Super Lawyer

Tag: Law Firm

  • Ramanuj Gopalan, General Counsel, SAIF Partners on being one of the youngest GC in India and work experience

    Ramanuj Gopalan, General Counsel, SAIF Partners on being one of the youngest GC in India and work experience

    Ramanuj Gopalan graduated in the year 2007 from the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences. He got a Pre-Placement offer from Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co, Delhi, and was part of the M&A and Corporate Advisory Teams. He was made Principal Associate in 2013, after working there for six years. During his career, he has also published articles relating to FDI in major publications. Currently, he is one of the youngest General Counsels in India, at SAIF Partners. SAIF Partners is a venture and growth capital fund invested in helping Asia’s exceptional companies grow from concept to IPO.

    In this interview he discusses:

    • His time at AMSS and his perception of the field
    • The reasons behind his success at AMSS
    • His shift from AMSS to SAIF, India
    • The scope and nature of his responsibilities as General Counsel

     

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

    I am a commercial lawyer presently working as general counsel with SAIF in India. In terms of background, I was born and brought up in Kolkata. I did my schooling in Don Bosco School, Park Circus and did my law from WBNUJS, Kolkata. I received a pre-placement offer from Amarchand, Delhi and joined its M&A and General Corporate Advisory team in 2007, worked there for 8 years and then joined my current position.

     

    What motivated you to pursue this field? Are there any lawyers in your family?

    I am a completely first generation lawyer. No one in my family is a lawyer.

    My introduction to law was mainly from American novels, movies and serials which both my sister and I used to like. Lawyers such as Atticus Finch and the ones in Grisham’s novels fascinated me. I was a science student in school, and while engineering and medicine were popular choices in my region, I was not too interested to pursue these as a career. In fact I had taken the form for JEE but did not give the exam. The plan to study law however, was not fixed till my last year of school. This was when WBNUJS had just opened in Kolkata under Dr. Madhava Menon. While I was not very sure of my chances as I had not prepared very hard or taken any coaching for the exams, I was very happy when I got through as it gave me an opportunity to stay in the city and be with my family.

     

    Tell us about your experience at NUJS, Kolkata.

    College and staying in a hostel were life changing experiences for me. There was good exposure and guidance in core academic and co-curricular areas such as publications, mooting etc. The experience of staying independently away from home and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures in college and hostel was also invaluable.

    We had a very vibrant student body at least in our first few years when Dr. Menon was there as Vice Chancellor and Professor Shiju as warden. In the last couple of years, because of the pressure of placement and recruitments this tapered off a bit.

    Since I was from Kolkata, I used to stay in the hostel and go home during weekends or holidays, so in that sense I had the best of both worlds. Of course it was easier for me compared to students from other cities who may have found it difficult initially away from home. Our college is located very centrally and it is very easy to go around the city. Apart from academics I was part of the Recruitment and Placement Committees and also the Constitutional Law Society.

     

    What advice do you have for law students on maintaining a good academic profile?

    I find students today to be a lot more focussed and clear about their career goals so not sure I am the best person to be giving advice on this! In terms of academics I was never the type to study a lot. However, what I found helpful was to listen attentively in class and take notes as that helped in absorbing what the teachers said and was also helpful to study before the exams.

     

    You have published many articles in the field of business laws. What advice do you have to give students on how to go about writing publishable articles?

    ramanuj-gopalan-2There are several publications today that are looking for good articles on topical issues. For business related articles the key is the topic selection. It must be relevant and preferably bring some new perspective on the issue. The other important area is that it has to be comprehensive but still concise. The difference with pure academic articles is that the article must be presented in a reader friendly format and not become too technical or legalistic as your audience would lose interest.

     

    How did you decide on this particular field of expertise? Did your internships help in shaping your current career trajectory?

    Yes, to an extent. The other big factor was career certainty. In my view at least till a certain level a law firm (and a corporate job) is certainly more merit based and democratic than private practise. While private practise also interests me, I feel it is very difficult to find your feet in litigation practise initially and there is very less financial security. So for someone from a middle class background and without any family connections in law like me, a law firm or corporate job was ideal. Corporate law also has its own nuances and constantly challenges you so it is not difficult to remain motivated.

     

    Tell us about your time at AMSS, Delhi. Did your perception of the industry change in the eight years you spent with them?

    I had a very good time in Amarchand and worked with Mr. Shardul Shroff and some great team members during my time there. I was fortunate to have worked on a lot of interesting and headline deals which gave me great exposure to different areas of law and sectors. One advantage with working in a firm like Amarchand is that you work on larger and more complex deals involving issues from different areas of law, including other practise groups such as IP, Competition, Tax etc. The corporate team, by project managing the deal, has a 360 degree view of the issues involved. Another big advantage is of course the network effect in working with leading lawyers in the country. Systems, infrastructure, training and knowledge management within the firm was much organised. It helps in building a strong base.

    On the second question, yes of course. A large part of what we do develops with practise and experience. When we are new graduates, while there is enthusiasm and energy there still exists a big learning gap which only gets overcome through experience. With increasing liberalisation of the economy the legal field as well as perception of lawyers has also changed for the better over the years.

     

    What are the secrets to your outstanding performance while you were at AMSS, Delhi? What must one keep in mind before joining such an organisation, especially immediately after graduating?

    Well I guess the first question is subjective but I performed to the best of my abilities and the firm was kind enough to recognise and appreciate my efforts. I feel what is critical in practising commercial law is not just spotting issues but to also find solutions to those issues. One must be keenly aware of what the business requirements are. In general terms, like in any field, there is a lot of hard work and commitment required. Since law firms are in the service industry there must be absolute dedication to the client who is paying a premium for your service. Be eager to learn and committed and have good attitude is what I would advise young lawyers before joining.

     

    What falls within your scope of responsibility as a General Counsel?

    All legal matters essentially from beginning to end and during the life of the investments. These include fund structuring, investments and exits in companies, litigation and disputes, review of ongoing legal issues, advising portfolio companies, advising directors, sectoral review, coordinating with and managing external counsel and advisors.

     

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    What prompted your shift to from handling headliner deals at AMSS, Delhi to becoming General Counsel at SAIF India? How different is the nature of work and the challenges you face?

    While I had very good growth in Amarchand, SAIF presented a fantastic opportunity so it was in a sense moving because of the role. Working as a General Counsel for a fund like SAIF gives me an exposure which would have been difficult in Amarchand at the position I was in.

    The nature of work is very interesting. Handling transactions not just from start to finish but also during the life of companies gives a very unique perspective. It is in a sense putting theory into practise. The people both within my organisation as well as outside I deal with are very dynamic since that is the nature of the fund and the investments. I have to work alongside the deal team and business teams on the transaction, keeping in mind what is required for the transaction/business. Except for the requirement of business development, my work is as challenging (if not more) as was in Amarchand.

    In terms of challenges nothing specific per se but of course the level of support that one has in a large firm both in terms of peer group support, legal infrastructure and databases, domain knowledge is not something that can be found in-house.

     

    You were with AMSS, Delhi for Eight years. Was it difficult to handle a change after such a long time? What helped make the transition smoother?

    Moving out was really difficult as in a sense you are moving from the really close relationships you have built in the firm over time. Then I had to shift from Delhi to Gurgaon so there was the whole shifting process and adjustment process which my wife and I had to handle. In terms of work there was some learning curve to adjust to the documents, thinking and existing advisor relationships of SAIF. The SAIF team was very helpful so the shift was smooth in that sense.

     

    Given that you are one of the youngest General Counsels in India, is age a factor, either positive or negative?

    In the venture capital space I would say age is a definite positive as the thinking is very dynamic and hands on and the overall team is also young. It is also easier to learn and adjust at a younger age. In more traditional sectors as well as litigation practise being older would probably be a positive.

     

    What do recruiters look for in the current crop of law graduates?

    I would say good attitude and commitment are very important. The law school one belongs to, CGPA and co-curricular activities also matter, especially early on and help in getting interview/PPO opportunities. One must be confident and articulate with good communication skills.

     

    What would be your advice to our budding lawyers?

    Be good in what you are and you will definitely get results. A lot of opportunities are there for lawyers and the legal market in India is also maturing. Keep abreast of technology as I feel legal practise both on the corporate side as well as litigation will increasingly embrace technology in the next few years.

  • Shriya Jain, Associate, Wadia Ghandy & Co., Ahmedabad on work experience in real estate at a top tier law firm

    Shriya Jain, Associate, Wadia Ghandy & Co., Ahmedabad on work experience in real estate at a top tier law firm

    Shriya Jain, a 2013 graduate of Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmedabad is currently working as an Associate at Wadia Ghandy & Co. She works in their Property Team, in the real estate department and handles the drafting of transactional documents relating to real estate and also makes title certificates. In this interview she tells us about:

    • The passion for indulging in extra/co-curricular activities;
    • The importance of drafting as a skill;
    • The interesting path of choosing to do different things;
    • The importance of breaking barriers.

     

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

    I am a part of the 2013 graduating batch of Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmedabad. I started my practice with Wadia Ghandy & Co., Ahmedabad in their Property Team and have recently completed three years with the Firm. Coming from a non-legal background, my journey till here has been very interesting and surely a roller coaster ride.

     

    What would you like to share with our readers about your experience at ILNU, Ahmedabad?

    In one word – Enlightening! We were the second batch of the Institute; hence, we as an Institute were exploring and learning a lot of new arenas of a Law School, like moot courts, debates, seminars, MUNs and such. These were very raw and new for us. Particularly, because of this reason, the initial batches had an added advantage. Further, the best thing about ILNU is that it focuses on various modes of teaching law, starting from classroom lectures to seminars, guest lectures from practicing lawyers, innumerable extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, mandatory internship for 9 semesters, setting up a legal aid clinic and giving students firsthand experience at an early stage to gain these experiences. I have tried my level best to absorb something from each of the above activities.

     

    What were your areas of interest in the law?

    This question has been rightly put up as what ‘were’ my areas of interests in law, as my interest has taken a drastic turn… by chance. During my days in law school, I was really interested in Corporate Law and wanted to pursue it further. At the time of campus placements, I was offered a position in the property team of Wadia Ghandy & Co. and I thought I should give it a shot! It would have been something new for me and I would have learnt about a field I had not much heard of. And to be honest, I have never looked back since then.

     

    During your time at ILNU, what, if any, extra-curricular or co-curricular activities did you take up? How did the same affect your learning experience and prepare you for the legal sector?

