Super Lawyer

Tag: ILS

  • Sandeep Huilgol, Tax Attorney, King & Partridge on an LL.M from King’s College and work in Civil & Tax Matters

    Sandeep Huilgol, Tax Attorney, King & Partridge on an LL.M from King’s College and work in Civil & Tax Matters

    Sandeep Huilgol is a graduate of ILS Law College, 2010 batch, and of King’s College, London, 2011 batch. For the past three and a quarter years, he has been working in Bangalore, practicing as a civil and tax advocate at King & Partridge. We asked him to share his experiences and strategies he used over the years.

    We took this opportunity to ask him about:

    • Pursuing an LL.M. from King’s College, London
    • Writing a proper SoP for an LL.M and having a Letter of Recommendation
    • Working at King & Partridge

     

    How did you gravitate towards law? Why law and not engineering or medical studies?

    After I got over my initial, albeit strange dream of becoming a lumberjack in Canada, I only ever dreamed of becoming a lawyer. I was fascinated by civics and political science in school, and the book, “Yes, Minister” further strengthened my interest towards the profession. It’s been nearly ten years since I started at ILS, and I can honestly say that I’ve never looked back.

     

    How would you describe your time at ILS Pune?

    My time at ILS was a wonderful mix of academics, fun, and growing-up. To be honest, I wasn’t always too hard working as a student, but I managed to put in the extra hours either the week or night before an exam. It’s not an approach I would recommend to anyone, and looking back, I sometimes wish I had worked harder throughout the year. It’s a lesson which, hopefully, the readers of this interview can pick up from me.

     

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

    Certain subjects fascinated me, such as constitutional law, tax, and jurisprudence. Moot courts however, were something I always looked forward to. I was also very lucky to have had the experience of both, researching / speaking at moot courts, as well as judging a moot court. In my opinion, the best way to go about developing proficiency would be to participate in as many moot courts / debates / seminars as possible. While reading is something all of us can and will do, and over time, knowledge will eventually be garnered, the ability to speak / orate is something that can only be developed by trial and error. Don’t let initial setbacks put you off. Keep trying until it becomes second nature.

     

    What was your motivation behind pursuing an LL.M right after graduation? When did you finally decide that you need to do masters?

    There were a few reasons that motivated me to apply for an LL,M immediately after my graduation.

    One: I wanted to litigate and I was aware that the chances of me taking time off after commencing work were very low.

    Two: I wanted to push myself academically. Like I said, I don’t think I did justice to my academics during my time at ILS and I felt the growing need to study and learn something out of choice, and not merely for the sake of exams. King’s is a world-renowned institution and I was acutely aware of the quality of its facilities and faculty.

    Lastly, the opportunity to live abroad, and that too in a city like London, was something I could not turn down.

     

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    How did you choose King’s College, University of London over others? How did you go about choosing a university?

    There were a number of boxes I had to check before I opted for King’s. I analysed the Times UK university ratings, sought reviews from my seniors who had actually gone to the UK to do their LL.M.s, attended UK Education fairs, interviewed faculty from King’s and other colleges which had been arranged at these fairs, approached education consulting service providers and lastly, I approached a few senior lawyers in Bangalore and asked them for their views insofar as pursuing an LL.M. was concerned.

     

    How did you go about writing your SoP? Are there any key factors which one should keep in mind before writing the SoP?

    My SoP was essentially my mission statement. It was my way of putting down on paper the events that led me to opt for law, the reasons for pursuing my masters, the person I would like to see myself become and so on.

    As for the second question, in my opinion, one’s SoP should be a reflection of one’s ideas, thoughts, and aspirations. Honesty in one’s SoP shines through. Be clear in thought and keep it simple. The reader is not going to meet you in person. The SoP is his / her only way of getting to know who you are. In other words, the SoP is your way of making a good first impression. To me, the key points are honesty, simplicity, and clarity of thought.

     

    How about recommendation letters? Who all recommended you to pursue LL.M?

    Three of my professors at ILS provided me with letters of recommendation (‘LoR’). I asked only those teachers who had taught me more than one subject, and with whom I had interacted with on a more personal level. That way, I hoped that their own impressions of me would be expressed in their LoRs. It’s a tip which I’d give the readers of this interview as well. Again, if a professor asks you to draft a LoR which is to be vetted by him / her, keep it simple, don’t blow your own trumpet unreasonably, and stick to actual accomplishments / feats.

    The readers of LoRs pore over thousands of LoRs annually. They are able to discern the genuine ones from the overly self-eulogising ones.

     

    How will you compare King’s College, London with that of Indian Law Schools?

    Vastly different. The pedagogy at King’s was much more interactive and engaging. A lot of room was given for individual thought. Subjects were not taught at King’s. On the contrary, subjects were discussed and debated. It was thoroughly enjoyable. My year in London just flew by and I will always look back with very fond memories. A special mention has to be made here for my professor, Ms. Penney Lewis, who is without a doubt, the best professor I have ever had!

     

    What was your topic of research for LL.M? Why did you choose that subject for research?

    My dissertation was titled, “Are our bodies really ours? A case for legalising the trade in human organs”. It’s a topic which is close to my heart and, while I admit it is a controversial topic, the legalising of trade in human organs is something I’m keen to see it happen in the near future.

     

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    You are currently working at King & Partridge, Bangalore. How did you go about bagging this job? Please tell us about the recruitment process at K&P?

    My application, via e-mail, was addressed to one of the partners at K&P. Thereafter, I was called in for a personal interview with each of the partners, pursuant to which I was offered a job in the firm, which I gladly accepted.

     

    So how did the interview go? Do you happen to recall any of the questions?

    To be honest, it’s a bit of a blur as it’s been over three years! While I can’t remember the actual questions that were posed to me, I do remember that they were more aimed at determining the person I was and discovering my general attitude and approach to work and life, as opposed to questions of a legal nature.

     

    What are your day-to-day responsibilities? How is the experience so far?

    As a practicing advocate, my work-profile consists of the following:

    (1) Drafting,

    (2) Researching,

    (3) Assisting my senior colleagues while they prepare for arguments, and

    (4) Appearances before trial courts, tribunals, and the High Court.

    Work has thus far been fascinating, rewarding, and enriching. Most importantly, it’s been fun! However I must admit that I like almost everyone else suffer from Sunday-evening blues!

     

    What would be your parting message to our readers who are mainly young lawyers and law students?

    First and foremost, enjoy your time in college! You will never get those five years again so make the most of it. Study, participate actively in moot courts / seminars / extra-curricular activities, but also remember to have fun. When work begins however, one must work hard. As clichéd as it may sound, there really is no substitute for hard work. One must read as voraciously as one can, be it work-related briefs and journals, as well as non-work related literature and newspapers / magazines. Although I have not even worked for four years, I can confidently say that it’s a rewarding career-choice. One must however be patient. Only if the foundation is strong and sturdy, which is only possible through diligence and discipline, will the latter years be fruitful. Commitment to the profession and more importantly to justice along with honesty in all walks of life, mixed with a healthy and necessary dose of sports and fun should make for a long and enriching career.

  • Mrinali Kaul, Associate at Talwar Thakore, on the Company Secretary course, grades, internships and an ideal law school life

    Mrinali Kaul, Associate at Talwar Thakore, on the Company Secretary course, grades, internships and an ideal law school life

    Mrinali Kaul graduated from ILS Law College, Pune in 2012. She is a qualified Company Secretary and has an enviable academic record and an excellent series of internships at top law firms. As a law student she has been quite active and participated in many debates, MUNs and conferences. By the time she graduated, she had received a job offer from Talwar Thakore & Associates and is currently working there as an Associate.

    We have taken this opportunity to ask her about the several decisive moments in her career amongst other things including:

    • Importance of internships and maintaining grades
    • Importance of extra-curricular activities in law school
    • Completing the Company Secretary course alongside law studied
    • Work at TT&A

     

    When did you think you were suited to a career in law? How did you get through to ILS?

    Pursuing a career in the legal field was always at the back of my mind whenever I used to read novels written by Jeffrey Archer and John Grisham. The fact that top-notch orators and politicians in the country were lawyers by qualification added to the charm of being a part of this respected profession. Being a lawyer was also listed as one of my possible career choices through an aptitude test that had been conducted in my school, DPS Greater Noida. I made the final decision to take up law and become a first generation lawyer quite late in the day i.e., after giving my class 12th board exams. According to me, the pre-requisites for a career in law are that one should have a good command over the English language, ability to reason, self-confidence and be able to put forth one’s views in a coherent manner. I believed that I possessed the necessary skillset to be a successful lawyer and therefore chose law as my calling.

    ILS admits students based on their class 12th marks and an interview thereafter. As I had a reasonably good score of 94% in class 12th, I was able to join ILS for the five year law course.

     

    Which subjects did you enjoy during your qualifying degree?

    [sociallocker]The subject which I enjoyed most was company law and this paved the way for a career in corporate law. Company law is like the Holy Bible for those planning to join a corporate law firm and it is essential to be well-versed with it. What I liked about this subject was the logical manner in which it can be understood and one can draw references from the corporate world for understanding any concept. The linkage to the corporate world made it a really interesting subject to grasp and understand.

     

    Did you ever indulge in academic legal writing? What, in your opinion, are the advantages of taking part in such activities?

