Sir, please tell us how did you get interested in pursuing law as a career?
I was always passionate about co-curricular activities during my school time. I pursued my primary and secondary education from Delhi Public School, Mathura Road where I got the opportunity to serve as the Head Boy in Junior Wing (2000-2001) as well as Senior Wing (2007-2008). Being an avid debater, I always had a knack for formulating arguments and envisioned myself as a litigating counsel. While my interest in public speaking was one of the aspects that pushed me towards studying law, the role of a lawyer as a social engineer fortified my decision of pursuing law as a career.
Could you tell us more about your experience as a Law Researcher with Justice Hima Kohli at the Delhi High Court? What was it like to prepare briefing notes for the Hon’ble Judge on fresh matters and research on challenging legal propositions?
I started my career in law as a Law Researcher with Justice Hima Kohli at Delhi High Court (now Judge, Supreme Court of India). It was an enriching experience to prepare briefing notes for the Hon’ble Judge on fresh matters. This helped me learn the art of reading a brief and summarizing the fulcrum of the dispute with ready reference to the relevant annexures. The experience also taught me the skills of researching on challenging legal propositions. Clerkship acted as an excellent stepping stone in my career as it offered a brilliant opportunity to observe contentious hearings and heated arguments to learn court craft and articulation.
What motivated you to gain more exposure in high stake matters by joining J SagarAssociates (“JSA”)?
The following two aspects motivated me to join a good law firm – (i) quality of pleadings filed by Tier – I law firms; and (ii) exposure of briefing and assisting variety of senior counsel.
While preparing briefing notes during my clerkship, I realised the importance of pleadings which is the first element of a case that a judge peruses even before considering arguments. I could easily differentiate between the standard of pleadings drafted by reputed law firms involved in high stake matters as compared to other run of the mill matters. Also, I was always intrigued by the arguments presented by good senior counsel who were usually engaged in high stake matters. I realised that working with a law firm would provide me exposure as I would get opportunity to assist a variety of senior counsel who are experts in their respective fields of law.
What did you learn during your time at JSA and how did it help shape your career as alawyer?
My stint atJSA taught me discipline, grit and perseverance. Turning around deliverables with rigorous deadlines prepared me for bringing out the best even under pressure. Associating with international clients further enhanced my personality and helped me transform into a mature professional. Furthermore, the exposure of appearing in different courts across the country helped me gain confidence to establish my independent practice.
What inspired you to establish your independent practice, and what have been some ofthe most rewarding experiences so far?
I have always been passionate about addressing arguments in Court. After a point of time, felt I was becoming too comfortable and complacent with my job at the law firm. I was striving for more opportunities to argue. The freedom to argue your own matters inspired me to establish my practice. One of the most rewarding experience is the satisfaction I see on my clients’ faces after they see me perform in Court. Recently, after achieving a favourable outcome for one of the legal aid beneficiaries, I was invited by him to visit his house and meet his family so that I could meet and inspire his children. Such instances augment my trust in the legal profession and remind me that I am on the right track.
Could you share more about your role as an Assistant Advocate General of the State ofHaryana in the Supreme Court of India?
As an Assistant Advocate General of a state, one is required to represent the concerned State in matters that are marked to the officer. The officer is expected to be well acquainted with both civil and criminal law as the officer can be asked to represent the State in any matter where the concerned State has been impleaded. The officer is required to coordinate with the concerned department of the State Government to seek instructions and assist the Court. My responsibilities as an Assistant Advocate General included arguing matters before the Supreme Court and drafting Special Leave Petitions and counter affidavits.
What are some of the most challenging cases you have handled in your practice, andhow did you approach them?
Each brief has its own challenges. Sometimes, a case may be straightforward but the Bench may be non-receptive. On other occasions, the opposite counsel may create unexpected hurdles in a matter which is otherwise not complicated.
Some of the challenging cases that I have handled include the landmark decision of Maharashtra Seemless Limited v Padmanabhan Venkatesh & Ors., reported as (2020) 11 SCC 467. I also appeared before Supreme Court in a landmark matter titled Aruna Oswal v Pankaj Oswal & Ors., reported as (2020) 8 SCC 79 involving interpretation of law of nomination under Companies Act, 2013 vis-à-vis law of intestate succession.
I have also represented a person with benchmark disability in a service matter before the Delhi High Court and Central Administrative Tribunal. I argued for securing his preferred post on the principles of non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation enshrined in the Rights of Person with Disabilities Act, 2016.
My Approach
Prepare a narrative, storyline of the matter and plug loopholes, if any.
Become the Devil’s Advocate and identify all ostensible arguments of the opposite side.
Present the matter before the Judge with a simple and logical approach. All courts appreciate brevity.
Up to date background research on the Judge who will be hearing the matter and judge’s approach in similar situations.
Understand the pulse of the Court which is very important during a hearing.
Prepare flexible strategies basis mood of the Court. Most of the urgent reliefs sought before a Court are discretionary. The art of articulation and persuasiveness to convince the Judge in passing a favorable order is the most important.
Could you talk about your experience representing various corporate, governmentdepartments, and financial institutions, and how do you balance the interests of thesedifferent clients?
You need to be versatile. Each client has a different way of dealing. Corporates expect you to be responsive so that they are updated with each development in their matter. However, government departments do not encourage too much hand holding. For me, all matters are equally important and I try to distribute my time basis the nature of the brief irrespective of the nature of client. I strictly adhere to professional ethics and do not engage in any manner in a matter where I may be conflicted.
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring lawyers looking to build a successfulcareer in litigation and dispute resolution?
While pursuing a career in law, you always remain a student as there is so much to learn. One must continue learning throughout their life and accept new ideas. I urge the budding lawyers to have a clear vision and plan their actions accordingly. There is no substitute to hard work and no shortcut to success.
In my view, the skills and qualities which a lawyer must possess to excel in his career can be derived from the word “Success” itself :-
What inspired you to choose law as a career? How has been the decision so far?
A career in law was an informed decision as it has always been fascinating to me. Although a career in law is demanding and intellectually challenging, it also provides personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. My decision of choosing Law as a career has been great as it allows me to explore the diversities and to further hone my skills.
What were the challenges that you faced in the beginning of your career?
As I am a first-generation lawyer, I had no Godfather who could guide me. However, I did not take it as a drawback and with consistent efforts and dedication, I worked towards achieving my goals and overcame the impediments. Today, I represent several corporate clients, Start-ups, MSMEs, and individuals. I believe with sincere efforts and dedication one can successfully achieve the goals of their life.
Megha, what do you think are the most important qualities of an effective IP lawyer?
