Super Lawyer

Tag: legal research

  • The maxim “justice delayed is justice denied” encapsulates a critical issue within the Indian legal system that demands meticulous attention and reform – Dr. Anagh Mishra, Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India, unravels his remarkable journey from law student to a legal luminary

    The maxim “justice delayed is justice denied” encapsulates a critical issue within the Indian legal system that demands meticulous attention and reform – Dr. Anagh Mishra, Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India, unravels his remarkable journey from law student to a legal luminary

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

    Dr. Anagh Mishra, your journey through the legal landscape, from the hallowed halls of ILS Law College to being an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court, is quite intriguing. Can you share a memorable anecdote from your early days as a law student that still brings a smile to your face?

    Reflecting on my law college days, one standout memory that brings a profound sense of accomplishment is when the Placement Cell chose my CV to be the exemplar for the forthcoming batches. The announcement came as both a surprise and an honor, underscoring the meticulous effort I had invested in crafting a CV that not only showcased my achievements but also adhered to the highest professional standards.

    The recognition from the Placement Cell carried significant weight, knowing that my CV would be presented as the ideal template for fellow students navigating their own paths into the professional realm. It wasn’t just a personal triumph; it became an opportunity to contribute to the success of my peers and offer guidance through a tangible example.

    The experience highlighted the importance of attention to detail in the professional realm, emphasizing the impact a well-crafted CV can have on one’s career trajectory. This moment stands out as a testament to the collective growth and support within our academic community, shaping not only my journey but also contributing to the broader success of aspiring legal professionals.

    Your expertise spans areas like environmental activism, corporate laws, and intellectual property. How do you find harmony or balance between such diverse legal realms, and do you have a favorite area of practice among them?

    Navigating diverse legal realms such as environmental activism, corporate laws, and intellectual property requires a thoughtful approach to finding harmony and balance. One of the key strategies is to identify overreaching principles and interdisciplinary connections that exist among these areas.

    Environmental activism often intersects with corporate laws, especially in areas such as sustainability, compliance, and corporate social responsibility. Intellectual property, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in safeguarding innovations related to environmental technologies. Recognizing these interconnected threads allows for a more holistic understanding of the legal landscape. The intersection of IPR and environmental concerns has become increasingly crucial, particularly as technological innovations play a significant role in addressing environmental challenges, and that was primarily the issue addressed in my Ph.D. thesis.

    To maintain balance, I prioritize staying informed about the latest developments in each area through continuous learning and networking. It’s essential to understand the broader context in which legal issues arise and how they may impact multiple sectors simultaneously.

    As for having a favorite area of practice, each realm brings its unique challenges and opportunities. Environmental activism allows me to contribute to a cause I am passionate about, corporate laws provide a strategic and business-oriented perspective, while intellectual property allows for creative problem-solving. The diversity keeps my work dynamic and intellectually stimulating. While I may not have a singular favorite, I appreciate the synergy that arises from integrating insights from these different legal spheres, fostering a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to my practice.

    Apart from your legal practice, you’re actively involved in publications covering topics from biosafety to landlord-tenant disputes. What drives your interest in legal writing, and how do you choose the topics you want to explore and share with the legal community?

    Engaging in legal writing beyond my legal practice is a passion rooted in a desire to contribute to the legal community and share insights on a diverse range of topics. Several factors drive my interest in legal writing.

    Firstly, legal writing provides a platform to contribute to the ongoing discourse within the legal profession. It allows me to share my perspectives, research findings, and practical experiences with a broader audience, fostering a sense of community and knowledge exchange.

    The choice of topics stems from a combination of current legal trends, emerging issues, and areas where I believe I can offer meaningful insights. Whether it’s biosafety, landlord-tenant disputes, or any other legal subject, I aim to select topics that are relevant, timely, and have the potential to impact practitioners, scholars, and the general public.

    Furthermore, my interest in diverse topics reflects a commitment to staying well-rounded and informed across various legal domains. It allows me to continuously expand my knowledge base and adapt to the evolving landscape of the legal profession.

    Ultimately, the driving force behind my legal writing is a genuine passion for the law and a commitment to contributing positively to the legal community.

    You’re known for handling PILs addressing air pollution in Uttar Pradesh and the disposal of used cooking oil. How does it feel to make a legal impact on issues that affect people’s daily lives, and what kind of challenges do you encounter in such cases?

    Handling Public Interest Litigations (PILs) majorly concerning public health has been a deeply fulfilling yet challenging aspect of my legal career. Making a tangible impact on issues that significantly influence people’s daily lives carries a profound sense of responsibility and purpose.

    The satisfaction derived from contributing to environmental and public health improvements is immeasurable. Knowing that legal actions have the potential to enhance air quality in communities or establish proper mechanisms for the disposal of used cooking oil creates a direct link between legal advocacy and the well-being of individuals.

    However, these endeavors are not without their complexities. Environmental litigation often involves navigating intricate regulatory frameworks, scientific intricacies, and sometimes resistance from industries or entities with vested interests. Crafting legal arguments that effectively convey the gravity of environmental issues to judges and stakeholders requires a meticulous understanding of both legal principles and scientific evidence.

    The prolonged nature of legal processes in PILs demands unwavering persistence and dedication. Challenges may arise not only within the courtroom but also in coordinating with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, environmental experts, and impacted communities. Striking a balance between these various interests and ensuring that legal actions align with the broader public interest adds layers of complexity to the work.

    In conclusion, while PILs addressing environmental concerns pose challenges, the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to societal well-being through legal advocacy is unparalleled. The convergence of legal expertise, scientific knowledge, and a commitment to positive change makes this aspect of legal practice exceptionally rewarding. It underscores the transformative potential of the law in addressing pressing issues that impact the lives of individuals and communities.

    Your educational journey includes a Ph.D. on ‘Intellectual Property Regime and Protection of Biodiversity.’ How has this academic pursuit influenced your approach to legal practice, and have there been instances where your academic insights shaped your strategy in a case?

    Certainly, my Ph.D. journey on ‘Intellectual Property Regime and Protection of Biodiversity’ has significantly influenced my approach to legal practice and has proven instrumental in shaping strategies in various cases.

    Acquiring in-depth knowledge in this specific area has provided me with a nuanced understanding of the intersection between intellectual property laws and biodiversity protection. This academic background has enhanced my ability to identify novel legal arguments, foresee potential challenges, and craft more comprehensive and strategic approaches when dealing with cases that involve issues related to biodiversity and intellectual property.

    In addition to your professional achievements, we’d love to know more about your personal interests. Do you have any hobbies or activities outside of the legal world that you find helps you unwind and recharge?

    Absolutely! Beyond my professional achievements, my life is enriched by three passions that bring me immense joy and fulfillment – cooking, gardening and travelling.

    Cooking is a delightful journey into the world of flavours and culinary traditions. The art of preparing authentic Italian dishes allows me to experiment with fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices, creating dishes that are not just meals but experiences. It’s a culinary adventure and feeding people that I find both therapeutic and rewarding.

    Gardening is another cherished aspect of my life. Tending to plants, cultivating green spaces, and witnessing the growth of a garden provide a serene escape. The hands-on connection with the soil, the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, and the satisfaction of nurturing life contribute to a sense of tranquility and balance in my everyday life.

    Travel is my constant companion in the pursuit of new experiences and perspectives. Whether it’s strolling through historic streets, savouring local delicacies, or taking in breathtaking natural scenery, each journey adds a unique chapter to my life’s story.

    One of your recent achievements is clearing the prestigious Advocate on Record examination in your first attempt. Can you tell us how difficult was it for you to prepare for the exam alongside managing your own practice?

    I appreciate the acknowledgement. Clearing the Advocate on Record examination in my first attempt was indeed a significant achievement and a demanding endeavor. I think it was in the year 2009, when I entered the CJI’s court as an intern and upon witnessing the compelling arguments presented by several senior lawyers at that time, I was profoundly impressed, leading me to make a firm resolution that I would one day be appearing in the Supreme Court.

    No doubt preparing for such a prestigious examination while managing my own legal practice posed its set of challenges. The examination’s rigorous nature not only requires an in-depth understanding of procedural laws but also a mastery of court practices and drafting. Balancing this intensive preparation alongside the responsibilities of managing a legal practice demanded meticulous time management and a disciplined approach.

    Late nights and early mornings were often dedicated to focused study sessions, ensuring that I stayed abreast of the extensive syllabus. Integrating practical insights from my own legal practice into the theoretical framework of the examination added an extra layer of complexity but also enriched my understanding of the subjects.

    While the journey was undoubtedly demanding, the commitment to professional growth and the pursuit of excellence fueled my determination. The experience not only deepened my legal knowledge but also enhanced my organizational and multitasking skills. Overall, the challenges were significant, but the sense of accomplishment upon successfully clearing the examination made the effort worthwhile.

    Looking ahead, what’s one aspect of the legal profession you would like to see change or improve, and what role do you envision yourself playing in that transformation?

    The maxim “justice delayed is justice denied” encapsulates a critical issue within the Indian legal system that demands meticulous attention and reform. A fundamental transformation is required to establish a mechanism ensuring the prompt and efficient disposal of cases.

    One of the pivotal improvements I envision is a comprehensive reform initiative aimed at expediting the legal process. This entails addressing systemic issues contributing to delays, such as case backlog and procedural inefficiencies. Implementing technological solutions for better case management, e-filing, and facilitating virtual hearings can significantly contribute to expediting legal proceedings.

    Furthermore, fostering a culture of judicial accountability and introducing performance metrics could incentivize timely case resolutions. Streamlining procedural complexities and promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration, can offer efficient alternatives to protracted litigation.

    In this transformation, I see myself playing a role as an advocate for judicial reforms. This involves actively participating in dialogues on legal reform, engaging with relevant stakeholders, and supporting initiatives that prioritize the timely dispensation of justice. Through these efforts, I aim to contribute to a legal system where justice is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible reality, accessible to all in a timely manner.

    Get in touch of Dr. Anagh Mishra-

  • “A good lawyer is not one who knows the law, rather one who knows where the law is”- An In-Depth Conversation with Siddharth Batra, Advocate-on-Record, Supreme court of India

    “A good lawyer is not one who knows the law, rather one who knows where the law is”- An In-Depth Conversation with Siddharth Batra, Advocate-on-Record, Supreme court of India

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

    From your diverse experience in the legal arena to your recent recognition with the ‘BW 40 Under 40’ award, can you share a bit about what motivates you in your legal journey?

    My journey in the legal field has been fueled by a combination of factors. At its core is a deep-seated passion for justice and equality, using the legal platform to advocate for these values in individual cases and broader policy realms. The legal profession’s intellectual demands and ever-changing landscape provide ongoing challenges and learning opportunities, which I find stimulating and rewarding.

    The impact of legal work on society is a significant motivator for me, as I aim for excellence and integrity in all my endeavors, understanding the substantial influence my work can have on people’s lives and societal norms. 

    The recognition and achievements, such as the ‘BW 40 Under 40’ award, validates my efforts and propel me to continue contributing meaningfully to the field. 

    Being part of a community of legal professionals and mentoring emerging talents enhances my journey, helping to shape the next generation of lawyers. This amalgamation of personal passion, intellectual curiosity, societal impact, professional recognition, community engagement, personal growth, and advocacy for change continues to drive my legal journey.

