Super Lawyer

Tag: hague academy

  • ‘History will judge us not by the number of cases we won, but by the no. of young lawyers we trained and empowered and how they contributed to the jurisprudence’- Jai Lodha, Advocate and Legal Consultant at Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur Bench , Jaipur

    ‘History will judge us not by the number of cases we won, but by the no. of young lawyers we trained and empowered and how they contributed to the jurisprudence’- Jai Lodha, Advocate and Legal Consultant at Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur Bench , Jaipur

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

    How would you like to introduce yourself to the readers? Please tell us something about your childhood and background?  

    Hello ! I was born in Jodhpur(Rajasthan) and raised in Jaipur (Rajasthan). I did my schooling from Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Vidyalaya (M.S.M.S.V), Jaipur. I studied law from Government Law College , Mumbai ! I did my Masters In Business Laws from NLSIU (Banglore) . I also hold a certification in Public International Law from The Hague Academy Of International Law ,Hague (Netherlands) and a diploma in Cyber Laws from The Asian School Of Cyber Laws , Pune. I am the managing partner of a law firm called “VSL Law Chambers“. The Firm bears the initials of my Father , Mr. Virendra Singh Lodha , who is a designated senior advocate and practicing primarily before Hon’ble Rajasthan High court with frequent appearances before other Constitutional Courts such as Delhi , Allahabad etc and before Hon’ble Supreme Court Of India. I have an elder brother. His name is Yash Lodha. Yash Bhaiya is a faculty member in the department of Mathematics at University of Hawaiʻin Honolulu , Hawaii. Our parents have always been extremely supportive. They have never imposed any conditions upon us. Both ‘Law’ and ‘Litigation’ happened in my case by design, by choice.

    You have pursued a course in public international law from The Hague Academy Of International Law, Hague, (Netherlands) and also done Masters In Business laws from NLSIU, Bangalore. Please talk about these courses !

    I hold a public international law certification from the Hague Academy Of International Law, Hague. It was an experience of a lifetime. Some of the most reputed and distinguished professors in the world taught us various courses at the academy. Imagine studying and researching in the same building complex that houses the International Court Of Justice. Infact, on two occasions we were allowed/given access to visit the Internal Court Of Justice. It definitely qualifies to be the most memorable experience of my legal journey. I did my masters in Business Laws From NLSIU, Bangalore. It is regarded as one of the toughest Post Graduate Degrees (Law). Basically it is NLSIU’s flagship Masters Programme. It is a two year course and the applicant is required to clear 10 subjects in all. In short it was like an Everest Expedition.

    You have interned at different law firms and chambers, can you share with us some of the most important lessons you have learned from those experiences?

    Internship lessons learnt : 1) At AZB & Partners : The importance of merit + hard work ! You have to be both meritorious and hardworking else you will not survive because competition is cutthroat ! 2) Trilegal : Camaraderie and teamwork ! 3) Dsk Legal : Compassion towards colleagues ! 4) Fox Mandal : You can only grow if you work in a team and work for larger interest of the organization. 5) Trust Legal : The importance of having a mentor and guidance. 6) Hon’ble Justice P.B Majmudar (Former Judge , Bombay High Court), Sr. Advocate Mr. Parag P Tripathi (Former Additional Solicitor General Of India, Supreme Court Of India), Sr. Advocate Mr. M.S Singhvi (Current Advocate General of The State Of Rajasthan), Sr. Advocate Mr. Ashok Mehta (Former Chairman Of Bar Council Of Rajasthan) and Sr. Advocate Mr. Virendra Singh Lodha : Devotion towards practice and passion for the law and their ability to maintain brilliant work life balance !

    What kind of matters have you dealt with and what is your area of specialization ?

