Super Lawyer

Tag: Legal Technology

  • “My transition from practicing in India to building an international practice was a natural evolution, shaped by the global environment in which I was raised.” – Dr. Seemantani Sharma, Co-Founder at Mabill Technologies and Legal Manager at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, Malaysia.

    “My transition from practicing in India to building an international practice was a natural evolution, shaped by the global environment in which I was raised.” – Dr. Seemantani Sharma, Co-Founder at Mabill Technologies and Legal Manager at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, Malaysia.

    This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team

    With such a diverse academic background, what initially inspired you to pursue law, and how did your early education in India, your LL.M. at The George Washington University Law School, and your PhD at the University of Technology Sydney shape your focus on technology, intellectual property, and governance?

    My journey into law began with a fascination for the Indian Constitution, a passion I nurtured from around the age of 17. I initially enrolled in a Bachelor of Economics at Delhi University, largely following my parents’ preference, but quickly realized that statistics and quantitative subjects were not my strength. They were very supportive when I decided to leave and pursue law instead, a field that truly aligned with my interests in governance, rights, and regulatory frameworks.

    During my legal studies in India, I completed the mandatory year of pupillage and internship, which gave me a clear sense early on that conventional legal practice was not the path for me. After graduating from law school and completing my internship, I chose to work for a media technology company in a legal-business role rather than a core legal role. While I did not learn a great deal about practicing law in that role, I gained invaluable insights into how media companies generate revenues through media rights. This first job laid the foundation for my current role at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), where I continue to work at the intersection of law, technology, and media rights.

    After my LL.M. at The George Washington University Law School, I stayed on for a year as a legal researcher at the Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library, working on a grant-funded project. It was during this period that I developed a deep interest in rigorous legal research and began considering pursuing a PhD in the future.

    Several years later, after moving to Malaysia to work for ABU, the PhD opportunity finally presented itself. In 2019, I received a scholarship from the University of Technology Sydney to write my doctoral thesis under two highly respected IP scholars. I chose to focus on the intersection of copyright, performers’ rights, and dance, an unconventional topic that few IP scholars are willing to supervise. My co-supervisor (a leading Australian IP scholar), who happened to be a trained ballet dancer, was supportive of my choice. This allowed me to combine my academic interests with my personal passion as a trained contemporary Indian dancer and a student of Anand Shankar.

    These experiences (from my early fascination with constitutional law, to my LL.M. research, to my PhD under distinguished scholars) have shaped my focus on technology, intellectual property, and governance. They reflect a trajectory guided by curiosity, rigorous research, and the desire to leverage law to protect innovation and creativity across diverse domains.

    In the early phase of your career in India, what were the most formative experiences that laid the foundation for your practice and motivated you to specialize in intellectual property law?

    From an early age, I have always had a global mindset, shaped in part by my father’s encouragement to think beyond borders. Growing up in a family of fourth-generation entrepreneurs, I also knew deep down that one day I would start my own venture. These early influences gave me the confidence to chart a non-conventional path in law, one that could combine rigorous legal expertise with innovation, business, and a global perspective.

    In the early phase of my career in India, I was profoundly shaped by what I observed in conventional legal practice. I was concerned by inefficiencies in the justice system, the backlog of cases, and at times, lapses in ethics among practitioners and judges. It’s not that the whole Indian legal system is flawed, but these experiences made it clear that a traditional legal career was not for me. I had always envisioned a professional journey that would take me beyond India, allowing me to work on global challenges and innovations.

    My first professional role at RSG Media Systems exposed me to the commercial side of media rights. I gained important insights into how media companies generate revenue, yet I realized I wanted a deeper understanding of law itself, particularly in areas intersecting with technology, creativity, and business. Intellectual property law naturally emerged as the perfect bridge between these interests.

    Admission to The George Washington University Law School for my LL.M. became a decisive step toward my vision of becoming a global legal professional. That experience, combined with my subsequent PhD and international roles, reinforced my trajectory toward innovation-driven law, entrepreneurial ventures, and intellectual property strategy. Looking back, these formative experiences (my global outlook, early exposure to media and business, and rigorous legal training) laid the foundation for my focus on technology, IP, and governance on a global scale.

    What inspired your transition from practicing in India to building an international practice, and how did you navigate the challenges of adapting to different legal and professional ecosystems?

    My transition from practicing in India to building an international practice was a natural evolution, shaped by the global environment in which I was raised. Although I grew up in India, most of my father’s clients were foreigners. Our home constantly hosted visitors from across the world. This exposure gave me a deep comfort with cross-cultural interactions and a global perspective from an early age. I did not even have an official “Indian” name until I was 15. My relatives and friends often laughed at my nickname, which didn’t sound very “Indian.” Even in Southeast Asia, people sometimes ask me, “Where are you from?” despite my distinctly Indian surname. From food preferences to clothing choices, many of my everyday habits are shaped by this international environment, reinforcing my adaptability and ease in multicultural settings. Even my astrologer once remarked that I would thrive in international environments, a prediction that, in hindsight, aligns closely with the trajectory of my career. These experiences have been invaluable, enabling me to navigate diverse legal, business, and cultural landscapes with confidence and nuance. These experiences have been invaluable throughout my career, enabling me to navigate diverse legal, business, and cultural landscapes with confidence and nuance.

    While this global exposure came to me naturally, I actively built additional skills to thrive in international environments. I learned basic Mandarin, took courses in cross-cultural negotiations, and continually sought opportunities to expand my knowledge. Adapting to different legal and professional ecosystems required not only understanding local laws and professional norms but also honing skills that allow me to connect effectively across cultures. It was challenging at first, and even now, navigating international scenarios is not always easy.

    These experiences, combined with my grounding in international law and intellectual property, enabled me to develop a practice that is both globally relevant and locally effective. My upbringing instilled confidence and adaptability, and my commitment to continuous learning has been critical in navigating challenges and building an international career.

    You’ve worked extensively on media rights, sports agreements, and international lobbying. What have been the most complex challenges in balancing broadcaster rights with the rapid evolution of digital and OTT platforms?

    I have worked extensively on media rights, sports agreements, and international lobbying, which has given me deep exposure to the complexities of balancing broadcaster rights with the rapid evolution of digital and OTT platforms. The ongoing challenges reflect the nuances involved so much so that the broadcasters’ treaty has not been adopted even after more than 20 years. Even within my organization, we constantly debate fundamental questions such as “what constitutes broadcasting” and “who qualifies as a broadcaster” in a rapidly changing digital environment.

    For me personally, one of the biggest challenges arises when distributing rights. OTT platforms are inherently non-territorial, which creates complexities when determining the exclusivity of sports rights in specific territories. Resolving these issues requires careful negotiation, strategic foresight, and an in-depth understanding of both the technology and the legal frameworks governing media rights.

    The rise of OTT platforms has added additional layers of complexity. Traditional licensing frameworks often struggle to accommodate streaming models, on-demand services, and cross-border content distribution. For instance, the recent bill in India aimed at regulating OTT platforms highlights how governments are still grappling with these shifts, trying to balance consumer access, content regulation, and the protection of established media rights.

    Navigating these challenges requires a combination of legal expertise, strategic negotiation skills, and a clear understanding of how technological disruption transforms the media landscape. My work in this domain has sharpened my ability to reconcile competing interests, draft adaptable agreements, and anticipate regulatory trends, ensuring that broadcasters’ rights remain protected even as the definition of “broadcasting” continues to evolve.

    As a legal consultant advising start-ups and international organizations, how do you approach contracts and IP licensing across jurisdictions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the US? What recurring challenges do start-ups face when entering these markets, and how can they prepare for them early on?

    As an IP expert and co-founder of a clean-tech startup, I have seen first-hand how critical a robust IP strategy is to a start-up’s success. Advising start-ups and international organizations across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the US, I approach contracts and IP licensing with a global mindset. Every jurisdiction brings its own legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and cultural nuances, and agreements must be carefully crafted to balance protection, commercialization, and investor confidence.

    Start-ups often face recurring challenges when entering new markets. IP regimes are fragmented, copyright, patent, and trademark protections differ, and licensing agreements can become complex when crossing borders. The biggest hurdles arise when trying to align a start-up’s ambitions with local regulatory realities while ensuring that innovations remain secure.

    Preparation is essential. I advise start-ups to embed IP strategy into their business plan from the outset i.e. conducting thorough market and IP due diligence, clearly defining the scope, territory, exclusivity, and enforcement rights in contracts, and engaging experienced legal counsel early. This approach not only reduces potential disputes but also builds trust with investors and partners, enabling the start-up to scale efficiently while safeguarding its core innovations.

    For me, the interplay between law, technology, and business is endlessly fascinating. Helping start-ups navigate these complexities while protecting their innovations has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, and it underscores why IP strategy is never an afterthought. It is the backbone of sustainable growth in a global marketplace.

    As Co-Founder of Mabill Technologies, how are you leveraging AI and IoT to build sustainable HVAC solutions, and what role does intellectual property strategy play in protecting and scaling this innovation?

    As Co-Founder of Mabill Technologies, we are focused on leveraging AI to build predictive maintenance solutions for HVAC systems. We have plans to develop a  proprietary AI algorithm in collaboration with a university, with Mabill retaining full intellectual property rights while giving proper attribution to our academic partner. From Day One, I have approached this venture with a strong IP strategy, ensuring that our innovations are protected and positioned for scalable growth. Our IoT roadmap, which will enable real-time monitoring and optimization of HVAC performance, is planned for rollout in the second phase of development. By combining AI, IoT, and a robust IP strategy, Mabill aims to deliver sustainable, efficient, and market-leading HVAC solutions.

    Having advised both start-ups and WIPO on IP law and sustainable innovation, how has your research and writing influenced your approach to balancing commercialization, investor confidence, and long-term climate impact?

    Having advised both start on IP law and working with WIPO for a short consulting project, my research and writing have shaped a practical and principled approach to balancing commercialization, investor confidence, and long-term climate impact. I have come to recognize that investor confidence is ultimately built on trust. Trust that the technology is robust, the team is capable, and the IP is well-protected. My work in IP strategy ensures that innovations are defensible and scalable, which in turn is likely to assure investors. At the same time, my focus on sustainable innovation means that we do not sacrifice long-term climate impact for short-term gains. This dual lens of trust and sustainability guides how I structure ventures, communicate with stakeholders, and make strategic decisions that align profitability with purpose.

    What advice would you give to students aspiring to a career in intellectual property law? What practical steps and resources should they focus on during law school to prepare themselves for this field?

    It’s great to aspire. However, I would advise students not to get overly fixated on choosing a specialization too early. Intellectual property law is a fascinating field, but it is very niche. What matters more in law school is building strong foundational skills that will serve students across any area of law.

    One of the most critical skills is learning how to read i.e. not just reading casually, but developing the ability to process complex legal texts quickly and efficiently. I truly learned this during my PhD. It has been transformative for my career. Many students underestimate the importance of speed reading and speed writing. Nonetheless, in today’s world, these skills are what will set students apart. AI can retrieve statutes and perform basic drafting, but the ability to read deeply, synthesize quickly, and write clearly remains irreplaceable.

    In practical terms, law students should focus on cultivating analytical thinking, precision in writing, and the ability to quickly absorb large volumes of information. Internships, research projects, and exposure to different areas of law will also help develop versatility, which is especially important in niche fields like IP. Some of the best IP lawyers I know are creators, inventors, or entrepreneurs themselves. This combination of legal skill and practical, hands-on understanding of innovation gives them an edge. A strong foundation, combined with curiosity and disciplined study habits, will equip students to succeed whether they ultimately specialize in IP or elsewhere.

    How do you see the future of intellectual property and media law evolving with emerging technologies, and what is your vision for the evolution of your own practice in the coming years?

    The future of intellectual property and media law is poised for a sea change, driven largely by emerging technologies such as AI. Traditionally, IP laws have been human-centric, focusing on human creators and inventors. AI disrupts this framework, raising fundamental questions: Who qualifies as an author? Can a machine or AI system hold authorship? Jurisdictions across the world are actively debating how to address these challenges, and IP laws will likely need to evolve to accommodate non-human-generated works and AI-assisted inventions.

    In media law, licensing for OTT platforms remains one of the biggest challenges, particularly given their cross-border, non-territorial nature and the rapid pace of digital disruption. These shifts require not only technical legal expertise but also a strategic understanding of business models, technology, and regulatory frameworks. For me personally, determining the exclusivity of sports rights in specific territories for OTT platforms is a particularly complex challenge.

