “Why specialize in IP?” My response: “If it is not new or novel, it is not IP and if something is new or novel on every turn, it is always interesting and worth specializing in”.

    Further fuelling my interest were dedicated professors, particularly in IP and CPC, who recognized and nurtured my enthusiasm. Their encouragement and insights solidified my decision to specialize in IP Litigation.

    Your career has taken you through notable firms like Remfry & Sagar, Khurana & Khurana, and now Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas. Could you share the pivotal moments and experiences that shaped your journey in the field of IP law?

    Every step in my career, from drafting my first legal notice to my first court appearance, has been a significant learning opportunity. One particularly memorable matter involved a client alerting us about an imminent shipment of counterfeit goods destined for India within just two days. The urgency of the situation warranted immediate actions: identifying the shipment, liaising with Indian Customs offices, and swiftly filing a lawsuit seeking injunctive relief in Court. Those intense 48 hours, while challenging, imparted invaluable lessons in handling time-sensitive IP matters.

    Working at a full-service law firm like Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas has further enriched my professional journey by providing me an opportunity to work and interact with experts from diverse legal domains. This experience has further honed my ability to perceive and cater to client’s expectations from a holistic standpoint.

    Having handled diverse aspects of IP, from drafting pleadings to appearing before various courts and tribunals, what aspects of your work do you find most challenging and rewarding in the realm of IP litigation?

    Legal profession is a continuous journey filled with multiple learning opportunities. Reflecting on my early internship days, I recall discovering quicker methods to navigate court files during time-sensitive situations. Drafting intricate pleadings in complex cases was initially daunting during my early professional years. I vividly remember the apprehension of my first solo court appearance; the nerves were palpable. However, with each challenge encountered, I recognized them as important learning milestones that made me the lawyer I am.

    In the realm of litigation, the most rewarding moment is undoubtedly when a favourable order is pronounced. All the hard work and preparation culminating in a successful result is profoundly gratifying.

    Your profile mentions engagement in business development activities, including client meetings and conferences. How do these activities contribute to your professional growth, and what role do they play in enhancing your practice in IP litigation?

    Engaging directly with clients through meetings and conferences is fundamental in any client-centric profession. It’s essential to grasp the intricacies of a client’s business, their specific needs and to accordingly offer tailored solutions. Through these interactions, one can gain deeper insights into the challenges clients face, especially in IP disputes.

    For example, while some clients might prefer a more diplomatic approach to resolve IP disputes through legal notices or mediations, others might seek immediate legal action to safeguard their IP, perhaps on account of the potential impact on their business. By actively participating in such engagements, one can better align their strategies and advisory to suit the unique requirements and preferences of each client, ensuring a more effective and personalized approach to IP disputes.

    You’ve conducted training sessions for clients on IP laws. Could you elaborate on the importance of client education in the field of IP and share any specific challenges you’ve encountered in helping clients navigate intellectual property issues?

    Often, the primary focus of clients is on business growth and revenue generation, sometimes overlooking the critical aspects of IP protection. For instance, we have often seen clients approach us to enforce their design registration, only to later discover that they’ve been using the design for years prior to filing the design application. In such cases, we have to inform them that their design registration might be vulnerable for cancellation due to prior self-disclosure. In these situations, design registration certificates may be nothing more than a toothless paper.

    This underscores the vital role of client education. By proactively educating clients about the nuances of IP and the associated timelines, one can prevent potential pitfalls. It’s essential for businesses to recognize that robust IP protection is integral to their long-term success.

    You’ve appeared before various specialized tribunals and high courts in India. How does your approach differ when dealing with IP matters in these forums compared to more traditional court settings, and what skills do you consider crucial for success in such specialized areas?

    In specialized IP forums, there’s a heightened awareness and appreciation for the technicalities revolving around the field of IP, which often results in more streamlined communication and understanding of complex issues. This environment is conducive for IP practitioners, making it important for them to remain updated with the latest developments in the IP landscape. Unlike traditional court settings, specialized forums demand a deep understanding and familiarity with both domestic and international IP trends. Therefore, staying abreast of advancements in IP not only enhances an IP lawyer’s credibility but also equips them to leverage the unique opportunities presented by these specialized forums.

    Your academic achievements include gold medals, debate/moot wins, and publications. How has your academic background contributed to your success in the legal profession, particularly in the specialized field of IP law?

    During my time in law school, every academic experience was crucial for learning skills that are requisite for becoming a successful lawyer. Participating in debates and challenging moot court sessions didn’t just help me in honing my oratory skills but also taught me how to work in a team. On the other hand, writing research papers on interesting IP topics deepened my understanding of the subject at a jurisprudential level. 

    While I didn’t realise it then, each activity wasn’t just an academic exercise or an assignment, it was a step towards understanding the legal world that was awaiting after 5 years of law school.

    Drawing from your experiences, what advice would you like to share with law graduates who are just beginning their careers, especially those interested in pursuing a specialization in IP law? Are there any lessons or insights you wish you had known when you started your journey?

    Of late, IP practice has become more lucrative and is attracting numerous law graduates to specialize in this domain. While the rewards of this practice are undeniable, I believe it is important for law students and young professionals to determine if the subject truly resonates with them. Engaging in IP internships or dedicating time to study and write about IP can offer some clarity in this regard.

    Reflecting on my early days in the IP practice, I recall focusing all my energy in understanding the developments in and around the field of IP. While this approach enhanced my understanding of the subject, I inadvertently overlooked developments in fields outside of IP. Over time, I realized the value of maintaining a balanced perspective, acknowledging that while specialization requires depth, a holistic understanding of law across domains is invaluable. 

