Super Lawyer

Tag: Lawfirm

  • Fostering a collaborative and productive work environment is important for keeping the teams motivated, interested and invested in their work, take ownership of the work and contribute positively to the firm- Akshat Pande, Partner and Head-Corporate Practice at Fox & Mandal Solicitors and Advocates

    Fostering a collaborative and productive work environment is important for keeping the teams motivated, interested and invested in their work, take ownership of the work and contribute positively to the firm- Akshat Pande, Partner and Head-Corporate Practice at Fox & Mandal Solicitors and Advocates

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

    Can you share with us your journey and how you ended up pursuing a career in law? What inspired you to choose this path?

    After completing School, I chose to appear for CS and CA foundation exams. Since CS foundation results are released before CA foundation results, I qualified and got through CS, although I had appeared for CA foundation also and passed both of them. While studying for CS exams, I got keenly interested in law as a subject. My curiosity for law increased and I would often find myself dedicating hours to reading law books and cases. I found it extremely interesting and intellectually fulfilling and fell in love with law. After completion of CS, I enrolled myself for LLB with Delhi University. I am a first-generation lawyer in my family and I thank my stars to have landed in a profession that I like.  

    With over 18 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, you must have encountered various challenges and rewarding moments. Can you share one of your most memorable cases or experiences in your legal career so far?

    Quoting a single example from work is difficult as there have been many instances which were challenging in the beginning and rewarding when I got done with them. One of the most profoundly rewarding experiences in my career was setting up Alpha Partners in 2012. As a first-generation lawyer, my passion for creating something extraordinary from scratch fuelled my drive. However, it also presented an immense challenge—bootstrapping a startup law firm. From its inception until our merger with Fox & Mandal, I continuously grappled with the hurdle of elevating the firm to the next level, hiring talent, and enhancing practice verticals in the firm with new partners. For first-generation lawyers like me, to scale law firms to the next level without any avenues to raise finances to fund talent acquisition has been the biggest challenge. 

    As the Partner and Head of the Corporate Practice at Fox & Mandal, Delhi, you lead a team of more than 10 lawyers. What strategies do you employ to foster a collaborative and productive work environment within your team?

    Fostering a collaborative and productive work environment is important for keeping the teams motivated, interested and invested in their work, take ownership of the work and contribute positively to the firm. Few basic tenets like effective communication, clear goals, trust and collaboration, rewarding and recognising good work, encouraging learning and performance evaluation are most important and should be kept in mind by any team leader. 

    In order to instill the above in young associates, I follow Dr. House’s methods. Every assignment or transaction is discussed threadbare with the full team working on it in a 1-2 hour session so that no aspect is left out to be discussed. Such sessions are not a monologue by me but everyone is supposed to give their inputs and ask questions. Sometimes, these sessions happen in two sittings if something has to be researched and then discussed. At the end of the session, each member of the team is given a particular aspect of the assignment to complete but the team is supposed to coordinate amongst themselves and not work in silos, such as drafting is done by someone, research by others, compliances by third etc. Each one is also given a deadline also. The Senior Associate involved in the assignment is supposed to supervise and check on the work so that it is done in a timely manner. Once this delegation is over, I step aside and let the team work on the assignment. Thereafter before the deadline, an update meeting is done and questions if any are answered. Final review of the deliverables is done in a joint meeting of the team.  

    I am of the firm view that delegation is extremely important to make a strong team of good corporate lawyers. If the lawyers are not given room, they will never grow professionally and that will affect the overall efficiency and performance of the firm. It also enables them to work as a team and collaborate with each other rather than against each other. I also make sure that in every assignment, the roles of the team members are reversed so that no monotony sets in and each lawyer is getting trained in each aspect.            

    Your areas of expertise include private equity, venture capital, M&A, joint ventures, and more. Could you highlight a particularly complex or intricate deal you’ve been involved in and explain how you navigated its challenges?

    There are many such instances where deals were particularly complicated and required structuring to achieve efficiency and commercial feasibility. Typically exits become complicated, especially when it is a strategic buyout of the company through which exit is being given to investors. A lot of interests need to be balanced. Once such deal involved around 20 institutional and individual investors who were getting shares in the acquirer’s entity and the investors were sitting in an externalised holdco structure. In other M&A transactions, exits or JVs that I have handled, more than legal issues, it is the balancing of the interests of various stakeholders which requires delicate handling. Also, in case of cross border joint ventures, it is extremely important to understand cultural differences and business practices of the partners who are coming together to form the joint venture as most issues arise because things are handled differently by people from different countries and neither one is incorrect.   

    You have extensive experience in assisting multinational companies doing business in India and the UAE/MENA region. What are some unique legal considerations or cultural aspects that companies need to be mindful of when operating in these diverse jurisdictions?

    UAE is an extremely interesting jurisdiction. I have been working closely with UAE firms and clients and the experience has been extremely enriching. UAE is not very different from India culturally because of the historic cultural and business ties as well as the fact that both the jurisdictions have been influenced by the British common law system. UAE has modernised itself in its systems, processes and government dealings and there is a huge emphasis on use of technology in every aspect of governance and in general life. UAE is welcoming investors both at entity and individual level and has all necessary elements of a modern and business friendly country with congenial living standards. 

    In your experience, what are the key factors that contribute to a successful commercial transaction or project? How do you ensure that all parties involved are aligned and satisfied with the outcomes?

    As a lawyer, it is my job to protect my client’s interest to the best possible extent and so are the counsels of the other side. I believe that if all parties involved are adequately represented by lawyers, the alignment and balancing is more or less achieved. It is imperative for all types of clients to be adequately represented in this present day and age when contracts and compliances are getting more complicated and intricate. Corporate lawyers are not merely “punctuation correctors” but play an extremely important and strategic role in transactions and ensuring that clients are legally compliant, which collectively contributes to better corporate discipline, governance and makes our government’s job easier to govern.   

    With a background in advising clients across various sectors, such as healthcare, hospitality, e-commerce, and technology, how do you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and legal developments that may impact your clients?

    Read, read and read more. There is no replacement for reading for lawyers and there is no other secret sauce. If in today’s time and age someone says that “I didn’t know” about something, that means she/he has not made an effort to read about it because information is freely available everywhere and you cannot have an excuse that something was not out there. 

    Other than reading, one should also be connected with relevant stakeholders, in-house lawyers, chartered accountants, CS’s and more importantly lawyers from other law firms and keep exchanging ideas, information and must have discussions on legal issues. In fact, I believe that corporate lawyers should make legal discussions part of their social lives so that nothing is missed out. Information monopolies have been broken down by the internet and now is the era of sharing more and more information rather than keeping it with oneself. 

    Throughout your career, you’ve been involved in assisting government organizations with real estate and infrastructure projects. What are some of the challenges and rewards that come with working on projects of such scale and importance?

    Working on government projects presents unique challenges and rewards. While the commercial compensation for lawyers may sometimes be limited and/or delayed, the experience is truly exhilarating.

    Typically the real estate and infrastructure projects that we have undertaken are large scale projects involving multiple legal, commercial and strategic issues. The tussle between remaining fair and just which is a requirement for government instrumentalities and at the same time ensure that the projects are commercially successful for them is something which needs intricate balancing. Also, the commercial expectations of the government from a particular project needs to be balanced against market realities.   

    As a prominent figure in the legal industry, you were recognized in the Forbes Legal Powerlist as one of the top 100 individual lawyers in 2022. What does this recognition mean to you, and how do you continue to strive for excellence in your profession?

    Any recognition is a validation for one’s hard work and receiving such accolades is humbling. At the same time, I guess every day is a new day of learning and one should endeavour that each day is better than the previous one. 

    Considering your diverse background in law and business, what advice would you give to fresh law graduates who are just starting their legal careers? What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in today’s legal landscape?

    I have few tips which may be relevant for fresh graduates:

    1. It’s not a job, it’s a profession. So treat it likewise and train yourself for that;
    2. Read, read and read. If reading makes you tired, you are in the wrong place;
    3. Have a problem solving attitude. Not creating, not fixing, but solving a problem is what is required.
    4. Go for post-graduation only when you have identified a particular area or areas of law in which you are confident you can work for long term;
    5. Do not depend on anyone else’s version of research, not articles, blogs, not even chatGPT. Find your own answers to a problem and don’t stop till you do or understand it entirely. Read, discuss, read, repeat. 
    6. Be very clear about how much money you want from your employer/firm. There is no market standard and your peers or consultants don’t decide what you get, you do. Remember, working for less is more important than asking more and not working. 
    7. Become a generalist but grab one area of expertise or industry or niche practice area and try becoming best in that. Prioritise this over money or any other alternate career options.
    8. Don’t take it too seriously if things don’t work out. Its OK not to be the best.   

    Finally, looking back on your journey and achievements, is there any specific piece of advice or life lesson that has had a profound impact on you, personally or professionally, that you’d like to share with our audience?

    Someone once told me “Be sincere, not serious’ ‘. I guess that was the most useful advice I got which I have used in my life.  

    Get in touch with Akshat Pande-

  • I believe everyone should practice litigation for some year even if they eventually decide the pursue corporate law practice- Abhay Pratap Singh, Managing Partner at GnS Legal LLP and Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court of India

    I believe everyone should practice litigation for some year even if they eventually decide the pursue corporate law practice- Abhay Pratap Singh, Managing Partner at GnS Legal LLP and Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court of India

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

    Can you tell us about your educational background and how you ended up pursuing a career in law with a specialization in Business Law?