    I am registered to take the California Bar Exam, which reflects my legal training and commitment to professional rigor. However, my primary role today is as a founder and legal strategist rather than a conventional practitioner. My goal is to build Mabill into a leading venture while simultaneously establishing my thought leadership brand. I plan to revisit the decision to sit for the exam depending on Mabill’s growth trajectory, ensuring that my focus remains on driving innovation, scaling the business, and shaping the intersection of law, technology, and sustainable solutions.

    I see my role evolving from a technical-legal expert to a legal strategist and systems thinker. I aim to blend my legal background with high-level strategic input for start-ups in regulated sectors such as clean-tech. As a thought leader and clean-tech founder, I am no longer a conventional lawyer. Nonetheless, law continues to inform my work, enabling me to provide insights that protect innovation, anticipate regulatory trends, and support sustainable growth in a technology-driven world.

    You have authored books on the EU AI Act and IP monetization in the AI era, published peer-reviewed articles on piracy, TRIPS, and broadcaster rights, and contributed policy insights at global forums such as WIPO. How do you see this scholarship and thought leadership complementing your role as both a legal strategist and a tech founder and what broader impact do you wish to create in shaping the future of IP and technology law?

    My work as a scholar and thought leader directly complements my role as both a legal strategist and tech founder. Authoring books on the EU AI Act and IP monetization in the AI era, publishing peer-reviewed articles on piracy, TRIPS, and broadcaster rights, and contributing policy insights at global forums such as WIPO has given me a nuanced understanding of the intersection of law, technology, and innovation. These insights allow me to advise start-ups and investors not only on compliance but on strategic IP and legal frameworks that drive value creation and reduce regulatory risk.

    Being a tech founder, myself gives me a first-hand perspective on the challenges innovators face i.e. how to scale responsibly, protect core technologies, and navigate complex cross-border regulations. This combination of scholarly rigor and operational experience enables me to provide high-level strategic guidance that is legally sound, commercially viable, and investor-ready.

    My broader vision is to shape a legal and regulatory ecosystem where emerging technologies like AI are harnessed responsibly, IP rights incentivize creativity, and sustainable innovations (especially in sectors like clean-tech) can scale globally. By bridging the worlds of law, entrepreneurship, and technology, I aim to help founders, investors, and organizations anticipate market shifts, protect their assets, and unlock long-term growth opportunities.

    Get in touch with Dr. Seematani Sharma –

  • “India is at a critical crossroads vis-à-vis intellectual property (IP) as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies reshape global businesses and transactions.” – Anant Prabhuchimulkar, Founding Attorney at Frigg & Snotra.

    “India is at a critical crossroads vis-à-vis intellectual property (IP) as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies reshape global businesses and transactions.” – Anant Prabhuchimulkar, Founding Attorney at Frigg & Snotra.

    This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team

    A legal career can hold different meanings for different people. What inspired you to pursue law as a career, and what was the driving force behind your decision to take this path? How did your journey through law school further ignite your passion for the field and shape your motivations for the future?

    My journey to law began against the backdrop of family tradition pointing elsewhere. Three successive generations of civil engineers in my family (including both my parents), had established a legacy in public service and infrastructure – particularly, water supply,  a cause to which both my father and grandfather had committed a large portion of their lives. While I was tempted to lean into this “flow” state, following them into a set career as an engineer working in infrastructure or environmental sciences, my interests as a student actually leaned towards aerospace engineering and all things space-related. 

    Frankly, it was my grandmother who ultimately inspired my legal path, and acted as a guiding light. It was in the late 1940s that she had graduated with a law degree from Government Law College, Mumbai (then-Bombay) having lost a few years to the Indian freedom movement. She continued to maintain kinships with notable alumni like Soli Sorabjee and Nani Palkhiwala whom she had met in study groups – on occasion she would narrate several anecdotes about them and their time at law college. Soon after graduating however, she chose family life over a demanding legal career – a decision she later expressed regret about before passing in 2024 at age 97. Despite never having practiced law as a member of the Bar, her legal training permeated her daily life. Her sharp wit, articulation and ability to debate confidently at length with eminent personalities and champions of industry left me with profound respect for the legal profession and even fostered a sense of reverence for litigating lawyers. There was something meaningful about pursuing a career she had not been able to follow. 

    Law school quickly dispelled my romantic and innocent notions about legal practice. No number of anecdotes or choice phrases could replace the intellectual rigour and stamina required for law school. Law school demanded a sharpened focus and genuine eagerness to learn, qualities that developed gradually during my studies. What transformed my experience were approachable professors, commercially relevant courses and real-world internships that revealed how legal strategy truly functions in practical application. 

    I became particularly interested in dissecting and analysing business structures and strategies in the form of case studies, similar to investigative journalism. I was taken in, almost jonesing on the access to information that legal training provided me –  corporate filings, audit reports, public disclosures – told compelling stories that captivated me more than fiction. This fascination further accelerated me towards corporate law, built on the fundamental understanding of how legal frameworks shape industries and business strategy. 

    After completing your law degree, you chose to pursue a master’s from Durham University, United Kingdom. Given the number of esteemed institutions offering similar programs, what made Durham stand out as the ideal choice for you? Could you share how your experience there enriched both your academic and professional journey?

    Choosing Durham University for graduate school was an easy decision. As one of the UK’s ancient universities alongside Oxford, Cambridge and St. Andrews – often collectively referred to as “Doxbridge” – Durham offered prestigious academic standing with its #4 UK ranking that year. This was a deciding factor as I was only looking for universities in the UK. Further, having missed application deadlines for Oxbridge, Durham represented excellence within my available options. 

    Another important consideration for me was the collegiate system at Durham that really attracted me – with each college maintaining its distinct history and culture. My acceptance to Castle College, Durham’s founding and oldest college was particularly transformative for me. The “Castleman” culture, shaped by centuries of tradition, encouraged by academic excellence and strong professional camaraderie was an unmatched value addition. Studying within a medieval castle – one that had served as a filming location for Harry Potter was an immersive experience in itself. Formal dinners in historical halls and galleries complete with ceremonial or academic gowns, connected learning to centuries of scholarly tradition. 

    Academically, Durham provided the perfect platform for refining and deepening my skills in commercial law. A key highlight was being taught Mergers & Acquisitions by Shaun Goodman, a Kirkland & Ellis’s London partner – easily one of the sharpest minds I had encountered. His nuanced perspective and practical insight into corporate acquisition strategy, execution modes and financing structures were invaluable. This blend of theoretical depth and real-world commercial application, prepared me for complex high stakes legal transactions that were around the corner for me in law firm life. 

    The Durham experience extended beyond coursework – instilling qualities that continue to shape my professional approach and work ethic: focus on analysis over verbosity or precedent, adaptability in unique situations, collegiality in professional relationships, and a broader sense of purpose and achievement in legal work. These elements remain foundational to my practice today.

    In the early stages of your career, you had the privilege of working with several prestigious law firms, including Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Trilegal, as well as co-founding Digi-Smart Technologies. What were the pivotal learning moments during these formative years that not only deepened your understanding of the law but also set you on the path toward excellence in your profession?

    My early years across law firms provided a crucible which forged my practice. At Trilegal, I was immediately thrust into representing a major multinational technology player interested in strategic acquisitions across the Indian tech sector as well as a USD 100 billion+ AUM private equity fund – both deploying approximately USD 8 billion in capital across Indian markets over a spread of deals in distinct sectors within aggressive timelines. This experience, building upon my foundational two years of private equity experience at Desai & Diwanji, revealed that excellence in complex high stakes transactions requires more than technical proficiency; it demands strategic vision that anticipates challenges before they materialize. 

    What proved invaluable to me was navigating these transactions with a lean, efficient, high performing team united by shared principles – rigorous work ethic (read: hard work), unwavering integrity and meticulous attention to detail. It became clear to me that the quality of collaboration often determines transaction success more definitively than individual brilliance. The diversity of perspectives and backgrounds among the exceptional professionals I worked with expanded my own professional toolkit exponentially, teaching me that legal solutions emerge not just from following set precedent but from creative problem solving. Our camaraderie naturally also seeped into our personal lives and I can’t underscore the importance of maintaining strong friendships while working in high stress settings.  

    At Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, assisting on a private equity buyout of a major education provider across the preschool to K-12 segment while simultaneously handling my first listed acquisition – a control deal in the highly regulated cement sector revealed the multidimensional nature of complex transactions that intersect with governance, policy and public interest. Both these matters inter alia required synchronising national, state, local and international regulatory frameworks while identifying inconsistencies between them. Dissecting legal risks several financial quarters in advance and advising on mitigation strategies and pragmatic solutions and structures. This experience crystalised my understanding that superior deal counsel must operate as regulatory cartographers – mapping jurisdictional and legislative complexities while charting clear paths forward.

    Having worked at prominent law firms, such as Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Trilegal, what motivated you to transition into an in-house role with Euronet Worldwide, Inc? How did you perceive the cultural shift between working at a law firm and being part of a corporate in-house team, and how did your responsibilities evolve in this new environment?

    My transition to an in-house role at Euronet was driven by a fundamental desire to participate in business strategy and decision making from inception rather than merely documenting or assisting with decision already made. While law firm practice offered technical depth, I found myself increasingly drawn to the strategic questions that precede formal legal engagement. Having already done a masters’ degree, an MBA seemed excessive and unaffordable and I had often heard inhouse roles being equated to an MBA education.

    The cultural shift from law firm to inhouse was stark and multidimensional. In private practice, client interactions typically begin after commercial parameters are already established – the classic “deal is agreed in principle between principals, now it’s the lawyers job to document it” scenario. At Euronet, I experienced the inverse, legal counsel became integral to opportunity identification, market entry strategy and risk assessment months or even years before external counsel may be engaged or a term sheet even considered. This shift from a reactive to proactive counsel demanded developing “commercial intuition” – the ability to anticipate business or revenue implications beyond legal analysis.

    This perspective aligns with what a senior partner at a previous firm I worked at once described as the evolution from “legal technician to business strategist”. It took a lot of effort to create trust for counsel to be seen as business enablers rather than gatekeepers, but once this trust was established, the rewards to the company and stakeholders were self-generating.

    During my time at Euronet, the Asia-Pacific business presented unique opportunities, requiring legal support for double-digit growth across diverse markets in South East Asia and the Middle East in addition to India. To meet these demand, I worked to innovate our legal function along with leadership by establishing what I saw as a “quasi law firm” within the corporation, treating stakeholders as clients and legal team as service providers. We deliberately recruited attorneys with top-tier law firm experience from AZB, CAM and SAM who could maintain technical excellence of legal practice while developing commercial acumen and who had the necessary temperament and soft skills required to work in a fast paced multi-cultural international environment. 

    While Euronet was a NASDAQ listed US corporation operating in over 100 countries operating for nearly 30 years, I found that negotiating with technology giants such as Google, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft that were significantly larger and well-resourced required a dual perspective that included understanding not just contractual terms, commercial motivations and regulatory landscape but also strategic negotiation and cultivating perseverance. Collaborating with state owned enterprises, government bodies, DISCOMs, utility providers, SMEs and startups conversely required a different brand of lawyering.

    Perhaps most rewarding was leading compliance and product counsel functions under the guidance of senior leadership. This involved direct and close interaction and engagement with regulators, LEAs, industry bodies and policy forums. The work often required pioneering approaches for fintech products with no established regulatory blueprint and involved constantly navigating regulatory grey zones with an informed view.

    Ultimately, the transition taught me that exceptional in-house counsel must balance technical expertise with commercial pragmatism while maintaining integrity at all times.

    What inspired you to establish your own practice, and what vision did you have for Frigg & Snotra? Were there any significant hurdles or obstacles you faced during the establishment of your practice, and how did you overcome them to build it into what it is today?

    The inception of Frigg & Snotra emerged from a vision to create something fundamentally different in India’s legal services offering – a boutique practice that integrates legal expertise with strategic business advisory. Having worked both in prestigious law firms and as in-house counsel, I observed a persistent gap between pure legal advice and practical business implementation, particularly in technology, financial services, media, and emerging sectors. Our mission became building that crucial bridge between legal and commercial.

    The name “Frigg & Snotra” was chosen from Norse mythology, symbolizing wisdom, foresight, and prudence – qualities we believed essential for modern legal practice. This foundation reflected our commitment to delivering counsel that looks beyond immediate legal questions to anticipate future challenges and opportunities.

    Though we are only six months into this journey, the early stages have been both challenging and illuminating. As fundamentally a first-generation lawyer establishing an independent practice, the challenges were immediately apparent. The regulatory framework governing the legal profession in India places significant and legacy hurdles on marketing unlike other mature legal markets such as the United States of America – Bar rules prohibit lawyers from advertising or marketing services in ways that other professionals take for granted. This restriction made traditional client acquisition strategies impossible, requiring creativity in building reputation and visibility through relationship development.

