Super Lawyer

Tag: Media & Entertainment

  • “The TMT field moves too fast, and the opportunities are extraordinary for lawyers who master the hybrid skillset.” – Roopam Verma, Partner at IRIS Legal.

    “The TMT field moves too fast, and the opportunities are extraordinary for lawyers who master the hybrid skillset.” – Roopam Verma, Partner at IRIS Legal.

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

    Sir, you have built an impressive career spanning over 18 years across a top-tier law firm, a broadcasting company, a multinational IT consulting giant, and now as Corporate, TMT and Fintech Lead Partner at IRIS Legal. How has this diverse journey shaped your expertise, and what inspired your transition into private practice leadership?

    My journey at Khaitan & Co. gave me the essential foundation every lawyer needs, the ability to spot issues, conduct thorough research, and build watertight arguments. That big law firm environment teaches you precision and attention to detail.

    But the real transformation came in-house as Associate General Counsel at Capgemini and Senior Lead Counsel at Ten Sports. I discovered that being legally correct isn’t always the same as being commercially useful. You’re not just analyzing what the law says—you’re figuring out how to make business objectives happen within legal boundaries. I learned to ask different questions: How can we structure this deal so it actually gets done? What’s the smartest way to navigate regulatory requirements without stalling progress? It was a shift from binary yes-or-no answers to providing a menu of options with a solution-oriented mindset.

    After gaining this dual exposure, I returned to private practice with something unique to offer: not just legal expertise, but genuine understanding of how businesses actually operate. Now, as the Corporate, TMT, and Fintech Lead Partner at IRIS Legal, I bring that business-first perspective to everything I do. My clients get practical, informed advice that helps them achieve their goals. I’ll flag the risks that matter, but I won’t derail a good deal over theoretical concerns. At the end of the day, successful legal practice is about enabling business success, not preventing it.

    During your early years at Khaitan & Co, you worked on cross-border and domestic M&A, private equity, and joint ventures. Which experiences from that period continue to influence how you approach corporate and technology-driven transactions today?

    My Khaitan years were foundational in several ways. The cross-border work taught me to map regulatory complexity upfront rather than discover deal-breakers halfway through—crucial now in tech and fintech deals. Working with PE firms helped me understand commercial dynamics and evaluate legal structures through a risk-return lens. Joint ventures taught me stakeholder management across different corporate cultures—invaluable when working with multinational tech companies with different risk appetites and decision-making processes. Most importantly, that M&A training instilled rigorous due diligence and issue-spotting skills—the ability to quickly distinguish between genuine deal risks and ‘nice to have’ cleanups that can wait.

    You later transitioned into the media and entertainment space, handling high-stakes content acquisition and cross-border broadcasting deals. How did this experience broaden your legal skillset compared to traditional corporate and technology law?

    The transition to Ten Sports was a complete game-changer. I moved from the law firm hierarchy to reporting directly to the CEO, contributing in strategy discussions with brilliant minds from IIMs, IITs, and major financial institutions where business decisions happened in real time. We were doing creative cross-border structuring to establish global presence for a popular sport, coordinating with international firms across time zones on tight deadlines in a relentless, fast-paced environment.

    What made this particularly exciting was that broadcasting regulations in India were being completely redefined. Unlike traditional corporate work with periodic regulatory interaction, broadcasting required constant regulator engagement, anticipating policy changes, and building compliance into deal structures from day one. There were no established playbooks, so innovation was essential in structuring untested solutions.

    This experience fundamentally changed my approach—teaching me to think several moves ahead, build flexibility into structures for rapidly evolving frameworks, and integrate legal solutions with real-time business needs. Those skills have been invaluable in complex technology and fintech transactions where innovation often outpaces regulation.

    In your role at Capgemini, you managed various high stake legal portfolios, led complex software licensing and cloud transformation deals, and negotiations. What were some of the most challenging aspects of these negotiations, especially in the software and cloud service space, and how did you navigate them?

    As Associate General Counsel-North Americas at Capgemini, managing high-stake software licensing and cloud transformation deals required navigating multifaceted challenges under tight timelines while balancing cross-jurisdictional jurisprudence and business expectations across EMEA, APAC, and Americas—each with distinct data sovereignty and regulatory frameworks.

    Some of the critical negotiation points centered around licensee’s rights on original source code, ownership of developed IP, royalty and revenue split models, managing third-party and open-source components, establishing robust escrow mechanisms with clear release conditions, post-termination IP treatment including perpetual licenses and wind-down periods, the binding nature of revenue forecasts where clients wanted flexibility while we needed commitment, and structuring appropriate liability caps and indemnification with adequate representations and warranties.

    The key to timely deal closure was maintaining preparedness with legal alternate solutions to navigate negotiation impasses—whether through hybrid licensing models, phased implementations, or creative commercial structuring that addressed both parties’ underlying interests.

    With extensive experience in software, digital, IoT, and 5G technologies, what do you see as the most pressing legal challenges in the TMT sector today, particularly around cloud services, outsourcing, and cross-border data regulation?

    From my experience, the most pressing challenge is implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 while preserving India’s competitive edge as a global technology hub. Organizations are navigating the delicate balance between data localization requirements, cross-border transfer mechanisms, and serving global clients across multiple jurisdictions. This becomes particularly complex in cloud and outsourcing contexts where Indian service providers must reconcile DPDP Act obligations with clients’ home country regulations—whether GDPR, CCPA, or sector-specific frameworks—often requiring sophisticated contractual architectures and sometimes separate processing environments.

    Secondly, there’s significant regulatory uncertainty around cloud services and emerging technologies. While DPDP Act rules are still being notified, sectoral regulators like RBI, SEBI, and IRDAI are issuing parallel guidelines, creating a complex compliance matrix. For cloud services, we’re seeing ambiguity around ‘significant data fiduciary’ classification, liability allocation between providers and customers, and critical information infrastructure obligations. In 5G and IoT, clarity remains limited on device security standards, edge computing liability, and supply chain security requirements.

    The key is building flexible compliance frameworks that adapt as regulations evolve, while ensuring legal rigor doesn’t stifle India’s innovation advantage. Success requires proactive regulatory engagement and translating regulatory complexity into pragmatic operational solutions.

    Having advised on M&A and strategic business transfers in technology and IP-driven sectors, what are the most critical considerations that companies and their legal counsel should keep in mind when structuring such deals?

    One of the most critical considerations is comprehensive IP due diligence that goes beyond ownership verification to understand value creation architecture. This means mapping registered IP, unregistered trade secrets, open-source dependencies with potential viral licensing obligations, third-party components, and ensuring proper assignment agreements exist for contractor and employee-developed IP. I’ve seen deals nearly collapse when acquirers discovered core technology relied on restrictively-licensed open-source libraries or that critical IP was personally owned by founders rather than the company.

    Equally important is analyzing transferability—whether customer agreements contain change-of-control provisions and ensuring data privacy compliance for cross-border transfers post-transaction under DPDP Act and GDPR. In IP-driven businesses, talent retention often matters more than IP, as innovation resides in people—structuring proper rebadging, enforceable earn-outs, retention bonuses, and non-competes while maintaining team morale is essential.

    The key lesson is that technology M&A requires legal counsel to think like business strategists and technologists, structuring appropriate representations and indemnities that fairly allocate IP-related risks.

    As a leader at IRIS Legal, you advise clients on both complex technology transactions and broader corporate advisory matters. Managing such a high-profile, demanding career alongside personal commitments can be challenging. How have you approached work-life balance, and what strategies have helped you manage both professional and personal priorities effectively?

    Work-life balance in demanding legal practice requires intentional strategies. At IRIS Legal, we’ve found several approaches effective.

    • First, creating clear time boundaries is critical. AI has made life significantly simpler by automating routine research and tasks, allowing us to work more strategically. When pressing deadlines or client emergencies arise, we put in the hours needed to deliver excellence. However, we encourage our team to leave early when there’s no immediate deadline—preventing burnout and maintaining long-term productivity.
    • Second, we’ve implemented a hybrid work model combining office collaboration for complex matters with focused, interruption-free time for deep work. Every day begins with a 15-minute priority discussion to align on what needs immediate attention versus what can wait—this simple practice brings remarkable clarity to otherwise chaotic days.
    • Finally, we leverage technology strategically — using AI extensively for research and routine tasks to free mental bandwidth for high-value, strategic work that truly requires our expertise. We also follow a 15-minute rule, prioritizing tasks that can be completed quickly to prevent small matters from accumulating into overwhelming backlogs.

    These strategies help us maintain high client service standards while preserving personal time and team well-being.

    Finally, what advice would you give to young lawyers aspiring to build careers in technology, especially those contemplating whether to start in a law firm or an in-house role?

    My advice is simple: in TMT, technology literacy is as critical as legal expertise. You need solid legal fundamentals, business acumen, and genuine tech fluency—not surface knowledge, but actual understanding of how tech such as AI models work, how cloud architectures function, how platforms handle data. I’ve seen talented lawyers struggle because they couldn’t grasp what their clients were building.

    I’d recommend starting at a specialized firm for 2-3 years to get breadth—exposure to how different companies handle tech governance, cross-border data flows, emerging tech compliance—then moving in-house to understand how legal advice translates into product reality.

    Staying current is non-negotiable. I follow AI researchers, read tech blogs as much as legal updates, and track policy developments constantly. When new regulations drop—which happens monthly—you need to understand both the regulatory requirements and technical implementation.

    The lawyers succeeding in TMT can walk into meetings with engineers and speak their language, then explain regulatory implications to the C-suite. The traditional ‘learn law first, industry knowledge later’ approach doesn’t work in TMT—the field moves too fast, and the opportunities are extraordinary for lawyers who master this hybrid skillset.

    Get in touch with Roopam Verma –

  • “Media and IP law is a fascinating field – creative, fast-moving, and filled with opportunities, but it also takes time to find your footing.” – Thomas Joseph, Vice President – Legal at ITW Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

    “Media and IP law is a fascinating field – creative, fast-moving, and filled with opportunities, but it also takes time to find your footing.” – Thomas Joseph, Vice President – Legal at ITW Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

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

    With over a decade of experience behind you, what initially drew you to the field of media, entertainment, and technology law as your niche area of practice? Were there any specific instances or experiences in your early career that inspired this choice?

    While I was pursuing my undergraduate studies in law, I found myself naturally drawn to intellectual property law. It was the subject that most piqued my interest and felt aligned with my strengths, which led me to pursue a master’s degree specializing in IP law. I would say that I chanced into the niche of media and entertainment, rather than setting out with a deliberate plan.

    While at BananaIP Counsels, a boutique IP law firm based out of Bengaluru, where I started my career, an opportunity came up for a secondment with Yash Raj Films Pvt. Ltd., one of the most prominent film production houses in India. I happened to be available at the time and willing to make the move from Bengaluru to Mumbai. That secondment turned out to be the defining moment in my career – it exposed me to the world of media and entertainment law in a very hands-on way and sparked an enduring interest in the field.

    Over time, that interest organically expanded into the technology space, mirroring the broader industry shift from traditional theatrical models to digital streaming and content distribution. It’s been a rewarding journey watching the intersection of IP, media, and tech evolve – and being able to grow along with it.

    What motivated you to pursue law as a career in the first place? How was your experience pursuing your LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law at NLU Jodhpur, and in what ways has that specialization shaped or benefited your professional journey?

    I’d have to be absolutely transparent here: I’d be lying if I said I always wanted to be a lawyer. Growing up, I explored several career paths, and even when the time came to make a serious decision, I didn’t have a clear plan. Like most parents, mine nudged me toward becoming an engineer or a doctor. But the problem was, I was genuinely terrible at math and chemistry. To this day, integration, differentiation, and organic chemistry remain terrifying concepts! That’s when the idea of law entered the picture – something that seemed respectable enough to satisfy my parents (especially since my father was once a lawyer), and doable enough for me to take a chance on.

    That’s how I ended up in law, and while my entry wasn’t driven by some lifelong calling, I’ve loved every moment of it since. The learning process, the anxiety of the early years, the timidness in client calls, the thrill of my first contract closure – it’s been a rewarding journey in every sense.

    Pursuing my LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law at NLU Jodhpur was a pivotal experience. I still vividly remember stepping onto campus and being immediately overwhelmed by the sheer intellectual energy around me. While I already had a budding interest in IP law, the environment at NLU Jodhpur – exceptional professors, a rigorous curriculum, and fiercely bright batchmates – amplified that interest manifold. Some of my most valuable lessons came not just from the faculty, but from my peers, who constantly challenged me to think sharper and work harder.