    I have done my schooling from New Delhi then I joined NLU Jodhpur after clearing their entrance examination in 2007. That time there was no CLAT examination and each college had their own individual entrance exams. I decided to pursue Business Law Hons because at that time NLU Jodhpur was offering in unique degree of BBA.,LLB (Business Law) Hons which was not given by any other college and since I wanted to pursue commercial law/ commercial litigation, I proceeded with specialisation in Business Law.

    What inspired you to focus on corporate advisory, commercial disputes, and various areas of law such as legal metrology, and insolvency and bankruptcy law?

    My initial days after graduation led to focus on these areas. Immediately after graduation, I joined a law firm and was with a senior advocate who had a substantial amount of commercial litigation work. That acted as a base for my practice and thereafter, I was fortunate enough to get associated with Clients who required advisory services in Legal Metrology and IBC Laws.

    Could you share some highlights from your work experience over the past 10 years, particularly your involvement with the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court, and various tribunals?

    Every court has a different learning experience and in the past 10 years, I have worked on a variety of matters including some constitutional law matters, commercial litigations as well as niche areas of law. I believe everyone should practice litigation for some year even if they eventually decide the pursue corporate law practice. It is in the courts that you understand completely how clauses are interpreted and how the law (through judgments) is laid down. I believe any lawyer should experience such things before moving into specialisation. 

    As the Managing Partner of a full-service law firm, GnS Legal LLP, how do you manage the diverse range of legal services provided by your firm?

    I am fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to open a law firm with people who were my friends for a long time. Because of the ease and comfort, due to knowing each other for a long time, we have been able to divide the areas of law firm management. Each partner handles a particular aspect of managing the firm and for issues requiring the involvement of all partners, we generally make a consensus and operate accordingly. 

    What are some of the challenges you face in litigations at the Debt Recovery Tribunal and insolvency proceedings before the NCLT and NCALT?

    When IBC was introduced, NCLT and NCLAT were functioning really well and cases were getting adjudicated upon at a very fast pace. Unfortunately, now due to a number of factors including but not limited to limited benches, increase in number of case and specially interim applications and also no adherence to timelines prescribed under the IBC, NCLT and NCLAT have slowly become like DRT/ DRAT. Cases for pending since long with no final decision in slight. In one of my cases, CIRP was initiated in the year 2018, COC passed the resolution plan in April 2020, however, till date the case is pending before the LD. NCLT for hearing and approval of the plan. 

    As part of your practice, you advise clients on commercial transactions and fundraising strategies. What are some key considerations and legal aspects that clients should keep in mind in these areas?

    Everyone should realise that the cost of non compliance is much higher than cost incurred in legal compliance. Our country is moving towards highly regulated businesses and therefore, it is important for everyone to take proper legal advice wherever necessary. 

    Lastly, what advice would you give to fresh graduates who are considering a career in law, particularly in the areas of business law and corporate advisory?

    I would like to say, internships are very important both from a learning perspective as well as building early contacts in the professional world. One has to be patient irrespective of the practice they decide to pursue, be it a law firm or joining a litigation chamber. Young graduates should not be in a hurry to go independent, and I personally believe one should work at different offices/ firms/ chambers for atleast 6-7 years before going independent. This is important to make sure you have enough experience before directly advising the Clients. 

    In litigation, having a good mentor is very important and if you find a good mentor, make sure to spend a reasonable amount of time in their office.

    Get in touch with Abhay Pratap Singh-

  • Every matter brings deep learning and when you have the benefit of such tremendous experience around you, you must open yourself up to learning by osmosis- Sahil Kanuga, Co-Head, International Dispute Resolution & Investigations Practice at Nishith Desai Associates

    Every matter brings deep learning and when you have the benefit of such tremendous experience around you, you must open yourself up to learning by osmosis- Sahil Kanuga, Co-Head, International Dispute Resolution & Investigations Practice at Nishith Desai Associates

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

    Sir, Please tell us about your role as the co-head of the International Dispute Resolution & Investigations Practice at Nishith Desai Associates? What are your main responsibilities and areas of expertise within the firm?

    Thank you for reaching out. As co-head of the practice, I keep one eye on the development of the practice itself, which should always be aligned with the mission and vision of the firm, and the other eye on the day to day execution of client matters. This includes matters pertaining to cross-border disputes, internal investigations and, of late, matters pertaining to ESG advisory, especially in the domain of governance.

    As a firm of the future, we pride ourselves on identifying industries and practice areas where we feel issues on the planet as well as other countries intersect with India. The logic is that any new technology developed will have an intersect with law, the regulatory system and the tax system of India and consequently, we like to foresee the impact of such new technologies in India well ahead of time. This requires significant amount of time and effort being invested in researching how the introduction of these new technologies will intersect with the laws of India.     

    You have extensive experience in handling complex matters, including Indian and international arbitrations. Could you share a notable case or challenge you faced and how you approached it to achieve your clients’ goals?

    There are many such instances but the one case I think that stands out is where we, interestingly enough, advised the client NOT to file proceedings in India. We were advising a minority shareholder in a global business where a large portion of the business was generated in India, but the structure made it virtually impossible to initiate any proceedings in India.

    Consequently, we thought out of the box and developed a strategy to ensure that our client could prosecute proceedings initiated by him in various other jurisdictions globally using data obtained from the Indian entity i.e. from the board as well as shareholder level.

    The stakes were large enough to warrant a strategy that required patience and perseverance to play out, all without filing a single legal proceeding in India. Having said that, we were definitely doing global litigation management and working with the client’s legal team in various other jurisdictions to ensure that the commercial objectives were met. This case once again reminded us that today’s world is so small that what happens in one corner will have ramifications all over the place.     

    In addition to arbitration, you have advised on corporate and commercial laws, civil and constitutional matters, and criminal offenses. How do you approach these diverse areas of law and ensure that your legal strategies align with your clients’ business goals?

    In the world of dispute resolution, it is important to understand that arbitration is merely the process undertaken. But in addition to the commercial dispute that is on top, there may be underlying issues that may have implications under corporate law, criminal law or even constitutional law. You will have to know and apply these laws to the case at hand and see how best to further the commercial interests of the client.

    It is also important to spend enough time, listen to the client and understand how the dispute arose in the first place. Of late, we are seeing enough situations where initiating legal proceedings may not even be required. A formal mediation process is enough to help the warring parties bridge the gap. In most cases, a tempered and balanced approach may well suffice. In such cases, handling the client is even more critical. They should always know and be on board with the strategy that you are deploying.

    Investigations involving issues such as internal fraud, anti-corruption, anti-bribery, and data privacy are also part of your expertise. Can you share an example of an investigation you conducted and the potential ramifications it had under the FCPA or UKBA?

    The awareness about internal investigations in India has grown tremendously and it is good to see India Inc. developing policies and handling whistle-blower complainants in the right spirit. Having said that, we are all clear that there is still a long way to go.  Investigations are generally of two kinds. The first kind pertains to employee related infractions where it is more of a fact-finding enquiry and the consequent issues that arise. The second kind of investigation is one where the issues have regulatory implications.

    Laws such as the FCPA and the UKBA have extra territorial applicability and this means that an Indian subsidiary of a company incorporated in such a jurisdiction may well find itself on the wrong side of these laws. Some instance of an act taking place in India, where an errant employee has done something against the policies and training imparted, may well trigger a wide scale investigation and require self-disclosure to an authority somewhere else in the world. Compliance is critical. Should an issue arise, it becomes incumbent upon such companies to demonstrate the steps taken by them and remedial measures, if any, that are implemented.  

    You have been recognized as a Future Leader in the Who’s Who Legal Guide for Arbitration 2023 and have also received commendations for your track record in representing clients investigating improper conduct, whistle blowing, and other company law breaches. How do you maintain such high standards and ensure client satisfaction in your work?

    We are blessed with a wonderful work culture and excellent colleagues. I’ve also had the good fortune to work closely and learn from the best.

    Mr. Nishith Desai or Nishithbhai, as he is affectionately referred to by everyone, is a tremendous leader and encourages us is every possible way. He challenges our thinking and never hesitates to incorporate his international experience to develop best practices and next practices in the Indian context. Similarly, Vyapak Desai, Gowree Gokhale, Vikram Shroff are all rock stars in their own right. In addition, I’ve had the good fortune to work closely with global stalwarts like Zia Mody, Rajendra Barot and Shuva Mandal. When you have the opportunity to work with such legal luminaries, every moment is nothing short of a tremendous learning curve.  

    Every matter brings deep learning and when you have the benefit of such tremendous experience around you, you must open yourself up to learning by osmosis.  

    As part of the Asia Advisory Committee of the American Arbitration Association-International Center for Dispute Resolution, what is your role, and how does it contribute to your professional development and the field of international arbitration?

    The legal profession is one which has given us a lot. where you must always look for ways to give back to the community. As dispute resolution practitioners at heart, we see that the courts are tremendously overburdened and need support through effective alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Institutional arbitration is one such mechanism. It has the capability to help us resolve disputes effectively and rebuild the confidence to do business in India for global companies and investors. At the AAA-ICDR, the role is in an advisory capacity and geared towards understanding and growing the ecosystem of institutional arbitration for India. I find that serving on such committees allows us to participate, in some small yet meaningful way, in creating this infrastructure and option for building effective ADR mechanisms.       

    You have spoken at domestic and international conferences and conducted training sessions for in-house legal teams. Could you share a topic or experience from one of these speaking engagements that you found particularly impactful or rewarding?