    Yes, I did indulge in legal writing and the articles were published in my college journal as well as in relation to the Company Secretary course. I also represented my college in moot court competitions and quiz competitions in the various law festivals held in different colleges. I have also attended conferences individually and presented my papers there. Such events are an integral part of a law student’s life as they help you to go beyond academics and also shape your personality for the future. Often one ends up forging lifelong friendships and making useful contacts at these inter-college events. Therefore, I would definitely recommend everyone to take part in one or the other event at least once in their law school life. I do not think making it mandatory serves the purpose as then students would merely do it to fetch marks and the intention to do something on your own initiative will be lost. Law schools should not spoon-feed the students and it should be left at the discretion of the students to choose whether to pursue such activities or not.

     

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    During graduation, you interned with top-notch law firms. Are there remarkable experiences during your internships that shaped your career choices later?

    My internship choices were primarily guided by my inclination to work in a corporate law firm upon graduation and therefore, I wanted to gain as much exposure as possible by interning in the top law firms in the country. During internships, I was mostly allotted research work relating to company law, securities and banking law. I have also been involved in due diligence exercises being undertaken at these firms and preparing memos on various legal issues. These internships made me realize that corporate law is really an all-encompassing term and there is a lot for me to learn in this field. Therefore, I wanted to join a corporate law firm after graduation to be able to realise my potential in this field.

     

    Would you say a great CGPA is a necessity to kick start a good career in the legal profession?

    Definitely, a great CGPA opens doors for you to bag the best internships- be it with law firms, senior counsels or even companies. It is a crucial factor during recruitments as most organisations have certain minimum CGPA requirements which one needs to satisfy to be eligible to even apply for a position as an Associate. However, having said this, marks are not the only determining factor in the long run and it is your knowledge and its application that counts ultimately.

     

    You had also managed to pursue the company secretary course. Tell us why did you chose to do it and how did you manage it with college?

    The course in ILS is structured in such a manner that it leaves you with ample time to pursue other courses, hobbies, activities, etc and pursuing two courses simultaneously was not really a difficult task. If you’re smart and efficient about your studies and prioritise well, it is quite a cakewalk. As I had joined law school with the intention of joining a corporate law firm upon graduation, I wanted to acquire any knowledge which would help me in the professional world and this is where the company secretary course came into the picture with its offering of an integrated approach to multi-disciplinary subjects such as law, business, finance, economics and accounts. Coming from a science background in school, I found this course to give me an edge over my peers as it covered newer areas of law such as competition, securities markets. These subjects were not taught as part of our curriculum in law school; hence this additional knowledge placed me ahead of my batch mates and also helped me in securing my job.

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    Does graduating from a prestigious school make a difference in landing a good job in this field?

    Yes, to a certain extent in the initial years, graduating from a prestigious law school does have its benefits in the recruitment scenario. However, having said that, if you’re intelligent, hardworking and smart, there’s no reason that you should be denied an opportunity irrespective of the law school you have graduated from.

     

    Soon after graduation, you joined Talwar Thakore and Associate as an Associate. How did your appointment take place? How was your interview? Please give our readers some tips to nail a law firm interview.

    My appointment at TT&A happened through the placement committee of my college. The selection process was two-fold: the first step involved sending my resume and an application form which covered questions relating to my skills and achievements, reasons for becoming a corporate lawyer and wanting to join the firm, etc. Subsequently, the shortlisted candidates were called for a personal interview to the firm’s office in Mumbai. The interview was very relaxed and I was asked to talk about myself and questioned based on my resume. I was also given a case-study based on which my critical and reasoning skills were tested and two days later, I was given the good news that I had been chosen to join the firm.

    This was the only interview that I gave and cracked, so here are the tips from my limited interview experience:

    • Be thorough with your resume and know it like the back of your hand;
    • Research on your prospective employer firm;
    • Stay calm;
    • Maintain eye contact with all your interviewers;
    • Be properly dressed; and
    • Put your cell phone in silent mode.

     

    How tough was the first year of law firm?

    Working in a law firm as an associate is a completely different ball game from interning in one. You have to be responsible and take complete ownership of your work product. Fortunately, at TT&A, we have a very healthy working environment and all the partners and senior lawyers are very encouraging and helpful and make sure that you blend in very easily with everyone and feel at home in the firm. Honestly, I did not find the first year tough. Certainly, it involved a lot of learning as what we are taught at law school is purely theoretical. But I can safely say that with the amazing work culture at TT&A, I sailed through it like a breeze!

     

    Tell us about the nature of work you’re entrusted with therein and what’s a typical day like? What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

    At TT&A, in the initial stage of our career, we are not compartmentalized in different sectors like corporate, banking, capital markets but are allowed to work on a wide range of transactions across all practice areas that the firm has to offer. This allows us to gain exposure to a variety of legal issues across multi-disciplinary jurisdictions and decide on our specialization thereafter. I have been involved in due-diligences, drafting of transaction documents in corporate and banking transactions, preparing research memorandums and notes.
    A typical day involves researching on contentious issues, drafting transaction related documents, discussions with senior colleagues and responding to client queries by email or over calls with them. The most challenging aspect of my job has to be beating the deadlines and making sure the work product meets the clients’ expectations. My work doesn’t involve litigation and taxation at all.

     

    Does your qualification in law and company secretary complement each other in terms of your work?

    Definitely, the company secretary curriculum is such that it equips you with not only legal knowledge required in the corporate world but also the business and the financial angle of a transaction. This inter-disciplinary knowledge comes very handy during transactions as it helps you to understand the bigger picture and not merely the legal issues involved.

     

    Where do you see your career going from here?

    I aim to grow with my firm and get more experience while working on the transactions, be it in corporate, capital markets or the banking sector. I am still at a nascent stage of my career and it is important for me to absorb and gain as much knowledge as possible to build upon it later.

     

    What would be your parting message to law students who want to be successful in corporate law?

    Be focussed, work hard and enjoy life!

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  • Suvarna Mandal, Associate, Saikrishna & Associates on specialisation in IPR from Kings College

    Suvarna Mandal, Associate, Saikrishna & Associates on specialisation in IPR from Kings College

    Suvarna Mandal graduated with a BSL.LL.B (Hons) degree from ILS, Pune in 2012. Soon after Graduation, she went on to pursue Masters in Intellectual Property Law from Kings College, London. She has an enviable academic record and an excellent series of internships at top law firms. She has also done Diploma courses in Corporate Laws, Cyber Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Business Laws. Currently, she works as an Associate at Saikrishna and Associates.

    In this interview, she talks about:

    • Law school experience at ILS
    • Pursuing further studies and LL.M from Kings College
    • Appointment at Saikrishna and Associates

     

    Though it’s one of the most asked questions but yet, why law?

    Well, to be completely honest, I wasn’t planning on doing law when I was in High School. I intended to pursue a career in either medicine or journalism. However, in addition to having a keen interest in public-speaking, I was also an avid follower of legal luminaries like Nani. A. Palkhiwala and Leila Seth, and consequently, a career in law fascinated me. I procured an admission into ILS, Pune and though I had secured admissions into various colleges in Delhi University as well, I was advised by many to definitely look into law as a career option.

    Luckily, I had the chance to attend college at ILS for a month before I had to finally decide my career path, and within a month, I was sure that law is the best career option for me. It is my personal opinion that as a lawyer you are constantly learning and constantly adapting to a dynamic environment, and the knowledge that one procures from their LL.B degree is just the tip of the iceberg. From what I have gathered so far, even a lifetime is not enough to specialise in a particular genre of law. This was one of the deciding factors for my inclination towards law.

     

    Tell us something about your college life? What all activities did you participate in?

    While in college, academics was always the first priority, and I spent a major portion of my time understanding and studying the subjects that were taught in every semester. In addition to that, in order to expand my knowledge in specialised fields, I had done Diploma courses in Corporate Laws, Cyber Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Business Laws from Asian School of Cyber Laws, Pune and ILS itself. I had also participated in a couple of Moot Courts conducted internally at ILS and also represented my college as a Speaker in the National Round of the Commonwealth Moot Court Competition, 2009, at School of Law, Christ University, Bangalore. My preference for Intellectual Property Law directed me to write a couple of articles on IP related topics. As far as co-curricular activities are concerned, I was part of the Corporate Law Cell and the theatre group “Aahwaan” of ILS.

     

    You have interned at top-notch law firms including Khaitan, AZB & Partners, Karanjawala and LexCounsel. How did these experiences help mould you as a lawyer?

    My internship experiences at all these firms have been varied as I have had the opportunity to work in different departments and areas of law including IP Law, Corporate Law and basic civil litigation. Personally, internships have benefitted me greatly because my internship with the IP team at Khaitan made me realise that Intellectual Property is definitely my core area of interest. As a law student, it is difficult and in fact premature to make up your mind about the field of law that you would like to practise in. In my view, as a student of law, it is sufficient to just have a general idea about your areas of interest. In this regard, internships help you a great amount because you get to experience first-hand, what it would be like, to work in that particular area of law.

     

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    Right after graduating, you went for LL.M. Please share with us all the decisive moments leading to this.

