Super Lawyer

Tag: HP

  • Spurthi Mouli, Legal Counsel, HP India, on studying at Christ University, and her experience as In-house Counsel

    Spurthi Mouli, Legal Counsel, HP India, on studying at Christ University, and her experience as In-house Counsel

    Spurthi Mouli graduated from Christ College of Law, as part of the institution’s inaugural batch, in 2011. She not only manages products/services/solutions/contracts with several end customers (PSUs/Government as well as Private), but also handles matters covering areas such as litigation, employment/labour laws, Competition laws, environment, and advises on a compliances as well in addition to supporting HP’s internal projects. She has been engaged in closing complex contracts with customers ranging from HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Honeywell India, Bajaj Allianz General and Life Insurance, Coca Cola to Mindtree, Asian Paints, World Bank, IDBI, United India Insurance Limited, Gujarat Informatics Limited, Govt of Daman & Diu, BEL, IOCL, ONGC, CBEC, etc.

    In this interview we speak to her about:

    • Her role at HP
    • Her internship experience
    • Her professional accomplishments and accolades

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

    As against the stereotyped assumption of lawyers being complex and serious people, I’m fairly simple, straight-forward and fun loving. I operate on the foundation of my values which I hold close to my heart, and live by, both at work and in my personal life. I may come across as a highly ambitious person, which I don’t deny, but in a very different way, and people who know me very well would understand it. Personally, I love food, travelling and adventure!

     

    Tell us a little about your days in law school. 

    In hindsight, law school schedule was quite hectic and fun at the same time. One may not realise the momentum that helped sail through the five years until you have graduated! Being the first batch of law at Christ, we were constantly on our toes to make sure we were doing everything possible, and also doing it right, to ensure we were competitive and at par with other top law schools. There are countless anecdotes that come to mind when I think of law school and it is practically impossible to recollect any one in particular. However, some of those which stand out include the camaraderie amidst stiff competition, looking out for one another and working towards a common goal – which ultimately made us successful, individually and collectively, as a batch. No single person could have made that happen.

    What were the activities, academic or otherwise, that you undertook in your law school days, which in your opinion have shaped you and your career?

    I have always liked to dabble in a wide range of things – theater, moots (although not an avid mooter), organising conferences/seminars etc. I was never too keen on pursuing the typical law school activities mainly because there were way too many people running after them! I have always striven to be different, and usually find myself looking away from most things that majority of the people aspire for! I, however, loved being part of the various committees in law school. I continue to be the same in terms of trying my hand at everything!

    An experience that I truly cherish and believe helped me immensely is theater. Art, in any form, can have such a positive influence in your life and teach you lessons that prove worthy in the long run. It is really sad that art is pretty underrated and ignored in our education system! It has a lot more to offer than actual academics!

     

    Who was your mentor, or main source of inspiration who motivated you all along the way?

    I did not have a mentor until I joined HP. My current manager, Rajeev Nair, is my first mentor who has been instrumental not only in guiding me at every step but also in moulding me into the professional that I am. His dedication and passion towards work and his selflessness, when it comes to the team at large, is unparalleled and laudable. A manager like him is a rare find. I draw inspiration from people around me, regardless of what they do or what level they are at. I have, in my experience, noticed that fairness, modesty and simplicity are what make people successful, and most successful people that I look up to radiate these qualities abundantly. A person who immediately comes to my mind when I think of these attributes is Rajiv Srivastava (ex-MD for HP India). People like him and Rajeev motivate and inspire you not only to do better, but also show you the importance of holding on to the core values we grew up with.

     

    What are your areas of specialisation in law? 

    As an in-house counsel working in India, which is a large and complex jurisdiction, I am required to have a generalist approach and advise on several aspects of law. At the same time, I am also required to build expertise in core areas relevant and relating to the business and industry we operate in, such as contract law, laws relating to IT, etc., thereby ensuring we act as business enablers. I have, as a student, been interested in several areas that have been, and continue to be, a part of my work stream, and provided me with an opportunity to dig deeper and build expertise in them. It is not always necessary that a decision to specialise is made while one is a student. It could also happen once you’re employed and that is completely fine! I strongly believe, that as a student, one needs to have an open mind to learn and absorb as much as one can. That enables one to look and decide from a broader spectrum.

     

    Would you say law school prepared you for the real world practice of law?

