Super Lawyer

Tag: labour & employment law

  • “As a leader, give direction, seek feedback, and motivate positively to foster excellence.” – Explore the remarkable journey of CS Vandana Bhatia, Director-Legal, Compliance & Company Secretary, Ryan

    “As a leader, give direction, seek feedback, and motivate positively to foster excellence.” – Explore the remarkable journey of CS Vandana Bhatia, Director-Legal, Compliance & Company Secretary, Ryan

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

    Vandana, your journey from college to becoming a prominent figure in corporate law and compliance is truly inspiring. Could you walk us through your college years and share what influenced your decision to pursue a career in this field? Additionally, what were some of the initial challenges you faced when you started your career, and how did you overcome them?

    I started working right after class 12 to complete my higher education due to my family crises. I did my higher education through distance learning; it was challenging and not easy as having to work and study together. Also, didn’t have enough guidance, so I took some tutions on subjects that I found difficult over weekends and late hours—still managed to complete the same after so much struggle and hard work. I belong to Ghaziabad a place that was back then known for power cuts that were longer than 12 hrs. a day, I remember studying in candlelight sometimes. I never wanted to be what I am today (wanted to be a journalist back then), my father encouraged me to pursue Company Secretary and that further influenced my decision to have MBA (finance) and LLb degrees in my hand. I am proud of the decision that I took back then to fulfil my father’s wish and thank my parents for always being an encouragement and support system for me.

    Congratulations on receiving an honorary doctorate in Law and Governance from California Public University! Could you share with us what this recognition means to you personally, and how it has impacted your career trajectory and aspirations for the future?

    This is like a dream come true, I always wanted to have a doctorate and prefix Dr. in front of my name. It was a complete privilege and honour for me to get this Honorary Doctorate from California Public University. This has helped in receiving recognition from many of my peers and seniors.

    You currently serve as the Director-Legal & Compliance at Ryan India Tax Services Private Limited. Could you provide us with insights into your day-to-day responsibilities in this role and how you ensure alignment between legal and compliance functions within the company?

    I have a big role and responsibility to ensure 100% compliance on all functions in India and that requires regular monitoring and diligence. Further as legal director, my responsibility is to provide legal advice, review legal documents and proactively address to legal risks. I happen to be successful in balancing both roles as I have my own matrix to categorize the matters/tasks.

    You’ve navigated through various sectors such as pharma, education, finance, and more. How has this diverse experience influenced your perspective on corporate governance and compliance across different industries?

    I have been lucky in working in different sectors which made me understand certain regulations applicable to those sectors like in pharma there is specific drugs and cosmetics acts which is applicable; NBFC have certain Master Directions of RBI that need to be adhered too. This provided an edge to learn those specifics and apply the same in the job.

    Your list of achievements and awards is incredibly impressive. Amidst such professional success, what personal values or principles do you hold dear that guide you through your journey?

    My personal mantra is to act with integrity and be true to yourself. Keep working hard and smart and believe nothing is impossible.

    You’ve been involved in instituting corporate governance frameworks and setting up processes in multiple organizations. What are some common challenges you’ve faced in this process, and how do you overcome them?

    Challenges were to go deep dive into the problem areas of non-compliance and making the same complaint. That required going back to the inception of the organization. The developing process was not that challenging but making stakeholders understand the implications and implementation was a tough job.

    Your list of achievements and awards is incredibly extensive, ranging from being recognized as one of the “Top 10 Chief Compliance Officers in India” to receiving the “Golden Pinnacle Award” and an Honorary Doctorate. How do you stay grounded amidst such recognition and maintain a humble approach to your work and interactions?

    I always believe you should never forget your roots and the hard work that you have put in to achieve them. It’s not only professional but I always believe that even personally a person should stay humble.

    As a leader, what qualities do you believe are essential for fostering a positive work culture and inspiring your team to achieve excellence?

    As a leader, it is important to give the right directions to the team, and give them space to explore, innovate and learn. It also important for a leader to seek feedback from the team which will build a positive impact and confidence on the team. Give credit and recognition to those deserved in the team and motivate others positively. Be approachable and not bossy.

    Beyond your professional achievements, what are some hobbies or interests that bring you joy and fulfillment outside of work? How do you make time for them amidst your busy schedule?

    I love reading books (mostly spiritual books) and travelling, I try to squeeze a week travel once or twice in a year.