    ILNU has given me various opportunities to explore and enhance my potential. I am someone who cannot rely only on academics. My focus has always been on overall development. Since my school days, I was clear on one aspect – I would participate in extra-curricular activities. It builds your personality, enhances your creative side, gives you an opportunity to meet several people and learn from them, develops a competitive spirit and gives you an edge. I carried this pattern of my life to college as well, ensuring from the first semester itself that I am involved in the extra-curricular and co-curricular activities of college, and I did this till my tenth semester there. I was very inclined towards debating during my school days and, in college, I was introduced to Parliamentary Debates and the concept of adjudication.

    shriya-jain-2In my first semester I was given an opportunity to represent the Institute as an adjudicator at the NLS Debate hosted by NLSIU, Bengaluru. After this experience, I don’t remember any year of my college where I didn’t participate in a debate competition and have since adjudicated Semi Finals and Final Rounds of various National Level Parliamentary Debate Competitions. In my final year, I was made the Chairperson of the Debating Committee of ILNU and along with my wonderful team, we organized the 1st ILNU National Parliamentary Debate Competition. Oh what an experience that was!

    Apart from this I was a part of the team which qualified for the Asian Regional Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, 2012; presented a paper on the topic of “Emergence of Refugees in Non-International Armed Conflict : Its Implications on the Host State and the Role of UN” at the International Law Students Association Annual Summer Conference, 2010 at Istanbul, Turkey, a topic which is co-incidentally very relevant today. Participating in these activities (you may choose whichever activity holds your interest, but make sure you are doing something apart from sitting in classrooms) gave me an opportunity to interact with law students from all over the world and it has been a wonderful experience throughout.

    I was also involved in cultural activities like fashion shows organized by ILNU, where I was spotted by a creative agency and starred in videos pertaining to ‘Awakening of Youth’ by the Government of Gujarat and in another video for ‘Save the Girl Child’ campaign.

     

    Having been working with one of the best law firms in India, what can you tell our readers about what law firms look for in potential candidates?

    Your basics of law should be clear. As a firm or any recruiter for that matter, we understand that a fresher may not have an advanced knowledge of law and may not be able to respond correctly to every question. Therefore, we would want to see how clear your basics are. Further, being curious and having the zeal to learn at every step, good drafting skills etc. are looked forward to.

     

    What led you to gravitate towards Real Estate practice?

    My earlier response to areas of interests covers how I started with real estate practice. The scope of work in this field is not known to many, including how the laws are different in each State. It is not taught in law schools and is very different from other areas of practice. Also, there are few women lawyers in this field. In my 3 years of practice, apart from the lawyers in my team, I would have interacted with not more than 3 female lawyers who are practicing in real estate. And because of this fact, clients (from real estate) are not used to having female lawyers. In our field, our clients are mostly builders, farmers etc. where female presence is generally very less. Therefore – and I don’t blame them – they are a little shocked to see a female lawyer involved in the matter. My initial 10 minutes of every client interaction is invested in building confidence of the clients. It is good to break barriers!

     

    How important do you consider drafting as a skill, especially for those who are interested in transactional practice?

    Your document is the end product of your knowledge. Hence, it is extremely important to have good drafting skills to portray the understanding of clients and your knowledge in the best possible way. As a transactional lawyer, 75% of your time is invested in drafting agreements. I would say, if you want to be a transactional lawyer, focus on enhancing your drafting skills. It is all about how you bring out the understanding on paper. Do not confuse it with using fancy language and Latin terms. Be simple, precise and coherent.

     

    What would you like to share with our readers about the general rigorous and demanding nature of a corporate sector job?

    If you enjoy what you are doing, you will not find it to be rigorous or time consuming. Yes, you have to put in hard work and lot of hours, but that is an investment at the end of the day.

     

    Finally, what parting message would you like to give to our readers?

    I shall put this in a precise manner:

    1. Read a lot. From course books to articles, essays, fiction, non-fiction, history etc. As a lawyer, you should not restrict yourself to course books or specific laws. Enhance your knowledge, there is no limit. Like my Father says, “College is there to only provide you guidance, it is your responsibility to learn and shape your career”. Another advice which I have taken from ILNU is from one of our lecturers, Mr. Divya Tyagi, “You speak what you read”. Hence, read quality books;
    2. Participate in Co-curricular/Extra-Curricular activities;
    3. Work with a lawyer after college hours. This will give you an experience as to how the law is applied in reality;
    4. Socialize with your peers from other law schools, lawyers and lecturers. The knowledge and exposure that you will get from interacting with them is invaluable and shall be with you for life; and
    5. Enjoy your time at law school. It is a wonderful experience!

     

     

  • Ankita Ray, Senior Associate, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, on building a career in Corporate Law

    Ankita Ray, Senior Associate, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, on building a career in Corporate Law

    Ankita Ray graduated from Symbiosis Law School in 2010. With excellent legal and soft skills, a profound love for the written word and a series of successful internships, after graduating she pursued a corporate law practice for a few years with J. Sagar Associates. She is now a Senior Associate in Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.

    In this interview, she shares her insights on:

    • Interests and gravitating towards law and university life.
    • Decisions in college – extra-curricular activities and maintaining a good academic record.
    • Interning – how she chose her internships and the differential internship experiences in India and in Singapore.
    • Working at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and the changes that being a senior associate brings.

     

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

    I am a senior associate with Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, working out of their Mumbai office. I was in the Bangalore offices of Amarchand Mangaldas Suresh A. Shroff & Co. for a period of 2 years, before relocating to Mumbai. I started my professional life with JSA, Bangalore, after graduating from Symbiosis Law School in 2010.

     

    Tell us about your life before you joined college. Where did your interests lie as school student?

    My father’s transferable job took me across various cities and towns in India, and through 8 schools! This meant recreating a new social circle and inculcating aspects of new cultures every few years, if not months. I have always been interested in the written word and would probably have studied literature, if law had not happened. While in school, debating and mock parliaments were my favourite extra-curricular activities and I bagged a few laurels representing my school in various competitions. It is a plus that both these interests come in handy as a professional lawyer.

     

    What made you gravitate towards law?

    What made me gravitate towards law – this is an interesting one! I had the opportunity to be a part of the Indian contingent to the International Schools Olympiad held in Karachi, Pakistan, in 2004. Organised by The Telegraph in Schools, our journey to Karachi was much more than a competition, and was dubbed a peace mission: ‘Bonding Beyond Borders’. While I cannot say enough about the exhilarating experience that it was at various levels, this was the first time I had exposure to interesting discussions on various legal issues across borders, especially on international law. This piqued my interest in the legal field. Later that year, while deciding on which field to select for my graduate studies, I knew that I wanted to study law.

     

    What extra-curricular activities did you participate in while in university? What do you think is the importance of moot competitions, mediation competitions and debates in aiding the overall development of a law student?

    ankita-ray-4My approach towards engaging in any form of extra/co-curricular activity is geared towards expanding my limits and gaining new experiences. Given that, personally, I do not think one kind of activity can be more important than the other. However, it is best to take a shot at every possible opportunity before deciding what you would like to be regular at. Moots etc. are definitely helpful in getting your research and speaking skills in place or to evaluate yourself in those areas. While it is important to move out of your comfort zone, it is also important to try to understand what you identify with.

    The first couple of years in college, I was into debating (and won the best team in debating in Mood Indigo and a Rotary Club debate). Thereafter, having interned in law firms by then, I realised the importance of having adequate drafting skills. Further, I realised I enjoyed the entire process of researching and putting it down on paper in the form of an article. I won the national first prize for an essay on cyber crimes, in a competition organised by Competition Success Review, in 2013 and a couple of articles also got published in Manupatra.

     

    How important is a CGPA for recruiters to assess students? How did you maintain a balance between a good academic record at university and your extracurricular activities?

    Let’s put it this way: for the purposes of campus recruitment, CGPA is one way for recruiters to shortlist from a large number of students. Also, if one intends to pursue a Masters degree, academic scores will be relevant. Any which way, it never hurts to keep your academic records in good shape.

    It was not very difficult to maintain a balance between a good academic record and extracurricular activities! During our time at Symbiosis Law School, we did not have the concept of weekly assignments and exams (which have been introduced now), which made it a bit easier. However, like in everything, time management is essential – usually keeping a fixed time (even if it is half an hour a day) to devote to your extracurricular activities works well.

     

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    Tell us about your internship experiences. How did you choose your internships? How early did you apply? Are there any things that an applicant must keep in mind?

    Initially, I wanted to test out as many avenues of the legal profession as possible, in order to make an informed decision on which one I would want to follow. Therefore, I interned with an NGO, a senior counsel in the Kolkata High Court, in the legal departments of Vodafone India and ICICI Bank and law firms, in that order. Post my first internship in a law firm (Khaitan & Co., Kolkata) I realised that I would like to work in a law firm environment. Hence, all my internships thereafter were in law firms.

    I applied anywhere between 6 – 9 months in advance. Very often, during an internship, my reporting/mentoring lawyers were kind enough to either get me a follow on internship or refer me to other firms for internships, when requested. Similarly, seniors from college were a great help when it came to getting internships.

    A couple of things that an applicant for internships must be careful about, even before actually joining an internship, is their application email (which should be without any grammatical or spelling errors and customised) and their resume (which should not be very long). Following up after sending an email requesting for an internship opportunity is another important matter.

     

    You interned at reputed firms in India as well as a firm in Singapore. How was the internship experience different? What did you gain from the experience?

    I was lucky to get an opportunity to experience the workings of a foreign law firm during my stint at Drew & Napier in Singapore, which added another dimension to the entire internship experience. The chance to examine the laws and experience the workings of the judicial process of a different jurisdiction was a fruitful experience. Meeting lawyers and co-interns from Singapore and other countries like Australia, France etc., having discussions on comparative aspects of laws from our respective countries was truly enriching.

     

    You joined JSA after graduation. Tell us about your experience at the firm and the work profile you were entrusted with.

    Like all firsts, my tenure at the Bangalore offices of JSA (where I began my career from), is memorable in many ways. I got an interesting mix of work there, ranging from technology law (this was in 2011, when the privacy rules were enforced) to transactional matters.

    Since I hear a lot of complaints from juniors about doing due diligences, one thing I would specifically like to mention here is that in my first year of work, I also did a lot of due diligence exercises. Contrary to popular belief, due diligence exercises were a great learning experience since they exposed me to the entire gamut of laws that may be applicable and a range of different sectors.

     

    You have now been made senior associate. How different is the work from being an associate and what challenges have you had to deal with since?

    ankita-ray-2At the Senior Associate level, you need to be thorough with your field of law. You are expected to have ready answers which are legally sound and which can be implemented in practice. It is also essential to develop skills (both, legal and soft skills) to handle clients on your own and maintain an ongoing relationship with them.

    In terms of work, there is a shift from taking the first crack at a document to reviewing a first draft worked upon by a junior. In this regard, there is also a role of mentorship that you play in your own small way.