Intellectual Property is nothing but creation of minds. A set of intangible assets come under the umbrella of Intellectual Property. I believe, to be an effective IP lawyer, one should have traits such as attentiveness, strong analytical thinking, research skills, time management, effective communication skills etc. to understand the creation of their client. Any advice which is erroneous while protecting the IP, may prove to be fatal to the business(es).
Among all the various specialisations and cases you have dealt with, which one do you find the most interesting and challenging?
I am an IP lawyer and had once represented a client which happened to be a corporate, in front of the Tribunal. I had to defend a trademark which was highly descriptive. I strategized the case, made pointers and submissions in support of the mark and had successfully secured registration for the same.
By effectively strategizing a case and listing the valid key points, one can achieve positive results.
Megha, do you think that for a first-generation lawyer, the journey becomes a little difficult? Please explain the same wrt to your own experience.
I won’t say that for a first-generation lawyer, the journey becomes a little difficult. That being said, I believe having a mentor always gives you an edge over others. A first-generation lawyer must never let themselves feel gloomy and should remain focused and consistently work towards achieving their objectives. One should never shy away from taking advice or opinion from their seniors or fellow lawyers.
What can be some of the toughest considerations while someone from a non-legal background has to see before opting law as a career?
Earlier, a career in law was considered as a traditional concept. But with the changing times, a plethora of career options like journalism, career in banking and insurance sector, legal academia, consultants etc. have emerged and increased and are gaining attention of the law aspirants. One must take into consideration several factors before opting law as a career, like the aim in choosing the field (of law); being prepared for hardship during the initial phase of their career, specially for those who choose a career in litigation; having strong drafting and analytical skills and so on.
Megha, was there any roadmap that helped you thus far in your journey, or any mentor that supported you from the very beginning, please share how was it for you?
I have always aimed at continued development of my skills with a strong focus on my work so as to achieve my goals. I had designed a roadmap clearly specifying my goals and was adamant to be where I wanted to be. I have also been fortunate to have knowledgeable seniors and fellow lawyers who have mentored me.
Megha, what is a typical day like for you and how do you suggest time management strategies for our young law generation?
I start my day by prioritizing my tasks so as to eliminate the risk of missing any important task or a deadline. I suggest our young lawyers to make a list of their daily tasks according to the priority. One should complete the high efforts task first before moving to a new task. Prioritizing and focusing on one task at a time also helps in managing the time in the most effective manner.
Could you highlight some of your success habits that enable you to meet your goal?
I practice a habit of reading a lot, be it a book, an article, a judgement or any other related stuff. It helps me in keeping myself updated with the latest trends and further helps in honing my analytical skills, knowledge and creativity. Other than that, I always make efforts in connecting with others to exchange thoughts. I think networking is an important aspect which helps you grow.
Lastly, what advice would you give to someone starting out?
Before planning a career in law, one should be self-aware and must reconnoiter all the areas of law. The foundation of a successful career in law lies in the clarity of subject matter.
What was your motivation behind choosing law as a career?
Growing up in a family of doctors, I was surrounded by medical professionals and it was expected that I would follow in their footsteps by pursuing a career in medicine. However, as I progressed through my education, I began to have doubts about whether that was the right path for me. In my ninth grade, I developed the habit of reading the newspaper and became interested in the impact of law on our daily lives by reading articles and editorials. Additionally, I have always been drawn to challenges and the idea of making a name for myself in a unique field.
By the end of my tenth grade, I had made the decision to pursue a career in law, despite the surprise of those around me. I chose commerce instead of biology and started my Law School preparations. Fortunately, my parents were incredibly supportive of my choice to study commerce after completing tenth grade and pursuing Law as a career.
What were the challenges that you faced in the beginning of your career?
The legal industry is known to be challenging and dynamic, especially for first-generation lawyers who are just starting out. When you embark on a career in law, you often have to start from scratch, building your own law firm, acquiring clients, and establishing your practice and reputation. After completing my LLM from the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, I partnered with Avi Kalra to start our own law firm. While we faced many challenges in the beginning, a few stood out as particularly difficult.
One of these challenges was that, at 24 years old, many potential clients saw me as too young to handle their cases or offer sound legal advice. I had to work hard to prove myself and earn their trust, often competing with more experienced lawyers in the industry. Another major challenge was financial. In the early days of our law firm, we had to cover our running costs and basic expenses while also trying to sustain our business. The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic made this especially difficult, I was sleeping in the office, I could not afford a place to live and I had to choose between keeping the office or getting a place to live.
Prateek, do you think that for a first-generation lawyer, the journey becomes a little difficult? Please explain the same wrt to your own experience.
Absolutely, I feel that the journey becomes a little difficult for first-generation lawyers as there are lot of factors to it. Starting with your law school days, being a first generation lawyer you’re clueless as what specialization to pursue that would be best suited for you or with finding right Internships and it becomes a difficult process to apply for Internships with reference at all. Secondly, if you plan to start your own law firm/ law practice you’re all alone out there, you have start from ground zero, you have no cases, no references, no identity of your own.
Thirdly, ‘the doubt’, since you’re the first in your family, ‘the doubt’ to work security, sustainability and expansion is always there and there’s no going back but I think being a first generation lawyer out there might be difficult process but it gives you a lifelong learning and a sense of achievement that cannot be compared to anything.
Nowadays, people don’t have that zeal to pursue a career in litigation, what can be the reason for that apart from job security in corporate?
When I conduct job or internship interviews, I often ask candidates if they are interested in joining the litigation or corporate team at the firm. More often than not, the answer is the corporate team. There are several factors that can influence a candidate’s decision to pursue corporate rather than litigation. One reason is that litigation can be like going to war, and one must be prepared for any situation.
Additionally, the practical knowledge gained through litigation is significant, but it can also be a struggle. The lack of efficient judicial infrastructure, such as outdated buildings and complicated case filing processes, can be a deterrent. Additionally, the practice of law can vary significantly from one district to another, making it difficult to navigate, for example in Delhi courts the matters are called according to the list but if you go to the Gurgaon court the list is not followed and your matter is taken up as you approach the court. Furthermore, when litigating, the burden of representation falls entirely on the shoulders of the attorney, who must ultimately represent their client in court. It is no small feat. Additionally, it is important to consider that the salaries in litigation may be lower in comparison to the amount of work and energy required. It is a demanding field that requires a significant investment of time and effort.
Prateek, What was it that kept you awake in your pursuit of success, eventually leading to you being the founder of Clergy & Wisemen?
The concept for ‘Clergy & Wisemen’ was first formulated during my third year of law school, when Avi and I won our first National Trial Moot Court Competition. However, it wasn’t until after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that we decided to officially establish the law firm. We recognized that starting a successful law firm required careful planning and preparation, and so we took a break after law school to further understand the Industry and gather the necessary skills and knowledge.