    Many law students are often torn with the decision of choosing to pursue their LL.Ms soon after their LL.B. or getting some work experience before opting for the same. There are pros and cons in either scenario, and the decision has to finally be taken by the individual. I too had my share of the dilemma and confusion, but I was clear that  Intellectual Property Law was my preferred area of interest and that I wanted to study more for a comprehensive understanding of the subject. This encouraged me to first complete my Masters and then start working as a legal professional.

    Since I was sure that IP Law was the subject I wanted to specialise in, I started looking for LL.M. courses that offer the same, and The Dickson Poon School of Law, Kings College London was one of the premier and top rated institutes in UK for the same. KCL offered a specialist LL.M. Degree that focussed on Intellectual Property law prevalent in various jurisdictions and had modules that helped the prospective students in developing a speciality in the subject in academic as well as practical aspects.

    The faculty was excellent and comprised of the top-names in the field like Tanya Aplin, David Llewelyn and Sir Robin Jacob. Due to all of these reasons, this course was obviously my first choice and I was fortunate to secure an admission at Kings College, London.

    The experience of studying at KCL was enriching on all fronts which gave me the opportunity to learn from the best intellectuals in the sphere of IP, and learn with students of different backgrounds and cultures.

    As of today I can confidently say that my LL.M. at KCL has benefitted me personally and professionally. One of the main reasons for me to apply for an LL.M. outside of India was to understand the manner in which IP laws were interpreted and how they operate at a global level and its comparison with IP Laws in India.

     

    Please tell our readers about the application procedure and other requirements?

    From personal observation, I had noticed how Universities (especially abroad) gave importance to student profiles that indicated that the student has put in hard work to build a rounded CV representing his interests and activities not only in his law course but also in co-curricular activities of his choice. Internships, publications, involvement with NGO’s and social causes, cultural activities, etc. facilitate in building an overall strong profile. Having said that, a good score is essential to get into a college of your choice as that is the first criterion that Universities look into.

    The applications for LL.M. should be sent out as soon as the Universities commence with registration process as many a times, good candidates are left out merely because of applying late. Very important aspects of your LL.M. Applications are to have a crisp Statement of Purpose and to obtain good Recommendation Letters. If you have decided to pursue your masters then it is essential to start working on your recommendation letters (from faculty and from your internships, if you are not already working) and your SOP.

     

    What were your areas of interest while you were an undergraduate student and how have they helped in choosing your subjects/courses for the LL.M programme?

    I have been a voracious reader all through and have found that reading has always leaded to my inspirations and aspirations in life by broadening my horizons. As an undergraduate student, in addition to being involved with activities that were offered by my college, I was also involved in Theatre and Music. I was part of an English theatre group of Pune and performed on stage for the same. Music has been a part of my life since I was a child and I have received training in singing in Indian Classical Music and Western Music. This particular interest directed me towards writing my own songs, and after composing a couple of melodies I couldn’t help but wonder how I could protect these compositions. My interest in these creative fields and the element of curiosity to protect my musical compositions made me want to explore the field of Intellectual Property Law.

     

    Tell us something about your LL.M year. What kind of activities were you involved in over there?

    My LL.M. experience was challenging, enriching and ultimately very rewarding. I was given the esteemed opportunity to study under and interact with internationally acclaimed academicians and practitioners who helped me greatly in my analytical and critical approach to the issues in IP Law. I studied amongst students of different nationalities, some of them were established legal professionals with substantial work experience, and some of them had recently graduated law, just like me.

    As postgraduate students of KCL and University of London we had access to some to some of the best law libraries worldwide, including Maughan Library of KCL, and the law library at the University of London’s Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS). The college encouraged its students to participate in various seminars and workshops by Guest speakers, networking events, etc. organised internally or externally conducted. The students were also given an opportunity to meet legal experts such as Judges, solicitors, barristers, in-house legal counsels, etc. in order to discuss a career in IP Law.

     

    How difficult was studying abroad in terms of finding accommodation, finances and settling in? Are there any scholarships for studying at KCL?

    There is no denying that living in a city like London may be a little intimidating at first, but eventually you get comfortable. As soon as you are accepted into a college, you are provided with various accommodation options that the college can offer you, and fortunately, I was able to secure a hostel accommodation at KCL even before going to London.

    There are also several options available to students who do not wish to live in accommodations provided by the college and several organisations/websites work towards helping such students. London is a very student friendly city as there are substantial amounts of discounts available to students in public transport, restaurants, grocery stores etc. which is a relief considering that London is an expensive city to live in. As far as scholarships are concerned KCL does offer a couple, however they are extremely competitive and mostly inapplicable to Indian students. The website of the college offers all the details pertaining to the same.

     

    How was the faculty and academic schedule at KCL? Given your experiences how would you pit Indian students with their foreign counterparts?

    That pretty much depended on your choice of modules. The modules that I chose, required me to attend about 3-4 classes per week with a pre-defined reading list that needed to be studied before the class. This way, the understanding of what you studied from the list became crystal clear when the same was discussed in class with the professors. A glaring difference in the mind-set of the foreign students viz. a viz. their Indian counterparts is that the former believed in a more ‘comprehension based’ education system whereas we believe in memorising our syllabus, sometimes without understanding the underlying concept. I am of the opinion that if we are able to inculcate an application-based and practical method of comprehending the subject in our education system and combine that to the gruelling hard work that Indian students are used to, then we would have the perfect recipe for all round success.

     

    Was there time enough for non academic pursuits at KCL? How did you find the study-life balance to be?

    Though the LLM course is rigorous and requires commitment, there was enough time to explore London and indulge in the activities that it had to offer. The city has a rich history and culture and there are many places that one could visit in and around London even on a student budget. The recipe for balancing your student life and unwinding in one of the most renowned cities of the world is simple. One should make it a point to study the reading list given to you before classes, regularly attend your classes, engage in discussions with your peers and professors during classes, and always complete the assignments given by your faculty. This will help you greatly for your examinations and at the same time you will also have enough leisure time to relax and enjoy student-life at London.

     

    Soon after Masters, you joined Saikrishna and Associates as an Associate. Tell us about your induction into the firm.

    Getting absorbed into Saikrishna & Associates is a privilege and I grow and learn as a legal professional every single day. It is truly a terrific opportunity to be able to work with and rub shoulders with the best and the brightest minds in the industry. The seniors of the firm are fantastic mentors and dedicated lawyers that inspire you to work harder and learn more. I have been an Associate at S&A for almost a year now, and have had the chance to work in various verticals and practise areas of the firm such as IP Litigation, Transactions, Company Law Litigation, Advisory and Policy Reform, etc. I have also had the chance to co-author with my seniors, several publications in legal journals and magazines.

     

    Many lawyers would say that the actual learning takes place in the years of practice. How far would you say it is true? What was the case in your situation?

    Well, knowledge is power and experience enriches our knowledge. A good educational background lays down the foundation to be a good professional. As a lawyer the learning is constant irrespective of what stage you are in, whether a student or a professional, and you never really cease to be a student of law. It is essential to be true to the role that you are currently in and to try and meet the expectations of that role. There is obviously a difference in studying law and practising law, however the comfort level to understand both comes with hard-work, patience and time.

     

    What would be your advice to students interested in Intellectual Property Rights?

    Intellectual Property Law is a dynamic and constantly growing field. We currently live in a digital and global society and Intellectual Property Rights permeates into our daily lives. IP Law in India is developing at an exponential rate and has tremendous untapped potential. Students who wish to study and understand IP law should try and secure internships in firms that practise the same. In addition to that they should try and take up diploma courses in IP law so as to increase their knowledge base in the subject. It is also essential to stay abreast with the developments and major judgments in the field.

  • Anuj Sah, Principal Associate at Khaitan & Co., on a secondment at Debevoise & Plimpton and a career in corporate law

    Anuj Sah, Principal Associate at Khaitan & Co., on a secondment at Debevoise & Plimpton and a career in corporate law

    Anuj Sah is a Principal Associate at Khaitan & Co. (“KCO”), he is currently working on an international secondment at Debevoise & Plimpton. Anuj graduated from ILS, Pune in 2006, thereafter he worked at Desai & Diwanji and AZB Partners, and finally he joined KCO in 2010. His main practice areas at KCO are related to acquisitions, PE transactions, corporate restructuring, etc.

    In this interview we asked him about:

    • Secondments and their mechanism
    • Work exposure at Debevoise & Plimpton
    • Growing from an Associate to a Principal Associate at KCO
    • Life in a corporate law firm

     

    How would you introduce yourself? Please tell us a bit about how you gravitated towards law.

    Hi! I am Anuj and I working in the corporate team of Khaitan & Co. (KCO), Bombay. At present, I am on a secondment at Debevoise & Plimpton. Like other corporate lawyers, the assignments that I work on are related to acquisitions, private equity transactions, corporate restructurings, advising on regulatory issues and so forth. I graduated from ILS Law, Pune in 2006 and I joined KCO in 2010.Before KCO, I worked at AZB and also briefly at Desai & Diwanji.

    For me, the real motivation to pursue corporate law as a career happened pretty late. In my early years in the profession, I wasn’t too sure whether I wanted to pursue a career in law/ corporate. So even after I started working after law school, I continued to wait to find my calling. I had the benefit of having good seniors and mentors which helped in learning the ropes. The real motivation to pursue law as a career occurred after joining KCO. At KCO, I got the opportunity to work with some of the lawyers whom I most admire in this profession. It was from them that the purpose of being a corporate lawyer started becoming apparent. I got to see first-hand the value that lawyers could bring on transactions and also the trust being reposed by clients in lawyers. As a corporate lawyer, you work on deals where you may be representing an Indian promoter who is selling all that he has created in his entire lifetime. He puts his trust in you for the sale of his most valuable asset and relies on you to get him a fair deal. On some days, you represent a foreign investor, who rely on you to ensure that he is not short changed while entering a new market. So, it is a lot of responsibility, and when you do your job, there’s also a great sense of satisfaction.