    Additionally, you are increasingly aware of the business side of law practice – invoicing and revenue generation, networking to generate more work etc.

     

    Apart from corporate/commercial matters, you now handle a lot of labour and employment matters. Could you give our readers a glimpse into what the area deals with for those interested and the type of matters one may expect to deal with?

    Previously, employment and labour laws were pertinent more from the perspective of protection of blue-collared workers. However, with increasing interest in India as a destination for foreign investment, finer issues in this field of law have arisen. Hence, employment law practice has now assumed greater significance, with many law firms recognising it as a separate, albeit upcoming practice area.

    In terms of work, there are primarily four buckets one may consider: The first being employment advisory which covers complex issues of trade union strategy, high profile terminations, large scale downsizing and retrenchments in all sectors, sexual harassment complaints, as well as routine matters such as employee handbooks, appointment letters etc.

    The second bucket of work is transactional – conducting human resources due diligence, employee movement, transfer of employee benefits, recognising employment related risks in different types of transactions, whether business transfer or share acquisitions.

    The third bucket of work is contentious matters such as wrongful terminations, internal investigations, disciplinary procedures, sexual harassment complaints and includes representations before the labour commissioner.

    The fourth bucket is compliance – where we conduct employment health checks for companies and assist in identifying risks and advice on best practices.

    The practice of employment laws is interesting and challenging given the human element involved in every situation – no two people react in the same way and often each situation we advise on throws up different issues, which are often time sensitive and have to be dealt with. Therefore, it involves thinking on your feet, where you have to complement your legal knowledge with a practical approach towards the issue at hand. With regard to the kind of work one can expect, there are no two days which are similar! And that is what makes this practice area invigorating!

     

    Finally, what advice would you have for our readers, most of whom are college going students?

    While at law school, try to participate in as many activities as you can, be it moots, debates, mock parliaments. Also, I would emphasise doing as many internships as possible, because there is no alternative to gaining practical experience. However, do enjoy the college days!

     

  • Utsav Gandhi, Associate, Fox Mandal, on 1st year at a law firm and graduating from Nirma University

    Utsav Gandhi, Associate, Fox Mandal, on 1st year at a law firm and graduating from Nirma University

    Utsav Gandhi graduated from the Institute of Law, Nirma University in 2014. He has participated in many reputed International and National Law Moots and has headed various committees. During his time in college he made sure to get his hands on everything college had to offer. He is currently working in the corporate and real estate law team  at Fox Mandal, Ahmedabad and wishes to keep exploring the field and continue the cycle of learning.

    In this interview he talks to us about:

    • His decision of choosing ILNU and the college’s contribution in his career.
    • His views on Moots and other activities in augmenting a CV.
    • His work and experience at Fox Mandal.
    • His views and suggestions on starting a successful legal career.

     

    How would you like to be known to our readers, most of whom are the law aspirants?

    I am a corporate lawyer based in Ahmedabad and a graduate of the 2014 batch of Institute of Law, Nirma University. Also, I am a first generation lawyer in my family. Initially I thought of studying engineering, but when I started going for the engineering coaching classes the subjects did not capture my interest. While looking at other options I came across law and I immediately took a liking to subjects such as tort law, civil law and criminal law, that I came across while studying for the law entrance exam.

     

    What specific goals, other than those related to your current line of business, have you established for yourself for the upcoming years?

    None of my plans are set in stone. However, in the coming years I would like to grow as a legal professional and tackle new challenges over time. Further, I would also like to assume a position of leadership and develop expertise in a particular area of law. On a personal front, I was an avid trekker in school and that is something that I would like to proactively pursue as a hobby in the near future.

     

    What led you choose your college or university?

    When I joined ILNU it was relatively new, with the first batch students still in their 5th year. However, Nirma had a very good reputation for having excellent faculty with amazing infrastructure. In fact the Nirma University campus has to be one of the best in India. Also, when I went through the prospectus, it immediately piqued my interest since the course structure was unique, wherein a student could pursue a specialisation (Hons.) in either Criminal, Corporate, Constitutional or IPR Law. Thus, I believed that joining ILNU would help me immensely in building my career as a legal professional.

    How do you see your university and education and experience it imparted as being helpful in preparing you for a corporate career?

    I would credit the teachers at ILNU for being extremely diligent and focused on teaching the students about the basics of law. Further, I was also given the opportunity to explore many extra-curricular activities such as debating, MUNing and of course, mooting.

    Further the curriculum at ILNU was quite rigorous, with term assignments and exams always keeping me on my toes. This helped me greatly in improving my time management skills and also helped me to work under pressure, s so ILNU through 5 years of college, prepared me for the corporate life.

     

    Tell us about the activities you participated in while at university that helped boosting your progress?

    I participated in everything that I could get my hands on. I have participated in many international moot courts which have greatly improved my research and communication skills. In fact, mooting was the best thing about college as it also taught me how to work in a team. Further, I also tried my hand at debating and MUNing which helped me in public speaking. Apart from this, I have been part of the ILNU’s Campus Recruitment Committee and Literary Committee, which imbibed in me, the leadership skills, which are invaluable for any lawyer and something that every lawyer should possess.

    Also, I have presented papers at various international as well as national conferences and have got some of them published as well. This gave me the opportunity to extensively research on upcoming areas of law and have now helped me in my career. For example, I presented a paper on Corporate Social Responsibility, which back then was only an evolving concept and there was no legislation on the same. However, my research encompassed various jurisdictions and consequently, set up a strong base for me in that subject. Now, CSR has become a major area of interest/concern in the industry, and it has become extremely easy for me to advise the clients on the same.

    With regard to the internships, I kept an open mind before deciding on a particular area of law. I had not decided to choose corporate law as a career since the beginning. The various internship experiences I did helped me choose a definite career path. Thus, during my early years at ILNU I decided to intern with Nanavati Associates (District Court, Gujarat), Adv. Devang Nanavati (High Court of Gujarat) and Krishna and Saurastri Associates (IPR). Finally, it was when I interned at Phoenix Legal and Trilegal that I decided pursue a career in corporate law.

    Further, I have also completed various courses such as the Thomson Reuters’ Legal Advancement Programme (in my second year) and a diploma course on Entrepreneurship Administration & Business Laws jointly offered by NUJS and iPleaders. These courses helped me improve my knowledge base and have also played a major role in helping me to ace my interview with Fox & Mandal.

     

    Share with us your working experience as an Associate at Fox Mandal, India’s oldest law firm.

    I have been working on corporate and real estate law matters at the Ahmedabad office of Fox & Mandal for the past 2 years. My work profile mainly comprises of transactional and advisory work in the area of general commercial laws and drafting due diligence reports and advisory opinions on real estate law.

    Fox & Mandal is a huge law firm with over 200 lawyers across India and all the offices regularly connect with the each other. Therefore, I have had the opportunity to interact and work with some of the brightest minds and experts in their fields of law. Further, since the Ahmedabad office is relatively new I have also had the opportunity to network with potential clients across various industries in Gujarat. I believe that no other big law firm would have provided me with this opportunity and I am sincerely grateful to Fox & Mandal, as I believe that this will always be of an immense help to me.

     

    Would you like to share with us any of your accomplishments before or after joining the Law School or even after your placements?

    The first moot that I went to was the GNLU International Moot Court Competition, where our team won the 2nd Best Memorial Award. Later on, we were the first team from ILNU to get selected for the prestigious D.M. Harish Memorial International Moot Court Competition through the Memorial Round. I was also awarded a gold medal by ILNU in recognition for my moot court achievements.

    Further, I have also won an essay competition which was then consequently published in a book titled “Right to Development – Views and Issues”. I also pursued an online internship with Alexis Society (an organisation dealing with issues relating to youth empowerment), where I was adjudged the Best Intern and I had primarily worked on the research topic of Global internet freedom.

    At present, I am also closely working with Adhrit Foundation as an Editor and an Internship Coordinator. My priority tasks with Adhrit include Editorial Work, Content Development and Talent Development. This role has provided me with the opportunity to mentor many law students who have just begun their law school journey.

     

    Having seen the dynamic evolution in various facets of law, how did you manage to seize any opportunity that knocked your door?

    One has to really be on their toes and it is very important to keep a lookout for any new opportunity. The best resource for this is of course the internet, which is a multitude of vast information. However, in order to stand apart from my peers, I always chose to do something new and take risks and I give a  100% to whatever I am doing.

    Also, I always keep myself updated with the latest developments in the legal field and immediately prepare concise notes for the clients on the upcoming areas of law which are going to have a big impact on the industry. After joining Fox & Mandal, I have also assisted in organising various conferences and workshops with the latest one being a Workshop on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace. Further, I have also delivered a lecture at Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad on the medico-legal issues that healthcare professionals face. This has helped me in understanding the industry issues and consequently, helped me in addressing their various concerns too.

     

    How would you advise a law student if one has to start on to preparing for a career while in college?

    I believe that a law student should focus on his academics to ensure that the basic concepts are clear since that is the first thing that the recruiters will look at while short listing a candidate. However, one does not need to be a topper to get a good job. The important thing is that the CV should be well-rounded. Also, I would advise the current crop of law students to moot extensively, irrespective of whether they’re choosing litigation or a corporate law career. Mooting develops ones research and communication abilities to a great extent. Further, other extracurricular activities such as debating and presenting papers at various conferences also helps in developing presentation and research skills.

     

    In the end, what would you like to communicate to the fresh graduates who are ready to set foot in the law firm?

    Keep an open mind and work on as many areas of law as possible and always interact with everyone across the board, be it an Associate or the senior management. Further, the field of law is dynamic and ever changing, hence, one has to stay abreast with the latest developments and preferably conduct a thorough research on topics which may have a huge impact in the future. Also, ones aim during the first couple of years at a law firm should be to accumulate knowledge on all the aspects of law and not confine themselves to a particular area from the beginning.

     

    This interview was taken by: Kadambari Tripathi, Student at Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmedabad

  • Ritwik Sahay, Partner, Jus Remedium, on building a Corporate/Commercial practice

    Ritwik Sahay, Partner, Jus Remedium, on building a Corporate/Commercial practice

    Ritwik Sahay qualified in law from Delhi University in 2008, prior to which he had attained a bachelor’s degree in Commerce. He has worked as an Advocate at firms like Trilegal and Dua Associates, with his specialization being Corporate Law. He currently heads the Corporate and Commercial team at Jus Remedium.