    Given your extensive experience and remarkable achievements, what suggestions or advice would you give to the upcoming generation of professionals looking to enhance their CV and leave a lasting impact in their respective fields

    Don’t restrict to work been assigned to you, keep looking for the opportunities within organization where you can grow and provide your value addition. Keep learning as that never stops and compete with yourself. Also, diversify your work horizon.

    Get in touch with CS Vandana Bhatia-

  • “Prioritize learning, dedication, and perseverance in the legal profession. There are no shortcuts to success; hence, young lawyers should embrace challenges, treat professors as legal gurus, and remain committed to continuous growth.” – Neerav Merchant, Partner at Majmudar & Partners

    “Prioritize learning, dedication, and perseverance in the legal profession. There are no shortcuts to success; hence, young lawyers should embrace challenges, treat professors as legal gurus, and remain committed to continuous growth.” – Neerav Merchant, Partner at Majmudar & Partners

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

    Could you take us through your journey from college to your first job and eventually to becoming a partner at Majmudar & Partners? What were the pivotal moments or experiences that shaped your career path, and how did you navigate the transitions along the way? 

    I come from a legal background. My father, Mr. Pravin Merchant, was a practicing Solicitor for over 35 years, and as a result, I was exposed to law early on.  I took up different part-time assignments, internships, trainings, etc., even when I was studying in college.  However, my first job (as a legal trainee) was at Kanga & Co., one of the oldest law firms.  Thereafter, I spent few years in private practice with other prominent law firms, such as Vimadalal & Co., and Gagrat & Co., before moving as an in-house counsel. My transition to being an in-house counsel was under tenuous circumstances. My father passed away in 1995 (when I was in second year law) and the pay standards in most law firms in India in the 1990s was not that high, as compared to in-house profile.  Hence, I decided to spend few years as an in-house counsel.  Except in a few cases, not many in-house counsels go back into private practice.  I went in-house at a relatively early stage in my career and after having spent seven (7) years in-house, I felt that my learning curve had hit a plateau.  Though, I had done large private equity deals, negotiated large outsourcing contracts and even built an entire legal department, I needed more challenges, which I thought I could get only in a law firm setting.  This was the genesis of my decision to move back into a law firm.  As regards my choice of Majmudar & Partners, I knew about Majmudar’s stellar reputation and had even seen their work on a private equity deal that they did against the company where I was the general counsel.  The high-quality work, top-tier clientele, and fantastic standing, both domestically and internationally, convinced me that this was the place for me.  The transition from an in-house set-up into a law firm was challenging.  The key challenge that I faced as an in-house counsel was that of changing my mindset and approach, to be able to think like a client.  Additionally, in private practice, lawyers deal with various clients (individuals and companies), which makes it more interesting.  To summarise, the main challenge was to switch gears in my overall thinking and perspective, and to give paramount consideration to the business objectives of the company. I believe, I made this transition quite well, and this helps me in my practice today.

    Having experienced both roles as a partner in a law firm and as in-house counsel for companies like Tata Housing and Patni Computer Systems, what notable differences did you encounter in these positions, and what factors influenced your decision to transition between the two roles?

    Good question.  One should understand that the industry and sector plays a critical role for an in-house counsel as regards adapting to the legal function, whereas when it comes to operating in a law firm, one must adopt to the work ethics, culture, etc. Firstly, the in-house lawyer is required to understand the industry and sector in which he or she operates, especially, because vertical line of business brings different and interesting challenges, compulsions, limitations and risk appetite. Secondly, the management approach and focus vary for each business. Thirdly, government rules, regulations and policies vary according to industry, which is not relevant when one works in a law firm set-up.  All of this makes it imperative for an in-house lawyer to remain focussed on the sector and ensure that nothing is missed in terms of legal strategy, advice, approach, risk mitigation, etc.  I think the foregoing factors did influence my decision whilst working as practicing lawyer as also as an in-house counsel.

    Having more than 25 years of experience, you’ve witnessed significant changes in the legal landscape. What key shifts or trends do you foresee in the field of dispute resolution, arbitration, and intellectual property in the coming years? A lot has changed over the years and much of it has been for better.  Whilst, it will be impossible to identify all the major shifts or trends, the most important shifts that come to mind are that, judiciary has evolved and matured over the years, the use of technology has become more rampant, the present-day judges are commercially savvy, procedural laws have undergone various changes as also laws on arbitration have become more stringent and focussed after taking cues from cross border arbitration cases.  In my view, IPR practice deserves a compliment because it is kind of evergreen in its own right and has gained momentum over the years, especially, with an extensive increase in the use of the internet, matters relating to infringement, counterfeiting, etc., has become more rampant, there is tremendous awareness re brand protection, logos, etc.   