    Although a bit philosophical, I think being a corporate lawyer also in some way provides an opportunity to be of service to the businesses of our country. Businesses create employment, promote growth and lead to development. As a corporate lawyer, whether you represent the foreign investor or the Indian promoter, there is a role to play in ensuring deals are concluded in precise terms so that businesses continue to flourish. Only, when businesses grow, it will be a win-win for everyone involved. I think as purpose became clear, motivation followed.

     

    Please tell us a little about your law school days at the University of Pune? How were you at academics?

    Law school has some of the best memories. I made some of the closest friends, learnt new things (good and bad), got introduced to the world of legal practise and learnt my basic concepts of law. On academics, we had a robust curriculum, and the standards were pretty good. I think I was a fast learner, which helped.

     

    How important do you say is a good CGPA for an illustrious career in legal?

    I wish I could say that CGPA is not crucial, but unfortunately, [sociallocker]that’s not the case. Law practice is getting more and more competitive. Although there’s a good demand for corporate lawyers, there’s also good availability of great talent. Earlier, opportunities were limited, and you needed a reason to hire someone but now the quality of talent available in general is so good that you may struggle to find a reason to reject someone. It’s best not to have a poor CGPA as a weakness in this competitive environment. Also, a good CGPA is an indication of the fact that you have good understanding of the fundamental concepts of law that you are expected to know if you choose to join a law firm.

     

    How do you think internships are beneficial to law students?

    I think internships are an excellent opportunity to get an insight into the functioning of a law firm and its various practice areas. It could help one in deciding if this is what he wants to pursue in years to come. Besides, most law firms I know of ensure that interns are well utilized during their internship and are provided with opportunities to get involved in transactions. One can  be prepared for what he is expected to do if he chooses to join a law firm. Also, for the law students who are trying to get corporate law jobs, I hear of several PPOs being offered to interns all the time.

     

    How was your first year after graduation? What do you think were the biggest hurdles and challenges in the early days of your career? How did you deal with them?

    For me, the first few years after graduation were the toughest years – you are put straight into the frying pan. I know some junior lawyers go through the same situation. Perhaps, like me, you can also keep reminding yourself that ‘this too shall pass’. I say my first few years have been the toughest because those are the years when you have very limited understanding of the matters that you are working on and also of what is expected of you. Also, there’s so much in corporate law practice which you don’t learn in law school but while working which adds to the challenge. Now when I look back, I think it’s not very difficult to deal with those challenges – read a lot, observe a lot, ask questions, find the answers and work hard. You will get better at the job very quickly. Remember corporate law is pretty simple stuff but requires a lot of commitment and hard work. Once you are good at your job, it will be a lot of fun.

     

    A lot of law students would be keen to know about the mechanism of a secondment. Please tell us a little bit about your secondment at Debevoise & Plimpton.

    It was  a cross – secondment with Debevoise. A lawyer from Debevoise came to KCO for a secondment for six months, and I came to Debevoise. While, I am primarily based in the London office of Debevoise, I recently also spent few weeks in their New York office. It’s a great opportunity. Debevoise is one of the most reputed firms globally. Corporate law in this part of the world is quite evolved. Capital controls are less of an issue, and the regulatory environment is more light touch in comparison with India. I am working at Debevoise with some of the most acclaimed lawyers, and it’s such a wonderful opportunity. Also, it is a lot of investment by the firm that sends you on a secondment, so it’s a great feeling that your firm considered you suitable for the opportunity.

     

    How important is it to take the lead in business development while also being a principal associate?

    I think it is very important. The good part is that if you are good at your work, this will happen without much effort. Several clients will start approaching you for their repeat matters. Also, once you are good at your work, and clients realise that, several of them will be your ambassadors and will do this for you.

     

    How do you maintain a work-life balance? Are there any specific time management tips you would like to share?

    This is a tricky one. The profession is very demanding and requires a lot of commitment. Developments on assignments that you are working on will control your calendar. There will be instances when you may have to cancel a long-planned holiday or skip a friend’s wedding. However, it’s important to have a healthy work-life balance so that you are at your best when working on assignments. Some of the tips I have been using to get better at this are:

    (i) prepare a to-do list every morning of things that need to be completed, this keeps away distractions and reminds what needs to be prioritized;

    (ii) When delegating work, try to give proper background and instructions – this helps in receiving a better work product;

    (iii) try to keep your team members involved in discussions so that they also have the background of what is expected to be delivered, a lot of leakages otherwise could happen in communication from one person to another;

    (iv) longer vacations are not always easy to plan so I prefer taking small unplanned vacations whenever workload is light to spend time with family;

    (v) also, there will be occasions when you will be provided with lots of documents and information to review, keep reminding yourself the objective otherwise it’s easy to get lost with all the excess information available.

     

    anuj-sah-1

    Tell us about your growth from an Associate to a Senior Associate and then becoming a Principal Associate at Khaitan & Co.?

    I think this is pretty much a natural process. At least at KCO, I have seen that as you get ready for senior roles you are moved up. There is an objective evaluation process where feedback received from partners, clients and other members of the firm is considered. There are also external consultants who are engaged to test softer skills and give feedback. In general once you like your work and are passionate about what you do, moving up will be a by-product. Also, it is important to have an outlook that matches with that of the organisation – sometimes I see lawyers who are good at their work, but suffer because of this drawback.

     

    What is your current work profile like? Please tell us about the responsibilities you are entrusted with.

    My current work profile broadly includes the entire spectrum of corporate law. Most of the work relates to acquisition/investment transactions where sometimes I represent the buy side and sometimes the sell side. I also do a fair bit of regulatory work which involves advising clients on regulatory issues and outlook of regulators on various policy issues. The gamut of corporate law is pretty wide, and one needs to have basic understanding of several laws including taxation, anti- trust law, real estate, IP laws, etc.

     

    You must have guided several interns. How would you say that an intern can generate a positive feedback in the limited time they have?

    Yes, I have seen many interns during my career. It’s so good to see several of them working in various firms and doing extremely well. Interns could consider some of the following tips to generate a positive feedback in the limited internship time:

    • When you are assigned work, try and get clarity on what is expected from you. Also, attempt to meet the time line. Sometimes the answer to the work that you will be assigned will be readily available on the internet but don’t stop there. Assume that the person assigning you the work wants you to find more in-depth information than that is easily available on the internet;
    • Ask questions when in doubt. Utilize this time to get your queries clarified;
    • Try to reach office in time, may be a bit earlier than the office start time. It shows good seriousness on your part;
    • If you get free time, spend some of it in the library or going through available precedents of past transactions.

     

    What has been your strategy to deal with errors and mistakes? How would you suggest a young associate to deal with them?

    Unfortunately, the profession is demanding, the stakes are high and it can be harsh on the one making mistakes. But then it’s only human to make mistakes, and everyone will make mistakes at some point or the other. So the best strategy is to follow the conventional wisdom – learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat your mistakes. I think if you have made a mistake and as long as you can ensure that you will try your best not to repeat it again, you will be ok. Also, try not to cover your mistakes. Own up to your mistakes, feel the pain and try not to repeat them.

     

    We thank you for participating in this exercise. We’re sure the readers of SuperLawyer would find this interview beneficial and insightful. As a concluding message, what would be your suggestions to law students/younger corporate lawyers?

    Entirely my pleasure! I hope I have been able to provide some insight to law students looking to make a career in corporate law or younger lawyers in law firms. If I have to give some suggestions, it will be the following:

    –           read a lot and keep yourself abreast with the latest developments/transactions;

    –           be solution oriented;

    –           try to be good at finance/commercials/numbers;

    –           try to write in simple English. Write documents and emails keeping the client in mind. Know a lot but it’s not necessary to tell the client all that you know. Remember Mark Twain said, ‘If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter’;

    –           no point competing or comparing with others. Every person has different likings and strengths;

    –           learn from your seniors – they have a wealth of experience to learn from;

    –           always keep a positive outlook;

    –           and most importantly, be humble and continue to be humble as you walk up the ladder. There are several others who may be as talented, but didn’t get this wonderful opportunity of being in your place.

    [/sociallocker]

  • Subhashree Sundararaman on LL.B from Kent, being 3rd at New York Bar Scholarships and authoring a book

    Subhashree Sundararaman on LL.B from Kent, being 3rd at New York Bar Scholarships and authoring a book

    subhashree-sundaraman-2Subhashree Sundaraman graduated in BSL from ILS, Pune in 2011, thereafter she left it to pursue LL.B from University of Kent. She has had the opportunity to co-author a book on Keshavnanda Bharati, take up a course in IPR from WIPO and amazingly get ranked 3rd at the New York Bar Scholarships. She shares with us her experience in taking up a lesser known path.

     

    At the outset please share with us what brought you into legal studies? Did you have friends or family members to impress upon you the idea of law?