    In this interview, he talks to us about:

    • The selection of law as a career choice and the role Commerce had to play
    • Starting up Jus Remedium
    • The art of negotiations and liaisons
    • Identification of key areas of responsibilities and taking on assignments in various fields of specialization

     

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

    Hi, I am Ritwik Sahay, the Corporate Partner at Jus Remedium Law Offices. I am a law graduate from Delhi University and have completed C.S. (Executive). My core areas of practice include M&A, FDI, general corporate & commercial advisory, labour & employment, and corporate and regulatory compliances. I love reading and that helps me to improvise myself, on a personal as well as a professional front, on a regular basis. My success mantra is hard-work, honesty and collective growth.

     

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    Was Law your first choice as a career? What prompted you to take up this line of work?

    Well, Law was not my first choice as a career. I was aspiring for business administration but could not get through any ‘A’ grade business school. Basically, I started Law to compliment my CS syllabus, but gradually I fell in love with Law and pursued it as my main course. Most lawyers would agree when I say that Law is a challenging career that literally forces you to excel everyday if you want to be in the practice for a long period. I became fascinated towards Law practice after realising that this profession will not only provide me a platform to gain immense knowledge but will also give me opportunities to make a difference in the functioning of corporate sector.

     

    Did your Bachelors in Commerce in any way prompt you to choose Corporate Law, or further your interest in it?

    Yes, of course. I strongly believe that my commerce background not only prompted me to take up Corporate Law as a practice but also proved to be of great help in understanding the intricacies of corporate structure and requirement. Some of the commerce subjects like economics, accounts and business laws gave me a bigger horizon to understand  Corporate Law issues and measures to tackle them. I also believe that in the present era, legal and business requirements go hand in hand, and you cannot really segregate them especially if you are in Corporate Law practice. Having a commerce degree (and pursuing CS) literally mended my way toward adopting Corporate Law practice. Once you have been in this practice for 7-8 years, you tend to realise that having a good understanding of financial records of a company gives a cutting edge over others, and having a commerce background certainly helps you in decoding these financials records.

     

    What was your experience like during your stay in Delhi University? What were some of your biggest takeaways?

    Oh, it was a life-time experience staying in DU. I had come to DU from a small town in Bihar/Jharkhand and it was a quite a cultural shock to me initially when I was introduced to DU (during my graduation days). Gradually, DU started taking good care of me and all I had to do was to adapt to the circumstances. Law graduation from DU was, of course, a prestigious thing and I thoroughly enjoyed my days at Law Faculty. I still believe that the Law Faculty trains you to be hard-working, dedicated and innovative. The variety of students you find in Law Faculty will completely change your outlook towards life and your career. Moot courts were really helpful in understanding the importance of the research part of Law practice. Similarly, debate competition literally improved my negotiating skills. It is quite important that you keep participating in these activities during your college days. I had bagged a couple of awards in debate and moot-court competitions in Law Faculty.

     

    You refer to your ability to act as a liaison and your negotiation skills as some of your key skills. How do you think these have played a relevant role in your career?

    Well, I think liaising and negotiating skills are inseparable part of Corporate Law practice, and these are as important as your knowledge of laws. I am an ardent believer in the fact that if you cannot express or communicate your knowledge, your knowledge will not be useful. As Corporate Law practice largely involves finalising the terms of several agreements, it is not important only to draft these agreements but also to negotiate the terms with the other parties and to convince them to agree to your terms. If you do not have a strong negotiating skill (coupled with knowledge to back it up, of course), it would be difficult for you to get through any transaction. I also believe that adaptability is one of the significant factors that you must possess to enhance your negotiating skills. Likewise, liaising with different Government bodies to conclude a transaction is something which you cannot afford to ignore. It is necessary to understand that different Government bodies function in different styles and you have to adopt different measures to liaise with them.

     

    A lot of your work involved foreign investment. Do you think the current laws do a satisfactory job at safeguarding and promoting foreign investment?

    Foreign Investment is one of the most important aspects of Corporate Law practice. Majority of the Corporate Law Firms in India, these days, base their practice on foreign investments. As a firm, we are of the view that the current legal regime has been quite successful in attracting foreign investment. There are, of course, certain areas like labour and industrial laws, which – in my view – are archaic and can be improvised to make them simpler and practical, but a large number of current legislations are providing good opportunities to foreign investors to explore Indian market. Further, introduction of the new set of companies laws and bankruptcy & insolvency laws are a good sign which have already attracted the eye balls of foreign investors. Also, the liberalisation in the conditions for foreign investments (through amendments in the foreign exchange laws), on a regular basis, not only signify the Government’s intention to make India a better place to invest in, but also make the investment procedure simpler and smoother. At present, one of the biggest challenges is to eliminate the uncertainty regarding the tax laws (in terms of Goods and Service Tax laws and Direct Tax Code) which, I think, are causing the foreign investors being overcautious.

     

    Did your internships and/or prior work experience in any way aid you in the furtherance of these?

    Actually, being a commerce graduate and pursuing CS, I always had interest in corporate laws, and the kind of internships I undertook pushed me to take up Corporate Law practice.

     

    You have worked with issues regarding benefits available to employees under various labour welfare organisations etc. What are your thoughts regarding the Labour Laws present in India today?

    Most of the labour laws in India are welfare legislations and were enacted to protect the interests of labourers to a large extent. The Indian Judiciary, too, have time and again been proven to be labour friendly because of the fact that labourers are considered to be having week bargaining power vis-a-vis their engagements with corporate entities. However, with the evolution of trade unions in India, there has been an immense shift in the bargaining power of the labour force which at times gets exercised in unwanted manners. If you see, a majority of the labour laws in India have failed to adapt the new trend and that causes a regular tussle between the corporate entities and them. Further, these labour laws are so scattered that it is really difficult for a corporate entity to be fully complied. Segregation between Central legislations and State legislations vis-a-vis the labour laws has further added to the complexity of these laws. We, as a firm, strongly believe that now is the time when the Labour Laws need overhauling to make them simpler and practical so at to cater the needs of the labours but at the same time making the compliances easier and smoother for corporate entities.

     

    What made you decide to start your independent practise Jus Remedium? What are some key differences you have faced in terms of dealing with clients while working under a firm, and being an independent practitioner?

    I think it is broadly a matter of choice whether you wish to continue working with a law firm or want to go independent – both has its pros and cons. For me, I think it was an urge to develop my own philosophy of working which sort of compelled me to start Jus Remedium. Of course, it was a tough decision to leave a settled career in Trilegal and start an independent practice, but it was a bit of self-belief and the support of family and clients-cum-friends that allowed me to go for it.

    I did not find much difference in dealing with clients because of the fact that I have been dealing with similar clients for a substantial period of time while I was in a law firm. One prominent difference would be the added responsibility that you not only have to execute the work but also to develop a relationship with the clients directly to earn works. Initially, it was little difficult to realise that we are a start-up firm and we have to adjust to the clients’ requirement in terms fees and deadlines. But, we adapted quickly and the clients are quite happy with the quality and turn-around-time we offer to them.

     

    In the short while since you have founded Jus Remedium, you have built a significant network of big corporate clients. What are the key factors to building such a clientele and maintaining their trust?

    These days, competition amongst law firms is acute, and hence it becomes important that your clients are satisfied with the quality of your work. It is not important only to win new clients but also to maintain a healthy relationship with these clients, and this is possible only if they feel safe in your hands. There are several factors which should be focussed on while you are developing your clientele, including your expertise and acumen to understand clients’ specific requirements. Additionally, you have to make your clients feel important irrespective of its size and the industry it belongs to. As a start-up firm, our philosophy is to provide quality work to our clients within a flexible turn-around-time, at a highly competitive price.

     

    Please share with us your experience with identifying and shouldering Key-Responsibility Areas with regards to assignments in a myriad of fields. How did you go about such a mammoth task?

    Basically, I enjoy identifying and shouldering responsibilities- be it towards clients or other lawyers. It has been quite a journey for me from being an associate to being a partner, and it has really helped me to understand the ground level issues to top level issues. As regards the legal assignments, I strongly believe that you would be able to give your 100% only if you get a sense of attachment with the assignments. It is easy to convince others on any issue but you should always try to convince yourself first before discussing it with others. Once you are convinced with your view, you would have a solid logic to back it up.

     

    What message would you like to share with our readers?

    Always stick to the fundamentals. Never opt for any shortcuts. Law is such a profession where you have to grow on a daily basis and be updated with the changes around. Since these days, laws are so dynamic: it becomes all the more important to be aware about all the amendments in the legislations you are practicing. My candid suggestion to the readers would be to focus on developing analytical and reasoning skills besides adopting an attitude of getting into the depth of every matter.

  • Amit Cowshish, Partner, Dua Associates, on practicing in Defence Law and serving as a Financial Advisor (Acquisition) in the Ministry of Defence

    Amit Cowshish, Partner, Dua Associates, on practicing in Defence Law and serving as a Financial Advisor (Acquisition) in the Ministry of Defence

    Amit Cowshish, served the Indian Defence Accounts Service in various capacities and retired in 2012. Having studied M.A. and M.Phil in Political Science from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, and qualified in Law from Delhi University, Amit had also received a Diploma in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the Indian Law Institute.

    amit-cowshish-2Amit went on to serve on deputation with the Ministry of Defence, first as Under Secretary and later as Additional Financial Advisor & Joint Secretary and Financial Advisor (Acquisition) & Additional Secretary. He also served as Commissioner for Departmental Inquiries on deputation with the Central Vigilance Commission. He is a presently a Distinguished Fellow with the Indian Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, and is presently a Partner with Dua Associates, Advocates and Solicitors.

    In this interview, he talks to us about:

    • Working in the arena of Public Administration;
    • His work with the Defence Accounts Department;
    • His responsibilities with the Minsitry of Defence; and
    • His post-retirement transition to a life in corporate law.

     

    What influenced you to choose law as your profession? Where did you pursue the same?

    Law runs in the family. My father was a lawyer, and so was his father. Both my daughters are lawyers, as well. I had great admiration for the profession right from my early days in school. Destiny took me elsewhere, but after retirement I have returned to the fold, as it were.

    I studied law at the evening centre of the Delhi University while I was in service.

     

    You hold a pre-degree diploma in the Russian and Persian languages. How did you develop an interest in learning languages?

    Apart from Hindi and English, we were taught Punjabi at school.  I picked up Urdu as it was the language used by a large segment of the local population, and used in the courts. That got me interested in languages. So, when I got an opportunity, I decided to learn a couple of foreign languages as well.

     

    What steered you into the area of public administration?

    These are institutes where serving government officers are sent for mid-career courses. I was fortunate to have been sent for the courses run by IIPA (Indian Institute of Public Administration) and NDC (National Defence College).

     

    Do tell us about your journey as part of the Defence Accounts Department.

    I got the opportunity to serve at different stations; travelled far and wide within India; gained vast experience in financial management in defence.

     

    What were your main responsibilities as the Controller of Defence Accounts?