    Sahil: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Similarly, bringing about change in the legal profession by impacting its practitioners is an ongoing process. We must always encourage experience-sharing since this is the best way for the newer generations to learn. This is not new; even we learnt from the experiences shared by our seniors. These continue to guide us at each step of the way. Infact, speaking at conferences and training sessions is as beneficial to me as it is to the attendees. I find it particularly rewarding when some individual somewhere writes to me on LinkedIn or some other social media and reflects on a particular point that they learnt from our discussion, which they felt was useful to them somewhere. When that happens, you know you are making a positive difference.   

    Could you share any insights or observations regarding the changing landscape of business regulations in India or any significant trends you’ve noticed in international dispute resolution and investigations?

    While India is doing very well on the global stage, there is a clear need to invest in the infrastructure of the judiciary as well as the procedural statutes that govern us. Enough has been said about how the judiciary is woefully understaffed for a country of our population but we must also pay attention to the fact that it is even the pay scales that are required to be improved. On the other hand, while we have the Commercial Courts Act since 2015, the fact is that it has not been implemented as envisaged. Even the Arbitration & Conciliation Act 1996 has gone through several amendments, some of which were arguably not even required. We’ve got some of the best legal minds on the planet in our midst; we just need to get them into a room and pick their mind on how the ecosystem needs to change quickly.  

    Lastly, With your expertise and experience, what advice would you give to fresh graduates who are considering a career in law? What skills or qualities should they focus on developing to succeed in this field?

    Play the long game. I know we live in the world of immediate gratification, but the legal profession is one where the long game is the one where maximum knowledge, impact and wealth is created. I’d break it up into spending the student years getting maximum internships or paralegalships so as to maximize the experience quotient. Once a student graduates, a 2-3 year investment in themselves exploring different practice areas is becoming necessary. This will ensure that the appropriate career path is chosen and an individual, over a period of time, remains happy with their choice. Another key aspect is to be agile. The world is changing quickly and certain skillsets may very well become obsolete overnight. But experience is what one always holds in good stead. Its important to be agile in one’s career choices.    

    Get in touch with Sahil Kanuga-

  • Professional growth comes each day with experience and time spent on matters- Orijit Chatterjee, Partner at Fox Mandal & Associates

    Professional growth comes each day with experience and time spent on matters- Orijit Chatterjee, Partner at Fox Mandal & Associates

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

    Could you please tell us how you ended up pursuing a career in law? Was it something you always aspired to do, or did you discover your interest in the field later on?

    Initially I was very interested and curious about matters relating to science. I passed out of school with the aptitude of pursuing science and research. Long story short, after graduating with a BSc(Hons) Degree I happened to visit law firms with my father for a few of his professional matters. The intrigue of a law firm and the challenge of each assignment attracted me towards the legal profession and I decided to pursue a career in law.

    Were there any specific events, experiences, or individuals that played a significant role in shaping your decision to pursue law as a career?

    The decision to pursue law as a career was in particular largely influenced by my Late father, Bireswar Chatterjee and my father figure Late Dinabandhu Mandal, who was the Senior most partner at Fox & Mandal. While my father was always confident that the legal profession was to be my destiny, Late Dinabandhu Mandal came across in my life as a Godman and unparalleled goliath who I was in awe of since the very first day. A larger than life figure who was respected by all around. Once embraced by him into the legal profession I could only be on the path he showed. 

    Could you share with us your educational journey and the steps you took to become a lawyer? What were some of the challenges you faced during this process?

    My educational journey started with Lamartiniere, Kolkata. I was always keen to be on the sports field and tried by hand and foot at Cricket, Football, Hockey and Athletics. This was the most important part of learning at Lamartiniere. I learnt to live life, enjoy, struggle, fight, compete, laugh, cry and make friends through extra curriculars in this institution. Studying was the next part. I completed my class 12 with an ISC degree and went on to complete my graduation with Bsc (Hons) from Scottish Church College. Lamartiniere however always stayed in my soul and continues till date. After graduating I met my Godman, Late Dinabandhu Mandal on a career defining day and decided to pursue legal studies from Hooghly Mohsin College which was offering a 3 year law course to graduates. So much was the passion then, I decided to join Fox & Mandal in my first year of law itself as a half day intern and used to slowly learn the practical application of law and study case files under the guidance of Seniors in the firm and the magnanimous shadow of Late Dinabandhu Mandal. Though Late Dinabandhu Mandal is no more, there will be no one quite like him in the firm and the legal fraternity for a very long time. The challenge was to make a mark in this legal arena which had very little room for first generation novices. I was also told by a few during those days as to why I was here in this legal profession at all and that I should move towards other pastures or perish. It was demotivating and depressing on occasions but I survived.

    What were your early experiences like as a law professional? Could you highlight some key milestones or memorable moments that helped shape your career trajectory?

    Just like any lawyer during the early 2000s trying to make a mark in Kolkata I started as a Junior assisting Mr. Shuva Mandal (currently the Managing Partner of Fox Mandal & Associates) in civil and commercial litigation cases. I always had an affinity towards company law related matters and got the opportunity of watching stalwarts such as P.C. Sen and B.K. Bachawat (to name a few) prepare and argue for matters. As time went on I found an interest in transaction documents and started honing my skills at drafting transactional documents. The most memorable assignments which I worked during those days were an infringement action against the makers of the T.V. Series “Karishma” and by first Admiralty Matter relating to the arrest of a vessel named “M.V. Stella Th”. An assignment involving setting up of the “Kolkata West International City” project also was extremely challenging and memorable. After an initial year or so with Mr. Shuva Mandal I worked with Mr. Kaushik Mandal and thereafter with Mr. Shourya Mandal (currently Co-Managing Partner of Fox Mandal & Associates). Mr. Shourya Mandal reposed utmost trust and faith in my abilities and provided the support and encouragement to achieve where I stand today. His contribution and guidance is a continuing process till date. 

    It would be incomplete if I did not mention the knowledge I acquired from two Senior Counsels of Calcutta High Court, Late Pratap Chatterjee and Mr. Ranjan Bachawat in course of the innumerable matters I had the good fortune to work with. They always took the effort to explain, reach and reprimand me. I thank them for the affection and time they contributed through their busy schedules in shaping my growth. Though Late Pratap Chatterjee is no more, all like me who happened to have the good fortune of working with him shall miss his presence for the rest of our lives.

    What drives your passion for the field of law? What aspects of the profession do you find most fulfilling?

    The passion for law is the biggest mystery for most lawyers which cannot be deciphered and /or reasoned. Maybe it is the uncertainty of things and outcome which attracts. It is a relentless drive forward to learn, practise and achieve greater milestones each day. Even the sky probably would not be the limit of this drive. The most fulfilling aspect of the profession is the scope to be innovative on the application of law and strategy. There is nothing sweeter and satisfying than the closure of a hard worked on transaction or a toughly fought and contested litigation ending in your client’s favour. The comradery and respect among colleagues, juniors and seniors is also overwhelming. Being a part of the vast legal community has always been like being part of a mammoth family which in a very unique way assures you that you belong here and that there is scope to learn and improve every day. 

    What are your primary practice areas within the field of law? Could you briefly explain what each area entails and why you chose to specialize in those particular areas?

    The primary practice areas are Corporate Law and related dispute resolution including Arbitration. Civil Commercial Litigation and Insolvency. Company Law was a subject and continues to be a subject which I have always been attracted to. The flow of events from the shaping of a transaction / deal to the situation where occasionally parties to a transaction, in course of time, fall apart for various unprecedented reasons leading to a situation of dispute resolution or litigation require parties to avail legal services. I would simply say that I find myself most comfortable and can express myself best in these situations and hence specialization to me in these verticals came quite naturally.

    Throughout your career, what are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned as a lawyer? Are there any specific cases or experiences that had a profound impact on your professional growth?

    The legal profession is definitely a marathon which spares no one. It takes a “lambi race ka ghora” to make the most of what this profession offers and succeed here.  The important lessons learnt are to respect colleagues and seniors, be patient, value time and the importance to develop a disciplined and methodical work approach. It is also essential to learn and improve from your experiences each day. Professional growth comes each day with experience and time spent on matters. However, there have been a few cases involving personalities and complex situations which have made a difference. In recent times the resolution of Rohit FerroTech Limited by Tata Steel under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code was an assignment which was satisfying. Another recent matter involving resolution of disputes between promoters of Switz Foods and other shareholders was nice experience.

    What advice would you give to individuals who are considering a career in law? Are there any misconceptions about the profession that you would like to address?

    A career in law is to be chosen out of passion and the will to be a part of the large legal fraternity. Accumulation of wealth by seeing the success of established individuals should never be the criteria, they can only be an inspiration to fuel one’s desires to succeed and become better lawyers. I believe that there are no shortcuts to long lasting success here in the legal profession and people must have the aptitude for taking the grind for the long haul. Every aspiring individual considering a career in law must have patience and the will to sacrifice their time spent on recreation, friends, relations and relatives and pursue their passion of making a place in this vast legal fraternity by devoting all his mind, heart, body and soul to this noble profession. Patience coupled with the ability to sacrifice along with the will to survive and put all that one can to the demands of the legal professional is extremely essential for making a career. 

    Lastly, what advice would you like to give to fresh graduates who are entering the legal profession? What key skills or qualities should they focus on developing, and what strategies can they employ to succeed in their early years as lawyers?