During this time, I pursued a master’s degree at the United Nations and continued to meet new people and learn as much as possible about starting a law firm. The idea for ‘Clergy & Wisemen’ evolved and was refined through constant learning and experimentation. Even after starting the firm, we faced challenges, particularly during the second wave of COVID-19 when business was slow. However, we remained committed to our goals and continued to read, learn, and develop our legal processes in order to succeed.
Starting a law firm at the age of 24 with no clients was a risky endeavour, and many people did not believe in our idea. However, we were determined and clear about our goals, and we consistently worked towards achieving them. Despite the challenges and doubts, we were committed to making our vision a reality. It is important to be consistent and persistent, and to always strive to overcome any obstacles that may come your way.
Among all the specialisations, i.e., legal management, compliance, advisory and litigation, which area of law is the most interesting to you and why?
I would say Legal Management. Legal management involves managing the legal affairs of a corporate or startup entity. This includes ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations related to contracts, taxation, licenses, and more. At ‘Clergy & Wisemen,’ we provide legal management services to a variety of companies, including protecting and regulating their intellectual property, managing the contract life cycle, and handling compliance requirements. Working in the field of legal management is constantly challenging and rewarding, as there is always something new to learn. It is important to stay up-to-date with laws, regulations, and notifications, which can be particularly challenging in areas with regularly updated laws or numerous notifications, such as with the Goods and Services Tax. Additionally, legal management often involves managing litigation, providing a well-rounded experience that encompasses both the corporate and litigation aspects of law.
Prateek, how do you see the legal management sector increasing more opportunities for lawyers in coming times?
The demand for legal management services has increased in recent years with the rise of startups, as these companies and corporations aim to avoid costly disputes and litigation. Legal management ensures compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, providing a cost-effective solution for these businesses. Companies with large operations may also choose to hire in-house legal managers to handle their legal affairs. If you enjoy working with various disciplines of law, legal management is a rewarding field to consider.
How do you push through your worst times?
Starting my own law firm has been filled with ups and downs, and there are still many challenges ahead. There have been times when I have questioned myself and doubted my abilities, and it can be easy to feel consumed by these negative emotions. To get through these difficult times, I try to maintain consistency in my work and personal pursuits and focus on activities that contribute to my own growth and the growth of the firm. It is important to prioritize one’s emotional well-being, no matter what the circumstances may be. Ultimately, the key to navigating challenges is to work smart, stay consistent, and keep moving towards your goals while also taking care of your physical and mental health.
Talking about work-life balance, there has been ample amount of discussion on health issues as a lawyer, what do you believe are the best practices to maintain the equilibrium?
Maintaining balance in life is crucial, and achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for both personal well-being and business growth. While building ‘Clergy & Wisemen,’ I lost sight of this balance and found myself working excessively long hours, leading to negative impacts on my physical and mental health and personal relationships. Recognizing the importance of balance, I made changes to my lifestyle, including waking up early, exercising, and prioritizing time for friends and family.
These efforts have had a significant impact on my overall well-being and productivity. I also try to be mindful of the number of hours we work at the firm, although there are occasionally times when additional hours are necessary. Regardless of the demands of work, I make it a priority to prioritize my physical and mental health by waking up early, staying active, and spending quality time with loved ones. This simple habit of waking up early has made a dramatic difference in my life and I highly recommend it to others. It helps to make the days feel longer and the mind feel clearer, leaving you full of energy.
What motivated you to choose law as a career? And how has been the journey so far for you?
Legal mind was always in the family blood. However, none of them were practicing. I won’t lie that some fascinating story pulled me into law. I just took an aptitude test and law was the most favorable outcome for me. It just was inevitable after that. The journey so far has been amazing. Although, I do have an interesting tale on why I picked litigation. Superlawyer played an important part in it. During my internship, I read two of the interviews published by Superlawyer depicting the interviews of some lawyers who were then working at the first Law Firm I eventually worked with and that’s how I applied for an internship at the same firm which later turned into a PPO.
What were the challenges that you faced in the beginning of your career?
Coming from a non- NLU college always demotivated me when my application for internships used to get rejected. However, I looked at the brighter side and due to my non-NLU background, I took up as many internships as possible. I also was lucky enough to take up long-term internships as non-NLU colleges afforded me that opportunity. These long-term internships were instrumental as they later turned into a job.
What is the most challenging case you have handled in litigation and what were your learning’s out of it?
The most challenging case was an international arbitration which was conducted in the summer holidays of the Bombay High Court. Though the matter was eventually settled, my biggest learning was to always be prepared. I was in a vacation zone and thinking that I should probably relax a little and this matter came out of nowhere (which tends to happen a lot in law.) It taught me to always expect the unexpected.
How do you ensure that your clients receive the best possible outcome?
I don’t think about the outcome as taught by my Mentor. I ensure to give them the best possible strategy and advice. Thinking about the outcome is like flipping a coin in litigation. As I mentioned above, expect the unexpected.
What strategies do you use to prepare for a litigation case?
Strategy changes on a day to day basis. A strategy today might not be the strategy tomorrow as it changes according to where the matter is going. Law is a lot like chess. You can’t plan your next move until your opponent plays his.
A fool-proof basic strategy is to just always be prepared and read the brief fully.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in litigation law?
My advice is not only to anybody choosing litigation but to any budding lawyer.
A. Always be prepared for any and all matters that you’re handling;
B. To set boundaries at workplace from the start of your career;
C. Your health is paramount and with lawyer’s hours, you will have to put in the extra effort to maintain it.
7. What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a successful litigation lawyer?
As learnt from my mentor, a successful litigation lawyer needs:
Cool mind, amazing drafting skills, to be updated with the law, enough confidence to face any judge or lawyer appearing against you and to convince your points, to be open for learning and also open to learning from mistakes; and that clients are built by trust.
How do you stay up to date on changes in the law and legal practices?
I utilize my travel time in reading articles and notifications on my phone. Also the articles shared by the Knowledge Management teams of law firms help you a lot to understand
Among all the specialisations, which area of law is the most interesting to you and why?
I have always been practicing as a general litigator which has allowed me to gain experience in commercial, criminal, IP, IBC and arbitration. Therefore, having a specialization is not my Forte. I endeavor to be a master of all trades and to excel in all.
How do you maintain the work-life balance?
Finding a right Senior is the key to maintaining a work-life balance.
Work is abundant wherever you go however having a good team who knows how to differentiate between work to be done on priority and work which can be put on a backburner is important.
