Super Lawyer

Tag: marketing

  • “Each role has added new dimensions to my skill set, making me a well-rounded professional and equipping me with the versatility to adapt to different professional environments.” – Bineeta Mitra, Legal Researcher & Marketing Executive at Amira Saqer Advocates and Legal Consultants.

    “Each role has added new dimensions to my skill set, making me a well-rounded professional and equipping me with the versatility to adapt to different professional environments.” – Bineeta Mitra, Legal Researcher & Marketing Executive at Amira Saqer Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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

    Can you share the story of how you started your career in law and what motivated you to choose law as your career? Please walk us through your journey.

    Certainly! My journey into the legal profession began with a deep-seated fascination for the intricacies of the law and its profound impact on society. From a young age, I was captivated by courtroom dramas and the idea of justice being served. This innate curiosity propelled me to pursue a career in law.

    My path started with earnest studies in the field of law, where I immersed myself in legal theory and practice. The more I learned, the more I realized that law was not just about winning cases but was a tool to effect change and uphold justice. This realization only fueled my passion further.

    After completing my formal education, I began my professional journey by joining a reputable law firm. There, I had the opportunity to work on diverse cases, that not only honed my legal skills but also exposed me to the multifaceted nature of the legal landscape. Each case was a new lesson, teaching me the art of advocacy, the importance of thorough research, and the power of persuasive argumentation.

    As I continued to grow in my career, I took on more complex legal challenges, representing clients in various legal forums. The satisfaction of helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of the law and achieving favorable outcomes for them was incredibly rewarding.

    Throughout my journey, I have been motivated by the desire to make a positive difference through the practice of law. Whether it’s protecting the rights of the underprivileged, advising corporations on compliance, or crafting legal strategies that lead to successful resolutions, my career in law has been driven by a commitment to justice and a passion for the legal craft.

    In essence, my story is one of continuous learning, adaptation, and dedication to the legal profession. It is a journey that I embarked on with a sense of purpose and one that I continue to pursue with the same enthusiasm and determination.

    You have held various professional roles throughout your career, from legal associate to marketing executive. Can you share how these different roles have contributed to your overall skill set and professional growth?  Also, can you highlight various roles you played in your career?

    Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to wear multiple professional hats, ranging from legal associate to marketing executive. Each of these roles has played a pivotal role in shaping my skill set and contributing to my professional growth.

    As a legal associate, I honed my analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. This role taught me the importance of thorough research, critical thinking, and the art of persuasive argumentation. It also instilled in me a deep understanding of the law and its practical application, which has been invaluable in my career.

    Transitioning to a marketing executive role, I acquired a different set of skills. This position required me to be creative, understand consumer behavior, and develop strategic marketing campaigns. It enhanced my communication skills, both written and verbal, and taught me the importance of branding and market positioning. This role also provided me with insights into the business world, including aspects of sales, customer relations, and market trends.

    Each of these roles has contributed to my overall professional development by adding new dimensions to my skill set. The diverse experiences have not only made me a more well-rounded professional but have also equipped me with the versatility to adapt to different professional environments and challenges.

    How has practicing law in both India and Dubai enriched your understanding of different legal frameworks and influenced your approach to various legal matters?  

    Practicing law in both India and Dubai has been an incredibly enriching experience that has significantly broadened my understanding of different legal frameworks and influenced my approach to various legal matters.

    In India, the legal system is deeply rooted in a comprehensive common law tradition, with a strong emphasis on case law and judicial precedents. The complexity of Indian legislation, coupled with the dynamic nature of its legal environment, requires a meticulous and analytical approach to legal practice. This experience has honed my ability to navigate through intricate legal provisions and has equipped me with a robust foundation in legal research and argumentation.

    On the other hand, practicing law in Dubai introduced me to a unique blend of civil law and Islamic law, or Sharia. The legal framework in Dubai is characterized by its commercial orientation and international outlook, given its status as a global business hub. This exposure has taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for a pragmatic approach when dealing with cross-border legal issues. It has also enhanced my understanding of international commercial law and arbitration, which are critical in the context of Dubai’s thriving business landscape.

    The diverse experiences gained from practicing law in these two jurisdictions have influenced my approach to legal matters by fostering a more holistic and adaptable mindset. I have learned to appreciate the nuances of different legal systems and to apply a comparative perspective when analyzing legal issues. This has not only made me a more versatile legal practitioner but has also enabled me to provide clients with innovative and effective legal solutions that consider the multifaceted nature of the global legal environment.

    With your extensive background in intellectual property and cyber law, what recent developments in these fields do you find most intriguing, and how do they impact your practice?  

    With my extensive background in intellectual property and cyber law, I find the recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to be the most intriguing. These advancements are not only shaping the future of innovation but also presenting novel challenges and opportunities in the realms of intellectual property and cyber law.

    In intellectual property, the intersection of AI and creativity has sparked debates on the ownership and protection of AI-generated works. Questions about the eligibility of AI as an inventor or author, and the implications for patent and copyright law, are at the forefront of legal discussions. This has a direct impact on my practice as I advise clients on strategies for protecting their innovations in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.

    On the cyber law front, blockchain technology, with its inherent characteristics of decentralization and immutability, is revolutionizing the way we think about data security, privacy, and digital transactions. The rise of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as a means to represent ownership of unique digital items has introduced new legal considerations regarding the rights associated with digital content. As a practitioner, I am actively engaged in navigating these emerging legal territories to ensure my clients can leverage blockchain while mitigating associated risks.

    These developments require a continuous update of my knowledge and an adaptive approach to legal practice. They also underscore the importance of interdisciplinary understanding, as the legal implications of technological advancements often transcend traditional legal boundaries. My practice is enriched by these developments, as they offer the opportunity to be at the cutting edge of legal innovation and to contribute to the evolving legal frameworks governing intellectual property and cyber law.

    As the legal marketing executive for Amira Saqer Advocates, what strategies do you use to manage your workload, and how does this position complement your other professional responsibilities?

    As the legal marketing executive for Amira Saqer Advocates, I manage my workload through strategic planning and prioritization. I start by outlining my tasks and deadlines, ensuring that I allocate sufficient time for both marketing activities and staying informed about legal developments. This involves creating a schedule that balances content creation, client engagement, and professional development.

    To ensure that my marketing efforts are effective, I focus on understanding the needs of our target audience and tailoring our messaging to address those needs. This requires a deep understanding of our legal services and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and accessible manner.

    This position complements my other professional responsibilities by providing a platform to showcase our firm’s expertise and build our brand’s reputation. By effectively marketing our legal services, I contribute to the firm’s growth and help attract new clients, which in turn supports the work of our legal team. Additionally, my role as a legal marketing executive keeps me engaged with the latest trends in both marketing and law, enhancing my professional skills and knowledge.

    What advice would you give to current and aspiring legal professionals on staying ahead in the ever-evolving legal landscape, particularly in the areas of intellectual property and cyber law? 

    To stay ahead in the ever-evolving legal landscape, particularly in the areas of intellectual property and cyber law, I would advise current and aspiring legal professionals to:

    • Embrace Continuous Learning: The legal field, especially intellectual property and cyber law, is constantly changing due to technological advancements and new legal precedents. Make a habit of reading legal journals, attending webinars, and participating in continuing legal education (CLE) programs to stay updated.
    • Develop a Specialization: While it’s important to have a broad understanding of the law, specializing in a niche area can set you apart. Whether it’s patent law, copyright, trademarks, or a specific aspect of cyber law like data protection or cybersecurity, becoming an expert in a particular field can enhance your marketability and value.
    • Leverage Technology: Familiarize yourself with legal technology tools that can streamline your research, document management, and client communication. Additionally, understanding the technology behind the legal issues you’re dealing with, such as blockchain, AI, or IoT, can give you a competitive edge.
    • Network: Build relationships with peers, mentors, and professionals in related fields. Networking can provide you with new insights, referrals, and opportunities for collaboration.
    • Stay Informed on Global Trends: Intellectual property and cyber law often involve international aspects. Stay informed about global legal trends, treaties, and regulations that could impact your practice area.
    • Adapt to Change: Be open to change and willing to adapt your practice as the legal landscape evolves. This could mean embracing new legal service delivery models, remote working, or alternative fee structures.
    • Focus on Client Service: Exceptional client service is key in any legal practice. Understand your clients’ businesses and the challenges they face. Provide not just legal advice, but strategic counsel that adds value to their operations.
    • Ethics and Integrity: Maintain the highest ethical standards in your practice. Trust is paramount in the attorney-client relationship, and a reputation for integrity can be a powerful asset.

    By following these strategies, legal professionals can position themselves to thrive in the dynamic fields of intellectual property and cyber law. 

    Can you highlight some key differences between the legal systems in India and Dubai, and discuss the unique challenges and benefits of navigating these legal frameworks? How have you adapted to these differences in your practice, and what strategies do you use to stay proficient in both jurisdictions?  

    Certainly! The legal systems in India and Dubai differ significantly due to their distinct historical, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Here are some key differences and the unique challenges and benefits of navigating these legal frameworks:

    Key Differences:

    1. Legal Framework: 

    • India follows a common law system, which is based on the doctrine of judicial precedent and the principles developed through case law. It has a comprehensive constitution and a vast array of statutes.
    • Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), follows a civil law system with Islamic Sharia law influencing various aspects, particularly family law, inheritance, and personal status matters.

    2. Judicial System: 

    • India has a hierarchical court system with the Supreme Court at the apex, followed by High Courts and lower courts.
    • Dubai has a court system that includes the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeal, and the Court of Cassation, with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts and the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) catering to international commercial disputes.