    Fresh graduates need to choose where they want to be and what they want to achieve wisely. They should in today’s times dig / see deep within themselves and decide whether they have the aptitude for practising as a legal counsel at the various courts and tribunals comprising the framework of the judiciary or should they join a law firm for practising in a vertical of their choice such as Corporate law, Real Estate, Banking & Finance, Dispute Resolution etc. Some may even opt to make a career in a Corporate House as legal assistants and become a General Counsel with time.

    As for strategies irrespective of where one is and which vertical one opts for, success comes for the ones who have the will to passionately and diligently meet the requirements and demands of their profession. The passion and will to succeed must burn under all circumstances and be backed up by disciplined and consistent hard work. The ability to work and adjust with a team, various people and going forward build a team is also extremely essential. It is also an appreciated quality and essential to be ethical in practices adopted with clients, colleagues, seniors, juniors and other people associated with the legal fraternity. 

    Get in touch with Orijit Chatterjee-

  • Upholding professionalism and ethical standards is essential for a successful legal career- Vinay Butani, Partner at Economic Laws Practice (ELP)

    Upholding professionalism and ethical standards is essential for a successful legal career- Vinay Butani, Partner at Economic Laws Practice (ELP)

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

    Sir, please  you tell us about your journey and how you ended up practicing law, specifically in the field of Corporate & Commercial, Private Equity & Venture Capital?

    Before deciding to specialize in of corporate and commercial law, I embarked on a journey that involved several internships and experiences in various legal fields. These experiences allowed me to explore different areas of law and gain valuable insights into the legal profession.  As I progressed through my studies, I continued to seek internships that aligned with my evolving interests. By my fourth year, I had gained substantial exposure to corporate law through internships in law firms specializing in corporate and commercial matters. These experiences allowed me to work closely with experienced lawyers and professionals in the field, exposing me to the intricacies of corporate transactions. Throughout these internships, I found myself captivated by the fast-paced and dynamic nature of Corporate & Commercial law. I was drawn to the complex challenges and strategic considerations involved in advising businesses and facilitating transactions. The opportunity to work closely with brilliant seniors who advised entrepreneurs and established companies in their pursuit of growth and success appealed to me greatly.

    You have worked on various corporate and commercial transactional matters across sectors such as healthcare, media, and fintech. Can you share some notable experiences or cases that have shaped your expertise in these areas?

    Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working on a diverse range of corporate and commercial transactional matters across sectors such as healthcare, media, and fintech. Each transaction has presented unique challenges and opportunities, and I have gained valuable expertise through these experiences.

    One notable experience that comes to mind is a healthcare transaction where I represented a medical technology company in its acquisition of a smaller healthcare startup. This transaction involved intricate negotiations, due diligence, and regulatory considerations. It was a complex process that required a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, as well as expertise in drafting and negotiating the acquisition agreement. During this transaction, I had the opportunity to work closely with both the acquiring company and the startup. I had to balance the interests of my client, who sought to expand its product portfolio, with the concerns and objectives of the startup’s founders. Through careful negotiation and creative problem-solving, we were able to structure a deal that satisfied both parties and facilitated a successful acquisition.

    In the fintech sector, I had the opportunity to work on a venture capital investment deal for a promising startup that aimed to revolutionize payment processing. This transaction involved multiple rounds of funding, negotiations with venture capital firms, and extensive due diligence. It was crucial to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and address investor concerns while protecting the interests of the startup. Throughout this transaction, I learned the importance of meticulous due diligence and effective communication among all parties involved. By thoroughly analyzing the legal and financial aspects of the startup, we were able to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. The end result was a successful investment deal that provided the startup with the necessary funds for growth and the investors with an opportunity for significant returns.

    These notable experiences, along with numerous other transactions, have shaped my expertise in corporate and commercial law. Each transaction has been a learning experience, allowing me to develop a deep understanding of the sectors I work in and refine my negotiation and problem-solving skills. My approach has always been solution-oriented, aiming to find mutually beneficial outcomes for both sides of the parties involved, while ensuring legal compliance and protecting my client’s interests.

    Your work includes advising Fortune 500 companies on corporate and commercial transactions. What are some of the key challenges or considerations when dealing with domestic and cross-border collaborations in India?

    When dealing with domestic and cross-border collaborations in India, there are several key challenges and considerations that arise. These challenges stem from the unique legal, regulatory, cultural, and business landscape in India. India has a complex regulatory framework, and it is crucial to navigate various laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance. Key areas of consideration include foreign exchange regulations, company law,  taxation and sector-specific regulations. Understanding and adhering to these regulations is vital for a successful collaboration.

    How has being featured in ALB India Rising Stars 2023 impacted your career and professional growth?

    On a personal level, being featured in this distinguished list has provided validation and motivation. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion I have invested in my legal career and the faith that the organization (ELP) has on me. The recognition has reinforced my belief in my abilities and has inspired me to continue striving for excellence and making significant contributions to the legal profession.

    In your experience, what are some of the key factors that contribute to a successful joint venture or strategic alliance between companies, both domestically and internationally?

    As a general thumb rule – a successful joint venture or strategic alliance between companies (domestically or internationally) require the parties to have a shared understanding of their objectives and a clear vision for the partnership. This includes identifying the specific goals, synergies, and benefits that each party expects to achieve. Ensuring alignment at the outset minimizes potential conflicts and sets the stage for a successful collaboration.  Once the objectives are clear, establishing a robust governance framework is crucial for effective decision-making and conflict resolution. Clearly defining the decision-making process, roles, and responsibilities of each party ensures efficient management of the joint venture or alliance. Finally, tailoring the agreement based on the above is crucial to avoid ambiguity and potential conflicts.

    As a lawyer practicing in the corporate and commercial sector, what are some common legal challenges or issues that businesses face when entering the Indian market?

    Key areas of consideration that generally need to analyze are foreign exchange regulations, company law,  taxation and sector-specific regulations. Understanding and adhering to these regulations is vital for a successful collaboration. However – despite these areas of consideration, India presents numerous opportunities for businesses looking to invest and expand. With its large consumer base, emerging sectors, and government initiatives, India continues to attract companies seeking growth. By addressing these legal challenges and working closely with legal professionals who are well-versed in Indian laws and regulations, businesses can navigate the Indian market successfully and unlock its vast potential.

    Lastly, based on your experience and expertise, what advice would you give to fresh law graduates who are aspiring to build a successful career in the field of corporate and commercial law, particularly in India?

    If I must chronologically respond to the above Seek Mentorship: 

    • Find mentors who have excelled in the field of corporate and commercial law. Their guidance, support, and insights can be invaluable in navigating your career path, understanding industry nuances, and making informed decisions. Learn the good, ignore the rest.  Remember, the legal fraternity is very small – people will always remember how you are to others.

    • Cultivate Professionalism and Ethical Standards: Upholding professionalism and ethical standards is essential for a successful legal career. Maintain integrity and develop effective communication and interpersonal skills to establish trust and build strong professional relationships.

    • Gain Practical Experience: Seek out internships and practical experiences in law firms, corporate legal departments, or relevant organizations. Practical exposure will provide you with invaluable insights into the field, help you understand the real-world application of legal principles, and develop essential skills .Specialize and Continuously Learn: Corporate and commercial law is a vast and dynamic field. Consider specializing in specific areas such as mergers and acquisitions, contracts, intellectual property, or securities law. Continuously update your knowledge and stay informed about changes in laws, regulations, and industry practices through seminars, workshops, professional development programs, and legal publications.

    • Develop Business Acumen: Understanding the business context is crucial for corporate and commercial lawyers. Gain a solid understanding of business fundamentals, financial statements, market trends, and industry-specific knowledge. This knowledge will enable you to provide practical and commercially viable legal advice to clients and contribute to their overall business objectives.

    • Develop Strong Legal Research and Drafting Skills: Corporate and commercial law requires excellent research and drafting skills. Practice conducting thorough legal research, analyzing case law, and applying legal principles to complex situations. Hone your drafting skills by preparing well-structured and concise legal documents, contracts, and agreements.

    • Embrace Technology and Innovation: The legal industry is evolving, and technology is playing an increasingly significant role. Familiarize yourself with legal tech tools, research databases, document management systems, and other technology solutions that can streamline legal processes and enhance efficiency. Embracing technology and innovation will make you a valuable asset in the evolving legal landscape.

    • Be Resilient and Adapt to Change: The legal profession can be demanding and challenging. Cultivate resilience, the ability to adapt to change, and a growth mindset. Embrace new challenges, learn from setbacks, and continuously seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.

    Remember, building a successful career takes time and dedication. Be patient, embrace opportunities for growth, and stay passionate about your chosen field. With perseverance, continuous learning, and a proactive approach, you can forge a rewarding and successful career in corporate and commercial law in India.

    Get in touch with Vinay Butani-

  • For me, adherence to professional ethics coupled with honesty and integrity is of prime importance- Jaydeep Mehta, Advocate on Record and Designated Partner, LexStreet Advisors LLP, Advocates & Solicitors

    For me, adherence to professional ethics coupled with honesty and integrity is of prime importance- Jaydeep Mehta, Advocate on Record and Designated Partner, LexStreet Advisors LLP, Advocates & Solicitors

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

    Can you tell us about the journey that led you to pursue a career in law and establish LexStreet Advisors LLP?