    Get in touch with Dhruv Grover-

  • It is seen that many fresh graduates being carried away with the burst of information and content on social media attempt to have their hands in everything but end up not having a meaningful impact in either-Shoumendu Mukherji, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India

    It is seen that many fresh graduates being carried away with the burst of information and content on social media attempt to have their hands in everything but end up not having a meaningful impact in either-Shoumendu Mukherji, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India

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

    Can you share your journey into the field of law and what motivated you to pursue a career in this field, including your experience at the National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS)?

    I would say ‘Law’ happened by chance and it was not that I had planned for it for long. During Class 12, my parents came to know of law as a career from a friend of theirs. Once I started preparing for CLAT, the subjects that were offered grew on me, especially the sections on logical reasoning and current affairs. I enjoyed the preparations and was able to crack the exam that led me to my second home i.e. the City of Kolkata for the next five years. My parents were a constant source of encouragement during the preps. The only distant pre-existing link in my family with the field of law that I can think of is that my grandfather had been an Additional District Magistrate in the Bihar Civil Services.   

    Being at NUJS was an experience to cherish. For the first time I came into contact with peers from across the country. The different languages, foods, habits, it was an in-depth lesson in learning about the diversity of India. It was not too hard to make friends, as I was always an ardent participant in different extracurricular activities. There was a thriving atmosphere of Sports, Cultural events in college apart from moots and debates that developed the competitive spirit in all of us. NUJS was also popular in hosting the largest sports fest among law schools “INVICTA”. I had the honour of leading the fest in my 4th year as Convenor which also instilled a sense of leadership, and also won a national level moot court competition. These qualities did come in handy at the time of branching out with my independent practice.              

    As a first-generation advocate, can you describe the early years of your career? What were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

    The early years as an independent litigator were certainly challenging. There would be days when I would have no briefs in hand and I would wonder whether I took the right call to branch out this early (merely 2 years into my career). However, whenever you sense the overwhelming cloud of despair, every time there does emanate a beacon of hope from somewhere or the other which consolidates your belief to keep going further, into the path of uncertainty you’ve chosen. That beacon of hope may be from an entrepreneur friend who was looking for a lawyer to his start up, or the relative who had familial property issues to sort, or the acquaintance looking for advice on a will. The only way to overcome these initial challenges, in my experience, is to keep networking, and meet new circles of people. Social gatherings are also a healthy way to make new clientele, who knows what’s on the mind of a fellow invitee looking for quick and free legal advice!    

    For the initial two years after college, I had worked with a college senior of mine Mr. Ankur Sood, Advocate on Record. His office helped me inculcate nuanced drafting skills and the filing processes / preparation of a Petition thanks to his highly experienced clerk Sajid Ji, who would take me along to the various court registries to help me get a wind of what goes on behind the scenes of the glamour of the courtroom, and what all it takes to finally place a Petition on the Hon’ble Judge’s desk.  

    Your work spans a wide range of legal areas, from civil and criminal cases to intellectual property and arbitration. Could you share a few memorable cases or experiences from your career that have had a significant impact on you?

    I would say that being part of the Delhi Legal Aid Services (DLSA) initially at Saket District Court and handling cases as a ‘Legal Aid Counsel (LAC)’ for economically weaker litigants in the initial years in a way shaped me as an Advocate and emboldened my commitment towards the profession. The glee and the gratitude in the eyes of mothers on being told that their son had been acquitted or had got bail was very gratifying. Obtaining orders for domestic violence victims being awarded interim maintenance was also equally pleasing. It made me realize the social importance of our profession, and the impact it can have on the lives of thousands, that the long helping hand of law is not too far from any person in our society. 

    Obtaining a John Doe order for a multinational publishing house in the initial years from the Hon’ble Delhi High Court followed by raids on the infringing publishers at Daryaganj was my first brace with big ticket litigation and a memorable learning curve.   

    During the Covid pandemic, there was this huge controversy about reduction in school fees as no physical classes were being held. I was approached by an Association of 250 ISC / ICSE Schools from West Bengal for obtaining relief from Supreme Court as Calcutta High Court had passed an adverse order directing the schools to charge only tuition fees, which was impractical as schools also had to pay salaries, other running expenses for the upkeep of their infrastructure. The High Court had also ordered for showing of schools’ balance sheets and appointed a committee composed of the Petitioners’ Advocate to address grievances of parents. The controversy was fostered owing to an absence of a fee regulatory body in West Bengal. We were faced with an onerous 3 judge bench in the Supreme Court with Justice MR Shah on it. However, we managed to obtain a stay order from SC, and for the next 12 months were a roller coaster of a journey dealing with an unpredictable bench of the Calcutta High Court which was passing contradictory directions at every hearing date at a frequency of 2-3 months. I also had to make frequent trips to Calcutta to attend the Court-appointed Local Commissioners’ hearings on behalf of the school management. Ultimately the Supreme Court gave a quietus to the issue as Covid had passed and all the directions were kept restricted to the Covid years alone. 

    During my tenure as a Counsel for the Union of India I appeared for the Department of Atomic Energy before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) at New Delhi. The matter pertained to a demand of Rs. 289.59 Crores under the head “Grid Support Charges’ ‘ made by Govt of Telangana. After hearing arguments, the Hon’ble Tribunal was pleased to stay the said demand in favour of the Union of India holding that under Section 184 of the Electricity Act, 2003 exempted the Ministry or Department of the Central Government dealing with Defence and Atomic Energy from applicability of the Act. 

    You’ve represented various Central Government Departments and have extensive experience in litigation. How has your role as Senior Panel Counsel for the Union of India shaped your legal practice?