    The academic foundation I received there has consistently supported me in my professional life, especially during complex negotiations. The theoretical grounding in IP law has helped me back my legal arguments with confidence and clarity. I truly credit NLU Jodhpur for deepening my interest in intellectual property and for equipping me with the tools that continue to shape my practice to this day.

    You began your career with a prominent IP law firm. How did that experience help deepen your understanding of intellectual property law, and what aspects of that role proved to be particularly beneficial in building your foundation?

    I began my career with BananaIP Counsels, a boutique IP law firm based in Bengaluru. For any young lawyer keen on intellectual property law, I’d say it’s one of the best places to start – and that’s coming from firsthand experience. The kind of exposure and practical learning I received there helped build a solid foundation that I continue to rely on to this day.

    In the initial months, I was completely immersed in trademarks, copyrights, and designs, primarily focused on registration and prosecution work. BananaIP managed a massive portfolio for clients across diverse sectors, most of which were still at the prosecution stage. I was part of a two-member team handling the entire portfolio, which meant I was thrown into the deep end very early on. It was intense, but incredibly enriching. That level of responsibility so early in my career helped me develop a strong grip on the basics and a sense of confidence in client-facing work. One of the things I particularly enjoyed was engaging with clients, understanding their businesses, their concerns, and helping them make informed decisions. 

    The first contract I ever worked on was a software development agreement, and it was anything but simple. At the time, I felt like I was stretching every intellectual muscle I had, even though in hindsight, my contribution was probably quite limited! Still, I remember enjoying the process thoroughly – it was a taste of what was to come.

    The secondment with Yash Raj Films, as I mentioned earlier, was a turning point. It marked my entry into the world of film production agreements, artist contracts, licensing and merchandising arrangements – areas I wouldn’t have accessed so early in my career if not for that opportunity. I firmly believe that I have had takeaways from each and every contract that I have worked on, and the negotiations around them.

    While I may not have applied it consistently over the years, one lesson from my time at BananaIP that has stayed with me is the understanding that a contract doesn’t need to be 50 or 100 pages long to be effective. I learned this early on under the guidance of Dr. Kalyan C. Kankanala, the Managing Partner. With the right language and clarity, even a concise document can robustly protect a client’s interests. It’s a principle I continue to keep in mind with every deal I work on.

    After your time with the law firm, you transitioned into in-house legal roles. What prompted that shift, and what differences did you observe in terms of work culture, responsibilities, and expectations between law firm and corporate legal environments?

    The engagement with Yash Raj Films (YRF) gave me an initial taste of the in-house life – though not entirely, since it was still a secondment. I was technically still a firm representative, embedded within a corporate setup. That said, I was dedicated exclusively to YRF and found myself enjoying what seemed like the relatively comfortable pace of an in-house role. Being in the media and entertainment space definitely had its allure as well, and I was keen to explore the other side. 

    But I soon realised how misleading that perception was!

    When I eventually transitioned into a full-fledged in-house role, I quickly understood that the challenges are very real – just different from those in a law firm setting. Gone were the days where I could present multiple legal options to a client and leave the final decision to them. As in-house counsel, you’re not just an advisor – you’re a stakeholder. The responsibility to safeguard the organisation’s interests rests squarely on your shoulders, and that burden isn’t one to be taken lightly.

    You have to own every piece of advice you give, make judgment calls with clarity, and ensure that risks are mitigated to the greatest extent possible. It’s a role that demands both precision and accountability.

    While I do sometimes appreciate not having to worry about business development targets – something law firm lawyers are always chasing – I’ve also come to understand just how critical relationship building is within an in-house setup. Whether it’s negotiating a contract or resolving a dispute, trust and rapport with internal teams and external partners make all the difference in getting things done efficiently.

    During your time at Sony Pictures Networks, you dealt with a wide range of legal responsibilities, from content acquisition and syndication to anti-piracy and artist engagement. What were some of the major legal or strategic challenges you encountered in that role?

    My time at Sony Pictures Networks was incredibly enriching and dynamic. I was brought on board specifically to handle the legal work for Sony’s sports network of channels – a significant shift from my prior experience, which had been largely focused on films. That transition itself was a steep learning curve. Sports broadcasting brought with it a whole new set of commercial structures, rights frameworks, and timelines. But it also offered a fantastic opportunity to expand my understanding of the broader media ecosystem and quickly adapt to a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

    We had a very lean team at Sony, which came with its advantages. The exposure I received there was tremendous—not only in terms of the volume of work but also the variety. Fortunately, Sony as an organisation extended to me the flexibility to go beyond sports, and I had the opportunity to work on transactions related to entertainment content as well—both regional and international. This included production agreements, satellite service arrangements, IT services, and more. It gave me a well-rounded perspective of the business and the interconnectivity between various content verticals.

    The breadth of work – from content acquisition and syndication to anti-piracy, platform distribution, marketing, and brand partnerships – meant that no two days were ever the same. I particularly enjoyed working on contracts related to Sony’s digital streaming platform, SonyLIV. It was exciting to be part of the team navigating the legal landscape for a platform that was growing rapidly and experimenting with new formats, content categories, and user engagement models. Drafting and negotiating deals for SonyLIV required a different lens, one that considered evolving consumption patterns, dynamic digital rights, and a constantly shifting regulatory backdrop.

    One of the major legal and strategic challenges I encountered was in the area of content acquisition and syndication, particularly in navigating the complexities of rights management across multiple platforms and territories. With the growing dominance of digital platforms and shifting consumer behaviours, it became crucial to ensure that the licensing frameworks we were working with were future-ready, accounting for evolving monetisation models like OTT distribution, catch-up rights, and platform-specific windows. Negotiating these deals required a strong grasp of both legal nuance and business strategy, especially when dealing with high-value content.

    Anti-piracy was another area that stood out as both challenging and rewarding. The legal framework was only part of the solution – what truly made a difference was working cross-functionally with technical teams, content security partners, and external counsel to develop a holistic strategy. We had to move fast, be proactive, and often act under significant time pressure to protect high-value broadcast properties from unauthorised distribution online.

    Overall, my time at Sony helped sharpen my commercial acumen just as much as my legal skills. I was fortunate to work alongside brilliant business and creative minds, and I walked away with a deeper understanding of how to structure deals that are legally sound, commercially viable, and operationally practical.

    As Vice President – Legal now, you manage complex global commercial contracts across industries like media, gaming, and cryptocurrency. How did you navigate legal challenges in emerging and often uncertain areas like cryptocurrency, where the regulatory framework is still developing?

    As Vice President – Legal at ITW Consulting Pvt. Ltd., a leading sports marketing consultancy, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a wide spectrum of sectors, including cryptocurrency platforms and brokers. While our core domain is sports marketing, our client base is incredibly diverse, and increasingly includes players from emerging sectors like crypto who are keen on expanding their market footprint through promotional campaigns and activations.

    One of the more nuanced legal challenges in this space has been navigating the advertising and marketing compliance landscape for crypto-related clients. The regulatory framework around cryptocurrency in India continues to evolve and remains somewhat fragmented, particularly in the context of promotion and advertising. This makes it critical for us to be proactive and cautious when facilitating campaigns for such clients, especially those involving high-visibility assets like athlete endorsements, jersey branding, and on-ground activations during major sporting events.

    Advertising, particularly in the crypto space, is highly dynamic. Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen increased scrutiny from regulators and self-regulatory bodies like the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). The ASCI guidelines, for instance, mandate that all crypto-related ads carry specific disclaimers, avoid misleading statements, and are framed in a way that ensures consumer awareness of the associated risks. These requirements apply not just to traditional media but also to digital formats, influencer-led promotions, and branded content.

    In our role, we take it upon ourselves to closely monitor regulatory developments and ensure that the marketing campaigns we help structure are fully compliant. This involves vetting creatives, advising on appropriate language and disclaimers, coordinating with talent managers to ensure alignment with endorsement regulations, and flagging any potential reputational or legal exposure to both the client and the sporting entities involved.

    What makes this particularly challenging is the pace at which the landscape changes. We’ve had instances where guidelines were updated mid-campaign cycle, requiring real-time legal intervention and rapid reworking of campaign material. It has reinforced the need for agility and close coordination between legal, creative, and client servicing teams.

    Overall, the experience of working with crypto clients has sharpened our ability to operate within uncertain legal terrain while still enabling effective, compliant brand campaigns. It’s an ongoing balancing act – protecting the interests of all stakeholders while allowing innovation in the way brands engage with sports audiences. 

    Currently, your company operates across jurisdictions such as the UK, UAE, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. How do you handle cross-border legal compliances, especially when it comes to reconciling differing regulatory standards, managing jurisdictional risks, and ensuring contractual consistency? 

    At ITW, our operations span multiple jurisdictions including the UK, UAE, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, each with its own unique regulatory and commercial landscape. Managing legal compliance across these markets requires a combination of structured internal processes, a proactive risk management approach, and at times, collaboration with reliable local counsel. 

    Our approach typically begins with in-depth legal research to understand the local regulatory environment and identify key areas where local laws diverge from Indian law or from each other. This helps us tailor our contractual structures accordingly and flag jurisdiction-specific risks early in the deal cycle.  Where matters are particularly nuanced, sensitive, or enforcement-heavy, we do supplement our internal research with guidance from trusted local counsels. However, we remain deeply involved in the interpretation and application of such advice to ensure it aligns with our business context and deal objectives.

    One of the core challenges is reconciling differing regulatory standards, particularly around areas like advertising laws, data protection, taxation, anti-bribery, and foreign exchange regulations. The first step is always jurisdictional risk mapping: understanding where local laws diverge significantly from Indian legal standards or from each other, and identifying areas that may require bespoke contractual treatment. 

    We mitigate these risks by working closely with experienced local counsel in each jurisdiction, especially when it comes to structuring agreements, reviewing campaign compliance requirements, or interpreting local laws that impact talent contracts, IP rights, or payment flows. We also build jurisdiction-specific clauses into our contracts, ranging from governing law and dispute resolution mechanisms to regulatory compliance representations and exit rights, ensuring each agreement is not only enforceable but also commercially viable across markets.

    Contractual consistency across jurisdictions is another key priority. While commercial terms may vary, we maintain a common legal backbone for our master service agreements, advertising agreements, and IP licensing documents. This standardisation ensures internal clarity and operational ease, while still allowing flexibility for local adaptation.

    Additionally, we’ve institutionalised internal legal review protocols for cross-border deals, including multi-tier approval processes, and regular compliance check-ins with our business and finance teams. 

    Ultimately, operating across borders requires striking a balance between legal risk management and commercial pragmatism. Our goal is to be a business enabler, facilitating seamless execution while ensuring that every deal aligns with both global compliance standards and local legal realities.

    Looking back, what has been one of the most challenging cases or experiences you’ve faced in your legal career, and how did you overcome it? Also, how do you stay updated with the ever-evolving landscape of IP and technology law?

    I’ve always found answering the first question quite challenging. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be able to give you a straight answer in this instance either. All I can say is that whenever I’ve faced challenges during the course of my career, they felt at the time like insurmountable mountains – situations I had no idea how I’d navigate. Some of those I managed to overcome; in many others, I failed miserably. But with the benefit of hindsight, I now view those moments through the lens of what they taught me. Often, I find myself wondering if they were really as daunting as they seemed back then. What has remained with me are the lessons – whether it was about managing expectations, communicating under pressure, or simply learning how not to handle a situation. Every experience has contributed to shaping how I approach my work today.

    As for staying updated with the ever-evolving landscape of IP and technology law, I try to stay curious and consistent in my learning. I regularly track regulatory updates, case law developments, and global trends through a mix of legal journals, newsletters, and reliable blogs, both domestic and international. I also find that industry-specific reports and thought pieces published by consulting firms often provide valuable insight into how law intersects with business strategy in tech and media.

    Most importantly, I learn a lot through practical exposure, by working on transactions that push the boundaries of existing frameworks and force me to explore new interpretations. In many ways, the clients and teams I work with keep me on my toes more than any publication can. Conversations, negotiations, and even internal debates often lead to the most meaningful learning moments.

    What advice would you offer to young lawyers or law students aspiring to enter the dynamic fields of media and IP law? Are there any values, habits, or skills they should focus on developing early in their careers?