Also, it never hurts to have a good conversation with your senior if you ever feel burnt out.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to our readers, who are looking for a career in the same profession?
Do not target working with any particular firms at the start of your career. You are eventually going to reach where you are supposed to be; at the right place and at the right time. Also, do not fall in the trap where most of the young lawyers brag about working for 20 hours continuously as it is not recommended nor is expected.
Not all late night burning lamps lead you to success; some lead you to health issues.
Working hard is always a good thing but working smarter will benefit you.
How do you feel when you lose a matter?
Keeping practicality aside, it definitely feels bad when any order is passed against you but law is a learning experience. Any loss can be converted to a learning and it can be used to win another matter and I have done that on numerous occasions.
What motivated you to take law as a career and how has been the decision so far?
When someone takes a decision, there are always a combination of certain situations and circumstances which leads a person to that decision. Therefore picking out that one situation or moment to take the decision of choosing law won’t be fair enough. Whereas, the primary reason which helped me in deciding to take up law was a bent towards speaking my mind fearlessly, without any judgments.
Hence, law aligned with my interest and I ended choosing law. I would not want to make it sound honkey-dory by saying that the decision was perfect since the start, but eventually it has been something that I like doing.
I have experienced various work environments, during my law school internships to then working as a legal editor at EBC/SCC Online to now shifting to knowledge management at SAM. Therefore, it definitely has been an adventure till now and am hoping for the same to continue further. Hence, the decision has made me confident as an individual.
How has been your experience working as an “Editorial Assistant (Legal)”?
I started my career as a Legal Editor which was the most non-conventional career path anybody would have chosen. I definitely had my doubts when I joined the organisation, but I ended up falling in love with my work. Someone who has a knack of learning and growing should definitely spend sometime in the publishing industry, it is a space of immense personal growth opportunities that let you network in the industry.
According to you, what networking strategies should be adopted by the first-generation lawyers specifically in corporate?
There is no specific strategy or a straitjacket formula to network. The key is to network with as many people as you can and ask questions. The easiest way to connect with people in the industry is LinkedIn, it is an open platform where you can connect with people and create worthwhile connections.
Please elaborate for us your current role and how students can excel in the same in coming times?
KM is an evolving function. You may read one thing about this function today, and tomorrow you will see it had progressed a lot from that point. The central point of everything by and large is knowledge. One of the primary purpose and responsibility of KM as a function is to device and improve better processes for flow or knowledge. So, my advice to anyone who want to take up or pivot into KM is to not restrict their understanding in terms of any definite structure. There is a lot of space for new ideas. KM in a law firm is ideal for someone who wants to romance the law but not in the conventional sense.
I interact daily with lawyers and partners from various law practices, I read law daily, I keep notes, and do many other things just as a practicing lawyer would do. Yet I have opportunity to put in innovation and creativity which I had always wanted to do. I would only suggest that you are serious about joining KM function in a law firm and moving up the ladder, dont think that you may compromise on your studies or preparations during law school. Keep your focus on point. Afterall, if you are in KM, you have to be a lawyer’s lawyer – a resource on whom seniors and partners can rely on.
Devika, how do you manage work-life balance?
Fortunately, my work has never made me feel the need to even address the work life balance subject as my jobs had the inherent nature of providing that to the employees. Whether it was publishing where I reported cases mid night or currently in the role of KM, I have never felt worked up or exhausted because of my work. These profiles inherently come with the absorbed in work life balance in them.
Lastly, any advice for our young law generation?
The industry seems to be a little intimidating at the start, but that’s the thing which makes you strong and confident as an individual.
Hence, coming with no background and being the first ones to choose this itself brings in the best kinds of adventures and experiences which will help you reach your dreams be it the most conventional one or something you never dreamt of but ended up being in the best spot for yourself.
Did you always want to become a Lawyer or was it something that you decided in the later part of your school life? What other career options would you have considered, if not law?
From school time, I had the intention to become a lawyer, though I was also good at science and my teachers wanted me to opt for the medical field. Once I reached college, I also considered options relating to military and civil services, however, on the death of my father Late B.L. Dalmia in the year 1983, who was a distinguished senior lawyer, I finally opted for law as my profession.
You have published numerous papers and Articles. How important do you think these are in shaping your understanding of law?
Article writing and publications always give you an edge in understanding law. One has to do a lot of research and read judgments before writing an article which immensely adds to your knowledge and acumen. In my experience, article and paper writing has always been a boon which helped me immensely in my profession.
What can be the real challenges while establishing a career in the field of law?
Information and knowledge are widely available these days after the invent of the internet and particularly Google. However, for establishing a career in the field of law, you need to understand that “A lawyer must know something about everything and everything about something”.
For building a career in the field of law, it is extremely important to understand the practical side of the law, psychology, body language and judges. One may be a corporate lawyer sitting in the office but it is highly important to understand the ways the judges analyse documents and ask questions. Understanding a judge’s psyche is of utmost importance to be a good lawyer. In my view, every budding lawyer must spend some time in court to be a good lawyer and understand the practical interpretational aspects.
According to you, what major improvements we need to make in the crypto laws and regulations?
Presently the most important thing is that the Government must come up with comprehensive legislation on cryptos. Crypto has acquired massive dimensions in society and has practically touched the lives of most people. Cryptos are no more in nascent stage. The entire concept and business have advanced. At present India is facing a situation of being “nowhere” in the domain of crypto laws. There is a stalemate and the Government is indecisive. There are no crypto laws or regulations except to some inadequate extent under tax laws .
The role of mentor often gets underestimated, what is the importance of mentor as per your experiences thus far?
Having a mentor is one of the most important aspects of the legal profession. Learning becomes easy and sharp. You come to know about the “tricks of the trade”. Getting guidance becomes easy.
What can be the legal implications of Web 3.0 according to you?
Web 3.0, sometimes known as Web 3, is the concept of the next generation of the web, in which most users will be connected via a decentralized network and have access to their data. The world is on its way to an Internet where people will have complete control over their data and privacy which will be made possible by blockchain technology. Some of the implications relating to Web 3.0 are national security, sovereignty and integrity of the country, public disclosure, privacy, taxation, governance, IPR protection and enforcement. Web 3.0 is a complicated structure.
Can an Advocate be soft-spoken yet established; what do you think about how the legal profession takes this quality?
Being soft-spoken is a matter of duty and pride for an Advocate. It is not a matter of choice, rather its obligatory for an advocate to be soft-spoken and polite with clients and in court. Being loud, arrogant or harsh is not a good quality of any advocate. Politeness wins and you get to gain before the court and with the clients. A soft-spoken and polite advocate is always highly appreciated and welcomed by all in the profession.