    You’ve had an extensive legal career, from district courts to the Supreme Court. How has your approach to cases evolved over the years, and are there any experiences from your early days that significantly shaped your legal philosophy?

    Reflecting on my extensive legal career, which has spanned from district courts to the Supreme Court, I have noticed significant change in my approach to legal cases. I moved to the Supreme Court in 2014 before which, I was at the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh for 10 years. I essentially started my practice in 2004 at the District Courts Rohtak and later moved to Chandigarh when I got the opportunity to become an Assistant Advocate General in 2005. I left the office of the Advocate General in 2008 to start my own private practise and became retainer to the Haryana Urban Development Authority. In 2011, I became Additional Advocate General, Haryana.

    In my early days, my focus was primarily on learning and applying basic legal principles. However, as I delved deeper into the intricacies of law, my understanding and approach became more nuanced, especially when arguing before the Supreme Court.

    One of the most profound changes has been in my analytical skills. Initially, my approach was straightforward, centering on the direct application of the law. But with time and experience, I’ve shifted towards more complex legal reasoning and constitutional interpretation, considering various legal precedents.

    Moreover, my legal philosophy has evolved considerably. Landmark cases and mentorships in my early career significantly shaped my views. 

    I treat every new case with a new perspective and fresh outlook. My first major trial as a young attorney remains an experience that has definitely shaped my legal philosophy. It taught me the importance of thorough preparation and the profound impact of the legal system on an individual’s life. My father’s advice – “a good lawyer is not one who knows the law, rather one who knows where the law is” captures a profound truth about the practice of law. Over time, I realised that what mattered more was developing the skill to research efficiently, understand the context of the laws, and apply them appropriately to different scenarios. It is not just about what you know, but how you use your knowledge to find solutions. 

    You have worked as an Additional Advocate General for the State of Haryana in the past and presently you have an independent counsel practice at the Supreme Court. What do you think is the difference in both the kinds of practice? Would you go back to being a government counsel?

    Transitioning from being an Additional Advocate General (AAG) to an independent counsel practicing at the Supreme Court in India marks a notable shift in roles and responsibilities within the legal profession.

    As an AAG, my primary focus was on representing the State’s interests in various legal matters. It involved offering legal advice to government departments, handling constitutional issues, and representing the state in litigation proceedings. Working closely with government agencies, providing legal opinions, and defending the government’s stance in court were key aspects of this role.

    In contrast, as an independent counsel at the Supreme Court, I’ve had the opportunity to represent private clients or organizations across a wide spectrum of cases. This entails a broader range of legal issues spanning constitutional law, civil matters, criminal cases, and public interest litigations. The autonomy to select cases and clients and the diversity of legal subjects have been enriching aspects of this practice.

    The transition has brought about a shift in focus and clientele. While government counsel primarily revolves around serving the state’s interests, independent practice offers a more varied landscape, allowing me to choose cases aligned with diverse interests and work across multiple areas of law.

    The decision to return to government counsel or continue as an independent practitioner depends on various factors. While government service offers a sense of duty and the opportunity to serve the public, independent practice provides flexibility, a wider scope of cases, and personal career growth. My decision would be guided by a balance between these factors and my aspirations within the legal profession.

    As a legal professional with a commitment to growth and development, how do you balance your role as an Advocate-on-Record with your position as a Visiting Faculty and your involvement in various professional and academic bodies? How do these diverse roles contribute to your overall professional fulfillment?

    Balancing my roles as an Advocate on Record with my position as a Visiting Faculty  and an active membership of various professional and academic bodies is indeed challenging but immensely fulfilling. Each role complements and enriches the other. As an advocate on record, I deal with complex legal issues firsthand, which I then bring into my role as a Visiting Faculty, making my lectures more relevant and dynamic. On the other hand, interacting with students keeps me abreast of fresh perspectives and emerging legal theories, which informs my practice. My involvement with various professional and academic bodies allows me to keep myself updated with the latest legal development and professional standards. My diverse roles provide me with opportunities for networking with legal professionals, academicians and students. At times, these interactions lead to collaborative projects, thereby enriching my professional experience and contributing to my growth. Juggling these roles is not just about career advancement; it’s deeply fulfilling. Teaching allows me to give back to the legal community, shaping future legal minds. My court practice keeps me grounded in the practical realities of law, and my involvement in professional bodies lets me contribute to the legal profession’s evolution.

    Beyond the courtroom, you’ve been recognized as a BW 40 Under 40 Best Lawyer and Legal Influencer. How did it feel to receive such an award, and what does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

    I remember quite vividly that I received the email stating that I had won the BW 40 under 40 at 1:30 am at night and I felt extremely elated and joyous. I remember feeling extremely grateful for people who have supported me throughout my career and have pushed me in the right direction. Receiving an award of high stature indeed brings numerous rewards, including recognition and visibility, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, such an honor serves as a validation of my hard work and dedication. It’s a tangible acknowledgment of the countless hours, effort, and perseverance that I have put into my legal career. This recognition goes beyond mere professional achievement; it resonates with my commitment to excellence and the values I uphold in my practice.

    Professionally, an award of this nature symbolizes the high standard I have set as a lawyer. It enhances my credibility and reputation in the legal community, signaling to peers, clients, and the industry at large that my contributions are significant and impactful. This visibility can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and professional growth.

    Moreover, such recognition can serve as an inspiration to others in the legal field, especially emerging lawyers who may see in my journey a path to aspire to. It is a reminder that dedication and quality work are noticed and appreciated.

    In essence, while the award is a personal achievement, its implications extend far beyond, enriching my professional journey and potentially influencing the broader legal community.

    Your involvement in the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry highlights your connection to international matters. How do you navigate the legal landscape when working with French companies, and what unique challenges or rewards does this bring to your practice?

    My involvement with the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry indeed adds an international dimension to my legal practice, particularly in navigating the legal landscape when working with French Companies. Working with French companies requires an appreciation of cultural differences in business and legal practices. This includes understanding formalities, negotiation styles, and the general approach to contracts and disputes. Being culturally sensitive and adaptable is key to building strong professional relationships and trust. This provides an opportunity to work on diverse and often complex international legal matters, enhancing my expertise and broadening my professional horizon. It also allows for significant networking opportunities fostering a global perspective. 

    Outside the legal realm, what activities or hobbies do you engage in to unwind and recharge? Is there a particular hobby or interest that you find complements your legal profession in unexpected ways?

    Outside the legal realm, I engage in several activities and hobbies that help me unwind and recharge. 

    I used to be captain of my University Lawn Tennis Team at the time I was pursuing BA LLB. I really enjoy playing sports, whether it is Lawn Tennis or Cricket or Badminton. I regularly take part in SCBA Cricket Tournaments. 

    One of my favorite pastimes is reading. Delving into various books, without any specific genre preference, allows me to explore a wide range of ideas, cultures, and philosophies. “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom is a personal favourite of mine. It’s narrative is centered around Morrie’s reflection on life as he confronts ALS, and it provides invaluable lessons on the essence of human existence and relationships. 

    Apart from this, I greatly enjoy watching movies. They offer a complete escape into different worlds and narratives, providing a mental break from the rigors of law. My favourite movie is The Godfather.

    Each of these hobbies, in their own unique way, complements my legal career. They provide balance, enhance skills relevant to my profession, and keep me grounded and focused.

    With over two decades in law, what advice would you give to young lawyers starting their journey in the legal field, especially those who aspire to make a significant impact?

    The best advice I would give someone who is just starting their legal journey is that there is no substitute for hard work and there is no shortcut to success. A legal professional should always work hard and have faith in what he/she does. 

    Arguing in court is what every law student strives for. However, initially the focus should be entirely on honing your drafting skills and developing the skills of doing extensive and exhaustive research. In law, learning never ends. Even today, after practicing for 20 years, I continue to learn something new every single day. Law is constantly evolving and changing and you should try to keep yourself updated. Whether it is through legal news apps such as SCCOnLine or LiveLaw or following your mentors and senior lawyers on LinkedIn or through conferences and seminars. 

    When it comes to arguing in court, it’s okay to stumble occasionally. Everyone has ups and downs. The goal isn’t always to be the best but to make your point clear. Judges often understand and are patient with newer lawyers. Prepare well and present your case in simple terms. A solid grasp of the relevant law and case facts is essential.

    Get in touch with Siddharth Batra–

  • “Encapsulates the essence of a legal professional who not only navigates the complexities of the legal world but does so with an unwavering commitment to honesty and fairness” – Aashdin Chivalwala, Principal Associate, Argus Partners

    “Encapsulates the essence of a legal professional who not only navigates the complexities of the legal world but does so with an unwavering commitment to honesty and fairness” – Aashdin Chivalwala, Principal Associate, Argus Partners

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

    Aashdin, it’s a pleasure to have you featured. To start, could you share a bit about yourself and your journey, from your law school days at Mumbai University to becoming a seasoned Principal Associate at Argus Partners?

    Like many other emerging professionals, I too grew up in a humble background facing initial hardships. It is at those nascent stages that I found my strength and learned to transform my challenges into opportunities. Growing up, I was always taught to appreciate and value hard work.

    Soon after I graduated with B.A. (Psychology) degree from Mumbai University, my journey to become a successful lawyer began. It was with rigorous years of learning which included full day internships at the chambers of prominent counsel in Mumbai.

    The practical experiences that I was exposed to during my internship days were intense and overwhelming. Every day, after attending lectures in college (where I met my better half), I would reach the chamber of my senior where I was required to immerse myself in the intricacies of various statutes, legal precedents, and legal theories. I was encouraged by my senior to engage with him in brainstorming sessions and provide legal research which for me at the time seemed very complex.

    Upon receiving my law degree, the journey transitioned into a more professional realm as I embarked on a path of building a career as a successful lawyer. My early years as a lawyer were at HSA Advocates, where I got the opportunity to enhance my skills through research, drafting, and courtroom experience under guidance from my seniors.

    After spending about half a decade at HSA Advocates, the team along with me, advanced to Argus Partners.

    My journey as a lawyer is in progress as I continue to learn from my seniors and juniors. I am grateful to them as they continue to contribute to a career which I absolutely love.

    Your career spans over a decade, with notable experiences at HSA Advocates and now at Argus Partners. Can you reflect on some key milestones or cases that have played a significant role in shaping your expertise in dispute resolution and litigation?

    Every experience throughout my career has contributed towards my professional and personal growth. While some were joyous, others challenging, but each one of them have shaped my progress in the profession. 

    While I have been part of and contributed to a few significant cases which may be remembered as an important event, some of my notable experiences were created at the time of preparation and strategizing for hearings at conferences with counsel and colleagues.

    Representing clients in cases which are unusual, coupled with the uncertainties connected with litigation, provide for an exciting sense of anticipation which I absolutely yearn for.  While my professional journey has included diverse areas of law ranging from, suits for defamation, specific performance of contracts, varied commercial disputes, company petitions for oppression and mismanagement, Insolvency and Bankruptcy laws, laws relating to intellectual property, eviction cases to rent control measures, guardianship petitions and arbitrations including execution petitions, each aspect and involvement has had a significant role in shaping my skill in dispute resolution and litigation.