    If I had to give one piece of advice to young lawyers or law students aspiring to enter the world of media and IP law, it would be this: stay curious and stay patient.

    It’s a fascinating field – creative, fast-moving, and filled with opportunities, but it also takes time to find your footing. You might start out doing what seems like routine or administrative work, but those early experiences often lay the strongest foundations. Be open to learning from everything, even the smallest tasks.

    Develop the habit of reading – contracts, case law, industry news. Understanding how the law interacts with business, creativity, and technology is key in this space. At the same time, work on your communication skills. You don’t just need to know the law – you need to be able to explain it clearly to people who may not.

    Another thing I’d say is: don’t be afraid to ask questions. Some of the best learning I’ve had came from simply being curious enough to say, “I don’t understand, can you explain?” Over the years, I’ve also found that when younger colleagues or interns ask me questions, it often leads to discussions that help me reflect and learn as well. Sometimes, their questions challenge assumptions or bring in a fresh perspective I hadn’t considered. Those exchanges are some of the most rewarding parts of the job, and a reminder that learning is always a two-way street.

    And finally, be kind, to yourself and others. Law can be intense, and it’s easy to get caught up in chasing the next big thing. But if you focus on doing good work, being dependable, and staying grounded, the rest has a way of falling into place.

    There’s no one path to success in this field, and that’s the beauty of it. So take your time, build your skills, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

    Lastly, given the demanding nature of your work, how do you strike a balance between your professional and personal life? What does unwinding or relaxing look like for you?

    To be honest, that’s something I’m still figuring out. Striking a balance between work and personal life doesn’t come naturally to me – disconnecting from work can be difficult, especially when you’re fully invested in what you do. Thankfully, I have a very strict (albeit quite understanding) wife and the cutest one-year-old who keep me in check and remind me when it’s time to log off.

    Unwinding, for me, is all about the simple joys – spending time with my family, catching up with friends, planning a quick trip, or just having a quiet evening at home. I enjoy reading, and I try to stay active through football, badminton, and more recently, pickleball (was just curious to know what the fuss was all about, but I’ve grown to really like it).

    Balance is still a work in progress, but I’m grateful for the people and little routines in my life that help me step away from the legal grind and recharge.

    Get in touch with Thomas Joseph –

  • “Staying abreast of evolving legal precedents and regulatory trends is critical, as courts and policymakers continue to shape this dynamic field.” – Anushree Rauta, Equity Partner (Head of Media & Entertainment practice) at ANM Global.

    “Staying abreast of evolving legal precedents and regulatory trends is critical, as courts and policymakers continue to shape this dynamic field.” – Anushree Rauta, Equity Partner (Head of Media & Entertainment practice) at ANM Global.

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

    Given your career spanning over a decade, did you initially view law as a predetermined path for you, or were there specific factors that influenced your decision to pursue it?

    Growing up on the campus of Pune University, I was surrounded by an unspoken expectation to pursue a conventional career in science. I followed the script, diving into science during my 12th grade, with engineering or medicine as my presumed destinations. But somewhere along the way, I realized the script wasn’t written for me (largely thanks to a rocky relationship with Mathematics).

    The turning point came when my mother, who has dedicated her life to social and environmental causes through her NGO, National Women’s Organization, suggested I meet the iconic environmental advocate Shri. M.C. Mehta. His passion for using law as a tool for change sparked an idea that law could be a path to make a meaningful impact, an idea that had not even crossed my mind before. Encouraged by my mother, I applied to ILS Law College in Pune, more as an experiment than a commitment.

    What unfolded was far beyond what I had anticipated. Law, as I discovered, wasn’t just a career, it was a way of thinking, a discipline that pushed me to question, analyze, and create solutions. While I initially leaned toward environmental law, an introduction to Intellectual Property Rights during my 3rd year in college shifted my focus entirely. I found myself captivated by the intricacies of IP law, and as media and entertainment law emerged as a distinct field, it felt like an organic extension of my interests.

    In retrospect, my journey into law wasn’t about finding a career, it was about discovering a passion I didn’t know I had. What began as a casual detour became the foundation of a profession that allows me to blend creativity with structure and create impact in ways I hadn’t imagined. It’s proof that sometimes, the paths we don’t plan for lead to the most fulfilling destinations.

    You began your career at an established Media & Entertainment law firm in India. Could you share how your initial experiences shaped your understanding of the intricacies of this specialized field of law, and how did your role evolve your understanding and experience?

    Law school gave me a solid foundation in the theoretical aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, but it was not until I stepped into the real world that I began to truly understand the nuanced and dynamic nature of Media & Entertainment law. My early years were nothing short of transformative. I had the opportunity to be involved in pathbreaking litigations, which tested my ability to apply theory to complex, real-world scenarios.

    One of the defining experiences was being part of policy-level discussions surrounding the landmark Copyright Amendment Bill introduced in 2010, coincidentally the year I graduated. These discussions offered a rare glimpse into how laws are shaped, debated, and implemented, a perspective few young lawyers get to witness so early in their careers.

    I also worked on a variety of transactions, from structuring film projects, complex agreements, to drafting opinions, conducting due diligence, and crafting advisory notes. Each assignment added a new layer of understanding and taught me to navigate the intersection of creativity, business, and compliance that defines this field.

    I remain grateful for the early exposure I received to the many facets of Media & Entertainment law, which set the foundation for my practice today.

    You played a pivotal role in the landmark statutory licensing case on radio royalties. Could you share your experience of being part of such a significant decision, and your thoughts on the abolishment of the IPAB and its implications for the resolution of IP matters in commercial courts?

    Representing Tips Industries Limited and international organizations like SESAC (USA) and SUISA (Switzerland) during the radio statutory licensing matter before the IPAB was an incredible professional milestone. The case, conducted entirely via video conferencing amidst the pandemic, spanned over a month-long virtual hearing and culminated on December 31, 2020. This high-stakes, time-bound hearing saw 10 radio broadcasters seeking statutory licenses to fix royalties for sound recordings broadcast through radio.

    The IPAB’s decision was groundbreaking, overhauling the prevailing royalty model and establishing new precedents that reshaped the calculation of radio royalties across India. It was an unparalleled learning experience to witness and contribute to such a transformative legal development.

    However, the abolishment of the IPAB has disrupted the framework of statutory licensing and several other matters, which was designed to be a time-bound process. With IP matters now before overburdened commercial courts, delays have become the norm, undermining the efficiency and predictability that statutory licensing aimed to ensure. 

    In the “Trial by Fire” case, you successfully defended Endemol India in a lawsuit involving defamation and privacy claims. Could you describe the key legal arguments you made to prevent the release of the web series from being delayed or obstructed?

    In the “Trial by Fire” case, where our firm successfully defended Endemol India against defamation and privacy claims brought by Sushil Ansal, the primary legal arguments revolved around balancing the plaintiff’s rights with the defendant’s right to free speech and expression enshrined under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. The court was persuaded by the following key arguments:

    Public Domain Information: The web series was inspired by a book published in 2016, which was based on public records and widely circulated events related to the Uphaar tragedy. The plaintiff had not sought any injunctive relief against the book for several years, demonstrating acquiescence and diminishing the basis for an urgent injunction against the series.

    Freedom of Expression and Public Interest: The series reflected the experiences and perceptions of the victims’ families, who have the right to narrate their anguish and systemic failures. The court recognized that preventing its release would stifle public debate and discussion about a tragedy that had been in the public domain for over 25 years.

    High Threshold for Pre-Publication Injunctions: The court reiterated the principle that pre-publication injunctions are granted only in exceptional circumstances. The plaintiff failed to demonstrate that the series was manifestly defamatory or malicious. The disclaimer in the series, clarifying it as a fictionalized account inspired by true events, further bolstered the defense.

    Delay and Lack of Good Faith: The plaintiff approached the court at the last minute, despite the series’ production being publicized years earlier. This lack of prompt action undermined the claim for equitable relief.

    These arguments collectively established that the plaintiff’s apprehensions of reputational harm did not outweigh the broader public interest in ensuring free expression and access to information on matters of significant public concern.

    Content regulation for OTT platforms is a rapidly evolving area of law. What are some of the most pressing legal challenges that OTT platforms face today, and how do you guide your clients through these regulatory issues?

    Content regulation for OTT platforms is a rapidly evolving area of law, where platforms face a delicate balancing act between creative freedom and regulatory compliance. The IT Rules, 2021, play a significant role in shaping this landscape, emphasizing a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism and requiring platforms to adopt self-regulatory measures for content classification and viewer discretion. The importance of self-regulation cannot be overstated, as it empowers platforms to address potential concerns while avoiding excessive external interference. However, challenges such as defamation, obscenity claims, claims in relation to hurting religious sentiments or claims due to other socio-political sensitivities and the need to navigate jurisdictional complexities across borders add layers of complexity. In guiding clients, we prioritize setting up robust compliance mechanisms, pro-active script vetting during development stage/ content vetting during production and aligning with industry standards to mitigate risks. Staying abreast of evolving legal precedents and regulatory trends is critical, as courts and policymakers continue to shape this dynamic field. Our focus remains on helping clients adapt to these changes while safeguarding their creative integrity and commercial objectives.

    Your work as a trustee for the National Women’s Organization and your involvement in the Save Ganga Movement showcase your commitment to social causes. How do you balance these responsibilities with your demanding legal career?

    Balancing a demanding legal career with social responsibilities is undoubtedly challenging, but I believe it’s a matter of purpose and priorities. My work as a trustee for the National Women’s Organization and my involvement in the Save Ganga Movement stem from a deep conviction that we all have a duty to give back to society. While my legal career demands significant time and focus, these causes remind me of the broader impact we can have beyond our professional lives. I approach this balance by integrating my passion for social change into my daily life, leveraging my legal expertise to contribute meaningfully to these initiatives. It’s not about managing time as much as aligning values, when you believe in the importance of giving back, you find the energy and commitment to make it happen. Ultimately, the fulfillment I derive from these efforts enriches my professional work, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two.

    You founded IPRMENTLAW, which aims at spreading legal awareness relating to the changing dynamics in the IPR and Media and Entertainment field. What inspired you to create this knowledge-sharing platform, and what impact has it had on the legal community?

    Knowledge sharing is a value I hold very close to my heart, and it was the driving force behind the creation of IPRMENTLAW. When I started practicing in the intellectual property and media and entertainment fields, I noticed a significant gap- there wasn’t a dedicated, open-access forum for updates, insights, and discussions specific to these areas. I wanted to bridge that gap and create a platform where legal knowledge could be shared freely and accessibly, not just within the legal fraternity but also with creators, businesses, and students who engage with these fields.

    IPRMENTLAW was conceived as a blog to foster dialogue and keep critical issues alive through debate and discussion, similar to the impact platforms like Spicy IP have had. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have a group of young lawyers join me in contributing to the platform, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the initiative. Together, we’ve built a resource that has become a go-to space for updates, opinions, and legal developments in IP and media law.

    The impact has been humbling. It has sparked meaningful discussions within the legal community, encouraged critical thinking, and provided practical insights for practitioners and stakeholders and most importantly inculcated a habit of staying updated and informed about the latest legal happenings in the realm of IP, media and entertainment laws. By making it a non-profit open-access platform, we’ve ensured that knowledge isn’t confined to a select few but is available to anyone seeking to learn and engage. For me, this initiative is more than a professional endeavor, it’s a small step towards democratizing legal knowledge and fostering a culture of informed dialogue.

    With your extensive background and experience, what advice would you offer to budding lawyers who wish to have a successful career in IPR and Media and Entertainment Industry?

    My advice to budding lawyers aiming for a successful career in IPR and the Media and Entertainment industry boils down to one key principle: there is no substitute for hard work. In a field as dynamic as law, particularly in niche areas like IPR and media, the hustle and hunger to learn must never stop. While every generation benefits from advancements in technology that make knowledge more accessible and work more efficient, success in the legal profession still requires steadfast commitment and effort.

    A common observation about Gen Z is their inclination towards balancing priorities, which is undoubtedly important. However, it is crucial to remember that prioritizing knowledge and consistently honing your craft is non-negotiable in this field. Opportunities in law are not handed out, they are earned through diligence, resilience, and an insatiable curiosity to learn. The legal profession demands 100% dedication, irrespective of how sophisticated technology becomes to aid you.