    Let me start with a quote of Nasir Ali “The journey always goes, but it is not easy. It is always wrapped up with struggles and surprises” 

    My career in law was never a choice but a chance. When you do your work with good intentions with honesty & integrity, superpower plays its role. Profession of law has always been close to my heart. When I completed law graduation way back in 1989 from one of the prestigious law colleges, K.C.Law College, Mumbai,  I wanted to join practice right from day one but did not get motivation from my family and friends. Legal profession was always close to my heart. I was forced to take up a job in a private sector organization. But in my job also, I stick to the profession of law only. All throughout my career in private sector companies also, I worked in legal departments only and that is where I got opportunities to interact with various law firms and individual lawyers in Mumbai & Gujarat. During my job, 1st time way back in 1992, I got an opportunity to interact with a Senior Partner of Manilal Kher Ambalal & Co. (now MKA), a well-known law firm during the days when Harshad Mehta scam had just exposed and the Govt had then started a Special Court for tainted securities. I got an opportunity to coordinate with MKA in those days when I was employed with one of the companies of Kirloskar Group.

    After spending almost 20 years in various organizations, finally I straight away jumped into practice. Initially I started on my own and later in 2014, along with my old friends in the legal profession, we incorporated Lexstreet Advisors LLP on 5th November, 2014 and since then we have never looked back and our journey as a law firm started….

    LexStreet Advisors LLP is known for its integrity and value-based proactive services. Can you share some examples of how your firm has helped clients effectively navigate the complicated legal and regulatory landscape in the country?

    We stick to our policy and vision. We have never compromised with professional ethics, honesty & integrity. Irrespective of the size of clients, whether individual, partnership firms and corporate clients, we have dedicated the same time and resources with a proactive approach. The true value of proactive approaches does not lie in their predictive abilities. The true value lies in the disciplined process. Such approaches can examine the strengths and weaknesses in systems and services being rendered by a law firm. We listen to every client’s problem and their difficulties and understand in depth what they expect from us. The situations have arisen when we had to refuse one of our corporate clients as we were preoccupied with important assignments. This has certainly given a positive and powerful message to the corporate client. The corporate client had really appreciated our approach and next time, the same client had approached us with positive thoughts and we helped them and when they needed our assistance. 

    As a full-service law firm, LexStreet offers a wide range of legal services. Could you highlight some of the key areas of expertise and specialization within your team?

    If I have to highlight key areas, I must mention Securities law, Corporate & Commercial laws, Insolvency laws, Arbitration law, employment laws, DRT & Civil litigations as well as advisory services. Nowadays new generation law firms are not keen on civil litigation but I feel there is a big vacuum as far as civil litigation is concerned. I must also mention the non-litigation area as a practice as we have been advising the private sector as well as a couple of PSUs on legal issues. 

    Today’s  young lawyers are after M&A & PE practice but I personally feel that is not the end. Law is an ocean and it’s very crucial to select areas of practice.  At the end of the day clients must be happy and satisfied with the services.  

    LexStreet has a strong network of partners, lawyers, associates, and counsels with domain expertise. How does this network contribute to the firm’s ability to provide prompt and accurate advice to clients?

    All the partners of Lexstreet are highly experienced legal professionals having wide experience in their respective domain areas of practice ranging from 18 years to 34 years. Wide experience of every partner and associate partners have certainly contributed to the growth of the firm. We are also expanding our horizons as far areas of practice are concerned. With the introduction of new statutes by the government like Data Protection laws, Artificial intelligence, our law firm is committed to induct new talents. 

    As a designated partner and advocate-on-record with extensive experience, could you share some notable achievements or cases that you have worked on throughout your career?

    I, as an individual Partner and experienced law professional, realised that knowledge sharing is a very crucial factor. Since the last 6 years I have been regularly sharing articles on LinkedIn regularly and In-house Counsels, legal managers working in various organizations have been appreciating it. Today I have crossed close to 2700 followers / connections on LinkedIn, which is a testimony of my passion for knowledge. I have also been invited to various moot court competitions being organized by various law schools including HPNLU & Narsee Monjee. This has certainly helped to get connected with many In-house Counsels who, in turn, have been assigning briefs to our law firm.

    LexStreet places high importance on maintaining professional ethics, integrity, and moral values. How do these values translate into your day-to-day operations and interactions with clients?

    Well, let me say very honestly that today, the legal industry has turned into a big industry rather than a noble profession. However, doing business and revenue generation is one side of the profession and following professional ethics and moral values is another side of this noble profession. For me, adherence to professional ethics coupled with honesty and integrity is of prime importance, which in-turn have certainly helped us to retain our valuable clients which include large domestic as well as non-domestic companies. Business and ethics go hand in hand, if one does not follow them, they are finding it difficult to survive in today’s competitive market. 

    In the rapidly evolving legal landscape, what skills and qualities do you believe are crucial for young lawyers to develop in order to succeed in their careers?

    In today’s highly competitive market, the crucial factor is retaining existing clients and at the same time attracting new clients. I would advise young lawyers to remain very humble, diligent in his / her work is very important and more important is to maintain humility is a core value of this noble profession. For the first time, When I met one of our family friends, a retired High Court Judge for his guidance before starting my practice, he just told me, once you take up an assignment of any client, small or big, do it wholeheartedly, irrespective of any fee you get. I have kept these words in my mind.

    As a leader in the legal industry, what are some of the emerging trends or challenges that you see on the horizon, and how is LexStreet adapting to stay ahead?

    For law firms, the experience of navigating COVID-19 has accelerated the pace of change and will continue to significantly impact operations, organisational culture, and the way lawyers work. The trends that were underway before the pandemic struck to continue challenging and transforming the industry at an accelerated pace. These include client empowerment, technology adoption, law firm consolidations, new players entering the legal services sector, and value-based pricing. We are committed to adapt to the changing technology in the era of upcoming AI.

    For fresh graduates who are considering a career in law, what advice would you give them based on your own experiences and insights?Let me tell young lawyers that there is no short cut to success. Patience and perseverance will bring desired results. I would advise every young lawyer not to adopt any shortcuts to achieve success. They must be humble and respect this noble profession. Increasingly, customers expect lawyers  to demonstrate extreme trust — that is, to proactively watch out for their customer’s interests. My school batchmate, who is now a Judge in the apex court, always says that there is something like a rule of Law.

    Get in touch with Jaydeep Mehta-

  • Today businesses have become more international than ever, and multijurisdictional experience undoubtedly adds to your credibility- Nitin Kala, Co-founding Partner, RegLaw Chambers

    Today businesses have become more international than ever, and multijurisdictional experience undoubtedly adds to your credibility- Nitin Kala, Co-founding Partner, RegLaw Chambers

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

    Can you tell us about your journey into the field of law? How did you decide to pursue a career in this field?

    I am a lawyer by default. For me law was an unlikely choice. As a child I was fascinated with planes and so dreamt of pursuing a career in flying but later, since I didn’t have best of the eyesight which is quintessential for being a pilot (particularly Airforce pilot), I harbored interest in doing MBA and eventually taking up c-suite job with an MNC.  Gladly, the universe had other plans for me.    

    Soon after I graduated from Campus Law Centre in 2004, I briefly worked on the original side before trial courts and the High Court of Delhi. In 2006 I went to King’s College London for LLM. During my LLM I secured an opportunity to intern with the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, London, which is one of the leading independent research centers for international and comparative law in the world. It was only during my studies in the UK that I developed interest in law. 

    After coming back from London in September 2007, I worked briefly with Singhania & Partners. Thereafter, the same year I joined Fox Mandal Little. Here I was part of the disputes team doing general litigation and arbitration matters and worked till 2010.  

    In June 2010, I joined J. Sagar & Associates (JSA) in New Delhi, where I worked for almost 7 years. At JSA I was part of the regulatory & policy team and for the first time got introduced to the diverse infrastructure sectors such as energy, telecom, cable & broadcasting, aviation etc.

    I left JSA in December 2016 to head the legal & regulatory function for Media.Net Advertising FZ-LLC (a multibillion-dollar Ad Tech co.). It was a one-year stint as Vice President (Legal & Regulatory), based out of the company’s headquarter in Dubai, UAE, and my role involved advising the management on US, China and EU laws & regulations around the company’s business and technology and coordinating and supervising litigation matters of the company across different jurisdictions. 

    I returned to India in January 2018 to start my own firm along with my partner, who is also ex-JSA, under the name ‘RegLaw Chambers’. The firm specializes in regulatory, policy and legal matters across telecom, media & technology (TMT), cable & broadcasting, space, energy, oil & gas, aviation, environment, ports, real estate, highways and other infrastructure areas. In 2022, I was called to the Bar as Barrister in England & Wales at Gray’s Inn, London.

    What have been your key take aways from your journey as a first-generation lawyer?

    Legal profession is extremely demanding and to sustain a career in law you need to be resolute. Nothing can supplant hard work, commitment, and knowledge. Everything that is required for having a successful legal career only gets amplified for a first-generation lawyer, including the challenges. Therefore, as a first-generation lawyer one needs to have unflinching determination. In my survey the two necessary attributes that one needs as a lawyer are knowledge and articulation, both of which can be acquired with persistent hard work. 

    Could you share some insights into the nature of your work and the sectors you focus on?

    My area of practice is regulatory, disputes and general corporate commercial laws within the regulated sector of the economy, such as telecommunication, cable & broadcasting, technology, space, energy, oil & gas, aviation etc. I advise on certain highly niche areas, such as outer space, undersea cabling, IoT/M2M, privacy & data protection, investments etc. My practice is a good mix of disputes and advisory. I regularly appear before diverse regulatory fora and courts for my clients. While regulatory happens to be the core area of my work, I do take up matters on the civil and criminal side as well. 