    A few of my experiences which I can recall at this moment, was my first reported case during my initial years at HSA Advocates in which I appeared (of course along with a prominent senior counsel and a well-known advocate from Goa) before the Bombay High Court at Goa. I remember the arguments that took place in court like it was yesterday. This was a case which emerged from an order of the Company Law Board and was an appeal under section 10-F of the Companies Act, 1956 which dealt with the law relating to the provisions of the Limitation Act, 1963 and the Depositories Act, 1996. 

    Another significant decision given by the Madras High Court, that I can recall, is whereby the High Court held that the mandatory time limit of 120 days to file a written statement in a commercial suit is not applicable to a written statement to a counterclaim. This issue was undecided by a court previously and the arguments and preparations that went in this case were interestingly exhilarated which led to a successful outcome for our client. 

    Recently also, before the National Company Law Tribunal at Mumbai I was fortunate to have appeared in cases whereby legal aspects of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 were examined and with the help of judicial precedents the cases led to a successful and logical conclusion.

    All that said, I must acknowledge that the key milestones achieved by anyone, either professionally or in the personal chapter is a culmination of a dedicated team effort. 

    These experiences and milestones have collectively created a mosaic of memories that define my identity and contribute to the richness of my professional experience. 

    In addition to being a dedicated attorney, you hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology. How has your background in psychology influenced your approach to legal matters, especially in dispute resolution?

    I had never thought that after completing my majors in psychology, I would embark upon a journey as a lawyer.

    Though, in my years of practice, I have realised that psychology and law intersect in various ways.

    Understanding psychological factors of your clients can often be valuable in considering or deciding an appropriate approach towards your clients’ needs and achieving the desired outcomes in a case.

    With the increase in litigants and individuals opting for alternate dispute resolution methods, applying psychological principles become important especially for arbitrations, mediation, negotiations and conciliation in order to effectively facilitate communication and resolution between parties.

    The integration of psychology and law has enhanced my understanding of human behaviour and decision-making which ultimately lead to more informed and just legal outcomes.

    Your commitment to pro bono work and legal education initiatives is commendable. Can you share a specific instance where your pro bono services made a significant impact on someone’s life, and how did it shape your perspective on the role of legal professionals in society?

    I was always encouraged to take up pro bono work as a budding lawyer and made to understand that lawyers should contribute their expertise to help people who might not otherwise have access to legal services. This would help me build an ethical practice in the years to come.

    I can recall a few instances, one of which was when I advised a security guard and assisted him to recover his dues from his previous employment while on another occasion, I advised an elderly person from a chawl regarding a dispute with the developer relating to an alternate accommodation.

    I believe that pro bono work is essential for every professional to contribute towards the community which helps support the disadvantaged and creates a sense of morality and integrity amongst the public and uplifts the status of this profession.

    Having worked on both civil and criminal matters, is there a legal area that you find particularly intriguing or intellectually stimulating? What aspect of your work keeps you motivated and passionate about the legal profession?

    There is no particular legal area that I find more intriguing or intellectually stimulating than the other as both these practice areas are distinct, each dealing with different types of cases, legal issues, and consequences. I find both equally stimulating and fascinating.

    While the majority of my practice area involves civil law, there are a slight number of matters that I take up under criminal law too. Therefore, my focus as a lawyer practicing mainly under civil law, deals with resolving disagreements between the parties, suggesting and advising on the remedies available to my clients.

    Being mindful about what the outcome of a civil case or a criminal case could be is crucial for legal professionals and individuals involved in legal matters. 

    What drives me about the legal profession is the complexities and dynamic nature of law which is constantly evolving be it through legal precedents, social and cultural changes or otherwise.

    In your role at Argus Partners, you’ve been involved in a diverse range of matters, from civil and criminal cases to insolvency and arbitration. What aspects of these areas do you find most challenging and rewarding, and how do you approach them?

    Though mainly my practice areas involve civil litigation and a small amount of white-collar crime proceedings, I also represent financial institutions and asset reconstruction companies before the National Company Law Tribunal across the country. Each of these practice areas pose different challenges which depend on the peculiar facts of each case. Similarly, as every individual is different and has their own traits, the cases that a lawyer is engaged for are also distinct from each other, therefore applying the law on facts of those cases can be challenging and the ability to do that is rewarding.

    Each case must be approached with an open mind and accepting of the possible outcomes with the purpose of providing the best possible resolution to your client. 

    Beyond your professional pursuits, are there personal interests or activities that contribute to your growth and well-being? How do you manage the demands of a challenging legal career while ensuring personal enrichment?

    Well, I have never thought of keeping a boundary between my professional and personal life. I believe that my professional pursuits are very much aligned with my personal interests and passions. 

    I find it natural that my personal and professional life is integrated in such a way that my professional success ensures personal enrichment.

    I know of many professionals that find it challenging to compartmentalize their personal and professional lives, especially if work demands spill over into personal time or when personal issues affect their professional performance – thus, time management and self-awareness is crucial in such situations. However, I believe that being a professional is a full-time job and thus integrating it with your personal life can lead to a fulfilling lifestyle.

    With that said, I must add and appreciate that right from my formative years as a lawyer, my seniors have always provided a flexible work environment allowing me to blend my personal and professional responsibilities.

    As someone who provides free legal services and encourages students to uphold constitutional values, what advice do you have for young law students aspiring to make a positive impact in the legal field?

    From my experiences I have noticed that quite often people have preconceived opinions about individuals based on stereotypes. As lawyers, I would recommend that every young law student aspiring to be a lawyer inculcates principles of equality and ensures that every person who approaches them for their legal advice or assistance on any matter, should be treated fairly and without discrimination.

    It is necessary that every individual aspiring to make a positive impact upholds ethical standards and learns from mistakes and challenges, using them as opportunities for personal and professional development rather than being deterred and feeling dejected.

    As a student, it is vital that you choose a specific area of law that aligns with your passion and interests. You need to stay informed about changes in the legal landscape, recent case law, and emerging legal trends.

    Dedicate some time to pro bono cases, maintain a reputation for honesty and fairness as that will contribute to your long-term success.

    Get in touch with Aashdin Chivalwala-

  • “Former DJS Officer and Law Specialist, sheds light on his transition from the Delhi Judicial Services to becoming a Law Coach. Explore the motivations behind his shift, the passion for teaching, and insights into effective mentoring for aspiring judicial officers.” – Bhavya Nain, Law Specialist

    “Former DJS Officer and Law Specialist, sheds light on his transition from the Delhi Judicial Services to becoming a Law Coach. Explore the motivations behind his shift, the passion for teaching, and insights into effective mentoring for aspiring judicial officers.” – Bhavya Nain, Law Specialist

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

    Having served as a former member of Delhi Judicial Services, what motivated your transition from a judicial officer to a Law Coach? Please tell us about your journey.

    Before coming to the question asked, let me introduce myself: I hold a Bachelor of Laws degree from GGSIPU, Delhi, which I obtained in 2009.   I completed my LLM degree at the Indian Law Institute in Delhi in the academic year 2015-2016, having been awarded a scholarship based on my academic achievements. Subsequently, I participated in the Delhi Judicial Service Examination-2018. Thereafter, I was appointed as a Judicial Officer in Delhi. I voluntarily resigned from the esteemed Delhi Judicial Service in September 2023. The primary impetus for transitioning from being a member of the esteemed Delhi Judicial Services to becoming an independent Law Coach in Delhi was my fervour for teaching as a vocation. Prior to my appointment as a Judicial Officer in Delhi, I had already held the position of Assistant Professor of Law at Amity Law School, Noida, UP. Therefore, teaching law is a familiar undertaking for me.   Teaching Law to young students brings me great happiness and a sense of fulfilment as I contribute to the education sector, which plays a vital role in the development of our nation. During my tenure at the esteemed Delhi Judicial Services, I acquired a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of law, niceties of law and nuances of court practice/procedure. This motivated me to transition into a role as a Law Coach in order to share my extensive legal knowledge and skills with the judicial aspirants in Delhi-NCR. I have accumulated this expertise over a span of around 14 years as a legal professional, including my rigorous training at the esteemed Delhi Judicial Academy and my first-hand experience observing court proceedings as a Trainee Judge in Delhi. The shift from serving as a Judicial Officer in Delhi to working as a Law Coach in Delhi mostly stems from my instinctive desire to impart legal knowledge, driven by my natural inclination to guide and encourage aspiring legal professionals.

    As a Law Coach, you are contributing to the development of future legal professionals. What inspired you to take up coaching, and how do you approach mentoring and tutoring to ensure effective learning for your students?

    After my tenure in the Delhi Judicial Services, I have made the decision to devote my life to the education sector by becoming an independent Law Coach in Delhi. I plan to provide mentorship and coaching to those aspiring to become judges in the Delhi-NCR region. This is because I possess a distinct strong legal background by my unique exposure to academic positions, legal advocacy, judicial services, and legal research responsibilities. I am currently in the process of preparing and upgrading study materials to ensure that I can offer my services as a Law Coach in Delhi in a thorough and efficient manner. In the near future, I intend to officially establish my independent physical centre/office to cater to the needs of aspiring judges in the Delhi-NCR region. This launch is expected to take place within a few months. Meanwhile, I disseminate legal developments online and produce concise law articles for the benefit of online judicial hopefuls. Additionally, I am currently offering mentorship to anyone aspiring to enter the field of judiciary through online platforms. My primary objective is to alleviate the challenges faced by individuals aspiring to become judges and facilitate their transition from being students to becoming judges as seamlessly as feasible.

    You’ve authored and co-edited books on legal topics. Can you tell us about the motivation behind your literary pursuits and how these publications contribute to the legal knowledge landscape?

    I have collaborated in the editing of law books published by prominent law publishers and have also authored academic papers. This is mostly due to my inherent propensity towards academia and my intellectual orientation.   The majority of my detailed articles were released while I was an Assistant Professor of Law at Amity Law School, Noida, UP.   I continue to produce legal content through online platforms due to my strong passion for legal knowledge and my desire to share the knowledge I have obtained.   I have co-edited two law volumes that focus on the subjects of post-colonialism in India and Sports Law in India.   Both of these legal subjects are highly relevant in the present day, and the primary motive behind editing these books was to enhance the existing academic knowledge in India.   I trust that I have adequately fulfilled this objective.   Lately, I have transitioned to composing concise legal articles/notes on subjects of general legal knowledge and recent cases due to their frequent inclusion in Judicial Service Examinations.

    Your profile showcases an impressive balance between academic roles, judicial services, and advocacy. How do you manage to balance these diverse roles, and what insights can you share with professionals looking to diversify their legal careers?

    The shift from being an advocate to being a Law Coach has been a gradual process for me. Consequently, I firmly believe that individuals should always trust their instincts and their gut-feeling. Balancing is a skill that is cultivated when one is completely prepared to engage and is committed to giving their utmost effort towards achieving a specific objective within the constraints of time and available resources. Acquiring the skill of balancing can only be achieved via practical experience in a work environment. Young professionals have the opportunity to expand their expertise into several related industries, as long as they are open to acquiring new skills while working and adapting to the ever-changing circumstances that come with diversifying. It is imperative to consistently enhance one’s skill set in order to remain competitive with others in any professional domain. To make the decision to diversify one’s legal career, it is necessary to possess courage and self-confidence. Having faith and patience in one’s own ability is also an essential prerequisite.  

    Having been a law researcher in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, how do you think your passion for research influences your coaching style or philosophy?