    For budding lawyers, I would emphasize focusing on gaining knowledge and building expertise. Read voraciously, stay updated on developments in your area of law, and don’t shy away from putting in long hours when needed. The money, recognition, and work-life balance you aspire for will follow once you’ve laid a strong foundation through your hard work. This profession rewards those who are relentless in their pursuit of excellence, and if you bring that mindset, success will inevitably come your way.

    Managing a demanding legal career can be challenging. How do you balance your professional responsibilities with personal life, and what strategies do you employ to maintain that balance?

    When you truly love what you do, work never feels like a burden. I consider myself to be blessed to engage in work that I’m incredibly excited about making every day of my life even if it’s difficult, quite worthwhile. But in the same manner, I do think it is important to make sure you set aside time for yourself in your personal life. Balance isn’t about giving equal time to everything; it’s about prioritizing what matters most in each moment. I try to set boundaries where possible and carve out moments for myself, whether it’s through travel, or just downtime to recharge. It’s also important to acknowledge that there will be times when work takes precedence, and that’s okay, as long as one tries to balance the focus and does not forget the aspects of their life that are personal.

    Get in touch with Anushree Rauta –

  • The law was being developed in real-time, & I thrived on navigating its nuances. This dynamic environment, where I could apply the word & spirit of the law & provide practical, often creative solutions, was something I thoroughly enjoyed and loved.” – Aditi Sharma wadhwa, Founder & Partner at WSA Legal

    The law was being developed in real-time, & I thrived on navigating its nuances. This dynamic environment, where I could apply the word & spirit of the law & provide practical, often creative solutions, was something I thoroughly enjoyed and loved.” – Aditi Sharma wadhwa, Founder & Partner at WSA Legal

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

    Can you share with us your journey into the field of law? What initially inspired or motivated you to pursue this career path?

    My journey into law was less about being a lawyer pr pursuing a career in law and more about pursuing something that I thought might be interesting and engaging to study. And here I was not wrong.  While I was unaware of what the practice of law entailed, I was fascinated by the study of it! I took it up as a challenge and as a way to study something I enjoyed while I took the time to find my “true” career. My love for the field and its practice developed later, as I began to study more and engage with the subject matter in a more practical manner.

    I discovered that I thrived on navigating the nuances of law and developed an analytical outlook on issues. I also found that I would get easily bored when things become monotonous, which is not the case with legal practice. 

    I’m always on the lookout for new challenges and the field I started my law career in (IPR) just happened to be one where things are constantly evolving. I also got to be at the forefront of new technologies and legal issues arising from them. The law was being developed in real-time as real-world problems from compliance and business issues emerged. 

    This dynamic environment, where I could apply the word and spirit of the law and provide practical, often creative solutions, was something I thoroughly enjoyed and loved. This passion has driven me forward for the last 16 years, keeping me engaged and motivated in a constantly evolving legal landscape.

    You’ve had an impressive career trajectory. Could you walk us through some of the key milestones or experiences that shaped your journey in the legal profession?

    Over the years, I have had the chance to explore various fields of law. My outlook as well as my career has been shaped by these diverse experiences and have significantly contributed to my growth as a legal professional. While the initial years of my journey were at a law firm, I have since worked in-house for several years as well. 

    Being at a law firm was quite a rigorous experience in the intellectual and purely legal aspects of my field. This is where I developed technical legal skills, gaining deep insights into Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and understanding how it applied to different fields. 

    The transition to an in-house counsel role was, on the other hand, transformative. It required not only a shift in mindset but also your approach to problems. Working closely with business teams, I learned to integrate legal advice with business objectives, which in my opinion can only make you a more well-rounded practitioner. 

    This experience was incredibly rewarding as it allowed me to view legal issues through a business lens. The opportunity to collaborate with teams from diverse business areas and on multiple projects broadened my understanding of multifaceted legal issues. 

    These experiences naturally steered me in the direction of establishing WSA Legal, a niche practice focusing on IPR, technology, media, and data protection. Additionally, I have a keen interest in legal tech and developing processes that utilise legal acumen to make technological advancements in law. This has led me to work with the brilliant team at Curated LegalTech on developing some amazing legal-tech products. 

    These cumulative experiences have provided me with a broad perspective on the legal field and expertise, but also keep me engaged and fascinated. 

    Many people view law as a challenging and rigorous field. What were some of the challenges you faced early on in your career, and how did you overcome them?

    The practice of law is both challenging and rigorous. Early in my career, one of the primary challenges I faced was the steep learning curve and the demanding nature of legal work. Handling large volumes of work with a high degree of intellectual engagement requires significant time management skills. You need to shift from looking at problems as hurdles and instead embrace a growth mindset.

    Balancing physical and mental well-being in such a demanding field is also important and for most of us, not as easy as it sounds. In this, the role of mentors cannot be understated. They can help you thrive and achieve results even when you doubt yourself. I have been fortunate to have a strong and capable set of mentors and friends to guide me at all stages of my career – whether or not they come from the legal background.

    Again, the change in outlook necessitated shifting to an in-house role was also quite challenging initially. Unlike before, my viewpoint had to expand and incorporate an understanding of business processes and goals into legal advice. You are called upon to be precise in answering complex questions and decisive in the way forward that you guide business in. You need to be engaged with your stakeholders and clients and can overcome these challenges if you grasp the business side and can communicate and collaborate with diverse teams. 

    Your expertise spans across different areas of law. Could you tell us about a particular case or project that you found particularly impactful or memorable in your career?

    One of the most impactful projects in my career involved navigating the complexities of AI and its use by business in a specific area of operation which was earlier broken down into multiple steps and tedious and expensive review. This area was particularly challenging because the law is still in its nascent stages, and there were practically no precedents to guide new practices.

    We had to innovate and provide resolutions, trusting that our advice would stand the test of time. The project required us to create a comprehensive framework, and SOPs and integrate risk mitigation for AI-driven solutions, ensuring compliance with existing laws while anticipating future regulatory developments. This meant developing novel legal strategies and creative solutions from scratch.

    Working on AI from such an early stage was challenging but also incredibly rewarding. This experience also reinforced the value of integrating legal expertise with business strategy and working closely with technical experts, demonstrating that innovative legal solutions can drive business success even in uncharted waters.

    In your opinion, what are some of the essential qualities or skills that aspiring lawyers should cultivate to succeed in today’s legal landscape?

    Aspiring lawyers should cultivate strong analytical skills to navigate complex legal issues, excellent communication abilities to interact effectively with clients and colleagues, adaptability to respond to rapidly changing legal environments, a thorough understanding of technology and its implications on law, and a commitment to continuous learning to stay updated with evolving legal trends and practices.

    The legal profession is known for its continuous evolution. How do you stay updated with the latest developments and trends in your area of expertise?

    Staying updated on legal developments is crucial, but what I find truly enriching is engaging with individuals from diverse fields and gaining their perspectives, regardless of their connection to law. This fosters an open-minded approach and helps anticipate and adapt to changes that keep you at the forefront of your field. These interactions also cultivate a mindset that is innovation-enabling. Additionally, I believe it’s important never to be too proud to seek the guidance of mentors, whose insights and experience can provide invaluable direction in navigating complex challenges and seizing opportunities.

    As someone with substantial experience in the field, what advice would you give to recent law graduates who are just starting their careers?

    I would advise recent law graduates to focus on building a strong foundation of legal knowledge and skills through practical experience. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and insights based on their experience. Stay curious and continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow professionally. Interacting and building relationships within and outside the legal profession can also be crucial for career development. Lastly, maintain a strong work ethic, integrity, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work—it’s often these qualities that set apart successful lawyers in the long run.

    Get n touch with Aditi Sharma Wadhwa-

  • “Trust yourself the most and have the resilience and faith to shape your career based on your ambitions.” – Tanvi Khanna Agarwal, Founding Partner at TSM LEGAL

    “Trust yourself the most and have the resilience and faith to shape your career based on your ambitions.” – Tanvi Khanna Agarwal, Founding Partner at TSM LEGAL

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

    You’ve had an impressive journey from graduating at Symbiosis Law School to becoming a Founding Partner at TSM Legal. Could you share some insights into how you started your career and the pivotal moments that led you to where you are today?

    I graduated in the year 2013 and that was the start of learning and understanding how business and legal go hand in hand to scale up an organization. I started working as a Legal Officer at Jyothy Labs. Like any fresh graduate out of college, I was very enthusiastic to start a job at such a well-known FMCG Manufacturing company. As a Legal Officer, I worked on several legal areas such as commercial contracts, intellectual property rights, employment laws and compliance. It was a great learning experience.

    Even today, I still remember and keep in mind the things I learned while working at Jyothy Labs. The General Counsel at my time at JLL is still my mentor and I look up to him for guidance and solutions. Jyothy Labs is the place where I learned that maintaining long-lasting relationships with people is the most important thing, business and money are dynamic. 

    This was my main focus when I started TSM Legal in 2018; to help people forge stronger organizations, build relations, and grow together. Working as an in-house counsel, and then, consequently, in a law firm, helped me understand the gap in the industry. Start-ups and many other companies do not have their own legal teams and it is a challenge for them to avail quality yet affordable legal services. On the other hand many law firms are unable to act as an in-house counsel for a business without the necessary business background. TSM Legal was thus started with the mission to bridge this gap, where we provide affordable solutions being your “external in-house counsel” based on our seamless blend of legal and business knowledge. 

    Could you highlight some key learnings from your previous roles at companies like Tech Mahindra Limited and Legalogic Consulting that have significantly influenced your perspective as a legal professional?

    My next job after Jyothy Labs was at LegaLogic Consulting in Pune. This was my first job as an external counsel at a law firm. For me, working in a company as an in-house counsel and working at a law firm are two sides of the same coin; the coin here being legal knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the business that you are supporting. However, just like two sides have different perspectives, I feel that the same is reflected in these two roles. Working at Legalogic was, perhaps, one of the most significant decisions of my life. I got to experience how a law firm functions, how roles are divided, and of course, not to forget, the urgent TATs! Nevertheless, I learned to work efficiently, quickly and manage timelines for different clients across time zones simultaneously, which is a very important trait for any external lawyer. 

    After working at LegaLogic for 2 years, I knew it was time to transition back to an in-house role, which is how I joined as a Legal Counsel at Tech Mahindra. Tech Mahindra was definitely a step up in my career and working here is an experience of a lifetime. I got the experience of working on high value deals across geographies. Working in a conglomerate, you have to understand the many facades of how a company is run. For me, this is where I learnt how to manage business expectations, facilitate a dialogue amongst all stakeholders (Because, trust me, there are a lot), and provide quick legal solutions to not hamper the revenue generation.  

    Given your extensive experience in dealing with marquee companies in sectors like information technology, e-commerce, and fintech, could you share some unique challenges you’ve encountered and how you navigated through them?

    Running a law firm has been an incredible journey filled with unique challenges and marquee rewarding experiences. One of the toughest hurdles I encountered when I started TSM Legal was acquiring and retaining clients. Of course, I did have the support of some incredible people, and of course my family’s constant motivation. 

    By working with all kinds of clients- whether solo entrepreneurs, SMEs or MNCs and prioritizing quick and seamless closures of documents, I kept growing my network which expanded the trusted client base of the firm. 

    Another hurdle I encountered was making business owners/company management understand the importance of the legal function. It is said that ‘Legal is an Obstacle’, but that’s definitely not the case. This is arguably one of the most substantial aspects that will make or break a business. The firm tries to provide a suitable solution but not everyone is ready to take on the essential legal aspects that will protect their business in the long run. Hence, we need to ensure that all organizations and their owners understand the evident need of legal consultation to secure their interests.  

    Moreover, maintaining a harmonious work-life balance has emerged as a continuous challenge, while being the mother of a toddler at one hand as well as meeting the demands of a growing law practice and building a solid team. Despite these challenges, the journey of building and growing my law firm has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m abundantly grateful each day for the lessons learnt along the way. 

    After completing your law degree, your first job was with Jyothy Laboratories. How did you decide that you wanted to pursue an in-house role, and what advice would you give to new entrants on choosing their career paths?

    An in-house lawyer is multi-faceted and gets to experience and practice many areas of law without being limited to any one specialization. Specialization of course is important, but I believe diversification and learning about different practice areas is equally, if not more important, at the start of your career. This helps to understand in depth what skills are required to be a great lawyer (which I have covered in detail in the last question). As a fresher I got to understand how a big company/business operates, the ins and outs of finance, sales, marketing, compliances and what is expected from the legal team of the Company. As an in-house lawyer you are expected to facilitate quick closure of contracts to enable revenue generation, facilitate compliances and internal audits, while also ensuring that the Company’s legal rights are protected at every step.

