Super Lawyer

Tag: LLB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Get in touch with Orijit Chatterjee-

  • In colleges your professors will teach you different laws but to know the procedure of court of law and to be master in it, you must know the court procedure very well- Priyanka Matlane, Founder of Matlane & Grewal Legal Associates LLP

    In colleges your professors will teach you different laws but to know the procedure of court of law and to be master in it, you must know the court procedure very well- Priyanka Matlane, Founder of Matlane & Grewal Legal Associates LLP

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

    What inspired you to establish your own law firm? What challenges  did you face in the initial stages? 

    After completing my LL.B. I joined the chamber of Sr. Advocate C.A.  Ferreira was the then Assistant Solicitor General of India practicing before the High court of Bombay at GOA. Working with him in actuality, triggered a  thought to have a settled practice like him and to establish a law firm.  Before starting my law firm ‘Matlane & Grewal Legal Associates LLP’,  the journey of 10 years as an individual advocate was not so easy. There  were many difficulties as theoretical knowledge is completely different  from the practical procedure. In colleges your professors will teach you different laws but to know the procedure of court of law and to be master  in it, you must know the court procedure very well. As an advocate you  will learn new things on a daily basis. When you start your practice as an  individual advocate at a very young age is not such an easy task. Profession of  advocates used to be considered as the profession of old ones and not of  youngsters. I do remember on completion of my 6 months internship with  Ferreira sir, I shared my views to start independent practice with my family  members, frankly, telling no one was so convinced with my thought to start an independent practice as everyone thought I don’t even know the  ABCD… of the complete court procedure. Many said ‘do you know how  to draft a case? How would you give consultation to your client? What if  you lose the case? You should spend at least 5/7 years with a senior advocate  then only you can practice independently, Bla bla ssss…..  

    But it was my Guru/Mentor Mr. Vikas Lathar (Professor of Govt. College  of Safidon) and my mother who always trusted and had faith in my  abilities. They both supported me to start my journey and see I am here  today before you. 

    To have a reputed own law firm was always a biggest dream of mine. Many times I spoke to my husband about my dream to form a law firm. My  husband Navdeep Singh Grewal, who is also a part of our law firm, encouraged me to establish “Matlane & Grewal’s”. Working as an  independent advocate and running a law firm is completely different from  each other. As I am a fast learner and love to explore, I feel that working as  an independent practitioner is restricting the growth, learnings and  controlling the case types. But a firm can become one roof to offer all legal  services. Hence, ‘Matlane & Grewal Legal Associates LLP’ came into  existence.  

    Team of our law firm works passionately as a single soul without  compromising on professional ethics. Our Law firm is growing by giving  growth to our junior advocates as well as to our interns.  ‘Different brains and different abilities will work together and will grow  together’, with this mind set up I have started my own law firm.  

    With almost 10 years of experience in the field of law, what have been  some of the most memorable cases or achievements in your career? Could  you share a particularly challenging case that you successfully handled? 

    If I tell you the truth , my every case is unique and  definitely, I have achieved and learnt something or the other from my every  single case during this decade. There are many and all the cases on which I can share working experience but as you know time is limited and I can’t go on…. But I can Yes still, share my such a memorable and wonderful  experience in my 2 cases which are very much close to my heart. The first  case is of property case i.e., the Second Appeal filed before the High Court  of Bombay bench at Aurangabad and another was a criminal case filed by  the parents against their son. I personally feel both the cases were difficult  for me to handle. As in both the disputes the emotions of parties were  ultimately affected. I won a second appeal and it was a reportable judgment.  My client got his disputed land back after spending his 30 years of life in  court. The matter earlier was handled by many lawyers but when it came to me and after filing my VP on record, I ended the matter in just 1 year.  And winning a second appeal is itself an achievement and a milestone in  one’s legal career. Talking about my second case, this was a criminal  application for maintenance filed by the 80yrs old age parents against their  55yrs old son. The parents just filed the application to see their son due to  courts dates as he was separated from his parents due to past fights and  all… when on the first date of the court hearing I tried to reconcile and I succeeded , you know what the 80yrs old parents said me, ‘ beta, tum  humare ghar me humari devi maa ban ke ayi ho, tumhari wajah se humara  bichda hua beta hume wapis mil gaya.’ The matter ended happily and the parties are still living a happy family life.  