    Financial uncertainty was perhaps the most daunting aspect in the early months. Unlike established firms with predictable revenue streams, we faced the constant challenge of irregular payment cycles, with some clients delaying payments by 60-90 days or more. There is also the running risk of clients utilizing work product – detailed legal opinions or transaction documents – or taking them to other lawyers for execution without paying for the intellectual input. This has necessitated implementing a system of setting up advance payments and developing clear engagement terms that protect our interests while remaining client-friendly.

    Building a client funnel without traditional marketing channels has demanded persistence and ingenuity from day one. We are focusing on creating specialized knowledge capital in emerging domains like fintech regulation, digital businesses, and cross-border transactions. This expertise-first approach is slowly but gradually attracting clients facing complex challenges that commodity legal services can’t adequately address.

    Perhaps most challenging in these initial months has been establishing credibility as a new entity. We’re addressing this by adopting an agile, client-centric approach that emphasizes responsiveness and personalized attention that larger firms can’t match. This is beginning to build the trust that I hope will transform one-off engagements into lasting relationships.

    We’re still at the beginning of our journey, with much growth ahead, but by remaining adaptable to evolving client needs while maintaining unwavering ethical standards, we’re working to transform these early challenges into the distinctive characteristics that will define our firm and practice in years to come.

    Given your extensive experience in advising on complex IP license transactions, how do you foresee the future of intellectual property evolving in India, especially in the context of global transactions, and in light of emerging trends in AI and digital technologies? 

    India is at a critical crossroads vis-à-vis intellectual property (IP) as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies reshape global businesses and transactions. As an advisor to technology companies for over a decade, I see several key developments in the near to mid-term future. India’s traditional IP framework anchored principally by the Patents Act, 1970 and the Copyright Act, 1957 was not designed for the AI era, creating significant gaps in protection, ownership and liability. The question of who owns AI-generated content remains particularly contentious and we are yet to see lasting judicial clarity on the subject (while several matters have already reached Indian courtrooms they are at no level of conclusion). 

    The Indian Patent office currently maintains that purely AI-generated inventions lack patentability. Considering the explosive growth in the use of AI for instance in life sciences, this approach is particularly concerning for AI-based IP inter alia in areas such as diagnostics, disease identification, drug and clinical trials where big data from healthcare providers, medical workers, hospitals, researchers and patients can be used to develop innovation, leaps and bounds quicker than using non-AI methods. A stable IP protection framework in this sector also has to be balanced with public access considerations. There is a general awareness over the critical role algorithms play in a data centric world. However algorithms and software currently face patentability challenges in India unless they demonstrate practical application within specified devices.

    Harmonised IP protection is essential for cross border transactions. Even for emerging tech startups, a strong patent portfolio is one of the first items that provides investor surety that the company or team is working on a unique subject matter or value proposition. India may need to create entirely new IP mechanisms specifically designed for IP innovation – this is in line with recommendations of the parliamentary standing committee on commerce. 

    India has already done significant work on incentivizing startups to formally protect their IP and be an active participant in the patent ecosystem by creating fee exemptions or subsidies as well as providing for expedited processing times for startups as India prepares for an unparalleled wealth creation era. Some work still remains in bridging the legislative or judicial uncertainty in IP on emerging technologies. For businesses navigating this shifting landscape, I recommend ensuring robust contractual protections and safeguards for proprietary information and trade secrets, while parallelly monitoring policy developments. Corporations irrespective of scale may also actively engage (as industry stakeholders) with policymakers and legal experts to problem solve sector specific issues and concerns, with the ultimate goal of optimizing the emerging IP framework and striking a balance between clarity, protection and innovation. 

    Over the course of your distinguished career, what is one key lesson or insight that has stayed with you, and how has it shaped your professional journey? What advice would you give to younger professionals aspiring to build a career like yours, and what resources would you recommend for them to stay ahead of the curve in today’s fast-evolving legal landscape?

    The most effective lawyers are those who position themselves at the intersection of legal expertise and business or commercial strategy. Legal counsel viewed in isolation rarely delivers optimal value. The ability to contextualize legal advice within commercial or existential realities facing clients transform regular counsel to indispensable advisor. 

    To borrow from Mr. Cyril Shroff, “Modern practice requires to be multilingual – fluent not just in law but in the language of business, technology and risk management”. 

    Another valuable habit is cultivating client empathy – the ability to genuinely understand your client’s motivations, constraints and unspoken concerns. This is a dimension of legal practice that cannot be automated or outsourced to artificial intelligence and remains the foundations on which exceptional legal careers are built historically, and will continue to be in the future. 

    If I was a younger legal professional I would embrace the technological transformation that is quickly reshaping legal practice. Tools such as lexum.ai, jurisphere.ai etc are simply the beginning. In terms of resources, I recommend looking beyond legal sources and engaging with trusted publications such as HBR, Mckinsey Quarterly and The Economist. For personal knowledge development, there is a wealth of knowledge based podcasts, and most podcasting platforms have great algorithms that guide self-discovery and often lead to deeper and meatier discussions. I find Business Wars by Wondery a great podcast to follow. Separately, I often use Google Scholar to read academic papers in emerging domains rather than an article and typically find more nuanced takes on issues. I use Notion to track my own learning and development.

    The legal profession is known for its demanding nature, often making it difficult to maintain a work-life balance. As someone who has achieved great success in your field, how do you manage the pressures and responsibilities of your career while also prioritizing your personal well-being?

    Me opining on work-life balance is like the Hindenberg calling someone a “hot mess”. The profession’s reputation for demanding schedules is well earned particularly in transactional practice where client emergencies and deal timelines often dictate rhythms and sleep cycles. However, lawyers maintaining work life balance isn’t an oxymoron like “affordable housing in Mumbai”. It just requires strategies slightly more sophisticated than explaining to your partner why a client call at 4 AM constitutes “quality time”. 

    Early in my career, looking at my seniors, I embraced the conventional wisdom that success required superhuman dedication – that sleep was optional and black coffee was a superfood. My “work life balance” consisted of consolidating closing documents while at a colleague’s wedding, hoping that I could catch his next one without a deliverable. I once found myself lugging a laptop up a mountain, choosing to carry it to review an SSPA offline instead of a camera tripod that I desperately needed to capture a view that I had trekked several hours to photograph. 

    My evolution towards sanity has involved several realizations: First, I have established my personal constitutional rights – non-negotiable elements that even the most demanding clients or matters cant amend. Every persons non-negotiables are different. For some it is morning exercise routines that are non-negotiable, for others it is playtime with their children or partners. A great irony I’ve noticed is that the most creative solutions to complex problems have emerged not during midnight office sessions but while watching terrible reality television or some other mundane activity constituting a break. Taking breaks actually improves critical thinking to the ire of legal purists. 

    The legal profession’s reverence for precedent shouldn’t extend to destructive work habits. Just because generations of lawyers before us sacrificed personal well-being on the altar of professional advancement doesn’t mean successive generations must continue this dubious tradition. Like typewriters and smoke filled cabins, some precedents deserve to be overruled. 

    The verdict? Balance isn’t perfectly achievable, but sanity is possible with boundaries, perspective, and the occasional ability to laugh at our profession’s most absurd demands.

    Get in touch with Anant Prabhuchimulkar –

  • “Fields like AI, blockchain, data privacy, and digital content protection are becoming central. The trend toward globalization of IP is another, where businesses must protect their innovations across multiple jurisdictions, all with differing regulations.” – Roshni Lachhwani, Founder of Intellexsys.

    “Fields like AI, blockchain, data privacy, and digital content protection are becoming central. The trend toward globalization of IP is another, where businesses must protect their innovations across multiple jurisdictions, all with differing regulations.” – Roshni Lachhwani, Founder of Intellexsys.

    This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team

    How did you come to choose the legal profession, and who has been your biggest inspiration along the way? Could you please walk us through your journey from the beginning to where you stand today?  

    It’s often said that sometimes the best plan is not having a plan at all. My journey reflects that sentiment perfectly. Initially, I followed my passion for food technology, but as life progressed, my career path took unexpected turns. I found myself exploring an array of choices being accounting, languages while learning Spanish, preparing for the entrance exam to pursue a career in hospitality management, and even considering a master’s in business finance or becoming a chartered accountant. Becoming a lawyer was never part of the plan.

    Then, one day, I stumbled upon a short course in corporate law. I was pleasantly surprised when my perspectives in class were appreciated, which sparked the idea of pursuing law. As I explored further, I came across an intriguing course on intellectual property rights, and that was the moment I decided this was the direction I wanted to follow.

    Looking back, every deviation taught me something valuable. In fact, I find myself applying the knowledge from those diverse experiences to the best interests of my clients today. Whether it is handling patents in food technology, understanding the intricacies of accounting in business, drawing insights from the hospitality industry while drafting legal documents for clients in such businesses, or even reading contracts in Spanish. Each skill I picked up along the way has become part of my legal toolkit.

    This diverse background allows me to approach legal issues from a unique perspective, enabling me to offer well-rounded, thoughtful solutions that benefit my clients across industries. In hindsight, my unplanned journey shaped me into the professional I am today, equipping me with insights that a more linear path may not have provided. It reinforced the cliched yet unfinished saying, A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one!

    Having worked with renowned firms like Amarchand Mangaldas, Crawford Bayley & Co. and Tata Chemicals, how did those experiences help you develop a new dimension of understanding in Intellectual Property Rights and how all these experiences helped you start your own firm? Please share your challenges you came across while opening your firm.

    Although I was initially hired to handle corporate legal matters, my interests always gravitated towards intellectual property rights. This alignment, even if unexpected, enriched my skills in ways I had not anticipated. Handling corporate legalities gave me a solid foundation in drafting intricate clauses, formalizing agreements, and negotiating through deadlocks. I found that bringing a fresh perspective to the table helped resolve even the most complex issues. The meticulous process of proofreading multiple times sharpened my attention to detail, and I quickly learned that no amount of research is ever truly enough.

    While I was learning on the job, I wished to pursue a master’s in law. However, juggling the demands of a law-firm eventually, led to the decision to quit my job. But sitting idle was never an option for me. With the support and encouragement of those around me, I embarked on the journey to establish Intellexsys, with just enough savings to cover my expenses for a few months.

    As a doe-eyed girl new to entrepreneurship, I faced a constant challenge of convincing potential clients to believe in my legal skills. More often than not, I was met with sceptical glances that questioned my abilities. But slowly, as I delivered results, perceptions began to change. The doubt faded, and there was no looking back from there.

    As a participant in the WIPO Summer School, what new dimensions did you uncover about Intellectual Property on a global scale, and how do you apply those insights in your practice today?  

    I gained invaluable insights into the global applicability of intellectual property. One of the key takeaways was understanding the intricacies and the differing legalities involved across jurisdictions. This gave me a broader perspective on how to strategically position clients’ intellectual properties in a way that ensures longevity and relevance in multiple markets.

    I also learned nuanced contract negotiation tactics that emphasized a global perspective and helped me shift focus on learning how to solve problems creatively, and look at the bigger picture, i.e. how my work can impact innovation, society, and global markets. I realized that in international negotiations, the objective is often about building long-term relationships rather than short-term wins. Today, I am more focused on constructing agreements that prioritize sustainable collaboration.

    Moreover, this experience helped me understand that intellectual property law is about fostering innovation on a global scale. I now approach each client’s IP strategy with a long-term vision, ensuring that their creations are protected and can thrive in an interconnected world.

    You have worked on high-profile trademarks, including securing name trademarks for A-list celebrities. What was the most challenging case in your career, and what did you learn from it?

    One of the most challenging cases I worked on involved conducting a comprehensive trademark search across more than 26 countries. The complexities were multifaceted, as we had to navigate different legal frameworks, languages, and classifications unique to each jurisdiction. For instance, translating a brand name into Chinese revealed potential issues with cultural sensitivity. Moreover, the limitations of classification systems in various regions often created obstacles, requiring us to reframe strategies to ensure our clients’ trademarks were protected globally.

    Similarly, when securing a name trademark for a high-profile celebrity, the stakes were incredibly high. In that case, we had to gather years of data to demonstrate goodwill through continuous use, which was critical to proving trademarkability. Likewise, we have faced similar issues with securing trademarks for brands for family-run generational businesses.