    Being on the prestigious Senior Panel representing the Union of India has thrown open the window of opportunity to appear before the Delhi High Court on a daily basis before different benches. It adds to the sheer volume of briefs that you prepare for on an everyday basis and a rich experience to shape your future career. Each brief brings with it an unique point for consideration and the high stakes that come along with it. As a counsel holding a brief for the Union of India, you are expected to be on top of your game day in day out. The Hon’ble Judges expect you to be fair and well prepared as every new Petition on the Supplementary List starts with a Stay Application to oppose and the Government’s action to defend! Thus, one cannot afford to take any brief lightly. Usually, the new matters are marked to the Govt. Counsels the evening before, thus we only get that evening and next morning to take instructions from the respective Department and gear up for the admission hearing. It is thrilling, greatly satisfying and a big honour. 

    During the day in Court, we get to rub shoulders with Senior Advocates on the other side that adds to the challenge and gives you an added motivation to go to Court with your best prep forward. The sheer diversity of matters moulds one’s skill sets, one day it can be a Service Matter involving Promotion or Pension, on another day it may be Section 34 Challenge to an Arbitral Award, same day there may be a final hearing listed for a Miscellaneous Writ, on some days Tender matters, on some LPAs and Appeals against Tribunal decisions etc. Our younger crop of Panel Counsels also get enriched by the constant motivation and encouragement of our Seniors and Standing Counsels as well as Ld. ASG Sir who we keep crossing along the corridors of Delhi High Court and learning from their vast experiences.         

    You’ve been empaneled with organizations like GAIL (India) Limited, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) and the Enforcement Directorate (E.D.). Can you discuss the importance of these empanelments and how they have contributed to your professional growth?

    One must realise that empanelments are only a push to give you volume of work, which you are eligible for only after 4-5 years into your practice. The initial years preceding that eligibility period you have to really grind it out. I would say that is the gestation period. Empanelments help you get a good grip on a specific type of subject area, and some empanelments with retainers ensure a fixed income per month securing you financially. But you need to keep performing and maintain the standards otherwise someone else will take your place.   

    How has Becoming an Advocate on Record further helped diversify your practice? 

    It has given a foot in the door for establishing an independent Supreme Court Practice. Not that I have not been working on Supreme Court matters earlier. Thanks to my college senior Mr. Kunal Chatterji, AOR who had given me a volume of Supreme Court drafting to do in my initial years when I had branched out independently. His clerk Sukanta Ji also taught me the nuances of SC Filing Procedures, I will be forever grateful to them. Becoming AOR is one thing, but getting those AOR briefs for filing is the second step that follows. For this, it is important to carve out a network of lawyer colleagues from different states who can send you those SLPs, Civil Appeals and Transfer Petitioners. During our first orientation organized by the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Examination (SCAORA), Justice Sanjay Krishan Kaul who had himself been a AOR gave us all a golden advice to not be merely postmen but to read and give finishing touches to drafts that came our way so that the knowledge gained during the AOR Exam preps can be put to good practical use. Justice Kaul advised us to refrain from filing Petitions without reading them which holds good in today’s times.   

    You have also been involved with certain matters of political nature. Could you throw some light on them and their professional benefits? 

    I would say these are our social responsibilities. In the aftermath of the West Bengal Vidhan Sabha Elections of the year 2021, there was large-scale violence that broke out targeting the members, workers, voters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who had voted / campaigned against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). As soon as the results were declared, there were murders, loot, arson, and even gang rapes. Although the State of West Bengal has a history of bloody elections and many would declare such violence to be ‘normal’, however at some point of time that ‘normalcy’ must be questioned. In all other States elections are held peacefully, then why an aberration in only this one State. I was part of the team that appeared for the victims in the Hon’ble Supreme Court and Hon’ble Calcutta High Court. I would put in all nighters to draw up the pleadings explaining the gruesome incidents and plight of the families. Finally, the Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI probe into the various incidents. 

    Earlier this year, after the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections and appointment of a new Mayor in Delhi there were separate elections held for the 6 positions of the MCD Standing Committee which is voted by Councillors. Owing to a fracas in the house and expecting an unfavourable outcome, the Mayor who was a Councillor elected on an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ticket cancelled the elections and ordered re-elections even though the process had been completed and only results were left to be declared. The Hon’ble Delhi High Court declared the Mayor’s action to be illegal and directed pronouncement of the results immediately. 

    Being involved with political matters provides one a hand to work for the betterment of our systems and appear for MPs, MLAs and various leaders of the said political party. It gives one a platform to interact with such elected representatives and public personalities to learn from their world view, perspectives. Moreover, such matters often attract a lot of media attention and it thus gives one an additional edge and experience of regularly appearing in such media-friendly ‘high profile’ matters. I also have had the opportunity of assisting the BJP during election cycles, both at the National and State levels pertaining to Election Commission compliances which has helped cultivate different kinds of skill sets.                

    Finally, as someone who has built a successful legal career with diverse experiences, what advice would you like to give to fresh graduates who are entering the legal profession today and aspire to make a meaningful impact?

    Foremost takeaway from what I have experienced, is to be patient and not be in too much of a rush. Yes, be ambitious but be practical as well. It is seen that many fresh graduates being carried away with the burst of information and content on social media attempt to have their hands in everything but end up not having a meaningful impact in either. The race is long and lawyers don’t retire. If one is sincere, dedicated and hard working, rewards will come, even if not today then certainly in the next few years down the line. What is essential however is to have in place a working culture and a disciplined lifestyle. Those abashed college years are over, in the real world a lot more is riding on every brief and your every appearance than just a few marks of a moot court competition! 