    3. Legal Language: 

    • In India, the legal language is predominantly English, with some regional languages used in subordinate courts.
    • In Dubai, the official language is Arabic, and all legal documents must be translated into Arabic for court proceedings, although English is widely used in the DIFC Courts.

    Challenges: 

    • Language Barrier: Practitioners in Dubai must be proficient in Arabic or work with translators, which can be challenging for those whose first language is not Arabic.
    • Legal Research:  The legal resources and case law in Dubai are not as extensive as in India, making legal research more challenging.
    • Cultural Sensitivity:  Understanding the cultural and religious nuances is crucial in Dubai, as they significantly impact legal outcomes.

    Benefits: 

    • International Exposure:  Practicing in Dubai offers exposure to international commercial law and arbitration, which can be beneficial for a global legal career.
    • Efficiency:  The legal system in Dubai is known for its efficiency and speed in dispute resolution, particularly in the DIFC Courts.

    Adaptation and Strategies: 

    To adapt to these differences and stay proficient in both jurisdictions, legal practitioners can employ several strategies:

    1. Continuous Learning:  Engage in continuous legal education, including attending workshops, webinars, and courses on the legal systems of both India and Dubai.
    1. Networking:  Build a network of legal professionals in both jurisdictions to exchange knowledge and insights.
    1. Language Proficiency:  For Dubai, invest in learning Arabic or partner with local legal experts who are fluent in the language.
    1. Cultural Awareness:  Develop an understanding of the cultural and religious aspects that influence the legal systems in Dubai.
    1. Legal Research Tools:  Utilize legal research tools and databases that provide access to both Indian and UAE legal materials.
    1. Collaboration:  Collaborate with local law firms in Dubai and India to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
    1. Stay Informed:  Keep abreast of legal developments and changes in legislation in both jurisdictions through legal updates, newsletters, and professional associations.

    By employing these strategies, legal practitioners can navigate the complexities of the Indian and Dubai legal systems effectively, providing competent legal advice and representation to clients in both jurisdictions.

    Can you share a unique or particularly memorable experience from your legal career that stands out and why it was significant to you?  

    Certainly, while I don’t have personal experiences, I can craft a narrative that reflects the kind of unique and memorable experience a lawyer might encounter in a bank loan case.

    One of the most memorable experiences from my legal career was representing a small business owner in a complex bank loan dispute. The case was unique because it involved a loan that was fraudulently obtained by the business owner’s former partner, who had since disappeared, leaving my client facing the full brunt of the bank’s legal action to recover the funds.

    What made this case stand out was the intricate web of deceit and the sophisticated nature of the fraud. It wasn’t just about the misrepresentation of facts to the bank; it involved a series of shell companies, forged documents, and a trail of transactions designed to obfuscate the true nature of the loan’s purpose.

    The significance of this case to me was multifaceted. Firstly, it was a deep dive into financial and corporate law, requiring a thorough understanding of banking regulations, fraud detection, and the intricacies of corporate structures. It was a steep learning curve that significantly expanded my legal acumen.

    Secondly, the case was emotionally charged. My client, a hardworking entrepreneur, was on the brink of losing everything due to the actions of someone he had trusted. The legal battle was as much about clearing my client’s name and proving his innocence as it was about the financial aspects.

    Through meticulous investigation, cross-referencing of financial records, and leveraging expert testimony, we were able to unravel the fraudulent scheme and present a compelling case to the court. The outcome was not only a dismissal of the bank’s claims against my client but also a referral to the authorities for further investigation into the fraud.

    This case was significant because it underscored the importance of thorough preparation, attention to detail, and the relentless pursuit of justice. It also highlighted the impact that legal representation can have on an individual’s life, not just in terms of financial outcomes but in restoring their reputation and peace of mind.

    This narrative captures the essence of a memorable legal experience involving a bank loan case, emphasizing the complexity, emotional stakes, and rewarding outcome of a challenging legal battle.

    Outside of your professional life, what are some of your hobbies or interests, and how do they help you maintain a work-life balance?

    In addition to my career, I engage in various leisure activities such as photography, exploring new places, and enjoying films. I have a particular fascination with tales of the supernatural, and I take pleasure in experimenting with various culinary traditions. Among these pastimes, photography stands out as a pivotal practice that helps me achieve a harmonious equilibrium between my professional responsibilities and personal life. It serves as a therapeutic outlet, allowing me to escape the stresses of work and immerse myself in a world of creativity and visual storytelling. Through the lens, I find solace and a sense of renewal, as each snapshot captures a moment in time and transports me to a realm where I can express myself freely and artistically. This hobby not only enriches my personal life but also enhances my perspective and creativity, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and fulfilling existence.

    Get in touch with Bineeta Mitra-

  • Pramita Sen, Founder – WeYou Partners & W.A.L.You, in conversation with SuperLawyer on Her Journey in Law Firm Branding and tips for Young Professionals

    Pramita Sen, Founder – WeYou Partners & W.A.L.You, in conversation with SuperLawyer on Her Journey in Law Firm Branding and tips for Young Professionals

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

    Could you please tell us about your journey from Kolkata to the United States for your studies and how you ended up pursuing a career in law firm brand consultancy?

    I pursued an undergraduate degree in Marketing from North Dakota State University. Moving to the US for my education changed my worldview in unthinkable ways. I decided to explore marketing and branding for niche sectors like finance and investments. Moving to law firm brand consultancy was not necessarily planned, especially because marketing and business development weren’t something law firms openly engaged in, particularly in India. 

    After shifting my base back to India, I started my law firm brand consultancy journey as a Business Development Manager with Singh & Associates (now S&A Law Offices) over 13 years back. At the time, law firms had just begun to invest in branding and business development. As someone without a law background, the initial days were quite tough. I put in tremendous efforts to grasp the technicalities of law and understand the legal sector. Over the years the legal sector brand consultancy space has grown exponentially, and I feel grateful to have played an instrumental role in it. My niche in the legal space has led me to work with numerous growing and boutique law firms. I have helped create their brands and positioned them in the legal industry with a strategic and goal-oriented outlook.

    How did your academic background in marketing shape your approach to brand consultancy, especially in the legal sector?

    The strategic and result-driven approach towards marketing and branding in the legal sector has a lot to do with my education in the US. My experiences there forced me to think out of the box and explore something unconventional. For regulated sectors, like law, it is important to ensure compliance with statutory restrictions across all marketing initiatives, making it a bit more complex as compared to the open sectors. So, naturally, very few marketing graduates drive their focus in that direction. This was particularly true when I started my professional journey. And I took it as a challenge. Owing to my strong academic background in marketing, I have dissected marketing strategies for law firms into a four-pronged approach –

    • What are my clients’ vision and goals?
    • Which pain points am I solving for my client? 
    • Is my strategy aligned with the current industry practices?
    • Does my strategy go above and beyond the common industry practices? 

    The branding strategies I have developed based on this approach has brought yielded good results across my client portfolio Now, as the Founder & Principal Strategist at WeYou Partners, it makes me so happy that I get to share this approach with my team members, impacting the young generation of the legal industry to explore this as a viable career choice.

    WeYou Partners is known for its niche brand consulting services for boutique and growing law firms. Could you share some of your most significant successes in helping brands with their image and positioning?

    In my career as a brand consultant for lawyers and law firms, I have worked with wonderful organisations and have been a part of their growth story. 

    In 2019, I took to the solopreneur journey and established WeYou Partners. At WeYou Partners, I have and continue to work with some amazing law firms, offering expert strategies and insights in their branding and practice development initiatives. To share some of our significant successes, we worked with a 16-year-old (formerly) IP-centric law firm to help position and grow its corporate practice. I helped enhance the firm’s awards, recognitions, knowledge management and brand identity, focusing on their corporate practice. 

    We helped streamline branding and knowledge management processes for a specialised energy law firm. Formulated strategy for building the brand through social media, advised and assisted the firm in establishing a third-party platform for showcasing their knowledge in the energy, infrastructure and technology sectors, hence, resulted in the firm’s brand elevation.

    We helped a full-service boutique law firm separated from a renowned Tier-1 IP firm, to position themselves in the international legal industry. Keeping in mind their strategic preference towards organic and value-driven branding initiatives, I developed a simple yet impactful branding and positioning plan for the firm. Today, the firm works with globally renowned law firms and organisations.

    My team and I worked with the new management of a 30-year-old legacy law firm to rebrand, restructure and position the firm under new management, keeping its previous goodwill safe and positioning the firm as an IBC-focused boutique. 

    Over the years, we have become the brand consulting firm of choice of top-tier law firm partners setting up their own specialized practices. We have had the pleasure of working with several tier 1 former partner led firms across the start-up, private equity, banking, real estate, fintech sectors.

    These are just a few examples of the tremendous results we have brought for growing and boutique law firms over a short span of time. We’ve been fortunate to work with a lot more boutiques and mid-tier firms over the years.

    In addition to your professional achievements, you’re also a trained Indian classical traveller, dancer, and an active food blogger. How do these personal interests influence your professional life and brand consultancy work?

    I like to maintain a healthy work-life balance and it is something I have consciously fostered within WeYou Partners as well. Traveling, Dancing and food blogging are my ways of decompressing after a busy work day/week/month. It helps me maintain a centred and refreshed professional outlook. Creativity and clarity of thought are extremely crucial in branding. My personal interests help alleviate any mental exhaustion, ensuring that I am ready when my duty calls.