    I served as a Law Clerk and Research Assistant in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India from 2009 to 2010. It was an immense privilege.   As a Law Clerk, one is responsible for creating daily summaries of cases scheduled to be heard by the Court, as well as conducting research and preparing notes for ongoing cases.   Furthermore, much research is necessary on many legal matters that necessitate resolution by the Court. Through engaging in these activities, I significantly refined my research skills. This skill set has proven beneficial in various domains, including advocacy, education/academic roles and judicial services. The skill of legal research is a valuable asset for the position of a Law Coach in Delhi. It is essential to stay updated with current legal issues that are frequently reported in the news. Questions related to this area often appear in judicial service examinations under the category of latest legal general knowledge. Furthermore, the current law has been altered/modified by recent rulings of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and numerous Hon’ble High Courts in India. Once again, it is necessary to conduct legal research in order to comprehend and inform the pupils about these legal advancements.  

    With approximately 14 years of experience in teaching, advocacy, and research, you’ve worked on notable cases and served in various legal capacities. Could you share an experience or case that left a lasting impact on you and influenced your approach to the law?

    I can think of one recent instance where I served as a lawyer. In that instance, my contribution brought me great gratification and made a lasting impression on me. The case before the Ld. The Disability Commissioner concerned the terms and conditions of service for a disabled employee working for a PSU. Only tenacity and a lot of work were able to change the life of a disabled person who was being denied both his monthly salary and a transfer to a position close to his home/native place. The disabled person received both reliefs on the first hearing date because the case was structured in a way that the Ld. Commissioner was satisfied with the grounds raised in that particular case. This case has left a lasting impact on me. This instance taught me that there might be some differences between the written law on paper and the actual law in practice. Though they may have many rights in theory, disabled people may not be able to really exercise those rights in real practice for a variety of reasons. A lawyer’s or disability activist’s job is to ensure that the person with the disability may truly use all of the legal rights that have been granted to him in the black letter of the law.

    Beyond your professional endeavors, are there specific personal interests or hobbies that you find rejuvenating, providing a balance to your demanding roles in the legal domain?

    Due to the demands of my work, I have limited opportunities to engage in my other interests. However, I manage to allocate some time each day to browse the Internet and listen to Indian music, which really revitalizes me.   Occasionally, I also keep track of cricket matches taking place in major tournaments, particularly the matches being played by India against other major cricketing nations. I also try to stay updated on current events in India by regularly reading newspapers, both in print and online, during my leisure time.

    Drawing from your experiences, what advice would you give to the next generation of law students and legal professionals, especially those aspiring to join the judiciary?

     My short advice to the next generation of legal professionals aspiring to join the judiciary in India is that one should always follow his passion and should always work in a planned and dedicated manner and only then can one achieve one’s goal. Dedication and hard-work alone help in clearing the Judicial Service Examinations in India and there is no short-cut to success. Proper planning and careful strategic thinking may reduce the degree of effort required, but without hard work, clearing such examinations would not be possible because there are far more applicants for judicial services compared to the limited number of available seats in India.

    Get in touch with Bhavya Nain-

  • From being the youngest Registrar of a State Private University to leading initiatives that earned accolades, Subramanya’s story unfolds as an inspiration for the next generation – “A Conversation with Subramanya V. Mysore, Deputy Director of Administration at RV University”

    From being the youngest Registrar of a State Private University to leading initiatives that earned accolades, Subramanya’s story unfolds as an inspiration for the next generation – “A Conversation with Subramanya V. Mysore, Deputy Director of Administration at RV University”

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

    You’ve had a diverse journey, from legal counsel to now being the Deputy Director of Administration at RV University. Managing a team of 50 members and overseeing various departments is undoubtedly challenging. Please tell us about your journey.

    This question seems to be the most asked for me. I started out with legal practice, then to couple of in-house roles in leading MNCs, further in public policy consulting for law makers and finally as of today, in university administration. From the law school days to now, I have found exploring diverse career avenues intriguing and one must feel free to do so. I’m grateful that my law qualification has helped me sail through without any hindrance. There is so much to do in multiple fields and each industry has its own essence which is worth experiencing. In terms of team management, creating responsibility and ownership at each level of team structure ensures effective task dispensation. I would say, managing mindsets of 50/100 odd teammates is the key. 

    You’ve seamlessly transitioned from a Legal Counsel to University Administration. How do you think your legal background influences your approach to running a university, and have you ever found yourself wanting to bring a gavel to a staff meeting?

    Every day at office, I involuntarily end up reasoning the decisions I take from the legal lens. This is most definitely because of my legal training. The policies I make, interactions I have with vendors, collaborations with industry folks etc. are all tied to test of “whether it is legally justifiable or not”. Additionally, it is always fun to bring your colleagues up to speed with the law and to see their startling faces. 

    As someone deeply involved in non-teaching operations, including infrastructure upkeep and ERP implementation, you wear many hats. Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment or a challenge you faced in ensuring a smooth digitization process for the university?

    The National Education Policy of 2020 and UGC’s ODL and OL Regulations of 2020 have emphasized on the fact that varsities shall strive towards automation in their administrative processes and on curriculum delivery while maintaining a world class standard. Implementation of digitization efforts are mostly affected by reluctant acceptance by the end user. Albeit, investment concerns and supporting IT infrastructure remain, the most pressing issue would be the speculative approach to use digitized tools at a varsity. Constant IEC (Information, Education and Communication) efforts coupled with incentives for optimum usage would go a long way towards successful implementation.

    You’ve been a part of the legal departments at HSBC Bank and Ennar Fin-Tech before transitioning to higher education administration. How did your experiences in corporate law shape your approach to managing the non-teaching operations of RV University?

    A University is also a body corporate emanating from an independent statute or from deemed status of the UGC Act of 1956 having its own legal existence. Statutory bodies such as Academic Council, Senate, Board of Management etc. help administer a University and under its common seal university enters into multifarious contracts usually through its Registrar or an authorised representative. Therefore, whether it is policy preparation, drafting commercial contracts, negotiations, handling legal suits and importantly Internal Quality Assurance as per the norms of National Assessment and Accreditation Council require knowledge of the corporate law broadly.

    Beyond your professional accomplishments, we’re curious about your interests outside of work. What’s a hobby or activity you engage in to unwind and recharge when you’re not immersed in the world of education and administration?

    I take immense pleasure in savoring cuisines across the country and abroad while travelling. I like to remain active and choose to mostly to go on hikes on the weekend. Catching up with latest current affairs in order to stay up to date is a habit of mine since law school days. 

    You were a key contributor to Bosch’s BRIDGE program. If you could build a bridge connecting two areas of your life or interests, what would they be, and why do they need a connection?

    I believe that there exists a symbiotic bridge between your personal life and professional life. If the former is malfunctioning, the later tends to get strained. Therefore, knowing one’s limitation and drawing respectable boundaries between these two facets is instrumental. Health is a luxury, youngsters need to ensure that they are physically and mentally intact in order to take on everyday challenges. 

    You’ve studied under the guidance of some influential figures. If you could have dinner with one of your mentors from your legal or academic days, who would it be, and what’s the first question you’d ask them?

     I have had the good fortune of working with a senior Member of Parliament, learned Advocates, corporate leaders in the legal industry. The one experience which stuck on with me was when I discharged my duties as the youngest Registrar for a State Private University in Andhra Pradesh. The Chairman of that University (1985 batch IAS officer) and my mentor Sh Bharat Lal Meena’s influence on me has been immense. To put it in fewer words, I learnt to be fearless when daunting challenges stand against you in the administration realm. I would like to ask him despite being a celebrated bureaucrat in the state of Karnataka with over three decades of rich experience in public administration, what keeps him going every day and what’s the secret of his abundant energy. 

    What’s one thing about you that your colleagues might find surprising or intriguing? What is one piece of advice you’d give to our readers, who are looking for a career in the same profession?

    People around find it surprising that a youngster is in the position once held or in position I’m in. I find it surprising too. Without going into the debate of age versus experience, I would say if I’m chosen to be in a role, I’m sure the fitness required for assumption of such role is the first thing that would be assessed and I would have passed it. For young lawyers and readers looking to transition, I would convey that always push yourself towards exploration and trust me it will be fun and worthwhile. Choose to do and be different.

    Get in touch with Subramanya V M –

  • Crafting Legal Narratives and Shaping Constitutional Bench Cases – A Decade of Advocacy at the Supreme Court – “Founder of Outsay Legal and Advocate-on-Record, Suvidutt Sundaram, Reflects on His Pioneering Legal Journey”

    Crafting Legal Narratives and Shaping Constitutional Bench Cases – A Decade of Advocacy at the Supreme Court – “Founder of Outsay Legal and Advocate-on-Record, Suvidutt Sundaram, Reflects on His Pioneering Legal Journey”

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

    Could you please share about your formative years of litigation practice in the Supreme Court?

    In 2007, after enrolling as an advocate, I set off from Kerala to Delhi with only 5,000 rupees in my pocket, driven by burning determination and dreams in my eyes, all in pursuit of my aspirations. The metropolitan city was new, the people were unknown, my Hindi language skills weren’t fluent, adapting to the fast-moving culture proved challenging, extreme weather posed difficulties, housing rents were high, and adjusting to North Indian food was tough. Moreover, at that point, I didn’t know a single person in the legal circle in Delhi. Despite all odds, I managed to survive.

    Fortunately, a friend referred me to a Supreme Court lawyer, leading to opportunities to work with two leading law firms in the Supreme Court. I am grateful to my mentor, Mr. Anand Sanjay Nuli, the founder of the law firm Nuli and Nuli. In a short period, I immersed myself in the intricacies of litigation practice, becoming familiar with the procedures of most courts and tribunals in Delhi.

    Starting to receive cases from my home state of Kerala, I launched my independent practice in 2012. Following my successful clearance of the AOR exam in 2015 on my first attempt, I never looked back: my contacts multiplied, cases poured in, and my workload increased day by day.

    Your legal journey has spanned from handling cases in the Supreme Court to contributing to legal academia. What motivated you to pursue both active litigation and a role as a Visiting Faculty at various law schools? How do these two aspects complement each other in your professional life?

    While pursuing an LLM from Amity University, several friends encouraged me to take the UGC-NET exam and fortunately, I cleared it in 2015. Technically being qualified as an Assistant Professor ignited my interest in academia and led me to take up teaching assignments in law schools and business schools.

    Active litigation challenges me to stay current with legal developments and sharpens my analytical skills. It offers real-world experiences I bring to the classroom, giving students practical insights beyond theories. Simultaneously, academia allows me to delve deeper into legal theories, engage eager minds, and contribute to shaping future legal professionals.

    Teaching keeps me intellectually engaged, refines my communication for the courtroom, and broadens my perspective through a constant exchange of ideas. This synergy between litigation and academia enriches my understanding of legal concepts and enhances my effectiveness both as a lawyer and educator.

    Your involvement in drafting Private Member Bills is noteworthy. Can you share a bit about the inspiration behind bills like the Anglo-Indian Welfare Bill and The Waste Management and Recycling Bill?

    I provided advice to several Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha), irrespective of their political affiliations. During this time, the Lok Sabha MP named Dr. Richard Hay expressed a desire to address the unique needs and concerns of the Anglo-Indian community within the legal framework. This community possesses a distinct cultural identity and faces challenges that may require tailored legislative attention.