    You mentioned being highly effective at developing creative case  strategies and writing persuasive briefs. Could you share some insights into  your approach and how it has contributed to your success in the legal field? 

    Yes, we have effective strategies and we do adopt the same  strictly while dealing with the cases.  

    Firstly, we are good listeners. We listen peacefully to our clients and we  believe in transparency and keeping client’s secrecy. Secondly, we guide and consult them according to their legal requirements  and as per available legal provisions.  Thirdly, we draft our case patiently and appropriately as per court  guidelines.  Fourthly, we prepare our strategy to have effective cross, chiefs,  arguments, etc. we prepare our whole case before filing it in actual before  the court. Fifthly, we keep on doing research on landmark cases. Simply, we keep  updated our knowledge on a day-to-day basis.  

    The legal field is known for its dynamic nature and ever-changing  demands. How do you stay updated with the latest developments and  ensure that you can adapt to the evolving legal landscape? 

    As we are the generation of the 21st Century and as the technology is  developing and upgrading rapidly. Being a law practitioner, we too adapt  and adopt the use of technology and for the same my husband cum my firm  partner always supports us to maintain the balance between the old practice era and use of new technology.  

    To stay updated with the latest developments I do read newspaper on daily basis and also, we have opted for several paid subscriptions and  applications for the same. We follow SCC, MANUPATRA,  INDIANKANOON, DIGILEGAL, ETC., We are also very much active on  social media.  

    Could you share any valuable lessons or insights you have gained  throughout your career that have contributed to your professional growth  and success? 

    For me my success mantras are: keeping legal knowledge updated,  being truthful to your profession, ethical to your clients and consistency in your  working and learnings, time management, team management, leadership  and last but not least knowing the basic laws deeply.  

    How have public speaking skills helped you in your legal practice?  What tips would you give to aspiring lawyers who want to improve their  communication abilities? 

    I’m a very talkative person. and this has always helped me to make a bridge between me and my client. With ability to have proper  communication, my client never hesitates to share his/her problems with me, no matter how the situation is worsened or the facts are sensitive. To improve the communication skill, one should have good vocabulary,  one must know our basic laws and principles, keeping updated knowledge  and lastly read, read and read. Reading always helps to grow vocabulary and knowledge.  

    Lastly, what message or advice would you like to give to fresh  graduates who are considering a career in law? What qualities or skills do  you believe are essential for success in the legal profession? 

    It is the only law which ensures and gives the balance to live a happy  life. Every single individual should know their basic and fundamental  rights. Our Constitution has always safeguarded us in every manner. At least  one member of every family should have a person from the legal profession. To pursue a career in law, according to me skills such as being a hard  worker is not the only key. But you should be smart enough. You must  have the ability to take the risk factors. Your confidence should be greater.  You should keep your legal knowledge updated always, you should be a public speaker, multitasker and presentable and definitely you should be tech savvy. 

    Get in touch with Priyanka Matlane-

  • Soumya Shekhar- Founder of Remote Lawyer, a scholarship holder from the National University of Singapore who also worked with tier-1 law firms and MNCs

    Soumya Shekhar- Founder of Remote Lawyer, a scholarship holder from the National University of Singapore who also worked with tier-1 law firms and MNCs

    This interview has been published by Tanmaya Sharma. The Interview was taken by The SuperLawyer Team.

    Tell us about yourself – Why did you choose law? If not law, what other career options would you have considered?

    A Law of Torts book had accidentally fallen in my hands when I was in class 11th. The fact that this field required application and interpretation of existing legal principles appealed to me. Since then, I wanted to pursue my higher studies and profession as a lawyer. If not law, then I would have been a journalist or an author. I love to write and would have enjoyed merging my passion with my profession. 

    You were amongst the first batch of students that took the AILET Examinations and you stood at 16th in the All India Ranking. Could you tell us a bit about how you managed to secure such a good ranking and about your experience studying at the prestigious National Law University of Delhi?

    I think the key to securing a good rank in any competitive examination lies in solving as many mock tests as possible. No matter how well you are prepared, what matters, in the end, is how well you did in the limited time that was given to you on the particular day of the exam. To bridge the gap between well-prepared and best-prepared, one should try simulated test-taking. It not only increases the confidence but also assesses the level of your preparedness. 