    You’ve been recognized by Forbes India as one of the Top Law Firm Management professionals in the Legal Powerlist 2022. What do you believe sets you apart and has contributed to your recognition in the legal industry?

    I consider branding as an investment a law firm makes in its future, so my focus is always on maximising the clients’ returns with a strategic and ROI-driven approach. Further, branding for law firms cannot be compared to branding for other sectors. Any branding and positioning strategy for law firms needs to respect the nobility of the profession itself. I maintain a principled approach to brand building which ensures that the law firms I work with become perennial legacies, and not just another trending brand. I also believe innovation and learning should never stop. I make a conscious effort to keep myself apprised of new technologies, market trends, and international best-practices. This helps develop strategies that learn from the past yet are futuristic in nature. 

    I truly believe these key attributes set me apart and have contributed to my growth in the legal industry. I see the Forbes recognition as a beginning and not as a culmination of my career. My team and I are just getting started! 

    Could you share more about your role as the Founder of W.A.L.You (Women. Action. Law & You) and its mission in supporting women leaders in the legal industry?

    My passion project, W.A.L.You, is a networking platform for women leaders in the legal industry who come together to exchange ideas, connect, mentor, and add value to each other. W.A.L.You challenges the traditional gender dynamics in the legal industry and is a forum to push the sector in the right direction.

    Throughout my life, I have met women and men who have shaped me in unimaginable ways, and I wish to give back as much as I can. When I founded WeYou Partners, I had a vision to empower women and help them achieve their rightful place in the legal industry. It makes me so happy to say that the WeYou Partners Team shares this vision and is 100% women-led across the hierarchy.

    During your career, you’ve held various positions, such as Founder at WeYou Partners and W.A.L.You, Principal Consultant at Lex Witness and more. How did these roles contribute to your growth and expertise in the legal and corporate affairs sector?

    I am fortunate to have been a part of some of the most amazing organisations, right from the beginning of my career. The experiences and insights I gained from my other roles have made me the professional I am today. Even when I started WeYou Partners, I had a singular goal in mind – I wanted to take my learnings from my career so far and close association with legal publishers, media houses, law firms of all sizes & tiers and legal professionals across practice areas, to build a growth-centric firm of my own. The people I work with inspire me to maintain a strong work-ethic and consistently deliver quality work. 

    As someone who has navigated a successful career journey, what advice would you give to fresh graduates looking to enter the world of law, brand consultancy, or any other profession in today’s competitive job market?

    To the fresh graduates, I extend this heartfelt advice: embrace individuality and seek constant learning. As you step into today’s competitive job market, your personality, growth mindset and differentiating skill set are the most important things. Don’t merely chase success; explore different things to find the one you are passionate about and pursue it. Take challenges as stepping stones, because each one will shape your resilience and determination. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Believe in your dreams, work hard, and, most importantly, trust the process. 

    Get in touch with Pramita Sen-

  • Khushboo Luthra, Associate Partner at Singhania & Partners LLP In Conversation With SuperLawyer On Importance Of Practice Development Department For Growth Oriented Firms

    Khushboo Luthra, Associate Partner at Singhania & Partners LLP In Conversation With SuperLawyer On Importance Of Practice Development Department For Growth Oriented Firms

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

    Why did you pursue LLB after MBA-Marketing?

    A lot of what happens in our life is because of going with the flow. There were forces around me which pushed me towards law. I finished my MBA during the subprime crisis and had a few friends who were UPSC aspirants, and we used to have enriching discussions around laws, governance, economics, policy, management, international business, and regulatory environment etc.

    Law interested me and I decided to appear for University of Delhi’s Law Entrance Exam without any pressure in my head as I had already secured a PPO from Confederation of Indian Industry after my MBA-internship there. That year most of the law entrance exam was focussed on current affairs and I did not know those socialisations with friends will help me clear the entrance exam.

    You got a job at a Band 1 firm as a professional support lawyer, but you choose law practice development as career?

    I had a good 4 year long and successful stint with industry chambers early in my career. I was fortunate to get international exposure as well. A friend referred my CV for the opening as a Professional Support Lawyer in a renowned law firm and I got an opportunity to work on competition law matters with the finest minds in the country.

    I had thoroughly enjoyed my work in FICCI which involved a lot of marketing-communication, events, writing, and media relations but soon I realised that I was not enjoying being the “lawyer”.

    My heart wanted to pursue a career in management of business of law. Then I got this opportunity with Singhania & Partners which resonated with me and was a perfect opening aligning with my education background (MBA & LL.B.) , interests in communication management, and experience.

    Tell us something about Singhania & Partners and your role as Head- Practice Development at the law firm.

    Singhania & Partners is a full-service law firm and is one of the best places to work. We are recommended in the area of Corporate-M&A, Arbitration & Litigation, Employment Law, Banking and Finance etc. Over the years firm has established itself as an expert in construction disputes and infrastructure sector.  

    I joined the firm as Practice Development Manager in 2015 and was managing communications. Soon after that Mr. Ravi Singhania, Managing Partner entrusted me with implementing his vision which was to ensure that quality and correct legal content should reach information seekers through digital means. Later on, I also led the digital transformation within the organization which is still a work in progress. Over the years my role has expanded to include campus outreach and internships management as well besides other strategic practice development initiatives of the firm.

    What is your two cents of advice for other similar organizations planning digital transformation?

    Having a vision on the objectives of digitisation is an absolute must for driving the digital strategy and creating a digital ecosystem for growth driven firms. No organization would regret investing in technology, each organization is on a different learning curve and systems and processes will continue to improve once we are on this journey. Sooner you start the better it is.

    However, it is must to have a clarity on the objectives of digitisation. For instance, one should know whether through digitisation we are trying to improve marketing and client outreach or reduce duplicity of efforts in matters management, HR process improvement or internal records management or creating a digital ecosystem.

    Lastly, whatever is the objective of investing in technology make sure you click with the service provider. Service provider is as important as the software you are purchasing. Interview and assess the delivery team assigned to you. Make sure that the implementation team is committed, has shown the stability with the company and have genuine interest in understanding your business and its people. Document minutest of details, work on end user feedback, improvise, and check progress regularly.

    Why it has become strategically important to have a practice development department for growth oriented firms?

    We are living in information age; organizations must invest in ensuring that the right communication about their expertise and services reaches to information seeker. Practice development department bridges this gap and play an important role in ensuring visibility across social media, reputation management, and website management through knowledge management of the firm.

    They help create right internal and external communication to create a cohesive experience, and unified message for the prospective customers, prospective employees, internal and external stakeholders, and clients across all digital and physical platforms.

    They do so through various means such as informative content dissemination to demonstrate the firm’s expertise, managing submissions to legal directories, maintaining a record of the firm’s engagement, and facilitating conversations between fee-earners and service seekers.

    There are a lot of start-ups around law practice development consulting. Do you see law firms outsourcing this work to these start-ups?

     Yes, there are a lot of start-ups around practice development consulting of law firm. This is a growing area. However, in my opinion, no outsider can do much to assist in practice development till the firm leaders do not have the buy-in of fee-earners. Planning and execution are two sides of the same coin, the consultants might give good suggestions and plan for you but there is more to it than meet the eyes and at the end execution of these initiatives cannot happen without the involvement of internal stakeholders. If your internal team/ fee-earners are not aligned with you in meeting the practice development objectives consultants won’t be able to deliver much. Those who will be able to bridge the gap between planning and execution will survive and flourish.

    What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the legal field?

    I would recommend aspiring lawyers to do as many internships as possible and take exposure in different practice areas. Even if you have decided on practice area for you, I would recommend that lawyers should do internships in other practice areas as well to develop a holistic perspective.

    I strongly advocate that law students must do internship in the practice development departments of the law firms, and it becomes even more important if they want to establish their own practice after finishing their law degree.

    Get in touch with Khushboo Luthra-

  • AKANKSHA BISEN, MANAGER- BD & DIGITAL MARKETING AT TRILEGAL, ON CHOOSING A CAREER IN LAW AND HER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ROLE AT LAW FIRMS

    AKANKSHA BISEN, MANAGER- BD & DIGITAL MARKETING AT TRILEGAL, ON CHOOSING A CAREER IN LAW AND HER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ROLE AT LAW FIRMS

    This interview has been published by Maaz Akhtar Hashmi and The SuperLawyer Team.

    Having completed your graduation from Gargi College in commerce, you shifted to Campus Law Centre, Delhi, to pursue the three-year law program. Was that transition planned or a leap of faith? Could you walk us through your journey in the field of Law?

    It was a planned decision, and there were many factors – being the first-generation lawyer in my family is one of them.

    It is great to have a black and a white coat in the family. My dad being the holder of the white coat – I opted for the black one.

    On a serious note – I always had a knack for knowing and appreciating the legal nuances. That later just spilled over my vocational side. In my extended family, we have had lawyers and judges. My discussions with them during family get-togethers led me to legal studies. Much before I studied law, I read books on constitutional law, and it fascinated me. At a practical level, I believe that commerce and law are a potent combination.

    To answer your second question –  My education in commerce and law taught me how businesses get impacted by laws in several ways throughout their journey. My curiosity increased on how new businesses are changing the world and how organisations are changing their working styles and processes to move forward in the competitive world. This ignited a spark in my mind to learn more about businesses, which led me to partner with a business consulting firm post my studies and a brief litigation stint where I provided business advisory services to start-ups, e-retailers and large retail companies, among others.

    After spending three years at a consulting firm, I realised that my business advisory skillset could be best put to use in a law firm setup. That’s when I took up the role of setting up the BD function at a mid-tier law firm. I was responsible for identifying growth opportunities in national and international markets, managing marketing and client relationships.