    The first year was probably the most difficult. Understanding the business while picking up nuances of the job and transitioning from a student’s mind-set to an in-house counsel were the initial challenges that I faced. Unlike law firms, which are hierarchy-driven and the work is manoeuvred through several levels before it is sent out, in-house roles offer independent ownership. Once I got a hold on these aspects, my job became more and more interesting and engaging. The nature of in-house roles in a company like HP not only help build your expertise on several areas but also increases the level of one’s responsibility and accountability as a lawyer. Law school for me is the stepping stone to the real world of practising law. What probably help get a better sense of the real world are internships – because you get a high-level experience of what a lawyer’s job entails. However, there is a lack of structured internship programs in our country which I believe needs attention. Internships (as I have seen) are more about having the name of the firm/company/senior counsel’s name in the resume, rather than focusing on practical/structured learning for students. We at HP, strive to make a student’s experience worthwhile and have a structured program that not only gives them a first-hand experience of what we do at HP every day and how one can add value to the company’s well being. Experiences like these are what make a difference to students who are trying to choose a path for the future and to us as lawyers also, since there is a great deal we can learn from upcoming lawyers.

     

    Would you say higher studies are relevant for a career in law? 

    Personally, no. I believe in practical experiences and find them to be far more relevant. Besides, I strongly believe that the process of learning for lawyers is constant irrespective of whether or not one chooses to study further. What matters ultimately is having the right outlook and an open mind to learn and grow. Having said that, I’m quite certain that an L.L.M. has its own advantages and no form of education goes without any value!

    You’ve been with HP for around a good six years now. 

    When I interviewed for HP in May 2011, it was much against what I wanted at that point. I was awaiting a confirmation from a reputed law firm with whom I had completed an assessment internship and was very (stupidly) adamant about not wanting to work in-house. Much to my surprise, once I joined and began work, I realised there is a lot of incorrect information spoken about and circulated in the industry about in-house jobs/roles vis-à-vis jobs at law firms! To begin with, I was hired as part of the Graduate Attorney Program and had the opportunity to undergo training in the US with my fellow graduate attorneys hired in that year. In the six years that I have spent with HP, I have worked on diverse work streams and there hasn’t been a single day where I have felt that my job is monotonous. I admit, the workload is quite high and there are several hectic days. But having a great work environment which also includes celebrations, fun, and most importantly, recognition for what is turned around, helps offset the long nights, thereby making it all worthwhile. Also, the fact that we are a lean team supplements my professional development since we continue to turn around 99% of the work in-house. What makes it even better is the stellar leadership team (both Business as well as Legal – which we call Global Legal Affairs, internally) that constantly encourages and promotes working as a team, instills confidence and provides us with an environment which makes me go above and beyond my call of duty!

     

    Do you believe that a corporate giant such as HP is a good place for a fresh graduate to start off?

    Absolutely! I cannot think of a better place to have kick-started my career and I feel absolutely lucky to be a part of the HP family. In fact, I often tell people it is unfortunate that HP India GLA does not hire on an annual/regular basis because of the all-rounded experience the role offers. But then again, I suppose that is what makes us unique and stand out from other in-house teams!

     

    How is it that you did not fall prey to the firm practice frenzy that the upcoming generations of young lawyers seem to be facing?

    I was in the mad race, but trust me, I got lucky!

     

    How do you keep yourself motivated?

    (Spurthi has won several accolades, including the award for the Best Individual Performer (Legal) – India and the President’s Club Award, for her work.)

    When you love what you do and you have good people around you, the way you work and how you work automatically changes. Despite my achievements, I always raise the bar for myself and constantly think of what I can do differently and explore areas where I can value add and make a difference. I never find competition in anything or anybody but myself. Winning awards such as the President’s Club Award (which in HP is the highest form and most coveted recognition of all) for Asia Pacific & Japan Legal and the Best Individual Performer (Legal), India, are special moments but more fully a humbling experience. It sure is a proud moment, but makes you more and more grounded and also comes with an increased responsibility – both personally as well as professionally.

     

    Tell us about your current work profile at HP. 

    I currently support review, negotiation and finalisation of high value customer contracts, advisory on competition, environmental, privacy, employment laws, litigation and general legal matters. Each day is different and unique from the other (there are early mornings and late nights!) but it wouldn’t be wrong to mention that I manage to find a work-life balance and do the things I love doing, outside of work!

     

    Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

    Being a General Counsel of a good company where there is potential to contribute using my professional expertise and at the same time hone my skills further, and offers a work-life balance. I hope to have seen half the world by then and continue to plan the other half. I also hope to have started something of my own – creating a platform that gives back to society.

     

    What is your message to our readers?

    Write your own story and run your own race. Don’t get lost in the mad race that people are already running without knowing the destination.