    Since you have also worked in-house internationally, could you tell us about some of the challenges working across different jurisdictions presents?

    The fundamental challenges that multi-jurisdictional work entails are different time zones, different laws/regulations and different systems. Certainly cross border issues are generally very complex. When you are coordinating or conducting work across different jurisdictions, the foremost task is to map all applicable laws and survey precedents. Concurrently, you engage with lawyers from different jurisdiction(s) to help gauge the situation and ascertain possible outcomes and recourses available to achieve the desired outcome. All of this requires immense work since you are often working in unfamiliar jurisdictions.  

    In 2018, you started your own regulatory disputes practice under the name ‘RegLaw Chambers.’ What motivated you to establish your own firm?

    While working in the law firm I and my partner (who is also a co-founder with me in RegLaw Chambers) occasionally had chats about someday going independent. But we could not then traverse through the comfort and security of working in a big law firm. In 2016 we parted ways briefly when I left the law firm to pursue an international career. This period of staying away from India was a moment of reckoning for me. During my time abroad I worked closely with founders of billion dollar start ups and was part of the process of setting up start-ups in different countries. I suppose it was then that I gathered confidence to do something on my own and uncovered the real worth of my domain expertise. 

    How has this multi-jurisdictional experience influenced your approach to legal practice?

    Today businesses have become more international than ever, and multijurisdictional experience undoubtedly adds to your credibility.  The wide expanse of my work over the years right from litigation, negotiating deals, closing investments, and handling regulatory investigations across jurisdictions could not have been possible without my multi-jurisdictional experience. 

    The exposure to other jurisdictions surely has had an indelible impact not just personally but also professionally. It has been a point of inflection where today I am not risk averse and more versatile than ever. This aside, the confidence that I acquired in handling complex matters is supreme. 

    Could you share any memorable experiences or lessons you have learned during your journey as a lawyer that have had a lasting impact on your professional and personal life?

    If I was to telescope my several years of experiences and lessons as a lawyer, 

    I would say this – If you create value in you, it’s only a matter of time before the world finds you worthy of notice. 

    I am an ardent believer that what you make of your life is your responsibility. Do not expect people to come and help you. Also do not permit anyone to come and define you for you. Be confident and persevere through all situations.       

    As a final question, considering your extensive experience in the legal field, what advice would you give to fresh graduates who are just starting their careers in law? What skills or qualities do you think are crucial for success in the legal profession?
    My advice to young lawyers would be to constantly invest in yourself to make yourself valuable. By investing, I infer acquiring knowledge and skills needed for practice of law. Never go unprepared to court or for a meeting. Constant improvement and striving to know more than your audience must be the perennial theme. And always work with 3 Cs viz. conviction, confidence, and congruence.

    Get in touch with Nitin Kala-

  • In law, never comes a day, when you can say ‘I know it all’ – and so is probably in every field, so keep learning everyday and keep updating yourselves- Vidya Sunderam, Principal Associate at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

    In law, never comes a day, when you can say ‘I know it all’ – and so is probably in every field, so keep learning everyday and keep updating yourselves- Vidya Sunderam, Principal Associate at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

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

    Ma’am, please tell us about your journey and how you ended up pursuing a career in law? What motivated you to choose this profession?

    I come from a non-lawyer background. After finishing school, I was almost about to join Delhi University for a degree in economics when my mother suggested me to attempt giving entrance for law. I went ahead, gave a few entrance exams (no CLAT back then), got admission in a couple of law schools and joined Amity Law School (GGSIP University) as it was in my hometown Delhi. It took a few semesters to know ‘law’ as a subject and then internships to know how it is practiced. Back in law school my subjects of interest were company law and IP, and when I started writing blogs while in law school, I started enjoying these subjects so much so I pursued corporate laws since then, with an inclination towards commercial contracts. 

    Your field of practice includes general corporate, M&A, and corporate advisory. Can you explain your role and core practice areas in more detail? What kind of work do you typically handle within these areas?

    General corporate as a practice area is vast. My core practice areas are handling acquisition transactions, domestic as well as cross border, both from sell side and buy side – this would include conducting due diligence (on the target or a vendor diligence), handling transaction documentation; handling disinvestment transactions; advisory and structuring foreign investments; advisory on a wide range of corporate and commercial law matters for listed and private companies, including company law and SEBI regulations with core focus on regulations on listing, insider trading, and takeovers.

    Transaction structuring and drafting transaction documentation seem to be a significant part of your expertise. Could you elaborate on the types of agreements and documents you typically deal with?

    Each transaction involves detailed structuring, which depends on a lot of factors such as the objective of the transaction, funding methodology, residency status of parties, legal restrictions including permits from regulatory authorities, tax implications etc. Once the transaction framework is finalised, parties proceed to execute the transaction documents (commonly referred as definitive agreements). It is preferable to first negotiate and execute a term sheet wherein the parties agree broadly on the terms and conditions, and follow up the same with detailed definitive agreements. The type of definitive agreements to be executed depends on the transaction – whether a share transfer, share subscription, asset transfer, business transfer, merger, demerger etc. I primarily handle transaction documentation for acquisitions and restructuring, for listed and private companies, and have also handled prominent disinvestment deals involving public sector companies. Transaction documents I usually draft include share purchase agreements, share subscription agreements, asset purchase agreements, business transfer agreements, joint venture agreements, business cooperation agreements, framework agreements etc., along with several ancillary documentation. The drafting style varies based on who you are representing, the objective, facts and circumstances of the matter, and seek protective provisions accordingly. 

     Due diligence is an essential task when evaluating a transaction. Which sectors have you conducted due diligence reviews for, and what are the key aspects you look for during the process?

    Yes, due diligence is an essential part of an M&A transaction and is highly recommended. It is only when a due diligence review is conducted, that an investor gets to know the target closely and can help negotiate the deal and include protective measures in the transaction documents. I have conducted diligence review on several companies engaged in sectors such as manufacturing, power, healthcare, FMCG; services; hospitality; IT etc. A legal diligence report is an encyclopaedia on the target’s legal compliance status, and typically involves a review of the target’s corporate compliance, contracts, licenses, employees, properties, intellectual property, litigations etc. Transaction document negotiations depend a lot on the outcome of the diligence. In a diligence, one highlights to the client any risks they may face if they into the transaction. It is very important to highlight solutions/ mitigation for each risk highlighted in the report without which the report is certainly incomplete. It is also necessary to ensure that diligence is completed in a time bound manner so that the definitive agreements are negotiated and executed taking into account any risks. 

    What advice would you give to fresh law graduates who are just starting their careers? What are some key qualities or skills they should focus on developing?

    Fresh law graduates must remember that first and foremost it is important to be and remain focused. Spend the initial years of your career in developing a deep understanding of your practice area and the laws relating to it. I know that in the initial few years, there are many lawyers who get confused on which practice area to choose. Now here comes the role of your seniors and also your patience. Be willing to explore, but be patient to learn and put in 100% effort. If you still think you need a change, do that, provided you again put in 100% effort. In law, never comes a day, when you can say ‘I know it all’ – and so is probably in every field, so keep learning everyday and keep updating yourselves. What is also important is to never get disappointed. It is a long journey and there is space for all. Some key qualities or skills if you ask me are: discipline, willingness to learn, updating yourself every day, hard work (also smartwork), being a team player, and time management. To all the fresh law graduates – keep up the enthusiasm and yes, you have chosen a great profession and you are going to get into a great professional journey.

  • Arguing a matter in court may sound and seem quite glamorous. But behind these glamor filled moments are hours and hours of hard work which of course, is behind the scene and goes unnoticed. It’s with every lawyer- Rajeshwari Hariharan, Arguing counsel, Founder of Rajeshwari & Associates

    Arguing a matter in court may sound and seem quite glamorous. But behind these glamor filled moments are hours and hours of hard work which of course, is behind the scene and goes unnoticed. It’s with every lawyer- Rajeshwari Hariharan, Arguing counsel, Founder of Rajeshwari & Associates

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

    Please  tell us about your journey and how you ended up pursuing a career in law, particularly in the field of Intellectual Property Rights?

    After college, I wanted to do medicine. But, due to some circumstances, I couldn’t do that and turned to law.  I had seen some of my father’s friends as lawyers and was curious. So I took to law and joined practice at the District court. I had exposure to many common areas of law like conveyancing, land laws, contracts, arbitration, and even medical negligence. The medical negligence case really got me hooked on law. Then I got work on some trademark cases at my senior’s chamber  (Mr Khaladkar) which lured me into the area of intellectual property law. Because IP was not so well known in District Courts, we came to Delhi to explore and understand this area bit better.  

    I realised that there are lawyers who specialise just in intellectual property law. As a green horn I wanted to absorb every bit of work that came my way – be it a trademark matter or any other. Eventually, I joined K&S Partners where I had the good fortune to work on very interesting matters including the Basmati patent revocation, turmeric patent revocation, neem patent revocation, etc. My knowledge in sciences came in handy in patent matters, be it drafting or developing arguments in court. So it was reinforced that IPR was the way to do it. 

    Soon in 2008-09 I set up my own practice. I then had the occasion to work on various important matters including the first ever compulsory licence that was granted in India by the Patent office. I continue to work on patent and other intellectual property matters and with new technologies, I think there will be many more opportunities for us to assist the court and  development of law. It has been a very interesting journey and I really cherish every moment. 