    Controllers of Defence Accounts are responsible for various functions related to accounting, payment, audit and financial advice in relation to the military establishments located within the jurisdiction of the organizations they head.

     

    What was the biggest challenge you faced in your role?

    Being a finance person is, in itself, the biggest challenge in any organization!

     

    What were the different tasks involved in the posts of an Under Secretary, Additional Financial Advisor & Joint Secretary, and Financial Advisor (Acquisition) & Additional Secretary?

    As Under Secretary, I was responsible for matters related to pension policy for the armed forces. As Additional Financial Advisor, my work was related to financial matters concerning the organizations assigned to me as well as defence planning and budget.

    As Financial Advisor (Acquisition), I was associated with all capital acquisitions for the armed forces and the Indian Coast Guard.

     

    How did you come to be associated you with the drafting of the Defence Procurement Manual 2009? Did having a legal qualification help with the same?

    This task was assigned to me, probably because at that point of time I was associated with revenue procurements. Yes, my legal qualifications did help.

     

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    How is it that you came to join Dua Associates as a Partner?

    I joined Dua Associates after my retirement from the Indian Defense Accounts Service in 2012, to keep myself engaged in meaningful work.

     

    Was it difficult to adapt to a corporate firm after having worked for long in public administration?

    The transition was smooth; I did not face any difficulty.

     

    Defence being a very niche sector what would be your advice to young lawyers working in defence matters?

    There is not much of a difference as regards keeping abreast of the latest developments whether one is handling the defence sector or any other sector. To make a beginning, one has to develop general familiarity with the subject, study the existing policies and procedures, follow the developments reported in the media and law journals, keep an eye on the official announcements, and pay special attention to the judgements concerning one’s areas of interest. Attending seminars and other events related to defence matters also helps.

     

    Do you work only on defence related projects at Dua?

    No, the work I do is not confined to defence related projects.

     

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    Would you consider taking a few lectures on Defence law and material procurement if invited?

    Certain statutes like the Army Act, the Air Force Act, the Navy Act and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act are specific to the armed forces. There are other statues, rules and regulations like the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, the Companies Act, and policies concerning FDI and exports, etc., which also have a bearing on legal issues concerning the defence sector. However, there is no specific law concerning defence procurement/acquisition by the Ministry of Defence. Defence purchases are primarily governed by the Defence Procurement Procedure and Defence Procurement Manual.

    I would be happy to talk on defence procurement policies and procedures of the Indian Ministry of Defence.

     

    Being a very niche sector what would be your advice to young lawyers working in defence matters?

    Broadly, legal professionals can contribute with regard to service and contractual matters. It is important that those who are interested in these areas not only keep themselves updated about the applicable laws, rules and procedures, but also acquire a good understanding of the organisational ethos of the armed forces, coast guard, border roads, etc., as well as acquaint themselves with the functioning of the defence industry.

  • Manisha Chaudhary, Managing Partner, UKCA & Partners, on leading a law firm and Masters from Cornell

    Manisha Chaudhary, Managing Partner, UKCA & Partners, on leading a law firm and Masters from Cornell

    Manisha Chaudhary graduated in law from Amity Law School, Noida. She went on to pursue her LL.M. from Cornell Law School, focusing on corporate laws. She is now the Managing Partner at UKCA and Partners (formerly UKCA Law Chambers).

    In this interview, Manisha discusses:

    • Her childhood experiences that pushed her towards choosing law as a career.
    • Her considerations while choosing the best university to do an LL.M.
    • The methodology she uses to research and write articles
    • Her views on the legal education system in India

     

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

    I am presently the Managing Partner at UKCA and Partners (formerly UKCA Law Chambers), a law firm founded in the year 1986 by my father, Mr. U. K. Chaudhary, an eminent Senior Advocate. He had to disassociate from the firm when he was designated as a senior and the firm passed on to his juniors.

     

    Tell us about your childhood and pre-college life. Was it always your dream to be in legal profession?

    The first question I usually get asked when I meet someone is “So, when did you decide to be a lawyer?” And honestly, my answer usually is “Ummm, I was born to be one!”

    My parents had always encouraged my brother and I to follow our dreams (even if we fell flat on our faces, they were always there to support us). My parents thought that I would take up medicine as a profession, and as a matter of chance I was great at all the science subjects. However, during school, I took keen interest in debating, dramatics, creative writing, the book club, and such related co-curricular activities, which I assumed would help me expand my intellectual abilities. I am sure if Philosophy was a subject in high school, I would have been the first to enrol.  For me, it has always been about gathering information and being fully informed on various subjects, even if it may be of no concern in my life or to me. My closest friends call me Ms. FYI – For your Information! As a child, I would have my parents sign illegible handwritten contracts to make sure I get paid in cash or kind for the chores I had done (which were often repudiated by my mother!). I would sit in my father’s office for hours reading law books at random, which at the time made no coherent sense to me; sibling disputes were handled in the High Court of Mother and I would put across detailed arguments on how I had been wronged and have my brother pay compensation. So far as I remember, I would bolt to our front gate to get the High Court ‘Cause List’ to find my father’s name, read his files and point out the grammatical mistakes (concepts of legal English were lost on me) and organise the office files and Bare Acts. I would strut into his office and take dictation from his juniors and then type it out for them, which they sportingly let me do.

    I truly believe that the inclinations towards the right subjects, an inquisitive attitude towards life, and the constant need to learn and try new things, are inherent qualities of every lawyer and the very fact that I declared myself to be a future ‘financial’ lawyer to all my near and dear ones in the 8th grade did it in for me.

     

    What led you to choose legal profession?

    Whenever someone sought advice from my parents whether one should pursue a career in law, they would categorically say the following:

    1. The profession requires hard work, dedication and perseverance.
    2. You will have to constantly read, study, and keep yourself up-to-date for the rest of your life.
    3. You may have to give work priority over family and friends, and finding a balance will be a challenge every day.
    4. You will always be busy and rushing everywhere.
    5. There is no retirement.

    After hearing this, I was instantly hooked.

     

    Tell us about your experience in Amity law School. What all curricular and extra-curricular activities did you participate in?

    Amity Law School, Noida was in its infancy when I joined. There were not many rules and regulations which barred us from enjoying the ‘Delhi University’ style college life. However, within a year or so, everything settled down and Amity became like any other law school, with the added advantage of foreign educated faculty and international level infrastructure. Amity was and is notorious for being elitist and grandiose but lacking in terms of quality education. However, I beg to differ. Amity is much more than scoring marks, preparing for moots and planning to be an associate in a big law firm. It is a wholesome college experience. Since it is one huge campus for all departments, there are many inter-departmental competitions, festivals, sports meets etc. that gives a young student the opportunity to not only learn their subjects but also learn from other streams. While at Amity, I actively participated in intra-class debates, inter-college competitions, essay competitions, a few national level moots, went on court visits, helped organise events etc. I even participated in cricket and volleyball matches! Since every class at Amity was more or less a group discussion, staying on top of the subject was important. Amity truly teaches you how to survive in a cutthroat world and to bring your ‘A game’ at all times.

     

    You hold a masters degree in law from the prestigious Ivy League school Cornell University. How well did your experiences there prepare you for your current responsibilities?

    I aspired to apply only to Ivy League institutions and hence all my efforts in law school and at work were to make sure to have the minimum requirements of marks, moot competitions, publications, work experience, court appearances and professional growth. I worked fulltime for two years because I wanted to have at least a basic knowledge of corporate laws before specialising in the subjects that I accordingly elected. I know that many people prefer to apply for their masters right out of law school, and do exceedingly well. However, I differ on this approach. I believe it is important to gain some work experience prior to applying as it helps you determine what field of law you would like to specialise in. Most of my classmates had previously worked as lawyers or paralegals and it gave me the opportunity to learn from them.

    Cornell is known to be a relatively easy Ivy to get admission into but the most difficult to graduate from. The courses are multi-dimensional and challenging. All the subjects I pursed at Cornell were specialised topics, and were taught by professionals from New York City and seasoned professors. To truly learn, it is important to not just sit in class and take notes, but to actively engage with the professors and lecturers and to pick their brains.  I sincerely think that I would not have been able to truly extract the essence of the courses, if I had no previous work experience in the same field.

    Having experience gave me the ability to compare what I know to what I was learning and hence I could discuss with other students and professors how to grow professionally and overcome the challenges faced at work. The exchange was mutual ofcourse, because I was able to help my classmates understand the Indian legal system and clarify many of their doubts as well. While at Cornell, I gave a lecture on the Indian Constitution and had students and professors attend the same. It was a feeling of humble pride and an ecstatic high. Cornell does not grade its LL.M. students but rather offers “comments” such as Unsatisfactory (meaning that you have to take the course again), Satisfactory, Honours and High Honours. They believe that since master’s students are scholars they cannot be judged, as there is no “right” or “wrong” interpretation of law. This experience of formulating an opinion on a subject of law and having the same appreciated, even if no one agrees with it, genuinely gives one a tremendous sense of achievement.

     

    How should one assess their LL.M. program? What are the key factors to be kept in mind while applying for LL.M. in different universities?

    First, an LL.M. program or college should not be solely evaluated on the rankings given by various news agencies. The statistics are based on a variety of factors, which can be highly manipulated and hence are not the best tool for assessment. Second, it is important to speak to Alumni, who can guide you and offer you the best advice regarding the school and the course. Third, do a comparison of colleges on factors which are important to you. For example, Yale is an excellent law school but I did not think it was a good fit for me because it is more academically inclined and I wished for a college which is more inclined towards the industry. Fourth, consider your long-term goals. Before choosing your college of choice, you need to establish the reasons why you wish to pursue an LL.M., how it will help you achieve your career goals, what are its post qualification prospects, etc. Fifth, thoroughly research the faculty, the class size, internal policies regarding LL.M. students, how courses are allotted etc. Cornell and Yale have an average of 80 persons per LL.M. batch whereas NYU has an average of 400, hence the classes you wish to take may not be available to you. You can best assess an LL.M. course by reading up on it and speaking to the Alumni, who are more than willing to help. Do not be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem condescending, after all, you are spending a huge amount of resources on an LL.M. degree. To apply for an LL.M. course keep the following “Cs” in mind:

    1. Cost– it is very important because an LL.M. does not guarantee you a dream job, and hence it is important to have your funding in place. In case you plan to take loans, then a plan to clear your debts is important.
    2. Course– do a thorough analysis of the subjects offered and whether they are in sync with what you would want to specialise in and the future prospects of the same.
    3. Country– United States of America and the United Kingdom are not the only two countries, which are popular for LL.M. courses. Many students choose to go to Continental Europe or the Middle East to truly expand their horizons in their chosen field of law.