    In another instance, negotiating innovative service offerings with government bodies and large corporations presented its own set of challenges. The process of overcoming layers of approvals and navigating the limitations imposed by the prevailing party tested our resilience and creativity. Despite the hurdles, each experience taught me that no challenge is insurmountable if you remain committed, think creatively, and leave no stone unturned in your pursuit of a solution.

    Your firm has worked with over 2000 global clients. What strategies do you employ to stay updated with global legal developments, and how does this help you provide innovative solutions to your clients?

    Staying updated with global legal developments is critical to providing cutting-edge solutions to our diverse client base. The cornerstone of this strategy is simple: learn, unlearn, and relearn. Reading legal journals, industry reports, and global legislative updates allows us to stay ahead of the curve. However, given the fast-paced nature of the legal landscape, we have also integrated artificial intelligence tools to streamline this process. AI helps us track recent developments, new regulations, and shifts in jurisprudence in real time, enabling us to stay informed reasonably.

    Our approach goes beyond merely working for clients, we work with them. We invest time in understanding their industries, goals, and pain points, which enables us to offer tailored solutions. Whether it is navigating international filings, understanding cross-border data privacy regulations, or providing strategic counsel on matters, our focus is always on creating value through collaboration.

    Moreover, word-of-mouth referrals are what continue to drive our business. The trust we build by staying updated and offering relevant, forward-thinking solutions has led to a steady influx of clients referred by those who have experienced the effectiveness of our approach firsthand.

    You have a strong focus on mediation and a litigation-free approach. Could you explain the importance of mediation in today’s legal world, and how it can transform the traditional practice of law? What advice would you give to aspiring lawyers who want to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, especially in emerging areas like AI and data privacy?  

    Mediation is crucial because it offers a faster, more amicable solution than traditional litigation. It saves time, money, and relationships, which is especially important in industries like entertainment or technology, where long-term partnerships are essential. By focusing on resolving disputes collaboratively, we can prevent the fallout that often comes with litigation.

    Mediation also allows for more creative solutions. In a courtroom, decisions are binary, you win or you lose. In mediation, however, both parties can work towards a mutually beneficial outcome, which often leads to more satisfactory results.

    For aspiring IP lawyers, particularly in emerging fields like AI and data privacy, I would say that one requires a constant willingness to deepen your knowledge in ever-changing sectors like technology. Learning never stops, one has likely only scraped the surface, there are always new developments and unexplored areas. Whether it is AI innovations, blockchain, or data privacy regulations, with the issues we are facing now, one needs to secure a client from anticipated legal challenges that may not even exist yet. The law will continue to evolve as technology grows, and your ability to pivot and adapt will be crucial in staying relevant.

    Moreover, as AI advances, legal issues surrounding liability are also emerging. For example, the question of who is responsible when an AI-powered autonomous vehicle is involved in an accident depends on the software license agreements, vendor agreements, manufacturer’s liability, user terms, amongst other conditions such as malfunctioning equipment, glitches, violation of traffic rules, loss of internet and applicable regulations. I recently watched a film titled “Leave the World Behind,” where AI-powered cars crashed due to a global internet shutdown. Such scenarios could raise complex liability questions, as they may fall under force majeure events. Therefore, understanding and adapting to these legal complexities is critical for aspiring lawyers.

    As a visiting faculty and mentor, you interact with the next generation of legal professionals. What trends do you see shaping the future of Intellectual Property Law, and what key skills should aspiring lawyers focus on developing?

    As I interact with the next generation of legal professionals, it is clear that technology is reshaping intellectual property law at an unprecedented rate. Fields like AI, blockchain, data privacy, and digital content protection are becoming central. The trend toward globalization of IP is another, where businesses must protect their innovations across multiple jurisdictions, all with differing regulations.

    Aspiring lawyers need to focus on developing technical proficiency, not just in legal terms but in understanding how emerging technologies work. Also, foresight is crucial having the ability to anticipate potential legal challenges with tech that does not fully exist yet. You will also need collaboration skills, as IP law increasingly requires working with cross-border teams, clients, and governments. And most importantly, a learning mindset, the law will evolve, and you must continuously adapt.

    For instance, in response to the growing misuse of artists’ personality rights through AI technologies like deepfakes, we have incorporated specialized clauses in our contracts to protect against unauthorized replication or manipulation of their likeness, patterns, voice, or image. These provisions ensure the safeguarding of a client’s rights against new methods of exploitation, addressing unknown risks with varying potential.

    With your vast experience and accolades, including recognition from Idex, Asian Legal Business and Forbes, what is one piece of advice or learning from your career that you believe has been instrumental in your success and can help others?

    Neversettle for the first answer or solution. I have learned that no amount of research is ever truly enough. There is always more you can do, another perspective to consider, or a more innovative approach to take. This relentless pursuit of improvement has been instrumental in my career, and it is something I encourage others to embrace. Whether you are drafting agreements or solving complex legal issues, push beyond what has been done and think creatively. It is this continuous learning and commitment to growth that can set you apart.

    What is the most pressing change required in the legal fraternity and judiciary today, and what suggestions would you offer to young law graduates entering the field?

    One of the most pressing changes required in the legal fraternity and judiciary is to embrace technology and streamlining of processes. The pace of technological advancement is far outpacing the legal systems that govern it. We need more efficient case management systems, a deeper understanding of emerging technology by the judiciary, and faster adaptation of regulations that address modern IP challenges like AI, data privacy, and digital rights.

    I would recommend the next generation of lawyers to be adaptable and proactive. The legal world is evolving, and you must be ready to innovate with it. Equip yourself with technical knowledge beyond just the law, understand the industries and technologies you will be working with. Be ready to embrace change, whether in how cases are handled or how laws are interpreted. The future of law will be as much about innovation as it is about tradition. Stay curious, diligent, and forward-thinking, and you will thrive.

    Get in touch with Roshni Lachhwani-

  • “Without humans, tech is nothing; without tech, our lives can’t be transformed to meet modern challenges. A harmonious interaction between tech and humanity will create a better world for all.” – Majiuzu Daniel Moses, Founder at Africa Tech For Development Initiative

    “Without humans, tech is nothing; without tech, our lives can’t be transformed to meet modern challenges. A harmonious interaction between tech and humanity will create a better world for all.” – Majiuzu Daniel Moses, Founder at Africa Tech For Development Initiative

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

    Could you share how you first became interested in technology, artificial intelligence, and social good? What inspired you to start your career, and how has your journey evolved over time? 

    My interest in technology, Artificial Intelligence and Social good sprung out of my curiosity to make the world a better place. Growing up I had always imagined how the First World War and the second world wars were fought including the humanitarian casualties. The use of guns, bullets, war planes and bombs were human inventions used to exterminate humanity. My human rights background as a lawyer further advanced knowledge on human rights violations and the perils of crisis and wars occasioned by technology with the ultimate victim being humanity. Hence, I wanted to see how we can channel human innovation on tech and artificial intelligence to advance social good and human coexistence. I believed that without humans, tech is nothing and without tech our lives can’t be transformed to meet modern challenges. A harmonious interaction between tech and humanity will create a better world for all.

    The journey so far in technology and artificial intelligence for social good has been one with a lot of positives. Though while there have been amazing opportunities, success stories but equally there have been setbacks as well. In all it’s been a journey with grit and determination and placing self-belief above every challenge. There have been a lot of lessons learned, experience to pick up and grow with.

    You are an advocate for bridging the inclusion gap for marginalized communities. How do you ensure that underrepresented groups have a voice in the rapidly evolving field of technology and AI? 

    While the issue of inclusion is a global challenge little has been done to bridge this. As an advocate and firm believer of inclusion I have been able to bridge the inclusion gap through several projects and initiatives. I have carried out AI and tech for good advocacy projects in citadels of learning from primary, Secondary and universities.

    To give more persons in education a voice in AI, informed the AI club in these institutions whereby students can belong to and co-create ideas in AI. I also established the AI Journal to encourage research work in the field of AI and tech for good. In addition, I have established two awards for the best graduating student in AI and the best AI Innovator. This is done to encourage scholarship in AI amongst students.

    I created an AI and tech community in marginalized areas to galvanize efforts in AI in rural areas and communities. I organized the first of its kind AI in Slums to give those living in slums a chance to understand AI and have practical hands-on experience. I carried out AI advocacy in local languages in diverse communities.

    Also, through my AI podcast initiative those in marginalized communities have a chance to express their views about AI and learn more on how they can contribute to the growth of AI.

    Africa4dev focuses on leveraging AI for social good. Can you share a specific project or initiative where you successfully applied AI to address societal challenges? What were the outcomes? 

    Through our AI training for Civil Servants in Government Ministries we have been able to achieve sustainable digitalization. Also our AI in Journalism project has trained journalists and reporters to report on unethical practices inherent in technology systems in the global south thereby keeping watch over inhumane tech practices and putting tech companies and developers in check.

    In furtherance of achieving a veritable legal human centered framework for AI, we created an AI Policy for social good to the legislative arm of government in Rivers State as well as train the officials on the rudiments of AI legislation and best global practices. This solved the challenges of lack of legal provisions governing AI and tech development.

    The challenges of insecurity in the state required use of modern technology and AI systems. Our AI training initiative for Security personnels on use of AI surveillance systems helped tackle incessant security challenges.

    Our AI for rural health in communities Project ensures we partnered with different health organizations to bring health solutions to remote communities. This ensured people get quality health care services irrespective of their location.

    As a mentor at platforms like “All Tech is Human” and “Deep Indaba Africa,” what are the key lessons you impart to emerging AI enthusiasts, and how does mentoring contribute to the overall growth of AI in Africa?

    Mentoring in top organizations like the All Tech is Human and Deep Indaba Africa was an opportunity to educate mentees and AI enthusiasts on diverse areas of ethical challenges of AI. Key lessons were centered on how they can become a voice in advocacy for AI for social good, adopting a learning curve to grow in the field of AI, being a willing learner and having a mindset of making an impact in their world. I made them understand that AI has its own shortcomings, and that human oversight is what will make AI serve us not otherwise.

    Mentorship is essential if AI is to thrive in the global south. Africa has a lot of young and vibrant youths, and this is an advantage it possesses over others. However, without proper mentoring of these youth on AI, it is difficult to achieve digitalization. The people must be part of the process and not run away from it.

    Mentorship ensures the youths are guided in diverse AI and tech fields and this enables them to contribute their knowledge to AI and tech growth in Africa. AI is a foreign concept and for it to thrive in Africa in Africa we must localize it through mentorship of Africans to understand its use, limitations, design, development and deployment. Africans need to be more involved in AI conversations.

    During your participation in the Women Techmakers Port Harcourt Conference, you advocated for inclusion and gender equality in tech. How do you believe AI can help bridge the gender gap, and what challenges do we still face in achieving equality in the tech space?

    My participation at the Women Techmakers Port Harcourt Conference was one that centered on inclusion and gender equality and this is because AI has the potential to either widen the already existing inclusion gap or reduce it. AI can help identify existing biases and discriminatory practices in AI systems used in recruitment, training and promotion in the employment sector for instance.

    AI can be used to empower marginalized groups as women through remote learning to obtain digital skills and training especially in regions where women do not have equal access to education and training. Also nursing mothers can continue to work via remote work through AI systems enabling them to keep up with their male counterparts while at same time effectively discharging their home duties.

    AI can also help government and civil society organizations make informed decisions on areas of existential gender inequality towards addressing and curbing this trend.

    Challenges:

    The challenges in achieving equality in the tech space include the prevalence of social and cultural beliefs which places men more preferred in pursuing STEM careers. Also workplace norms can place value more on men in tech than women. In developing countries particularly in Africa, women are at a disadvantage in accessing resources and opportunities needed to thrive in the tech field. Lack of financial, education, and mentorship to embark on tech is far reaching on the female gender.

    Also, the existence of bias in AI algorithms means that most AI systems are already programmed and trained on biased datasets which do not favour women. The results of this is that women are subjected to discriminatory policies and biased outcomes.

    The underrepresentation of women in active tech roles is a major concern and a hindrance to gender equality in tech. Few women are actively involved in the design, development and deployment of tech systems and this results in a one gender sided perspective in technology designs.

    In what ways do you believe your work at Africa4dev is empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators? How do you envision AI shaping the future of education and workforce development in Africa?   

    At the Africa tech for development Initiative-Africa4dev we are advancing responsible technology and Artificial Intelligence for social good through areas of research, innovation, policy development, education and advocacy.

    We believe that the future is now hence our mission to promote ethical tech and collaboration for sustainable development. At Africa4dev our work is significantly empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators through several ways such as promotion of AI literacy accessible to youth through training programs and partnership with Universities and integrating AI into school curriculums. This empowers young Africans with skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a digital economy.