    With a background in biotechnology, what led you to specialize in Intellectual Property Rights? Was there a specific experience or event that sparked your interest in this field?

    As I mentioned, my initial  years of practice were focussed on general law. It was deliberate, as I felt that one should first build a sound fundamental platform and from thereon, one can expand and deep dive into any specific area of your liking. That’s how I did a myriad of matters including cases relating to Urban Land Ceiling Act, banking, arbitration, conveyancing, medical negligence etc. All this made me look at different areas and open up new vistas. But I always wanted to use my science background and was looking for an appropriate area where I could put this to use. My senior’s chamber had some cases on medical negligence which were very interesting. In fact, there was a suit for damages against a doctor which was filed and it was my science background that helped us make comprehensive and incisive arguments that impressed the court and finally led to dismissal of the suit. Then we got a couple of patent matters – where again I had the occasion to assist the court with my technical knowledge. We won that matter also.  All this fortified my belief that IPR is an area where my science background would inevitably be my Ace card and this area is what I should specialise in. Back then in 1995-96, generalisation was the trend and specialisation rarity. But the more I read about Intellectual property, the more I fell in love with the subject. And the love affair continues till date. Even today, I think, all that I know is just a tip of the iceberg. There is an undiscovered ocean and even a lifetime is not enough to master this infinite ocean of knowledge. You may say I was lured into IPR practice. 

    You founded Rajeshwari & Associates, a full-service IPR law firm specializing in various areas. What motivated you to start your own firm, and what were some of the challenges you faced during the initial years?

    I was always taught that law is a service, a profession where one has ample occasions to serve the public at large. And I have experienced it first-hand. We had a case relating to a land dispute (partition dispute) and our client was a farmer from Aurangabad. He would dutifully come on each day of argument, sit at the chamber with folded hands and hope that we would be able to argue and win his case. He knew he has contributing nothing in terms of law- but that was his way of expressing his moral support to us. 

    Eventually, we won the case for him at the District Court. He was so elated, so happy  that tears welled up in his eyes and he fell at the feet of my senior. We were literally “gods” for him!!!

    Our whole chamber of 15 lawyers had worked day and night to research and develop arguments for his case. When we won the case and saw the expression on this man’s face, we as young lawyers felt a deep sense of satisfaction, a sense that we did something that impacted someone’s life positively. I cannot tell you the joy that we felt or express in words the feeling that we had. All our gruelling days of hard labour, the slavery, the torture by my senior just vanished with this one expression. 

    A week later he returned with two sacks full of potatoes and rice. That was the client’s way of paying the fee for the case. My senior also accepted it with grace and did not ask anything at all. Nothing was spoken but both knew what was going on. 

    This again reinforced that we actually did something good and our work was not academic. There were many such instances that had left an indelible mark and resulted in a firm resolve, that one day, I will have my own chamber where I will serve such clients and witness the happiness on their face.  That is why, after serving in a law firm for many years, I started my own practice where I have complete freedom to decide which matters I should take up, when and how. I only wish I had done this much earlier. 

    Over the course of your career, you have achieved significant milestones in the field of IPR, including winning the first ever compulsory license for Natco and litigating the Glivec battle up to the Supreme Court. Can you share some insights into these landmark cases and the impact they had on the Indian patent landscape?

    Both these cases that you mention have had a socio-economic impact. First – the compulsory licence case. That case was one where I and every one in my team had worked for days on end researching, strategizing, going back to the drawing board again and again. And of course, with the firm backing from our client Natco, we could make it. Our client’s mission was to make a life saving drug (sorafenib) available to the common man- to save a liver cancer patient from immediate death and extend his life by several months. It was about a big pharma abrogating to itself the right to choose who would live and who would die. The mission was so huge that we couldn’t help identifying ourselves with it and acting as catalysts. The case had its own share of challenges- like how to prove that the drug sorafenib sold at Rs. 2,80,000 by Bayer is not affordable ? There was no published article that profiles and analyses the income of liver cancer patients. So, we did a survey of such patients. 

    Then, came the simultaneous suit for infringement, and our counter-claim. The court in the infringement suit asked how we could argue that the patent is invalid and at the same time, ask for compulsory licence. The answer lay in the Patents Act itself – which carves out no exception as to who can challenge the validity of a patent and provides that non-challenge clauses in agreements are bad. Case law such as Lear vs Adkins (US) came to our assistance. 

    Then came the arguments before the Controller General – I was opposite a Senior Advocate Sudhir Chandra and he was at his shrillest best. Though I may not have matched the pitch in terms of decibels or stature, me and my team had worked equally hard  to present a compelling case for grant of Compulsory licence which was ultimately upheld by the IPAB, the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court. 

    The Glivec case was also a device of strategy, strong technical arguments and arguments of public interest. Here, Novartis had been granted the first ever Exclusive Marketing Rights (EMR) under the Patents (amendment) Act 2002. Basis this, they were rightly granted injunction by the Madras High Court against certain parties. We challenged the EMR at the Delhi High Court on the ground that it was granted without hearing the affected parties, and without due notice. Novartis immediately filed a suit at the High Court of Bombay, being armed with the Madras High Court order. Our client was naturally jolted. I was told by my colleagues that its no use fighting the suit at the Bombay High court who is bound to grant injunction in view of the Madras High Court order. However, I was hopeful. We argued many issues including public interest. In fact public interest was a very strong argument in the facts of that case – the drug imatinib mesylate was to be given to CML (blood cancer) patients who were in their final stage. The cost of the drug as sold by Novartis was Rs. 1,10,00/- per month as compared to Rs. 6000-8000 of our client. We cited case law from the UK and other countries and argued various aspects of public interest. The court ultimately refused the injunction, and the primary basis is public interest. The judgement is reported as ‘Novartis Vs Meher Pharma’. 

    There was also the opposition to the patent application for polymorphic form of imatinib mesylate which opposition was allowed by the Patent office on the ground that the invention lacked novelty, inventive step and failed on the ground of section 3(d). This was one of the first ever cases where the Patent office had the occasion to explore section 3(d) and due to lack of therapeutic efficacy rejected the application. This was upheld by the High Court and Supreme Court. 

    Both are cases etched in my memory. Both are cases that have actually helped cancer patients. Something I have always wanted to do.    The Glivec case is also important for the reason that it interpreted the scope of section 3(d) and it is that interpretation that we follow till date. The CL case had interpreted the CL related provisions of compulsory licence that were hitherto considered ‘academic’ and near impossible to achieve.

    As an arguing counsel at the High Court of Delhi and the Supreme Court of India, you have represented clients in patent and other litigations. What are some of the unique challenges and opportunities you encounter when arguing before these higher courts?

    It is a very interesting and challenging life as an arguing counsel. Firstly, we argue matters on the basis of instructions from the instructing lawyers and basis their briefs. Sometimes their pleading lacks some of the most basic or crucial points that one may need for arguments. But still, we have to make do, plaster the pleading and make out a good case. Second, many times, the briefing counsel is not up to-date with the latest developments in law – resulting therefore in bad planning or taking incorrect steps or filing unwanted applications which may get rejected by the court. Obviously, the instructing counsel and more so -the client are puzzled as to what happened with the outcome. Third, I find that people just show clients a rosy garden which is bit different from real life. So again when I tell them that their case has certain flaws, they are not very happy. Fourth,  some people feel that once a brief is handed over to a senior, their job is over- it is actually the start of the process. As a result, our team has run the extra mile to make sure we have all the tools and ammunition to do well in the court. 

    Arguing a matter in court may sound and seem quite glamorous. But behind these glamor filled moments are hours and hours of hard work which of course, is behind the scene and goes unnoticed. It’s with every lawyer. 

    But at the end of the day, if we achieve a good outcome, every midnight oil burnt is worth it and we will do it a hundred times over. 

    You have been recognized as a visionary in the domain of Intellectual Property Rights. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and dynamics shaping the intellectual property landscape, especially in developing nations?

    It is very important to stay updated not only with cases of Indian courts but also of courts in other countries as it gives an idea of the trend. It also gives an insight into what was argued and how the argument was received by the court. So I try and keep case-law reading for weekends or anytime that I find free. I don’t like to waste time and I try to utilise in catching up with case law or technology. The only way to stay updated is to allocate time and in disciplined manner keep reading. I also get invited to do podcasts or talks at various places on various subjects – that also keeps me on my feet. Sometimes we have discussions with groups. All this helps. But self-reading and staying updated is indispensable.

    As a TEDx speaker, what was the topic of your talk, and why is it important for you to share your insights and knowledge through platforms like TEDx?

    I am a follower of TED talks and have been greatly inspired by these talks. I was very excited to be invited to give a TEDx talk. 

    So I thought, I should speak on a topic that would be helpful to one and all- courage and conviction, Its about having the courage to pursue your path despite the negative talk around, despite the discouragement. I think in life as well in any profession, there is a need to pursue your objective or goal with all your might, complete perseverance and passion. There will be obstacles but if you are determined, nothing can stop you. But the determination must be strong and unshakable.  

    We have been taught these principles and most of us do apply them in our daily lives and surely do practice them. But it is important to keep reminding ourselves of these principles from time to time so that we stick to the chosen path and don’t deviate. And what better example than our own experiences. 

    With burgeoning information on the internet, today’s youth wants to do something, but is often confused or even discouraged if they do not instant success like instant Maggi. 