    Another legislative initiative involved waste management, aiming to align India’s practices with cleaner standards akin to Western countries. The inspiration behind The Waste Management and Recycling Bill stemmed from the urgent need to address environmental concerns, specifically focusing on efficient waste management and promoting recycling practices. Extensive research on similar laws in other countries formed the foundation for drafting these bills.

    Both Private Member’s Bills were introduced in different Lok Sabha sessions, and I felt immensely gratified and proud to have had the opportunity to apply my legislative skills to these initiatives. Dr. Richard Hay later expressed gratitude in his book, acknowledging the significant role I played in the formulation of these two Bills—an overwhelmingly fulfilling experience for me.

    As an advocate-on-record with a focus on election laws, you’ve completed a Ph.D. in the same field. What prompted you to delve into this area, and how do your academic pursuits enhance your ability to navigate complex legal issues in electoral matters?

    Firstly, I completed my LLM in Constitutional Law. Secondly, while advising a few Members of Parliament, I became increasingly fascinated by the captivating nature of election laws due to their intrinsic connection to democracy, governance, and the fundamental rights of citizens. Both these led me to choose a PhD topic focused on the critical study of statutory provisions and judicial decisions regarding hate speeches for electoral gain.

    Besides, my decision to specialize in election laws stems from a profound interest in upholding democratic principles and ensuring fair and transparent electoral processes. Academic pursuits in this field significantly enhance one’s ability to navigate complex legal issues in electoral matters. Researching and studying electoral laws at an advanced level equips individuals with a comprehensive understanding of election procedures, electoral disputes, and policy insights, providing an edge in handling intricate electoral legal issues.

    Winning the Family Medicine Advocacy Award in 2019 is a unique accomplishment. How has your legal work contributed to the cause of family medicine, and what role do you see for lawyers in advocating for broader societal issues beyond the courtroom?

    The award, conferred upon me by the Academy of Family Physicians of India (AFPI), recognized my efforts in advocating for the establishment of a separate department of family medicine in all hospitals and incorporating a course on family medicine into the MBBS curriculum through a Writ Petition filed in the Supreme Court. Consequently, the Court directed the Union of India to make an appropriate decision, which ultimately resulted in a positive conclusion. This decision significantly benefited family medicine practitioners and millions of our countrymen by supporting accessible and quality healthcare.

    Lawyers can play a pivotal role in advocating for broader societal issues beyond the courtroom through various means. One such avenue is policy advocacy, wherein lawyers engage in lobbying efforts and collaborate closely with policymakers to shape laws and policies addressing social justice, human rights, environmental sustainability, healthcare, education, and more. Another effective approach is filing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) or representing marginalised groups, NGOs, or individuals in legal cases that challenge unjust policies, protect civil liberties, and seek remedies for systemic issues. Other impactful methods include legal education and empowerment, raising public awareness through media, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), conducting research, and providing data-driven solutions for societal challenges.

    Overall, lawyers serve as advocates, advisors, educators, and catalysts for societal change. Their expertise in law and understanding of legal systems position them as crucial agents for advocating broader societal issues, striving to create a fairer, more just, and inclusive society.

    You’ve been involved in some ground-breaking Constitutional Bench cases. Can you share a moment from your career that stands out as particularly impactful or challenging?

    Several cases I handled were notably challenging, with two among them considered landmark judgments. One instance involved the judgement pronounced by the Constitution Bench in the Sabarimala temple case, permitting women’s entry into the temple. In this case, I filed the petition on behalf of the royal family of Pandalam who constructed the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, advocating for the continuation of tradition. This decision caused significant upheaval in the state of Kerala. Another significant case was a Constitution Bench judgement that decriminalized the provision of adultery i.e., Section 497 from the Indian Penal Code (IPC). I filed a Writ Petition representing an activist named Joseph Shine. Both of these cases are widely regarded as landmark judgments.

    One instance that I can’t forget in my career was the research and drafting that my legal team did challenging the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the Supreme Court on behalf of one Member of the Parliament named T.N. Prathapan. We completed the same in just a matter of 6 hours starting from 1:00 am till 7:00 am. That night was a marathon, intense and unforgettable.

    The list is endless, encompassing various subject matters of law—ranging from service jurisprudence to environmental laws, civil remedies to criminal matters, constitutional issues to corporate advisories, arbitration proceedings to family disputes, and more. I am thankful to my colleagues Mr. Vibhor Ahlawat, Ms. Vijayalakshmi Raju, Ms. Somlagna Biswas, Ms. Deepika Singh, and Ms. Disha Puri for their relentless efforts and contributions, without which I can’t be where I am now.

    Beyond the courtroom, we know you’re into Artificial Intelligence and enjoy a game of online chess. Is this your way to unwind or do you have different hobbies that help you relax and recharge?

    For the past few years, I have immersed myself in reading about Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the realm of litigation practice, embracing technology, especially AI has become increasingly essential. My focus lies on advocating for ethical AI, a concern that unfortunately garners attention from only a few.

    Additionally, I am deeply intrigued by billionaire stories. I used to watch their interviews that reveal their tales spotlighting resilience, innovation, and their strategies for success. Exploring their stories unveils their mindsets, work ethics, and pivotal choices. It’s not just about wealth, but also their visions, failures, and societal contributions, making their journeys both compelling and relatable.

    Being a Visiting Faculty at various law schools, what motivates you to engage with the next generation of legal minds? Any advice for budding lawyers based on your experiences?

    Interacting with budding legal minds as a Visiting Faculty is profoundly fulfilling. The drive behind this engagement springs from a fervent passion for imparting knowledge, moulding future legal luminaries, and witnessing their transformative journey. It’s truly inspiring to play a part in the growth of the next generation, fostering and guiding them through the intricate pathways of the legal world.

    My advice to budding lawyers: embrace lifelong learning; hone communication skills; uphold ethical standards all the time; build a strong network; prioritise clients over your personal and political inclination, and be anti-fragile. Always, embrace technology and AI-driven solutions in litigation as well as non-litigation. That’s the future.

    Get in touch with Suvidutt Sundaram

  • Uncover the secrets to professional recognition and success as this accomplished legal expert shares her journey, emphasizing the significance of thinking outside the box, proactive collaboration, and continuous learning, offering valuable advice to fresh graduates – Apurva SHETYE, Senior Manager at Mahindra & Mahindra Limited

    Uncover the secrets to professional recognition and success as this accomplished legal expert shares her journey, emphasizing the significance of thinking outside the box, proactive collaboration, and continuous learning, offering valuable advice to fresh graduates – Apurva SHETYE, Senior Manager at Mahindra & Mahindra Limited

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

    You have an extensive career in the legal field, spanning various industries and positions. Can you share your personal journey and what initially sparked your interest in law?

    To talk about my background, I was born and brought up in Mumbai and I come from a family of doctors and engineers.  No one from my family has worked in the field of corporate law and hence I am a first-generation corporate lawyer. My parents, now retired, were both hardworking individuals and were working. My father worked as a CS (Company Secretary) in various companies and my mother was in government service. Hard work and a zeal to learn was thus instilled in me from a very young age, since I grew up watching my working parents. I have completed my B.com and LLB from the Mumbai University along with a couple of additional diplomas and certifications. I was initially interested in being a Company Secretary (CS) which is a professional course, however my inclination towards being a corporate lawyer grew once I started studying law. 

    It was only after studying law alongside CS, I realized that it is of my interest and I would want to pursue it as my career. Law can be complex and challenging due to its interpretation at times and I enjoyed decoding its interpretation and studying its application. I cannot really point to a specific reason for choosing law – I just had a sense that in future the legal profession would gain importance & distinction, and I am very glad that it did.

    As a seasoned professional with experience in law firms, manufacturing, and FMCG sectors, can you tell us about the most significant challenges you’ve encountered in each sector and how you navigated them?

    That’s a very good question! A general perception about lawyers is that we know and do everything under the sun. However, one must know that the skills required for every vertical and industry differ from each other and while we know the foundation, many times it’s more of learning on the go for us. 

    I started my career with a law firm named, Oasis Counsel & Advisory (Chambers of Senior Counsel, Mr. Haresh Jagtiani) and I must say that my first taste of practical applicability of law and litigation was very exciting. Like every other law student, I too started my internships with law firms and while at Oasis, as an intern, my work mainly focussed on researching on case laws, finding precedents and drafting short documents like affidavits and letters. I qualified as a lawyer in 2014 and was lucky enough to be absorbed as an associate at Oasis. The kind of work that is handled at law firms is completely different than at corporates. At Oasis the challenges that I faced related to drafting court documents and handling clients at such a nascent stage of my career. I was blessed with amazing mentors during my tenure there who guided me to the right path and taught me the intricacies of practicing law. I would say that starting my career with a law firm was the best decision since this made my foundation of understanding law and the interpretation of it very strong. 

    Post this came my biggest challenge of transitioning from a law firm to a corporate since there is vast difference in the working culture and the system in general. For eg. In a law firm you deal with one client at a time, at a corporate you deal with multiple stakeholders which involves business partnering. One needs to align their goals with the vision and values the organization holds. The manufacturing sector is pretty compliance specific, and my role at PPG Asian Paints as well as Blue Star Limited, being a generalist one, included everything right from drafting contracts, identifying and ensuring compliances, handling trademarks and patents and business advisory. Wearing multiple hats and getting work done was challenging here, but then again my seniors helped me out and ensured that along with getting the work done it also gives me a good learning and enriching experience. 

    Post PPG Asian Paints, I worked with Bajaj Consumer Care Limited (BCCL) for a short while. BCCL is the FMCG wing of the Bajaj Group. It was a different industry than PPGAP and that’s what made it interesting. I worked extensively with the marketing and R&D teams on product claims and product packages, distributor contracts and IPR. It was during my time here, I learnt about product development and all the groundwork that happens on the same – on the legal front this was my first time working with and learning the workings of The Drugs & Cosmetics Act, The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines, The Legal Metrology Act and International Trademarks. Quite an exciting space to be in. The challenge here was meeting tight deadlines before product launches. This included drafting of the product claims along with the R&D team, approving artworks, approving advertisement scripts in line with the ASCI guidelines and then gearing up for the product launch. The best way to overcome any challenge is to get adapted to the environment that you are in. Also, asking people around really helps. The business teams here were collaborative and hence the challenge no longer seemed like one. 

    You’ve been involved in areas such as consultation and advisory, civil and commercial law, and corporate and cyber law drafting. How do you balance such a diverse skill set, and how has it contributed to your success in the legal profession?

    Working in multiple sectors helped me build acumen on the diverse skill set that I possess today. Even after a decade of experience in this profession, I am still as curious as a beginner and that helps me in honing my skills and learnings further. In house roles do require wearing multiple hats and catering to the needs of various divisions in the company, therefore, one cannot limit themselves to only one stream of law. My observation has been that most of the mid/large cap companies in India prefer having a counsel with a generalist experience rather than a specialised one and that’s what sets you above the rest. Balancing a diverse skill set can be challenging, but staying up to date with amendments and changes in your field is a must, especially, when the field is as dynamic as the legal gamut in India. 

    Could you share some notable milestones and achievements from your career, especially in your current role at Mahindra & Mahindra Limited?