    Initially, I worked at Agarwal Law Associates in Delhi where I had dealt with Telecom matters , Electricity Law Matters and miscellaneous matters before Hon’ble Supreme Court Of India , Hon’ble Delhi High Court and other Tribunals. In Rajasthan, I was initially associated with the chambers of Mr. Ashok Mehta , Sr. Advocate and former Chairman Of Bar Council Of Rajasthan, for a period of 2 years where I worked and practiced extensively on the original side before Trial Courts, Consumer Courts and Tribunals ! I subsequently joined the esteemed chambers of my father , Mr. Virendra Singh Lodha (Sr. Advocate) where I worked for 6 years. It was in my fathers chamber that I an opportunity to work and specialize in writs , appeals and complaints in matters and cases pertaining to Mining Laws, Intellectual Property Law ,Taxation Law, Service Law , Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Arbitration Law ,Constitutional Law, Criminal Law , Cheque Dishonour (NI Act) , Labour Laws, Electricity Laws, Educational Matters , Motor Accident claims, , Medical Negligence etc Jaipur Bench as well as at Principal Seat (Jodhpur) as well as at National Company Law Tribunal , Service Tribunals , Consumer Courts, Commercial Courts and various other forums. I am currently serving as a Standing Counsel for The Commercial Taxes Department, Government Of Rajasthan , Jaipur and also a panel lawyer for 14 Government companies and organizations. I also represent and contest matters on behalf of a large number of private companies and Business Houses.

    Can you tell us more about your YouTube channel, The Virtual Amicus, and how you came up with the idea for it?How has The Virtual Amicus helped law students and lawyers during the pandemic? 

    In June 2021 , I started a YOUTUBE Channel : The Virtual Amicus. The idea and objective was not only to create legal awareness but also to solve legal issues(both basic and complex) that baffle us. The goal was primarily to help out as many law students and lawyers as possible who were hit and adversely affected by covid-19. On this Virtual Platform, I invite and interview seasoned and distinguished lawyers, respected and noted professors and retired hon’ble judges. I have recorded around 126 sessions/episodes so far since June , 2021. This virtual initiative of mine was my way of giving back to the institution , profession. The idea to anchor my own youtube channel was always in the pipeline but it was covid that gave me ample time to launch/execute it ! I saw some 200 odd webinars in 2020 before I launched this virtual initiative in June 2021.

    How do I approach speakers : Well this one question that I am often bombarded with !
    Here is the answer. On the basis of demand for a particular session on any particular legal
    issue , or legal topic , or a masters programme from any particular university or any other law course , I look for subject experts, field specialists on Linkedin and other platforms and then once I have shortlisted the names , an official invitation is sent via email.
    Since its a one person venture , so I do everything myself , from
    a) invitation !
    b) persuasion(persuading speakers) for doing a session !
    c) Preparing a Social Media Banner !
    d) Preparing Q and A in case of a Q and A format !
    e) Recording !
    f) Editing !
    g) Uploading !
    For the world it’s a herculean task. But for me it’s an effortless exercise since I am extremely
    passionate about it ! My virtual initiative is all set to turn 2 years old on 25th May , 2023 ! 🙂
    Yes it has definitely helped scores and scores of young lawyers and law students. I keep
    receiving emails about these extraordinary breakthroughs achieved by them. At this juncture
    , let me clarify 3 things :
    1) We are not here to ensure placements or get lawyers/law students placed. We are here
    only to help them and provide them with best possible guidance.
    2) Every speaker on our platform is a distinguished and a successful practitioner of
    his/her field .
    3) Our philosophy on the channel is that : “ Philanthropy should never be monetized” !
    We have till date not monetized our channel !