    Get in touch with Shoumendu Mukherji-

  • Today businesses have become more international than ever, and multijurisdictional experience undoubtedly adds to your credibility- Nitin Kala, Co-founding Partner, RegLaw Chambers

    Today businesses have become more international than ever, and multijurisdictional experience undoubtedly adds to your credibility- Nitin Kala, Co-founding Partner, RegLaw Chambers

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

    Can you tell us about your journey into the field of law? How did you decide to pursue a career in this field?

    I am a lawyer by default. For me law was an unlikely choice. As a child I was fascinated with planes and so dreamt of pursuing a career in flying but later, since I didn’t have best of the eyesight which is quintessential for being a pilot (particularly Airforce pilot), I harbored interest in doing MBA and eventually taking up c-suite job with an MNC.  Gladly, the universe had other plans for me.    

    Soon after I graduated from Campus Law Centre in 2004, I briefly worked on the original side before trial courts and the High Court of Delhi. In 2006 I went to King’s College London for LLM. During my LLM I secured an opportunity to intern with the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, London, which is one of the leading independent research centers for international and comparative law in the world. It was only during my studies in the UK that I developed interest in law. 

    After coming back from London in September 2007, I worked briefly with Singhania & Partners. Thereafter, the same year I joined Fox Mandal Little. Here I was part of the disputes team doing general litigation and arbitration matters and worked till 2010.  

    In June 2010, I joined J. Sagar & Associates (JSA) in New Delhi, where I worked for almost 7 years. At JSA I was part of the regulatory & policy team and for the first time got introduced to the diverse infrastructure sectors such as energy, telecom, cable & broadcasting, aviation etc.

    I left JSA in December 2016 to head the legal & regulatory function for Media.Net Advertising FZ-LLC (a multibillion-dollar Ad Tech co.). It was a one-year stint as Vice President (Legal & Regulatory), based out of the company’s headquarter in Dubai, UAE, and my role involved advising the management on US, China and EU laws & regulations around the company’s business and technology and coordinating and supervising litigation matters of the company across different jurisdictions. 

    I returned to India in January 2018 to start my own firm along with my partner, who is also ex-JSA, under the name ‘RegLaw Chambers’. The firm specializes in regulatory, policy and legal matters across telecom, media & technology (TMT), cable & broadcasting, space, energy, oil & gas, aviation, environment, ports, real estate, highways and other infrastructure areas. In 2022, I was called to the Bar as Barrister in England & Wales at Gray’s Inn, London.

    What have been your key take aways from your journey as a first-generation lawyer?

    Legal profession is extremely demanding and to sustain a career in law you need to be resolute. Nothing can supplant hard work, commitment, and knowledge. Everything that is required for having a successful legal career only gets amplified for a first-generation lawyer, including the challenges. Therefore, as a first-generation lawyer one needs to have unflinching determination. In my survey the two necessary attributes that one needs as a lawyer are knowledge and articulation, both of which can be acquired with persistent hard work. 

    Could you share some insights into the nature of your work and the sectors you focus on?

    My area of practice is regulatory, disputes and general corporate commercial laws within the regulated sector of the economy, such as telecommunication, cable & broadcasting, technology, space, energy, oil & gas, aviation etc. I advise on certain highly niche areas, such as outer space, undersea cabling, IoT/M2M, privacy & data protection, investments etc. My practice is a good mix of disputes and advisory. I regularly appear before diverse regulatory fora and courts for my clients. While regulatory happens to be the core area of my work, I do take up matters on the civil and criminal side as well. 

    Since you have also worked in-house internationally, could you tell us about some of the challenges working across different jurisdictions presents?

    The fundamental challenges that multi-jurisdictional work entails are different time zones, different laws/regulations and different systems. Certainly cross border issues are generally very complex. When you are coordinating or conducting work across different jurisdictions, the foremost task is to map all applicable laws and survey precedents. Concurrently, you engage with lawyers from different jurisdiction(s) to help gauge the situation and ascertain possible outcomes and recourses available to achieve the desired outcome. All of this requires immense work since you are often working in unfamiliar jurisdictions.  

    In 2018, you started your own regulatory disputes practice under the name ‘RegLaw Chambers.’ What motivated you to establish your own firm?

    While working in the law firm I and my partner (who is also a co-founder with me in RegLaw Chambers) occasionally had chats about someday going independent. But we could not then traverse through the comfort and security of working in a big law firm. In 2016 we parted ways briefly when I left the law firm to pursue an international career. This period of staying away from India was a moment of reckoning for me. During my time abroad I worked closely with founders of billion dollar start ups and was part of the process of setting up start-ups in different countries. I suppose it was then that I gathered confidence to do something on my own and uncovered the real worth of my domain expertise. 

    How has this multi-jurisdictional experience influenced your approach to legal practice?

    Today businesses have become more international than ever, and multijurisdictional experience undoubtedly adds to your credibility.  The wide expanse of my work over the years right from litigation, negotiating deals, closing investments, and handling regulatory investigations across jurisdictions could not have been possible without my multi-jurisdictional experience. 

    The exposure to other jurisdictions surely has had an indelible impact not just personally but also professionally. It has been a point of inflection where today I am not risk averse and more versatile than ever. This aside, the confidence that I acquired in handling complex matters is supreme. 

    Could you share any memorable experiences or lessons you have learned during your journey as a lawyer that have had a lasting impact on your professional and personal life?

    If I was to telescope my several years of experiences and lessons as a lawyer, 

    I would say this – If you create value in you, it’s only a matter of time before the world finds you worthy of notice. 

    I am an ardent believer that what you make of your life is your responsibility. Do not expect people to come and help you. Also do not permit anyone to come and define you for you. Be confident and persevere through all situations.       