    You’ve represented clients in enforcing an ICC arbitration award in India. Could you share insights into the challenges and strategies involved in the enforcement process, particularly in the Indian legal context?

    This question deserves a comprehensive response, and we could end up writing a complete chapter on this issue. Broadly speaking, over the years enforcement of foreign awards in India has become smoother as the courts have become sensitive towards being pro-enforcement and acknowledging India as a signatory to the New York Convention on enforcement of foreign awards in India.  Moreover, there have been various statutory amendments and judicial pronouncements which have helped in reducing the challenges of foreign awards by Indian parties.  In my view, the biggest challenge that persists is that of asset tracing and seeking an interim injunction against disposal of the assets.

    Your role involves advising on technology and telecommunication matters. With the rapid evolution of technology, how do you stay updated on the latest legal implications and challenges in this dynamic industry?

    I have been fortunate to work in these sectors very early on.  My first stint as in-house counsel was at GTL Ltd, which was in the business of installation of radio-frequency towers, laying down optic fibre cables, and providing other related telecom services. All of this compelled me to continuous learn, read and stay on top of the regulations, interact with governmental officials, and constantly review judicial precedents touching this sector.  I had to adopt a similar approach in the areas of technology. The Information Technology Act was introduced sometime in 2000, which, since then has been the legal backbone in relation to technology law.  There has been constant learning, checking new amendments regularly, focusing on the rationale of changes, and then advising clients on a given scenario.

    In your recent transactions, you’ve been involved in diverse matters, from challenging telecom regulations to high-stakes arbitration involving global players. Could you highlight one or two recent transactions that you found particularly intriguing or challenging, and share the key strategies that led to a successful outcome for your clients?

    In the recent past, we had represented one of the large telecom service providers, operating in the business of mobile portability. The TRAI (telecom regulator) brought in a certain regulation that impacted our client’s ability to do business in India. We assessed the relevant law, regulations and provisions and checked judicial precedents, as also researched on important provisions of the Indian Constitution, and filed a constitutional writ before the Delhi High Court considering that the regulation was impacting our client’s fundamental right to do business.  After some deliberation and with excellent arguments made by eminent Sr. Counsels, we eventually succeeded in obtaining a favourable order quashing the controversial regulation.  This allowed our clients enormous commercial relief and the time and efforts spent by the firm were highly appreciated.

    Amidst your demanding legal career, how do you unwind and recharge? Could you share some of your hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation outside the courtroom or office?

    I agree that having a good work-life balance is critical to reduce stress levels and to enhance productivity.  To manage stress levels, I spend my mornings in doing some physical training, reading interesting articles, etc.  In the evenings, I prefer to simply relax with family and occasionally with friends. My hobbies include reading, going for evening walks, long drives, an occasional movie in the theatre, etc.

    Given your extensive experience in the legal field, what advice would you offer to law students regarding the scope of the profession and the mindset they should cultivate while studying law?

    Firstly, all law students should opt to pursue this profession, only if they are mentally and intellectually driven to pursue such profession, and not because of any other reason. Practicing law is a serious profession as it demands commitment, dedication, and devotion.  If one compares the overall mindset of experienced lawyers versus young law students (including newly graduated lawyers), there will always be a general gap in terms of overall approach, thinking, priorities and perceptions.  In my view, law students (or freshly qualified lawyers) are dynamic, aspirational, and savvy, but they lack patience and perseverance. I would like to urge the younger generation to focus on learning, and hard work, and to treat their professors as legal gurus.  Law students should understand that there are no shortcuts to success; hence, they should not cut corners.  Youngsters should be smart in choosing their internships with firms where they genuinely see interesting client work that can help them apply legal theory in practice.

    As a seasoned lawyer, you’ve advised on foreign investment, general corporate matters, and joint ventures. What advice would you give to young lawyers aspiring to specialize in international law or corporate law?

    A simple advice to all young lawyers is to take up all kinds of work in the earlier years of their career, namely, matters relating to commercial disputes, arbitrations, securities law, foreign exchange law, employment law, or on general commercial queries, doing due diligence, working on a commercial contract, etc.  In other words, never say no to any legal work assigned by one’s senior.  After spending around 2 or 3 years as a generalist lawyer, one can pursue the vertical area of practice that is appealing or interesting.