Would you like to give any career/life tips to the readers?
One of my sincere pieces of advice is to write as much as possible on legal topics and circulate it on the web through different forums.
Give lectures, run your own Youtube channel and educate the public which will bring recognition and clientele to budding legal professionals. In this profession, you can not advertise, and new advocates have to make their presence felt. In my view, there is no other alternative.
Remember, advocacy is a grey hair profession, and it takes time to succeed. Give time to your profession and yourself. Keep on developing your skills.
Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a career in corporate law?
I am born and brought up in Delhi. Despite being amongst the toppers in my school, I was not sure what I wanted to pursue professionally. I took up Biology with Maths in XIIth in order to keep my options open. After passing out of school, still unsure of what I wanted to do, I zeroed in on studying Business Administration on a whim, as I did not want to pursue medicine or engineering, which was the most opted for career option back then.
It was during graduation days that I discovered my love for law when I was introduced to Business Laws as a subject. I also realized then that my natural personality traits were aligned with being a lawyer, when I used my skills to negotiate and convince my Professors and HODs to help my friends who ran into trouble with them for multiple reasons.
Of course, being amongst the good books of my teachers helped to a certain extent in that.
This naturally progressed into me opting for law when I cracked Delhi University’s entrance exam and studied law in the prestigious Campus Law Centre. Thereafter, I was a practising lawyer for a few years before I chose to move In-House with a Company.
During my very enriching stint as a first-generation lawyer, where apart from handling cases for individuals, I also got to work closely with several Companies while handling their litigations and arbitrations, I got fascinated by the multi-faceted workings of a Company and the various factors that played part in assisting the top-management take crucial business decisions.
This piqued my interest in corporate law, and life came a full circle when Business Laws subject in BBA helped me discover my inclination towards law, and after practising law and building my base in understanding the workings of a court, I moved In-House.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of your job as an In-House Counsel?
Law is a demanding profession, and whether you are a practising lawyer or an In-House Counsel, every day comes with new challenges, and with each challenge, comes a new opportunity. To pin-point the most challenging aspects would be difficult, as every day is different.
The job is to assist the Company in all legal affairs, and it can involve anything and everything under the Sun.
A regular day as an In-House counsel involves a wide spectrum of activities ranging from handling aspects of general corporate advisory, looking after the litigations of the Company, interacting with external lawyers for the same, attending matters, drafting and red-lining of pleadings and agreements, negotiating on closing deals for the Company, briefing senior counsels, interacting with several departments for assisting them in dealing with regular operational issues and commercial transactions, and so on and so forth.
Simply put, the challenge is to align business objectives with the legal standpoint to the best benefit of the stakeholders, both internal and external, but that is also where the fun lies.
What strategies do you use to stay abreast of legal developments in the corporate world?
Frankly, I found it easier to stay abreast of the latest developments in law when I was a practising lawyer, as daily interactions with colleagues outside Courtrooms while waiting on matters to reach would organically help in exchanging new information.
I did not realize the importance of relevant information just coming to you without you making conscious efforts towards the same. It is a tad bit tougher for an In-house counsel and it requires conscious efforts to stay abreast with the new developments, both in the dynamics of law and business.
My learnings from my practise days is what works for me in staying aware of the new developments in the corporate world.
Just that my casual chats with my colleagues outside courtrooms is now replaced with interactions with my colleagues from various departments of the Company, who enlighten me with their knowledge and new developments in their respective fields, and collectively, that gives me a bird’s-eye view of developments in the corporate world.
Thereafter, my curiosity about the new information pushes me to read extensively on the new developments from a legal standpoint, and as a legal professional, the research skills acquired during my internship and practice days help a great extent in gathering the relevant knowledge.
Now we are all surrounded by legal tech tools that help in contract drafting and in so many other forms as well, how do you see these tools changing the world of lawyers? What do you think the future of corporate law when AI and the role of legal tech is added on as well?
These tools are contributing a huge deal in reducing the burden on lawyers. The contract drafting tech tools save up on a lot of time by giving a format to start with. The same, of-course, has to be worked on to suit the specific needs and requirements of the business, and in my view, the legal expertise in doing so cannot be replaced by the Artificial Intelligence behind these tools.
Besides contract drafting tech tools, there are several other tech tools that help manage the MIS of the multiple litigation’s in a Company and helps In-House counsel in keeping a track of the matters. These tech tools also help in providing data for analyzing the reports for strategizing plans and actions of handling various matters. I see these tools as very important helping hands in assisting lawyers and In-House counsels to work in a more effective and efficient manner.
What do you consider to be the most important skill for a successful In-House Counsel, and any roadmaps for the same?
I am still learning new skills every day, and I think the quest to keep learning is the most important skill for a successful legal professional, whether In-House Counsel or a practising lawyer.
Apart from that, what I have learnt till now is that it is important to put your thoughts into actions. As lawyers, we develop the skill to formulate multiple strategies and plan of actions, but it is crucial to execute the plans in a timely manner to suit the needs of a fast-paced environment of a Company. I feel there is no fixed roadmap for the same, and all ways to achieve the same are the right ways, given one is consistent, conscientious, and persistent towards it.
Harsha, what do you consider to be the most rewarding part of your job?
I consider the contentment I derive after a good day’s work where I feel that I contributed towards meeting the Company’s objectives and assisting the various business functions in taking important business decisions, as the most rewarding part of my job.
Lastly, any 4 pieces of advice for our young law generation.
Law is an intellectually rewarding field and is an extremely demanding one as well. It is important to understand that in this field, knowledge is power, and the learning is never-ending.
A few of my learnings that I would like to share for young professionals:
Go to Courts. I know Corporate Law has been glamorized enough with the multiple perks it comes with as compared to the challenges one faces as a practising lawyer, but I cannot stress enough on knowing the basic functioning of courts before joining a Company as an In-House counsel. The courts are where all the action is, and the learnings you gather there will help you in the longer run. Once you know the drill, you would not be taken for a ride by others, and you would be a better asset to the Company. Your initial few years as a practising lawyer would also give you clarity on which industry appeals to you.
Take responsibility. That’s the way you learn at the beginning of your career. There could be days when you could not present your case before court, because the clerk did not reach on time with the file, or any such fiasco. It helps to internalize the situation instead of pushing the blame on others. Analyse what you could have done better to avoid the situation, learn, and not repeat in future. Pushing on the blame or justifying yourself before your senior would only stagnate your individual growth, while taking complete responsibility would make you adept at better handling such practical problems that you may face.
Don’t be afraid to fail. A cliché, but your failures will teach you more than your successes.
While we are students, exams are held once or twice annually, but once you are a professional, every day is an exam, minus the syllabus. So brace yourselves for the challenges, and have fun while at it.