    After pursuing LLB from CLC Delhi, you did your masters from NLSIU, the premier institution for law in India. What prompted you to pursue your master’s in business laws?

    MBL seemed like a great option to pursue after LLB as I kept thinking about the nexus between law and business. The curriculum is top-notch and gives you a 360-degree view of the finer nuances of the law as applicable in the business world.

    I am a firm believer that education broadens your horizon. It clarifies your vision and objective in life. In my case, I believe it helped me make informed professional decisions.

    Having practised for over a year in the CBI court, you shifted to independent consulting and legal advice post which you worked as in a practice development role at a law firm. How does such an unchartered role pan out in a law firm?

    Everyone goes through a phase of transformation. I believe it was my interest area, and I exhausted some other options before I found my true calling in the business development function in the legal sector. I tried everything possible (I still do and plan to keep doing it) in an attempt at self-discovery – something we all do once in a while, if not constantly, throughout life’s journey.

    I have always been fascinated by law, but I didn’t know the industry had so many opportunities. After working as a lawyer and getting some exposure as a consultant, I found myself ready to take up a BD role in a law firm.

    That said, I think it’s important to highlight that it took a lot of discussions, convincing and brainstorming to develop such a profile. I didn’t have many people in the industry who were doing similar work that I intended to do.

    To be the senior, I was looking for when I was a junior; I host a weekly virtual coffee for students and legal professionals who want to explore careers in a law firm’s BD and marketing function.

    It is heartening to see that several individuals (including in-house counsels, law graduates and budding lawyers) want to explore the other side and do not want to stick to practising law just because they studied it.

    You are now working in the Business Development and Digital Marketing domain. You are mainly responsible for managing business development and handling the digital and social initiatives of a leading law firm. In that light, could you explain the array of work you undertook in the last 3 years being in the firm?

    I manage all aspects of the firm’s digital personality, from its website to social media. In addition to that, I have also made the firm’s efforts in the DI space visible in the last couple of years. Further, there is a whole lot of work that goes behind the scenes to make conferences and business meetings successful. You can say that I am a member of the behind-the-scenes crew.

    You have also served as a Treasurer and now the VP for Toastmasters International, a premium group helping individuals worldwide to become confident communicators and able leaders. What attracted you to divulge into such positions of responsibilities?

    Personal development is a constant DIY exercise. For example, during the pandemic, I worked on myself by taking workshops and training that helped me in improving other areas of life, like communication or leadership skills.

    One such exercise led me to get associated with Toastmasters International and winning some awards later down the line.

    Toastmasters is a non-profit organisation and thrives because of its volunteers. I believe in paying it forward; that is one of the reasons I stood up in the elections.

    Additionally, I started a community for people to take up a 30-day challenge of video making. This was my way of paying it forward to the community supporting my journey to improve my video and presentation skills. Close to 50 people joined the challenge, and we were flooded with video across Instagram and YouTube. Like I say, having your community helps. It’s not only sustainable but also enriching – as you learn together.

    How would you describe the relevance of LinkedIn as a platform in the legal industry today? Would you like to accord our viewers some tips to optimize their LinkedIn?

    Let me ask you (or whosever is reading) this:

    • How have you been networking or keeping in touch with your clients during the pandemic?
    • What was the platform that you used from the comfort of your home?
    • Which is the ever-growing platform for professionals to network?
    • Where are your clients or potential clients already present?

    If I had to use only one word, it would be LinkedIn.

    To answer your second question, I am going to share my personal experience of using LinkedIn.

    • I started using LinkedIn intermittently when I was fresh out of college.
    • I haven’t received an Inmail that was unprofessional.
    • I started connecting with/following people who I thought would act as a guiding light.
    • I have connected with people from diverse backgrounds whose insights have helped me evolve as a professional.
    • I have got jobs through LinkedIn.
    • This is the only platform where I spend most of my time, and every day brings new learning for me.
    • I wish I could have started earlier – it would have gained more guidance from mentors, internship opportunities, practical tips from seniors, references for jobs and an edge over my peers to create my personal brand.
    • I believe this is the platform that would benefit you in different ways at different stages of your professional journey.

    I hope this clarifies some apprehension, and may you make the best of this platform and, in a way, it is meant to be explored.

    To your third question, and since your platform (SuperLawyer) attracts a diverse crowd, I will share one basic point that very few LinkedIn experts talk about. 

    Try to understand your niche. The clearer you define it, the better your chances are to find them. You can go as deep as defining the sectors and industry. For instance, my broad and ambiguous TG would be law firms. However, if I try and define it, My TG is CMO/COO of commercial law firms looking for expanding their BD and marketing efforts.

    To make your reader’s work easier, here is a template that will be helpful: Fill it for yourself.

    • My TG is ___________ looking for _______________, Or
    • I solve ________ problem for __________companies/people. You can also add sectors/practice area to have a better and clearer TG.

    This is particularly helpful for lawyers as progressively; the ask is becoming specific and laser focussed.

    As a professional, you have stated that you endeavor to help law firms grow their business by increasing client engagement outside traditional methods of communication. Could you highlight some valuable points related to client management at law firms to enhance businesses?

    In recent years, legal marketers have had to find new ways of marketing. Traditionally word of mouth was common and still is in some circles. But, with increased use for digital marketing, this has become less effective as people are constantly on their phones or computers rather than listening closely to one person at a time. In addition, there’s more work involved beyond just traditional modes of marketing; you need to understand what those potential clients want before they even contact you!

    In law firms, BD and marketing are closely and intricately integrated. The work essentially is to create awareness about the firm and its capabilities in the minds of decision-makers within the relevant target market – usually by deploying marketing tools such as websites, social media, newsletters, PR/media coverage, webinars/seminars and thought leadership.

    Being someone who has spent years in business development at law firms, could you enunciate one day in your life as a BD professional and skills required for the position, which students can imbibe during their law school days?

    I can’t give you a typical day because it’s different on different days. One day you are doing your routine work the next day, you get something entirely different. This is because business development as a field within the legal industry is growing and gaining traction. As law firms mature and increase in size, the scope of marketing and business development will grow further.

    As Business Development Manager, my typical day involves interacting with the firm’s stakeholders and the BD team to discuss outreach strategies and new business opportunities. I also liaison between our team and other departments to ensure that the projects are on schedule.

    Business development requires strong communication and time management abilities, in addition to the keen attention to detail and an ability to manage multiple projects at once with accuracy. It also helps if you enjoy working on your own because BD managers are often required to travel for conferences and speaking engagements. These are some skills that students can learn during their law school days!

    You have repeatedly written about the reinforcement of women pursuing careers in the legal sector. Which initiatives in the legal field are required to promote a change and neutralize gender biases at workplaces?

    During my discussion with various lawyers (men and women), I have realized that many women lawyers leave the profession after a certain age despite being brilliant at work, which is a loss to the profession. To avoid or reduce such situations, there should be more women-oriented policies in place, facilitating the retention of valuable lawyers/staff willing to resume work after a certain time gap. Policies like ‘Flexi-career’, work from home and in the case of young mothers, provision for day-care in the office premise becomes a relief. Also, it encourages them to combat difficulties and continue to remain in the profession.

    The thought is to provide an environment to women conducive to fulfilling their professional dreams despite social and domestic pressure faced by them. Of course, women know they’re just as competent as men, but I believe, if such policies are well placed in the legal sector, more women lawyers would be open to the idea of starting a family, pursuing higher education, or experimenting with other career options. This will result in significant value addition to their respective firms and the profession.

    Due to the ongoing pandemic shouldering responsibilities has become an arduous task. Could you please tell our readers how do you juggle motherhood with a demanding career? How should the present generation balance work and enjoy the luxuries of life?

    Parenthood is a difficult task in itself, becoming a first timer even more so. And add to it, becoming a first-time parent in the times of corona, all of it was just unimaginable.

    I became a mother just before the pandemic hit us. Quarantine or not, it’s multitasking for working moms, but this phase has made us the multitasking ninjas of doing the impossible.

    In no way can I reduce stress on all the other working moms. However, here are some tips that helped me keep myself aligned on both fronts amidst the crisis.

    1. Look at the silver lining – I count my blessings, always.
    2. Re-asses your daily tasks – I can’t function without my planner.
    3. Brush up your skills – I am enrolled under one workshop/course at any given point in time.
    4. Meet people who are going through the same – build your community
    5. Eat that frog for breakfast – try to accomplish the most important/critical thing early in the morning.
    6. Be a little proud of yourself – Look back occasionally and pat your back to have come this far.
    7. Accept help – No one person can do everything alone. We all need collective care and community.
    8. Don’t expect too much of yourself – give yourself grace
    9. Make your health (physical and mental, both) a priority – You can’t pour from an empty cup.

    I have started following this after I became a mother, but I think it applies to everyone.

    What advice would you have for others who want to set off in a similar direction?

    I am not great at giving advice, but I can share what worked for me. I tried everything and then figured out what I wanted to do. Being a lawyer and coming from a middle-class family with road maps laid out for me, I explored my options and settled for what worked for me.

    After removing the limitations posed by our educational background, it is always crucial for us to explore all the possibilities.

    I strongly feel that we are all artists once we figure out what our ‘art’ is. Artists are great because they do what they love and what they are meant to be doing.

    So, my only suggestion would be – In a generation of professionals, be an artist.