    In your opinion, what are the most significant legal challenges facing startups today, and how do you tailor your services to help them overcome these hurdles?

    Startups today face a myriad of legal challenges that require tailored solutions for success. From safeguarding intellectual property to navigating complex regulatory landscapes, legal service providers play a critical role in helping startups overcome these hurdles. One of the initial challenges that Start-ups may face is ensuring that they enter into robust founding documents. Partnership agreements, founder’s agreements, shareholders’ agreements and such are crucial legal frameworks that define the foundation of any organization. Lack of such documents can create crucial problems in the future, at the time of funding or IPO. Another important aspect that the start-up owners fail to recognize is the presence of strong employment documents. These documents protect the intellectual property, client confidential information and ensure the employees and consultants of an organization adhere to their obligations.

    By offering specialized expertise in areas such as intellectual property, employment laws, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation, TSM LEGAL guides startups and even established companies through the intricacies of aggressively protecting their ventures. Additionally, providing startup-friendly pricing models, educational resources, regular newsletters and strategic business-friendly advice enables TSM LEGAL to support startups at every stage of their journey. By offering customized legal solutions and strategic guidance, we empower startups to navigate legal complexities effectively, mitigate risks, and achieve their business objectives while remaining compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

    What role do you think corporate social responsibility (CSR) should play in the legal strategies of companies today, and how do you incorporate CSR considerations into your advisory work?

    Incorporating corporate social responsibility (CSR) into the legal strategies of companies today is imperative for several compelling reasons. Firstly, CSR initiatives play a pivotal role in enhancing a company’s reputation and brand image by showcasing its dedication to ethical business practices, social causes, and environmental sustainability. This fosters increased customer loyalty, heightened employee engagement, and augmented investor confidence. Secondly, integrating CSR into legal strategies aids in risk management by mitigating the potential hazards associated with non-compliance with social, environmental, and ethical standards. Proactive engagement in CSR endeavors can minimize the likelihood of legal disputes, regulatory scrutiny, and reputational damage. 

    Moreover, addressing stakeholder expectations is crucial, as customers, employees, investors, and communities increasingly anticipate companies to address social and environmental issues beyond profit generation. Lastly, prioritizing CSR can confer a competitive advantage in the marketplace by differentiating companies from competitors, attracting top talent, and accessing new markets. Thus, integrating CSR into legal strategies not only enhances a company’s competitive positioning and market value but also promotes social progress and environmental stewardship. This integration involves various key approaches, including legal compliance and risk assessment, policy development and implementation, stakeholder engagement and collaboration, due diligence and supply chain management, etc. By embracing these approaches, companies can demonstrate their commitment to responsible business practices, elevate their reputation, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.

    Outside of your legal career, what personal hobbies or interests do you pursue, and how do they contribute to your professional life?

    I am really fond of reading- both fiction and non-fiction books. It really helps me expand my thinking capabilities, thereby making me more knowledgeable and confident. Apart from reading, I am a budding artist and have taken up Acrylic painting on canvas since the last 3 years. I am in the process of exploring new painting mediums as well. Painting provides me with the much needed break and peace of mind from work. It is like meditation for me, from the complexities of corporate work, just thinking about the colors and how they blend beautifully on the canvas to create a distinctive piece of art. Lastly, I love swimming as it gives me the stamina and discipline to juggle the various aspects of my life with precision- being a corporate lawyer and entrepreneur working odd hours to support my clients across geographies.

    My hobbies of reading, painting, and swimming contribute to my professional life by promoting stress management, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills, improving communication abilities, maintaining physical health, and fostering work-life balance.

    Reflecting on your journey thus far, what valuable lessons or insights would you share with aspiring lawyers or entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the legal industry?

    I believe the most important lesson for any aspiring lawyer or entrepreneur is self-belief and the fait that you can move mountains. Trust yourself the most and have the resilience and faith to shape your career based on your ambitions.

    • Develop Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is fundamental to success in law. Aspiring lawyers should focus on honing their written and oral communication skills, including clarity, persuasiveness, and the ability to tailor their message to different audiences.
    • Cultivate Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Law involves analyzing complex issues, identifying relevant facts, and applying legal principles to reach sound conclusions. Aspiring lawyers should practice critical thinking and analytical reasoning through activities like solving legal problems, engaging in debates, and reading case law.
    • Develop Resilience and Adaptability: Legal practice can be challenging and unpredictable. Aspiring lawyers and entrepreneurs should cultivate resilience and adaptability to navigate setbacks, failures, and changes in circumstances. Developing a growth mindset and the ability to learn from setbacks is essential for long-term success in the legal profession.
    • Develop Time Management and Organizational Skills: Legal practice often involves managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities. Aspiring lawyers should develop effective time management and organizational skills to stay on top of their workload, meet deadlines, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
    • Cultivate Empathy and Interpersonal Skills: The ability to understand and empathize with clients, colleagues, and adversaries is crucial in the legal profession. Lawyers should cultivate strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution, to build rapport, negotiate effectively, and resolve disputes.
    • Stay True to Your Values and Passions: Finally, aspiring lawyers should pursue a legal career that aligns with their values, interests, and passions. Choosing a practice area that resonates with them and allows them to make a positive impact can lead to greater fulfillment and success in their legal careers.

    By embracing these lessons, aspiring lawyers can lay a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in the legal profession.

    Get in touch with Tanvi Khanna Agarwal-

  • “Business helps social empowerment firstly by breaking down barriers, secondly by generating income for livelihood and thirdly by providing mental-emotional support.” – Niharika Gaonkar Naikar, Independent Legal Practitioner & Founder of “KriNi”

    “Business helps social empowerment firstly by breaking down barriers, secondly by generating income for livelihood and thirdly by providing mental-emotional support.” – Niharika Gaonkar Naikar, Independent Legal Practitioner & Founder of “KriNi”

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

    Could you walk us through your journey from college to becoming an established professional in the Media & Entertainment law sector? What inspired you to pursue a career in law, particularly within this niche industry?

    Absolutely! My journey as a legal professional wasn’t something that I had preplanned like any other child. Anyone who knows me will tell you how creative and artistic I am as an individual. Craft and arts, including performing arts, have been my favourite subjects. So, the childhood dream was always to be a designer. However, my mom was too fascinated by her brother (my mama) who is a first generation lawyer practising in a different field of law and has always been outperforming. He set the bar so high that my parents somewhere deeply wished for me to be a lawyer like him. So, as they say the universe always has better plans, I started my journey with Government Law College, Mumbai and graduated in 2014. Until my last year I was very sure that I would make a career in criminal litigation, however when I studied Intellectual Property Rights in my last year, I was so fascinated by the subject that I decided to build my career in the same. I had the opportunity to intern with a media distribution company in my last year which further made the decision concrete.  

    Your journey has been quite remarkable, transitioning from esteemed organizations to establishing your independent practice. Could you share with us how your experiences in those organizations have shaped your approach to legal practice in the Media & Entertainment industry?

    The choice between being an in-house lawyer vs a law firm lawyer is a tough one. The remuneration of law firms is high but the work-life balance is off. Similarly, there is good work-life balance in an in-house role but there might not be as much diversity in work as compared to a law firm. I started my career with a leading media distribution company where I also did my last internship. I was given an offer to join immediately after I finished my exams. I was honestly more than elated as I loved the work culture there along with the international level exposure I was going to have. Many times I get asked in interviews as to why I have switched places, well I kept transitioning from one Media and Entertainment sector to another like from distribution company to a production house to studios etc. because each such transition allowed me to learn and master the different verticals in the M&E sector. I strongly believe that in-house roles offer you a better understanding of business as well as commercials. Later on moving out from these in-house roles to getting into a law firm was solely because I lost both my parents in the second wave of Covid in a week and I knew that work is the only thing that will keep me going ahead positively and this challenging role will allow me to have a strong change of environment. I consider myself fortunate to have worked at different organisations because it not only helped me grow as a professional but also allowed me to grow into a better person. Be it handling clients to handling tough situations to standing for/ with your team to extensive learnings to working under great mentors (legal as well as non-legal) it all has been a wonderful journey. Starting up my own practice was something that happened a bit earlier in life than what I had planned for but I am deeply grateful for the amount of trust and respect showered by my clients in me. The aim is to build an organisation where fairness is the key.

    Having worked extensively with clients from the Media & Entertainment industry, what would you say are the key challenges they face regarding Intellectual Property rights, especially in the digital age?

    Primarily, it’s the protection of their IP’s that the Clients face challenges in this digital age. However, when I started in 2014 there were 3-4 major categories of rights for generating revenues. Whereas if you see now, there is a plethora of rights with sub-categories. With due respect not all at present be it lawyers or clients understand the possibilities that they have when it comes to rights. So, the key challenge I feel they face is to understand the various options they have to monetise the IP and generate as much revenue as they can. 

    You’ve had the opportunity to work extensively in both Bollywood and the South Indian film industry. How do you adapt your legal strategies and approaches to suit the different dynamics of these industries? Could you please share some insights of emerging trends or challenges faced by these industries?

    The aim of moving down south in 2020 was to understand the industry better. I strongly believe that with just legal knowledge we cannot emerge as great lawyers until we actually understand the practicalities and functioning of the business side of any industry. The M&E industry in the Southern states of India functions very differently from the Bollywood. It was my privilege to help set up a branch office for one of my ex-law firms in Chennai. The challenges that are faced there are very different compared to those in Bollywood. The value system, the modes of working, agreements drafting to negotiations, and remuneration received vary in South and in Bollywood. The legal approach is of course the same as the same set of laws apply, however the functioning is not the same. In my honest opinion, entering the market as a leading law firm or as an eminent lawyer will not get you any place there unless you have the patience to wait until being accepted. 

    Apart from your legal career, you’re also the founder of “KriNi”, aiming to create job opportunities for women. How do you balance your professional life with such philanthropic endeavors, and what role do you think businesses can play in social empowerment?

    Crochet is a hobby turned into side business. My mom and my aunts were crocheters in their young days. One day during the first lockdown while I was cleaning a chest of drawers, I came across a crochet needle and a tiny ball of yarn. I picked up a very basic video on YouTube and started learning and it came out so well that I decided to continue. 6 months down the line I was so addicted that I started picking up random projects and tried to better my craft and then started posting it on my Insta page. Crochet is my therapy! I started getting crazy orders so much so that in January 2023 I got KriNi registered. I was falling short of hands and then I decided that I can take help from family or from people outside. I get messages from women in their 40’s-50’s and kids in colleges wanting to tie up because they are studying/ retired/ bored at home and are looking for some sort of extra income. The goal of KriNi is bigger and I hope I achieve it someday soon. I honestly can’t dedicate as much time as I want to but I make sure that I treat it respectfully and do as much justice as I can. Business help’s social empowerment firstly by breaking down barriers, secondly by generating income for livelihood and thirdly by providing mental-emotional support.

    Your expertise includes talent management in addition to Intellectual Property rights. How do you navigate the legal aspects of talent management while ensuring the best interests of both the talent and the production houses?

    Well, this is one of my favourite aspects of being a M&E lawyer. Having represented multiple artists/ talents in Bollywood as well as South including influencers, when I am on this side of the table the aim is to protect my talents to the maximum possible. That doesn’t mean that I come out with one sided clause. I choose to be a business friendly lawyer who is fair and understands the practicality faced by these production houses but someone who also ensures that the talent is protected as well. I believe closing transactions is an art, we all can very well stretch and argue for hours as lawyers however, it’s important to understand what to fight for and what to let go! 

    As a recipient of the LEX FALCON GLOBAL AWARDS, what advice would you give to aspiring lawyers looking to excel in the field of Intellectual Property, Media, and Entertainment law?

    Firstly, I am honoured to be a recipient of this prestigious award. Today’s aspiring lawyers function contrarily compared to our days. We believed in grilling and not focusing on work-life balance, where money was secondary and grabbing opportunity was primary. Well, the debate on this can go on however my one sincere advice to all aspiring lawyers would be to be honest to your profession. There are plenty of lawyers in the market who might be way more knowledgeable than what you are. But what will make you stand out in the crowd is your honesty and dedication towards your profession. Don’t just stick to the legal side of things, also try to understand the business/ commercial functioning.