    Once you have these three figured out, the rest is easy. It will all fall in place once you get there and you will make lifelong memories.

     

    Presently you are Managing Partner at UKCA. What falls within the scope of your responsibility?

    Being a Managing Partner of a firm that is constantly growing is full of challenges. We have a very simple internal structure and I am thankful to each of my employees, associates, and partners for helping me execute my vision for the firm. My foremost responsibility is to consolidate the interests of everyone in the firm and make a comprehensive plan for implementation. Being a Managing Partner also puts me in the shoes of a business owner and hence I make monthly goals for my formidable team to work on. Meeting new clients and promoting the firm is my second responsibility and one that I am constantly learning and improving on. My third responsibility is to oversee finances, appraisals and compliances of the firm. I am also involved in administrative aspects of the firm and look into procurements, subscriptions, memberships, disputes etc. However, my most vital responsibility is to each of my clients and hence every document which goes out of my firm is vetted and finalised by me. Though I can blindly trust my principal associates and partners to settle every document, I believe it also my duty to be personally involved in every matter and be available to clients with full attention to details of their transactions and litigations. I attend most court hearings and am always present on deal closings to assist my clients and my associates and partners.

     

    While hiring new lawyers what kind of skills you look for in their CV.

    The portion of any CV that I disregard is what law school the student is from. It is in my experience the worst measure of how good a lawyer is. The skills I am most interested in are work experience and drafting-research. No law firm is looking to hire first year associates for arguments in courts or lead negotiations and close deals. When hiring fresh law graduates, I want to see their results in moot court competition, creative writing skills and their personalities, whether they will be good fit for the firm and whether they have what it takes to survive long hours and hard work. The next portion to get my attention is usually grades as that can be a decent marker of your basic knowledge and learning skills. I then focus on languages and diversity the person may bring to the firm. If you pass these three criteria, you will be invited for an interview. A job at my law firm depends on the interview with the partners and other assignments which we will ask you to undertake.

     

    You hold certificate in Corporate Law and Governance from the renowned London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom. How far are these certificate courses helpful? Tell us about the experience.

    Certificate courses, if used as a tool for continuing education, can be of great significance in the field of law one specialises in. Certified courses abroad can be in the form of summer school or standalone courses depending on what time of the year you apply. It is a great learning experience apart from being a mini vacation where you make new friends from various countries and different walks of life. In my LSE class, we had finance graduates, lawyers, CEOs, directors of companies, accountants, economists etc. The class was engaging and helped us get a sneak peak of problems faced by professionals in many countries and how we could learn from each other’s experiences. Certificate courses as a supplement to further your knowledge are a great tool and I would suggest a refresher ever so often, whether in India or abroad.

     

    You are an avid writer and have published various articles. How would you advise students to go about their careers with respect to research and writing, publishing grade academic papers?

    I consider publications to be an integral part of a student’s education and a lawyer’s career. Be it writing books, articles, presentations, or even comments on various blogs; it helps hone their research and writing skills. Every student or young lawyer should follow a systematic approach in their own way to writing articles, which will help to get the articles published. Also try to collaborate with seniors or other co-authors to write books, columns, blogs etc. The more publications you have, the greater the impression that you have what it takes to be a scholar or an expert. All colleges prefer students who have published work as it helps them gauge a person’s intellect to a certain level.

    I have written many articles (published and otherwise), prepared presentations for clients, prepared lectures to deliver at seminars for both myself and my father, and I have a very specific, stepwise approach to them all. I have to confess that I am truly a Google junkie. My first step is to ‘Google’ all the information on a subject and read as much as I can, both positive and negative comments, articles etc. to thoroughly understand a topic. The next step in my research is usually news articles available on the internet, and then I move on to articles and presentations by other professionals. All this helps me in getting a general idea of the topic. From here starts the actual process of research. I then peruse the Bare Acts on the subject to interpret the legislative intent and form my own views and opinion on the sections. Next I read the amendments, rules, circulars, and notifications etc. to make sure that nothing important has been overlooked. I also look up any proposed amendments, which may further help me understand the true intent of the law. I then go on to debate every point with my father. I am lucky to have an expert on corporate laws right at home and since it’s my chosen field of practice, I fully exploit every opportunity, though sometimes I am shown the door! Once I have decided on what my hypothesis on a certain subject is, I go on to read scholarly articles, both Indian and international, to understand how I may or may not differ from others. I also research case laws, which may be applicable or made applicable on my hypothesis of a certain subject. My research is usually complete at this stage and now begins the difficult part to put together all the research into a written form. Once I have written an article, I go through it repeatedly to make sure that there is a gradual flow of information and that is no diversion from the main issue at hand. Before submission, I do a plagiarism check, which points out any flaws my article may have. A few points to be kept it mind before submission are– always source you articles, try to be as original as possible, use precedents and do a proper edit for spellings and grammar.

     

    You have been regular guest lecturer at various law schools. How is the curriculum of a foreign law school different from an Indian one? What changes, if any, would you like to see in Indian legal curriculum?

    It saddens me to say that the Indian curriculum for law schools is very dated and impractical for today’s legal profession. The curriculum has been the same for the last few decades with minor changes and focuses mostly on the theoretical aspects of law, majority of which is not relevant for practice. Though some changes have been introduced such as moot courts, projects, and internships, there is still a vast scope for improvement. The quality of the profession is greatly affected due to lack of quality education. I believe we need a complete overhaul of the subjects being taught at law schools. I also believe that teachers, lecturers and professors have to conduct more clinics to teach students the art of presenting arguments, negotiations, trial advocacy, deal closing, preparing transactional documents etc. This will prepare the students for the profession and greatly improve the quality of lawyers.

    The curriculum at foreign law schools is also theoretical but is limited to only a few subjects. What I admire most about foreign law schools is the focus they have on how to make a student an asset for the profession. They make sure that a student who has graduated knows the profession and only has to start polishing themselves to become an expert. In India the approach is to push you into the profession and have you learn on the job, which is not beneficial for every student. I know so many young lawyers who give up litigation or transactional practice because they cannot deliver the quality of work their seniors expect of them. There is tremendous scope for students to elect subjects, which specialise in a certain area of law, such as laws for technology start-ups, laws for ethical hacking, laws for crowd funding, documentation for leveraged buyouts, preparing IPO documentation, investment banking etc. Such subjects need to be taught to give Indian students a level playing field with their counterparts abroad. We should also encourage inter-disciplinary courses where law students along with management students, bankers, engineering students or business students come together to solve complex transactional issues and learn to work on deals which will require understanding and cooperation between different professions. The Indian legal education system needs a more robust, dynamic and diverse curriculum to be of any use to new age lawyers or else we will be left far behind our global counterparts.

     

    You have also been providing pro bono services to social enterprises and start-ups. What is the source of motivation?

    I have been inclined to work towards certain causes relating to the environment, women and children, which have been close to my heart since high school. I provide free legal aid to social enterprises and start-ups that are working in the same field. If I am not able to help, I connect them with my friends who may be able to do so. I sincerely believe that our country has every resource to become a great nation. However, we lack the collective will to do anything about it. The motivation is to make a difference to the society in order to make it better for us all. Social enterprises and many start-ups, including NGOs are working day in and day out to help those who are less fortunate and I wish to be of some help, to the best of my abilities, in their struggle. If I can help them save legal costs, which could sponsor another tube well, or educate a young child, then why not!

     

    What would be your advice to our budding lawyers?

    I have some very simple advice:

    1. Research like your life depends on it. Do not open your mouth unless you have research to back up you arguments or legal opinion. Try to be informed and updated on a daily basis.
    2. Draft, re-draft and then re-draft again, thinking about each possible consequence of every sentence that you have written. Think not only from your client’s perspective but also from that of the opposition. Be honest and fair to the courts. Do not suppress any document or information.
    3. Be organised at all times. Deadlines have been given for a reason and priorities have to be set.
    4. Do not be disrespectful to juniors, seniors, judges, staff, etc. Maintain decorum in court and in office. Do not get personal, and lay yourself open to perennial criticism.
    5. Be ethical. No client or their money, position, or fame is more important than your allegiance to the profession.
    6. Be loyal to your employer and your clients who took a risk with you and give them your best at all times. However, you deserve to be treated with respect and do not let anyone make you believe otherwise.
    7. Try to learn from your seniors without disturbing them. Keep your ears and eyes open and you will pick up on many tricks of the trade.
    8. Do not try to be Ms. or Mr. Know-It-All. Even seniors with 40 years of experience do not know it all! Do what you are good at and strive to be better with each day.
    9. Bunker down, and do not be afraid to work late nights and long hours. You will reap benefits of your hard work.
    10. Enjoy being a lawyer, and take it as your life’s passion not as a bread earner, It is an admired profession but if you do not love it, leave now else you will always be miserable.
  • Jyoti Singh, Partner, Phoenix Legal, on experience in Banking and Finance Law

    Jyoti Singh, Partner, Phoenix Legal, on experience in Banking and Finance Law

    Jyoti Singh studied law at Maharshi Dayanand University and graduated in 2000. She worked for a while at Dhir & Dhir Associates as a Principal Associate and is now a Partner at Phoenix Legal.

    In this interview Jyoti talks to us about:

    • The reasons behind her career choices
    • Her experiences and learning curve while working with Mr. Jugal Wadhwa and Dhir & Dhir Associates.
    • Her views on the current legal education system

     

    How would you introduce yourself, given that most of our readers are law aspirants, lawyers-in-the-making & young lawyers?

    I am a lawyer who hails from Sonipat, a small city in Haryana, and currently a partner at a well-reputed firm thanks to my self-confidence, hard work, sincerity, and dedication.

     

    Which incidents, influences or interests prompted you to think of law as a career? If not law, what other options would you have considered for a career?

    My father currently practices in Sonipat and I have always seen him working very hard. He still wakes up at 4:00 a.m. and reads his briefs. His lifestyle used to fascinate me. But frankly, I had science as my subject in my 12th Standard. While I was taking up exams for pursuing a career in medicine, but after a detailed discussion with him about my future plans and career choices he ended by telling me that, “You argue so much, I feel you will make a good lawyer”. I laughed it off. But today I surely am a lawyer, though still trying to be a “good one”.

     

    jyoti-singh-1

    How would you describe your academic career while at M.D.U, Rohtak? What made you want to pursue an LL.M after your graduation from the same?

    I was one of those students in M.D.U., who probably never bunked a class but still had my own share of fun at hostel. I used to take part in debates and essay writings etc. I pursued a LL.M because I like studying, and frankly while choosing “Winding up by Courts” as a topic of my dissertation I never imagined that one day I would be ranked as a leading lawyer in Dispute Resolution and Insolvency (Ranked by Chambers and Partners 2015 and 2016).