    My great grandfather and my grandfather have both influenced me in some ways to take up law as my career choice. I was very thrilled to hear about various judgements and legal matters that my grandfather dealt with, while he was assisting the then famous lawyers from my hometown. Also, as I did not particularly enjoy the idea of taking up computer science or medicine as my career options, Law was the perfect path for me to take and it has continued to prove to be so.

     

    How was your experience at ILS, Pune? What are the best memories of your student life? What would you suggest those law aspirants who are faced with a choice of taking up ILS?

    ILS Pune was a new experience for me as I was moving out of my home town and my comfort zone for the first time, in pursuance of my higher education. In addition to producing top class lawyers, who have held and are holding high positions in the Indian judiciary, the college has a reputation of holding some of the best collections of legal books. The college timings were tabled in such a way that students had the opportunity to self-learn by making use of these resources. Apart from academics, I engaged myself in writing short stories and poems, which eventually led to me starting my own blog. I won several prizes for my blog posts. Thus, my undergraduate experience at ILS was just not about developing myself academically but exploring various things that I liked and pushing my boundaries to develop holistically. Further, the limited college timings, gave me an opportunity to explore Pune and network with diverse group of people coming from various parts of the country.

    ILS gives preference to meritorious students, who are tutored by experienced teachers as well as practising lawyers. The high calibre of the students as well the teaching quality is witnessed by students taking part in various competitions and winning laurels to the institution, which makes me proud as an alumnus.

     

    You were one of the ten students selected from the University of Pune, India to research and help in the publication of the book, which discusses the Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution. Please tell us about your experience you gathered from such an exercise.

    It was an enriching as well as a challenging experience for me to research a whole judgement along with my team members. The task involved paragraph by paragraph analysis of the 11 opinions in the Kesavananda Bharati case and prepare a summary on them. In addition, our team of researchers was assigned the task of reviewing the literature. This particular exercise helped me in improvising my drafting skills, alongside understanding the complexities in the reasoning of the judges. Further, it also enabled me to identify core reasoning in the judgments made by the judges, which sharpened by logical and analytical skills. In addition to the serious research work, I also had fun working in a team along with others during this exercise. My contribution to this work was duly recognized and acknowledged by the University and I was also given a copy of the book.

     

    How was your experience with extra-curriculars? Did you partake in moots and conferences?

    Right from my first year, I was involved in mooting at ILS. I took part in couple of on campus moots within the college, where I developed my mooting skills such as application of appropriate laws to the problems, correlating various legal issues and developing my negotiation skills. I was the lead college researcher for the runners up team that participated in a National Moot that was held in Nagpur in 2011. In addition, I took part in conferences that were conducted within ILS, they were interesting for discussion and also broadening my knowledge base on various legal matters outside academia.

     

    When did you decide to pursue an LL.B from University of Kent? How did you settle upon Kent?

    I decided to do my LL.B from the UK immediately after my 3 years at ILS, which gave me a BSL degree [Bachelors in Social Legal Science]. I settled upon Kent, after thorough research along with my parents as well my relatives in the UK, who had colleagues from Kent. From my research, Kent University and Kent Law School [KLS] impressed me a lot. Kent Law School provides a critical approach to the studying of law as opposed to studying merely the black letter law. After having spoken to couple of final year students as well as professors, who visited India from the University, I made an informed choice of joining Kent.

     

    People generally go for LL.M from reputed universities to build up a profile in a certain section of law. Why did you decide to study further Bachelors in Law? Any specific reasons?

    I have always dreamt of exploring opportunities outside India and UK was of particular interest, given its common law. Hence, I decided to do my Bachelors, instead of an LLM, because I wanted to master the law of the country as opposed to mastering in a certain section of law.

     

    How has been your experience at Kent? How was the selection procedure? How are the faculty and facilities?

    My experience at Kent is by far the best experiences that I could ask for both in terms of academics as well as social. I have been able to participate and contribute on various topics within the University and outside it. The faculty at Kent Uni are extremely inspiring, kind and supportive. Being an international student, I had apprehensions before I left India, but Kent only disproved all the apprehensions and made me feel at home. At Kent Law School, I was selected as the Course Representative in my 1st and 2nd year, and eventually became the Law School Representative in my final year. This gave me a lot of opportunity to network with fellow law students and faculty within law school and from other departments.

    As for the facilities, the University has a huge library that hosts books ranging on all topics under the sun and not just law. Further, the University encompasses other departments along with the Kent Law school, which facilitated inter departmental communication. The Kent Law School has its own Kent Law Clinic, which provides pro bono work and has received various awards including the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize. In addition, the Kent Law School has student led societies, which conduct various guest lectures and career fairs, helping students to network with barristers and solicitors.

    I was selected after being screened on multiple aspects including the reasons to pursue law in the UK and in particular Kent, my contributions in the field of law and other fields, which were all summarised by me in the form of an SOP, and of course, my grades.

     

    How different would you say is the bachelor course at Kent from a typical law school of India? What are the things which these two systems can learn from each other?

    The Bachelor degree at Kent, as mentioned earlier, provides a critical approach to the study of law.  It provides a very application based study as opposed to theoretical learning. In addition to just reading the books, we were made to read and analyse different journal articles and newspaper articles in order to correlate with the laws that we studied. Further, all our modules were not 100% exam based and were divided between exams and course works. The course works entail writing essays ranging between 1000- 3500 words on certain topics, which helped me sharpen my research and writing skills by miles. This also gave me confidence to write a 10000 word optional dissertation in my final year on consumer law.

    In addition to classroom teaching, we also had seminars, where we were divided in to groups of 20 and assigned a professor with whom we discussed various questions on the topics we learnt in the classroom. This helped me to get more clarification on the subjects from the student discussions in the seminars. The most impressive element that is different from a typical law school in India is the system of recorded lectures. Thus, even if a student is unable to attend lectures due to personal reasons, he/she could listen to the lectures that were recorded live by the professor and uploaded to individual student portals. This also helped students to make lecture notes and prepare for the exams by listening to it multiple times.

     

    What is the importance of mooting and writing research papers in the LL.B programme of Kent?

    Although, students actively participated in moots at KLS, it was not compulsory or imposed. In my first year, I saw various students participate in moots to acquire experience on mooting or sharpen their advocacy skills. However, from my observation, moots were undertaken by those students, who wanted to become barristers. I was not particularly interested in mooting, so instead I channeled my interest in participating in in-house negotiation and mediation activities.

    The LLB programme at Kent was very tight and hectic. Therefore, aside from academics and extra-curricular activities, writing research papers were not undertaken by many. This could also be because most of our course work involved researching on our own and writing essays of a minimum of 3000 words, which was a research paper by itself. The law school also published in its law school journal those course works, which secured a first. Therefore, writing a separate research paper was not considered as a necessity.

     

    You also took up a course in IPR from WIPO. Please share with us the experience of this course? How would you rate the course? Were you thinking of gaining expertise in IPR law?

    I took the IPR course from WIPO during my first year summer break, while I was in England. The course gave me an in depth view of the fundamental elements of IP. I would recommend the course for anyone who wants to get an insight in to the IP Law. The course is well structured and provides a good basis before one takes up IP Law as full-fledged module. The course helped me make a choice before I took IP as one of my final year modules. I enjoy IP Law and I aim to have it as one of my practice areas.

     

    You had earlier cleared the New York Bar Scholarship with an astounding third rank! Please share a few tips and strategies to crack the scholarship.

    The New York Bar Scholarship was facilitated by BARBRI International, a leading provider of post qualification training for legal professionals. I am not sure if this scholarship is a recurring one. I came to know through couple of legal agencies that I had signed up to. The Scholarship entailed the applicants to write an essay by critically reviewing the recent “Right to be forgotten” judgement given by the ECJ involving Google and discuss the legal ramifications in applying the ruling to other cases. A simple tip to crack any scholarship is to keep abreast of the current legal activities, as one of the aims of scholarships is to test the commercial awareness of the applicants alongside other elements and how legal decisions affect businesses. Currently, I plan to work for couple of years and then I plan to sit the New York Bar exam availing my scholarship.

     

    Which are the other scholarships you would suggest applying for?

    There are so many scholarships that are available, which are interest and need based. Therefore, students who wish to pursue their interests should keep their ears and eyes open and look for opportunities to gain advantage.

     

    What are your long-term goals? Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

    My short to medium term goal is, in 3 to 5 years become a leading in-house corporate lawyer with a sound expertise in the fields of Mergers and Acquisitions and Intellectual Property law. I intend to continue building my key skills in these areas by handling a variety of challenging and knowledge enriching work assignments. My long term goal is, in 10 years acquire necessary leadership skills that will help me lead legal functions of large corporate organizations.

     

    What is your message to your juniors at Law School? Any career advice you would like to share?

    I have always believed in the saying, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”, a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt. Therefore, my message to my juniors at law school would be to dream big, explore all the opportunities that come their way, acquire as much knowledge and experience as possible, for it would help along the way in building their career. It is understandable that law school is a five year commitment and sometimes, it might feel monotonous and tedious. However, having crossed that bridge, I would advise not to give up for it is totally worth it.