    Your dedication to educating students and professionals about the legal and business aspects of the industry is commendable. What motivated you to start these private sessions, and what do you hope participants take away from them?

    I had just finished my 10th boards when my neighbour asked me to help her kid with studies as she had some personal emergencies. The journey started there! It was purely through word of mouth and was unplanned! I was surprised with the kind of response I received. Until my very last year of law college, I took private classes. While my friends were enjoying their college lives, I was busy teaching school kids post my college hours. Abdul Kalam once said that “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual. If people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honor for me.” I am extremely happy to see all my students well settled today. I personally do not like glamourising this side of mine and love to maintain the nobility of the teaching profession. Over the weekends I take online legal classes. The aim is for my students to not just acquire knowledge about the M&E industry but have a mentor whom they can reach out to for any sort of career guidance.

    With such a demanding and dynamic career, how do you unwind and recharge outside of work? Could you share some of your favorite hobbies or activities that help you find balance in your life?

    Travel! With the kind of multi-tasking that I do, travel is the only way I unwind and recharge myself. I work hard so that I can earn more and travel more! Travel adds more colour and adventure to your life. Every New Year’s I have a list of places I manifest to explore and ensure I tick them year after year! My work philosophy is “don’t overexert yourself if you don’t have to”. Hence, it’s very important to maintain a work life balance.

    Get in touch with Niharika Gaonkar Naikar-

  • “As a commercial lawyer in order to maintain a strong track record of repeat clients it is necessary to delve into the nitty gritty of the technical and commercial aspects as the same is an intrinsic part of problem solving”- Priyanka Sinha, Co-Founder & Partner at A&P Partners

    “As a commercial lawyer in order to maintain a strong track record of repeat clients it is necessary to delve into the nitty gritty of the technical and commercial aspects as the same is an intrinsic part of problem solving”- Priyanka Sinha, Co-Founder & Partner at A&P Partners

    This Interview has been published by Pragya Chandni and The SuperLawyer Team

    Can you share with us your journey into the field of law, particularly your decision to pursue it as a career path? What inspired or motivated you to become a lawyer?

    After my 12th standard, I was keen on taking up a professional course. I had not seen too many lawyers around me in my growing up years but I was intrigued to take up law as it had multiple disciplines. I had knowledge that during the 5 year course I would get an opportunity to explore the vastness that the law course would offer before treading my own career path. 

    With your extensive experience in handling both domestic and international matters, what challenges have you encountered in navigating different legal systems and cultures, and how have you overcome them?

    Whilst working on international disputes it is necessary to have a team of local councils who are not only a subject matter expert but have a strong understanding about the practices adopted in the particular territory. There is a departure in the practices adopted in different jurisdictions.  On one such instance whilst handling Insolvency matters in Germany it came to our knowledge that apart from preliminary insolvency and the final insolvency proceeding, there also exists a Pre-Insolvency Restructuring that takes place before occurrence of Insolvency. The Insolvency framework although stands structured in Germany but has many complexities which demands finer understanding of the legal aspects and applicability. Moreso, as per the German Insolvency laws it appears that the rights of an Insolvency Administrator is extensive as compared to the legal provisions provided in similar statutes of India. In another matter where a conviction order was passed by the French Court and we had to represent a reputed MultiNational Conglomerate and their officers, we discovered that there is a timeline of 5 days to file an Appeal in the Court of Cassation (The Supreme Court) from the Court of Appeal. We came across peculiarities where a matter of civil nature was transferred from a French commercial court to a French criminal court and subsequently a combined order was passed by both the Courts. These experiences are enriching as it gives a wide and holistic understanding of the subject matter. One feels elevated whilst handling these matters as you begin to appreciate and  engage in a comparative understanding of the practices, judicial precedents adopted/applicable in different jurisdictions. 

    As a trusted counsel to several large Multinational Companies, Indian Corporates, and High Net Worth Individuals, what strategies do you employ to build and maintain strong client relationships?

    We primarily focus on Partner availability for all our mandates as client satisfaction is the primary objective for us. We adopt a problem solving and solution-oriented approach which is ingrained in our Firm’s ethos and acted upon by the team. In today’s time and age with information being widely available, we have noticed that Clients are well read and aware of the legal provisions, however when they reach out to us and need us to handhold them on any particular issue, the same needs to be solution oriented. As a commercial lawyer in order to maintain a strong track record of repeat clients it is necessary to delve into the nitty gritty of the technical and commercial aspects as the same is an intrinsic part of problem solving.  We also adopt a Flexi Model with regard to billing which ranges from hourly billing/ lumpsum/ retainership fees which adds client’s convenience. We appreciate constructive feedback from our clients. For our MNC and corporate clients we are able to maintain a strong relationship with them as our advisory is not limited but it extends post closure of a transaction/ submission of a deliverable. We apprise them of the developments in the relevant sector, extend our support to navigate through concerns that may arise after execution of a contract. 

    You have a strong track record in successfully representing clients in litigation and dispute resolution. Can you share with us a particularly challenging case you’ve worked on and how you approached resolving it?

    Well, every case is challenging in its own respect, however there was a case where we represented the Petitioners (unmarried couple) before Hon’ble Bombay High Court wherein our clients sought to be appointed as the guardian of the minor child. Although the petitioners (both Hindus) were the biological parents of the minor child, the mother i.e. Petitioner No.1 was married to the Respondent (Muslim) when the child was born, therefore the Muslim Muslim personal laws were applicable to the child. It is a well settled position that the Muslim Personal law does not recognize legitimacy of the child and the mother as the natural guardian in such scenarios. However, the Court keeping the interest of the child as paramount consideration appointed and declared the Petitioners, though in a live-in relationship, were appointed as natural and legal guardians of the Minor child by virtue of being biological parents of the child. In the given scenario, apart from the other challenges we encountered the limitation with respect to carrying out a Paternity test in India and proving the Petitioner as the biological Father of the child.

    Given your expertise in various practice areas such as Construction, Corporate and Commercial, Media and Entertainment, and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws, what advice would you give to young lawyers who are looking to specialize in a specific area of law?

    In the current times there are multiple niche areas that are growing in the field of Law. An advice that I would like to give to young lawyers is that one should explore each and every area of law. These newer areas have ample opportunities that young lawyers can grab onto. Further, young lawyers need to be agile and take up work in different aspects of law rather than restricting their practice areas in the initial few years of their career. 

    You have been actively involved in mentoring entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs. What are some common legal challenges you’ve observed among these clients, and how do you assist them in overcoming these obstacles?

    Many cities in India have seen a growth of MSME’s. These MSME’s however are not familiar with the regulatory framework, and therefore a lacuna arises when they are unaware about certain aspects such as the recovery of dues and claims. For Startups and Entrepreneurs, I have seen Entrepreneurs appoint a lawyer only when there is a dispute or a situation that requires the presence of a lawyer. There are certain important aspects such as those of the regulatory nature and agreements that should be in place at the inception such as a co-founder agreement or a shareholder’s agreement that is ignored by many first time entrepreneurs. It is imperative for Startups to take legal advice during the lifecycle of the company in all its growth stages and not only at a firefighting stage. 

    Lastly, considering your wealth of experience and accomplishments in the legal field, what advice would you offer to fresh law graduates who are just starting their careers?

    As stated above, for fresh law graduates’ agility is one important personality trait that they should imbibe within themselves. Young lawyers need to be agile and should not limit their practice areas in the initial few years of their career. Also, a young lawyer should patiently take interest in understanding commercial and technical aspects whilst working on any mandate/matter.

    Get in touch with Priyanka Sinha-

    • “Each firm I worked at contributed in a significant way to my growth and development as a lawyer”- Anantha Krishnan, Partner at IndusLaw

      “Each firm I worked at contributed in a significant way to my growth and development as a lawyer”- Anantha Krishnan, Partner at IndusLaw

      This Interview has been published by Pragya Chandni and The SuperLawyer Team

      Can you walk us through your journey from studying law at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University to becoming a Partner at IndusLaw in Bangalore? What inspired you to pursue a career in law, especially focusing on corporate and commercial matters?

      I did my schooling in Chennai, loved writing, public speaking and was enthusiastic about problem solving. Around the time I was contemplating my career choice, the national law schools in India had decided to come together to conduct the common law proficiency test (CLAT), which looked like a good opportunity to explore. 

      Studying law at RMLNLU, Lucknow was a beautiful experience. I had a plethora of opportunities at my disposal, ranging from moot courts, parliamentary debates, MUNs to paper publications/presentations. Having said that, while law schools have a well thought out curriculum and they do help initiate efforts on building skills, they don’t prepare you for the fine print of any practice area and only just about scratch the surface in terms of concepts. This results in a significant void between theory and practice. To make up for practical knowledge and exposure, I spent each of my vacations doing internships, largely in the cities of Chennai and Mumbai. Mid-way through law school, I started interning with law firms, dabbling across practice areas such as litigation, project finance, intellectual property and corporate/commercial matters. I was still however looking for a specific practice area of interest, though I had developed a focused interest towards contract law and by then, corporate laws had been introduced as a subject. Around this time, an opportunity came by to participate in a national corporate law moot court competition, and we ended up winning it. What I loved about that experience was how interesting, vast and ever-evolving corporate and commercial laws were. I thoroughly enjoyed researching, drafting, preparing arguments and advocating them for that problem statement. It gave me direction that this is something I could really immerse myself in. I shifted my focus thereafter to internships solely in corporate law practice.

      From there on, it has been a voyage of dedicated and diligent learning across firms I’ve been a part of. Being a first generation lawyer, a lot of effort went into building my principles, knowledge and processes with focus on what I wanted to be and stand for as a professional. The initial years in practice went into establishing my fundamentals and processes which enabled me to deliver well thought out work products. Each deal that came by helped me build expertise on different sectors and issues around them. I’m a believer of self-assessment and feedback, used to approach my seniors on where I could improve after each deal. This helped me identified the chinks in my armoury and I worked consistently towards getting better at those. It has been a long yet fulfilling journey so far and I’m excited about what the future has in store for me.

      You’ve had a diverse range of experiences across various law firms such as Phoenix Legal and HSB Partners. How did these experiences shape your understanding of legal practice, particularly in the realms of mergers & acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital?

      Each firm I worked at contributed in a significant way to my growth and development as a lawyer. In the initial years, when I started out in Chennai post graduating from law school, I was lucky enough to be at the crossroads of the biggest overhaul of company law in Indian history. With the Companies Act, 2013 being introduced and to take effect from June 1, 2014, my first year in practice was almost entirely focused on interpretation of the new legislation and how it differed from the 1956 Act. These exercises were in fact driven by a plethora of queries from clients seeking advice on specific provisions of the 2013 Act. There were many engaging and interactive sessions with my seniors at the time to get a grasp of what we were dealing with, coupled with research drill downs, both in terms of interpretation of statutes and precedents in case laws. This helped me a great deal to get confident with my understanding of the legal practice involved in transactions and advisory. I had dealt with the 1956 Act in my internships. Hence, being able to deploy that understanding against the change in positions vis-à-vis the newly effective legislation in the 2013 Act gave me ample avenues to get better at shaping my understanding of the practice area. My stint in Mumbai was largely focused on mergers & acquisitions and venture capital. I got to do a lot of domestic and cross-border acquisitions and venture capital deals. It was a big learning curve for me which I embraced with all the efforts I could possibly put in. In your early years, observing your seniors negotiate on deals teaches you a lot, and over time, you tend to develop your own style of negotiating and handling multiple facets of the profession. 

      In any law firm, the work environment is dynamic, providing a diverse range of opportunities to learn from. With good mentors, exposure and diligence, one can dive deep into the requirements of a client and cater to its basis the demands of a given problem statement. From there on, it’s akin to polishing a precious stone, every bit of experience aggregates to fine tune a lawyer’s understanding and it only gets better with time. This, I believe, provides valuable insights and practice guidelines to develop oneself as a well reasoned and articulate legal professional capable of providing sound legal advice to clients. A couple of valuable lessons I’ve learnt over time with experiential learning are identifying client demands early on into a transaction and reflecting on them to deliver the desired results at every stage of the transaction. This varies based on the deal as well as from one client to another. For instance, a venture capital investment is akin to occupying a space in a newly built house while an acquisition is cleaning up and buying the entire house. What an investor is looking for from an investee company in an early stage venture capital investment differs vastly from what they are looking at in a late stage investment or what a buyer is looking to achieve from an acquisition. These differences range right from the level of detailing and lookback period involved in the diligence to the rights matrix to be negotiated for the relationship going forward. Negotiation is yet another skillset which requires constant learning and unlearning. With every deal, you take back something new from negotiations. Reassessment and reworking your approach to essentially figure out if your existing modus operandi could be better with the new learnings adds immense value in terms of reflecting on the outcomes of a deal. 