    What advice would you give to young professionals in the legal field?
    Let me make 1 thing very clear.
    First I am an officer of the court , than a lawyer to my client and lastly a managing partner of my firm.
    My advice to law students :
    1) Experiment as much as you can in those 3 years or 5 years of law school but never at
    the cost of academics. Participate in moot courts but not at the cost of
    academics/studies. Participate in College committees and essay writing competitions but not not at the cost of academics/studies. Play sports but not at the cost of academics/studies.
    2) It’s legitimate to be confused after graduation. Don’t worry, If you keep the student in you alive, remain academically inclined and read and read and read , your confusion will vaporize some day.
    3) Short term internships only add cosmetic value to your CV. You don’t end up doing
    anything substantial or meaningful. I would recommend long term internships but not
    at the cost of academics/studies. Also the quality of internships is more important than
    the number/quantity of internships.
    4) Remain attentive in the classroom and focus on academics/studies . Since you are a
    law student , you should give first priority to class room lectures and academics/studies.
    5) Try doing internships in different geographical locations and cities and states. You only learn out of your comfort zone.
    6) Make as many friends as possible from different cultures , cities. Don’t confine
    yourself with friends from the same hometowns.
    7) Try finding a mentor in your professor. Nobody guides the way a professor does.
    8) Try Understanding your parents’ anxiety especially when you are pursuing law from
    a different state . Some students completely cut themselves off from their parents to
    enjoy the freedom their law school offers. This type of practice is not only unfortunate but also ridiculous. One or two calls a day will not damage or hurt your freedom.
    9) Last but not the least ! Fitness is very important. A fit body houses a healthy mind !
    You feel a lot more confident as a person when you are fit. Do play a sport or hit the
    gym on a regular basis every single day for at least 45 mins on campus.

    My advice to young lawyers :
    1) We are in a profession of persuasion. Our job is to be assertive , persuasive and
    humble and not be rude on the dais.
    2) Litigation is not a 100 meter sprint but a marathon. It takes years and years of hard
    work and dedication to build a rock solid reputation as a legal practitioner. One has to
    burn the midnight oil as nothing happens overnight.
    3) History will judge us not by the number of cases we won, but by the no. of young
    lawyers we trained and empowered and how they contributed to the jurisprudence.
    4) Never take shortcuts no matter how tempting or lucrative they are. Those who run
    after quick money through illegitimate means ultimately perish but those who remain
    disciplined , determined ,seeking and keep their integrity strong ultimately flourish.

    5) In Golden Words of Senior Advocate Mr. Janak Dwarkadas (Bomaby) , “ you will
    learn the art of advocacy only if you Observe! Observe! Observe AND
    ANTICIPATE, ANCTICIPATE AND ANTICIPATE . Observe the court proceedings
    vigilantly and anticipate what queries can possibly be posed by the judge.
    6) Brevity must be observed while making legal submissions in court of law.
    Unfortunately, moot courts in law schools do not teach that. The practice of simplifying a complex legal issue and then presenting it to the court would always be appreciated by the court.

    Get in touch with Jai Lodha-

  • What does it take to become a partner? Sahil Narang, Partner at Khaitan & Co and AOR, Supreme Court shares his 8-year-long journey at Khaitan: from junior associate to a distinguished Partner.

    What does it take to become a partner? Sahil Narang, Partner at Khaitan & Co and AOR, Supreme Court shares his 8-year-long journey at Khaitan: from junior associate to a distinguished Partner.

    This interview has been published by Sonali Parashar and the SuperLawyer Team

    Let us begin with the most important question, did you always dream of becoming a lawyer or, did it happen by chance? Also, tell us about your journey.

    Before coming to what led me to become a lawyer- a little bit about me. I hail from Abohar, a small town, about 30 km from the India-Pakistan border, in the State of Punjab. My grandfather was a local politician and social worker, and my father was a lawyer practising at the city civil courts, Abohar who, quite often, also used to attend and appear before the District Courts at Ferozepur (later at Fazilka, a border town). So, I was exposed to the field of law at a very young age. 