    Get in touch with Neerav Merchant-

  • “Like a game of chess, dispute lawyers must anticipate their opponent’s every move and try to remain a few steps ahead.” – Angad Varma, Partner at Dua Associates.

    “Like a game of chess, dispute lawyers must anticipate their opponent’s every move and try to remain a few steps ahead.” – Angad Varma, Partner at Dua Associates.

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

    Your journey from Symbiosis Law School to becoming a Partner at Dua Associates is quite impressive. Can you share a memorable experience or lesson from your early legal career that has shaped your approach as a dispute resolution lawyer today?

    A career in law interested me, however, I had little idea as to the enormity of what it would entail. At the time I did not have any family or friends practicing law, so I did not have much guidance either. I was always told by my educators that I had an aptitude for a career in Law. I joined Symbiosis Law School at the age of 17 and have never looked back since. I was an active mooter and debater in law school and having interned with a few reputable legal firms and lawyers, I realized I truly enjoyed the experience of being in Court which led me to choose Dispute Resolution as a career.

    It is no secret that passion, hard work and perseverance are the keys to success in any sphere and dimension of life, however, the extent and proportion are not something I had ever imagined. My biggest lesson so far has been that there is a learning in every experience so long as you are open to doing everything that comes your way. I never shied away from doing any task that was assigned to me no matter how little I knew of it or what I thought of it, and my sole purpose was to ensure the job was done. This determination and characteristic have seen me through and brought me where I am today. There have been days that I have singlehandedly attended to tasks otherwise assigned to associates, para legal, court clerks and even stenographers, all while being a Partner, and such days, though challenging, leave me most fulfilled. 

    With such a diverse range of legal areas you handle, from insolvency to property law, is there a specific area of law that you find particularly challenging yet rewarding to navigate?

    Times have changed since I started practicing in 2007. In this era of specialization, I have been extremely fortunate to experience diverse legal areas, all of which I have covered in some depth which include wide-ranging commercial disputes, property law, labour and employment law, company law, transactional work and now insolvency law. In Law the devil is in the details, so every subject requires a fundamental understanding of the nuances involved and then applying such understanding to practical situations.

    The law is ever-evolving, requiring all lawyers to remain updated with the latest precedents. The last decade has also seen the emergence of new statutes. As for me, I had no background in insolvency laws, the Code was enacted in 2016 long after I had graduated from law school, therefore, it was all about self-educating. Although, challenging this practice area has been extremely rewarding for me.

    You’ve been instrumental in developing and scaling the Insolvency and Bankruptcy practice at Dua Associates. What drew you to specialize in this field, and how do you see the landscape evolving in the coming years?

    The Insolvency and Bankruptcy practice is one of the fastest-growing practice areas across law firms. This has more to do with the economy as a whole and the object of the statute. While the statute and the accompanying infrastructure have some distance to travel to realize its true potential, however, there have been several positives such as the revival of mismanaged and indebted corporate persons, securing the interests of creditors, check of corporate frauds, timely resolution of insolvency process amongst others.

    There was no intended or conscious effort towards specializing in this area. I along with a very competent team was entrusted with a good amount of work in this area, through which we honed our knowledge and became more and more familiar with the intricacies involved. We have been fortunate to do a lot of work in this space over the last 5 to 6 years, where we have represented all categories of stakeholders in several marquee matters. Dua Associates as a firm has been very supportive enabling me with all the tools to develop and scale up the Insolvency and Bankruptcy practice.

    You spent several years as Vice President at HSBC before joining Dua Associates. How was your experience transitioning from a role in a large multinational corporation to your current position as a Partner at a law firm? Are there aspects of your time at HSBC that significantly influenced your approach or perspective in your current role?

    Transition is never easy, you will have to walk out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. I love a challenge; it makes me more determined.

    As I look back now, my role at HSBC was diametrically different from what I do today, with its own set of rigours and challenges. Working in-house is attached the misconception that life is easier in comparison to a law firm. Understanding business and your stakeholders/clients is not only key for an in-house profile but is also an absolute must for every lawyer. This is a skill set neither taught in law school nor in any law firm.

    Today working as a Partner with a law firm, my outlook on any problem and its consequent solution is viewed from the prism of my client’s business. Understanding the client’s business, personnel, culture and risk appetite is crucial for the legal advise I offer them, which perhaps is my biggest carry-forward from my HSBC days.  