    The introduction of our student awards for innovation fosters competition and creativity amongst students as well as encourages them to practically apply this knowledge thereby nurturing to be able to solve local and global challenges through AI.

    Our work in digital workforce development aims to bridge the skills gap that exists between education and the demands of the current and future job market. This will ensure youths are ready to face the challenges of the future as well as create solutions to future challenges. Also, by empowering marginalized communities, Africa4dev is ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.

    No doubt Africa’s education and workforce development is undergoing vast transformation and the future is promising. AI would play an integral role in education through personalized learning, easy access to digital tools and education resources making learning more accessible to all, especially those in remote communities.

    African workforce will need to digitally adapt to contemporary global best wishes practices hence the ongoing wave of AI and tech awareness in Africa will position her to compete favourably globally. This is even more possible as Africa has one of the highest populations of youths globally.

    There would be a need for the future workforce to constantly upskill due to the dynamic nature of technology. This would become essential to enable adaptive and sustainable workforce in a future driven by tech.

    Also, there would be more increased collaboration and partnership between academia and the private sector industry in Africa. This will ensure the youths and workforce remain on track to compete both locally and internationally. We also envision a future of inclusive and equitable growth where every youth irrespective of background or geography will have unhindered equal access to technology education and workforce opportunities.

    As a lawyer who has successfully transitioned into Tech and AI, what key strategies would you recommend for other lawyers to remain relevant in the Fourth Industrial Revolution? 

    To remain relevant in the Fourth Industrial Revolution a lawyer must learn, relearn and unlearn. The world is changing rapidly and new ideas are replacing the old order. A lawyer who fails to adapt will be left behind in this revolution. Hence the need to be abreast with developments in tech and see how modern tech and AI trends have aligned with law to improve legal practice. This requires having an open mind to learn the new and embellish the old ways of law practice. In a dynamic tech driven world, a lawyer must understand the role and need for educating himself and upskilling where necessary. A lawyer must embrace innovations in tech and AI that can aid the legal profession while being open to more knowledge outside the law.

    Do you believe lawyers are well-suited for roles in Artificial Intelligence and tech-driven industries? What unique skills do they bring to these fields?

    The law profession is a versatile one and a lawyer is trained to be a willing learner. Hence lawyers are well suited for a plethora of roles in Artificial Intelligence and tech driven industries. Lawyers bring the skills of ethical evaluation of Artificial Intelligence, tech systems and their algorithms and ensure whether they comply or violate ethical guidelines and standards by way of bias, discrimination, privacy issues, inequality and harm by ensuring transparency and accountability.

    Also, lawyers are useful in the field of AI governance and Policy framework. Without the deep legal knowledge of lawyers, it will be difficult to come up with a comprehensive legal framework to guardrail AI development. Lawyers also play prominent roles in ensuring that tech organizations and companies have and comply with their own AI governance mechanism.

    Data privacy is at the heart of many AI-driven applications. Lawyers bring a detailed understanding of data protection laws, such as the GDPR and CCPA, and help ensure that AI systems comply with privacy regulations. They can also advise on cybersecurity regulations, helping to protect the integrity and confidentiality of data of companies and organizations.

    As governments increasingly turn their attention to regulating AI, there’s a growing need for legal professionals who can shape public policy. Lawyers can engage in lobbying, advising on legislation, or working within governmental bodies to advocate for balanced, forward-looking regulations that foster innovation while protecting public interests.

    Protecting innovations through patents, copyrights, and trademarks is a core concern for tech companies, especially in AI, where new algorithms, machine learning models, and software are continually developed. Lawyers with expertise in IP law and tech can help tech firms safeguard their proprietary technology, handle licensing issues, and navigate complex IP disputes.

    Could you share some of the key steps or strategies that helped you successfully transition from traditional law to a career in tech? What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?

    One key step to transforming from track law to a career in tech is self-belief. If you believe in yourself, dreams and competence you are halfway there. Belief holds about 50% of one’s success in any endeavour. With the belief to upskill and succeed I proceeded to identify areas of tech that align with my deep interest. Which became Artificial Intelligence. Thereafter I underwent rigorous training and learning on Artificial intelligence, obtained certifications, attended several seminars and conferences on AI, offered volunteering in organizations and this earned me vast experience. In addition, I constantly updated my knowledge as the tech field is dynamic. I equally showed up by being visible in the tech space, made research contributions, spoke at local and global conferences and summits, attended seminars and initiated tech projects in my field.

    The biggest challenge I experienced was not having a mentor to guide me into the new field of tech. I had to claw myself from knowing nothing about tech to being where I am today. Also, I faced the challenge of embarking on a novel field that is relatively unknown hence I was dissuaded against upskilling into AI as many feared it wasn’t a profitable area for a lawyer. However, I held my ground and I was able to overcome these challenges through firm self-belief, having a well-structured plan to upskill into a new niche as Artificial Intelligence, then having the willingness to learn every day and show up even if the ovation isn’t there. I’m glad it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made.

    With such a busy and impactful career, how do you find time to unwind, and what activities help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance?     

    I understand that the mind is the engine that propels great ideas and having a good work-life balance is crucial hence I find time out of my busy schedule to unwind always. I relax by reading novels, seeing movies and taking a walk. I also enjoy good music and watch football or play table tennis over the weekends. In my spare time I visit the gym to keep fit. These help me to be mentally, physically and emotionally ready for the work ahead.

    Get in touch with Majiuzu Daniel Moses-

  • “Technology has the potential to bridge gaps in our legal system, but it must be implemented thoughtfully with the citizen at the center” – Suprya Prakash B S, Programme Director at DAKSH

    “Technology has the potential to bridge gaps in our legal system, but it must be implemented thoughtfully with the citizen at the center” – Suprya Prakash B S, Programme Director at DAKSH

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

    Hello, and welcome to the new episode of SuperLawyer. Today, we have with us an esteemed fellow and Program Director at DAKSH, Surya Prakash BS Sir. Welcome, Sir, and thank you for agreeing to meet with us and give this particular interview to SuperLawyer YouTube channel.

    Thank you so much, Divya ji. I’m happy to be part of it. I’m looking forward to this conversation and sharing my journey.

    Let me begin with Sir’s journey about DAKSH, a civil society organization that undertakes research and activities to promote accountability and better governance in India, which almost all of us try to find in society.

    Now, I would like to begin this interview with a very small question: When did you decide to become a lawyer? Why did you decide to become a lawyer after having such an amazing career as a CA since the year 2000?

    So, I was a Chartered Accountant, working in the IT industry on the corporate side. After I started getting into tax litigation and handling tax matters for these companies, I realized the importance of having knowledge of the law, not just tax expertise. Law is such a broad field that I believe everyone should have some understanding of it. It’s like arithmetic—it’s as fundamental as reading and writing.

    In modern society, law should be a necessary subject for all of us to be aware of in some form or another. And this is especially true when you’re dealing with a complex topic like taxation. Taxation is not for everyone—it’s a highly technical subject. But when it is applied and administered by officials, and adjudicated by generalists like judges or lawyers, it takes on a life of its own.

    That’s when I realized that you need to be able to speak the language of these other communities. It was a very intellectual realization that led me to choose to study law. I thought, “There’s something on the other side of the river; let me explore it and see how much more enjoyable it might be.”

    Sir, given that fact, you have transitioned from being a CA and absolutely successful career and then to law. And you have also been the program director at DAKSH. You have led many, many initiatives, like rule of law project and setting it up in the law and technology department at IT Delhi. How do you see these projects aligned with your vision for the future of India’s legal landscape? What are your plans regarding that?

    I’ll take a few minutes to address this, so please bear with me. This is a very important question, and many of us may not fully grasp the gravity of the situation.

    As India matures and transitions from a middle-income to a high-income society, we need strong institutions. Our society is evolving—from an agricultural-based economy to an industrial, and now a technological income-based society. During this transition, many aspects of our society are creating friction. Personal lives are being disrupted, people are being uprooted due to migration and environmental changes, and there is a constant clash between the haves and the have-nots.

    In this journey as a nation, I believe that what will hold us together—apart from each of us individually becoming more enlightened and aware of our motivations—are strong public and governance institutions. These institutions need to withstand the rise and fall of the tides of time and the pressures of street politics. The key question is, how do we maintain our integrity and distance ourselves from these pressures?

    With that objective in mind, the rule of law project at DAKSH was initiated by a group of people, including Harish Narsappa, now a Senior Advocate at the Karnataka High Court, and Kishore Mandiam, one of the active members of the team. I joined the project in 2015. As we began working, we realized that while systemic change and strong institutions are crucial, it is equally important to engage with the citizens on the ground. What do they want? What are their expectations? How do they perceive these institutions?

    Our perspective has always been focused on systemic change and institutional engagement, but from the citizen’s perspective. This approach has been our guiding principle over the years. We do not reject any perspective—whether sociological, economic, systems thinking, or technological. All these are tools that we should use appropriately to make change possible. One significant advantage of technology is that it allows for scale; it overcomes geographical and physical limitations, making it a very attractive tool. However, it must be used carefully and appropriately, which is always a challenge.

    When we were contemplating how to use technology and analytics, an opportunity arose for us to partner with IIT Delhi, leading to the establishment of the center there. We look forward to many more collaborations with other institutions and engaging in impactful initiatives.

    So, sir, given your background, you have also co-edited the book called Technology and Analysis for Law and Justice. How do you see technology and analytics playing a role in improving access to justice and enhancing legal outcomes? I would like to also add to this, how do you foresee it is going to change our legal justice system? The problem is, that we have to first understand how technology is infiltrating our lives as well. We would love to hear your views.

    I think the answer to the question is evident in the fact that we’re speaking seamlessly with each other, despite being in different cities. Technology has integrated so well into our lives that sometimes it feels too comfortable. The fact that technology is so ingrained in our day-to-day functioning, yet seems somewhat out of place in the legal and justice space, highlights a bridge that needs to be crossed. Technology can significantly impact all aspects of law and justice, whether it’s access to law, information about your rights, or finding out who the appropriate agency is for your situation—whether it be a paralegal, a law firm, a lawyer, or an NGO that can assist you. All these entities support a citizen’s journey from being aware of their rights to enforcing them. I believe that is the foremost priority.

    Everything else should be viewed as assisting the citizen in that process, whether it involves law firms that have embraced AI and databases or courts that are now starting to integrate technology. It is also true that the courts are fairly downstream in this process. For example, if a hypothetical Zomato order ends up in court, it is at the very end of the transaction chain. So, courts will always be in a reactive mode when adopting technology, but this needs to happen sooner rather than later.

    India has an advantage here. It’s similar to how mobile penetration in India scaled up much faster than in some Western countries because landlines had not yet penetrated deeply. Likewise, many courts in our country do not even have desktops, so moving to the next generation of technology—whether it’s video conferencing, text-to-speech features, or other advancements—becomes much more feasible because the starting point is essentially zero.

    There’s no need to convince anyone on the impact of technology; lawyers who are attuned to the needs of citizens are already aware of it. They use WhatsApp, and people expect updates on WhatsApp, QR codes for payments, and so on. All of these are becoming integral parts of our lives, and they will naturally flow into the court systems in the days to come. I have no doubt about that.

    The challenge for us is to ensure that this transition is done in a structured manner, with the citizen at the center of it. We need to focus on the design, accessibility, and, in parallel, like with all institutions, how to maintain accountability and transparency. For example, does the use of video conferencing compromise the principle of open courts? The purpose of an open court is to be seen as part of society, but if links are only accessible to a few, how compliant are we with that principle? These are the aspects that require serious engagement from all of us.

    Our book, Technology and Analytics, co-edited with Professor Nomesh Bholia, the head of the center at IIT Delhi, who has done significant work on operations research and optimization, addresses these issues. The efficiency of court functioning is an area that needs substantial improvement, and techniques from other sectors need to be brought into the justice system. The journey of writing this book was fantastic, and it includes some excellent chapters.

    Many people are aware of the impact of technology, but fewer understand the importance of analytics. We have consciously used the term “analytics” instead of “artificial intelligence” because the latter can seem somewhat conceited. Some experts we consulted recommended using the terms “algorithms” or “analytics,” which is why we chose the latter. I hope readers will pick up the book to understand the reasoning behind this choice.

    Sir, considering the various approaches, particularly the citizen-centric approach you’ve mentioned, it’s evident that this perspective would lead to a different way of handling the transition within the legal system. Your background is primarily in the corporate sector, and you have extensive experience in tax controversy management, a very unique and niche field.