      Your work at IndusLaw involves advising on a multitude of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, and private equity deals. Could you share with us some of the most memorable or challenging transactions you’ve worked on and what lessons you’ve learned from them?

      There are quite a few deals I’ve absolutely loved working on at IndusLaw. Some memorable transactions I’ve done here include a series of acquisitions which set up daily delivery and instant vending businesses of a leading entity in the food and groceries space. These acquisitions included a business transfer, an asset purchase and a share purchase acquisition, and each acquisition structure came with its own set of challenges. In addition, these acquisitions taught me a lot about integrating new business models into an already well-grounded and flourishing model and practical challenges in terms of doing that. One of those acquisitions also included a founder exit, which was my first experience of a co-captain leaving the ship. Another transaction recently was internalization of a leading quick commerce brand from Singapore to India as part of a larger acquisition transaction. We dove deep into the process which happens at Singapore, including by working closely with our counsel there. The timing had to be spot on, given this internalization would need to seamlessly flow into the larger goal of the internalized entity being acquired by a listed company in India. The learnings from this deal were invaluable and while we faced multiple challenges on a daily basis, solving for each of them gave me a strong understanding of the process and its possible pitfalls. 

      More recently, with the changing trends, I’ve been closely involved with startups in the fashion space and manufacturing of materials (deployable across multiple industries), in both cases, with emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly models. Transactions I’ve worked on have taught me a lot, in addition to fine-tuning my skills as a lawyer. These learnings range from interpersonal skills, understanding and appreciating the nuances of each product ecosystem (and the innovations that come with it) in this dynamic startup environment to understanding perspectives of founders who invested a lifetime of dedication, commitment and diligence to building successful businesses, and eventually decided to call it a day and sell. 

      Your expertise spans across sectors like e-commerce, healthcare, logistics, and media & entertainment. How do you stay updated with the legal developments and industry trends in such diverse areas, and how does this knowledge contribute to your advisory role?

      In a way, this was one of the main reasons I moved from Mumbai to Bengaluru. To get involved in the exciting startup ecosystem, in my area of competence. For A Long time, each sector presented itself in deals, and I loved working on each of those sectors.

      In terms of staying updated, early on in my career, I used to visit the websites of regulators such as RBI, MCA and SEBI to look for recent updates. Eventually, I figured out some useful hacks, which still serve me well to date. One of these was setting up Google alerts in my email driven by keywords. I placed a few alerts on keywords which most mattered to me, such as ‘venture capital’, ‘ministry of corporate affairs’, ‘reserve bank of india’, ‘foreign direct investment’, to hit my inbox at a time I could catch up on updates. So everyday, I get a collection of articles sourced from the web in my mailbox, to catch up on. In addition to this, I also spend some time on a weekly basis to stay updated by reading newsletters/articles by IndusLaw and other law firms (not just in my practice area but others as well), articles on legal and professional network platforms, publications by legal databases/journals, funding trends (generally through accessing periodic analysis reports released by various investors), sectors which get more traction than others and so on. Updating oneself regularly is of paramount importance in the legal services industry, and it helps a lot in staying honest and relevant with the trends. This has helped me in striking conversations with clients about what’s happening and could be expected in their sectors, the sector’s outlook going forward and so on. Another efficient way to stay updated is also to write articles. Along with our team at IndusLaw, I endeavour to write articles regularly and we put out a lot of content expressing our thoughts on a plethora of subjects. The firm also chalks out and conducts training sessions on specific subjects in each practice area, which gives me an overview in terms of thinking through and updating my understanding on those and our views on contentious issues. 

      In addition to your transactional work, you’ve also been involved in drafting legal opinions, conducting due diligence, and providing compliance advice. How do you balance the demands of these different aspects of legal practice, and what advice would you give to young lawyers looking to excel in these areas?

      Every deal is an opportunity to learn something new and nail the brief. First up, having a positive outlook on the profession is vital. Yes, the demands are rigorous and in a given day, you may be switching between multiple matters ranging from transactions to opinions to conducting due diligence to providing compliance advice. The ability to switch off from one matter to another is quite critical (and a skill in itself) in the profession and that can happen seamlessly only with a well grounded and firm understanding of each given matter. Preparation and planning prior to commencement of the transaction, establishing a workflow process and regular review sessions with the team are some of the other practices which help me navigate through multiple matters at the same time.

      I still have a long way to go in this profession, so I wouldn’t call this advice, rather a rational thought to ponder for young lawyers. Each matter is unique, treat each one of them with the attention to detail it deserves. A lawyer cannot convince a client unless they are convinced themselves. Deliberate, research and reflect on your own thought process and solutions which result from it until you’re convinced that it’s the way forward.

      There is a quote by the former secretary of state of the United States, Colin Powell, in his Thirteen Rules of Leadership – It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning. Couldn’t ring truer in terms of being stuck in a thought loop on a problem statement. Anything complex is only an aggregation of simpler problems stacked over one another. So if you’re facing a complex problem statement, break it down into simpler ones and solve for each of them.

      Your publications reflect a deep understanding of complex legal issues, including trending topics such as GIFT City, relocation of supply chains to India and ESOPs/stock appreciation rights. Could you tell us about your approach to legal research and writing, and how it helps you in your day-to-day work?

      Research forms the fundamental base of any understanding. The more your research, the more you achieve in terms of clarity of conceptual understanding of a subject matter. I’m generally on the lookout to write articles on subjects which my practice area requires clarity on. This invariably helps me get better at my understanding of the subject as well. Once the topic is identified, conducting comprehensive research (including perspectives by various stakeholders) helps me to chalk out a framework for the article. From there on, I go into analysing precedents, statutory provisions and commentaries available on the subject. Once the above checkpoints are complete, the writing requires further deliberation (and a fair bit of drafting and rehashing) in terms of achieving coherence and flow in the article. 

      Legal research and writing has been a part of my life ever since law school. Establishing a process (as explained above) and following it religiously helps a lot, not only in terms of legal writing, but also to deal with multiple transactions at any given point of time. 

      As someone who has been deeply involved in the startup ecosystem, what are some common legal pitfalls or challenges that startups often face, and how do you guide your clients through these obstacles?

      Some of the common challenges which I’ve seen early stage startups face are keeping up with compliances, which sometimes includes obtaining necessary licenses and permits. This is understandable as startups invest a lot of their energies into solving the problem which is the genesis of their creation. Given the gamut of laws which apply to a company in India, it is quite possible to miss getting some of that paperwork done. Another challenge I would say is standardization of contracts. In early stages, there may be quite a few commercial contracts with multiple stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, such as suppliers, vendors, service providers etc., whereunder a startup may have signed up to onerous terms, such as say uncapped indemnity or not adequately covering for risks which may arise from the counterparty’s role in a contract. 

      For any such pitfalls, I prefer to explain the problem upfront to a client and then proceed to providing options which may be considered to resolve such issues, ranging from ones which could provide a quick fix for the time being to more robust and elegant long term solutions. Of course, there is gradation of the risk involved as well which goes into this process, so the client is aware which issue (and options available to fix it) needs their immediate attention as against the ones which could be addressed a little later in time.   

      Transitioning from being a law student to a successful legal professional can be challenging. What advice would you give to law students or young lawyers who aspire to follow a similar career path in corporate law and specialize in areas like mergers & acquisitions, venture capital, and private equity?

      Having interacted with quite a few students looking to enter the practice area, I would encourage young lawyers to explore their interests in law school and understand what their possible options could be. Thereafter, they should shortlist their areas of interest over the others, understand further on what each such shortlisted practice area demands. This can be easily achieved through their peer network of seniors who may be involved in those practice areas, and with the information publicly available. Understanding the rigours of the profession and what is required from their end in their formative years will go a long way in setting their expectations straight. 

      In addition to this, if young aspirants are interested in deal making, they need to do more than just understanding and reflecting the law in practice. Making a conscious effort to develop their commercial knowledge and understanding practical challenges and aspects which come along with deal making (including in terms of execution and implementation of structures) would give them a competitive edge by getting familiar with the challenges associated with deal making and solving for them. Such proactive steps would help them establish the contours of the profession and their capabilities quite early on. 

      Get in touch with Anantha Krishnan-

    • “Over the period of years and working experience I  have realized that a person has to be evolving with the time and have a complete control and know-how of its surroundings along with current legal and technical knowledge of gadgets”- Persis Hodiwalla, Managing Partner, JP Legal Corp.

      “Over the period of years and working experience I  have realized that a person has to be evolving with the time and have a complete control and know-how of its surroundings along with current legal and technical knowledge of gadgets”- Persis Hodiwalla, Managing Partner, JP Legal Corp.

      This Interview has been published by Pragya Chandni and The SuperLawyer Team

      Could you please share your journey and the pivotal moments that led you to pursue a career in law, particularly in the field of entertainment and media law?

      As a teenager, I possessed a skill of questioning and having healthy negotiations at home and with teachers in school towards studies and life. Parents always wanted me to become a doctor or an engineer, however due to my low maths score I couldn’t qualify in either of the fields. Whilst growing up there were property related issues in the family, thus at a very young age I had started reading the legal notices and their responses. The legal language mentioned in such notices was very intriguing for me and as such I was always curious to know the nitty-gritties involved in various types of laws which governed our country. Consequently, before I could complete my 10th grade she had decided to become a lawyer. Also, law does not require any maths or complex chemical calculations. Throughout my school life always had a good command over spoken and written English language and could memorise vast portions of her school syllabus along with general knowledge gained by reading newspapers, these basic skills were enough to have a zeal to become a lawyer and to get into a good law school. 

      Thus, after completing school in 1999, I got into commerce stream and completed my basic graduation from Mumbai wherein she got to learn about business management and economics. Post that in 2004 I got admission into the 3 year Law Course from Jitendra Chauhan College of Law, Mumbai. In those 3 years I was also interning at a reputed law firm wherein I obtained hands-on experience of drafting the legal language, visiting the High Court of Bombay, meeting counsels, reviewing the agreements, drafting legal notices. Over the period of 3 years my teenage dream of drafting and executing legal documents unfolded and by the end of the internship and law college in 2007 Persis was ready to take on the legal fraternity with her skills of drafting, negotiating and executing legal documents.

      On a personal front, during my childhood, my parents used to take me to watch Hindi films in the theatres at Mumbai and  thus as a child I always had this thought that someday my name should appear on that big theatre screen in the capacity of a lawyer. Unknown to  how life after 2007 would open avenues for me in the media and entertainment sector.

      Thus in 2007 after completion of B.com and LLB graduation, I was very aggressive in search of a legal job in the market. As destiny would have it, I secured a job as a Legal Executive in Adlabs Films, Filmcity Mumbai in October 2007. In her tenure of 3 years there, she got hands-on experience in drafting, negotiating and executing all the Film production, distribution agreements. Not only I worked in the legal side of the company but was also fortunate enough to learn the technical side of converting the final film footage into a digital cinema print and distributing the same worldwide. In this tenure I also got a chance of reviewing and negotiating the business conducting agreements wherein the single screen and multiplex cinema chains owners were giving their old cinemas to be refurbished and run under the brand name of Big Cinemas in India. On the other hand, the benefit of working in the entertainment sector was that I got a chance to see and meet many film actors and was also invited to a lot of film screenings and parties. Overall during the entire tenure I had a holistic approach of how the Film fraternity functions and gained the legal and commercial knowledge of each and every aspect involved in the Filmmaking business in India.

      Thus by the year 2010 I was sure that I would pursue a career in my lifetime in the Media and Entertainment industry as it was very challenging and vulnerable.  Being very hard working and a person who is open to learning new things happening in the industry along with multitasking and managing numerous verticals in the company made me an all-rounder in the media and entertainment industry. All this was possible due to the support of my seniors and friends which I had made whilst working in Adlabs Films.

      Given your diverse educational background, how have your experiences at Southwestern Law School, NALSAR University and Mumbai University contributed to shaping your legal career, especially in the entertainment sector?