     

    Did you indulge in any co-curricular activities such as debating or mooting while there?

    I participated in debates and moot parliament etc.

     

    What made you target a litigant’s practice straight out of law school?

    My father was and is my inspiration, he is a litigator so it came to me naturally.

     

    What would you say are the greatest learnings from your time spent with Mr. Jugal Wadhwa?

    In terms of law and procedure, it was an enriched legal experience where his knowledge of the same helped systematically build my foundations of law. While practising in the district courts and the High Court of Delhi, it exposed me to both the procedure and the original side of litigation itself.

     

    How did first-hand exposure to the legal system in all its glory affect or influence you?

    The deeper I went into the profession, the more I was convinced that this is what I want to do all my life.

     

    What prompted the shift to Dhir & Dhir Associates? How did your experience there differ from your earlier experiences?

    With Mr. Jugal Wadhwa, I gained a lot of experience in civil and criminal litigation after which I wanted to shift to a law firm. At Dhir & Dhir, I worked with a team specialising in proceedings at AAIFR and High Courts, and slowly started looking after work at various High Courts. The travel intensive nature of my work there increased my exposure to the same.

     

    Why the special interest in Banking and Finance Litigation with a special focus on proceedings under SICA and Insolvency proceedings?

    Dhir and Dhir has been a leading Firm in that area of law, hence it was only natural to have focused on SICA and insolvency proceedings.

     

    Again, when and why did you decide to join Phoenix Legal in 2010?

    Phoenix started in 2008 with a set of very dynamic professionals. I wanted to join a firm where I could grow with the Firm. I joined Phoenix, Mumbai office, in October 2010 as a Counsel and was made partner in April 2011.

     

    How did your previous experiences help you or influence you through the same?

    It helped be set up and grow through a litigation practice.

     

    Your current profile seems fairly commercial and finance-centric under a larger purview of corporate law, how did you come to chose the same as your area of interest?

    I would say that I started as a general litigator and I still do a fair bit of civil, contractual pre-litigation strategy and litigation/ arbitration. But, corporate, banking, and finance have been my core strength due to my extensive experience in these fields (be it advisory or disputes/ recovery).

     

    What has your experience in dealing with foreign companies been like? How do they differ, if at all, from local clients?

    Foreign companies are more professional in their approach but now the local companies are also reaching there.

     

    What would you describe the work atmosphere as? How does the same play out in terms of work load and cooperation among those working with you?

    Work atmosphere plays a very important role because you spend a majority of your time at the workplace. If your colleagues are helpful and seniors are motivating, then it surely acts as a catalyst in facilitating the growth of any individual and the organisation as well, because I believe that “Happy and successful Employees make a Happy and successful Organisation”.

     

    How taxing would you describe your work as, does it afford time for a life outside the office?

    I love what I do and I can’t see myself doing anything else. I am passionate about my work and hence it’s not taxing at all. I am an early riser, so I get my share of “me” time and remain much contended with that.

     

    Looking back, how different would your experience have been if you were at a national law university?

    Education systems makes a lot of difference. Surely there would have been a lot of value added.

     

    What is your opinion of the current legal education system for law students given the internship and material intensive five or three year programmes? How does the same affect your hiring policy?

    I really like the current education system. I see interns at my firm. Some of them “are very good lawyers in making”. We, in fact, sometimes absorbs interns as associates because we have first hand experience of their ability and attitude. I personally, in my team, have a few such examples of individuals who had interned with me and are/were working as associate.

     

    If you were a law student today, would you do anything differently? If so, what would it be and why?

    Yes, certainly. I would have done internships during my law course because getting exposed to practical side of law while gaining knowledge of the theory acts as a stimulant in becoming a good lawyer.

     

    What would your parting advice be to our readers?

    Work hard! Read Hard! Make books your best friend!

  • Anurag Parihar, Founder and Chief Executive officer, on providing an online e-learning platform for lawyers

    Anurag Parihar, Founder and Chief Executive officer, on providing an online e-learning platform for lawyers

    Anurag Parihar graduated from MATS University in 2014. At present, he is the founder and chief executive officer of Rostrumlegal.com. RostrumLegal.Com is an online e-learning platform for lawyers, law students and anyone who wants to learn law. The company operates with a vision to deliver professional legal education to millions of people from around the world at affordable costs.

    In this interview he talks to us about:

    • Biggest challenges to start a business.
    • How to protect a great idea.
    • How to obtain a domain name.
    • Online courses helpful in starting a business.

    What are the biggest challenges to starting a business?

    I think taking the first step is the biggest challenge. I always say this to people that every tom, dick or harry in this world has one or two business ideas which can be worth millions of dollars but no one dares to materialise those ideas. I think each one of us have experienced that moment in life when, after hearing a news about some cool startup, we say that “I had a similar business idea, I should have given it a try…” Taking the first step is a real big deal in starting any kind of business.

    There are lot of other things, like commitment towards studies or the job, and pressure from family and friends, which prevent us from taking risks. If you think that your idea can create an impact in changing the way people live their lives, you should definitely give it a try.

    How can I protect my great idea?

    It might sound a bit hilarious but from my personal experience both as a law student and an entrepreneur I would say that ideas are the only form of intellectual property which cannot be afforded any legal protection. Also, you cannot sue anyone or claim a compensation for stealing your ‘great idea’. In fact, stopping someone from pursuing the same kind of business as yours can prove to be unlawful and anti-competitive.

    If you have a great business idea in mind and you have fully convinced yourself to start your journey to become the next Steve Jobs or Elon Musk of the industry, it would be a very good thing to share and discuss your idea with as many people as you can to take positive inputs to start. A suggestion from an unknown fellow passenger in a local train can also prove to be helpful in realising your billion-dollar dream!

    Once you have started or when you are already in the business, you can utilise a lot of legal routes to protect the things which are important to your business. Those things can be your logo, the name of your business, software codes, designs or your secret fried chicken masala (it’s better not to spill such secret)!

    How can I obtain the domain name I want?

    I think choosing the right domain name for starting a website or a blog is really important to create a good online presence. Domain names can be very crucial if the business is targeting online users. To choose a domain name one should keep in mind that it should be a unique web address. Also, at the same point of time it should be very general to the industry you are doing your business in. Following this suggestion can help businesses or blogs to get organic traffic from search engines. This can be really helpful in contributing towards the growth of the business especially in early days. The perfect example for such type of domains can be housing.com or conferencealerts.com.

    There are a lot of websites which sell domains and provide other web hosting services. It is advised to go with a big brand and since these service providers sometimes offer great deal on domains and hosting packages, one should do a proper research before buying to crack the best deal. Also, it should be noted that setting up an ecommerce store or a blog is very easy, there are several articles available on the web which can help you in learning to do so.

    How much should I capitalize my business with at the beginning?

    The amount of investment needed while starting the business completely depends on the type of business. Some types of businesses can be started at the cost of very small or zero investment. A YouTube channel or a Facebook page sharing funny posts to make people laugh can be turned into a profitable business, the cost of starting such things is practically nothing. A small e-commerce website or a blog, publishing articles on topics like 10 things to not, can be started at a cost of less than 5000 Rupees.

    On the other hand, there are lot of capital intensive businesses, like a restraint or a manufacturing company, which can require a lot of investment at the beginning itself. A business can be started either with no money or with a lot of investment but it is very important to plan the budget and the source of income for a long run to manage some of necessary spending in future.

    Where can I get money for my business?

    Investment is a very important ingredient for growth or expansion of a business. There are a lot of options available for entrepreneurs to raise funds. Some of the important sources include an angel funding, or a funding from a venture capital fund. Two of these are can be simply differentiated by the amount of money they invest in your start up. The former is an investing company often managed by few people known as angel investors who invest significantly less amount of money when compared to venture capital funds which are usually giant corporations managing a huge pool of money. There are lot of schemes run by government and various public and private sector banks which offer collateral free loans to small and medium scale companies on a lucrative interest rates.

    There are other creative options to raise money like crowd funding where a startup can raise money from general public by simply posting their business plan on crowdfunding website and offering exclusive launch benefits to the investors. There are a lot of competitions which select infant startups and provide them with mentorship and a small amount of initial funding. There are a lot of startup incubators which look for promising early stage startups.

    The amount of money available as compared to the requirement of startups is very less. Only one in a 100 startup is able to attract investors to provide funding. Not only the business idea, but a lot of factors contribute in making a startup attractive to the investors. And, last but not the least, the revenue generated by the business is also an important source of funding.

    How should equity be divided among co-founders of a startup?

    I think that this is the toughest question in the interview and also one of the most confusing decision an entrepreneur has to take in his life.The equity can be divided by looking into various factors like the type of responsibilities each founder has. Such responsibilities can include the development of the product, investing initial capital, formulating and refining the business idea, marketing, business development etc. Sometimes it is good to take advice from a third party who is close to all the founders, knows the business and is not interested in the business of the company.

    It is also important for the founders to enter into a founder’s agreement which decides the share of equity each founder gets and also enlists the responsibility of each of the founders. The agreement should also accommodate plans to include team members and investors who will join the company in future. There a lot of articles, blog posts and tutorial videos which can be referred to gain a clear understanding on this area.

    What online resources are helpful for learning more about starting a business?

    Several types of free resources are available, both online and offline, to learn about the ways of doing business. Just ask google if you are stuck on something and you will surely find the solution to your problem.

    There are a lot of websites like Forbes, Tech Crunch and Entrepreneur who publish a lot of articles on important issues. Also, there are lot You Tube channels who publish videos to help entrepreneur. I would recommend following ‘Google for Entrepreneurs’. It is also advised to know about the life of entrepreneurs and other type of leaders. One can also watch movies and read books to get inspired!

    I would recommend people to watch my latest favourite movies ‘Steve Jobs’ (2015) and ‘The Big Shorts’ (2015). Also,If you are looking for a step by step guide to start a business, you can read ‘The 100 Dollar Startup’ by Chris Guillebeau.

  • Nakul Bhatnagar, Senior Consultant, on recruiting for various roles in the legal sector in India and across Asia

    Nakul Bhatnagar, Senior Consultant, on recruiting for various roles in the legal sector in India and across Asia

    Nakul Bhatnagar graduated from Cardiff University, U.K. in 2011. At present, he is a Senior Consultant at Aquis Search with responsibility for private practice and in-house legal recruitment services in India. He recruits for various roles in the legal sector in India and across Asia. He is interested in connecting with potential clients who have talent acquisition requirements and professionals looking for their next career challenge.

     In this interview, he talks to us about:

    • His experience at Cardiff University.
    • How interns can get positive feedback in limited time.
    • What law firms look for in potential candidates.
    • His advice on CV building.