    How have these experiences shaped your views and approach in embracing a citizen-centric perspective? It’s quite distinct, transitioning from a corporate background to an NGO setting and adopting that mindset. How have you managed that transition? We would love to hear your thoughts on this.

    I was fortunate that the leadership at DAKSH at that time found it appropriate to give me the opportunity to be here. However, the thought process was seeded much earlier when I was in a corporate role where we had to manage a lot of complicated litigation.

    We had these trackers and Excel sheets with case numbers, years, dispute amounts, chances of failure or success, next hearing dates, and the expected final outcomes. You would jump onto a call with large companies, speak with management, and they would ask, “Okay, when is this matter likely to end?” I understood why they needed to ask, but the reality was that I didn’t really know when it would end, because that’s the nature of the Indian justice system. This made me think more deeply about the courts, how they function, and how difficult they are to understand for people unfamiliar with them.

    Fortunately, at that time, I was also taking a course at Takshashila on public policy, where quantitative methods were one of the topics I found particularly interesting. I tried applying these methods and wrote a few blogs using them. Coincidentally, I came across an op-ed in The Hindu by Sudhir Krishnaswamy, who is now the Vice Chancellor of NLS Bangalore. He wrote about the work of a Harvard researcher who pioneered using quantitative methods to study the Indian Supreme Court. I found this very interesting and thought, “Yes, this is exactly what I’m talking about!” He discussed how the distance from Delhi impacts appeal rates, among other things.

    I decided to write a cold email to Professor Sudhir Krishnaswamy. I introduced myself, mentioned that I had read his op-ed, and found it very interesting. I shared that I had some ideas and asked if I could come and discuss them with him. To my surprise, he replied to my email and connected me with his team. I visited them, and we shared ideas. One thing led to another, and I was introduced to the team at DAKSH—Harish and Kishore—who were also working on using quantitative methods to understand the justice system. I started volunteering with DAKSH, which was a big eye-opener for me and helped me gain a more systemic perspective on things.

    At that point, I was contemplating my next career move, and I felt that if something as significant as the Indian justice system needed to be talked about, researched, and studied for the benefit of the nation, then there was no better time than now to do it.

    Around that time, there was also a Law Commission report by Justice A.P. Shah—the 245th Law Commission Report. For the first time, they had extensively used numbers to understand the system. I wondered, “Why hasn’t this been done before? If this is the first such effort, imagine what more can be achieved.” This solidified my decision to move into this field on a full-time basis. So, this is my full-time job now, working on DAKSH projects.

    Sir, you also have worked a lot in advocacy and community building. How do you engage the stakeholders who are involved to drive them into meaningful changes that can be brought in the legal ecosystem in India, as well as worldwide, because India cannot only be seen in a jurisdictional format now, now that we are entering into a digital world, and almost all of the tech-related laws are built on universal laws?

    So how do you see the kind of changes that we are looking forward to and how do you make sure that people understand these things as well?

    It’s not easy at all. I think we all need to start with the expectation that there will be resistance and pushback because the status quo will be disturbed. People will be pushed out of their comfort zones, and existing methods and ways of working will be disrupted. Once we begin the conversation with that expectation, it becomes easier to navigate the next steps.

    The tools—well, it’s wrong to simply call them tools. It’s really about conviction. It’s about communicating convictions, sharing ideas, and figuring out who on the other side connects with them. It’s about listening for echoes in society. While we can do all the planning we want, ultimately, it’s about finding people who resonate with your way of thinking, who share your vision, and who understand that this is a path they need to tread. It’s about recognizing fellow travelers when you see them. So, it’s as much about understanding yourself as it is about understanding others.

    There’s a fantastic line that I sometimes hesitate to use: there are people who claim to be doing advocacy, and then there are people who are actually doing advocacy. Sometimes, those who seem to be doing advocacy really are. When I say advocacy, I don’t mean just advocates and lawyers, but those who are advocating for change in the system. It’s a very fine line to tread, and you have to be humble. You have to be understanding of various perspectives and try to bring as many people along with you as you can. It’s very difficult to say, “I did this, and therefore this happened.” That linear equation does not exist, especially in society and particularly in the field of law and justice, which is just one subsystem within the larger complex adaptive system that is society. To claim that one action directly led to another is a very tenuous argument. It’s possible, and if you’re lucky, it might happen. I can clearly say I’ve been fortunate to have been part of some of these moments, but it doesn’t happen to everyone or every time.

    In that context, given the global surge in using technology across everything, India cannot remain isolated. India will have to learn how to adapt to this situation. I believe there’s a strong case for India to take the lead in many areas. Many countries recognize this, and we’ve seen this with initiatives like UPI and DPI—other countries are now waking up to the fact that there are newer ways of building systems that can benefit society at large. India should strive to take the lead in many of these domains, particularly in law and justice, where I believe we have a huge opportunity, especially given that developments in other countries are not very encouraging from an overall social perspective.

    I guess sir, India is the front-runner when it comes to AI and its usage in social upliftment.

    That’s what I understand from the ethical perspective and the think tanks with whom I’m involved. I would like to ask that question also, if you allow me to, that since we are front runners in terms of ethics, morality, and spirituality, and we are trying to understand these concepts and the world is trying to understand it as well, along with us.

    How do you see that this is going to take us as a country as a legal framework? And how do you see that society is catching up to it? Because law as always has been told everywhere that it catches up with technology, but technology runs forward. Do you see any time sooner that we will be having similar kinds of laws, which will be much more enforceable, even without a lot of gaps?

    Because researchers are going on to understand how these things are going to take shape when it comes to, let’s say, driverless cars. And given the kind of population that we have, will that become a reality anytime soon for us with obviously all the implications?

    I would break that question into two parts: how does law catch up with technology? And more generally, how does law catch up at all? In India, we haven’t been particularly strong in adapting law to technology. We’ve been reactive, very reactive. As you rightly pointed out, this reactivity is common in most countries, but it’s fair to say that we might even be lagging behind many other countries in this regard.

    If I were to make an educated guess, I would say that where laws directly impact citizens on a personal level, we will see legislation emerge more quickly, whether it’s related to health, food, or other immediate concerns. Take the example of BT cotton; you’ll recall the significant pushback against it. So, when we talk about technology, we need to use the term more broadly, including areas like our environment.

    In some cases, you will see more direct resistance and quicker legislative action. But where the impact of technology is more removed from individuals—one or two steps away—you’re likely to see a slower response. This brings me to the broader issue of laws being reactive to social expectations. Social norms, conventions, and practices eventually need to be translated into law.

    However, I believe that feedback loop is not very strong in India. It’s often either the government preemptively making decisions or interest groups pushing their agendas. The general lawmaking process in our democracy hasn’t fully matured. There’s a lack of widespread consultations, and we rarely see solid research reports backing the introduction of new laws. There’s also little study on the impact of existing laws.

    This is why I predicted earlier that when laws affect individuals personally, election cycles will ensure a quicker response. But in other areas, the pushback might be slower. This isn’t necessarily good or bad, but it’s something we need to be mindful of. As a society, we should think critically about the processes and mechanisms we need to strengthen to meet societal expectations.

    How do you view the new generation of learners entering both the legal and technology fields? With technology law now becoming a significant reality in India, what advice would you give to these new entrants? What kind of plan or timeline should they consider? How should they approach their careers, especially considering that our legal system is evolving and the movement towards technology is gaining momentum?

    We would love to hear your suggestions on how these newcomers can get acquainted with these changes. How do you see these new norms coming into play, and how can everyone adapt to the integration of technology into the legal field?

    Actually, I think this is a very good question. We’ve been trying to think about a curriculum or a reading list aimed at bringing lawyers together, and I believe it’s best to start with where you are. Any person joining law school today has already been using mobile devices for the last three to five years.

    So, begin with that. What laws govern WhatsApp? What are the legal rules around posts on WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter? If I create a post on Instagram, what material can I use? What laws govern that material? If I tag someone, and it’s not a very nice tag, what are the consequences for me?

    I would urge law students who are entering the course to start with these daily experiences and build from there. If they are curious, keen, and diligent, it will naturally lead them to understand constitutional rights and institutional mechanisms. But starting with something as simple as breaking down the mechanics of a mobile phone is essential.

    I wouldn’t recommend textbooks or other formal books, especially for this purpose. Start with your experiences. For example, when you do a Paytm or UPI transaction, what are your rights if it doesn’t go through? If there’s a dispute, what are the mechanisms available?

    I believe that thinking along these lines will be far more educational than compiling a list of textbooks and research articles.

    The practical perspective you’re suggesting often raises the question: the way we are educated and the way we are trained in practical life are two completely different worlds. Once we step out of college, we realize we’re entering a new world, and we have to learn everything from scratch.

    Sir, you’ve always been busy developing your career and contributing to societal systems. But outside of these professional endeavors, what personal hobbies or interests do you have? How do you balance these with your busy legal and corporate life?

    I have always made time for my interests, and I encourage everyone to dedicate time to something beyond their professional life—something just for themselves, something that nourishes the soul and the body. It’s super important to keep that priority straight.

    Recently, I’ve discovered the benefits of physical activity—maybe it’s age catching up with me—but I’ve taken up swimming, and I strongly encourage as many people as possible to do the same. Aside from that, I’m really into reading books. Sometimes it feels fashionable to say that, but I read books that can’t be finished—and I mean that in a good way. The classics, which you can keep revisiting at any time. I read a lot of classical Indian literature in Kannada, Sanskrit, and English.

    I also read many traditional Indian texts, which I find very useful. Art and music are big parts of my life as well. I’m open to all types of music, and it plays a significant role in helping me unwind and shift my mood, depending on how the day goes. I think music is an important element to have handy—you never know when you’ll need it.


    Wow, sir, you are so humble in sharing these insights. Considering how lawyers typically unwind, especially the new entrants I’ve interacted with—they often wonder how anyone finds time for hobbies when they’re focused on earning a living. I sometimes struggle to answer when they ask how they can make time for such things.

    Given that, what suggestions do you have for the new generation of legal professionals and researchers who are eager to make a meaningful impact in this field but feel restricted by various challenges? How can they find new ways of learning and approaching life and their careers?

    I think it’s a very important point, and something I’ve recently been considering more deeply. There isn’t a straightforward answer, as a lawyer’s income depends significantly on the domain they work in. If that domain is thriving, clients will naturally be able to meet the needs of the lawyers. For instance, if you work on high-level transactions like corporate M&A, you will generally be compensated more. Conversely, if you’re involved in areas less relevant to current major deals, your income will reflect the section of society and the economy you are serving.

    It’s crucial to understand that the fees you earn from traditional advisory work are influenced by the economic sector you serve, which also has its own business cycles. What was highly lucrative two decades ago might not be as appealing now. Therefore, I believe there’s an oversupply of law graduates in the market. While they are highly skilled and intelligent, it’s important to build additional skills adjacent to legal expertise. For example, writing skills can be valuable in various roles, logical thinking can be applied in numerous situations, and crafting arguments can be useful in diverse contexts.

    I would strongly recommend exploring how these skills might transfer to other domains. Many legally trained professionals have succeeded in other sectors, demonstrating the applicability of their legal training beyond traditional legal roles. For instance, having a deep understanding of constitutional law provides a unique perspective on how institutions function, which is a valuable skill that can be applied in many other areas.

    I don’t claim to have fully answered your question, but I can honestly say that I would advise my child, if they chose to pursue law, to view it as a means to learn how to learn, rather than committing to a lifelong career in law. If a career in law happens, that’s great, but it’s also important to be open to applying the skills learned to different situations and continuing to grow.

    Wow, Sir! You answered the question in a nuanced way, and your suggestions are absolutely fascinating. Choosing wisely is crucial. Looking ahead, and without taking much more of your time. Could you share what you see as the most pressing challenges or opportunities in India’s journey toward a more equitable and efficient judicial system? How do you plan to address these with your involvement with so many prominent organizations in India?

    I have no doubt that it is only by coming together that we can make a difference. The path forward for all of us is to identify and connect with a purpose larger than ourselves. As a nation and as a society, we have reached a point where our basic needs are, to a large extent, fulfilled for many people.

    As lawyers, it is crucial to identify a purpose beyond oneself and strive to achieve it. This could involve advocating for particular rights, making courts and laws more accessible, or increasing public awareness about possible legal actions and legal aid.

    Consider what you can contribute and remember that this mindset is valuable in corporate settings as well. When legal opinions are sought for business purposes, keeping the larger context in mind is essential. Without this perspective, legal advice may remain a mere pedantic exercise. Identifying and connecting with a larger purpose is vital for future generations and for everyone.