    Of course! As an in-house counsel, simply knowing the law is not enough. In-house counsels deal with a lot of complex transactions which need a deeper understanding of the business and its technicalities. Therefore, the first step that a corporate lawyer needs to excel in is business partnering. All my milestones have been possible due to business partnering in all the projects that I worked on and I cherish each of these milestones equally. However, if I have to point out specific ones, it would be implementation of compliance tools at two of the organizations I worked with. While I was working with PPG Asian Paints and Blue Star, I got the opportunity to digitize compliance reporting and monitoring. This helped the companies to a great extent since we transitioned from manual work to robust softwares. It involved a lot of effort and time since we had to coordinate with multiple functions and stakeholders before finalizing the compliances. I was recognized and rewarded for this effort at both the organizations and hence it’s one of my close memorable experiences. I have also handled and closed POSH complaints as a member of the IC committee at one of the organizations which was a huge learning experience and which I consider as a milestone too. 

    At Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M), I am a part of the business legal team for the farm equipment sector. I have been a part of various benchmarking exercises through which we implemented anti-counterfeit strategies in the Agri space. Also worked extensively on the Drone Rules, 2021 and on drone operations in India. Since we have a lot of exposure to international markets, we devised a risk mitigation matrix for our contracts in Europe & China. That’s the benefit of working for large conglomerates, the diversity of the work that one can handle has no bounds.   

    You’ve held positions involving compliance, policy development, and risk mitigation. How do you approach the complex task of ensuring legal compliance for your organizations, and what advice do you have for legal professionals working in this area?

    As we are aware, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is the buzzword in our field currently. ESG is a framework used to assess an organization’s business practices and performance on various sustainability and ethical issues. It also provides a way to measure business risks and opportunities in those areas. Organisations worldwide are becoming ESG compliant for their investors and shareholders. Be it in the form of disclosures in the board reports, accountability to the shareholders or the reputation of an organization, ethics & compliance are the two very important aspects of conducting any business these days. 

    Having said that, I believe that ensuring ethics & compliance is never a one man’s job – the compliance manager therefore has to collaborate with every function of the organization, create awareness, conduct training and instill the importance of compliance in every employee working at the ground & top level. There has to be constant talk about compliance in the organization along with tone from the top. I am fortunate enough to have worked with leaders who have always kept compliance at the forefront and this helped me drive compliance at all the organizations I worked with. 

    My advice to professionals working in the area of compliance would be to stay updated with the changing laws and rules. Implementation of a digital tool helps and supports in this regard. Compliance training and awareness sessions are equally important, be it in the form of mailers, quizzes, celebrating compliance week etc. One can start with a compliance audit as a dipstick to check where their organisation stands today. A good starting point could also be to go through the ISO 37301:2021 for Compliance management systems. This document specifies requirements and provides guidelines for establishing, developing, implementing, evaluating, maintaining and improving an effective compliance management system within an organization. 

    As someone who’s been recognized for your efforts and contributions, what key factors have contributed to your professional recognition in the field of law, and what advice do you have for others aspiring to make a meaningful impact in their legal careers?

    In my case, thinking outside the box has immensely helped me. Especially as in house counsels, we need to constantly think about initiatives that will reduce manual work and move towards digitization. Being proactive and actively partnering with the business teams always gets recognized. For example: conducting knowledge sharing sessions for awareness, standardising templates, making risk mitigation matrixes helps the cross functional teams and also reduces future efforts, so that you can focus on more important things at work. Everything counts when one gets recognized, with a primary focus on the change that you have brought about in the organization. Recognition comes in when you move out from your comfort zone and do more than just your KRA’s. My advice would therefore be don’t limit yourself. Do whatever work that comes your way, it’ll certainly not go unnoticed and will be a learning experience for you!

    As you’ve achieved success in your career, what advice would you like to offer to fresh graduates who are just starting their legal journey or considering a career in law?

    I get asked a lot, especially by young law students, on whether they should start their career as an in-house counsel or with a law firm. It’s of course their preference, however I would suggest starting out with a law firm. Corporates in India do not really have many entry level vacant positions for freshers. They are always on the lookout for someone with law firm experience or someone shifting from another corporate. Also, as I mentioned earlier, a law firm experience would give a good foundational base of law which would really help fresh graduates at a later part of their careers. 

    Other than this, a few takeaways for aspiring fresh lawyers are as below:

    Unless you ask, the answer is always no: we as humans, have the fear of being rejected. And this fear holds us back from taking the first step. I would say take the step anyway. You’ll either succeed or fail. Same goes with asking people for help at organizations. For being a successful corporate lawyer, knowing law alone is not enough. You need to collaborate with business teams effectively for valuable inputs and commercial reasoning. Therefore, be curious, ask multiple questions and most importantly, ask for help whenever required. 

    While at work, do anything and everything that comes your way: In the initial years, do not be picky with the kind of work that is handed over to you. Every assignment comes with a learning curve which will help you in some way or the other in the long run. Experiment with whatever comes your way and be a lifelong student!

    Do not take up a profile which matches 100% with your previous role: Taking up a profile exactly similar to the previous one limits your growth. There should always be room for learning and doing more. Growth starts when you move out of your comfort zone.  

    Wishing all the readers a rewarding and fulfilling career!

    Get in touch with Apurva Shetye –

  • Explore the diverse legal experiences of Rohit, from international exposure in Israel to influencing cases in India, and his current excitement for delving into corporate governance and ESG regulations – Rohit Kumar, Advocate-on-Record

    Explore the diverse legal experiences of Rohit, from international exposure in Israel to influencing cases in India, and his current excitement for delving into corporate governance and ESG regulations – Rohit Kumar, Advocate-on-Record

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

    Rohit, your journey from the chambers of Mr. Anand Grover to representing major players like Google and Snapchat is truly remarkable. Can you take us through a memorable moment in your career that shaped your approach to the legal profession?

    My journey has been a roller coaster ride, full of ups and downs, making it hard to recall. As a first generation lawyer getting a first job was very difficult. However, in 2013, I joined Anand Grover as a fresh law graduate. I got this job primarily because of my graduation in Life Science and not because of law. When I joined his chamber he was representing generic pharmaceutical companies before the IPAB and High Court in matters related to pre-grant patent oppositions and compulsory licences.  My job at his chamber was related to finding the prior art of a contentious patent application thus the focus was more on researching chemical compounds of the drugs and tried to simplify enough to submit before courts, during this period I worked on many important drugs like Nexavar (Compulsory Licences case) and Sofosbuvir. After leaving his chamber in 2014 I joined MKSS (Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan) as a fellow where my job was focused on representing indigent litigants and groups on right based litigation related to NREGA, RTI, panchayat elections etc. This gave me the opportunity to work with two very good lawyers, Senior Advocate Prashanto Chandra Sen and Dr Yug Mohit Chaudhary, I learnt a lot from both of them. Yug is known for his work on Death Penalty cases and thus appeared with him in several death row cases. 

    Later, in 2015 I joined Advocate-on-Record Chirag M Shroff and then joined the excellent chambers of Mr Ramesh Singh Senior Advocate, an outstanding corporate lawyer, where I had the opportunity of assisting him in various arbitration and commercial cases. I learnt the art of articulation and gained confidence in handling complex legal issues from Mr Singh. It was the most significant period of my career, however I had to take a break due to some inevitable things at home and later in 2017 started my own practice. It was a very tough period with no or low monetary gains. 

    In 2019, a recruiter approached me to interview with Bytedance. After a few rounds, I was hired, and the rest is history. Bytedance, the parent company of TikTok, and it was the most challenging job so far for me. When I joined TikTok was facing regulatory issues and  it also was a time when intermediary liabilities and content regulation laws were also developing in India, and as a pioneer in short video format with tendency to become viral TikTok faced many challenges and court cases related to bad content on platform, however, these challenges provided me avenues to learn on the job and grow as as lawyer and as an individual too. Google and Snapchat were settled and very slow companies and hardly a challenging situation occurred when I was there. Now after resigning from my corporate job I am back to pursue my career as a litigating lawyer, I cleared the AoR exam this year and practising primarily before the Supreme Court. 

    We often see lawyers in the courtroom, but what’s something about the legal profession that people might not know? Any behind-the-scenes aspect or interesting anecdote you’d like to share?

    Lawyers in the courtrooms come with huge preparation, background study and efforts of many people involved. In 2019 I got an opportunity to represent the plaintiff in a suit for injunction filed before Bombay High Court against Ayushmann Khurana, the allegations of the plaintiff were that he had stolen his story and made a film called Bala. We had strong evidence to prove the allegations before the court, and his lawyer did not file any convincing reply in initial hearings and somehow we managed to convince the judge for personal appearance of Mr Khurana, however, after several requests made by his lawyer the court dispensed his personal appearance, but it was an exciting day for us in the court, my associate and junior were especially happy in hope to see the glimpse of the bollywood star. 

    You’ve been deeply involved in shaping content policies and legal strategies for social media platforms. With your background, what advice would you give to someone trying to navigate the fine line between freedom of expression and responsible content moderation in the digital age?

    Social media is a powerful medium to communicate. After notification of Intermediary guidelines and digital media code 2021, social media companies are using AI tools and human moderators to curb the obscene and pornographic material however real challenges are related to political speeches and dissent voices, such content shall be dealt with utmost caution and platforms shall not remove any content that does not breach the Article 19 (2) of the Constitution of India, similarly MEITY shall also exercise its power under section 69 A of IT Act 2000 in rare cases and not as a normal routine. As a society we should aim at making the internet safe and secure for everyone. 

     In India the main problems is that some think tanks are over romanticising the “safe harbour” protection and wrongly interpreting the intermediary liabilities. Such protection cannot be granted or taken away by the statute as many policy practitioners and lawmakers think, it’s just an affirmative defence against the liabilities of the platform and only the court can use it to punish or protect the platforms against any liability.  Therefore, I believe that facets of freedom of speech and expressions shall be dealt within the ambit of Article 19 (1)(a) read with Article 19(2). 

    You’ve navigated through roles as Legal Counsel for Snapchat, Google, and Bytedance, offering you a front-row seat to the tech industry’s evolution. What’s the most fascinating or unexpected aspect of tech law that you’ve encountered, and how do you stay ahead in a field that’s constantly evolving?

    While at TikTok I encountered many unexpected and complex legal issues. Most fascinating issues were related to content crawling wherein TikTok content was crawled by competitor apps and they started monetizing it. However, TikTok had a state of art watermarking system on its content that helped the TikTok team to identify its content on other platforms and enforce its legal rights. During Google days most challenging work was related to revenge porn, as per Intermediary Guidelines 2021 platforms have an obligation to remove such content within 24 hours hence, sometimes I had to work beyond office hours to help the trust and safety team to remove content within time. Social Media and new age platforms are posing a new threat towards user safety, issues like deep fakes, AI generative and application of virtual currency in online gaming are some matters that need urgent attention. 

    Your educational journey includes a diverse set of courses, including a recent one on Fintech. How do these ongoing learning experiences contribute to your legal expertise, and is there a specific area of law or topic that you’re currently excited to explore further?

    I am a big fan of MOOCs and distance learning courses. I feel that once we complete LLB, we do not need a master degree especially when we want to be in litigation, therefore I did not want to waste time and money in doing LLM hence, opted for distance learning specialised programs like Fintech, Media Law, CopyrightX etc. These courses played a significant role in getting jobs and recognition. Presently, I am quite fascinated with the changes happening in corporate governance and ESG regulations, and I am excited to explore this area and consider doing specialised training. 