     

  • Yuvraj Narvankar, Advocate, Bombay High Court,on cyber law, cyber forensics, and his experience

    Yuvraj Narvankar, Advocate, Bombay High Court,on cyber law, cyber forensics, and his experience

    yuvraj-narvankar-2Yuvraj Narvankar graduated from ILS, Pune in 2010. He has already set up a reputed practice at the Bombay High Court. His expertise in Cyber Law and Cyber Forensics has led the Mumbai Police to consult him in various matters from time to time.

    In this interview we speak to him about:

    • The role of a mentor in the first few years of graduation,
    • Importance of grades
    • Working on important cases

     

    Tell us about how you decided to study law.

    My father is an advocate practising in District Court. It was possibly those interesting discussions in my home about court life and clients which made me choose this profession.

    I was always fascinated by people who have the gift of the gab and I always thought of this profession as noble and very influential. I always liked to speak and convince people on some topic and my participation and accolades in several elocution and debating competitions were out of my desire to talk to people than any urge to win.

    The fascinating thing which I liked most about the law was its nature. I always felt that law is not alien to our life but every part of it is a law. Law is nothing but a codified common sense. If you think that something should be this way and if your logic is correct, you would inevitably find law or case-law to that effect. So the power of thinking on your own legs is something which makes this faculty most interesting field to study and explore.

     

    Have you even been motivated by the desire to revolutionize the legal regime in the country?

    I was very active in the field of Legal Aid and was given an award for my contribution in Legal Aid. When I interacted with people from rural areas, I realized the gross ignorance of laws and exploitation of this very ignorance by a few prominent people. And when I entered the profession, fortunately, I was able to espouse several social causes and they also turned out to be milestones in my career.

     

    What are the tips and strategies you would like to share with our readers who are currently law students?

    (Yuvraj has been among the top rankers in LL.B from Pune University and LL.M from University of Mumbai.)

    For me every subject of law was interesting. In my college days, I was fascinated by books by Lord Denning and writings of other authors like Bryan Garner, Blackstone. It’s interesting to study the genesis of concepts which have shaped legal regimes over centuries. I always wondered about the sophistication of faculty of law in the countries like UK and USA. Just for example for us drafting is all about the precedents and forms but that that is a craft in itself and has to be treated like one. Even oral submission and persuasion are amazing arts and can’t be left to be learnt at an advanced stage of your career. In fact law college is such a platform where you can test all your skills without fear of any professional blunder or injuring your clients’ interests. It’s like the more you sweat in the practice, less you will bleed in the war. I think the best strategy or tip to study law is to study it out of interest and not because it’s in your syllabus. For example, if you are reading a section, put yourself in the role of the client who would be in the trouble which the section seeks to redress and then read the Section again. The section in statute/Article is like key and the problem/case is like a lock. The problem with our educational system is that we are taught to use the key without lock and when you have to actually open the lock (A case in your professional life) you would have forgotten about the key.

    So the best way out is to apply every section practically or look for a situation in your life where you can apply any proposition of law you have learnt. This way you would imbibe law in your thinking and law would be no more in black and white but would be a an amazing colourful spectrum and a panacea for all your problems.

    And I firmly believe that any rank and Gold Medal is a mere by-product of your studies. It may follow or it may not but the actual capital you gain is your habit of hard working, knowledge and thinking process. The knowledge of law does not mean knowing a law by heart but to know how to interpret the law.

     

    Do you think top notch grades have given you an advantage over others in your arena of litigation?

    Possibly. As Steve Jobs says, it’s all about connecting the dots. Today standing in a court of law while arguing a matter, no one bothers about my rank or medal. But to get here I had to find some mentor, and the ranks helped me to get good mentor and seniors. So it won’t be wrong to say that the ranks did help me to get along with the right persons and at the right time which paved my way to a career in litigation. Because, though unfortunate, rank or marks is the symbol of your capability which can testify about your capacity to some stranger. And once you get a good launch pad, your performance will speak for itself and you have to put your medals and certificates in the cold storage. Gold medal, certificate, or law degree is like a driving license which allows you to drive the Car. Once you get behind the wheel, its your performance that matters and gets you to the destination and not your License. Because when you drive a car, what helps you is the knowledge you gained for obtaining the license and not the license.

     

    How difficult would you say the first few years after graduation was for you?

    The first few years after graduation are really tough and I won’t describe them as we all know about them. Particularly the starters in litigation know this feeling. In fact, since I always aspired to work in Litigation, I didn’t go for campus placement as I was looking for some hands-on experience in litigation. After my graduation I could make it in one Litigation Firm so I could sustain in Mumbai. This was the time when I did all kinds of matters and appeared extensively in all forums. In fact, all the senior members of the Bar are your mentors and teach you something. Even some Judges teach you law very well. The Court Room is the best class room a law student can get but unfortunately he gets it after he graduates.

    After my stint in the law firm, I took a bold decision of resigning and joined the chambers of Mr. Rafique Dada, former Addnl. Solicitor General of India. It’s only after you move out of your comfort zone and take a plunge into uncertainty that you can achieve something. You must have the guts to move out when you know the ‘cheese’ is turning ‘stale’ though the journey to the unknown is scary.

    It’s because you have to manage without any fixed source of income and what is more deadly is to be without any work. I could learn a great deal of court craft with my senior who is one of the living legends of Bombay Bar.

    My bolder decision came when I decided to even leave his chamber and start on my own without having any place to operate and firm client base. But I always had strong sense of urgency and strong urge to see this world of Litigation without any shelter of firm or senior over my head. Soon I found myself struggling with all odds.

    But I always kept moving ahead somehow and it would not be fair to boast that all my efforts were directed to achieve some goal or aim. Frankly speaking those were only efforts and one must keep walking and one day he would be able to connect the dots. So it would be unfair to other possible modes of walking if I illustrate mine. Only one thing is at the core and that is faith in yourself and in your capability.

     

    Can you tell us about the law diploma you pursued from NUJS offered by iPleaders?

    Yes. I have taken up several courses like Cyber Law, Housing Law, etc and the latest one being business law course from NUJS. Firstly, any course keeps your learning faculty agile which may otherwise die because soon we get the feeling of contentment. What I liked about the course of business law from NUJS is the curriculum and practical approach of the faculty. I found all the faculty very knowledgeable and very pro active. In fact iPleaders should go ahead and try to make this course part of curriculum in colleges which would benefit students who aspire to become a litigator or a law firm lawyer.

     

    How difficult would you say it is for a fresh law graduate to get inducted into a litigation firm?

    Yes. It is a challenge for someone like me who doesn’t opt for campus placement because PPOs can make things a lot easier. If you start early and prove your mettle, the law firms would certainly welcome you. Your rank and merit also goes a long way in securing a good position in a law firm. If your basics are good, nothing can stop you.

    The one who wants to make it in litigation, must make it a point to work in a trial court, howsoever uncomfortable it seems at the outset. Because, that is the first step of ladder and it gives you an edge over others when you argue in High Court and Supreme Court.

     

    How helpful has been mooting in litigation?

    Tremendously helpful. Moot Court is like training on simulator. You learn without any casualty. I did several national and state level moots and I really learnt a lot from them. Only make it a point to learn from every moot. No academic/moot performance should be the same as the previous one. It’s a race with yourself and not with anyone else. And you have to come out of this ‘illusion of competition’. I think one must focus on making oneself better every day and small daily professional improvements will pile up and take one to the Zenith.

     

    How did your first hearing as an independent practitioner go?

    First thing which I would like to share is about the cases a junior gets to handle. One must remember that you can’t get open and shut cases in the beginning and rather you would get hopeless cases to argue and the briefs which others have said no to. But make it a point to sweat on the small stuff and get into details and try to make something out of those cases. It may seem very hard at first,but once you are master of these ‘messy causes’, you would enjoy working on good briefs.

    For an arguing lawyer every case is close to his heart but to mention a few:

    To begin, within a month of joining the Bar, I had an opportunity to argue a very interesting case on a preliminary issue of Jurisdiction (S.9A of CPC) against one giant at the Bar. It was a very interesting case to argue as there was one Apex Court Judgment against us and issue was narrow and no more res integra. But after hearing me for a  whole day, the court dismissed the opponents’ application for framing preliminary issue. To my interest, this was the case which reaffirmed my faith that law is all about your own thinking and you can turn the case if you think a little outside the box and genuinely convey your emotions to the judge without hurting the ego of the senior advocate for the opponent.

    In fact this case in the first week itself, gave tremendous boost to my confidence and went a long way in shaping my career.

    Later, I appeared in the much spoken about Air India employees case on behalf of the Cabin Crew members and it was a great learning experience.

    When I was working with my senior, I had an occasion to work on BCCI/IPL matter, Coal scam matter and Goa mining case in Supreme Court.

    Then, I had an occasion to conduct some good criminal trials and conducted cross examinations of the witnesses leading to acquittals of my clients. The well conducted cross examination is sheer joy and great learning experience and gives insight into human mind and interplay of emotions.

    Then, I had an interesting case of bogus multiple Development Rights Certificates (TDRs) obtained on the same piece of land and the same was done very cleverly by the concerned revenue officers in connivance with developers. As most of the TDR/DRCs were sold in the open market and already purchased and consumed by the builders, several Senior Counsels were roped in to defend the case. I had to study a truckload of documents to exactly know, where the things went wrong and put in equal amount of efforts to convince the High Court about it, as the High Court is never willing to go into factual details in Writ Jurisdiction.