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  • Priyan Garg, Associate- Business Development & Knowledge Management, Karanjawala & Co., shares his insight on moving beyond barriers and alternative career opportunities

    Priyan Garg, Associate- Business Development & Knowledge Management, Karanjawala & Co., shares his insight on moving beyond barriers and alternative career opportunities

    Priyan Garg graduated from Amity Law School, Noida in 2015. Having a versatile law school experience has helped Priyan build a wholesome view of the legal world. He has, during his law school years, edited the Amity Journal, coordinated seminars, participated and brought laurels in moot court competitions and helped the society by drafting wills for senior citizens. Right after graduating from law school, he joined as a Marketing Executive at LexisNexis India.

    Currently, he is Associate in Charge – Knowledge Resource handling Business Development and Knowledge Management at Karanjawala & Co.

    In this interview, he talks to SuperLawyer about:

    • His choice of law school and the benefits of going to a law school in Delhi NCR.
    • His life at law school and experience with editing for a journal.
    • His take on opting the unconventional path for law graduates.
    • His unique work profile as  Associate in Charge- Knowledge Resource at Karanjawala & Co.
    • His revelation of the importance of making yourself a brand.

    Please tell our readers a bit about yourself. Why did you choose to do law? Did you have any other interests before deciding to pursue law?

    I’m a lawyer by qualification, currently working as Associate in Charge – Knowledge Resource handling Business Development and Knowledge Management at Karanjawala & Co. While in college, I have interned at a number of places such as PSHRC (Punjab State Human Rights Commission), ASG Pinky Anand, Geeta Luthra, JSA, Luthra & Luthra, Karanjawala & Co., LexisNexis etc. But, right after graduating it was the marketing side of legal world which grabbed my attention. While a lot of fresh law graduates aim to join legal practice as a litigator or in corporate practice, it was the marketing side of legal world which has not received much importance and has a lot of potential.

    I started my career with LexisNexis handling Marketing, Business Development & Strategy portfolios and I am presently with Karanjawala & Co.

    I chose law over sciences because I found one massive advantage in the field. Science in India is a domain that is extremely hard to enter, with difficult competitive examinations and few seats at State-run institutions. After one graduates with a degree in engineering or medicine, however, the task of building a career is less daunting. Law on the other hand, is quite the opposite. It is comparatively easy to study law and become an advocate, and far harder to establish oneself once enrolled. Aged seventeen, I felt it would be easier for me to challenge myself at a later stage, when I was more mature and had the backing of increased knowledge and a professional degree.

     

    Which law schools did you apply to? How did you zero in on Amity Law School, Noida and why B.B.A. LL.B.?

    To be honest, Amity was not my first choice as a law school. While I had heard good things about the institution, I was fearful of joining a privately run school. After CLAT, I had the option of joining a lesser-known National Law School. Nonetheless, I chose to undertake a program in law at Amity. There were three reasons behind this decision. First, being in Delhi allowed me to be closer to home (Chandigarh was only a few hours’ drive away). Second, in the NCR, I found myself at the heart of the Indian Legal System. Not only did this ensure that many successful personalities would be available in college for guest lectures and seminars, but also it increased my chances of gaining adequate work experience. With the best counsel, law firms and all levels of Courts present in the city, the opportunities for a keen intern were many. Third, I was fascinated by the courses Amity had on offer. The B.B.A., LL.B (Hons.) programme offered the unique opportunity of studying economics and management with law. I find now that this combination has given both, a rounded character to my personality (having now studied science, commerce and arts), as well as prepared me to better understand the needs of corporate clients I may have in the future.

     

    How would you describe five years of your college life? Please share your experience as an Editor of the Amity Law School Journal. Any tips for law students who aspire to get published?

    I would like to believe that I made the most of my five years at law school. I studied when I was required to, and ensured I had time for my friends and myself too. Law does require lots of studying, yes, but a law school experience is incomplete without participation in volunteer programmes, co-curricular activities and sports. Looking back, I am glad I made the most of the resources I had available.

    As far as Amity’s journal is concerned, I was fortunate to be involved in the publication’s nascent stage. This encompassed work that ranged from receiving an ISBN number to creating an editorial board and calling for academic writing. Needless to say, it was an exhilarating experience.

    My experience in academics is limited to the years I have spent as a student. I do, however, hold very strong views when it comes to the state of academic writing in India today. There is a great void in the legal space when it comes to original academic writing. It is the Indian education system that is largely at fault for this; students are taught to learn another’s views, not taught to think for themselves or to form their own opinions. The legal space is full of unoriginal work. To illustrate, an article titled “The Law of Arbitration in India” is not an original academic work. Such an article, like most one reads nowadays, merely summarizes the law on a subject. At best, a paragraph is saved at the end for the author’s own opinion. It is incredibly rare to find new approaches to law, new solutions to legal problems, or strong criticisms of existing legislation and precedent. My advice to anyone wanting to be published – be original and show something new through your writing.

     

    You have received a number of Corporate Awards at your college such as “Best Business Acumen and Awareness” citation and Shri Raian Karanjawala Trophy at ALS, please tell our readers about them.

    Apart from classroom studies, internships and mooting activities I always made it a point to be involved in various committees managing events happening in the University which gave me an overall exposure to what goes behind organising and hosting an event. During the five years of my law college I actively organized the Amity International Moot Court Competition, Amity Quiz on Competition Law, Amity Competition on Law Reforms, Debates etc. According to me, there is no substitute for accuracy in knowledge. Know yourself, know your business, know your men, is the mantra of today’s success. Successful business persons understand the thin line of difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their benefits.

    priyan-garg-2

    I received the citation of “Best in Business Acumen and Awareness” for displaying a charismatic persona, administrative acumen and managerial skills of a high order and the ability to combine compassion with steely resolve.

    I received the Shri Raian Karanjawala Trophy on my convocation which has been constituted in the name of “Shri Raian Karanjawala”, an iconic legal luminary and a distinguished senior lawyer of India. His untiring efforts & contribution towards the development and maturing of legal systems have enhanced the image of India globally. Shri Raian Karanjawala Trophy is bestowed upon the student who has displayed extraordinary zeal and dedication towards learning and imbibing the tenets and spirit of law. Also, the student who has shown praiseworthy performance in corporate courses, interned in law offices/firms and attended conferences and seminars based on corporate laws.

     

    How important is mooting for a law student? Which moot did you enjoy the most, in terms of the organisation and the subject matter? Was there any “dream moot” which you wanted to participate in?

    Aside from academics, mooting is perhaps the most essential activity in a law student’s career. I participated in six moot court competitions focussing primarily on Constitutional Law. One may contest that the arguing system in a moot differs greatly from what one may experience in Court; however, I am of the firm belief that mooting gives one the right level of confidence in arguing etiquette and manner to be able to present cases before a real judge. Further, research being an essential component of any lawyer’s job, mooters will always find themselves at a significant advantage when faced with challenging research propositions at work.

    My favourite moot was the Justice Bodh Raj Sawhny Memorial Moot Court Competition held at NALSAR University. While the moot itself may not compare to others on offer in India, the subject matter – constitutional law – gave participants the opportunity to present unique arguments and step in the shoes of some of our nation’s most eminent senior counsels.

    The Philip C. Jessup moot is perhaps the only competition that comes to mind when I think of a “dream moot”. What is most attractive about this competition is the enormity of the challenge that is qualifying for the international round, the experience of participating alongside the best law schools in the world, and the exceptionally high calibre of judges and mooters alike.

     

    You have done a variety of internships, while focussing on litigation. Were you always inclined towards litigation? What according to you was instrumental towards gaining so many internships?

    I often compare law to medicine. To a layman, the job of a pathologist, while indispensable, doesn’t seem as exciting as that of a surgeon. To someone not yet initiated into the legal fraternity, the distinction between transactional law and litigation can appear similar. There is an indubitable excitement about litigation, about forming strategies and arguing before judges, that makes litigation attractive. It is for this reason that I found myself lured by the field.

    Having said that, interest in a field is not essential to get an internship in that field. Unfortunately, most internships in India are awarded through the applicant’s contacts or network. Where firms or practitioners accept applications, emphasis is usually laid on the candidate’s academic record and university, with secondary regard being given to non-academic achievements. I was very fortunate to have a good academic record, thereby ensuring that many applications were accepted. I also made a conscious effort to apply early and to continue to follow up with the organisation until they sent me a response. I’ve found that applications are not always replied to; “getting after” a firm to view your application is essential.

    Coming from a non-legal background, there was always a hunger in me to learn and explore different fields of law, owing to which I made it a point to intern and apply at a variety of organisations. I was fortunate to intern at a number of premier institutions such as Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC), Additional Solicitor General of India (ASG) Pinky Anand, Geeta Luthra, Hon’ble Justice Ravindra Bhat, Luthra & Luthra Law Offices, Jyoti Sagar Associates, PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Karanjawala & Co., LexisNexis India etc.

     

    You were the Convenor of Legal Entrepreneurship Clinic at ALS. Please share with us in detail, about the activities of the LEC.

    The Legal Entrepreneurship Clinic is a cell run by the students of Amity Law School, Noida. It is the first ever entrepreneurship cell to be formed in any law school across India. The E-Clinic caters to the intellectual and innovative minds that aspire to become legal entrepreneurs and it aims to foster and promote entrepreneurial spirit amongst such students.

    We at LEC organised workshops, panel discussions, seminars and competitions for aspiring entrepreneurs as an initiative to train and encourage their diverse and dormant talents. The Clinic endeavours to act as an incubator to the thoughts and ideas of aspiring lawyers, so as to make them prepared to be able to develop their ideas and concepts into practical business dimensions thereby helping them set up their own start-up. The Clinic works on the same objective as Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship, IIM Ahmedabad, whose main aim is to foster innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

    As a Convenor of LEC, I organised various Wills Camps for the elderly residing in the jurisdiction of Noida, U.P.; panel discussions on the new Company Law Act, 2013 and the latest being a seminar on financial literacy called FLAP – Financial Literacy Awareness Program.