     

     

  • Nagarjun Matangi, Legal Counsel, Hewlett-Packard India, on the HP OGC programme and work experience

    Nagarjun Matangi, Legal Counsel, Hewlett-Packard India, on the HP OGC programme and work experience

    Nagarjun Matangi graduated in law from NLSIU, Bangalore in 2011. As a student he was the Recipient of Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medal for “Outstanding Personal Achievement” and he was also the Vice President of Student Bar Association in the year 2009-10.

    During his final year Hewlett-Packard (HP) had launched the Graduate Attorney Program in India and reached out to colleges – Nagarjun was among the two students who got selected from NLSIU (4 in total) as part their campus recruitment drive.

    Since then Nagarjun has been working at Hewlett-Packard as a legal counsellor. His role includes a combination of Commercial Transaction support plus providing support for General Legal matters.

    In this interview with Nagarjun we talk about:

    • His college years as a part of NLSIU
    • Planning his internships in his college years
    • Starting work as a legal counsellor of Hewlett-Packard
    • The HP India OGC Internship Program and the qualities they lookout for
    • The legal department at HP

     

    What made you gravitate towards the study of law at NLS? Was it planned or just a matter of chance?

    It was completely unplanned and was an interesting turn of events. I hail from Andhra Pradesh where the choice is usually limited between Engineering and Medicine and I had never been able to fully decide upon my choice of stream. I spent seven years in Sainik School Korukonda which was a feeder institution to the National Defence Academy, but was for some reason inclined to remain a civilian. I could never get over the confusion as I had managed to secure a seat in institutions meant for completely different streams – IIT, Architecture and Law.

    I chose Law primarily to overcome the stereotype of options that I observed around me and that turned out to be a truly rewarding choice of a lifetime.

     

    What were your areas of interest during your graduation? How did you go about developing expertise and knowledge in these areas?

    When you end up in law school by accident, you get excited and interested at everything that is introduced to you. I was very fascinated with Tax, Constitution and Family laws. However, what truly interested me were the Commercial Contracts and the difference that a crafty draftsman can make to the Contract. I used to try and pick up associated matters in my internship to understand how the Courts dealt with the interpretation of complex commercial clauses in a contract and I also used to select Seminar Courses that offer practical knowledge on these aspects. One would be surprised as to how much more this area of practice can offer beyond what is taught in classroom.

     

    What do you have to say about mooting at law school and legal writing for journals? Are these helpful even after the student graduates?

    I admit not having given much attention to either of these activities during law school; but it wasn’t something I had to regret. However, now that I am better informed, if I had an option to revisit my time as a law student, I would definitely make use of these options for they aid in developing essential skillsets at a very nascent stage. It would remain useful even after graduation.

     

    Did you plan out your internships throughout law school or did it all just happen by chance? What role did the placement committee play in securing internships?

    One of the pitfalls of accidentally ending up at law school, is that one would lack the requisite awareness about legal internships and how to plan them. Thanks to my seniors and friends at NLS, I could fill up this gap before it was far too late. This is also a reason why most of my internships were at trial and High Courts. While I did learn a great deal from my internships at these Courts, someone interested in a corporate profile would have prioritized and planned their internships a little differently.

    It is essential for the fresh students to be educated at the option generally available through formal sessions that can be organized by the student body itself. Else, it could be too late before the batch can have its Placement Committee set-up.

    Our Placement Committee played a great role in providing wider options and facilitating the selection process for these internships. Most students get introduced to formal In-house or law firm internships thru the Placement Committee.

     

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    You have been working at Hewlett-Packard as legal counsel since your graduation. How did your appointment take place? Please tell us about the recruitment process at Hewlett-Packard.

    HP was implementing the Graduate Attorney Program in India for the first time in 2011 and had reached out to NLS and a couple of other colleges for this selection. This program was part of the Talent Factory initiative of HP’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) which focuses on Making Talent internally rather than Taking Talent from outside the organization. The selection process involved two rounds of interviews, one each with the then Country Counsel of HP India and also with the regional Deputy General Counsel who had come down from Singapore for this purpose. This program is a regular feature in HP US and was being introduced in India only on a pilot basis. However, there is certainly a lot of enthusiasm and positive vibe around it here and it should not be long before we reach out to the colleges in India for implementing round 2 of this program again here.

    That said, general recruitments at In-house legal teams, unlike law firms is strictly based on openings that may come up. It involves a combination of factors like the timing of the opening, the role and experience requirements sought for such opening, etc.

     

    Tell us what your typical work day is like. What is the role of an in-house counsel at Hewlett-Packard? What are your primary responsibilities?

    For most of us on HP’s Legal Team (OGC) in India, our role is a combination of Commercial Transaction Support plus providing support for General Legal matters. As part of transactional support, we are involved in drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts concerning provision of various aspects of the Information Technology portfolio (services/software/hardware/cloud). This involves a lot of collaboration with the respective teams to understand the nature of IT solution being offered by HP, the risk associated, advising on mitigation strategies etc.