    As a final question, considering your extensive experience in the legal field, what advice would you give to fresh graduates who are just starting their careers in law? What skills or qualities do you think are crucial for success in the legal profession?
    My advice to young lawyers would be to constantly invest in yourself to make yourself valuable. By investing, I infer acquiring knowledge and skills needed for practice of law. Never go unprepared to court or for a meeting. Constant improvement and striving to know more than your audience must be the perennial theme. And always work with 3 Cs viz. conviction, confidence, and congruence.

    Get in touch with Nitin Kala-

  • I always believe law as a profession and precisely litigation requires serious discipline, dedication and perseverance and for that every successful lawyer has to have one or two antidotes to overcome the challenges of this profession- Dawneesh Shaktivats, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India

    I always believe law as a profession and precisely litigation requires serious discipline, dedication and perseverance and for that every successful lawyer has to have one or two antidotes to overcome the challenges of this profession- Dawneesh Shaktivats, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India

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

    Sir, can you elaborate about your educational background and how it influenced your decision to pursue a career in law?

    I was born and raised in Ayodhya and I did my schooling from there itself. In an initial part of my career I was keenly interested to enter medical profession therefore after passing high school in 2009 I opted for science stream and started self-preparation for medical entrance examination. Thereafter after passing intermediate in 2011, I sat for medical entrance examination but I couldn’t clear the same.  In the meantime my sister Diva Devarsha (NLU Jodhpur Graduate, currently working as Principal associate in Economic Law Practice Mumbai)  inspired me to pursue law as a serious career option and prepare for various law entrance examinations as it requires similar dedication and hard work as compared to medical profession. On lighter note I would like to share that during my teenage days while traveling to my school I used to take one short-cut via District and Session Court, Faizabad (now Ayodhya) so I used to pass through various courtrooms near to which various staffs, police personal and litigants use to chit chat between each other but I was always having curiosity to know that what exactly used to happen inside those courtrooms so subconsciously in the back of my mind this acted as a fuel to my leap of faith to opt law as a career option. Thereafter finally after proper consultation with my parents I decided to start self-study for pursuing law as a career. Fortunately after one year of sincere dedication and self-study I qualified various law entrance examinations across the country.  Being new to this legal field I was always craving for proper guidance and practical exposure for witnessing application of law in courts & administration. This inspired me to join the Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi to pursue my legal education as it is India’s finest Central University and it is situated in the Heart of Delhi which is the best place to get all kinds of exposure required for a budding lawyer.      

    You have interned at different organizations during your education. How did these internships contribute to your overall growth and understanding of the legal field?

    Whether it was my MHRD IPR Research Associate work in collaboration with IIT Madras, SEBI’S (Headquarters) Legal Team, Greenpeace Pune, HRLN Delhi or in the Direct Tax team of Lakshmikumaran & Sreedharan, Delhi.  I always believed that the more exposure I will get after working as an intern for these prestigious organizations the more clarity I will get while finalizing my stream in the legal profession. Here I would like to emphasize one of my major internships which was in the winters of January 2014 when I was interning under AOR, Sudhanshu Chaudhari in Supreme Court. I witnessed Late Sr. Advocate. T.R.Andhyarujina making submissions before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in one of the matter their I got so much mesmerized by his way of speaking, legal knowledge and humility that on that day itself I made one internal conviction that after passing my law school I will be pursuing litigation as my career option. In the similar fashion Late Sr. Advocate Ram Jethmalani and Sr. Advocate Fali. S. Nariman gave me inspiration to pursue litigation as my career option.

    Could you describe your current role as an Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court of India? What types of cases do you handle, and what are your primary responsibilities?

    My primary role as an Advocate on Record is to properly safeguard my client’s right and prepare my case file considering all the facts and legal provisions mentioned in the impugned order or the corresponding proceedings of any other forum. I usually handle civil, criminal and commercial, white collar matters in the form of Special Leave Petitions, Writs, Transfer Petitions, Civil and Criminal Appeals. Further my duty is to properly draft the matter , if required then briefing matters to the Senior Advocates, preparing Argument note with proper precedents, handling of Chamber and Registrar Courts and making  proper submissions before the Hon’ble Supreme Court whenever the case demands.

    In your previous work experiences, you have dealt with a wide range of legal matters, including civil, criminal, commercial, white-collar crimes, and more. How do you manage such diverse cases, and what challenges do you face in handling them?

    Being a first generation lawyer I am able to handle a wide range of legal matters which includes civil, criminal, commercial and white-collar crimes matters. Here I would like to emphasize that it only got possible because of proper guidance by my mentors (AOR Mr. Deepak Parkash and AOR, Pallav Mongia) in my initial years of this profession. I always believe law as a profession and precisely litigation requires serious discipline, dedication and perseverance and for that every successful lawyer has to have one or two antidotes to overcome the challenges of this profession. My antidote of multitasking with proper planning, deadlines, documentations, research, client discussion with my team members and mentors before working on any matter helps me to counter a wide range of legal matters with its complexities.

    Can you share a notable case or project that you worked on, which had a significant impact on your career? How did it shape your perspective or approach to law?

    I have worked on many landmark cases listed before the constitution bench of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India which includes Data Localization matter , Ayodhya Land Property Dispute (Ram Mandir matter ) , Land Acquisition matter (Indore development authority matter ). But the matter which had a significant impact on my understanding or approach towards the application of legal procedure altogether is the Gain Bitcoin matter. Unfortunately I would refrain myself from further elaborating about this matter as it is still sub judice before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

    Could you discuss any workshops, conferences, or moot court competitions that you have participated in? How have these experiences helped you grow as a legal professional?