    National Law University, Delhi laid the foundation for my professional career. The academic pedagogy and the vibrant culture led to holistic development. Located in Delhi, it played a major role in being able to intern even during college days. It is the bedrock of not only my development as a lawyer but also who I am as a person today.

    You have been Course Content Curator, Legal Editor, and Research Consultants to many firms and Organisations. You were also the Research Lead at WHO Legal Development Program in India. It would not be wrong to denote you as a Scholar. Can you tell us what about Research kept you going?

    I am extremely passionate about both writing and law. There was nothing better than merging both my passions together and hence, I commenced my journey as legal research professional. During the initial years of my legal consultancy career, I exclusively worked on legal content creation and knowledge management assignments. I served as an external Knowledge Management Consultant to AZB and Partners and was also the Research Lead for the WHO Legal Development Programme for Road Safety in India. 

    The way research is conceptualized commonly tends to be more theoretical than practical. However, it was the latter aspect of the same that caught my fancy. For instance, while everyone knows what a force majeure clause is, it is its application that is rarely been written about. It was the application of legal concepts that I wanted to discuss rather than the theoretical underpinnings. A reflection of this fascination with the practical perspective of legal research can still be seen on the blog of my firm, Remote Lawyer.

    You have studied at National Law University, Delhi, and completed your Masters at the National University of Singapore in Corporate and Financial Services Law. What difference did you find in the Pedagogy in Indian Schools and abroad?

    One key difference is that schools abroad focus more on understanding than rote learning. For instance, there were many occasions at the National University of Singapore, wherein we had open-book exams, take-home exams, etc. which tested a person’s ability to understand and apply the legal concept rather than reproduce the theory around the same. Another important difference I found was the focus on in-depth legal research. The research papers were thoroughly vetted and the faculty was always looking for an element of originality. 

    What was that one learning experience in your entire career trajectory that you’d credit to have shaped your career and your role as the Founder of “Remote Lawyer”?

    I left a plum middle management job at a multi-national company to start my career as an independent legal consultant in 2018 and the rest is history. My stint as an independent legal consultant taught me more about the legal profession and the field of law than any organized institution would ever have. Experience is the best teacher. When you do not have anyone to correct your mistakes, you start becoming more careful. When you have to solicit clients on your own, you automatically shed the shell of an introvert and learn how to network. It was my 2.5 years as an independent legal consultant that gave me the confidence that I can set up an organization all on my own. It taught me how one can create value in oneself. 

    Can you walk us through a day in your life? What is the life of a Founder of an Online Legal Consultancy Firm like? 

    Managing a virtual legal consultancy, such as Remote Lawyer, with a diverse clientele from varied sectors and different time zones, requires meticulous planning ahead of each day. Before I end work for the day, I create a To-Do list for the next day. Every morning, I review this To-Do list along with the corresponding deadlines and plan accordingly. A typical workday consists of reviewing and drafting agreements, drafting notices and opinions, attending negotiations and client calls. I also run a YouTube channel by the name Remote Lawyer and make it a point to create content for the same, at least once every two weeks. It is a part of my commitment to give back what I have learned to the legal fraternity. Along with client assignments, I also make it a point to take out time to curate content for the blog of my website, at least once a week. 

    It is now close to a decade that you’ve been a part of the legal fraternity. What do you think is the difference between the law profession right now and the profession a decade back? And, what all changes would you like to see in our Indian Law Profession?

    A decade back, the very concept of a virtual legal consultancy would have been unheard of. The fact that legal services can be delivered right in your inbox, without the need for you to meet your lawyer, would have been an unthinkable idea back then. The legal profession today demands change and transition from the traditional to the modern. The fact that legal tech is booming and growing and there are so many software technologies that assist us lawyers in our day-to-day life shows that we need to adopt new technological advances. The subject matter we deal with every day is also fluid. Fintech and Information Technology laws, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, etc. are novel concepts and lawyers need to keep pace with the changing legal landscape. 

    Lastly, is there any suggestion or advice that you’d like to give to our readers?

    I have always felt that creating value in oneself is extremely important. From a young age itself, try to become that resource that every company and firm wants to hire. Be meticulous in what you do. Question everything and accept nothing without supporting evidence. And most importantly, focus on application rather than rote learning. Knowing what the law is will help you to a certain extent, but understanding and applying that law in a way that helps your client is what will enable you to leave your mark as a successful lawyer. 

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