    I strongly recommend finding a group of people who share similar values and becoming part of that community. At DAKSH, we are engaged in many interesting projects and look forward to collaborating with others who share our enthusiasm for these initiatives.

    Whether as professionals, young professionals, or students, there is much to be done collectively. Our journey has only just begun, and we have numerous ideas for what could be accomplished. I am happy to share these ideas with those who are interested.

    Thank you so much, sir, for your thoughtful interview and for extending an invitation for us to connect and build our own community to better serve society. Once again, thank you for your time and for listening to us. I’m your host, Divya Dwivedi, and I extend my gratitude to Surya Prakash sir for being here and giving us so much of your time.

    Thank You

    Get in touch with Surya Prakash B S-

  • “Find what genuinely interests you. Embrace unconventional paths, don’t succumb to peer pressure. Networking is key – reach out, introduce yourself, and grow.” – Aritra Chatterjee, Manager at Herbert Smith Freehills, U.K

    “Find what genuinely interests you. Embrace unconventional paths, don’t succumb to peer pressure. Networking is key – reach out, introduce yourself, and grow.” – Aritra Chatterjee, Manager at Herbert Smith Freehills, U.K

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

    You have worked in different places including Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and Belfast. Could you share some insights into the challenges or struggles you faced along the way, and how these experiences have contributed to your personal and professional growth?

    Every jurisdiction has its unique challenges and a different regulatory landscape. There are also differences in market practices and work culture. However, exposure to such differences helps you become a better lawyer and allows you to think outside the box and bring a global perspective to help your clients. On the personal front, I don’t see it as a journey filled with struggles; on the contrary, it has been quite exciting and fun. Yes, you do miss your family, friends, and the familiarity of the place you are from, but I have been lucky to find excellent friends, colleagues, and mentors along the way. I love experiencing new places and cultures, so I have tried to make the most of it.

    You’re managing a team delivering outsourcing and transaction management solutions in your current role at Herbert Smith Freehills, ALT Finance. What unique challenges and rewards come with overseeing a team working on such diverse projects?

    I enjoy the different hats I need to wear. In addition to core legal skills, my role involves team, project, and stakeholder management. Every day is different; you need to continuously innovate and provide tailored solutions to clients at a large scale. I have been lucky to work with clients who are industry leaders, and I find solving problems for them very rewarding. I am also very passionate about people management, learning and growing together as a team, and celebrating each other’s success, which brings me a lot of happiness. 

    Having worked with major financial institutions like HSBC and JP Morgan Chase & Co., what are some of the key insights you’ve gained about the intersection of law and finance in the derivatives space?

    Derivatives is a complex and highly regulated practice area. To be a good derivatives lawyer, you need to understand different derivatives products and the economic outcomes that they are trying to achieve. You can’t afford to look at things only through the lens of laws and regulations and need to be aware of operational, credit, and reputational risks and limitations. My in-house stints at large investment banks were extremely helpful in improving my knowledge of different derivatives products as well as operational and other commercial aspects of the industry.

    You’ve managed large teams of lawyers and paralegals. What strategies do you employ to foster a collaborative and efficient working environment within your teams?

    There is no straitjacket formula – every individual is different. Appreciating these differences and creating a positive work environment based on trust and mutual respect is very important. Having fun as a team and celebrating little wins and each other’s success is also essential. To develop a high-performing team, a manager must empower and help teammates grow by giving them the support and space they need.

    You worked in different capacities including as an Associate Counsel as well as a Manging Consultant. What adjustments or learnings did you find most valuable when you shifted to a leadership role?

    It is an evolutionary process; there are always opportunities to lead the way, even when you are not formally in a leadership / managerial role. Effective delegation and leading by example are crucial. It is about striking a balance between acknowledging that you can’t do everything on your own and knowing that there are certain things that you must learn to do well yourself before delegating to others. 

    As a derivatives lawyer with a keen interest in legal technology, what advancements in legal tech do you find most promising for the future of transactional law?

    No prizes for guessing – AI is the obvious one. However, it is essential to differentiate between tech solutions that add genuine value and solve complex problems from solutions that are more bells and whistles. AI has radically changed how large-scale projects are managed and delivered in the last few years.

    The industry will generally see an increase in the adoption of tech platforms for streamlining document negotiations.

    I am looking forward to seeing the next leap in generative AI solutions. Currently, the technology is prompt engineering dependent, and there are concerns about accuracy and reliability. These issues will be ironed out pretty soon, and the technology’s ability to learn from and understand us will increase manifold.

    You’ve held diverse roles in different geographical locations. How have you navigated the cultural nuances in these regions, and do you believe that understanding cultural differences is essential for success in the legal profession, especially in the derivatives and finance sectors?

    Absolutely – at the end of the day, we are in a people-centric profession. Keeping an open mind as well as appreciating and respecting differences go a long way. I have come to realize that the world is smaller than we think it is and navigating cultural nuances or differences is not difficult as long as you keep an open mind. It is also important to appreciate cultural similarities instead of focusing on just the differences!

    Having worked across various international offices, is there a particular country that holds a special place in your heart, both professionally and personally? How has your experience in that country influenced your approach to law and life?

    Tough question. It would be impossible to single out any place. As mentioned, I have been lucky to find excellent friends, colleagues, and mentors wherever I have worked. The person I am is a culmination of my different experiences. I have learned a lot from and felt welcome everywhere.

    With your passion for quizzing, how do you balance your high-stakes legal career with your interests outside of work? Any favorite trivia or quiz moment you’d like to share?

    It is really important to have a passion or a hobby outside of work – especially for one’s mental health. Your work can get quite taxing and stressful, so it is nice to have something to look forward to outside of work. Quizzing was quite a sidelined activity when I was in law school. I and a few friends started the Quiz Club at our university (RMLNLU, Lucknow). Work does get in the way of quizzing, and I don’t get to participate or conduct as many quizzes as I would like, but I try to whenever possible.

    During the pandemic, when there were no live quizzes for obvious reasons so I started a quiz podcast with a friend. We made ten episodes on diverse topics. We were pretty surprised with how well it did on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and we had a lot of fun in the process, and it kept us going when we were trying to cope with the lockdown.

    You’ve had international stints in various countries. How do you perceive the differences in legal education between India and abroad, and what insights can you share for someone considering pursuing an LLM in India or abroad?

    I might not be the best person to answer this because I did not study law abroad. Back in law school, there were not enough courses if one wanted to be a transactional lawyer, and interaction with experts from the industry was limited. Now, that has changed significantly. Law schools do get experts from the industry frequently and offer specialised seminar courses. Private players like LawSikho have done a great job in making practical legal education accessible.

    Based on my interaction with my colleagues and law students abroad, I think firms are more proactive in reaching out and connecting with students. The process for vacation schemes and training contracts is much more efficient, accessible, and consistent across firms.

    In India, the industry can do much more to make itself accessible to law students.

    Given your successful career trajectory, what advice would you offer to the current generation aspiring to excel in the field of law, especially those interested in derivatives and legal technology?

    I am not very good at giving advice. My career path has not been very traditional. It is crucial to find out what genuinely interests you. If you are not lucky enough to do what you love, see if you can love what you do. Don’t succumb to peer pressure and take up something because everyone else is doing it.

    For someone who wants to pursue a career as a derivatives lawyer, a good understanding of the financial ecosystem and macroeconomics can definitely help.

    The legal tech landscape is evolving rapidly and has a lot of exciting career opportunities. I think developing an acumen for technology to understand how it works is important. The best way of doing it is learning how to code. You can start by playing around with low code / no code platforms and move on to learning coding. There are excellent resources all over the internet. 

    It is also vital to learn how to network effectively. Don’t be shy in reaching out to people and introducing yourself!

    Get in touch with Aritra Chatterjee-

  • Legal professionals need to be tech savy not to look smart but to be smart because, the solution needs to be digital, fast, smart and Tech driven nowadays and more in future- Shaswata Kapat, Tech-Lawyer, DIFX – Digital Financial Exchange

    Legal professionals need to be tech savy not to look smart but to be smart because, the solution needs to be digital, fast, smart and Tech driven nowadays and more in future- Shaswata Kapat, Tech-Lawyer, DIFX – Digital Financial Exchange

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

    Can you tell us about your journey into the field of law, particularly how you developed a passion for technology law and web3?

    From my childhood I was always a tech Nerd, I still remember I would draw new smartphone designs, new kinds of computing devices in the back of my note books, and conduct odd experiments with my school best friends at his or my house. But then my family is a doctor’s family so got drawn into Medical & NEET entrance. But did miserably at entrances and got depressed and thought I can’t do anything in my life. From a bright student to a failure….life had taken a sharp turn, so my father suggested to study B.SC.LL.B where I would be able to study Science and Law together, and from my first class at Contracts and Constitution – Torts I fell love in law..and then GDPR came..so data privacy..and during 2019 into Web3 and this world…because I wanted to be part of this amazing revolution happening in Our technology, financial and social world.

    Your background includes expertise in Cyber Ethics & Forensics. How has this specialization influenced your approach to technology law, and can you share any notable experiences from your work in this area?

    As I was saying my course was in BScllb, so from start we were taught in law school ballistics,  forensic physics,  chemistry,  Cyber forensics,  bioinformatics, Toxicology and interned in 1st year in Chandigarh Central Forensic Science Laboratory,  live place where the heinous Kathua Rape case’s forensics has been done, that propelled my interest in the junction of Law – Science & Technology. So these experiences and learning curve helped me to later on write a research paper on core tech policy issues which got international recognition, referred to in International – USA University Law journals,  which was read coincidentally read by one of my then future seniors who hired me after a few years. 

    With your extensive experience in IP, Data privacy, AI Ethics, and Cyber Laws, how do you see these areas evolving in the context of emerging technologies like web3 and blockchain?

    People have a very big misconception about Web3 & blockchain.  That everything is this field is crypto currency.  It’s much more than that…web3 blockchain are the jumps of what we have seen since 1990 when the internet started to become commercialized..when web2 happened in 2010-12 the social media started to take place. But it’s more than that because it’s disrupting conventional financial system,  social ideology,  macro and micro economy. And in this new order of law everything is moving..so IP, Data Privacy,  AI Ethics, Cyber Laws all are part of it…your general civil litigation…corporate laws…criminal liability..Competition law…corporate governance..Banking law..capital markets all are part of it… these will be becoming more intertwined to each other, and we will see newer versions of every conventional law we have seen till now.

    You’ve worked with top-tier law firms in different parts of the world. Could you share some insights into the challenges and opportunities you encountered while advising clients on complex cross-border technology transactions and crypto projects?

    The biggest challenge is to be updated and be prepared for dynamic laws across the globe and how it connects and how it sometimes does not connect. For an example some clients want a bespoke corporate structure for their project to have banking in Singapore,  some Money remittance license in USA, corporate tax free entity in Caymans Islands, treasury in BVI, sister one in UAE and IP in Bahamas. So you need to know not only those countries’ laws…all sorts of laws required for this…so you need to keep studying, updating yourself…keep researching..try to come up with innovative and long term beneficial plans for your clients. As I have been the young lawyer in the room of some senior folks….it needs more of your quick analysing ability and effort to be on toe to toe with their experience. 

    As someone who’s deeply involved in the world of Web3 and Tech events, could you highlight some recent developments in Crypto & TMT law that you find particularly fascinating or impactful for businesses?

    There has been some big developments across the globe, starting with india’s Long due Data Protection Act and then with recent G20 Summit in India the G20 countries have called for global consensus based crypto and web3 regulations on this basis of recently published IMF – FSB Synthesis Paper on Crypto Policy. Then UAE with their forward thinking VARA & ADGM regulators coming up with some comprehensive regulatory frameworks and planning and Singapore and Hong-Kong are on the same path. And California and the EU are recently working on their AI regulations as well… every other country wants to regulate these emerging countries…but the countries who are acting first with pro innovation and ample light touch regulations are going to win the race of getting maximum business. 

    How do you balance your technical knowledge with legal expertise when representing clients in negotiations, drafting contracts, or advising on complex legal issues?

    Most of my clients are seasoned entrepreneurs and Tech wizards.  So it’s hard to be on their wavelength in a conversation about the technical side of the business connecting dots with law. So I keep Learning and keep using my background in core technology and science to bridge the gap between their technological solutions and my legal solutions.  So complex technologies sometimes don’t have their pre structured legal solutions.  So I always map their tech and their implications,  jurisdictions,  risks, solutions and then solve each challenge of them in a legal lense one by one and in the end connect the dots and give them the full picture legal solutions.  It’s challenging and it’s exciting!