    Finally, I succeeded and irrespective of huge financial stakes, the High Court set aside all the TDRs/DRCs. This case received very wide media coverage and acted as deterrent to Land Mafias.

    The next interesting matter I argued was of ‘Collection of Toll’ issue in Western Maharashtra. In fact, this issue was very sensitive due to widespread opposition and local violence. As the project was on the verge of completion and the builder had already invested thousands of crores of rupees there was tremendous opposition in the Court of law and the courts were very reluctant to give any interim relief as this was a financial matter. Due to vital constitutional issues, even Advocate General of Maharashtra was issued notice and he appeared and argued extensively. I had to give all my devotion to this case to understand several technical and financial intricacies of PPP. I argued the matter for three consecutive days and the counsels for respondents also took equal time to respond.

    Finally the Judgment was in my favour and first time the unconditional stay was given to the collection of Toll.

    I also represented the students of engineering where we challenged the vires of the one arbitrary provision of the regulations framed under the parent legislation and finally succeeded to the big relief for the students.

    Recently, I appeared in the illegal hoarding matters wherein substantive directions were issued by the High Court, on the lines of Vishakha Judgment, for immediate removal of the illegal hoardings and political banners in Maharashtra and Goa.

    One interesting criminal case I argued was on the illegal detention of the person where after taking the court through the historical meaning of the term custody and concepts related thereto, I could drive home my point and succeed.

    Recently four of my judgements were reported in Arbitration Law, Port Trust laws and Civil procedure law wherein some trend setting judgments were passed by the High Court.

     

    What is your workday like?

    When you are working in a firm the chances are great that work may fall in predictable pattern. But if you pursue an independent practice, every moment is new and challenging. My day begins at around 8 a.m. and my office remains open till 11/11.30 p.m. Unlike a firm, you have to set your own deadlines and it’s entirely upto you to have your work-life balance. Fortunately my staff is competent and the same is very necessary to operate an independent law office.

    The day in court is always full of challenges and you never know what may come from the bench and also from the Counsel appearing against you. Full preparation and mastery over facts is the best assistant you can ever have in the Court; rest of the things fall in place. This is the world of ‘No-Excuses’.

     

    What prompted you to leave a firm and start independent practice?

    I would say it was my own gut feeling which prompted me to leave a firm and the same turned out to be the big decision for me. Today when anyone comes to me to join my office, my advice is to learn the basics of drafting and pleading from a litigation firm because unfortunately, though seniors in Bar are very competent, tremendous workload makes it impossible for them to take some time out and teach the junior. Whereas in the Firm you are made to work and you realize the importance of Discipline. Sometimes to maintain a proper file may matter more than arguing the matter.

    But working with an independent practitioner has its own advantages and if you can keep your eyes open, that is the most fertile ground to learn and excel. Start appearing as early as possible.

    And finally you can’t swim by watching others swimming so get into the water, although it may seem rough.

     

    How is your experience presenting lectures on subjects like Cyber Law and Cyber Forensics?

    (The Mumbai Police Dept. consults Yuvraj on Cyber Law issues from time to time.)

    Yes. I have delivered several lectures across Maharashtra in Bar Associations, Rotary Clubs etc. My subjects vary from Cyber Laws, Succession among Muslim laws, Euthanasia etc. I have completed my advanced course in Cyber laws and Forensics with 1st rank. I have represented the police department in several matters involving cyber law issues and forensic investigation. In one of the recent cases, the accused was refusing to cooperate and refused to give access to his laptops and approached High Court espousing his right of privacy. We contested the case on merits and we succeeded. Maybe it’s the faith you gain in course of time which makes people come to you and entrust their cases.

     

    Many notable jurists have stated that it is important to know the judge more than the case. How much truth do you find in this?

    So true, but not more than your case. You have to read the Judge and give what he wants and not what you want to give. Don’t suppress anything and be absolutely fair to the Judge.

    I would go a step further. You have to know every person you are dealing with and should be able to express yourself accordingly. At one moment you may be talking to some Law Firms’ partner you are briefed by and the next moment you may find yourself advising a client from distant rural area. You must be able to connect with and adapt yourself to the person you are dealing with.

     

    How difficult would you say it is to build a reputed practice?

    It depends on what kind of matters you have argued and how much you are known within and outside your circle. Fortunately, I had an occasion to argue some good matters which went a long way and also got me firm clientele. Hard work is something I would not comment on as it is something which is not some special quality for a lawyer but has to be a part of his nature.

     

    What would be your parting message to law students who want to litigate just after graduation?

    Keep your eyes open and you will see abundant opportunities floating around you. Work hard and read beyond the books as a lawyer cannot sit in an ivory tower and operate. Litigation is fun and a way of life. Focus on your strengths and work on your weaknesses and excel. You must not restrict yourself and build walls around you. Only one word of caution, in the early days of success, many unscrupulous people (Which are many in this profession) may try to use your knowledge or expertise to get something which is unfair or unethical etc. So a junior lawyer must have the guts to say no to such briefs and be always loyal to the court and dignity of this noble profession. Delayed success is always better than the tainted one.

    Best of luck !

  • Roshni Manuel, Associate, Veritae Legal, on studying in Nottingham, maritime law, and plans for the future

    Roshni Manuel, Associate, Veritae Legal, on studying in Nottingham, maritime law, and plans for the future

    Roshni Manuel graduated in law from ILS Law College, Pune, in 2010. She then went on to pursue her Master’s degree from the University of Nottingham, specializing in Maritime Law. She is currently Retainer Associate-Corporate, at Veritae Legal, where her role and responsibilities include General Corporate Practice, Trademark Registrations, and Corporate Agreements.

    In this interview, we speak to her about:

    • Maritime Law as a career and its scope.
    • Life at ILS and University of Nottingham.
    • Important requirements for application to a university in UK.

     

    Given that most of our readers are law students and lawyers, how would you introduce yourself to them?

    I am only a beginner in this big arena with just a year’s experience. I am thankful to the whole team for choosing to take my interview. And I’d like to introduce myself as an aspirant of law.

     

    What motivated you to pursue law?

    I was always interested in the humanities and hence, law. Another explanation would be, I wanted to be on the other side of the crowd who knows exactly how policies in this country are drafted and what its legal implications are. I must say I have not reached that level of analysing law and policy but I do keep a track of it whenever I get time.

     

    roshni-manuelHow about your college life at ILS—do you miss it?

    Life at ILS, Pune was very colourful and competitive like any top 10 law schools. My college has got a very heritage look and it is a very peaceful place with acres of timbre and wild birds. So, whenever I think of my college all I think of is the peaceful Campus, my friends and dear professors and of course, the famous library. Something about grad school is you wont miss it until you pass out; it could be because at some point you may think five years is a little too much to tolerate;  I never thought I will miss it so much until I joined LL.M. at Notts.

     

    What kind of internships did you do while in law school that helped you in shaping your career choices later?

    In my case it was my first internship which helped me choose my stream of interest. It was in a Maritime Law Firm at my hometown. I have tried my hands in different areas of law but I find Maritime a very interesting and a suitable field for my caliber.
    I guess rather than going for the popular one or the one with better scope, one should always choose the field which matches their caliber and interest.

     

    What made you go for higher studies so early in your career?

    I planned for LL.M. when I was in 4th year law. I don’t have a specific explanation for taking it up early but at some point during ILS days i thought i should be more focused on my field of interest and that could be one reason for opting LL.M soon after graduation.

     

    How did you develop an interest in a field as niche as maritime law?

    I hail from a port city, Cochin, and my parents are also in the shipping industry but not lawyers. Them being in the same industry surely opened the gates but I think it was my first internship which planted the interest for the subject in me.

     

    Why University of Nottingham? What other universities did you apply to?

    As you know I was keen on Maritime law since my time as an undergraduate and hence applied only to universities which had maritime law as a specialized field. Other universities I applied to include University of Southampton, Swansea, and UCL. I chose Nottingham for its ranking and for the faculty, especially Prof. Bennett (Marine Insurance maestro).

     

    Would you tell our readers about the application procedure and other requirements?

    Firstly you should be sure about the subject to specialize; you must make your own list of universities and should never take advice from any education abroad consultancy in this matter. Every university has different criteria for selection. I have applied to only UK universities so the procedure below is just for UK

    1. IELTS score above 7
    2. Aggregate marks should be 60% or more
    3. 2 references
    4. Statement of Purpose

    Visa requirements keep changing so please check the UK consulate website for details.

     

    Tell us something about your LL.M. years.

    I would say LL.M. abroad widened my perspective. It is totally different when it comes to studies there. I found their method of teaching very interesting. It is basically seminars; the student is expected to prepare for every seminar and participate in the discussion. I was part of the LL.M society and Indian Society. I got the opportunity to organize events and interact with well established lawyers. Apart from the regular activities, if you are lucky, by using the university contacts you could snatch a summer internship in Europe as well.

     

    Currently, you are member of Maritime Law Association of India. Tell us something about your role over there.

    The partners of the firm United Maritime Law Chambers are part of the governing council. And me as their associate got the opportunity to interact with aspirants in maritime field, judges and International Lawyers. And I did get an opportunity to publish one of my articles.

     

    You work as an Associate with United Maritime Law Chambers. What kind of work are you involved in over there?