    A good amount of my day is spent in meetings of this nature with various stakeholders of the contracting/tendering process as well as those involved in offering the solution. These are essentially my internal clients. Contract negotiations are the part I keenly look forward to and one gets to learn a great deal from these negotiations.

    General legal matters include Data Privacy, Taxation (limited), Litigation Support, Commercial Disputes, Internal business advisory, Competition law etc. (new and interesting issues keep coming up for reference and the same may not fall into any particular bucket of practice). These cannot be further detailed.

    Being a large MNC with diverse operations, guidance is sought from the legal team on numerous legal matters associated with the day to day functioning. Litigations and Consumer matters also form part of the portfolio of the legal team at HP. In addition to the same the team also needs to proactively align the business with the changing regulatory requirements and provide trainings as well as prepare suitable policies to guide all employees.

     

    How is the legal department organized at HP?

    HP India OGC is primarily segregated into teams that support a particular Business Unit of the Company. Various portfolios of the IT sector as handled by the respective Business Units. At the same time, the teams are not segregated into water tight compartmentalized structures. For example, today I may be primarily supporting the Printing and Personal Systems division of the company, but I can always extend support to the transactions involving Software licensing. This helps us diversify our experience in all portfolios that the IT industry has to offer, especially since HP’s operations extend into all these portfolios.

    Other countries in our region (Asia-Pacific-Japan) have similar team structures and the entire region reports into the Deputy General Counsel for APJ. The DGCs of all regions across the world finally report into the General Counsel based at our HQ in Palo Alto.

     

    What is the basic difference that you see between a lawyer and an in-house counsel? What do you think is the biggest challenge for an in-house counsel?

    The basic differentiating factor lies in our association with our clientele and the purpose of such association. While a lawyer will put forth the existing position of law before the client, the role of an in-house counsel goes a mile beyond and is required to show the path of compliance with the ever changing dynamic laws and ensure it is in line with the ultimate business objectives.

    As in-house counsels, we need to be conscious of the fact that our business teams are our primary clients and instead of throwing fancy jargons or weighty case names, our responses should be simpler and more comprehensible to our clients who do not necessarily have a legal background. And when the response is a NO, we must be capable of showing the path of compliance to make it a YES. This is both a primary function as well as the biggest challenge to do well as an in-house counsel.

    Particularly, at HP, we are encouraged to focus on innovating upon the existing processes to make them Simpler and Better. It is a constant endeavour and a great linking factor of all attorneys that are part of the worldwide OGC team – to make it matter!

     

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    Tell us more about the HP India OGC Internship Program. How can one apply for an internship at HP? What qualities do they look for in an intern?

    Our internship program is yet another extended arm of our Talent Factory initiative. Very few would disagree when I say that most internships that we have experienced only use our existing skillset and one cannot always claim to have learnt a new skillset with which you can walk away upon completion of the internship.

    While designing our 4 week internship program we made a conscious effort to ensure that the intern is able to walk out with a completely new skillset acquired during the internship. We have created a detailed training-cum-working program where a lot of emphasis is laid on first training the intern around the work we do through a dedicated mentor assigned to each of the interns. Virtual classroom sessions are taken up by our attorneys from different locations on designated fields of our operation (IT Contracts, compliance programs, Privacy, IPR, Corporate, Consumer laws, etc.). Primary emphasis is laid in educating the interns of our contracting process, stakeholders involved, our preferred contractual positions and their rationale, etc.

    If it were left to me, I would term it nothing short of a seminar course on Applied IT Contracting!

    We currently have two slots each year – Jan/Feb and June/July; and we accommodate a maximum of two interns per slot. We reach out to select colleges thru their respective placement committees in order to carry out the application process.

    Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their – Covering Letters + CV followed by a Telephonic Interview (for shortlisted applicants) and their response to a sample query. At all stages, the applicants are assessed on their clarity of thought and simplicity of expression.

     

    Lastly, what would be your message to our readers who are mainly young lawyers and law students?

    Student life, especially to law students, offers certain learning opportunities which are available only when we are still a student. There is no way we can go back and catch that bus. So do ensure that you work out your priorities and avail them so as to have minimal regrets later on.

    To the young lawyers – it is always an added advantage if you are able to think beyond the black and white letters and are able to apply your own judgement. This will require an understanding of the commercial and business implications of your advice which can be acquired only with your conscious effort. A plain legalese advice is no advice if it cannot reap tangible benefits or cannot be understood by the client.