    Given your belief in the transformative potential of AI and web3, what role do you see for legal professionals in shaping the future of these technologies?

    People are either getting fearful that AI will replace their jobs or web3 will replace conventional business ecosystems or either People are ignorant that they should be detached from AI & web3. Both thoughts are wrong,  you should embrace with awareness, you should harness the power of AI & web3 to take leverage and grow your capabilities and your business.  Legal professionals need to be tech savy not to look smart…to be smart…because the solution needs to be digital..fast…smart and Tech driven nowadays and more in future.

    Lastly, as a seasoned legal professional, what advice would you like to give to fresh graduates aspiring to pursue a career in technology law, especially in the context of the ever-evolving landscape of web3 and emerging technologies?

    This field is new, unconventional but with mammoth potential.  Don’t get caught in the dazzling rays in this field, try to understand and go deeper into this field, explore it and then choose this as a career.  Be very quick in your approach.  Because remember Technology always moves faster than Laws and regulations.  So you need to be in tune with technology and sometimes go beyond it … ..it’s a highly innovative and exciting and challenging field…if you love to be at the forefront of writing the future legal world of a newly forming digital world … .take up web3, AI and emerging tech law…. Best of luck & After all it’s fun to be a lawyer in this space!!

    Get in touch with Shaswata Kapat-

  • Gaming and Technology Law as an Emerging Career Option: a Discussion with Rachna Shroff, Gaming Lawyer

    Gaming and Technology Law as an Emerging Career Option: a Discussion with Rachna Shroff, Gaming Lawyer

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

    Was pursuing law planned for you, or did it all happen in a flow? Kindly share with our readers.

    It was a “Flow” for me; because I’ve said this earlier as well, I was not somebody who would choose any other stream, and science was not allowed as my elder sibling was already studying that. At this point of time, my parents didn’t allow me to pursue science, as they believed one in the family was enough to study so hard. Hence my approach was “Ok, Fine, then let’s look for something else!”  I was easy with life.

    I gave my exam, cleared it, and I started studying law. Moreso, when I was studying during my 11th standard, my teachers had also suggested the same and thereafter a friend also proposed the same idea, appears as I was destined to and the rest is history. 

    Which specific advice has helped you come thus far in law? What is that one motivation that keeps you going in life?

    My mother. She never allowed us to give up. She had held the fort for us and always told us to keep moving on because of which no situation ever felt like a failure, all it looked like was challenge to be met. My toughest times in life I have crossed with this one thought of that she has instilled in me strongly to “keep moving”

    Kindly tell us about your current role and responsibilities.

    I was lastly working with an e-gaming company, and currently, I have been freelancing – on the tech law and gaming side which involves contracts, conducting workshops, free webinars I have also been conducting expert sessions on technology law for legal edtech platforms. I’m  also mentoring young lawyers for a career in the field of law.

    Rachna, with all these 12 years of experience, according to you academics and skills, what should be considered by a legal professional in their respective fields?

    I think networking, academics and soft skills, all hold an important place. Any factor missing is a concern. But at the same time, I would like to emphasise that this is age when you’re studying, building your career and you are at your prime, please do not miss the fun! Do not forget to socialize, make those bonds, friends and forge lasting relations. I want to advice to all the young lawyers through your platform and state that social media is fine, but move out in the open and get going.

    We are so lucky, that in this era where you have platforms like LinkedIn and others to network with the professionals anytime, It is so easy to reach out today, so, please go out and network. If you want to land up with internship, find that internship, if you want to start working, start working. If you want to upskill by other courses apart from your academics, do it because all these – are going to benefit you in the long run. Don’t be too choosy, each opportunity will teach you something and I can assure you that it will be useful – I promise! Being too picky sometimes is not a great idea.

     I want to tell you don’t worry. Don’t be anxious or don’t think that you’re left behind. You know, everybody has their own trajectory, their own timeline. Everybody reaches their point at some point of time or the other. Give yourself that time and keep moving! There is not much time to be sad, depressed or feeling rejected.

    I highly recommend soft skills, that’s my secret to success, which is no more a secret. It’s not only about your academic skills; soft skills mean how to interact with people, how to understand the emotional quotient, how to increase your confidence, how to not compare yourself with others, how to understand that you are unique. All these together will find that path for you. It will open all the opportunities that you are looking for.

    Please tell us about this emerging career choice, i.e., Gaming and Technology Laws for law professionals!

    When I started in the gaming industry, I was clueless about the exposure and today I am just grateful for the learnings and growth. I am actually covering a huge part of the technology law from Intellectual Property, Data Privacy, the IT Act, cybercrimes, contracts, litigations,  advisory, training and research. It makes such a great profile which can land you to work with different tech industries not being limited to gaming but also fintech, Edu-tech, pharma, e-commerce and so much more in this tech space. You can work as an in-house counsel, as an associate with law firms and also have the option to you can work as a legal advisor to the government.

    There is a great balance to be in this industry at this point of time which has immense scope. There are numerous start-ups, companies into gaming, and every other day I meet some businessmen seeking advice to start a gaming company. It is a booming sector, jump into it right now as it has all the scope to absorb you.

    Our audience is curious to know the use of trademarks and copyrights in the Gaming industry and other IPR-related agreements that are needed for similar purposes.

    It is one of my most favourite area while dealing with technology laws in gaming side. IP is one of the most important parts in gaming because it is an organisations intangible asset. When a company goes into merger or acquisition, or for funding, whatever a gaming company is looking at, the IP portfolio will speak for it and will do a great deal.

    You need to protect your brand. I think I’ve told this so many times in all expert sessions, that if you are studying gaming or if you are a tech lawyer, you have to parallelly study IP. Without that, it’s somewhere halfway. To all who are interested in Tech law, I emphasize again to study IP laws well.

    Rachna, please also enlighten our audience with insights on the “Data Protection Bill, 2022,” and how it can affect the gaming industry.

    The data will affect the entire technology industry, and not only gaming. Anything that is using technology will have to comply by data privacy laws; all will be bounded. The previous Data Privacy bill has been withdrawn, and then a new draft had been issued. We await to see how it shapes up finally. It’s certainly going to be very challenging for all the operators. The one only good part that has happened through this new draft bill is that localization of the servers has been done away with, which is a big relief for MNC’S and for all the gaming operators.

    Please tell us about your role at the “Art of Living” Foundation.

    I am a faculty with the Art of Living and it is founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji where I facilitate – the Happiness Program, which is the basic level program and the core of the program is Sudarshan Kriya Meditation – a rhythmic breathing pattern and results in your overall well- being. Research by the likes of Yale and Harvard University has shown Sudarshan Kriya Meditation immense effect in relieving stress, improving sleep and with better control over the mind and emotions. It has given me my personality and made the human being I am. 17 years with Art of Living has been a beautiful and joyous ride. Every successful person is a meditator. What are you waiting for?  Meditation should now be a part of one’s lifestyle because it’s no more luxury. It has become a necessity. You should just take the leap. If you want to be successful, you should be meditating.

    What are most of the standard sets of doubts that, while mentoring, you come across?

    I usually come across where, young students asking me about their careers -how they should shape their careers? or if they’re interested in gaming, what should they do next? or how they should make their CV’s? when they should make a switch from the current job they’re doing?

    While speaking to these young minds I have noticed a glaring difference between our generation and them and that is the youth today really wants to move very fast. which is fine but I would suggest that while you are on the chase outside, be patient – inside. Allow things to come to you.

    Most young lawyers think that the corporate world has just contracts and agreements to draft and nothing else; please clarify this.

    It’s a big-time myth. Certainly, contracts are a big part of your profile being an in-house counsel I just spoke of the number of opportunities you have from contracts to litigation, to dealing with cybercrimes, to dealing with research, training and advisory and much more.

    You would get the opportunity to train the highest in the management to the youngest person in the organisation; creating – policies for the hr, advising on the new laws, notifications, guidelines and judgements, strategizing with stakeholders, holding conference with the top senior counsels across the country and also lobby your point of view to governmental agencies

    In-house counsel has a lot to contribute, a lot to learn- It’s a challenging job.

    People think there’s a lot of money on the in-house counsel side and, maybe, the work isn’t that much, but it is the opposite. Money can come in any profession you pursue passionately. But I will tell you that it’s not an easy cakewalk job.

    You will have to work very hard, and do multiple things at the same time. be prepared if you’re thinking of being an in-house counsel. It will take a lot of passion, dynamism and enthusiasm. You should be ready for challenges and ad-hoc situations every now and then.

    Any five best pieces of advice for our young law professionals.

    This is my favourite question. The first piece of advice is you got to move, drop your phone and go and meet people physically.

    Secondly, you’ve got to do some yoga, meditation, running, jogging, exercise, playing, trek-king, whatever you like! have to keep your mental and physical fitness at an all-time high and prioritize it.

    Thirdly, listen to music, read books, which are not only your subject books; read a little. If you do not like it, drop it. Read something which you like.

    Fourthly   have that faith and confidence in yourself. That you will make it. Find a mentor or a Guru, however you would like to call it. Take assistance, listen to their advice.

    And fifthly, don’t lose your smile. Life is too short. You are here to achieve and it will work out.

    Get in touch with Rachna Shroff-

  • Mahafrin Mehta, Senior Associate at HSA Advocates, In a FireSide Chat With SuperLawyer Sharing Insights On Challenges Faced By Budding Litigators

    Mahafrin Mehta, Senior Associate at HSA Advocates, In a FireSide Chat With SuperLawyer Sharing Insights On Challenges Faced By Budding Litigators

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

    What was your motivation behind choosing law as a career?

    Whilst growing up, the law always fascinated me. For some reason, there is a lot of misconception surrounding law as a profession. I was discouraged at many points in time by a lot of people from taking up this profession as well. However, I was determined to study law. My parents have been my biggest supporters and were overjoyed with my decision. Initially, I was intimidated by it all but gradually I started enjoying the learning process.

    What are the challenges that are faced by budding litigators at the start of their careers?

    With lakhs of students graduating from law schools/ colleges across the country, every year, the competition for freshers is fierce, to say the least. Not only to get a job, even to get an internship with a reputed firm, it is tough process.

    It is important to gain exposure through internships and identify their ultimate area of interest within the law. In my second year of LLB, I was certain that I wanted to be a litigator and hence started my association with a reputed law firm in Mumbai, first as an intern and then as an articled clerk.

    Freshers and interns are at the bottom of the hierarchy and are taken most advantage of, especially in litigation. In order to gain exposure, many a times, they agree to work for a miniscule amount or at no cost at all. I was blessed and privileged enough to not have any overheads. However, it is tough for a lot of freshers and interns to work without any salary stipend.

    What are your thoughts on “Arbitration” as a mechanism for dispute resolution?

    At the outset, I’d like to say that there is a noticeable shift during the course of the last few years. Contracts/ Agreements have but naturally become more arbitration centric. It is very rare that you would come across a contract/ agreement nowadays which would not contain an arbitration clause. Not only is Arbitration effective but it is also a speedy mechanism for dispute resolution. Having said that, arbitration has also got flack for being a “luxury” litigation i.e. there is a substantial amount of expenditure involved to conduct the same.

    How do you make pleadings/ contracts understandable/ more accessible for your clients?

    I enjoy drafting! It has always been a complete joy and pleasure for me to draft pleadings and other documents. Not all our clients are fellow lawyers and not all of them have any legal knowledge. The key to make you pleadings/ contracts understandable/ accessible to your clients is to keep your drafts as simple and concise as far as possible.

    Talking about work-life balance, there has been ample amount of discussion on health issues as a lawyer, what do you believe are the best practices to maintain the equilibrium?

    The legal profession is a demanding one. Urgent matters and tight deadlines are a common feature. Its only but natural that in such a demanding environment, individuals are exposed to high amounts of stress. In order to maintain balance, its important that one takes time off and undertake any activity(s) which helps them to relax. Mental health issues are often overlooked and not talked about.

    Do not let this go unchecked and seek appropriate help. Nothing is more important than your health. As cliched as it sounds but “health is truly wealth”.

    Lastly, what advice would you give to someone starting out in the field of litigation?

    My advice to freshers and interns who want to be litigators, would be to read up on the various statutes. Sadly, there is a noticeable lack of knowledge of basic provisions of the CPC, in a lot of juniors, which is your foundation. Being in the legal profession, you never stop learning. Its constantly evolving.

    Therefore, I think it is also very important to be abreast with the latest developments and judgments.

    Lastly, hard work is definite key to success in this profession. More the effort you put into it, the more results/ benefits you can reap out of it.

    – MAHAFRIN MEHTA

    Get in touch with Mahafrin Mehta-