    I am entrusted with maritime case research, case follow-ups, drafting, contract review, marine insurance matters, etc. and occasional corporate work for shipping companies.

     

    How is Maritime law different from other areas of law?

    Maritime law includes norms of national law, referring to various branches (civil, administrative, criminal, etc.) and norms of international public and private law. Commercial maritime law which includes carriage contracts is basically law of contracts and the maritime aspect in it makes it different.

     

    What would be your advice to students interested in Maritime law?

    You should be studying subjects like Maritime law, Carriage of goods by sea, law of the sea, International sale of goods, Marine insurance and should have a very strong base in law of Contracts. It is a very interesting and popular field. The opportunities are many if you are really keen; like shipping companies, law firms, P & I clubs, etc.

     

    Last but not the least, your advice to future lawyers and current law students?

    Dream high and make as many contacts as you can. Make merry with your classmates as those connections will help you in future and would be something you can trust and rely on.

  • Pallavi Saluja, Bar & Bench, and Prachi Shrivastava, Legally India, on their foray into legal journalism and the Indian legal journalism market

    Pallavi Saluja, Bar & Bench, and Prachi Shrivastava, Legally India, on their foray into legal journalism and the Indian legal journalism market

    legal journalist
    Pallavi Saluja
    prachi shrivastava
    prachi shrivastava

    Most law students in today’s world believe that practicing law in a court or working for a law firm are the only viable career options that they have. However, there is a slow but steady stream of law students and lawyers opting for alternative career paths.

    For instance, legal journalism is fast gaining popularity. I have plenty of students and interns expressing interest in this field, and I often connect them with well-known legal journalists from whom they can get career related advice.

    The versatility of a law degree brings with it a whole host of marketable skills. Law students can opt for many unconventional career paths which are generally not available to students who do not come from a legal background – legal journalism is a typical example. If you are a law graduate, you can become a journalist without having to study journalism beforehand, unlike the rest of the world.

     

    What is legal journalism?

    Legal journalism, as the name suggests, refers to specialized reporting about all matters pertaining to the field of law. The primary reason why the number of students opting for legal journalism is on the rise is because a legal education already equips you with many skills that legal journalists, or journalists in general, are expected to possess.

    In law school, you learn comprehensive research and writing skills and effective strategies to thoroughly and expeditiously examine facts and figures, synthesize ideas and communicate clearly and concisely. Moreover, you also learn to quickly get to the heart of an issue which is a quality that every journalist must possess. Also, journalists without a knowledge of the law often do a bad job at legal reporting. It has been a problem in the past, and for reporting legal news, court decisions etc.the news publishers have begun to favour law graduates with a flair for journalism. The advent of online media platforms that specialize in news for lawyers has not hurt this trend either.

    Another development which has greatly increased employment prospects for law graduates in the field of journalism pertains to the recent notice issued by the Supreme Court of India following the erroneous reporting of Harish Salve’s statement in the Vodafone case, that makes it mandatory for court reporters to possess a legal degree.

     

    Global reaction to increasing importance of legal reporting

    The growing importance of legal journalism is epitomized by the fact that many universities across the world have started providing comprehensive courses that caters to the needs of legal reporting.

    For example, Columbia University, which is a leading university in the U.S., conducts a joint program between the Journalism School and the School of Law which allows students to earn both the Juris Doctor and the Master of Science degree in Journalism over seven semesters.

    Similarly, New York Law School, University of New South Wales and a large array of other universities offer similar courses. Indian Universities, however, are yet to come up with similar programs.

     

    Let’s talk to the top legal journalists in India

    We caught up with Pallavi Saluja, who is working with Bar & Bench, and Prachi Shrivastava, who works for Legally India, and asked them to share their thoughts about, inter alia, what motivated them as law graduates to enterthe field of legal journalism and how law students should prepare for the transition from law school into the field of journalism.

     

    Why did you choose to opt for legal journalism instead of opting for more conventional fields such as litigation or corporate law?

    Pallavi Saluja: I did not opt for legal journalism right after graduation. I initially did litigation for little over than a year and then worked with a law firm for about five years before changing my career path. Having said that, my past experience has definitely helped me in my current profile.

    After working with a law firm for a while, I was looking for something different and exciting. I came across Bar & Bench and found the idea of being a legal journalist quite fascinating. I think a dedicated legal news portal is a brilliant idea as it brings in a lot of transparency in the legal profession, which is otherwise quire opaque.

    To be honest, while I was in college, I simply had no idea about the wide array of opportunities available in the profession because there wasn’t that much information available. I think it is a very exciting field. The fact that you have to be updated all the time on various legal issues and as to what is going around in the legal fraternity, be it from the litigation circles, the law firm life or law school news– it really keeps you on your toes and it just makes you feel alive.

    Prachi Shrivastava: I have had a lot of fun being on various magazine editorial boards throughout school and law school, and so once out of law school I began to look for an avenue where I could combine my love for writing with my professional training in law. When the opportunity to learn and do legal journalism presented itself to me, the prospect of telling a story about this whole profession appealed to me more than working on one or more areas of it, and so I ended up at Legally India.

     

    Have the skills that you learnt in law school helped you in your career as a legal journalist?

    Pallavi Saluja: Definitely. In my case, I would say apart from the skills that I learnt at law school (research, writing, drafting, analysis), my experience while litigating and working at a law firm has helped me a lot in my current profile.

    Prachi Shrivastava: Journalism, legal or otherwise, and ‘lawyering’ have the same core – asking the right questions to uncover the most accurate and holistic picture of an issue, and presenting it. So at a more visceral level, my legal training continues to help me gain a more comprehensive understanding of the core of many stories.

    Specifically in legal journalism, being from the industry (even though I hardly worked as a lawyer) helps me understand its dynamics much faster than I would have if I had not spent those five years reading, interning, talking and having lunch in the company of law.

     

    Can you give 3 tips to law students who wish to opt for this profession that would help them make a smooth transition from law school into the field of journalism?

    Pallavi Saluja: 

    • Intern with legal news portal or media house to get a general sense of how things work.
    •  Read everything concerning legal news. Write regularly, be it for a blogs, newspapers or magazines.
    • Networking is very important according to me,  especially given the speed at which information spreads. Attend conferences, seminars, workshops and other interactive sessions with lawyers and law students.

    Prachi Shrivastava:

    • Develop a news sense – the sense of what is news and what is “fluff” in the vast pieces of information that are so easily making their way to you. This comes through reading a lot, and then some more, of all news religiously. I wish I had done that from earlier in life.
    • Journalism is not something that starts with a job, it is a lifestyle – be a news hound. Even if you are not a reporter yet, there is nothing stopping you from digging deeper into an issue that interests you, thinking laterally, and asking questions that help reveal a more real-time understanding of  an issue.
    • Drop the legalese, drop the jargon, drop passive voice, drop saying “beneficial construction” and say “this rule favours them” and please get rid of random capitalisations – the rules of grammar don’t change to reflect our lawyerly deference!

     

    What kind of job opportunities are currently available in India for legal journalists?

    Pallavi Saluja: You can work with legal news portals, legal publications and media houses as a legal correspondent/reporter. I would say that in the initial stages at least, you could have an edge over other reporters with your law background.

    Legal journalism, specifically with reference to websites, in India is still in a nascent stage. I think the business of running a legal news portal is going to grow significantly as the market becomes more sophisticated. In fact, I think legal journalism is one of the tools for the market to become more sophisticated. Further, with the liberalisation of the Indian legal market, this will only grow bigger creating huge opportunities in this field.

    Prachi Shrivastava: Legal journalists in India can work as part of a trade journal such as Legally India, reporting on the dynamics of everyday business in the profession and in law schools. Of these, it is common knowledge, that there are less than a handful of opportunities.

    They can also report for mainstream media on mostly the biggest ongoing cases, and sometimes on developments in the profession if they are big enough to be of interest to the papers’ non-lawyer readers.

    Other than that there is interesting analytical work to be done in the form og reporting on corporate law, for instance for Bloomberg’s The Firm, or for websites such as Money Control.

     

    Would you advise law graduates who want to work as legal journalists to work for legal websites/magazines or for other news agencies?

    Pallavi Saluja: Definitely yes, if this is something that interests you and you have the passion for it. At the end of the day, legal journalism is a sub set of journalism itself. If you want to get a broader idea of how media works, then work with a news agency or a publication before branching out into pure legal journalism. I really think that depends on individual choice.

    Now, a word of caution to law students who are planning to take up legal journalism as a profession – you will not earn the same as a law firm lawyer or a litigating lawyer. Sure, the pay scales will go up over the years but I really don’t see it ever being comparable to what a successful legal professional will earn. Of course, it all depends on the media house or organisation you work with, but this is my general opinion.

    Also, if you are not looking to completely detach yourself from law, this is definitely an interesting career choice. You are up to date on legislations, cases, deals and whatever else is happening in the legal sphere without actually practicing law. And I think this is a good option because it provides you with a more objective perspective of things.

    Prachi Shrivastava: I would advise you to choose based on the publication that is giving you the chance to work on what you have the most natural understanding of and can spontaneously ask the right questions for. With time, you must also develop an understanding of related areas and dabble in other kinds of legal journalistic writing.

    Money, obviously, won’t be the driving factor in taking decisions for your legal journalism career, because there simply isn’t any (if compared to the lawyer yardstick).