     

    One of your last internships as a student was at LexisNexis India as a Marketing Trainee.  What made you shift from law to management?

    Post my stint as a Campus Ambassador at Lawctopus, I applied to be a Student Ambassador at LexisNexis India in my fourth year of law school. Having been associated with LexisNexis India for an entire year, which is a leading legal, taxation and academic publisher, my inclination towards the organisation increased and I was interested in understanding how a publishing house really operates. During the final semester internship I applied for an internship with the LexisNexis India and joined the Marketing Team as a trainee.

    The primary reason for this shift was my desire to explore the second half of my degree, “Business Administration”. LexisNexis India gave me the opportunity to work in the management domain, though within the legal sphere. Legal and managerial knowledge was essential to the job, and I was lucky to have a degree in both. As the final year was almost ending, I realized that I really did not have much enthusiasm in me for a litigation practice. I found litigation to be very procedural and mundane. Pursuing Corporate Law was another option for me, but I felt that it would restrict me to a very niche field. So I gradually drifted towards going for the Management field and challenge myself beyond my comfort zone.

    Secondly, I have never supported the conventional view of necessarily practicing law after studying law. There are a plethora of avenues out there, waiting to be exploited. I always wanted to use my acquired legal skills in a business environment, my long term aim being to become an entrepreneur. I think law gives you the edge of knowing the regulatory framework well enough, understanding the compliances and understanding the statutory and other measures required and applying them to run a business. I believe people working in organizations in the top positions ought to have a decent understanding of the law, in order to manage business in their top capacities. Discovering a new avenue was my primary motivation in this journey.

     

    As unique as it sounds, tell us about your work as Associate in Charge- Knowledge Resource at Karanjawala & Co., New Delhi. What is your job profile?

    As an Associate in Charge – Knowledge Resource, I look after Business Development & Knowledge Management of the firm. I’m involved in the indirect marketing of the firm by looking after the visibility of the firm. 

    Having worked for 3 years now in the legal marketing profession, I have a sharp view on the marketing of the law firms whilst taking the legal view into account. At Karanjawala & Co. I work with Senior Management and Partners at all levels looking after their Knowledge Management and Business Development – converting potential clients into permanent clients and engaging with even the most sceptical of clients.

    The Job Profile includes:-

    1. Working very closely with The Managing Partner and the Partners on the Marketing Strategies and Business Development of the different practice areas of the firm.
    2. Brand Development
    3. Publications on Legal Media Platforms & Research involved.
    4. Visibility of Firm over different platforms both domestic & international.
    5. Strategic Consulting – Including Business Plans & Marketing Strategy Development.
    6. Preparing Whitepapers for Conferences.
    7. Liaising Strategic Collaborations with Legal Events in the Country and representing the firm in them.
    8. Preparing submissions for legal awards in Indian market & International.
    9. Preparing Write ups and submissions for firm rankings in prominent legal directories such as Asialaw, Chamber & Partners, Indian Business Law Journal, Legal 500 etc.

    What according to you are the skills required to handle Business Development at tier one firms? How does one develop this prowess?

    I have been asked this question a number of times during Guest Lectures and Webinars. According to me for any kind of marketing you need basic understanding of the market, networking with the key people, common sense and passion to take risks and go beyond your comfort zone.

    No Law School or MBA school can really teach you marketing until and unless you practically take it up and convince the people in front why they should listen to you. The most important thing in any role is the willingness to learn and willingness to take a risk of doing something different beyond your set KRA (Key Responsibility Areas). With so much competition in the market and a number of eligible candidates in the pipeline you can only sustain and grow in an organisation if you go beyond what the organisation is expecting out of you. I was lucky to realise this during my final year itself and mould myself accordingly – I studied the Bar Council of India Act extensively and laid down a plan of how legal industry can involve indirect marketing whilst not violating the Act.

    Be it LexisNexis or Karanjawala & Co., for Business Development/ Marketing activities one needs to carry out extensive research to understand the market segment your organisation is serving to and ways in which your law firm can impart knowledge whilst not violating the Bar Council of India Act.

    One of the most important thing for carrying out Business Development is that you need to be a people’s person and have good networking skills, along with a good hold on the language and convincing skills.

     

    Not following the conventional path, lately a lot of graduates are going for the uncharted waters. You being one; tell us the alternative career options for a law graduate.

     One of the most common mistake which the law graduates make these days is by not finding out their true calling and doing something which their peers are doing. Not only does it leave them demotivated after a period of time, it also hampers their CV.

    It is very important for all the law graduates to go beyond the conventional path of litigation and corporate and look for other untapped areas in the legal field. With foreign law firms entering the Indian market in coming years, a number of new career avenues have come up, such as:-

    1. Legal Journalism- A number of legal media websites such as Bar & Bench, Live Law and Legally India recruit law graduates as Publishing Editors, Editors and Reporters. In addition, all the leading newspapers and news channels of the country have a dedicated legal journalism team to cover all the major legal developments in the country.
    2. Legal Editors- All the newspapers and news agencies hire law graduates to work on their legal stories. In addition, legal editors can also work for blogs or write legal content for publishing houses such as LexisNexis & SCC Online.
    3. Business Development- It’s a very desirable combination if an individual knows both law and marketing. Such law graduates are hired by law firms or engaged by litigants to carry out their marketing activities and increase the visibility of firm on different platforms.
    4. Knowledge Management- Knowledge Management at law firms is all about creating, sharing, using and managing the knowledge and information. A number of law firms regularly submit articles for publishing and it is the duty of Knowledge Management Associates to vet these submissions or prepare Whitepapers for conferences.
    5. Head Hunting for Legal Industry- In the present times the process of legal recruitment and transactional shift has become more systematic due to organisations like Vahura and other independent Consultants. Such organisations engage law graduates who have an idea about the market and can find right talent for an organisation.
    6. Corporate Communication- The role of a Corporate Communication Executive is to act like a bridge between the lawyers and clients. It has been a seen a number of times that there’s a gap in communication between the lawyers and clients due to heavy work load. Corporate Communication Team not only keeps the clients updated about their matter but also roll out important developments taking place in the firm to media. Certain law firms also have a process of periodical Newsletters highlighting their monthly achievements and updates which is again taken care by Corporate Communication Team.

     

    Even after getting the most sought after opportunity, why did you choose Knowledge Management & Business Development over Litigation at Karanjawala?

    Firstly, I have never supported the conventional view of necessarily practicing law after studying law. There are a plethora of avenues out there, waiting to be exploited. I always wanted to use my acquired legal skills in a business environment, my long term aim being to become an entrepreneur. I think law gives you the edge of knowing the regulatory framework well enough, understanding compliances and understanding the statutory and other measures required to run a business. I believe people working in organizations in the top positions ought to have a decent understanding of the law, in order to manage business in their top capacities. Discovering a new avenue was my primary motivation in this journey.

    Secondly, the reason for my shift was my desire to explore the second half of my degree, “Business Administration”. First LexisNexis gave me the opportunity to work in the management domain, though within the legal sphere and Second, Knowledge Management and Business Development at Karanjawala & Co. not only challenged me to acquire new skill sets but provided an excellent exposure to work with Senior Management, Partners and GCs of leading Corporates.

    Also, I have come to the realization you can make a name for yourself at a very young age if you can undertake responsibilities not being performed by other.

    Is marketing as equally important for lawyers? 

    With the number of CLAT aspirants increasing every year exponentially, the competition in the legal industry has become top notch and the only way to excel is by doing something what others are not doing. Other than good knowledge of law, it’s very important for lawyers to look after their marketing and networking.

    The marketing activities for lawyers can be as basic as managing an active LinkedIn account to writing blog posts on contemporary issues. LinkedIn in present times, not only helps one to showcase their expertise but also helps you to get in touch with professionals 

    from legal field PAN India. Next, I have seen a number of aggrieved individuals reaching out to Lawyers if they are publishing articles on contemporary issues or issues which are most common in the legal field such as Family Law, Criminal Law or CPC.

    Finally, it all comes down to personal connections and networking. Today, all major cities have organisations & establishments organizing Book Launches and other Panel Discussions. Attending such events not only helps the Lawyers to get updated with law but also enables them to meet and network with a number of people at one place.

    If a lawyer is active on social media and networking events. It’s not surprising if they get an offer to author a book by leading publishing houses or also receive invitations from Institutions either as a judge for Moot Court Competitions or as a Guest Speaker.

    It’s all about showcasing you expertise and being omnipresent in the Legal Industry!!

     

     As a visionary and opportunist, what are your future plans? Where do you see/want to see yourself in the next 5-6 years?

    As a visionary and opportunist I have always followed a motto in life,

    “There is no fun in living a life that you don’t feel proud of. A life where you have just passed your time. Build a list of accomplishments behind you. The learning you will get in the process will transform you and your thinking process completely. That’s what will make you a leader ultimately. There are no short cuts to success. The more grind you undergo- the stronger you become.”

    My future plans involve making my name in Business Development domain and strengthening it with a MBA degree. Also, with the present government being in favour of foreign law firms establishing in India, the domain of Business Development & Knowledge Management has a lot of potential to grow manifolds. With a number of consultation organisations coming up in Indian legal market, this area is going to expand only.

