Super Lawyer

Tag: international

  • “For those aiming to work at the intersection of law, technology, and project management, legal knowledge and comfort with technology become essential.” – Ritesh Kumar Mohanty, Director at Deloitte, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    “For those aiming to work at the intersection of law, technology, and project management, legal knowledge and comfort with technology become essential.” – Ritesh Kumar Mohanty, Director at Deloitte, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team

    With over 15 years in the legal services industry, what initially drew you to this field, and how has your journey from initial years evolved to leading practice at your current company shaped your professional outlook?

    From my childhood, law was almost a family tradition. My grandfather, my father, and my uncle were all lawyers. Growing up surrounded by legal discussions and a home office full of clients made it natural for me to follow that path. I never doubted that I would become a lawyer. On the way I adapted a bit and embraced tech along with solving legal issues for my clients.

    You completed your LL.B from India and an LL.M from the University of Leicester. How did studying law in both India and the UK shape your perspective, and what aspects of each system have influenced your approach to legal practice?

    After my LL.B in India from Madhusudan Law College at Cuttack, I wanted to broaden my horizons. I first considered Australia, but a friend encouraged me to go to the University of Leicester. It turned out to be the best decision. I immersed myself in arbitration, met amazing mentors like Camilla Anderson and Martin Hunter, and gained an international perspective that I still have with me. I spent a lot of time studying and preparing for the vis moot competition at Vienna, although I don’t regret it a bit, but I wish I had networked more and built more contacts. I advise youngsters who reach out to me before embarking on their masters journey to spend more and more time networking with people and building those meaningful relationships. I wish someone would have told me this. While you won’t realize the power of networking in your 20s, it will certainly come to your aid in your 40s when you are in a leadership role and your friends are all leaders at various organizations across the globe.

    Having worked across diverse industries telecom, technology, automobile, and banking what common industry specific challenges do clients face in contract management and eDiscovery, and how do you navigate these challenges?

    As a legal services professional our role is always industry agnostic but in all the major industries like telecom, tech, banking, and automotive, clients often struggle with large amounts of data. This is where we become a bridge between law and tech. I use technology to simplify that complexity. It’s about making things clear and efficient so they can focus on their business rather than the legal maze. My other area of focus has always been on Contracts Lifecycle Management and I see a lot of clients across industries struggling to manage their contracts. I have developed a deep expertise in Contracts Lifecycle Management (CLM) helping clients streamline their contracts by creating standard playbooks, doing industry benchmarks and helping them with preferred and fallback positions.

    Your international experience spans the US, UK, Canada, and Southeast Asia. How have differences in culture, legal frameworks, and business practices across these regions influenced the way you manage cross-country teams and navigate work in diverse jurisdictions?

    Working in the US, UK, Canada, and Southeast Asia taught me that while legal frameworks differ, people and culture drive action. The US focuses on clients and results. The UK puts importance on governance and structure. Canada mixes process with teamwork, while Southeast Asia values relationships. Managing teams across countries means adjusting communication styles, decision-making processes, and delivery methods. For instance, I find a balance between being efficient and respecting hierarchical norms in Asia. These experiences improved my ability to switch between frameworks, honor cultural differences, and still achieve globally consistent results. This skill is essential when handling matters in multiple jurisdictions.

    As Director of Forensic and Financial Crime, you lead operations, client management, and business development. How do you balance the strategic aspects of growing the practice with the day-to-day demands of execution, and what does a typical day in your role look like?

    My role is really about balancing two worlds including driving the growth of the practice and delivering for clients. On any given day, I might be working on market strategy in the morning and then jumping into a client call by the afternoon and taking a Global call in the evening. The key is prioritization and making sure the team feels empowered so both sides run effectively. By God’s grace, I’ve been fortunate to be part of some very large, even unicorn-level matters in both eDiscovery and CLM, and I’ve navigated the deep lanes of execution along the way. But what truly shaped me was the shift into strategy and that only comes with experience and tenure. I’ve learned that being perfect at one thing will take you far, but to move further you need to embrace imperfection, broaden your scope, and take risks. One of my mentors once told me, you are not an avenger, you will not get a single chance to save the world, you are a common man, make sure you do small things and do them well every single day. This has remained with and has shaped how I look at leadership and growth. 