How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, I am Ashirbad, and I am currently a Lecturer at O P Jindal Global University. I love to paint and sketch. You would always find me humming to Sufi music or Eminem, there is no in between. I have a black belt in karate, I used to run 10Ks during my Masters, and most of my free time during the work week is spent watching Instagram reels about puppies, or NFL and UFC matches. And, when I have vacations, I backpack across remote but picturesque destinations.
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in law after your Class 12 Boards?
Didn’t really have much of a choice. I was a PCMB student during my 11th and 12th. It was not my cup of tea. I had a disastrous JEE and AIPMT. The only option that I had was CLAT. AIPMT ended on 3rd May, CLAT was on 10th May. I prepared what I could within that and showed up for the exam. Quite fortunately, things have been on a upward trajectory ever since.
Tell us a little about your days in NLU Odisha?
I had the time of my life in NLUO. When I joined there really were no campus placements, only a few batches had graduated, no one really gave us guys a shot. So, we as the students, had to build up a fair bit of the institution that it has become, ourselves. Beyond the professional or academic front, I met my closest friends there, I am very fortunate that the friends I had in first year of law school, are still my friends.
I learnt karate from Akshay, who used to live in the room next to me. I learnt how to write papers from some of my seniors there. Vegadarshi taught me a lot about how to be a Speaker for a moot. More than anything, everyday was a laugh riot in the place. I wouldn’t trade those days for anything
How did you narrow down on NLU Odisha specifically to pursue your undergraduate legal studies?
Again, didn’t really have much of a choice. I got through to TNNLS in the third round of CLAT counselling. Two and a half months later, there was a vacancy at NLUO, I applied and got through. The first two months were ludicrously challenging. I was the last guy in, I had joined after the mid-sems had gotten over, I had no clue what to do. Fortunately, I persisted, and things worked themselves out. I often say that the greatest things in my life have happened to me by accident, CLAT, NLUO, my friends, St Catharine’s, and they have had the best impact on me.
What were the activities, academic or otherwise, that you undertook in your law school days which in your opinion have shaped you and your career?
Plenty of them. I had a finger in every pie. From college committees, to moots, to papers, conferences, academics, debates, MUNS, I was involved with everything. I am generally quite outgoing, and I made full use of whatever avenues NLUO offered. It went beyond just building a career, and the academic knowledge I gained from them.
I have always prided on being able to don multiple hats at the same time and juggle multiple things successfully. They have proved to be quite beneficial in life, in general. I knew everyone on campus from the Vice Chancellor to the guards manning the gate.
Quite fortunately, they all got to know pretty well. That kind of connection is invaluable. It teaches you a lot about fostering and maintaining relationships with people from all walks of life and being a reliable person for them.
I am particularly proud of the work that I did as the Co-Convenor the College’s Internship Committee, along with Mridul, my Convenor. We lead a team of 10 students, and in our time span, we broke the record of the number of internships that NLUO had ever obtained in a calendar year by a wide margin. We took the total from 4 in the previous year to 59 in our term.
What kind of internships did you engage in during your undergraduate student years which you feel were invaluable to you in reaching your current position?
I interned at mostly data protection and general corporate teams of law firms. The most significant of them would be the two stints I had at Khaitan & Co, Kolkata, in the Corp A team with Mr Supratim Chakraborty. I had a blast working with him. I learnt so much from him, Shourya Da, Risa, Pratik Sir and a whole host of other people. I have really good memories of my time there.
You had been an all rounder in NLU Odisha, because of which you were bestowed with the ‘Shri Bichitrananda Mahanty Gold Medal’. How did you manage your academics, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities at the same time?
I used every available minute that I had, and I was as efficient I could be. It was a constant drive to be the very best version of myself. I was always occupied with something or the other. And I enjoyed doing it. No one forced me to do those things, I have always been naturally inclined to set high goals and see if I can achieve them. Being engaged in so many things also kept me focused and on track. That and an aptitude to work hard. There is no substitute for the latter. In a way, it was preparation for the future, beyond the limitations of law school. That being said, it was not all work though, I made sure to have enough time to kick back and relax with my friends.
You had been National Winner and Octa-Finalist of several Indian and International Moot Court Competition. Kindly share your experience as a successful mooter of NLU Odisha.
I have only done two moots the Oxford Price Media Moot Court and NUJS HSF Moot Court. Quite fortunately I performed well in them both. Price Media 2018 was the first moot that I ever did, and I spent a year working on it. Within that time span, I did not pick up any other assignment or co-curricular activity. We managed to reach the Octa-Finals of the World Rounds and were also adjudged as the Runners-up of the South Asian Rounds. We were the first team from NLUO to qualify for the Worlds in that competition.
The next year, I took part in HSF, and it was a month of pure sleeplessness. It had some of the most thrilling rounds I have ever been a part of, and we were adjudged as the Winners of the competition.
Again, we were the first team from our college to win the competition. Of course, along the way for both the competitions we received a tremendous amount of support from friends, alumni and college resources. The only thing I had in mind while preparing for Price Media was to be the very best Speaker I could possibly be, I had always been a debater and never a moot court Speaker, so the transition had some growing pains.
The secret sauce for success in a moot is to form a team with people you are comfortable working with. That, and a tremendous amount of hard work and sacrifice.
You had an accomplished record of publishing at renowned journals from publishers like Thomson Reuters, Eastern Book Company, Wolters Kluwer and famous dailies like that of The Indian Express, The Daily Guardian, The Statesman, Deccan Herald, just to name a few. Kindly share your experience of writing papers and articles for the journals and dailies.
I have always liked to write, so I expanded upon that in law school. I started off with nascent steps, publishing in online blogs and journals, until I garnered enough experience that I felt I could write for reputed publishers. Newspaper articles are always fun, as they are short, precise and reach a much larger audience.
The books or articles that I have published with the aforementioned publishers, were based on strenuous academic research, structured in a manner that was scholarly to merit publication, but, at the same time engaging enough to keep the reader hooked. I co-authored several articles with my Registrar at NLUO, Professor (Dr) Yogesh Pratap Singh, and, it was always a joy to write with him.
How important is it for the law students to write research papers while being at the law school?
It is definitely helpful, but, there is no hard and fast requirement as such. I have often heard stuff like publishing one article in a journal is equivalent to taking part in a moot. That is simply not true. These activities teach you different skills, and a lot depends on the quality of the paper and the journal it is being published in, which is the same as the quality of a moot court and your position in the competition.
A research paper would not only give you in-depth knowledge about the topic, but also streamline the manner in which you think and present your thoughts. A useful skill for a lawyer, for sure.