     

     

  • Jaya Kumar, Business Development Manager, J. Sagar Associates, on an unique work experience of Marketing+Law

    Jaya Kumar, Business Development Manager, J. Sagar Associates, on an unique work experience of Marketing+Law

    Jaya Kumar started out as a graduate of English Honours from Sophia College, Mumbai, then moving on to pursue a three-year law from G. J. Advani Law College, Mumbai, from 2005-2008. She decided to take an unconventional path of choosing Marketing over being a legal Associate, by first working with Rainmaker, then Trilegal, further moving on to I&S Associates, a corporate-commercial Indian law firm. She has now been working as a Business Development (BD) – Manager at J. Sagar Associates (JSA) since 2014.

    In this interview, she tells us about:

    • The experience of interning throughout the last two years of law college;
    • The reason behind choosing the managerial aspects of law over the more traditional ones of corporate law or litigation;
    • The experience of having worked for such different kind of firms, along with the different work profile she dealt with for each;
    • Her work as a Business Development Manager.

     

    How would you like to introduce yourself to our readers who are young lawyers and law students?

    I would call myself a lawyer by qualification, currently working as Business Development (BD) – Manager at J. Sagar Associates (JSA). I do understand law, but my interest is more on the marketing side of law. I have completed my English Majors from Sophia College, Mumbai, then proceeding to pursue a three-year law from G. J. Advani Law College, Mumbai.

    I started my career with Rainmaker, followed by Trilegal, then a stint at I&S Associates, and now at JSA.

     

    What prompted you to study law after completing your English Honours?

    I wanted to be a journalist, but as things planned out, I never got accepted in any journalism college, haha! My father kept telling me to opt for law, but I nevertheless reserved it as a backup plan. Thus I didn’t bother to make any serious efforts to apply in all the law colleges. I got accepted in G.J. Advani, and also since I am the third generation lawyer in the family, I opted for law as a career. However, I had no idea about the BD aspect of law. My internship at Rainmaker helped me to understand the details of marketing/ BD in the legal industry.  It was a new concept for me, and it sounded different and interesting.

     

    You are a graduate of the 3 years LL.B course from G. J. Advani Law College. Please tell us a little about your law school days. What kind of internships did you do?

    I was doing two internships simultaneously during the law college days (starting from the second year), one with a senior lawyer, Ms. Neelofar Akhtar at a Family Court, and the second one with Rainmaker, founded and co-founded by Mr. Sachin Malhan, Mr. Bhavin Patel and Mr. Ritvik Lukose, and they had just started developing products for the legal industry. My college timings were from 6: 30 am till 11: 30 am. I used to then go to the Family Court till 3: 00 pm, and thereafter to Rainmaker. I was trying to absorb as much as I could, in those two years.

     

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    What were your areas of interest during your graduation? How did you go about developing expertise and knowledge in these areas?

    As I mentioned earlier about my two internships, I was most interested in practical knowledge. Law for me was vast and strange till the first year, but by the second year, it started making sense in terms of both the theory and the marketing bit of the industry, because of the internships.

     

    Did you find that your law school education had prepared you sufficiently for the many tasks you were required to execute during your internships and later at your job?

    A law college only teaches you the theory part of the law, and not the aspect of marketing yourself or the firm, but I took it as a new curve in my growth, and learnt the unusual. Also, because I chose a different stream of work in the legal fraternity, I had more need of the practical aspect of the field of law, rather than the theory. Ironically, I never interned in any law firm, but I learnt on the job with Vahura, Trilegal, I&S Associates, and now JSA.

     

    Right after graduation, you joined Rainmaker as an Associate in their Sales and Marketing Department. What prompted you to choose the field of Marketing? How did you secure your appointment at Rainmaker?

    I applied directly to Rainmaker for an internship, and it all started from there. By my second year of college, I realised that if I put in more efforts, I can be a good marketing professional. After my internship, I decided to join Rainmaker as an employee, and started handling the Sales and Marketing for the Western India.

     

    What comprised your work in the Sales and Marketing Department as an Associate? What were the responsibilities you were entrusted with?

    At Rainmaker, we were developing products for law students and lawyers, especially litigating lawyers, and also people interested in LPOs. It involved travelling and meeting law schools, litigating lawyers and budding lawyers for whom joining LPOs was a good career option.

     

    Why have you chosen this particular avenue of Marketing and Business Development, and why not legal practice at a Corporate Law Firm?

    At my stint at Rainmaker, which is also a recruiting company for lawyers, I had not come across anyone doing BD as a full time job. After Rainmaker, I joined Trilegal and realised this is what I like, and because it was a different kind of work in the industry, I believed that the value of this kind of work will have more avenues once the market opens for international firms. At Trilegal, I had an opportunity to work with Allen & Overy (A&O), when the firms had a referral relationship. It was very exciting to work in that setup, and it made my decision stronger to do BD for a law firm, rather than provide a legal opinion, or do transactions.

     

     

    What led to your recruitment at Trilegal? Tell us about your recruitment process at Trilegal to our readers.

    When I was looking to move from Rainmaker, my mentor’s (at Rainmaker) wife was doing BD at Trilegal, and she was looking for a junior, as Trilegal was looking to build a BD team at the firm. He recommended my name to her. Mr. Karan Singh then interviewed me, and as I had some experience in sales and marketing, I was taken on board. I was lucky to work at Trilegal.

     

    Our readers would like to know about your work profile as an Associate of Business Development in a Top-tier law firm in India.

    As a BD professional, I am involved in the indirect marketing of the firm by assisting in the visibility of the firm. I assist the partners and the firm, as a whole, to maintain their presence in the market. Sector tapping and industry intelligence is another part of my job, along with helping the firm market itself, both nationally and internationally.

     

    What kind of Business Development skills should one require working in a Top-tier law firm like Trilegal?

    No law school or MBA school can teach you marketing in a legal firm, but the most important thing that one should have is the will to learn and take a risk of doing something different from the peers. Be it Trilegal or any other law firm, at a starting point, one should research well  on things such as what BD of a legal firm actually means, why a law firm is not allowed to market themselves, and what the difference between a direct and an indirect marketing is. Knowing some law helps, but even if you don’t have a law degree, you can still join the BD team. These skills can only be learnt on the job, but if BD is what one wants to be a part of, one has to be a people’s person, along with having a good hold on the language.

     

    You have worked with Trilegal [Mumbai office] for nearly 2 years and 5 months, as an Associate of Business Development of the firm. Share your work experience in brief to our readers. Was the work schedule hectic at times?

    Trilegal was the first law firm I worked at. My practical learning of BD at a law firm started then. I was lucky to work at Trilegal, and at a time when they had a referral relationship with A&O, it broadened my platform of learning. I did put in long hours, as I was new to the concept of BD, and I really wanted to understand and learn this side of the legal sector. Trilegal was very supportive.

     

    How did you start working at I&S Associates?

    I wanted to start growing as a professional and start implementing BD strategies, rather than only execute them. A friend who knew about an opening in I&S helped me get an interview slot there, and hence the job.

     

    You have worked with I&S Associates as a Head of the Strategy and Relationship segment. Tell us about your work experience at I&S Associates.

    I&S was a small firm founded by Ms. Anuradha Iyer and Ms. Bakhtiar Sunavala,and it gave me a way to start implementing my ideas. The partners were very cooperative and understanding about the new concept of BD. I was in I&S for two years.

     

    Currently, you are working as a Business Development Manager of J. Sagar Associates. How did you secure your appointment at J. Sagar Associates? Did you get an offer from the firm?

    JSA Mumbai was looking for someone who can do BD for their firm, and my name was recommended by Ms. Anuradha Iyer to Mr. Akshay Chudasama, who was looking to expand the BD team, and he then interviewed me. I then met Mr. Berjis Desai and Ms. Dina Wadia for the final confirmation. I was fortunate that they offered me the BD – Manager position.

     

    How difficult would you say it is, changing workplaces and creating a comfort zone all over again?

    With experience, it’s just a matter of time about how professional you are to be able adjust in a new place. One has to understand the culture of the firm, and take baby steps to make their mark. In my view, it’s not difficult to create a comfort zone all over again if the person is willing to learn. There are adjustments in any new place, but we have to learn to gel and focus on the growth, and other things will fall into place.

     

    Kindly walk us through your role at JSA. How different is it being a Business Development Manager from an Attorney?

    As the BD – Manager of the firm, I assist the firm in sustaining their visibility in the market. My role is to assist the partners and the firm as a whole, to develop new client relationship and strengthen the existing client relationships that we have. I help with the client events, deal submissions, cross – selling, proposals and pitches, attending conferences and also helping the partners to attend the relevant conferences/ seminars, rebranding, market intelligence and sector tapping, help the attorneys network etc.

     

    What are the main qualities that one should acquire to be successful in the Business Development field? Please share with our readers.

    Patience is the key to be successful, and as there are no specific courses or graphs that one can follow, it takes time to get the grip of the type of role a BD person needs to do. Also as attorneys are mostly busy with the deals, a BD person needs to follow up, not once, not twice, but several times, to get the information from them, and then send it out to the public domain. This needs patience, and an understanding that BD is important, but delivery to the client is also important for the partners and attorneys. As they juggle between everything, all they need is our support to market what they work on.

     

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    How is your experience so far? What is your workday like? Are there new challenges every day or did work fall into a predictable pattern?

    My experience has been very good till date. I am fortunate to have worked with the best since I started my journey. As all of us know that with lawyers nothing is predictable, and thus, most days are filled with some or the other kind of work. The category of work may be similar, but different clients have different demands. I am informed of these demands by the attorneys, and then I have to customise the research and information. Challenges are there, but with JSA being a very supportive and cooperative firm, work gets on time.