    You’ve been at the forefront of integrating technology, including GenAI-powered review solutions and accelerators, into legal processes. What role do you see technology playing in reshaping contract lifecycle management and eDiscovery over the next few years?

    For me, technology isn’t just a tool anymore, it’s central to how we provide legal services. With NavigAite ( a GenAI tool developed by my team), for example, I’ve seen how GenAI can change reviews by making it faster, more accurate, and easier for clients. It goes beyond just spotting PII or privilege. It helps teams build facts, create timelines, and make decisions with confidence. In CLM, GenAI is taking away the tedious tasks of clause extraction and risk checks. This allows people to concentrate on negotiation and strategy. I often tell clients that the real change is moving from tools that support to platforms that actively guide outcomes. What excites me the most is seeing teams that were once doubtful now asking for more demos. They can feel the difference. That’s when you know technology is changing how we work. It is a matter of time that embracing tech will no more be an option, it would become a necessity for survival. 

    Having handled high-stakes matters such as global outsourcing contracts and multi-jurisdictional cases, what has been your most challenging project so far, and how do you navigate the pressures that come with such complex work?

    Interestingly, my most challenging project wasn’t a large one; it was a 4 day long review which literally decimated my brain into pieces. The client was pushing us hard, and we had to adapt every few hours. It taught me that change management is crucial in our field. If you can handle constant shifts, you can handle anything. Handling changes while balancing risks is key to our profession and someone who masters this, is poised for success. Sometimes you will be in a situation where you feel “that’s it, I am done” but remember everything changes and it changes for good, just hang in there and have some patience.

    For young professionals aspiring to build a career at the intersection of law, technology, and project management, what skills and mindset should they prioritize to succeed in today’s globalized legal services environment?

    For those aiming to work at the intersection of law, technology, and project management, building a diverse skill set is key. Legal knowledge is essential, but being comfortable with technology is also important, especially in AI, contract tools, and data analytics. Strong project management and client engagement skills set good professionals apart from great ones. In terms of mindset, curiosity, adaptability, and resilience are must-haves. The industry is changing quickly, so the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is crucial. I often advise young professionals to focus not only on technical skills but also on understanding the business side, knowing how legal solutions contribute to business results. I follow this 80 and 20 rule where in your early years 80% is your subject matter knowledge and 20% is your soft skills, but if you don’t focus on the 20% early in your career, it will be extremely difficult to adapt when you move into senior levels where the 80 becomes 20 and the 20 becomes 80. Soft skills are equally important to hone along with other aspects. Focus on listening, drafting business emails, elevators pitch, speaking with confidence and being persuasive at an early stage.

    With all the responsibilities at work, how do you balance your personal life with it? What activities do you undertake to maintain work life balance?

    Balancing work and personal life in our industry is never easy, but I’ve found it comes down to being fully present where I’m needed. With my son, I make it a point to be there during his taekwondo sessions; with my wife, I support her creative journey; and when it’s time to work, I give it my all. For me, work-life balance doesn’t mean shutting off at 6 PM or ignoring calls on weekends, it’s about knowing when to prioritize work and when to prioritize family. I’m also a foodie, and that keeps me energized. I’m always looking forward to the next meal, where I’ll eat, and who I’ll share it with. It sounds simple, but it gives me daily motivation. The same applies to vacations, I always apply for my next one right after I return. Having something to look forward to, whether it’s a meal or a trip, keeps me positive, focused, and more diligent in my work.

    get in touch with Ritesh Kumar Mohanty –

  • I do not like to give advice, I rather prefer to tell stories, my stories and if anyone can get something, learn something from those stories I am happy- Alberto Predieri, Partner at de Bedin & Lee studio legale associato

    I do not like to give advice, I rather prefer to tell stories, my stories and if anyone can get something, learn something from those stories I am happy- Alberto Predieri, Partner at de Bedin & Lee studio legale associato

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

    Please tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up becoming a lawyer? Your journey seems to have some interesting twists, from your involvement in sailing to your legal career.