    Hence I talked about my experience, about how I had debilitating injuries and despite that, I managed to survive and move on, rather than mourn over what was lost. I felt that if I could inspire at least one person, I can say, it’s a good beginning. 

    You have authored several articles and are a regular speaker at conferences and seminars. Can you share some of the key messages you aim to convey through your writings and speaking engagements?

    I have been writing since a very young age. Most of my speaking assignments at conferences and seminars are IPR or other legal topic oriented. Hence through these sessions, I try to spread knowledge – the knowledge that I have gained so far. I think that people attending any session on any topic should find it a good investment of time and effort- and as trainers or speakers it is our responsibility to ensure that their time is well spent. So I usually prepare and try to ensure that whatever topic I speak on throws some new perspectives and the audience is able to gain knowledge. Knowledge is gained by spreading not by keeping it locked. 

    Recently, I have authored a chapter on Trade Secrets and it is published by Chambers in 2023. You will find the link at https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/trade-secrets-2023/india/trends-and-developments. The chapter summarises the position in India regarding trade secrets. It gives an insight into the existing law and the remedies available within the current framework. 

    Surely, with technical progress, everyone would be impacted especially companies and institutions. Its high time we enact a comprehensive law on trade secrets and law should protect confidential information in whatever shape and form. Right now, we have several judicial precedents to protect confidential information. While we are quite successful in protecting breaches of confidentiality by employees, it is always helpful to have a legislation as it imposes confidence in business owners and enables framing of appropriate policies to protect such information. 

    With your vast experience in the field of IPR, what advice would you give to fresh graduates who are aspiring to pursue a career in law, particularly in the domain of Intellectual Property Rights?

    For fresh law graduates, I would advise that they should initially try all kinds of practice areas. Gain knowledge and not look for instant money. This is a profession not a money spinning business where one expects ROI from day one or year one. It’s a profession, a service to the public. Money will come, slowly but surely. Knowledge is king. 

    So one should practice in lower courts, gain experience in courts, tribunals, working or training with solicitors as well as in-house counsels and having gained a general perspective, then, make up your mind whether you want to do litigation or something else. Its each for himself. In this profession, hard work is the only currency that may get you somewhere. There no short-cuts; so one has to have patience and keep working at it. You would attain your gaol sooner or later. If you choose litigation, it is surely a hard life. Even a solicitor’s life is not as simple as you think – every field will have its own twisted path. But one has to enjoy the process, enjoy the profession, satisfy yourself with the happiness and smile that you may bring on someone’s face. That’s the glory and gold coins this profession offers.

    Get in touch with Rajeshwari Hariharan-

  • I feel that young professionals nowadays are very creative and confident, but along with that, I would say the ability to focus and be diligent with each assignment – however small or big it may be, is extremely important- Jacqueline Aikin, Partner at Solomon & Co.

    I feel that young professionals nowadays are very creative and confident, but along with that, I would say the ability to focus and be diligent with each assignment – however small or big it may be, is extremely important- Jacqueline Aikin, Partner at Solomon & Co.

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

    Ma’am, can you tell us about your journey and how you ended up pursuing a career in law, particularly in the corporate and commercial sector? 


    I was born and raised in Pune for the most part. Law just happened – I guess I owe it to the great institution in Pune – ILS Law College. I pursued CS and piano from Trinity College, London through school and college.   

    Through college years, I kept hearing that the legal profession is not for Pune, unless you know the local language well and want to pursue real estate law. I had an interest in business laws and had my eyes set on corporate. Bajaj Allianz was my first corporate job and after that, I moved to Suzlon Energy Limited at their corporate headquarters in Pune.  

    In the formative years of my career, I focussed on contracts, business risks and mitigation, and learnt that the key to understanding and working on a transaction is to “join the dots” factually and legally. Being in an in-house role, one can contribute effectively as a lawyer, once you understand the business. I worked extensively with cross functional teams and gained experience across the entire wind and solar industry value chain – right from IPR to supply chain management to project sales and execution, operations and maintenance. I also had the opportunity to work on some great corporate and cross border transactions and worked with some great professionals across the renewable industry as well as law firms. 

    With over 16 years of experience in law firms and in-house roles, what have been the highlights of your career so far? Could you share some key assignments or projects that you have worked on?

    Well, there are many such assignments, but to name a few that come to my mind right now  – once I was negotiating a supply contract with a supplier in Germany. Their lawyer refused to reason on any point, since he came with a “legal rule book”. There was no ability to negotiate with the lawyer at all, and the next round of negotiations happened with their business team – and we had very constructive discussions thereafter. This is why I always feel that we can’t just be lawyers without a business understanding, as it’s not efficient at all. I also enjoyed discussing litigation strategy with international counsels and negotiating settlements for the company. One of my most exciting negotiations was with a Spanish entity who didn’t understand a word of English. I was representing an entity that couldn’t fulfil their contractual obligations due to business constraints. We used a translator and hours of discussions later we settled a 12 Million Euro claim for a small percentage of it! I also enjoy working on renewable energy project contracts, as one has to factor in various dynamics of these vast projects, bearing in mind their long term impacts.

    You have cross-border exposure in various regions such as Europe, USA, UK, Brazil, Middle East, South Africa, Australia, Israel, and Southeast Asia. How has this global exposure influenced your approach to practicing law, and what challenges and opportunities have you encountered while working across different jurisdictions?

    Suzlon gave me a great global exposure, especially in dispute resolution and contract negotiations. It is important to understand the business dynamics, as it helps in negotiating contracts effectively as well as supporting  litigations wearing the business-legal hat. This also helped me to achieve many settlements of cross border disputes amicably.

    2 years into my professional career, I began travelling abroad and worked across Germany, Netherlands, Spain, UK, USA, Dubai and Singapore to negotiate transactions and support litigation, working with law firms across these regions. As a young lawyer this certainly does give you a high! Working with in-house counsels and law firms across the world also helped me improve my standards and quality of drafting and understanding of various cross border laws and their implications in the Indian context. I also really enjoyed traveling so there was overall learning and professional development on many fronts.

    What made you move from an in-house counsel to a law firm in Pune?

    Having worked for over 10 years as an in-house counsel, we would keep approaching laws firms outside of Pune for legal support. There seemed to be a void for good corporate law firms in Pune. Back in 2017, Pune corporates were expanding, the IT business was thriving, manufacturing set up was expanding in and around Pune, many foreign companies were setting up shop in Pune and the foreign investments were certainly boosting Pune’s economy. This is what made me explore opportunities to set up a law firm practice in Pune, and I soon joined Solomon & Co., to set up their Pune practice. 

    What according to you is the difference between an in-house legal role and law firm experience?

    Work wise, we had quite an extensive and in-depth approach to transactions even as an in-house counsel, so transitioning to a law firm wasn’t tough in that sense. What was challenging was developing the practice, in a city like Pune where people were either accustomed to not working with lawyers at all (unless there was a dispute) to only working with Tier A firms for corporate transactions.  

    Persistence paid and our first retainer mandate was a huge celebration indeed. The second biggest success was when we achieved our targets in Pune the first time.! It was indeed recognition for our hard work,  perseverance and the trust our valued clients had instilled in us. It has been over 5 years since we set up the Pune office, and I can say that I have been able to successfully develop a strong corporate and commercial practice in Pune, focusing on corporate advisory, M&A, private equity, joint ventures, collaborations, inbound and outbound investments and commercial contracts. Additionally, as a renewable energy lawyer, I have been supporting several renewable energy companies for Project contracts, procurement and consultancy agreements and technology collaborations for wind and solar energy. So, while we don’t focus on any particular industry as such, being in Pune I have been able to develop a strong practice in the renewable energy and automotive sector, and have been working closely with several renowned corporates in Pune. 

    As a result-driven individual with strong interpersonal skills, communication abilities, and positive work ethics, how do these qualities contribute to your success as a lawyer? How do you leverage these skills to build relationships with clients and achieve their objectives effectively?

    I would say that these qualities are very important to be a sound professional. While building the practice in Pune, as much as I was representing the brand of the law firm, I was also representing myself as a brand. This meant that only did I have to go all out to pitch for work, but follow it up by delivering a good work product. I have been consistently supported by a great team of talented lawyers here in Pune, and have tried to imbibe similar qualities in each of them. After all, if the quality of your work is good, you build credibility with your clients, and build your practice at a consistent pace. I guess this has been the driving force behind our growth story!

    Lastly, based on your experience and insights gained throughout your career, what advice would you give to fresh graduates or aspiring lawyers who are just starting their journey in the legal field, especially in the corporate and commercial sector? 

    I feel that young professionals nowadays are very creative and confident, but along with that, I would say the ability to focus and be diligent with each assignment – however small or big it may be, is extremely important. Additionally, for lawyers, the way to provide sound legal advice to my mind is – reading every contract, case or transaction document in detail along with the law and business requirements. 

    My dad is a retired army officer and he taught me the “never say never attitude”. I learnt from him that hard work and maintaining relationships and goodwill is the key to success! And my mum taught me the important quality of “humility”. These value systems have guided me throughout my career, to tell a tale of perseverance, patience and hard work. My professional stints have been long term and stable, as success to me is beyond the numbers. 

    To the young ones, I’d finally say that the number game is definitely tempting, but it all falls in place at the right time if you have a diligent and persevering outlook. Like they say, “great things come from hard work and perseverance”. There are no shortcuts to success!

    Get in touch with Jacqueline Aikin-