    Yes, in my law school days I used to participate in various workshops, conferences and moot court competitions. But the most memorable experience I had was while preparing and participating for India Rounds of 56th Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court competition held in the year 2014 as this is a very special and prestigious moot which requires extensive research and preparation before participation. Though we as a team were unable to qualify for the world rounds of this prestigious moot, this moot gave me a very in-depth understanding of International Law  including  its inception. As a legal professional this made me explore various research tools and methodologies which till date help me in my various matters going on at different forums.

    You have been involved in various extracurricular activities, such as legal literacy programs and discussions with media persons. How do you balance your professional and social responsibilities?

    Whenever I get free time in this profession I love to devote myself to fulfill my larger life goals of doing something for society at large which includes legal literacy programs, engaging in social work for downtrodden strata of the society and participating in various discussions on social issues and issues of national importance. The only passion which drives me to do all these extracurricular activities is to give back to society its due as many selfless people helped me during my struggling days when I was a budding lawyer.

    What advice would you give to fresh graduates who are considering a career in law? What are some key lessons or insights you have learned along your journey that you would like to share with them?

    Being a first generation lawyer I will be very blunt in advising all the fresh graduates who are considering a career in law that you will not get bed of roses in the initial part of your years and you might also face many ups and downs but with proper discipline, hard work and perseverance you can melt the mountains of challenges coming in the path of your professional journey. 

    Get in touch with Dawneesh Shaktivats-

  • India being the fifth largest economy in the world, is now being viewed by the world as an upcoming player in the field of arbitration- Ankit Sharma, International Dispute Resolution & Litigation Lawyer

    India being the fifth largest economy in the world, is now being viewed by the world as an upcoming player in the field of arbitration- Ankit Sharma, International Dispute Resolution & Litigation Lawyer

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

    Sir, to start this conversation, can you tell us about your journey and how you ended up becoming a corporate commercial lawyer with a focus on litigation, arbitration, and advisory work?

    At the outset, I thank you for providing me the platform to express my thoughts and also a huge thank you to the readers for taking out the time to read this interview. Hope this will provide answers to any questions that they may have.

    I am a first-generation lawyer who had no background, guidance or mentor in the legal field. Most of my family, including my father, were government officers working with different ministries and sectors. While growing up I would often see that despite having ample authority in their jobs, they did not have the power to go beyond their employment duties and change the system. This prompted me to chose a career that provided me independence, authority and the means to reform the system. Thus, my initial years in the career right after college were spent practising mostly in the NGT and High Court working primarily on Environmental, Writ, PIL’s and Civil matters. Further, to explore more areas of laws, I switched to Civil, property, consumer, family and some criminal matters. Whilst working on ground, I was exposed to ADR techniques like Mediation and Arbitration. I was immediately drawn towards the aforesaid inexpensive and more efficient methods of dispute resolution. However, I saw that there was a dearth of awareness, skills and resources. That time most of the lawyers and judges were still ill-equipped to deal with complex arbitration procedures and cases. This led me to pursue higher education from a foreign institution to learn more about the practice and procedures as applied around the world.

    Upon my return after earning a Master’s degree, I began applying my skills and knowledge to the field and shifted the focus of my practice to commercial litigation and arbitration, which remains my core area and personally, my area of preference.

    Thereafter, the advent of the new Insolvency Code and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (“IBC) completely shifted the legal landscape. Initially, Arbitration replaced litigation as the primary method for dispute resolution but, with the provisions of moratorium, arbitrations were being stayed and kept aside and hence, it become a ‘trend’ to initiate proceedings in NCLT rather than invoking arbitration. Nonetheless, there were many coinciding points in the lifespan of a dispute, wherein insolvency, corporate and dispute resolution laws came face to face. This was the reason that more and more work started coming in from the corporate side as well. Further, as IBC was (and is) in its evolving stage, the joy of moulding and developing the law through my representation before the Tribunals lead to this becoming my main areas of practice.

    Therefore, it would not be incorrect to say that it is was an organic process for me to become a corporate commercial litigation and arbitration lawyer.

    You mentioned that your practice involves a significant multi-jurisdictional component. Could you elaborate on how you handle cases that involve appearances before the Courts of England, India, and International and Domestic Arbitral Tribunals? What are some of the challenges and opportunities in dealing with such diverse legal systems?

    Yes, that is correct. I am presently based out of London and practicing both in India and London. The advancement of technology and the digitalization of the Court systems and hearings has been a catalyst to my practice being spread in different countries.

    Initially, I was practising from New Delhi, my hometown and would physically go and appear in the jurisdiction where the case was filed or heard. During those times, the virtual hearings were rare and only allowed in exceptional circumstances to the concerned parties, like a witness being based abroad. Therefore, initially, my practice involved travelling to different states and cities in India along with international travel to the seat or venue of arbitration. However, after covid, almost all of the Courts in India and abroad switched to virtual hearings which provided me the flexibility and ease to appear remotely. Presently, I am appearing virtually in almost all of my cases in India (with the assistance of the local lawyers). On the other hand, I am physically appearing and attending my cases listed in the Courts here in England and Wales.

    I would say the challenges and opportunities are two sides of the same coin as one can only get the opportunities if they can overcome these logistical and procedural challenges. When I expanded my practice and relocated to England, it required a lot more hours of work due to the time difference between the countries. I would often get up early morning as per Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to appear before the Indian Courts which were 5:30 hours earlier (IST) and thereafter, begin my work here in England. Due to the difference in time, I also had to schedule my calls with clients and colleagues in a way that I could keep the two separate and this led to a situation where my work days turned unusually long.

    Another challenge that I faced was the difference in practice and procedures between the two countries. It is a common misconception that as India has derived most of its laws from England, they’re mostly the same. Even though the broad concepts are largely similar, the practice in the two countries is very different. Therefore, getting acquainted with the difference in terminology, style of drafting and presenting the claim/defence and also, presentation of arguments before the court initially posed a great challenge. However, with time, this difference has now faded and made things relatively easier. Moreover, I now handle my India & UK assignments separately by allocating different days to each. This provides me ample time to prepare with ease for each assignment.