    Your international exposure is quite impressive. How has your experience with diverse legal systems influenced your approach to cases in India? Any notable contrasts or lessons learned?

    I was fortunate to work closely with lawyers from different countries. When TikTok was banned in India I was asked to support other jurisdictions like the UK, Israel and Sri Lanka, whereas  while at Google I was responsible for west Asia litigation and worked with law firms of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Among all these, the best learning experience was with Israeli law firm Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co (FBC) . I was very impressed with their drafting skills. Their team was trained to draft the long brief in a few pages in simple and plain English, a skill which Indian lawyers lack. Now, I am an Advocate-on-Record and I am trying to follow the learning from FBC. 

    We’ve covered your legal prowess, but what’s a hobby or interest you turn to when you’re not immersed in the world of law and litigation? Any hidden talents or passion projects you’d like to share?

    When I am not in court, I like to go to the local market and eat street food, I also spend some time with my plants and I also have interest in collecting samples of leaves from different locations after drying them. I make herbarium. 

    With your background in Intellectual Property Rights and technology law, what’s a piece of legal advice you find yourself frequently sharing with friends, family or upcoming generation, especially in today’s digital age?

    I usually advise my colleagues and friends to understand your client’s business before providing legal advice, to remain quiet and let your client speak more during meetings. I feel that all lawyers are competent to advise but there are very few lawyers who understand the business of the clients. Once we understand the business it will become easy to advise the clients.  In today’s competitive world, start ups are coming with disruptive technologies and products, and if we do not understand their product and business properly, we may not be able to advise our client properly

    Get in touch with Rohit Kumar –

  • “A Legal Maestro’s Journey from Army Aspirations to Intellectual Property Mastery” – Explore the expansive landscape of legal expertise, ranging from Intellectual Property Rights to general litigation, An In-Depth Conversation with Aditya Dhar, Principal Associate at Vaish Associates

    “A Legal Maestro’s Journey from Army Aspirations to Intellectual Property Mastery” – Explore the expansive landscape of legal expertise, ranging from Intellectual Property Rights to general litigation, An In-Depth Conversation with Aditya Dhar, Principal Associate at Vaish Associates

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

    Can you share a bit about what inspired you to pursue a career in law and how you ended up specializing in Intellectual Property Rights?

    As an adolescent, I was actually always inclined towards joining the army as I was fascinated with the uniform and the discipline that comes with it. I had plans to go to Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) for schooling but fate had other plans and that took a backseat as I grew up. As time passed, I had a young man’s realisation that I was soft spoken but always wanted to put forth my point. Being a lawyer, I felt, would give me an opportunity to channelize this desire. Being a lawyer at that time, or so I thought, meant being aggressive. I had a different view though. I thought that if I blend two extremes I would rather grow as an individual. So to answer your questions, it was my desire to grow as an individual that inspired me to pursue law. As a first generation lawyer, I did not have anyone to look up to and follow the same path. Since my first day in this profession, I was more than happy to wear different hats and try out different fields of law. Having said that I was always interested in the litigation part of the profession because, as I said, my opportunity to grow as a person would, at least in my mind, come when I was appearing before a judge and thinking on my feet. While I was exploring different fields of law, one of my seniors in my early days, from whom I have learnt a lot, had specialization in IPR and gave me opportunities to explore the field.

    Beyond the courtroom, we hear you’re quite the legal wordsmith. What inspired you to start writing legal articles, and do you have a favorite topic you’ve covered so far?

    I was told in the beginning of my profession that litigation has three basic pillars which are drafting, research and appearance before the courts. Fromday one, I had an inclinationtowards drafting part of the profession and was always interested in writing. My seniors always pushed me to write articles as they always said that articles are the best way to reach people and educate those who are not from legal background. It is also a marketing tool. You can never pick one topic, but my idea of writing articles is focusing on the basic principles of law which are easy to understand from a layman’s point of view.

    Your expertise spans a wide range, from Intellectual Property Rights to general litigation. If you had to choose one area of law that you’re most passionate about, which would it be and why?

    I may get criticized for this but it will be unfair to choose one area of law. My passion lies where the client’s need is. If a client’s need is initiating an arbitration proceeding, I would have to go with that. If the same client wants to file a criminal complaint, it is my duty to pursue that recourse as well. But before going into different domains of law, the most important thing is to gain the trust of the client by giving the client the desired results. Having said that, it impossible to cater to every need of the client and you need to broadly identify your strengths. Since you have put the “passion” question, it would be safe to say that the commercial side of the profession whether it is a commercial suit including IPR or any branch of it like arbitration or white collar crimes interests me the most.

    Being in this profession for the last 10 years and being associated with Vaish Associates since 2018, you’ve seen the legal landscape evolve. What do you find most exciting about the current legal environment, and are there any upcoming changes you’re particularly interested in?

    Needless to say that the legal profession is ever growing. The current legal environment is more commercial driven. The advent of commercial courts act and commercial courts have proved that future is more commerce driven. However, since the world of commerce has economic advantages, the courts do not want to indulge in unnecessary litigations. For this purpose, it has become mandatory before filing a commercial case to try and settle the case by filing a pre litigation mediation application which filters out such unnecessary litigations. The courts have also been reasonable in doing away with such mediation application if the court is convinced that the case in hand is urgent and that such application would hamper justice.

    Since we are talking about the commercial era, one cannot forget about arbitration. Recently, it has been held that by the Apex Court in case of NN Global Mercantile v. Indo Unique Flame that an arbitration agreement cannot be acted upon if the stamp duty on the said agreement is not paid. This has led the parties entering into an arbitration agreement to pay the appropriate stamp duty which was many a times not paid due to N number of agreements with different parties, and if the same is not paid on the existing agreement, courts have the power to impound the agreement. However, a seven judge bench of Supreme Court is reconsidering the said judgment, wherein order is reserved and the same is awaited as on date.

    It is interesting to see that how after covid, the courts are more digital friendly. Lawyers today have the option to appear before a judge sitting in the comfort of their home. Digital courts are established for taking up cheque bouncing cases. Court filings are done digitally. Trademark hearings are conducted through VC. Having said that, one may also argue that the profession has lost its charm by being digital and attending hearings through VC.

    Your educational journey, from Apeejay School to being a first generation lawyer and becoming a Principal Associate at Vaish, is quite impressive. Along the way, were there any mentors or role models who significantly influenced your career choices or approach to law?

    I feel mentors are not just people. Even situations can be mentors to you. As far as people as mentors are concerned, I would say that there are different kinds of mentors. There may be people who unknowingly help you on the way. Sometimes difficult situations are created by difficult people, but the important thing is what you can take from those situations and learn from it and treat that situation as a learning experience. In this profession, if you are a first generation lawyer, you have to be your own mentor.

    Beyond the legal realm, what’s a passion or interest you have that might surprise people? How do you incorporate this into your life, especially during busy periods in your legal career?

    People say that I am a good singer. We had a band in my school days and I was the lead singer in that. But now it is just a hobby and a way to entertain friends and family. Besides this, whenever I get time, I love being in the mountains close to the nature.

    Finally, what advice would you give to recent law graduates who are just starting their legal careers? What lessons have you learned along the way that you believe would be valuable for them as they embark on their own journeys in law?

    Be thorough with whatever task is given to you. Remember devil lies in details. Choose your strength amongst the three pillars of legal research, drafting and court crafting and play with it. Do not take for granted the other pillars. Be soft spoken no matter what people say about how a lawyer should be. Never let anyone guess what is going on in your mind. Sincerity towards your profession and towards the task in hand can take you places. Lastly, it is important to understand that in the present world, unless you can market what you create, your creation may become useless.

    Get in touch with Aditya Dhar-

  • Decades would see more changes in law practice and legal industry in toto, and subsequently jobs would be eliminated- Insha Showkat, Independent Legal Attorney

    Decades would see more changes in law practice and legal industry in toto, and subsequently jobs would be eliminated- Insha Showkat, Independent Legal Attorney

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

    Can you share your journey and tell us what inspired you to pursue a career in law, from your early legal experiences to your current role as a Legal Manager?

    Coming from the land of beauty and chaos, Kashmir, gave me the sense of fair and unfair from my young age. Inherent good of man and fair treatment of societies was embedded in my mind. Growing up amidst military occupation and seeing the happenings had a profound impact on me. It was a confrontation everyday. Certainly that initial inclination for law was instilled right there and other factors played along. I always wanted to understand challenging rhetorical theory, to uncover the truth. World is full of issues that affect all of us across geographies and law touches everything, every facet of a society. My major inkling towards law came from my land, and the prevalent day to day conditions. I was clear about law from a young age as it had me glued to the fairness basis and felt like a just and honourable profession.

    Obviously, an unconventional choice as I came from a traditional business family and in fact, the first one to go to law school from my immediate family. Law came from my upbringing and despite the odds, I was inspired to do my part for an equitable world by becoming the voice of the unheard.  My schooling was done at Mallinson Girls School, Srinagar where I took part in extra curricular activities besides my academics. Being an avid debater, I always had a knack for formulating arguments and enjoyed that part. Being one of the players of the basketball team, I played some matches representing my school at that time. After finishing my school I went to South India, and opted for Bangalore Legal Studies to undertake my five year law course. Five years spent in Bangalore bring back fond memories and I cherish them like always.  During my law school, I lived in the college premises with nine other law school mates. Our dormitory was filled with girls who came from different parts of the country and it gave me a chance to understand nine different mindsets.  Along with enjoying law subjects, I thoroughly took part in the mooting, debating, and legal publications. Besides being rank holder in Constitutional and International Law, I also served as the Editor of our Law School Review, BILS Law Review. Many national and international moot courts were attended for sheer joy of analysing the problem, interpreting laws, drafting the memorials and weaving the argument. My main aim from mooting was to be a better learner, and to think on my feet while simultaneously stimulating and challenging my intellectual curiosity and capabilities. In my third year, I participated in the Bar Council of India International Moot organised by National Law University, Jodhpur along with my moot mates, Siri Roa (Counsel, USA) and Mohammad Azhar-u-ddin (Associate VP, Data Privacy Accenture). The problem was about International Law, Refugee Status and Sovereignty. In our semi final round in which we were pitted against National Law University, Delhi, the other side presented well crafted arguments with excellent oratory skills making such a compelling case. To my utter surprise, I almost got so engrossed by the arguments, that I caught myself in the abyss without the rebuttal points. While the other side was finishing their arguments, I quickly scribbled through pointers and jotted them down. We went for rebuttal over 12 factual and legal issues. To my utter surprise, we made it to the finals and the sitting Punjab Haryana Justice called our team and mentioned the reason for being in finals was “thinking on the foot and coming up with the 12 points”. Mooting tests and enriches one’s appetite for delivering under pressure early on. You take ownership of your calls which lets one reach his/her full potential. Teamwork decides how far a team can go. Two years later, while graduating out from law school, I was awarded ‘Best Mooter’ of Batch, 2012. With time, my passion for law grew and intensified. I am thankful to my mentors from law school who really taught me well.

    In your role at Vipra Legal, you managed litigation and arbitration while providing commercial advisory to various entities. How do you balance the demands of litigation and advisory work in a legal setting, and what were some of the key challenges you faced?