You had been a student researcher of important projects of NLU Odisha, won accolades in debate competitions, youth parliaments and MUNs’. How relevant do you believe are those achievements in your success story, so far?
Very relevant. I started off with MUNs. It laid the foundation for everything else that was to follow. As regards debates, I have been doing that since my childhood days. Debates taught me to think on my feet and marshal my arguments in a systematic and convincing manner. Debates also had a tremendous role to play in eliminating stage fright for me, and to be an engaging public speaker. My time
Between the time of your graduation and your post-graduation, you had briefly worked in a renowned law firm at their Gurgaon office. Kindly share your experience of working there in the role in the intervening period between your LL.B. and LL.M.
I was associated with the General Corporate team of JSA Gurgaon for the period between my undergraduate and my Masters. It was a great experience, and I learnt a lot about transactions. The responsibilities that you are entrusted with at the beginning are immense, and you have to adapt to the needs of the clients with alacrity. It was quite an enriching experience overall.
What prompted you to opt for LL.M. from University of Cambridge within a year of completing your BA. LL.B. from a renowned National Law University?
I always knew that I wanted to do a Masters, right from my first day of law school. And I was dead set on two places: Oxford and Cambridge. No other place ever held that charm for me. I wanted to study in a place which had history dating back to centuries, ensconced amongst picturesque medieval architecture and surrounded by the best minds in the world. Safe to say that I found that and much more at Cambridge.
How relevant would you say higher studies are for a career in law, be it working in law firms / companies or pursuing an academic career?
Its subjective. People do a LLM for various reasons. Some do it to satisfy their academic curiosity, others to transition into a foreign workforce, a few people I knew did a LLM as a break from their work. But, you do learn a lot during the year you spend studying for the program. Living in a different country, finding your feet amongst new friends and in a new culture teaches you a lot about yourself, and forces you to adapt to challenges. It opens your eyes to how people from different parts of the world live and the stories that they carry with them.
For an academic career, a LLM is always a big bonus. For law firms, I cannot offer an adequate comment. At the very least, the year you spend for your LLM, if it is at a sufficiently good University, is a year in which you gain a lot of knowledge, so its always a win-win.
What does the CV of a student seeking admission in a premier university offering an LL.M program have to look like? What are the factors you feel are looked into and what are the activities that the assessors regard favourably?
At the top of the list are your marks. To get into Oxbridge or relatively similar places, you need a good enough batch rank and marks. There is no substitute for that. Apart from it, excellence in a particular field is very helpful.
If your CV can demonstrate that you have a certain level of expertise in a particular area of law, you have worked on it extensively, and you are aiming to pursue your Masters in that particular area itself, it helps establish you as a strong candidate for the program. Apart from that, everyone’s CV is different. There is no hard and fast requirements as such.
You had been the Co-President of MCR (Postgraduate student body) Committee at St Catharine’s College for the Academic Year 2021 – 2022. How was your experience of leading a student body, that too outside the country?
It was incredible. I was admitted to St Catharine’s College at Cambridge and the college had elections for the position of the Co-President of the MCR Committee. I ran against a PhD candidate and was elected. As an Indian, being elected as the head of a British College was surreal keeping in mind the positions Indians had had in the British empire barely a hundred years ago or so.
The weight of it all was not lost on me. It was a tremendous amount of responsibility though, almost like a full time job. But, it gave a great opportunity to meet people from different streams: medicine, the sciences, humanities, finance, business; and also to work with the college authorities, and help them all in whatever issues that they had. It was truly a humbling experience.
You had been a gold medallist at NLU Odisha for Public International Law. Despite your command over the subject, what prompted you go for an LL.M. in Corporate Law?
I always wanted to work in Data Protection inter-mixed with commercial law. So, most of my internships and activities were geared on that front. I loved studying PIL in NLUO, primarily because of my Professor, Ananya Ma’am, who made the entire subject extremely engrossing. The fact that I got a medal in the subject, gives me immense joy, but my career trajectory has always been centred around commercial and technology laws.
Please share with our readers how did you narrow down on University of Cambridge for pursuing your LL.M. on Commercial Law along-with data-protection laws as your additional specialisation;
I have mentioned briefly earlier about my desire to study at Oxbridge. Of the two, Cambridge became an obvious choice because of Professor David Erdos, who teaches the module of Law and Information at Cambridge. He also heads CIPIL, which has done some remarkable work on European Data Protection Law. I knew I wanted to study from him, so, it was quite easy for me to decide to opt for Cambridge.
You went to Cambridge on full scholarship. You have been a recipient of three scholarships – Prathiba M Singh Cambridge Trust Scholarship (through Cambridge Trust), J N Tata Endowment for Higher Education of Indians Abroad (through TATA Trusts), Kemp-Gooderson Law Award and other Bursary funds (through St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge). What is the secret of securing three prestigious scholarship at the same point of time for pursuing your LL.M.?
All of these scholarships are merit-cum-means based, implying that they need a certain calibre of academic standard, and the candidate ought to be in need for financial resources to fund their LLM. I had one objective in mind upon conclusion of my undergraduate program, which was to not ask my family for any funding. And I have been quite fortunate to have achieved that through the cumulative financial commitments of these scholarships. There is no secret as such. Just know your area of law well, be confident, honest and straightforward in the interviews.
Please share your experience of applying at University of Cambridge and for the scholarships, you had secured. Kindly share your experience of the application process for the LL.M. and the scholarships.
It was a bit stressful. Balancing a firm job, along with applications is a tall order. I had prepared a table with the last dates for applications of various scholarships along with their required documents. That helped me keep things on track. I had also reached out to my referees well in advance, so, that helped in avoiding any last minute hiccups regarding letters of recommendation and as such.
My one tip would be, research the Universities you want to get into well in advance, ensure that you have your transcripts and references prepared, and know yourself well for writing the statements of purpose.
In the year 2022, just after completing your LL.M. from the University of Cambridge you have joined Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat as a Lecturer. What prompted you to take the plunge in the field of academics?
A: I have always liked academia, being surrounded by young, bright minds. It is always good to give back to the next generation of students. When I was in Cambridge, Jindal came for recruitment, I applied and got through, and here I am. I am still at an early stage of my career, so, lets see where I end up in the next few years-academia, firm, an organisation, or somewhere else.
Back in your student years, did you ever see yourself becoming an instructor at a prestigious law school, sometime in the future? What did it take to get here?
Absolutely. In fact I used to teach my batchmates prior to every examination. The night before each exam, there would be an assembly of boys in the Boys Hostel in front of my room, and I would teach them whatever limited things I had read myself. These classes became known in NLUO as ‘Ashirbad classes’, and in fact in my final year, some of my batchmates put up a poster titled ‘Ashirbad Classes’ all around the campus. That was the foundation of my career in academia. So, I knew I had a future in academia for sure.