    All things considered, maintaining two different practices requires diligent efforts, extensive work hours and efficient management. Moreover, it also demands you to be socially active.  There is saying in our field, especially for litigation lawyers, “out of sight-out of mind”, and hence, it is imperative to maintain and build professional and personal contacts by attending social events like conferences, meetings and seminars.

    How does being a dual-qualified lawyer enhance your practice? In what ways has it broadened your understanding of international law and cross-border transactions?

    I would say this dual training and qualification provided me an edge over my peers and opened new avenues for me. While studying in India, we were mostly taught about our legal system and how the Courts in India dealt with cases historically and in the present times. However, we were not provided exposure to the functioning of the Courts in other international jurisdictions especially in countries like the USA or the UK who are the founders of some of the modern-day legal concepts and techniques.

    The education I received during my masters, filled this knowledge-gap and exposed me to international practice areas. My brief time in the US gave me exposure to how the different jurisdictions in the US, from New York to Florida and California to Washington DC, dealt with the arbitration disputes. I was also part of the very first Mediation scrimmage organised by the American Bar Association and other developmental activities which further enhanced my inter-personal skills to handle disputes in a more informal and personal setting. Moreover, I became more familiar with the functioning of the Courts and Tribunals of some of the most pro-arbitration jurisdictions like Switzerland, Singapore, England and Paris.

    The aforesaid exposure, education and knowledge has made me better equipped to advise and deal with international cases and client. Further, I learnt to keep myself abreast with the legal developments around the world that enabled me to come-up with better solutions and reasonably infer the outcomes of the cases.

    As an avid writer, you contribute to international journals, blogs, and publishers. How has your passion for writing complemented your legal career? Are there any specific topics or issues that you enjoy writing about the most?

    At the outset, I truly believe that legal writing is a necessary skill for our profession and not merely a complementing factor. Our profession requires deep understanding of the subjects. Whilst writing an article, the author has to research, read and understand the past, present and future usage and implications of that particular topic.

    My passion for writing developed through my inquisitiveness to read about new topics and concepts. I believe I am still a student of law learning new things every day and therefore, whenever I come across a new concept which is still unknown to me, I am keen to research and read about it. Most of the articles I have written were either new to the world (like Singapore Mediation Convention) or new to me. Therefore, it would be apt to say that this passion increases my knowledge in the field and eventually helped me in the practice.

    My topics of interest are mostly based on the new developments in the field of law. In today’s time when there is an abundance of resources and free access, I believe that the historic concepts already have numerous sources and publications. Therefore, my preference is writing about a relatively novel concept, case or practice so as to provide a fresh perspective to the world and contribute to the literary resources.

    Could you share with us some of your most memorable or significant cases or achievements in your career so far? What were the key factors that contributed to those successes?

    To be honest, all of my cases are personally significant for me as I am 100 % involved in all of my cases whether they become distinguished or not. But few of the cases stand out for me as these are mostly my ‘firsts’ or the cases that brought a change in the system.

    Starting with my firsts, a PIL filed by me along with a colleague before the Delhi High Court to term the senior citizens as “co-morbidites” during the covid phase and thereby imposing greater obligations on the state to protect the senior citizens and children during the outbreak of corona virus. Another case that I want to highlight is another PIL filed before Delhi High Court (still pending) turned into a representation by the Court to the State Transport Department, Police and Policy makers. The Petition dealt sought creating a dedicated corridor on all main roads of Delhi providing unrestricted and free movement to all emergency services.

    I would also like to mention one of the Arbitration Petitions which was decided by the Delhi High Court in our favour. We had opposed the unilateral appointment of an arbitrator by the opposite party. What made the case landmark was that not only the Court allowed our objection to the unilateral appointment, the Court while considering our objections regarding the invalidity of the arbitration agreement, quashed the proceedings in the same Petition.

    The significant ones would involve one of the first cases in India wherein the NCLT, Kolkata had held that personal guarantor’s liability is co-extensive and insolvency process was initiated against the guarantors. There was also a rather unique case before the NCLT wherein I represented the respondent, a leading real estate company who had come face to face with the most renowned business families in India in lieu of an existing debt. Even though the debt amount was disputed, our clients decided to repay the amount during the subsistence of the Petition. The Petitioner disputed the acceptance and sought initiation of CIRP against our client company, however, despite an apparent default, the NCLT was compelled to decide the case in our favour due to the extinguishment of debt.

    One of my recent cases that is regarded as landmark is a Writ Petition decided by the Punjab & Haryana High Court wherein the Petition was filed seeking to consolidate more than 100 criminal trials pending before my clients in different cities and towns in the two states. It was the first time ever that any High Court in the Country realising the infringement of the fundamental right to fair trial, allowed the transfer of more than 100 criminal trials before a single magistrate to hear all of these cases together.

    With the rapid changes and advancements in the legal industry, what are some of the emerging trends or challenges that you see in your practice area? How do you stay updated and adapt to these changes to provide the best possible legal solutions to your clients?

    One of the most prevalent developments and personally, my favourite, is India coming to the forefront as an emerging upcoming seat and place for Arbitration. India has come a long way in terms of its Arbitration practice. India was not regarded as an ideal place for arbitration due to some blatantly incorrect arbitration judgments and several refusal for enforcement of awards. However, India has now evidenced its pro-arbitration approach by taking steps in the right direction. From ease of business to establishment of International Arbitration Centres and facilities are all beneficial for India to emerge as a choice of seat for arbitration. Further, the ease of restriction for foreign law firms would also provide some respite to the international practitioners that weren’t earlier keen to set up their offices in India.