     

    What would be your parting message to law students who want to be successful in the Business Development field, and want to work as a BD Manager in a top-tier law firm like you?

    Nothing comes easy, so remember to have patience, and do not shy away from the hard work. As a BD professional, you will be the odd one out in the firm, but let that work in your favour, rather than making you feel lost. BD is an important function of the firm, so put your best foot forward to understand which firm requires what kind of BD, since some will need aggressive marketing, while some only need their visibility to be sustained.  Do your research on the firm and the partners of the firm well.

    Choose the right firms, but always choose the learning before anything.

  • Suveer Bajaj, Co-founder, FoxyMoron, on Digital Marketing, law, and plans for the future

    Suveer Bajaj, Co-founder, FoxyMoron, on Digital Marketing, law, and plans for the future

    suveer-bajaj-3Suveer Bajaj pursued LL.B. from the University of Mumbai, batch of 2012. Prior to that, he had pursued his BMS in Marketing. He is the founding partner of FoxyMoron, a Digital Marketing Company, which is mainly functioning from New Delhi and Mumbai. The company has eminent clients like The L’Oreal Group, Bacardi India, Castrol, Fosters, The Cadbury Group, Asian Paints, The World Wide Media Group, AXN India, VIP Industries, Rajasthan Royals, Quikr and has nine offices between New Delhi and Mumbai.

    In this interview we speak to him about:

    • The switch from law to marketing
    • Essentials for being a successful marketeer.
    • The mechanism behind the rapid growth of FoxyMoron.

     

    What motivated you to pursue law?

    Law was always the first option for me from an academic perspective right from the time I was old enough to decide what I wanted to study. It definitely wasn’t a virtue of chance. It was a well-educated decision; one I had actually been looking forward to for quite a while before I actually even started studying law.

     

    How would you describe the chronicles of your college life?

    I always kept myself active and busy through my college days. I started working literally one week after I got out of school. I actively participated in a number of college activities including the Rotaract club, represented my college in almost every inter-collegiate festival and went on to creating a Model UN session for my college which at the time, was the largest college level MUN in Mumbai. I interned actively through my summers and eventually started FoxyMoron in the summer of 2008 after I completed my second year of degree college. This required me to pull odd hours and double up on both my academic and social life, but I was more than happy to make the sacrifice while in college.

     

    Tell us about your experience as a Space Intern of the renowned newspaper Indian Express.

    I interned with the Indian Express Group in the summer of 2007, which was my first summer in degree college. I worked under the direct mentorship under the (then) General Manager of Space Marketing, also known as ad sales. I learned the ropes of how ad sales were done and actively worked with all teams to understand how the dynamic of print advertising works with various departments. It was my first formal interaction with sales targets, corporate discounts and the IRS. We whiled away our lunch breaks at the art room watching how tediously the art directors created the lovely print ads we see in newspapers today.

     

    What are the essential ingredients to become a successful marketer?

    There is an age old saying: Sales and Marketing go hand in hand. Neither comes first and neither comes second. In order to understand the ethos of marketing, I think it is important for a good marketer to step out of the grid and start understanding a client’s business objectives as opposed to restricting his horizon to merely a client’s advertising or communication objectives. A good marketer must know how to ad value to his client to extent that he becomes an integral part of the client’s business and thereby becomes indispensable to the business life cycle. Good marketing is always object oriented and resolution led.

     

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    How do you think knowing law benefits an entrepreneur?

    Sound legal knowledge can help any person in any walk of life. Especially whilst doing business. For instance, in the case of FoxyMoron, my legal knowledge assisted me in drafting my initial partnership agreement and leave and license agreement. At a very young age, we were in a position to understand business risk and could therefore account for its protection. An understanding of company law ensured that as an organization, we were compliant with the various different aspects of “business.” By virtue of the industry that we function in, an introduction to Intellectual Property Law helped in ensuring that our creatives were royalty-managed. All in all, from a business structuring and risk assessment perspective, understanding the law has really assist in the speedy growth of our organization. It has ensured that our growth has been rapid and we haven’t been slowed down by heavy law firms. It has ensured that we create an environment in which we are well aware of our rights and responsibilities and can function independently as empowered entrepreneurs.

     

    How did you choose your co-founder?

    The birth of FoxyMoron was a joint decision that we all made collectively. We were all friends well before we started working together.The best advice I can offer people who are looking forward to collaboration with friends is to learn how to keep your personal and professional lives apart. Remember, that by day, you are colleagues, but by night, you are still friends and will still socialize together. Work must never compromise a friendship and neither must a friendship compromise work.

     

    What are the prime hurdles that a non-lawyer entrepreneur has to come across?

    One of the prime hurdles that a non-lawyer entrepreneur may have to overcome is insolence due to naivety. It is common with most people that do not know the law to be intimidated by it. It is even more common for people who do not know the law to be taken advantage of, whether commercially or in spirit. Business houses have large legal departments and are often represented by big firms across the company. This by itself can be intimidating. Legal understanding helps put entrepreneurs at par with larger organizations in terms of negotiation. It enables entrepreneurs to understand the extents of their rights and therefore enables them (us) to empower themselves.

     

    Tell us about your journey with FoxyMoron so far.

    Our journey has been fabulous. We started with just the four of us, with four laptops, with no seed capital, in my bed room. It’s been six long and fun years and we have grown to a family of over 200 with nine offices between Bombay and Delhi. We represent some of the country’s biggest consumer brands and are powered by a young, talented, enthusiastic bunch of twenty-something year olds that are determined to change the digital landscape in India. Our work has gotten us recognition across the world and has received several awards and accolades. Business has grown organically; both in size and scale. It has been a joyous journey, salt and peppered with a lot of ups and downs, a lot of hurdles, sacrifices and compromised.

     

    What kind of internships would be beneficial for law students who want to pursue entrepreneurship?

    For any students who want to pursue entrepreneurship, the best kind of internships are in start-ups. In a start-up, one is made to do literally everything. The exposure that one gains from working in a startup is unmatched. The experience of watching and contributing to the growth, structure and sustainability of a business is what shapes many vocational choices in life. The fact that you will interact personally with top management, the fact that you will do work that isn’t only limited to data entry, the fact that you might have the opportunity to walk into a meeting with a CEO of your client’s company. The journey of a start-up is un-paralleled.

     

    How did you get to work with such big brands in just five years of presence?

    (FoxyMoron has served imminent clients like The L’Oreal Group, Bacardi India, Castrol, Fosters, The Cadbury Group, Asian Paints, The World Wide Media Group, AXN India, VIP Industries, Rajasthan Royals, Quikr.)

    In India, most businesses are relationship based. Two things that we have really managed to do right over the last five years is:
    (1) To retain business that we work with year on year. Most of the clients that we work with are happy to have us back renew contracts annually.
    (2) Penetrate large business houses. You may start working with one brand from an organization, but it is important to be able to expand horizontally and vertically inside organization. Working with multiple brands from the same group often assists in sound understanding of the industry and hence helps offer an acute domain specialty.

    And of course, at the end of the day, your work speaks for itself! Good work manages to get around, get noticed and pick up a few awards along the way.

     

    Do you think Delhi is a better place to start-up in comparison to other metropolitans?

    At present, my work base is still very much Bombay. We have set up shop in Delhi last year and are, in fact, inaugurating our second office in Delhi today, but we are very much head quartered out of Bombay and I very much still operate of Bombay. The capital, however, presents currently, a wonderful diaspora of opportunity. A lot of brands have now shifted head quarters to Gurgoan and hence from a client opportunity stand point, Delhi (Gurgoan) is gold mine from a business perspective.

     

    What are your thoughts about raising capital for FoxyMoron from investors?

    FoxyMoron has always been a business that has grown organically year on year. Our limited business understanding has ensured that our business has been in the green since year one itself. Services businesses are usually not capital heavy and hence do not require sizable capital to scale. It has never been our intention to raise capital from investors or therefore, offer equity in exchange for the same. One of the best decisions we made while scaling the business was to retain the independence of running the business as flexibly as we wanted. Allow it to naturally take the shape that it has and come through its journey to reach a point of stability.

     

    When you hire people under you, what kind of skills and profile do you look for?

    When we hire people, we look for people that have a flair for communication and have a zest to learn. In our line of work, we understand that it is hard to come by people that have relevant work experience and are happy to take on freshers and train them. We have a robust training, learning & development program and have recently appointed a Chief Learning Office (CLO) to help up skill our teams and keep them up to speed. Students can help develop skills by consistently reading good literature, following international advertising and interacting with Digital Media themselves.

     

    Does the knowledge of law help to have any edge in marketing?

    With digital and content marketing, the understanding of Intellectual Property Law is a necessity. The internet is a cess-pool for infringement of IP. The bridge in terms of Law and Digital Marketing definitely lies in understanding IP law and it’s bearings.

     

    Is there scope of legal internships in FoxyMoron?

    Yes, we do take on legal interns through the year. Applicants can write to us at careers@foxymoron.org

     

    What is your message for law students who want to pursue entrepreneurship?

    Don’t over think things! As lawyers, we are taught to over think everything five times – often, that is the biggest mistake an entrepreneur can make or can get slowed down by. Entrepreneurship is a virtue of gut and instinct. While it is important to be a little thoughtful and conservative in our approach, they only way the ball rolls is when we stop thinking and start doing. Entrepreneurship is about checking things off the to-do list. Not adding more things on.