    Apart from your legal expertise, you’re known for finding innovative solutions to complex issues. Can you share an example where thinking outside the box led to a positive outcome for your client?

    Every client is concerned with the end outcome; the process is for the lawyers to take care of suitably. For dispute resolution lawyers, the significance of strategizing is understated and this in my view separates the good from the best. Like a game of chess, dispute lawyers must anticipate their opponent’s every move and try to remain a few steps ahead.

    As a team, we have achieved many favourable outcomes before various forums, where our out-of-the-box approach led to protracted litigations being successfully shortened and sizable settlements attained for our clients.

    You’ve authored articles on the evolving jurisprudence of insolvency laws. Are there any upcoming changes or trends in the legal landscape that you find particularly noteworthy or anticipate having a significant impact?

    The issue of project-wise corporate insolvency resolution process for large real estate sector companies is currently under consideration before the Hon’ble Supreme Court and is likely to have a significant impact in my view. Under the existing legal framework, to factor in the interest of a variety of stakeholders and facts peculiar to each case may weigh heavily before a final decision is pronounced.

    We’ve heard about your interest in arbitration and mediation. How do you see alternative dispute resolution methods evolving in India, and what role do they play in your practice?

    Alternate dispute resolution has always been of keen interest to me. Given our population, our infrastructure and particularly our Courts are overburdened. The underlying purpose of alternate dispute resolution was to reduce the burden on the Courts, through a formalized and time efficient process of resolving disputes outside of the Court.

    In my view, the acceptance of such a process and outcome by the parties involved is key. However, the complexities of the process, timelines, high costs, the acceptability of the final outcome and subsequent rounds of litigation has diminished the value of alternate dispute resolution.     

    Beyond the courtroom, what’s a passion or hobby that helps you unwind from the intricacies of legal matters?

    Given the constraints of time and our hectic life, it is very important for lawyers to pursue activities outside of the workspace. I personally enjoy travelling and sports.

    Travelling to see new places, experience different cultures and meeting new people is something I particularly look forward to in my free time.

    For aspiring lawyers entering the field of dispute resolution, what advice would you offer based on your own journey?

    I believe that being a dispute resolution lawyer is a constant process of evolving, where you are dealing with new challenges, unforeseen circumstances and a wide array of people. It is essential to remain in the present with an eye on the future and keep moving forward one step at a time. Also, every day is a fresh start so never sit on your laurels or let your failures bring you down, they are both equally important parts of your professional journey.

    Get in touch with Angad Varma-

  • “Continuous learning, adaptability, seeking mentorship, and maintaining integrity are the keys to building a successful and fulfilling legal career” From In-House Counsel to India’s Top Lawyer – Nitin Jain, Partner at Agama Law Associates

    “Continuous learning, adaptability, seeking mentorship, and maintaining integrity are the keys to building a successful and fulfilling legal career” From In-House Counsel to India’s Top Lawyer – Nitin Jain, Partner at Agama Law Associates

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

    Nitin, we are extremely delighted to have you with us for this interview. Could you please introduce yourself and share the key milestones in your professional journey that led you to become a Partner at Agama Law Associates?

    Corporate law firms are a testament to the spirit of finding lateral solutions. Being one of the partners managing an established yet ever-expanding corporate law practice, I embrace business agility and dynamism. And I think, serendipitously, every milestone in my professional journey set me up for it. 

    Even before ALA, I have seen legal problems not just through the lens of arguing notable cases, but also through strategic contributions, ultimately culminating in my current role. I was fortunate to wear both hats. It helps to see legal issues from 360 degrees which my role in the house lent itself to Day-to-day contractual and compliance issues, transactions as well as disputes going hand-in-hand at all times leaves very little to be overwhelmed with. Corporate systems are the added icing on cake, demonstrating how everything can be tackled so long as there are systems. On the other hand, being a practitioner I had a front row view to the action in court, the understanding of procedures, the art of drafting was absorbed from the best – the solicitor chambers. Everything has been imperative to now being capacitated to work out client solutions that are not half-baked or with gaps on the practical perspectives.     

    Your professional journey includes senior management positions in various industries, blending in-house and external legal counsel roles. How has this diverse experience shaped your approach to handling commercial disputes, compliance, and regulatory matters at Agama Law Associates?