    India being the fifth largest economy in the world, is now being viewed by the world as an upcoming player in the field of arbitration.

    I stay abreast with the new developments by reading legal articles, publications and news. The legal field per se does not have many resources for reporting latest developments and therefore, I follow a handful of genuine journals and news services that keep me up to date. I also try and stay active in the professional circuit by attending major events and conferences. Often times, new concepts are discussed and presented in these events to gage audience’s reactions and that also provides a first mover advantage in terms of being familiar with new developments. But most importantly, the best legal solutions are often developed by discussing with colleagues and seniors in the field. It is really important to gain different perspectives before finalising a strategy and that is what I do. When there are complex issues, I seek additional advice and sometimes seek experiences of the lawyers who have been in similar situations to create creative and helpful solutions for clients.

    Finally, looking back at your journey as a lawyer, what would be the one piece of advice or words of wisdom you would like to share with fresh graduates who are just starting their legal careers?

    I do not consider myself to be a person who can give “words of wisdom” rather I’d be happier sharing my experiences. One mantra that I know definitively works in our field is “Consistency is the key”. I can say from experience, good or bad, happy or sad, if a person walks even one step forward that’s progress! So, somebody who is determined to succeed should not forget to keep walking and working as Rome was not built in a day and it was turtle who won the race and not the rabbit.

    Get in touch with Ankit Sharma-

  • I opine that a lot of women in this country are not aware of their basic legal rights- K.V. Muthu Kumar, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India

    I opine that a lot of women in this country are not aware of their basic legal rights- K.V. Muthu Kumar, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India

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

    To start the conversation, can you tell us about your journey in the field of law? How did you end up pursuing a career in law, and what motivated you to specialize in business law?

    Law fascinated me when I was preparing to give the entrance exam in NLSIU, though I did not clear it I made my decision that I would study law. As far as Business Laws I felt that with changing times where law was not confined to the traditional boundaries and the need for specialization in the areas of commercial and corporate laws a specialization would become helpful.

    Could you share your experience of practicing law in the District Courts, Magistrate Courts, and tribunals in Bangalore? What kind of cases did you handle during that time?

    I was fortunate enough to start my practice in a office which had plenty of work in the District Courts, Magistrate Court, and tribunals everyday because of which I could work on civil cases relating to property, intellectual property, arbitration, matrimonial cases, service matters, land revenue, Cheque bounce, Domestic Violence, 498A and much more. 

    You mentioned being appointed as a court commissioner by the High Court in a property dispute. Can you tell us more about that experience and the significance of the case?

    It was an interesting case relating to a property dispute of a joint family where litigation was pending between the parties for several years. Justice Aravind Kumar in High Court was the judge(presently sitting judge of Supreme Court) wanted to bring quietus to the issue through settlement for which parties had agreed, however since some of the parties were not educated there was an apprehension regarding the consent of all parties to the settlement. Justice Aravind Kumar therefore passed an order for appointing a court commissioner to resolve the issue and I who was regularly attending his court at that time got the opportunity to become the Court Commissioner in that matter, pursuant to which I personally visited the parties prepared a report and submitted it to court which was accepted and the litigation was brought to an end.

    In December 2012, you shifted to Delhi and began practicing in the Supreme Court of India. How was the transition from practicing in Karnataka High Court to the Supreme Court? What kind of cases did you handle in the Supreme Court?

    It was a totally different experience altogether to start practicing in the Supreme Court having practiced in the High Court as the time to address the arguments before the Supreme Court is short as compared to the High Court and the preparation of the draft has to be more meticulous in Supreme Court.

    In the Supreme Court I have handled different cases pertaining to Constitution, Civil and Criminal matters.

    Can you share some notable achievements or reported judgments where you have appeared and argued, both in the Supreme Court and other courts?

    As my work has been predominantly in the Supreme Court in my career, I have appeared in important cases of constitutional importance such as Sabarimala, Article 370. That apart some of the cases where I have argued the judgments got reported, but the landmark of mine would be Manoj Suresh Jadhav vs. State of Maharashtra (2019) 17 SCC 362- This is the first case where Supreme Court held that a person cannot be re-arrested post grant of bail merely on the fact that an additional offence has been added.

    As an advocate on record in the Supreme Court, what are some of the most challenging cases you have worked on? How did you approach those cases, and what were the outcomes?

    There are many cases which turn out to be challenging especially the ones where there’s an extreme urgency and burn the midnight oil to draft the case get it filed in the morning and mention it in the morning and get it listed the next day, that apart the cases in which the client has lost in all the courts up till the Supreme Court is more challenging as the odds are stacked against your client and it’s always a tough task in convincing the Supreme Court in such type of cases. 

    Apart from your legal practice, you mentioned being involved with an NGO working on women’s rights and causes. Could you tell us more about your work in that area and why it is important to you?

    I am associated with an NGO working on women’s rights and causes called Chetana Conscience of Women. Being associated with it, I opine that a lot of women in this country are not aware of their basic legal rights and what was so impressive about them is their cause was towards financial improvement of women by focusing on their property rights.

    With over 14 years of experience in the legal profession, what advice would you give to fresh law graduates who are just starting their careers? What key lessons have you learned along the way that you would like to share with them?

    I don’t know whether I am worthy enough of advising, but based on my experience especially as a first gen advocate I would like to say that in this profession sustaining oneself in the initial years of the profession is the most difficult part and it takes courage, consistent efforts and patience to sustain oneself.  Post that phase, achievements turn out to be much easier.

    Get in touch with K.V. Muthu Kumar-