    Since I grew up looking at my father, working diligently as a lawyer and collecting hundreds of books for his library every year, the curiosity towards law was imbibed in me by default. However, I had a huge interest in the field of science during my school days and wanted to become either a doctor or an engineer given the trend prevalent at that time.  I went on to study science in the 11th and 12th standard and gave competitive exams such as the IIT, AIEEE, etc. to get admission into engineering courses back then. I had an option to continue that pursuit and become an engineer, however, the innate affinity towards law imbibed within me from childhood, looking at the meticulous way my father used to practise law, pushed me to pursue the study of law. Therefore, rather than getting admission in some renowned engineering college, I enrolled in the B.A.(Hons.) program at DAV College, Chandigarh affiliated to the Panjab University, Chandigarh. I passed BA with a distinction in Political Science in 2005, post which I got selected in the three-year law course at one of the oldest institutions in the region, the Department of Laws, Chandigarh, my father’s alma mater.

    Since I was inclined to continue the study of law and give competitive examinations including the judicial services exam, I got admitted to the LL.M course at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad through CLAT. I was actively involved in research, pro bono work and co-curricular activities at the university during the LL.M course. 

    During my days at NALSAR, I was introduced to various opportunities in the field of law. I also got an opportunity to attend the Private International Law Course at the Hague Academy of International Law at, the Hague, the Netherlands in 2009. Eventually, I joined Khaitan & Co. and a decade later – here we are. 

    The present focus is on advising on regulatory issues, commercial litigation, and the representation of various clients from the entertainment and multiplex industry across India. If we draw a comparison between the global and Indian entertainment and multiplex industries, were you able to predict these advancements in the legal arena?  

    The advancement in the legal arena surrounding a sector depends upon the growth of that sector. I have been blessed to get exposure to and advise and represent clients in various sectors including in the entertainment and multiplex industry during my career. The Indian entertainment and multiplex industry caters to a very different demographic as compared to the western world. Although we receive some guidance from other countries when it comes to legal issues surrounding this sector. While there is a significant amount of autonomy and minimal regulation in western countries in the sphere of entertainment and cinemas, jurisprudence is still evolving in India. We still see heavy regulation by the government in these spheres and archaic laws which are dealing with these fields. The Indian cinema industry is faced with archaic laws which need to be updated given the fast-paced development in this area. The liberalisation of Indian cinemas and the recent shift to OTT has been a game-changer on how people consume entertainment in today’s world. The recent years have witnessed a massive influx of OTT giants such as Netflix and Amazon foraying into the Indian market. This has led to an increased reliance on Indian lawyers to assist them to find their way into the Indian space and steer clear from legal repercussions. The real challenge is for the regulation to catch up with the development of this sector.    

    You were named as one of the lawyers for Legal Era’s 40 under 40 list in the field of law for the year 2020, and you also served as the Co-Chair of Competition Law & Consumer Affairs Committee of PHDCCI for Presidential Year 2021-22. Congratulations on adding another feather to your cap. What is your next goal? Is there anything you’d like to tell us about?

    I had started with Khaitan & Co as an intern in the year 2009, got a PPO and became a Partner with the Dispute Resolution practice group, New Delhi in the year 2018. I have learnt a lot during this time. Currently, I lead a team of lawyers working on the dispute resolution side with a primary focus on commercial litigation and arbitration. The year 2020 was a very challenging year given the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It brought the best out of many of us. I was very lucky to have worked on a variety of matters despite the disruption in the legal sector because of the pandemic. It was because of the wide variety of work and the client’s recommendations that helped me get recognised in recent years. 

    However, I wish to be mindful that it’s a sea out there and there is still more to be achieved. I would want to expand my commercial litigation and arbitration practice, both domestic and international, and engage more in highly complex and challenging disputes. 

    Besides this, I would also like to contribute to the development of jurisprudence in various nuances of laws including beneficial legislations made for ease of trade and commerce.

    Having received so much from the legal fraternity, I would like to take out time to render legal advice to individuals and organisations that are unable to afford legal advice and/or cannot access legal aid. Various organisations are doing good work in this sphere. However, it is particularly overwhelming to see young law students very effectively running legal aid clinics in their colleges and effectively using social media to educate people and spread legal awareness. It would be a privilege to be associated with such benevolent activities.  