    A lot of business has to do with expectation management, and there’s nothing better than watching the interplay of multiple sectors as one from within them, to understand various concerns. My journey as In-house Counsel working with logistics, automobiles, chemicals and nutraceutical industries has provided me with a holistic understanding of varied business dynamics. This, coupled with my legal expertise, enables me to approach commercial disputes, compliance, and regulatory matters at Agama Law Associates with a strategic and business-oriented mindset. I strive to align legal strategies with overarching business goals, fostering effective resolution.

    What can readers learn from your extensive experience navigating the international arbitration domain?

    Certainly, one standout moment was successfully representing a client in a high-stakes international arbitration. Navigating intricate cross-border legal nuances and securing a favorable outcome not only showcased the depth of my expertise but underscored the importance of meticulous preparation and a strategic approach in the realm of international arbitration and specially when we have not only got a favourable result for our clients but made a win -win for both parties, which made a memorable moment.

    Beyond your legal prowess, you’ve been acknowledged as India’s Super 50 Lawyer by Asian Legal Business and listed in the 100 Top Lawyer A-List by India Business Law Journal. How do you stay grounded amidst such accolades, and what role do these recognitions play in your professional journey?

    I remain cognizant of the fact that accolades are a reflection of collective efforts of the entire team and not of an individual. These recognitions also serve as reminders to stay committed to excellence and continuous learning. They reinforce the responsibility to uphold high standards in the legal profession and inspire me to contribute to the legal community at large with fostering a positive impact on clients.

    In your role at Agama Law Associates, you focus on developing legal strategies for corporate clients’ new ventures and acquisitions. How do you strike a balance between legal diligence and fostering business growth, especially in the context of complex corporate disputes?

    With Agama’s varied sector experience and having seen challenges for mid-size legal entities to large corporate’s, have a repository of the issues faced by the clients and providing them timely legal strategy and solutions, by anticipating their challenges I actively collaborate with stakeholders, aligning legal strategies with business objectives. This synergy ensures that corporate disputes are addressed strategically, promoting not only legal resilience but also contributing to the overall success and sustainable growth of our clients’ businesses.

    Your involvement as a speaker and author reflects your commitment to thought leadership. What drives you to share your insights, and how do you think such knowledge-sharing events contribute to the legal community’s growth?

    I’m driven to share insights because knowledge-sharing is integral to professional growth. By participating in speaking engagements and authoring content, I contribute to the collective wisdom of the legal community. These exchanges foster a culture of continuous learning, enabling practitioners to stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and innovative approaches. Ultimately, such knowledge-sharing events serve as catalysts for the legal community’s growth, nurturing a dynamic and informed professional landscape.

    You’ve successfully handled cross-border disputes, insolvency restructuring, and business regulatory advisory. Can you share a challenging situation you’ve encountered in your career and the key strategies you employed to navigate it successfully?

    Cross-border disputes are challenging because of the web of regulatory intricacies – regulation is a fluid beast to foresee and plan for and when it involves international angles, it also weaves in inconsistencies between the approaches of the regulators of all jurisdictions involved. The only strategy that stands a chance is one which considers as many variables as is possible to imagine.  The starting point is always  a comprehensive risk assessment. And the fulcrum that drives the process forward to fruition is to engage in, and maintain, proactive communication with all stakeholders. Collaborating with international legal experts, we crafted a tailored resolution approach that factored in both legal and business considerations. This integrated strategy proved effective, leading to a successful resolution while minimizing potential regulatory hurdles and preserving the client’s business interests.

    Away from the legal arena, what are some of your personal hobbies or interests that provide a break from the complexities of your professional life? How do you unwind and recharge outside of work?

    Outside of work, I find solace in reading, particularly exploring diverse genres to broaden my perspective. Recently finished reading Atomic Habits by James Clear and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Engaging in outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking or simply spending time in nature, helps me unwind and recharge. 

    Considering your extensive experience, what advice would you give to young legal professionals entering the industry today, especially those aspiring to build expertise in commercial disputes resolution and international arbitration?

    For young legal professionals entering the industry, my advice would be to cultivate a robust foundation in legal fundamentals while actively seeking diverse experiences. Patience and perseverance should be their Mantra, since there is no shortcut to success. Embrace continuous learning, stay abreast of industry and legal developments. Building expertise in commercial disputes resolution and international arbitration requires a combination of legal acumen covering various laws and a deep understanding of business dynamics. Actively seek mentorship and be adaptable to change. Lastly, maintain integrity, as it is the bedrock of a successful and fulfilling legal career.

    Get in touch with Nitin Jain-