    Most of our readers are young lawyers and law students. How will you introduce yourself to them?

    I am a lawyer by training and legal recruiter by profession. I was born and raised in New Delhi and spent almost all my life here. Post class XII, I pursued the B.Com (Hons.) course from Delhi University and after having dabbled in very different fields in the industry, I decided to pursue Law. I completed my LL.B from Cardiff University, U.K. in 2011 and after having worked with a few organisations (including a law firm and a trade law counsel). I made the switch to legal recruitment in 2014 and joined an Indian legal recruitment firm. I am currently working as a Senior Consultant with Aquis Search – Asia’s leading executive search firm with offices in prominent Asian cities. I focus on legal and compliance recruitments, across junior and mid-levels in India and the Middle East.The story continues…

    Having done B.com, what motivated you to choose law as a career? Or did it just happen?

    Doing law was a rather calculated decision for me and I believe I found inspiration to do law from the most unusual places. During my college days, I was actively following the Indian independent music scene and briefly performed in a rock band myself. Not to mention, I was a very confused child and tried my hand in so many different fields to try and come to a career conclusion – I interned in places like design studios, ad agencies and a music / events company as well. Post my graduation, I was pretty much convinced that I wanted to take up music management and for a year, I worked with a company which promoted independent original music, managed artistes and organized live concerts & festivals. During this time, I had the good fortune of interacting with musicians and a few lawyers who introduced me to several new concepts like Copyright, Performance Rights and Digital Rights Management. I was quite intrigued to see how the law worked with something as basic as a song or a performance. It was something that I never thought could work so well in an ecosystem that seemed completely disconnected. I started researching on what options I may have and I decided to try and pursue law. Not to mention, my father is a lawyer by training himself and always encouraged me to pursue a career in the field. Little did I know that the adventure was just beginning!

    Describe your experience at Cardiff University.

    The experience of studying at a foreign university was surreal. The methodologies, the faculty, course structures and support offered were very beneficial to every law student. Cardiff, being one of the top law schools in the U.K., was possibly the biggest learning experience for me. Constant development every step of the way, studying there made me the person I am today. Studying in Cardiff gave me immense exposure to global standards of legal education and a connection to a worldwide network of prominent lawyers. An additional advantage of studying there was that the University is recognized by the Bar Council of India and the transition of practicing in India was never tough. Many Indian students who graduated from there have moved back and are successfully practicing here (even as Partners at leading law firms).

    How do you say interns can get positive feedback in the limited time they have?

    Internships are probably the most valuable experience any budding lawyer can get. In one way or another, they are the stepping stones for a career in law. They show you the practical side of the profession and how the application of the law goes much beyond the course books.

    Pro-activity is possibly the most valuable skill that an intern needs to posses. Try and be actively involved with the partner / associates that you are working under. Remember, they get interns every month and recall value is definitely scarce. You have to make the jump out of the page for them to remember you. Especially final year students; if you wish to work with the firm post law school, you will have to walk the extra mile for them to offer you a PPO or a recommendation.

    Having worked in the legal recruitment industry what are the challenges you have faced?

    Challenges are as wide in this industry as any other. The point of working in a niche can work as an advantage and a challenge as well. The advantage of being a lawyer has helped me work my way into legal recruitment. I can understand the work that one does and has done in the past and how that experience can work well for a potential opportunity that one may be looking for. It is of utmost importance for recruiters to look at both sides of the spectrum. One needs to understand the needs of the lawyer looking at a potential job as well as the recruiter, looking to hire talent for his firm. The gap needs to be filled perfectly or it could pretty much lead to issues for the firm, as well as the young lawyer.

    Acquiring talent is a big task for any recruiter. Opportunities, whilst being seasonal, are usually always prevalent in the market. It is the right talent that can be scarce at times. Firms are usually very sure of the qualities that they want in a lawyer (law school, practice areas, experience wise). Getting them the perfect fit is the mark of a good recruiter. We have to remember that the level of trust, shown by a firm looking to hire and a lawyer looking to be placed, are utmost in a recruiter. Challenges are a part of everyday life but, just like any profession, they can be overcome.

    What do law firms look for in potential candidates?

    Here we go! (If I had penny for every time I was asked this question… you know how it goes.)

    Let’s get it straight. Firms are looking for someone who is with them for the long haul. Period! Firms (especially the big ones) in India are built on the core values of their name and legacy. They are looking for professionals who can be nurtured into taking that name forward.

    Professionally, the story isn’t very different from any other profession. A strong educational background, the ability to work hard and with a team, diligence, communication skills and of course, patience. The transition phase (especially the first 6-9 months) maybe tougher but the reward has its own charm.

    Strong on technicals – the main point of focus. For example; a prospective corporate lawyer should have the acumen for numbers, financials and a strong eye for detail and along with this good knowledge on topics like Contract Law, Sale of Goods Act, Company Law, SEBI Regulations, FEMA, FDI Regulations etc. Similarly, a professional, looking to build a name in the disputes practice needs to be aware of everything around him in the legal environment. Be prepared with important sections of the CPC, CrPC, Constitution, landmark judgments and recent developments in the legal biosphere.

    The basic quality that every lawyer needs to possess (and I cannot stress this enough!) is the eye for detail in everything that they read or write. Till date, I have seen so many professionals who are not proficient with drafting and tend to omit so many errors; it’s possibly one of the biggest grey areas for any law firm looking to hire. You need to start from the bottom of the food chain everywhere. Your firm will want to know everything that you are capable of.

    What advice would you give to law students / professionals interviewing for law firms?

    The one piece of advice that would be the most important (for lawyers across levels);KNOW YOUR CV. Know every word of every line of what you have put on there. For freshers, your internship details are of utmost importance. Know the names of the Partners / Associates that you worked under, the teams, the kind of work and your involvement. For laterals, any transaction / matter that you worked on, your contribution to the same and everything that you have put on your resume. You need to have your CV on your fingertips; if it is on your CV, get ready to be questioned. Keep yourself abreast with all legal developments in the market, especially the ones with a connection to any phrase mentioned on your CV. Apart from academic qualifications; your extra curriculars go a long way in determining your achievements. Moot courts, debates and other activities are equally important to show your development during law school.

    Apart from that, know what is happening in the market and of course, know the firm that you are interviewing with. You need to know details about key partners, latest deals and general structure of the firm as questions can be fired from any direction. You need to assure your interviewer that you are the right choice and your knowledge about the firm makes you want to be there. This is about going that extra mile to show your appreciation for their time and consideration. People always look for that spark that would separate you from the others. Be confident in what you answer and do not hesitate in accepting that you may not know something out of the plethora of questions, it is only natural. Be sure to tell them even if you don’t know or are unsure. Be sure to make a note of it and tell them you can research and get back to them with a sure answer. Surety goes a very long way. Be sure of yourself and what you know and you’ve already won half the battle.

    What must a law student do to get hired in a top-tier law firm? Any advice on CV building that law students must keep in mind?

    Before I answer that, we really need to address one thing for young lawyers and everyone else reading. The mentality of a ‘top-tier’ brand is changing in this ever evolving legal market of ours. Whilst top-tier firms still do rule the roost and deservedly so, many firms operating on a smaller scale (only in terms of number of people) are bringing in meaty work and good clients. These firms (bracketed as mid-sized or boutique firms) are coming up with a strong force and several of them have been started by and employ alumni from leading firms. In terms of quality of work, people employed and even pay-scales, they are very competitive with all other firms and will be a force to reckon with in the near future.

    Let’s face it; cut throat competition in the market as of now, is more than it has ever been. With more than 70,000 lawyers graduating every academic year, securing an interview can turn out to be quite a harrowing process. Most firms hire graduates directly from campus or make offers to their star interns. Firms that do come on campus will look for someone whose CV jumps right out of the page to catch their attention. Hence, building a strong CV is the first stepping stone to this process.

    On CV building, we need to remain concise. Academics are the foremost factor that people tend to look at on your resume. Your grades need to be consistent and will be considered on priority. Along with grades, a few other factors that may help go a long way:-

    Moot Courts – The first insight into a Court environment, the basic reason and intention of organizing moots is to help students develop their research and oratory skills. You should try to actively be a part of inter / intra college moot court competitions. The skills that are put to task here are the ones you need the most in this profession and one can develop them very well.

    Research Papers / Publications – Your knowledge on the latest developments in the profession are yet another tool in your artillery. Your knowledge on the information gathered here could easily be one of the biggest advantages in the interview

    Organisational Skills –The committees that you were a part of during college, the activities that you took part in. These show a sense of team work which every young professional can use to his / her advantage.

    How is the legal landscape in India changing viz a viz the talent needs?

    The landscape has changed hugely over the past few years since I have been following it. People are beginning to focus more on the person, rather than their pedigree (which has always been the growing trend). Firms are seeing severe competition in the market and of course, last year was probably one filled with the biggest surprises (and shocks for some) in the industry. Reasons like these alone, are completely twisting the landscape. Since any change can be positive or negative, depending on the perspective, the industry has learnt to adapt with its growing needs. Firms are getting bigger, business is on the constant rise and people are needed. At this point of time, hiring at the senior level is becoming more strategic and there is definite preference for those having their own book of business and good reputation and relationships in the industry. Another interesting point to note is that, at the junior and mid levels, firms are also investing heavily in BD and internal trainings.

    Lastly what are your plans for future? What advice would you give to law students wishing to work in the same sector as you?

    After having dabbled in so many sectors myself, I feel I found my niche in the legal recruitment business. The plan is to learn and grow with the system which is growing every step of the way. I am glad to have found a platform like Aquis Search, as it is the only search / recruitment firm in the legal and compliance industry in India has with an international network – in both the in-house and private practice space. I am happy to be able to leverage my network and relationships to hopefully bring a positive change in the Indian legal ecosystem.

    Guys, success and failure are a part and parcel of the game. Trust me, I’ve been there. Everyone is prone to mistakes and the best part is that it’s never the end of the world. Getting a law firm job or not shouldn’t be on your final list. The profession that we are in, is one of constant growth and learning. One literally can never stop learning here (even if it feels like things are stagnant). Keep making mistakes, learn from them, equip yourself better and move on. The recruitment business is on very similar lines. I feel that my experience in law practice has equipped me with the knowledge to be a decent legal recruiter. For anyone wishing to work in the same field, I’d only say that keep your eyes and ears open. Most importantly, build the best network that you can (a network is what makes or breaks a recruiter). You should enjoy being an all-round people’s person. The work is all about the trust that you gain with your clients and candidates alike so, keep the lines of communication flowing because after all, professionals are trusting you with their careers on the line.

    Lastly, as a lawyer or a recruiter, never lose hope. Be confident in your professional abilities and start! The world is out there. Good luck!