    At this juncture of my career, I would want to engage with law students and young lawyers to share the experiences and learnings, which I have received in my career to date. In fact, in furtherance of this endeavour, I have been actively participating in such webinars and would certainly like to keep that going. 

    I would conclude with a famous quote – ‘Big tasks are still out there and a lot of hard work yet to be done.

    You are involved in research and have authored some extensive research on a variety of topics. How has research work helped you stay updated with the academics as well as policy and legislative changes that we see occur from time to time?

    I think the most important tool in a lawyer’s toolbox is his / her ability to research, read and write. During my time at NALSAR University of Law, while pursuing the masters’ course, I realised that one of the best things one could invest in is books, be it academic or otherwise. This habit of reading will inculcate a life-long habit of curiosity and research.  

    This helped me immensely during my preparation for the coveted Advocate-on-record exam of the Supreme Court of India. Getting admitted is a major achievement as very few lawyers qualify in this annually held examination conducted by the Supreme Court of India.

    In addition, knowing and being abreast of the current position of law gives one confidence in dealing with and correctly advising a client.  

    Further, research methodologies would generally include comparatives analysis of legislation across jurisdictions and critique of legislation and policy prevalent in various jurisdictions. This would in turn give one perspective of laws of developed countries and what legislative changes our country may see. 

    Mr. Sahil Narang, Partner at Khaitan & Co.

    Can you give our readers a brief idea of what they need to prepare for if they want to climb the corporate ladder based on your experience representing international commercial arbitration in a variety of matters?

    There is no shortcut to hard work, perseverance, and commitment. I would add that in the initial years, a young lawyer must remain open to all kinds of work whether he/she chooses to join a law firm, a senior counsel or a chamber practice for his/her training. At a later stage, one may discover their interest in a particular field of law.  

    Further, for one to excel and climb the corporate ladder, it is important to be client-centric, innovative, detail-oriented, and prolific. These virtues will not only make one solution-oriented but also will give them an edge over other contemporaries.

    In the field of arbitration, it is important to refer to commentaries of various celebrated authors on arbitration and keep abreast of recent judgments by the courts.  

    What was the one learning experience throughout your entire career that you’d credit to have shaped your career and brought you to this point?

    My family, I would say has been my greatest motivator, and has shaped my career. Seeing my father practising law at the city civil courts, Abohar, working hard, day in and day out, motivated me at a very young age to work hard and excel in academics. Further, having roots in a very small town has made me grounded but at the same time meaningfully ambitious.

    Can you take us through a typical day in your life? Is it possible to carve out time for your other interests or hobbies given your hectic schedule as a renowned Partner at Khaitan & Co?

    In pre-covid times, most parts of my day were spent either in courts or in office. Substantial time used to be spent commuting from court to office or conferences and venues for arbitration. Travelling used to take a fair share of my time, however, with most courts and tribunals going virtual, I could save a lot of time. Consequently, efficiency increased. During covid times, my day is usually spent on reviewing drafts, attending conference calls with my colleagues in the team, clients, and senior counsel. I also make it a point to read the latest case laws of the Supreme Court and other courts on dispute resolution and arbitration. Even in my hectic schedule, I make it a point to take out time for my family. I love to read books on weekends. My favourite pastime since my college days has been to watch movies in multiplexes and the latest series on OTT platforms. I have recently picked up badminton as a sport and would also like to learn to play the piano soon.  

    What career advice do you have for our readers? In my opinion, to be successful in the field of law one must inculcate a habit of reading at a young age. One thing that has helped me in being thorough in my work is that I read every document in full, irrespective of any preconceived notions. I would advise law students to read, read and read everything you can get your hands on. To put this in perspective, my favourite quote is by Walt Disney- “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”

    GET IN TOUCH WITH SAHIL NARANG: