Super Lawyer

Tag: Legal

  • Perseverance and a strong dedication to expanding one’s knowledge base are essential for success in the field of law- Foram Shah, Partner, King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates & Attorneys

    Perseverance and a strong dedication to expanding one’s knowledge base are essential for success in the field of law- Foram Shah, Partner, King Stubb & Kasiva, Advocates & Attorneys

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

    Ma’am, please tell us about your decision to pursue law.

    During my preparation for the final year of my Economics Honors degree, I made the decision to pursue a career in law.

    Please tell us about  the hardships that you faced by you in your 18 years of experience in corporate laws and how you overcame them.

    Certainly, as someone with 18 years of experience in corporate law, I can attest that there are many challenges one can face in this field. However, I firmly believe that these initial hurdles can ultimately make you stronger.

    One common challenge for lawyers is obtaining good, high-quality work. In order to overcome this challenge, I have found that knowledge is absolutely crucial to advancing your career. Even during years when I didn’t have many quality clients, I never gave up on my belief in myself. Instead, I focused on continually educating myself by staying up-to-date on new regulations, revised and amended acts impacting corporates, and reading orders. By doing so, I was able to prepare myself to help corporates face new challenges in regulations and compliances.

    In short, perseverance and a strong dedication to expanding one’s knowledge base are essential for success in the field of law.

    Please elucidate about your international experience as a lawyer.

    I have been fortunate to have numerous opportunities to work on international transactions throughout my career. I have been involved in setting up companies and joint ventures in various parts of the world, as well as working on the acquisition of companies in Africa, Far East Asia, Europe, and beyond. In the course of these experiences, I have had the opportunity to work closely with local counsels and legal experts in each respective country, allowing me to gain a deep understanding of their unique internal laws and regulations.

    I consider my international experience to be an invaluable asset to my career in law. It has broadened my perspective and provided me with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that I can draw upon in a wide range of legal matters.

    We would like to know more about the  masters which you pursued from NLSIU in Business Laws and in what ways it has helped you in your corporate career.

    NLSIU Bangalore is a pioneer in offering Master’s program in Business Laws. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the various legal frameworks that are essential for businesses to operate successfully. Moreover, the program is designed in such a way that it not only imparts knowledge on laws but also focuses on developing essential commercial skills. This includes aspects such as understanding businesses of clients, commercial awareness, and negotiation skills.

    The program has certainly helped me in my corporate career by giving me a well-rounded perspective on how businesses operate in the legal sphere. Through this program, I have gained a deep understanding of various legal aspects related to businesses, such as regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and contract law, among others. Furthermore, the commercial skills that I have developed have been instrumental in understanding the businesses of my clients and working with them to achieve their goals.

    In short, pursuing a Master’s in Business Laws from NLSIU Bangalore has been an immensely valuable experience for me, providing me with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that have helped me succeed in my corporate legal career.

    You have also advised on Data Protection policy and GDPR policy. Please explain your experience. 

    Perceiving the current scenario, the data protection policies in India are still in the phase of the Personal Data Protection Bill, which was introduced in Parliament in 2019. The bill aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the processing of personal data in India, including provisions for data protection, individual rights, and obligations for data processors and controllers. The bill is currently under review and is expected to be amended to address concerns raised by various stakeholders. Once the bill is passed, it will become a law, and all organizations operating in India will be required to comply with its provisions.

    At present, in India, we do not have any strict guidelines; however, industries and companies have started preparing to implement the terms of new guidelines, which are expected to be introduced in the near future. As a partner handling several data protection mandates at King Stubb & Kasiva, my team and I are helping our clients and their departments to ensure that they are compliant with the guidelines from day one.

    On the other hand, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a comprehensive data protection law that came into effect in the European Union in May 2018. The law applies to all organizations that process personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where the organization is based.

    GDPR has several key provisions, including requirements for data protection impact assessments, the appointment of data protection officers, and the reporting of data breaches. The law also provides individuals with several rights, including the right to access their personal data, the right to request erasure of their data, and the right to data portability.

    Our team at King Stubb & Kasiva has worked extensively with Indian companies having a presence in Europe to comply with GDPR by formulating policies for them and ensuring that our clients comply with all aspects of GDPR. The team is well-versed in the requirements of GDPR, and we help our clients to navigate the complexities of the regulation to ensure that their businesses are fully compliant with the law.

    Apart from working, what do you prefer in your free time? 

    In my free time, I enjoy exploring rural areas and helping out in schools or medical facilities. I also like to spend time gardening and listening to music.

    Lastly, what kept you going on in all these years?

    What has kept me going in all these years in the field of law is my passion for the profession and my desire to continuously learn and grow with always motivated and enthusiastic team at King Stubb & Kasiva. I am constantly inspired by the challenges and complexities of legal issues and the opportunities to help clients achieve their goals. Additionally, I am motivated by the positive impact that my work can have on businesses and individuals, and the satisfaction that comes with contributing to the greater good. 

    Get in touch with Foram Shah –

  • One of the most rewarding aspects of being a lawyer is the continual learning that comes with the job- Ish Jain, Arbitrator at Delhi International Arbitration Centre

    One of the most rewarding aspects of being a lawyer is the continual learning that comes with the job- Ish Jain, Arbitrator at Delhi International Arbitration Centre

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

    To start our conversation on a lighter note, we would like to know why did you choose to be a lawyer?

    From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of a profession that would allow me to serve others while also growing and developing as a person. As I progressed through my higher education, it became clear to me that law was the ideal field to achieve these goals. I would say, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a lawyer is the continual learning that comes with the job. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to expand one’s knowledge and skills. Whether I’m studying a complex legal issue or working on a case, I am constantly pushed to think critically. That feeling of being pushed to think critically and the feeling of ‘rush’ that comes along with it is what gets me stoked to be a lawyer. In addition, being a lawyer also provides me with a sense of purpose and fulfilment. By using my legal expertise to assist clients and advocate for justice, I can make a positive impact on society. Whether I’m working on a high-stakes commercial matter or representing an individual, I am driven by the knowledge that my work is making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Ultimately, my passion for the field of law stems from the fact that it allows me to combine my desire to learn and grow with my commitment to serving others. It is a challenging and demanding field, but I believe that the rewards of being a lawyer far outweigh the challenges.

    We understand that you have so many distinguished accolades attached to your name, especially in the field of arbitration. Please tell our audience about your illustrious career as an arbitrator.

    My passion for arbitration as a career was ignited during my tenure as an assistant to retired Hon’ble Justice M.S. Rane. Witnessing the transformative power of arbitration in resolving disputes sparked a deep interest within me, and I knew that this was the field that I wanted to pursue. My interest in arbitration only grew as I pursued my LL.M. from the prestigious Queen Mary, University of London, UK, where I studied Oral and Written Advocacy in Arbitration as well as International Commercial Arbitration law. This formal education not only sharpened my skills but also gave me a broader perspective on the field.

    Since 2004, I have had the privilege of working in the field of Arbitration in a wide range of disputes, including complex commercial disputes, construction disputes, intellectual property disputes,  technology law, Aviation law, Maritime disputes, etc. My expertise in the field has been recognized through various accolades and appointments. In the last 8 years, I have had also the privilege of serving as an independent Arbitrator and I am presently empanelled with more than 26 institutes as an Arbitrator in Asia, the UK, and the Middle East.  In addition, I am also actively involved in promoting the field of arbitration and advocating for its benefits as a dispute resolution mechanism. I have been invited to speak at various conferences and seminars on the topic. I am proud to have been working in this field and am eager to continue making a positive impact through the transformative power of arbitration.

    Being in the Arbitration profession since 2004, what were some of the defining moments?

    In my career, I have had many defining moments that have shaped my professional journey in the field of Arbitration. From representing noteworthy real estate developers and high net-worth individuals to businesses and entrepreneurs from diverse sectors of the business community, I have had the privilege of working with some of the best lawyers in the field. However, one particular case stands out as a truly fascinating experience.

    I had the opportunity to work on a case that involved a manufacturing defect in an Aircraft and the failure of the landing gear in a new Aircraft. This case not only challenged me as a lawyer, but also allowed me to push myself to the limits of my knowledge and expertise in dealing with Arbitration cases and ICC Rules. It required me to think outside the box, exercise creative problem-solving skills, and work collaboratively with a team of experts to achieve a favourable outcome for my client.

    It was a defining moment in my career, as it taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. This experience helped me grow both as a lawyer and as an Arbitrator, and I am grateful for the lessons learned.

    Overall, my journey has been filled with many defining moments, each one contributing to my growth and development in unique ways. I look forward to continuing this journey, embracing new challenges, and striving for excellence in everything that I do.

    Since Arbitration is a growing field in our country, what is the major difference in other jurisdictions/countries compared to India? How do you look at the potential in this field for law practitioners in India?

    Arbitration has become increasingly popular in resolving disputes in India, as well as in other jurisdictions/countries. In fact, the Bar Council of India opening up avenues for foreign law firms in India and allowing Foreign lawyers to appear for their clients in International Commercial Arbitration will definitely allow India to be one of the hubs of International Commercial Arbitration.

    However, there are some notable differences between the practice of arbitration in India and other countries. One major difference I would like to point is the level of institutional support for arbitration. In some countries, such as UK, France, Switzerland, Singapore and Hong Kong, there are well-established institutions that provide administrative support and expertise in arbitration. These institutions have established rules and procedures for resolving disputes, which can make the process more efficient and reliable. Another difference is the extent to which the courts are involved in arbitration proceedings. In some countries, such as the UK and Singapore, the courts are heavily involved in the arbitration process and can play a significant role in enforcing arbitration awards.

    In terms of potential for law practitioners in India, the growing field of arbitration presents a significant opportunity. As businesses in India increasingly seek to resolve disputes through alternative means, there is a growing demand for legal professionals with expertise in arbitration. This can include both lawyers who specialize in dispute resolution as well as those who have experience in related areas such as international trade and investment. Overall, the potential for law practitioners in India in the field of arbitration is significant. However, it is important for practitioners to stay up-to-date with developments in this area and to develop the necessary expertise and skills to succeed in this growing field.

    As you are pursuing a PhD, how do you manage your workload and maintain a balance between your academic responsibilities, work, and life?

    Balancing work, education, and personal life can be a challenging task, but it is essential to ensure that I am productive, efficient, and not compromising on my personal life. To balance these three aspects, I follow a few key strategies: First, I plan and prioritize my tasks by making a to-do list and scheduling my day accordingly. This helps me stay organized and ensures that I am making the most of my time. Second, I set realistic goals for myself, both short-term and long-term, and try to achieve them. This helps me stay motivated and focused on what I want to achieve. Third, I manage my time effectively by avoiding procrastination, limiting distractions, and making the most of my productive hours. I take short breaks in between work or study sessions to refresh my mind and avoid burnout. Fourth, I seek support from family, friends, or colleagues if needed to ease the workload and reduce stress. Finally, I maintain a healthy work-life balance by making time for myself, spending quality time with family and friends, exercising regularly, and pursuing hobbies that help me relax and rejuvenate, for e.g. picking up a sport like Tennis helped a lot. Overall, finding the right balance between work, education, and personal life is essential to avoid stress and burnout. By following these strategies, I am able to balance these three aspects and achieve my goals while also taking care of my personal life.

    To wrap this conversation up, what advice would you give to legal professionals in their initial years?

    To all young lawyers, I would like to emphasize the importance of merit and perseverance in achieving success. While it is true that smart work is crucial in today’s fast-paced world, however, it cannot be a substitute for hard work and effort. It is essential to put in the effort to maximize your potential and achieve your goals. For instance, if you aspire to practice in the field of Arbitration, you must dive deep into the legal and business aspects of the field. You cannot simply skim the surface; you must understand all the consequences and have the ability to listen fairly and impartially to a dispute before issuing a legally binding award. This level of expertise comes with experience, and gaining that experience requires hard work and dedication. So, my message to all young lawyers is this: strive for excellence and put in the necessary effort to achieve your goals. With perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to constantly improve, you can achieve great things in your career and beyond.

    Get in touch with Ish Jain-

  • Early on your career you may lack the natural gifts of more senior lawyers but you can make up for this by spending time preparing as best you can for every eventuality- Daniel Murphy, Managing Partner at MD Law Group

    Early on your career you may lack the natural gifts of more senior lawyers but you can make up for this by spending time preparing as best you can for every eventuality- Daniel Murphy, Managing Partner at MD Law Group

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

    Sir, can you briefly tell us, what predominantly led you to choose law as your career?

    I have always enjoyed the solving of problems.  Law presented challenges which required solutions which is why I decided to pursue the career.

    As a student of law, what were the subjects that deeply intrigued you?  

    I was always interested in international human rights law and international law as I had a background in international politics.

    How and why did you choose criminal defense as your primary practice area? What do you think are the primary challenging areas in this field of law?

    I chose this area as I felt I could make a significant different for disenfranchised people.  The constitution plays heavily in litigation which is fascinating

    You have witnessed a wholesome experience as a prosecutor in Newfoundland and Labrador while acting as the sole prosecutor on the Burin Peninsula. Can you share with us your key learnings that would guide budding lawyers who expect to launch their careers in criminal prosecution?   

    Always over prepare.  Early on your career you may lack the natural gifts of more senior lawyers but you can make up for this by spending time preparing as best you can for every eventuality.

    Sir, you have had an extensive experience in defence proceedings for offences ranging from common assault to attempted murder. Would you like to share some interesting strategies you employed to win a particular case?

    Applied pressure to a specific Prosecutor which had my attempt murder client released.

    As the managing partner at MD LAW GROUP, can you give us a glimpse of an average day at work?

    Often times they are long days. I interview clients, review documents that come from the prosecution and often spend days in court in trial,

    From your experience sir, what are your strategies and policies when it comes to negotiating with prosecution offices and how do you handle it when the negotiations don’t turn up in your favour?

    Always be respectful of your fellow lawyers.  You may be diametrically opposed in position but always show kindness and remember this is not personal but business. When things go wrong I usually summarize our impasse in writing and urge them to accept my position.

    Sir, with the infinite growth in opportunities, what are the areas you would suggest where upcoming law graduates can focus and elevate themselves?

    Based on my experience family law and employment law are excellent opportunities where the business can be marketed successfully.

    How important do you think are internships for law graduates in order for them to bag prestigious careers? What are the qualities that you look out for in your prospective interns or employees?  

    It is always important to seek internships to successfully start your career but there are many unconventional choices and I would not be discouraged if an internship was not obtained immediately.  In regards to qualities of internets or employees I think it is important that they come with an approach of willing to lean and are willing to roll up their sleeves and work.

    What would be your words of advice for new graduates? What is your take sir, when it comes to choosing a specialization in law in early years of one’s career?  

    Take your time the right opportunity will appear. I myself didn’t want to do criminal law but grown to love the work.  Be careful on specializing early you should really that first year to attempt course offerings before you make a decision.

    Get in touch with Daniel Murphy-

  • How to start your own Legal Practice and go for Legal Startup, You Tube channel: In conversation with Naman Mohnot, Advocate, Author and Legal Consultant

    How to start your own Legal Practice and go for Legal Startup, You Tube channel: In conversation with Naman Mohnot, Advocate, Author and Legal Consultant

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

    Sir, could you please tell us the reason behind choosing Law as a career?

    Back in 2008, when I completed my matrix and got a merit, there was a presumption that every meritorious student should fight for IIT-JEE exams so at that point of time, without thinking anything, I started preparing for the same. Later, I realised that Physics, Chemistry and Maths were unfulfilling and the subjects did not align with my interests and then I realised that I am going somewhere in the wrong direction.
    Certainly, I have always had a passion for public speaking and debating; I have worked as a radio jockey and also acted in some serials, which gave me the push to pursue law as a career. Also, there was a thought somewhere in my mind that what I can do in my life which can be useful for some other person or society. Subsequently, I decided that being a lawyer this can be done and that was the turning moment for me to decide the Career in Law. Additionally my father has been the biggest factor behind my decision to pursue a career in law. He is a law graduate himself, but he never practiced as a lawyer due to certain reasons so I decided to take his vision forward. His guidance and support have been invaluable in my development, both personally and professionally. In addition to this, law provides a flexible and versatile career path with many opportunities. Finally, I believe that law is a noble profession that can help to bring a positive change to society.

    Why did you Choose to Practise and not join any Firm, especially when you got the PPO?

    Being a Graduate from NLU- Delhi, I was sure that I will get a decent placement but the Corporate Job never allured me, even though I have done internships in good law firms but those job roles never attracted me. Apart from that, I always wanted to come back to my home town Jodhpur and build something from here by staying close to my family. I do agree that joining a law firm would have been easier then starting my own practice but I always wanted to start something of my own. So, when I decided to start my own practice, I knew it will come with advantages and disadvantages. If I think about the disadvantages then I wouldn’t have been able to make it, I knew it’s either make it or break it. Anywhere you go you have to create your place, your identity, you have to give it time and then see the magic happen.

    How was your Law School Journey like?

    I was fortunate to have such an incredible learning experience in one of the best legal institutions like NLU- Delhi. During my time there, I was exposed to some of the best professors, resources, and experiences that helped to shape me both professionally and personally. A tier-1 city like Delhi has always given me location advantages due to which I was able to write certain books and acquired a deeper understanding of the law and get a better grasp of the legal system. Along with the academic excellence, I was able to build strong friendships and lasting memories that I will cherish forever.

    Being a first-generation lawyer, how difficult was it for you to start your own practice?

    Embarking on a career in law is not a simple undertaking, be it for a novice legal practitioner or one with a prior legal foundation. Generally, a lawyer with legal genealogy has the advantage of their family background, where they don’t have to make new associations since they have sound direction and solid networking.
    I started my professional excursion with a remarkable senior, mentor Mr. Farjand Ali sir who is now an Honourable Judge in Rajasthan High Court. He gave me the directions and chances to show up, address the Courts & argue the matters. During my 2 years journey, when I was assisting him, he has given me more than 750 plus cases to argue which is a remarkable figure for any junior. I was sufficiently fortunate to get a decent senior and coach which is a critical part in the professional journey in one’s initial years and that is the thing that makes or breaks you. Once he got elevated, he advised me to become independent and since then I am practising as an Independent Advocate. I am managing the Firm Legal Shots through which our team is providng multiple Litigation and Non Litigation Services across the Country.

    Share your Litigation Journey with our viewers?

    My litigation journey has been a great learning journey. I am learning each day. Every other case brings out a different experience. I am doing what I love and following my passion makes me satisfied at the end of each day. I am extremely thankful to the bench of the Honourable Rajasthan High Court which has given me recognition. There is a long way to go!

    We are curious to know more about Aapka Consultant.

    After graduating from the National Law University, Delhi, I decided to pursue my professional career journey from my native town – Jodhpur by starting something of my own as I always had this principle in my mind that ‘ Naam aur pehchaan bhale hi choti ho, magar khud ki honi chahiye’. This idea eventually culminated in the creation of our legal start up and I approached my sister Adv. Swati Jain and we this how Aapkaconsultant came into picture. Aapka Consultant provides a comprehensive range of online one-stop business services and solutions, utilizing a network of CAs, CSs, and lawyers. This start up helped me in bagging clients from all across the nation even after staying in a Tier-2 city like Jodhpur. We are continuously providing hassle-free business and legal support to clients all over India through our services. We strive to work together with our clients and handle their complete legal and compliance needs, allowing their leadership teams to focus on their essential priorities.

    What was your vision behind your YouTube channel i.e., Legal Shots?

    Legal Shots is my lockdown brainchild. During the first lockdown of 2020, an employer from Bhilwara approached me for a legal opinion and I consulted him via whatsapp voice note and after a few days I came to know that a lot of Bhilwara people are getting relief from that. Then I set out to take my work online, explore more and contemplate undertaking something new. I was guided by my brother cum mentor Mr. Rishab Jain, who is the founder of Labour Law Advisor. With a perspective to assemble awareness and decode the laws for the general population in an easy language, in a brief and compact manner.. We began our YouTube channel Legalshots. Our vision is to promote and disseminate legal knowledge and understanding among the people. Our goal is simple – to educate both laypeople and lawyers about relevant legal and social topics, in an effort to make the complicated simple for everyone. I wanted to provide a single platform to discuss all legal issues. Three years later, we now have a family of more than 310,000 subscribers and more than 1.5 Crore Views.

    Please tell us what inspired you to write your book and the number of books you have written yet.

    Growing up in a Hindi Medium School, I was always aware of my lack of fluency in English. But I was determined to improve my English, so I applied myself to the task, researching and writing a book. Unfortunately, when I submitted an article to an International publishing house, I was rejected and told that students like me were spoiling the name of prestigious institutions like NLU-Delhi. This moment became a trigger in my life, and I began to work even harder on my English. Through dedication and perseverance, I was able to improve my English. I was determined not to let my lack of fluency in English be a weakness. I took advantage of every opportunity to read more, write more and hone my language proficiency. This experience only spurred me on further, and I began to research and wrote my first book on ‘Law relating to Ragging’ foreword by Late Mr. Ram Jethmalani which was published by Universal Publications. Later I wrote “Judgments that shaped the Indian Jurisprudence”, Foreword by Late Mr. Arun Jaitley which was published by one of the World’s biggest publishers ‘Thomson Reuters’, and ‘Surrogacy & the Law’ foreword by Mrs. Maneka Gandhi & Mr. Salman Khurshid and Revised version of ‘Law related to Ragging’ foreword by former Hon’ble Chief Justice Mr. S.A. Bobde and the Journey is still going on.

    How do you manage  Practise, Startup, Youtube Channel and Authorship journey altogether?

    Establishing my own legal practice, launching a start-up, creating a YouTube channel and writing books has been an ambitious endeavour. However, through efficient teamwork and delegation, I have been able to make the process more manageable and enjoyable. I prioritize tasks and make daily to-do lists to remain organized and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. I am also constantly learning more efficient approaches to save time and maximize efficiency. Having a routine, staying organized, and taking the necessary breaks are the key to maintain equilibrium between all the activities. Even though my days are busy, I love what I do and that is why I am able to keep everything in check. With the help of my teams in the respective departments, we are able to provide the highest quality of service to our clients and viewers.

    Coming to the last question, any advice you would like to give to the young Lawyers out there?

    One of the invaluable pieces of advice that I would suggest to emerging lawyers is that it is worthwhile to prioritize experience and practical exposure over earning money. In a prestigious profession such as law, patience and diligent hard work are integral components of success. The early stages may be taxing and challenging, but one should wait for the opportunities, that will inevitably come, to showcase their acquired knowledge and experience and where you can spotlight the aptitudes and experience that you have collected in all those years. Law is rewarding and complex due to continual changes.

    It is essential to focus on daily learning and stay up to date with the ever-changing jurisprudence. As a legal professional, you never cease learning. It is always evolving. There will be days where you may feel you are not accomplishing anything productive, but that is perfectly acceptable. Remember that the sun continues to rise even after witnessing unfortunate events on this planet, so why not YOU? There will always be a brighter tomorrow. So do whatever your heart says and keep going!

    Get in touch with Naman Mohnot

  • “I believe the legal industry is rapidly moving towards specialisation”- Abhishek Dadoo, Partner, Khaitan & co.

    “I believe the legal industry is rapidly moving towards specialisation”- Abhishek Dadoo, Partner, Khaitan & co.

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

    What inspired you to pursue a career in corporate law?

    It was the money. On a more serious note, I was quite lost as a law student on my preferred career stream. My best learnings (and finally my decision) was based on my internship experiences. I liked participating in moot court competitions and learnt a lot during my supreme court internship – but I enjoyed my corporate law internships a lot more. To me, the nature of work (in corporate law) was very interesting and I ultimately decided to pursue the path I enjoyed more.

    Can you tell us about your specialized practice area of Public M&A?

    Public M&A is a practice area focused on listed company transactions. I typically advise financial sponsors and strategic investors in navigating through a complex web of Indian securities laws (such as the insider trading regulations, takeover regulations, etc) which are triggered while dealing in shares of listed companies.

    Public M&A requires expert knowledge and experience about the interplay between various stages of the deal – for instance, a control deal of a listed company generally triggers a mandatory tender offer, requiring the contracting parties to upfront factor various possible outcomes on account of unpredictable public tendering. While most deals are friendly / negotiated, the listed space occasionally witnesses hostile takeover bids and this has been a source of great offensive and defensive learning in acquisition strategy.

    What have been some of your most interesting matters thus far, if you can just share a glimpse of them?

    I have been fortunate to advice on various interesting Public M&A matters, including financial and strategic investments, and hostile takeovers of listed companies. While each Public M&A deal is unique and carries its own set of challenges, some of the matters on which I learnt a lot include: (i) Reliance Group’s acquisition of controlling interest in Justdial, (ii) Sale of Majesco (a NASDAQ listed subsidiary) of Majesco Limited (an Indian listed company), followed by distribution of sale proceeds through dividend and buyback by the listed company, (iii) acquisition of controlling interest in Tide Water Oil Limited (a government owned company), (iv) the attempted delisting and voluntary open offer of Vedanta Limited, (v) an unsuccessful bid for the acquisition of controlling interest in Ambuja Cement / ACC, and (vi) litigation on shareholder rights in Zee Entertainment.

    What challenges have you faced in this field so far and to what extent you acknowledge the role of mentors?

    I have been extremely fortunate to receive mentorship and guidance from some wonderful people. In particular, I have looked up to and learnt immensely while working with Late Mr. S. H. Bhojani, Mr. Cyril Shroff, Mr. Nihar Mody, Mr. Haigreve Khaitan, Mr. Sudhir Bassi, Mr. Arindam Ghosh and Mr. Aakash Choubey. Each one of them has been an incredible mentor and teacher. True masters of their craft, they have all inspired me in more ways than one, and I have sought (and received) their valuable guidance on various aspects of life.

    How has the legal landscape in this field changed over the years?

    I believe the legal industry is rapidly moving towards specialisation. Clients look for efficient delivery of service at reasonable costs – the HQHF (High Quality Honest Fee) model – this is best achieved by utilizing expert or specialised resources to deliver optimal output. For instance, a focused Public M&A team, having already navigated various nuances and complications of listed company deals, is far better equipped to structure, execute and complete a transaction in a time (and therefore cost) efficient manner. A legal advisor’s role has substantially evolved over time – a legal advisor can no longer choose to be myopic about the specific legal issue she / he is advising on. Instead, it is generally expected that legal advisors look out for the overall commercial (and not just legal) interest of their clients. This is the role of a ‘trusted advisor’, who thinks above and beyond her / his call of duty, all to protect the interests of her / his client.

    What strategies do you use to ensure successful negotiations?

    An M&A lawyer broadly requires three essential skills – let us coin it the LDC matrix. The first, knowing the law (that is a no brainer and probably the easiest one to master). The second, understanding the deal – this is a bit more complex – to effectively guide a client, the lawyer must assess not only whether the intended transaction is legally viable but also guide his client on whether the deal conforms to the client’s values and long and short-term commercial vision. The third, create a spirit of collaboration – M&A negotiation by its nature can be adversarial – but it is important to remember that it is the beginning of a new relationship. The most successful deals are where both parties walk away winners.

    I have forged strong professional and personal relationships with the counter party and its counsel during negotiations – and that bond has only helped smoothen out future deals we have done together.

    How do you stay abreast of the latest developments in the industry?

    There is no short cut to keeping up with the latest developments –  the only option is to put in the hours and read. One approach which I try to adopt is writing articles about new and interesting developments in the Public M&A space. This ensures that I read and learn about the topic, and at the same time I am able to share my knowledge with others. Needless to say, I am indebted to my co-authors for the articles (typically, they put in a lot more work than I do). Another approach we follow (as a Public M&A team) is to regularly brainstorm on new developments and trends in this space – it helps spread the knowledge / experience of one to the entire team – and we are all the smarter for it.

    What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this field?

    Be curious and work hard. Ask lots of questions. Looking back to my internship days, I used to ask way too many questions (partly because I was curious and party because I wasn’t smart enough to figure a lot of things by myself). And trust me, it is appreciated that you are interested and are willing to learn. Do not be afraid to make mistakes, it is a part of your development. We make mistakes even today. Simply put, the more mistakes you make, the more you learn.

    What do you find most rewarding about your work?

    I really enjoy my work and admire the people I work with. I believe those are the two most important elements of a rewarding career.  

    Please tell us how you create a work-life balance?

    There is (unfortunately) no magic formula to work-life balance. A career in corporate law is certainly demanding – but there are ways to find balance. Some phases are tough, and others are light. Idea is to work hard when deals demand it and dial down when things are light. In general, team work plays an important part in finding balance – I sincerely believe there is nothing a well-coordinated team cannot achieve – including supporting each other and achieving work life balance.   

    Any parting thoughts you would like to share with our young readers?

    I say this often – knowledge and experience are both privileges – when you can, always pay it forward. Use every opportunity you get to teach, educate, write about your learnings and help spread your knowledge to benefit those who might have use for it. This is bound to help create a better and smarter ecosystem and community of lawyers.

    Get in touch with Abhishek Dadoo-

  • “Transforming from a student to a practitioner of law can be overwhelming as a lot of responsibility vests on your shoulders”,- Abhay Agarwal, senior associate, JSA

    “Transforming from a student to a practitioner of law can be overwhelming as a lot of responsibility vests on your shoulders”,- Abhay Agarwal, senior associate, JSA

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

    To start our conversation on a lighter note, we would love to know what made you choose law as a career option?

    Since my childhood, I was unsure of what career to pursue. The choices oscillated from being an economist, a journalist, an architecture and even a chef. Being a lawyer was never on the list. It was quite usual in our school for students with commerce background to take up chartered accountancy after 12th. However, in my quest to study something more versatile, I ended up taking law since law is multidisciplinary in character. Perhaps law is the only field in which, depending on one’s practice area, knowledge of other subjects such as economics, finance and even psychology is also essential. Hence, the decision to choose law.

    We would definitely like to know about the struggles you faced in your early years as a student and after you pursued law

    Being a first-generation lawyer that too from a non-national law school was challenging. Given that the law school was fairly new, we did not have a huge alumnus base and getting internships was a dauting task.

    While law school teaches you to read the law, it is only when you start practicing that you learn to apply law in different scenarios. Transforming from a student to a practitioner of law can be overwhelming as a lot of responsibility vests on your shoulders. Having said that I feel there is a huge disconnect between classroom teaching and practicing law. This gap can be bridged by doing more internships and gaining more practical exposure.

    It would be a pleasure for our readers to know about your first job as an Associate at Khaitan & co.

    Khaitan & Co. is one of the most prestigious and amongst the leading law firms in India. After several internships, I was fortunate enough to be offered a position at the firm’s Mumbai office. Given that the firm does voluminous deals with often very high stakes, the training which seniors at the firm imbibe to its juniors is impeccable.

    While at Khaitan & Co., I was involved in various high-profile matters such as public issuances of debentures and offshore bond issuances, some of which were also award winners. I had the privilege of learning from some of the stalwarts of the industry. The time spent at Khaitan & Co., and the relations made there is something which I would cherish forever. I am grateful to Khaitan & Co. for kickstarting my career.

    Since you specialize in Banking and Finance and Financial Services, would you like to elucidate about your role as an advocate in this field and the motivation that landed you in this sector?

    I am involved in advising a range of domestic and foreign banks and financial institutions, and Indian conglomerates, in a variety of domestic and cross-border financing transactions. A typical workday as a financing lawyer involves drafting and negotiating various financing documents, and advising clients from start to closure of the transaction. On the insolvency front, I have been regularly advising committee of creditors, the resolution professional and the resolution applicant.

    Being a debt lawyer opens up a lot of opportunities in foreign market particularly the United Kingdom. This was one of the motivations of taking up banking and finance as a practice. Further, lending and borrowing is essential for a growing economy like ours. Insolvency is a developing area of law with lots of potential for growth. This is one of the few practice areas which is not seasonal, and one can expect to be busy throughout the year.

    From your profile, it is quite evident that you have worked with some of the leading law firms in India, would you like to tell us about your journey so far

    As mentioned above, I started my career at Khaitan & Co. where I worked for about 3 years. Then I moved on to Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas where my stint was rather small of less than a year. I joined JSA in July 2019. JSA boasts of robust practice areas and has been consistently ranked as Tier-I for its debt practice, amongst others.


    Under the guidance of Ms Dina Wadia and Mr Soumitra Majumdar, I have been fortunate enough to work on some marquee and path breaking transactions. Contrary to the other firms I worked at, I have gained exposure to a broader range of transactions. In a profession such as ours where burnout and depression is on the rise, JSA has also taken various measures to ensure well-being of its attorneys.

    To wrap this conversation up, what advice would you give to the fresh Law graduates?

    Bear in mind that law is a noble and a very demanding profession. Being client-centric, one has to put client’s interests over his own. This could include sacrificing weekends and leisure time. There could be unrealistic timelines and the expectations are typically high.

    Having said that, it is important to have command over the language. The only way this is possible is to read (almost anything) regularly! One should articulate his thoughts and pen it down. This will develop analytical skills and improve clarity.

    Last but not the least, work hard, be motivated to learn and take up a (weekend) hobby.

    Get in touch with Abhay Aggarwal-

  • Shubham Malhotra, Senior Consultant at Legal League Consulting In a Fireside Chat with SuperLawyer Speaks on Law Firm Management

    Shubham Malhotra, Senior Consultant at Legal League Consulting In a Fireside Chat with SuperLawyer Speaks on Law Firm Management

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

    Tell us a bit about your work life, your dreams, and your aspirations.

    ‘Don’t try to minimize your struggles. Try to make it more meaningful.’

    As a law firm management consultant, there is no room for a dull day. A blend of business management and people management initiatives is what usually keeps me occupied during my day. From assisting law firms in brand-building exercises to handling numerous HR initiatives, my day at work revolves around dealing with multiple roles. I usually say this out of fun that the job of a law firm management consultant is no less than an ‘Actor’ because we play multiple roles during our tenure and each role requires different skill sets and a deep understanding of the character.

    If we talk about dreams and aspirations, ‘I don’t have dreams, I have goals’ (quoting Harvey Spector from ‘Suits’, an American sitcom).

    Adding value, providing rational solutions, assisting law firms in developing their practice, and taking the firms to the next level of growth are a few of my goals as a professional. I believe in the approach of ‘Pragmatism’ and my focus is always on overcoming obstacles for my clients.

    Personally, I always aspire to live a balanced life, giving equal importance to my professional journey and personal aspirations. I believe in the strategy of building small targets, conquering them, and moving on to the next one.

    To sum up, one day at a time.

    Do you reckon any incident motivated you to choose law as a career?

    ‘Law just happened to me.’

    I will be honest, Law as a career never happened to me with any professional desire of being a lawyer.

    I remember, when I was in the last semester of my graduation, every other classmate had a plan for either pursuing higher studies from a foreign university, or appearing for MBA exams, competitive exams, etc. And I was just a curious lad with no plans. That’s when I was introduced to the 3-year LLB program conducted by Delhi University by one of my seniors.

    But I ended up taking admission to Amity University’s 3-year LLB program not because I was not able to crack DU’s LLB exam (no offense to anyone) but because I happen to get a chance to participate in a band competition before ending my last semester (yes, I am a guitarist too) in Amity University and I was astonished by the campus, which resulted in appearing for Amity’s LLB exam and interview, I cracked it (like many others) and did not appear for my Delhi University exam.

    So, to answer your question, I think my irrational decisions motivated me to choose Law as a career.

    How did you decide to leave the world of traditional law and pursue your current role at Legal League Consulting, an Indian management consultancy for the global legal industry?

    “We always have choices. No one’s ever stuck. We are just scared to make those choices.”

    Being a first-generation lawyer, my curiosity to explore the opportunities available in the market for a lawyer made me do ten (10) internships (yes, that’s a lot for a 03-year program student). From interning in district court to a Tier-1 law firm, PSU, NGO, start-up, you name it, I would have done it.

    Even after exploring the legal market, I was skeptical about the career path I want to follow after attaining my LLB degree but all the internships definitely helped me realize what career paths are not a right fit for me.

    It was because of this unstoppable desire of exploring the opportunities that I met, Bithika Anand, Founder & CEO of Legal League Consulting (LLC), and Mr. Nipun K. Bhatiaa, President of Legal League Consulting (LLC), during one of my internships who introduced me to the world of law firm management.

    But my stars had a different plan initially and I got a campus placement at Ernst & Young (E&Y). I learned the craft of forensic investigations for almost 2.5 years and got the opportunity to be part of a few major fraud investigations in the country during my tenure before joining India’s first law firm management consultancy.

    One fine day Mr. Bhatiaa informed me about an opportunity at LLC but being totally unaware of the field I did not opt for it initially. Regardless of not opting for the opportunity, the law firm management domain kept intriguing me. As a result, I did a lot of research and interacted with other lawyers on LinkedIn who were on the same road, and eventually, after almost a year, I made a choice, and here I am.

    Law Firm Management has been talked about in the legal industry, but we would love to know from you what exactly this practice area entails. How can law students prepare themselves for a niche role like this?

    ‘Let Lawyers do the lawyering. Rest, we will handle.’

    From practice development initiatives to building brand perception, from building the best practices for managing the human resources in a firm to building synergies between law firms for better growth and opportunities, from constructing social media strategy to developing knowledge management programs, all come under the umbrella of law firm management practice.

    To answer your question on how a law student can prepare for a niche role like this, sadly, as of now, our law curriculum does not include law firm management as a subject, which I suppose will change in the near future.

    I believe if a student is eager to learn the nuances of law firm management, then the practical experience of learning is a must. Nothing can beat the power of networking and one can start building a habit of networking at a very early stage. Further, a student can develop certain skill sets including (but not limited to) graphic designing, legal content writing, social media marketing, public speaking, etc. which can work as an added advantage while stepping into the world of law firm management.

    In the past, you have worked at Ernst & Young, where you specialised in Forensic Investigation. We would like to know what Forensic Investigation entails and what are some of the skill sets necessary for law students to pursue this niche area of practice.

    Ernst & Young was a great learning experience where I witnessed the world of forensic investigations or as I say, ‘The world of Sherlock Homes’. Forensic investigation entails investigating corporate fraudulent activities and commercial threats to organizational integrity. Conducting marketing intelligence, reviewing financial and other relevant documents, interviewing custodians, etc. form part of forensic investigation.

    If one is willing to build a career in the field of forensic investigation, I would suggest focusing on laws related to fraud, bribery & corruption, and data privacy which include (but are not limited to) the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), UK Bribery Act and Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA). Having said that, practical experience is irreplaceable and I strongly suggest investing time in learning the practical nuances along with developing theoretical knowledge.

    Finally, any advice for young professionals wanting to get into areas of practice like yours?

    “The challenging part is in the beginning; it’s a leap of faith. But I think the most important thing is to just do it. Start.” – Tom Szaky

    Law firm management is a road that is less traveled and I still remember having doubts when I decided to follow my instincts and opt for law firm management as my career option. But down the line, I have realized that patience is the key.

    I always suggest to the young professional to focus on developing a skill set that can help in solving a problem. One can be good at writing content or one can have great designing skills or one can be great at building a network. The key is one needs to find how to be useful.

    The law firm management profession is a roller coaster ride with its constant ups and downs. Keep a good attitude along the road, and life will always find a way.

    Failures or setbacks should not discourage you. Never shy away from making a change and always follow your instincts. Work hard, but also enjoy the process alongside. Most importantly, focus on adding value and being useful.

    As a professional, there will be moments of burnout. Always have at least one hobby. Your hobby will act as your best friend and will pull you up during your downtime’s. I prefer plucking my guitar strings and playing cricket on weekends which is my stress buster and boost me up to start afresh. 

    Explore all your interests during your time in college without any second thoughts. Your marks are important but they will not be the only deciding factor for your growth.

    On your marks, Screw your marks, Go!

    Get in touch with Shubham Malhotra-