    The way I went down into the legal career is quite unconventional. In fact, the very reason I decided to become a law student is sailing. I can already “hear” saying: “what sailing has to do with the legal career?”.

    Here is what.

    At the end of high school, I wanted to become a doctor and in Italy a preliminary test must be taken and passed for registering with the faculty of medicine. When I finished high school that test was scheduled for September 1st. I was due to take such a test until, towards the end of June, I learnt that I was selected for the Italian sailing team to take part in the Junior World Championship to be staged in Poland during the last ten days of August. Sailing was (and is) my life passion: I saw a dream I fought so much for becoming true: I had no doubt, and I chose sailing. Evidently, I was not bound to become a doctor! When I came back from Poland I, somehow, figured out that law was my future.

    You mentioned that you come from a family where law wasn’t the traditional path. What drew you towards the legal profession, and how did you navigate your way into the field?

    As I said above, I think it was my destiny that drove me into the legal profession.

    I think that I was lucky, at the beginning, to find a boutique firm with the right mentor who took me by hand and introduced me to the profession both with day-by-day tasks and with the involvement in complex files and matters, always as if I was the person in charge (this helped to develop a very high sense of responsibility which I now cherish a lot, not so much back then!). He also gave me the chance to interact directly with the clients: I reckon that this does not happen often, especially in large size firms, but I now can say that it was extremely important in learning to have a good and balanced relationship with the clients.

    Then I guess it was very much, on one side, my complete dedication, no matter what, to clients and matters/files I dealt with and, on the other side, the constant attention to my education whether in specific law matters/subjects (taking courses, lessons, seminars, every now and then) or about other skills such as personal development (coaching, language). At the end of the day, it has always been my belief that the most important part of one’s career is the beginning.

    In all this, I guess I had a tremendous support from my parents and from my wonderful wife: they have always supported me in my aim to develop my career and to improve, to strive for the best.

    Your professional experience spans across various law firms, and you’ve been involved in a wide range of sectors. Could you share more about your decision to work in boutique law firms and your approach to customization in your legal practice?

    I guess that, again, the destiny shaped the initial part of my career: the start in a boutique firm gave me the opportunity, since day one, to take care of a variety of matters, in the most diverse industries, with a bespoke flavor: nothing pre-prepared, no standard draft or part of it, no standard approach. This is what I liked the most and made me want to stay, almost my entire career, in the same environment (boutique firm).

    And in addition to that I am an emphatic person, which is seeking for “personal” relationship in which, whether they are clients or colleagues, the other can feel being special, the one and only to be taken care of, with attention and kindness. After all, who does not like that? I therefore thought that it wanted my clients to feel that way. Given my clients’ appreciation during my entire career, it must have been a good idea!

    Your firm, de Bedin & Lee®, is the first Italian/Hong Kong firm in Italy. Could you elaborate on how this partnership came about and the benefits it brings to your clients and the legal industry?

    Again, I think that it all went down, at least, at the beginning, to a personal relationship I developed with Claudio de Bedin, a mentor for me, both in my personal and professional life. I met him, with my wife, in Hong Kong in 2005 on my way back from Rizhao (a coastal city in the Shandong province) where I attended, in my capacity of President of the International 470 Class Association (the association of all sailors competing in the Olympic boat named “470”), to the 470 World Championship, the first ever to be staged in China. Claudio, although Italian, was born and raised in Hong Kong, and practiced there for all his life. I believe that we connected since the first time we met, I certainly did for his is an amazing professional and person. We remained in touch at a personal level, and, after some years, he involved me in some cross-border cases. In 2019, we decided to bring that relationship to the next level, becoming the first Italian/Hong Kong firm in Italy.

    I believe that the benefits we bring to the table is the combination of expertise, from an Italian perspective (which is one of a civil law country) and from Hong Kong perspective (which is one of a common law country), the mix of efficiency and pragmatism of a Milanese firm and the dynamism and modernity of a Hong Kong one. For Italian and Chinese clients, as well as for foreigner clients of the firm, it is invaluable to have such a diverse, and yet well amalgamated, mix, where the cultural aspects are the key for better understanding them and their needs.

    Your areas of expertise include contracts, corporate matters, data protection, M&A, real estate, and sports law. How did you manage to develop such a diverse skill set, and what advice do you have for young lawyers looking to specialize in multiple areas?

    The expertise I acquired in such diverse areas was not a result of an express choice, it rather came from the fact that I always worked in a boutique firm, where it is normal to take care of a wide variety of cases, situations. in different industries. With the clients relying on the personal relationship and on my attitude, they want me to go deep into it. Working in multiple areas is interesting, stimulating, never boring, but also demanding as it always requires a lot of studying, researching, investigating.

    To be honest, although I see the diversity of the areas I have worked and I work in, I also believe that, given the type on my clients (mainly corporations), those areas are all intertwined: the life of a company is marked by contracts, in corporate matters (they, also, require “contracts”), in M&A deals (again, they require “contracts”), in real estate matters (once again, they require “contracts”), and so on.

    If I learnt a lesson in my professional life, that is to find what you like to do, what gives you satisfaction (and for that you have, at least, to go down different patterns!), then be conscious that you cannot do everything when it comes to your table.

    You’ve had an impressive involvement in both corporate law and sports law. Could you share some of your experiences working with international clients, including listed companies and those in the sports industry?

    Well, it is always difficult to single out some of the working experiences one had, because a lot of them are worth sharing, including for the lessons I learned.

    One goes back a few years, and it is about a quite big M&A deal my firm took on. It was for a foreign company, listed in their country, which acquired wind power plants in Italy worth around a billion (the total enterprise value of the deal). It was massive, for a boutique firm like ours, which required working, literally around the clock, 24/7, for more than 6 months, from the due diligence to the negotiation of a very complex sale and purchase agreement. I learned so much, in term of negotiation skills, interaction with clients, colleagues and counterparts, but also, do not be surprised, on personal health side: one must always find time for taking care of his/her body/health because when one is under pressure of workload/deadlines, when one is under stress and shall work long hours, the body is a big ally: the fitter, the better. It might sound strange as our profession is performed while sit at a table, in front of a computer! But, trust me, it is not strange.

    The other is recent (2023), and it is about a very complex arbitration on a highly sensitive sport matter, which also had great “political” implications. Working alongside very experienced, world renown and talented professionals, either as my fellow arbitrators or as parties’ lawyers or consultants, was very demanding but also motivating and, at the end of the day, very rewarding. In this case, I was reminded to never lose focus on what really matters (from the legal point of view), especially with hundreds/thousands of pages: sometimes the solution is very simple and it is there, right in front of your eyes.

    Your passion for sailing is evident from your impressive sporting and management career in the field. How did your background in sailing influence your approach to law and management?

    While I am not sure my career in sailing was as impressive as you kindly defined, I am definitely sure that sailing has shaped my character and my attitude: if I became the accomplished and resolved person I am now, it is largely due to my athlete’s career: I experienced the fatigue and the sacrifices, the pains and the joys, the frustrations and the rewards, I learnt to work in team, to focus on what matters at any given time.

    In sailing I learnt the lesson that has been the fil rouge of my life: to never give up (I retired from sailing competition only on two occasions, when my boat suffered serious incidents … one being the falling of the mast!). Never, means never, even when you are exhausted, when you do not see any solutions, when everyone else walks away … that is the moment when you can make the difference. In the legal profession that could mean sometimes to try a different angle, to keep negotiating with your counterpart or to research once more among the cases of law.

    I recall a long-distance race on a lake, many years ago. Towards the end of the race, we were in second position. There was a very light wind, the water was almost a “mirror”. The first boat was around 200 meters from the finishing line, stuck with no wind but, nevertheless, closer, much closer, to winning the race than us (we were around 1,5 thousand meters from the finishing line). Believe me, nobody could, in his right mind, seriously think that the first place was still up for grabs. Well, with the persuasion of a very experienced older sailors on our boat, we never gave up in searching the smallest, even insignificant, puff of wind, in reading all the signs one can spot on the water or in the surroundings, and after an exhausting hour and a half, during which, I remember, I could almost physically feel the power of the focus of our minds, in the same light wind … we crossed the finishing line in first position, just few seconds ahead of that boat.

    Life has plenty of episodes that may resemble the one I have just mentioned: it is up to us to understand how … never give up! 

    You’ve held significant positions within the sports industry, including with World Sailing and the International Paralympic Committee. How do you believe your experience in sports management has contributed to your legal career and vice versa?

    The positions I held, some of which I am still holding, with several organizations – such as sailing club, Olympic boat association (International 470 Class Association), the world governing body of the sport of sailing (International Sailing Federation, now World Sailing) and the International Paralympic Committee – gave me the chance to grow on the “cultures” side.

    I mean when one talks to people coming from complete diverse cultures, from all over the world, one has the occasion to learn how they behave, think, speak, interact, and, why not, eat and drink, and then how one should approach them, talk to them, interact with them, what can be said and what cannot be said, what can be done and what cannot be done. It is a constant exercise which, again, requires dedication and even more a genuine desire to learn about the others, to understand them. Once you learn about them, once you understand them, anything can be achieved. Apply that attitude to the legal profession (whether one has foreign clients/counterparts/colleagues or not, it doesn’t really matter) and I believe that there will be a successful lawyer, who will be able to better understand the clients, their needs, the counterparts and their needs, the colleagues.

    On the other side, my legal experience certainly was beneficial for the organizations I served and serve, as I brought to the table the skills of analysis, focus on the goal, effectiveness, and assertiveness, together with my personal calm and kind attitude, learnt and perfected in my profession.

    It’s clear that sports played a significant role in shaping your character and values. How have the lessons you learned as an athlete and sports manager translated into your legal practice and leadership roles?

    I have already mentioned the “never give up” lesson, resilience.

    The other one is “always play by the rules”, no matter what, even when you see others not doing the same, even when it could be easier to take a short cut. Sport is about beating the opponent, on the same ground, with the same rules, just playing better, smarter, wiser, faster, and so on. The (legal) profession is the same, in my opinion: at the end of the day, disobeying the rules, choosing the shortcuts do not pay for anyone, not for the client, nor for the professional, nor for the community, neither for the society/country. And, deep down, it leaves you with the feeling of having been on the wrong side (even if you win), that is just where a lawyer should never be … after all, aren’t we lawyers swearing (at least, I did it my country) to act “in accordance with the means and principles of our legal system”?

    Your journey from being the first lawyer in your family to becoming a successful legal professional is inspiring. What advice would you offer to fresh law graduates who are just starting their careers and are looking to make their mark in the legal field?

    I do not like to give advice, I rather prefer to tell stories, my stories and if anyone can get something, learn something from those stories I am happy.

    I, therefore, want to finish with a true story that happened in Milan which has been a lighthouse in my career.

    One day, a client, a very wealthy one, an entrepreneur, asked for an urgent meeting with his lawyer as he had a very pressing matter to deal with. Once the client entered the lawyer’s office erupted into tears, as the matter was serious, one that could really bring his business to an end (it was an insolvency matter). The client and the lawyer discussed the matter at length, and, after a couple of hours, the client left the office, at least not in tears anymore. The evening of the same day, the lawyer went to the famous La Scala (world renown theater in Milan for opera, ballet, and orchestras); as soon as he entered the foyer, he spotted that very same client, enjoying the company of his friends, laughing with them, having fun with them, and talking about the summer holidays. The lawyer could not resist and, after around 10 minutes, approached the client and, after having walked away from the crowd, he asked: “Weren’t you so desperate, in my office, less than 3 hours ago? Has the matter we discussed disappeared? Has anything happened that I do not know? Because I do not really understand how you can enjoy so much with such a serious matter pending over your head like a sword”. The client, with a big smile: “My dear, my dear, you know that I completely trust you, with all my fibers. Now that I have put the matter into your hands, it is not my problem anymore, it is yours. That’s why I am enjoying it so much as you saw”.

    Aim at being like such a lawyer and you will live a full, happy, meaningful, and fulfilling professional life (and personal). I aimed at being like such a lawyer. I think I have been like him, in several cases for sure. I can sincerely say now that I have had, so far, a full, happy, meaningful, and fulfilling professional life.

    PS – that client did not lose his business!

    Get in touch with Alberto Predieri-

  • When you are a fresher, it is very important for you to find the right mentor and organization which can help you realize your abilities and nurture your potential in the profession- Yugal Anjana Bhatia, Partner at AJURE ADVOCATES & CO.

    When you are a fresher, it is very important for you to find the right mentor and organization which can help you realize your abilities and nurture your potential in the profession- Yugal Anjana Bhatia, Partner at AJURE ADVOCATES & CO.

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

    You’ve had a unique upbringing in Dubai, UAE, with a family history deeply rooted in the Gulf region. Can you share how your family’s background influenced your decision to pursue a career in law, especially given your early exposure to your mother’s law office?

    I am the fifth generation rooted in the Gulf. My mother, with over two decades of legal practice in Dubai, paved the path in law for our family. My initial aspiration was mechanical engineering, driven by a deep passion for automobiles. However, due to my physics grades falling short, this dream was not achievable.

    The idea of me becoming a lawyer was uncertain by my family and friends, as I lacked the skill of argumentation and experienced stage fright on major school events. Despite these doubts, I decided to study law in India. 

    During my third year of law college, I began interning with an independent advocate, exposing myself to the courtroom dynamics, which gained my interest in the legal profession, particularly in Mumbai. This transition was challenging as I found myself having struggles equivalent to a first-generation lawyer in Mumbai, whereas people till date do look up to me as a second-generation lawyer.

    You’ve worked on a wide range of legal matters, from property and municipal laws to consumer and society laws. Could you tell us about a case or project that you found particularly challenging or rewarding during your career so far?

    Throughout my career, I’ve encountered various challenging legal cases, each case is unique in its own way. Cases representing a Promoter/Developer in an application under Section 11 of the Maharashtra Ownership of Flats Act (MOFA) before the District Deputy Registrar are challenging at times. These cases often presented intricate legal and factual complexities when opposing them. MOFA mandates a swift resolution within six months of filing, which can be very challenging at times as property laws, society laws and municipal laws have to be kept in mind. Section 11 applications under MOFA are conducted in a summary nature. 

    I vividly recall a last-minute briefing during the second lockdown, where I was assigned to represent trustees of a Public Trust in a matter listed before the Charity Commissioner the next day. The application sought suspension of trustees, and I requested a one-week adjournment. Despite the papers being voluminous and it not being an urgent matter keeping the pandemic in mind, the Tribunal granted time till the end of the day and kept back the matter, last on board. The bench felt that I shall prepare efficiently on such short notice. This wasn’t those types of matters where adjournments were sought by my clients or their erstwhile advocates. 

    When the matter was called out again, I strongly opposed and argued against the application for suspension of the trustees. As a result, the request for an interim suspension was denied and the order came in favour of the trustees. 

    That matter was challenging yet rewarding as today I am regularly briefed by the trustees before the Charity Commissioner and before the Hon’ble Bombay High Court.

    Your work history includes being a Partner at Ajure Advocates & Co. and practicing independently. What led you to take on this dual role, and what advantages does it offer in your legal career?

    Ajure Advocates & Co. is based in UAE which was founded by my mother. I manage the Firm’s operations in India. I decided to join the law firm to gain global exposure. I am working on attaining global presence. 

    There are several NRIs in the UAE facing legal concerns and disputes in India and it has been quite convenient for these clients to visit the UAE office and brief the lawyers there, who would further coordinate and brief me with their matters in India. This has proven to be quite efficient and also provided a level of confidence to the NRIs in UAE. This also works vice versa, as there are many clients here in India who have their branch offices of their companies or their properties in the UAE and other parts of the Gulf. They brief me with their legal queries and disputes for UAE and other parts of the Gulf.  

    Additionally, with regard to my work as an independent practitioner, my colleagues who either have independent practice or firm practice, brief me separately for their matters and I am thereafter able to attend to the same independently.

    This dual role encourages connectivity on a global scale. During the pandemic, with the help of networking platforms and technology like Zoom, I got an opportunity to connect with lawyers all across the world.  

    As a legal professional with a focus on civil law and dispute arbitration, what strategies do you employ when helping your clients navigate complex legal disputes and reach favorable resolutions?

    As a legal professional practicing in civil law and dispute arbitration, my primary goal is to always prioritize my clients’ best interests. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to hold conferences with the clients at the early stage of the dispute, to understand the specific outcome they require. Occasionally, during these conferences there is a disparity between the outcome expected by the client and the strategies advised by me. In such instances, it is important that I and my clients are on the same page. Ultimately, being on the same page with your clients is paramount in avoiding adverse orders.

    After having conferences with the clients, I also hold brainstorming sessions with my team to determine the strategy, submissions and argument. While pleadings or written statements are being drafted, it is important to have the same drafted under instructions of the clients. I make it a habit to prepare written notes of submissions which includes dates and events in chronology form along with judgements relied. Written notes of submissions are quite helpful.  

    Additionally, credit also goes to the counsels appointed and my team of juniors who assist me in ensuring that the best outcome for our clients is achieved.

    Your work history also includes a role as a junior counsel with various accomplished lawyers. How did these experiences shape your approach to legal practice and your eventual transition to becoming a Partner?

    Every lawyer has a different and unique style of practice. Working with them has helped me grow as a professional. When you are a fresher, it is very important for you to find the right mentor and organization which can help you realize your abilities and nurture your potential in the profession. In fact, having the right guidance provides you with the confidence to make mistakes and learn from it in the process. 

    The seniors I had worked with were helpful. Needless to say, I learnt it the hard way which is best for the long run. 

    Practicing with an individual advocate not only boosted my legal knowledge but also helped me learn and understand how to operate your own firm. Working with a counsel was challenging when handling high-stakes matters or matters having issues on a law point where errors were not an option due to the close-knit legal community.

    After working with such experienced seniors, it is not that I have become perfect in running my own firm or that I am a top notch lawyer today. I still make mistakes and am bound to make them. Today, at this juncture, being at this position, I learn from my own mistakes and make sure they are not repeated.

    In your career, you’ve had the opportunity to appear before various legal bodies, from the Bombay High Court to the Debt Recovery Tribunal. Can you share some insights into the key differences and challenges you’ve encountered when practicing in these different forums?

    Appearing before the Bombay High Court is different compared to appearing before the DRT, NCLT, District Courts, Family Court or Consumer Forum. A fresher can never start his practice directly before the Bombay High Court. Attaining experience by drafting, appearing and arguing matters before the District Courts and different forums is really needed. For instance, if you appear before the Bombay High Court in a matter pertaining to an Appeal from Order, challenging the impugned order passed by the City Civil Court, would be very difficult to practice it in the appellate side of the Bombay High Court unless and until you aren’t well-versed with the practice of District Courts. Similarly, matters before the original side of the Bombay High Court are of high stakes. Therefore, practicing before the Bombay High Court would not be easy until and unless and until you haven’t gained experience before the District Courts and different forums in conducting few matters. 

    When I started my practice with an independent advocate, I had the opportunity to appear before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Gradually, I appeared before the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. I further assisted my senior in one consumer complaint when he was arguing before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Consumer Forums helped me gain confidence in my argumentation skills to appear before other Courts and Tribunals. Thereafter, I started with mentioning matters before the Bombay High Court after one year of appearances in District Courts and different forums which helped in increasing my confidence. 

    Finally, as someone with experience in personnel development and business administration within a law firm, what advice do you have for young lawyers and recent graduates looking to advance their careers and make a positive impact in their respective firms?

    Law as a profession is very vast. Today, there are various law firms that have their specialization in different areas. Young lawyers can explore their opportunities depending upon their areas of interest.

    Once associated with a law firm, avenues open to different sorts of exposure altogether. Working with their chamber colleagues ensures team work. This helps firms also as their clients are satisfied in the most effective manner.

    My advice to young lawyers would be not to give up hope and just be patient even when things look bleak in their legal practice.

    My advice to recent law graduates is to work hard, establish trusting professional relationships, and value ethics. The amount of time they give in this profession is their investment, which will give them great returns. 

    Law as a profession is growing. In the initial years, keep learning as priority instead of earning. Hard work always pays off.  

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