Give us a brief capsule of the life of a lecturer in a prestigious law school.
A: Its an engaging day, comprising of classes and research. It is an important responsibility to instruct students, so, you always have to be prepared for the classes. Apart from that it is always good to be in a University set up where things are quite organised and orderly.
How is your experience of working with Jindal Global Law School’s legendary instructor, Professor. Arjya B. Majumdar?
I have learnt so much from Professor Majumdar. He is pioneer of when it comes to teaching commercial law. I cannot describe accurately how much I have enjoyed working with him at Jindal. Apart from being a great educator, he is also an incredible guy. I have sought his advice on quite a few things, and they have always been eye-opening.
How important are grades, in your opinion, for a student to be eligible for employment, be it in academia or in top tier law firms?
Quite important. Never mess them up. Grades show one important thing- consistency. And that is an invaluable quality that every employer of institution looks for in a prospective candidate. So, be sure to keep them on track.
If given an opportunity, what would you do differently in your career journey up to this point?
Nothing. Not a single thing.
Is there any other suggestion you would like to give to our budding lawyers?
Do everything that you want to do. Set high dreams and demand the highest standards of excellence from yourself. There is nothing quite like regret, so make sure that when you look back on your life, you don’t have regrets about anything.
And always remember these lines “Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit, it’s when things go wrong that you must not quit.”
Being a science student, and then choosing law, what was the idea behind?
Though I was doing good in science, however somehow, I was not interested in pursuing a career in science and therefore, was looking for options. During this time, my family suggested me to go for a career in law and when I started preparing for entrance exams of different law schools (as we did not have CLAT back then) – it really fascinated me. I started reading about famous lawyers in India and also visited the lower Court in my city, the idea of wearing that collar band and arguing in Court used to give me goosebumps.
At was during this time that I firmly took a call to make a career and practice law.
How challenging has it been for you so far in the legal industry?
It has been a very satisfactory journey so far. I was able to clear the entrance exam of two National Law Universities and two reputation private universities and decided to join HNLU, Raipur. I joined the third batch of HNLU, Raipur in 2004 and was fortunate to have been taught by some of the best faculties at the time. My five year stay at HNLU was both memorable and enlightening at the same time.
The strict time lines to submit projects and moot court memorials gave me an early introduction of how the legal profession going to be and worked as a solid foundation for later part of my career.
I joined an IP boutique firm ZuesIP immediately after completing my course and thereafter, my joined current firm Rahul Chaudhry & Partners in 2010.
My firm and my mentor Mr. Rahul Chaudhry, the Managing Partner of the firm have immensely helped me become the professional I am today. I started as a junior associate in the firm and slowly learned the nuances of IP and law in general. I was designed as Partner – IP Enforcement in 2021 and handles IP Enforcement before the Courts in India, Domain Name as well as Custom Authorities.
What created your interest in the IP sector? And how did you prepare yourself for everyday challenges in the same?
My initial interest in IPR started when we were taught IPR in the second and third years of our law course. The idea of knowing, protecting as well as helping the brands grow attracted me and I decided to intern with IP Firms to better understand the subject. I learned the intricacies of IP as a subject and practical aspects of implementing the same in day-to-day legal practice during these internships.
Accordingly, I opted for IPR as my honours subject in the university and got a specialization in the same.
Preparing myself to practice IPR was not a challenge for me as I had a keen interest in the subject. I used to go through all major IP judgments by the Courts to keep myself updated of the latest developments and still try to read as much as I can whenever the schedule permits.
According to you, what networking strategies should be adopted by the first generation lawyers specifically in corporate?
Being a first generation lawyer myself, I have never felt any difference in terms of treatment by law firms or corporates. If you have knowledge of the subject and good command over language – you are bound to be noticed. The age old saying that there is no substitute to hard work is absolutely correct. I am a strong supporter of making your work speaks for yourself. If you are getting reliefs for your clients and are being recommended for your work – the world will look for you.
At the same time, I would suggest one to leverage technology, join industry groups in person or through various social media like LinkedIn and also offer educational resources. Give presentations and educational lectures in various industry gatherings as well as educational institutions.
What are the most important qualities for an intellectual property lawyer?
An IP lawyer needs to keep himself updated with latest judgments and industry practices. With the creation of IP Divisions in the Courts, IP has become even more niche practice. Going through PTC on a regular basis and keeping a track of prosecution practice is also very important. I always suggest that to be a successful IP lawyer, one should have a good command over prosecution side as the same forms the foundation of one’s IP practice.
How a trade mark application is filed, the route it takes for registration and how to overcome the objections raised by the Administrative Authorities (like Trade Marks Registry) are all very important. A wrong advice to the client during prosecution and registration procedure can ruin all future prospects of protecting and enforcing the mark.
Zeeshan, do these legal tech tools have helped litigants and corporates so far in preparation of different documents or filing and what in the future would be challenges for lawyers in dealing with such tools?
The tech tools are indeed helpful and I see them playing a greater role in future. Along with saving time, the tools also minimise the chances of an error. Many corporates have started using them to keep a track of their matters pending in the Courts, checking the deadlines and even setting reminders to ensure that no deadlines are being missed. As we all know, deadlines play very important role in our profession.
The time frame provided by the statues to file pleadings/documents before Courts as well as various administrative authorities are to be strictly followed, specially in IP prosecution. Hence, I believe the tech tools are going to be a game changer in future. With respect to the challenges, I believe the new generation of lawyers will not have any difficulty in handling these tools. I suggest even law schools should start preparing the students to use these tools during their course.
As a partner of a law firm, how do you manage to balance the work-life aspect?
Work-life balance is very important to ensure a long-term efficiency in work and a satisfaction in your personal life. My day usually starts at 9 am in the office and then few hours are spent in the Court as well. Being a partner, I also try spending sometime with my team members to interact and discuss work and the general life related aspects. However, one needs to prioritise the work and maintain a discipline during the working hours.
I am a strong supporter of not carrying the work related stress to home and spend my away time playing with my daughter as well as working out. It is equally important to take care of your health and therefore, I have made it a routine to work out for atleast an hour every morning.
The same not only helps me stay strong physically but also strengths my mind and helps me to prepare myself for the day.
Lastly, any advice for our young law generation?
Legal field requires continuous study and keeping yourself updated of the latest developments. So, it is very important to make an early habit of reading latest judgments as well as precedents. Young lawyers should also visit Courts and hear established legal practitioners argue the cases in Court.