    It’s no secret that practising law is a bit demanding yet fulfilling. It’s not only about the best advice given to the clients but subsequently, to curtail down the risks. One has to step into the owners/ companies point of view to understand the depth of business risks and hence will emerge a balanced solution. Legal advisory has to align to the company’s risk tolerance and goals. Working with Partners to define and articulate each risk and its potential effects on business so decision makers could understand the impact and vulnerability. A top tier client at Vipra Legal was in the middle of a game changer merger wherein we reviewed and drafted exhaustive Commercial Agreements and Non Disclosure Agreements and designed a legal plan/strategy for execution which matched client objectives before putting the right people, tools in place for successful deliverance. You need to understand which task is critical and can convert revenue into profit. Balancing is an art which lawyers learn about from their mentors in the beginning itself and with having multiple clients waiting for the end result, whether a thorough advisory on the issue or an immediate filing and attaining of an injunction or favourable order, one has to prioritize the work and manage it timely.  In a managerial role, besides being up to date on factual scenarios and prevalent law plus the winning strategy of multiple ongoing cases, organizing task progress and team work loads is essential. Challenge of dealing with associates and running the show as a team is where one’s real patience is tested. I would say, a litmus test. Usually, and particularly lawyers don’t like to be managed and hence the perfect workplace can be created by developing a collaboration with high level of trust and openness, communication and engagement.  The tricky part comes in when at times, you have to manage peers who are equal, or even in cases have more experience and here you can’t go into the control mode but rather find that middle balanced ground and be thoughtful of relationships at the firm.

    Your experience at Elevate involved document review and using artificial intelligence for litigation support. Could you explain how AI is changing the legal landscape and what benefits or challenges it brings to the field?

    Legal landscape is shifting more than ever before as Companies look to adapt tools like Artificial Intelligence. Incorporating AI into legal practice drives day to day lives and more importantly, clients have come to accept it from employed firms. Al can make lawyers informed, provide data driven ideas, and above all improve efficiency. In my tenure with Elevate Services, as Senior Associate with Disputes and Investigations, I provided assistance to international Litigation teams of various top tier law firms; Gilbert and Tobin, Latham Watkins LLP, Backer Mckenzie, ReedSmith, DLA Piper, Skaden and many others. End to end legal solutions were provided to the law firms, right from the starting of the early assessment of the case until trial. Summarised chronologies, provided concise legal analysis, drawing up of Contracts, assisted in Due Diligence and weaved legal opinions. Now AI is being used to automate tasks  and drive efficiencies, spurred to cut costs. Elevate is the first Company to join hands with top notch law firm, Gilbert and Tobin for its dominant business model which is a game changer and first of its kind in the legal industry of India.

    With that, a new threat also looms. Law being the lucrative profession is most at the risk of AI advances. Can I be replaced ?!  After all, lawyers are merchants of words for the matter of fact. Decades would see more changes in law practice and legal industry in toto, and subsequently jobs would be eliminated. A research by economists of Goldman Sachs estimated the amount of legal work that would be automated by AI and results are at 44%. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and we are going to live with this now. The only way lawyers would survive amidst the growing technology is by updating their skillset, by training themselves to understand the most intricate and complex legal issues and pushing forward. One would have no choice but to climb up the skill ladder and stay ahead of technology. Change will come but I guess we are still far as there are thorny issues of Data Privacy, Ethics and conflicting data which we usually term as ‘Hallucinations’ in the world of AI prevalent and still that bridge ought to been gapped. It’s a powerful tool for productivity and we will see it growing as it’s here to stay.

    As a Principal Associate at V Legal Empire, you were involved in a significant arbitration claim. Can you share a specific case or experience that stands out as a highlight of your career, and how did you navigate the complexities of such a high-stakes matter?

    V Legal Empire’s Corporate team represented Russian construction company Mosmetrostroy for an ongoing billion dollar Arbitration claim against the Chennai Government. Strategies and methods were built to deliver the best outcomes. The most critical juncture in the Arbitration –  We helped the client get a favourable order by allowing deposition via video conferencing in a cross examination which didn’t have a precedent of its kind in the Indian Arbitration cases. Application was drafted on strong facts, law and beautifully argued by the Senior Advocate. Quorum was presided over by three arbitrators and Justice AK Sikri allowed the Application keeping in view the complexities of cross border dispute and factual scenario of the case. Partner of the law firm was in Russia briefing the client on the nitty gritties of the cross examination and on the other hand, legal along with technical aspects were ensured by the corporate team on the Indian ground for profitable work. Document management of zillion documents were managed along with regular reporting of work in progress against the budget curtailing the project risks leading to efficiency in a more client oriented way.  At that time, the article “Institutional Arbitration: Emerging need for robust dispute resolution mechanism in India” was co-authored with the Partner of V Legal Empire, Vijjay Mehta. The paper highlighted the need for more organised/ institutionalized based Arbitration with an aim to bring best international arbitration practices to the country. Most successful economies in the world prefer an international arbitration institution which is independent and credible, and enjoys the domestic market. Running of these institutes benefits all the stakeholders – from arbitrators to lawyers to clients, to governments. Significance of reduced number of arbitrations in India was highlighted despite India being a top player in Arbitration.  Stats of SIAC, ICC, HKIAC were brought forth. It was published in Young Arbitration Review, Portugal 2018, Ed29.

    You’ve also worked as a Legal Editor at LexisNexis. What does the role of a legal editor entail, and how does it contribute to the legal community?

    I always remember my tenure with Lexis Nexis with a smile as it changed my perspective on a handful of things. LexisNexis, a United States based legal entity was my first International Corporate exposure and nothing could have been better than being under the guidance of Shilpi Pandita Ganesha (Associate Director) and Shreesh Chandra (Senior Director). One of the brilliant minds I have seen across various legal industries. Advancing the rule of law was the goal and what better than being the last set of eyes before the legal words are seen by the world. Actually, the job is simple: Monday through Friday, meetings in the morning, work on the scripts and contracts the rest of the day and into the night. Working with an International Publishing house is a different league altogether. Goal is always excellence: nothing less. You own your part of the Publishing calendar – you pick the authors (can be from a senior advocate to a judge, sitting judge for all your bad luck, jurist, legal luminary, academician). Calendar is driven by budget so deadlines are quite valuable. Right from the building of calendar, to the inception of the contract, improvisation of the Legal Content, research, analysing the judicial rulings cited. It is a painstaking process to achieve excellence. What I began to understand was that researching and writing legal content honed one’s skill so that mastering law becomes easier and faster. It reinforces that attitude with the unspoken doubt each editor has the intelligence and energy to do a fair job. Besides being responsible for every stage of law publication which involved contracts, content improvement, maintenance of daily communication with clients, also collaboration with leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing was done to ensure quality work. Regular feedback on playbooks and processes took place for smooth functioning of daily operations. One of the projects involved this – Days in a row, weeks, months I visited Professor VC Govindaraj who was living in South Delhi at that point of time. He being in his 90s’ was unable to move much and here we were sitting on random legal drafts to verify the accuracy of a detailed case analysis, Hague Convention on private law, and habitual residence and domicile and obligations for shaping foreign contracts and torts. Former Professor of Delhi University is the master of private international law and much to my relief it was nothing less than sheer joy working on the subject matter of my liking with the master himself. Conflict of laws is an increasingly important subject as now more than ever large numbers of people move through territories. This piece of work provided fresh perspectives on the subject of conflicting laws and analysed its significance in today’s dynamic contemporary world. Based on these meetings, I helped him finish the draft for final approval which finally got published five months later. The sharpness of the jurists mind was unbeatable. As he said, ‘ I want to have my dinner and never get up for morning tea. All I want is to leave behind my traces for the younger generation’. Without a doubt he has already.

    During your tenure as a Judicial Law Clerkship, you provided assistance to a judge and contributed to improving the efficiency of the judiciary. How has your experience as a law clerk influenced your perspective on the legal system?

    My path to clerkship was not something planned earlier. The idea of clerking hadn’t even crossed my mind until two years in Litigation. My career started with the Standing Counsel for the State of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Sunil Fernandes. His practice was majorly in the Apex Court of the country and what a commendable hold on the Constitutional Law he has attained. He backs everything up with law references and pure logic. I sometimes used to have casual conversations about the Kashmir issue and his progressive streak would always show. You were right fresh out of college and before the top judges of the country, looking at the famous seniors debating on the constitutionality of the provisions and what not. It was by the end of my two years in litigation that I had made up my mind about judicial clerking and the question now was which court and subsequently, the judge. It was going to be in Delhi High Court and someone on the civil side rooster, I thought as I wanted to get my basics and civil side stronger. Justice Endlaw was known for his rulings and integrity.  A close friend of mine knew Mahfooz Nazki, (Associate Partner, ELP) a Kashmiri Delhi based lawyer (who was with Justice Endlaw’s chambers while he was on bar before getting elevated). I vividly remember my conversation with Mahfooz. ‘He is a good man, but a hard task master’ were his words and aptly so. I put in my application and got called into his chambers. He was sitting at his desk, so deeply engrossed in reading and when he noticed me, right away he shooted, ‘Why do you want to do the clerkship? You have already been in the Supreme Court for two years’ in a very candid demeanour.  To my utter surprise, I was as frank as I could ever be with a sitting High Court Judge. I replied with my actual intentions of getting my basics straightened up. For the initial weeks, I was assigned with the part of observing the Court proceedings and mind you Justice Endlaw can start a random conversation about that one case. The way he thinks about his cases is absolutely stunning – law armoured with reasonability. Research work in his chambers is totally no nonsense business. He remembers his cases so well and to see him recite an old precedent with such an accuracy is unparalleled. He is usually the last judge to leave the High Court premises which is also the reason for his highest disposal rate in Delhi High Court. He maintains that balance of making the chambers lighter with his sense of humour. My probation with him was for three months and then I was termed ‘permanent’. Getting the perspective of a judge, as to how he looks at an issue is paramount. One should try a clerkship early in his days as it will be beneficial for having the correct approach to the case. Office of a judge also teaches you a lot about building trust and confidentiality. Justice Endlaw is a perfect judge to clerk with and it was my good fortune to be in his chambers.

    Looking back on your journey and extensive legal career, what advice would you offer to fresh law graduates who are just starting their careers in the legal profession?

    Remembering what Fali Nariman once said to us in his chambers while briefing him ‘Law is an ocean and if you dive into it, it gets deeper. No one is an expert. We only know of pieces here and there’.  Being open to learning in the field of law is a must as it is a vast domain. Not a profession for the faint hearted. One must do his homework properly and your hard work is going to pay its debt. Read, re read and reflect back. Know your facts and law well before facing the judge. Never be too sure about things as it’s an unpredictable domain, ever evolving. Be very present and have an attention for the minute details. A philanthropist friend of mine describes lawyers as magicians and even, pure specialists, and it cannot be more true in this modern age.  Be humble of your legal journey. Most importantly, among the rich resources of your legal career, probably the most integral part are your mates, colleagues, clerk, your own. Many of them are extraordinary people like you and take time to get to know them. Nurture the relationships. Time goes by too fast and law has a way of pressuring time and, more than often what gets lost in between are those significant ones. Cherish the time and enjoy lawyering ! 

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