      I graduated in Law from Mumbai in the year 2007 wherein my major subject was Intellectual Property. At that time I thought that  field was much more exciting and challenging to be a part of. Back then, the Entertainment and Media Industry in India was not as structured as it is today and people worked with each other based on the relations amongst them. However, it was later that this industry evolved with the agreements and contracts and commercial deal structures. Hence there was a need to further study the market and the laws in depth to cater to this industry. Hence, I later went to pursue her Post Graduate Diploma from Nalsar University, Hyderabad. 

      In this PGD Course I got a chance to study the laws governing the content which is circulated through cable and radio in India along with the advertisement codes applicable on brands. This was an in-depth study of the laws and real life examples prevailing in the media and entertainment industry. Thus, I completed the course in 2011.

      However, post that when I was working for another media company in Mumbai which was dealing with Hollywood studios in Los Angeles, I realized the importance of learning the nuances of the legal framework prevailing in the US entertainment and media industry. Whilst working, I also wanted to learn about the various commercial aspects which are required in structuring the deals internationally. 

      Thus in the year 2012 I came across a law school named Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles which was providing a masters level 24 credits program in filmmaking, copyright law and commercial deal structuring in the media and entertainment sector. This was an 18 months course for international students who qualify to become a part of this course after passing the TOEFL exam and seeking the requisite score. After a long struggle of another year, I got myself enrolled into the course which commenced on/from January 2014 and graduated in May 2015. 

      During this course I  have learnt and mastered the art and skill of drafting and executing agreements prevailing in the international media and entertainment market along with US Copyright Law. In this course I  have learnt the nuisances of the Content Curating Industry. It was during this course that I learned to raise red flags in the script, train the production team and conduct due diligence of the underlying works of any original content and draft commercial agreements towards exploitation of each and every right which are embedded in the content. 

      Hence, by 2015 I had my qualifications and skills and abilities to take on the legal and commercial work in the media and entertainment industry in Mumbai. In the year 2016 India was also shaping up to acquire a lot of content to make films and/or web-series based on books, remake films into Hindi languages, commercially exploit and earn revenues through sale of theatrical and non-theatrical rights of the Film in India and worldwide. I had not only acquired all the knowledge through my education but also had hands-on experience by working as an In House lawyer for many companies, more particularly studios which were primarily into film making and distribution.

      You’ve held key legal positions at prominent entertainment companies such as Eros International, Reliance Big Entertainment, and Phantom Films. Could you highlight some of the unique challenges you faced in negotiating and executing agreements in the dynamic world of film production, distribution, and intellectual property rights?

      As an In House Counsel working for the Media & Entertainment Studios it is mandatory to firstly acquire all the intellectual property in the form of copyright embedded in the literary, musical, sound recordings and dance works from the original author of the work. The structuring of the deals are done in such a way that each and every person working on the content is engaged by the producer on work made for hire basis and in lieu thereof the producers have to pay off the monies to these cast and crew people. 

      On an average we as lawyers have to draft, review and execute more than 100 agreements and contracts on one film or web-series. Most of the crew i.e. the below the line agreements consisting of secondary cast, production artists are templatised and are on automated mode, thus executing them is always a fast track process. On the other hand writer, director and actor agreements are extremely critical to draft and execute as there are numerous clauses to be drafted in the same. The clause needs to ensure that all the intellectual property in terms of copyright and trademark are firstly acquired by the producer and then safeguarded in a diligent manner. Whilst drafting these agreements we as the lawyers representing the producer ensure that the intellectual property existing not only now but in future is also acquired for exploitation. These agreements are more than 15 pages which capture clauses like name, recitals, obligations, consideration, credits, termination, consequences of termination, representation and warranties, indemnity, miscellaneous etc. along with the annexures. 

      The unique challenges to close these agreements are to get all the lawyers representing the respective talents on the same page and align with the business understandings of the project. Most of the clauses are not acceptable by the producers as the demands from the talents are much more which are beyond the given approved budgets. Hence we either get on con-calls or sit across the table with the lawyers of the actors, writers, directors and musicians to arrive at a consensus wherein all the parties can amicably agree with each other and get the clauses drafted accordingly. Once all the parties have given their approval on all the clauses then the final approved version of the document is circulated amongst all the parties for confirmation and then proceeded towards execution thereof. 

      The other challenge is that a lot of time goes in negotiating these clauses and commercial understanding of the deal with the lawyers of these talents. We have spent at times more than 10 human hours in a single day negotiating these agreements and turning it around for execution within the next 36 hours. These are the times when our skills and abilities to deliver our work along with people handling skills are being put to test. At no point in time can we afford to lose our patience or get aggressive with the opposite party lawyers as media and entertainment is a very close knit industry and we have to work with such people time and again. 

      As a Partner at JP Legal Corp, you’re deeply involved in content production agreements and project viability assessments. How do you navigate the delicate balance between creative freedom and legal constraints in the entertainment industry?

      JP Legal is best known for providing its clients end-to end services i.e. from Script to Screen. 

      JP Legal provides personalised services to its clientele wherein its involved in the processes of content making right from the time the literary works for such content is being developed by the writer which is engaged by the Producer.

      Once the first draft of the script is being developed JP Legal reads the same and points out the red flags i.e. if there are any names of real persons mentioned in the script, branded products are showcased in the story line, any third party copyrighted materials (i.e. paintings, news footages, photos, music) are used in the script. This is done to ensure that none of the third-party copyrights are infringed in the script. Further in the event any footage, paintings, music is forming a part of the story line, then JP Legal initiates the License Agreements with the copyright owner and producer of the content and legally acquires the license to showcase such third-party material in the content. 

      Once the final draft of the script along with the above necessary changes suggested by JP Legal is locked by the Producer, then JP Legal trains the production team about the Dos and Don’ts to be followed whilst actual filming of the content to avoid any third-party copyright infringement issues. 

      In the meantime, whilst the script is getting locked and pre-production period of the content is under process, JP Legal drafts, reviews and executes all the Above the Line Agreements (i.e. Agreements for the Writers, Actors, Director, Head of Departments) and Below the Line Agreements (i.e. remaining crew) and hands it over to the production house. Under these agreements the obligations, representations and warranties of each cast and crew is detailed in depth and all the intellectual property is acquired by the Producer from them in universal perpetuity in lieu of the agreed consideration.

      Since Producer can be the assignor of the exploitation rights of the Content, JP Legal also drafts, reviews and executes agreements for Theatrical Distribution Rights of the Film, Non-Theatrical Distribution Rights Agreements like Satellite Rights, OTT Rights, Music Rights etc. with third parties. All these agreements ensure that the content is commercially exploited on every available window worldwide. 

      The new area of focus and revenue generating window for any content produced is the over-the-top platform. In the year 2020 when the world was hit due to the Covid19 Pandemic OTT’s role became more significant in India as the audience had no other source of entertainment sitting at home. 

      The top 3 OTT Players are Prime Video, Disney Hotstar and Netflix, other Indian OTT players are Zee5, SonyLiv, Voot, JioTV, Alt Balaji and many others. On an average these OTT platforms require a new show every fortnight of the month in order to cater to the audience of every genre quenching their viewing thirst and keeping them engaged and holding on to the respective content available on the OTT platform. 

      Most of the OTT players prefer to have content which is based either on the books, real life stories, old TV shows etc. So, the OTT platforms acquire the requisite rights for developing these web-shows from the book publishers, real persons on whom the show is being made or from the satellite companies with whom the old TV show rights are acquired accordingly. If the OTT platforms have any slightest doubt about any underlying rights not being cleared then they will not showcase such   content. 

      Most of the clientele of JP Legal are now inclined towards making content for the OTT platforms, hence at each stage JP Legal is involved with their clients to produce the content as required by the OTT Platforms in accordance with their rules and regulations. In order to be a support system to the clients towards production of the content for OTT Platforms, JP Legal has to from time to time be abreast with the applicable laws of the land and the current market scenario as we not only are a legal function but extend our support to commercial aspects of the content to ensure that the producer earns maximum revenues from the production of such content.

      In the Indian content creation industry, a writer is usually considered the most important person to create intellectual property in literary works. Thus, when an audio-visual content piece is developed, JP Legal ensures that a writer’s agreement (s) is elaborately drafted and executed to ensure that the writer has written the original script for the audio-visual content. But, of course, unless the script/story is an adaptation from a book or is a derivative work developed based on original content, then such aspects are in depth captured in the writer’s agreement. Similarly, music composers who create musical works, directors directing the content and the actors who are also part of embodying artistic works are important copyright owners of the works. Thus JP Legal ensures all the assignment of the intellectual property rights stemming from their work is assigned to the Producer.

      In the event any of our client is interested in producing a content based on the published Book or remake the content in another language, then we at JP Legal conduct a thorough due diligence of the chain of title on all the underlying materials of the original content is clear from any third-party infringement ensuring that all the intellectual property rights are flowing well from the original author/creator to the final exploiter/producer. Thus, to ensure the same, JP Legal will draft and execute numerous rights acquisition agreements to acquire the original rights from the original copyright owner or author. 

      As mentioned above JP Legal is appreciated by all their clients because there is JP Legal’s legal and commercial in-depth involvement in each and every content which is created by its client, unlike other law firms who only provide a production pack to their clients. This really sets JP Legal apart from all the other law firms. 


      Whilst   JP Legal ensures that the creative bend of the director is always safeguarded with the legal implications and regulations to ensure that there are no future litigations on the project and all rights of the project are safeguarded and well exploited in universal perpetuity by the producer and recoup all the investments made towards the content in a diligent and timely manner.

      Throughout your career, you’ve received several awards, including being recognized as the Best IP Lawyer among 100 Female Lawyers in India. Can you share the significance of these accolades and how they have impacted your approach to your legal work?

      I have been very obliged and humbled to every fraternity for rewarding her the awards and accolades for the work done by me  in the media and entertainment industry over the last 17 years. From 2019 when I was an In house Senior Manager at Phantom Films and later at Reliance Entertainment Limited, I have been a speaker at many Intellectual Property Forums in India and also had made submissions of my yearly work done to the respective fraternity to qualify for such awards. Thus to be a speaker on the panel the person has to have in-depth subject matter knowledge and confidence to speak on the stage. With the help of my seniors at work and colleagues I had gathered the strength to be on the panel with other renowned IP lawyers. These fraternities conduct a deep research about my profile and work and my speaking skills and then qualify my profile for the awards. 

      In the year 2023 I was also awarded the 40 under 40 Rising Star Award by Legal Era forum, JP Legal Corp. have been awarded the Lex Falcon Award in Dubai and many more. These awards and accolades always push a person to work hard and achieve their dreams and take a step towards success and get recognition amongst the legal fraternity.

      This year has given me an immense pleasure as Legal500 has once again ranked me as a Leading Individual in the TMT Category – India – Mumbai Focus, this ranking means a lot to me as after extensive research and scrutiny this title is being given to a lawyer. Further JP Legal Corp. has also been ranked in the Tier 2 – TMT category & Tier 3 for IP category for India – Mumbai focus for the year 2024. The Legal500 accolade is considered as epitome for me  as it elevates me and the law firm over and above other existing firms. 

      Your social media presence is quite extensive. How has leveraging platforms like LinkedIn contributed to your professional growth, networking, and perhaps even attracting opportunities in the legal and entertainment domain?

      In today’s day and age social media is a blessing for all the lawyers as the pace at which they can connect with the legal fraternity and clients is immense. On Linkedin we also reach out to lawyers who are working in the intellectual property area like trademark, patents and seek their advice as and when required for our projects. Also through LinkedIn we come to know about the current employment opportunities prevailing in the legal fraternity and if we have a candidate for the same then we surely reach out and put in a word for the candidate with the employer. 

      Further, through the LinkedIn portal, I have been very fortunate enough to connect with the various forums or groups who conduct intellectual property seminars across India. Once connected with these forums subject to my availability and the topics being discussed at the seminars, I participated as a panelist for one of the sessions hosted by these forums. Also time and again my profile has been shortlisted for many accolades and awards which through the LinkedIn portal is being publicised and known to the world. 

      A few reputed law firms practising intellectual property rights and these law firms on a weekly or fortnightly basis issue magazines which mentions about prevailing laws, latest judgements and litigations prevailing in the media and entertainment industry and they also upload the same on Linkedin. I also follow most of these law firms on LinkedIn and keep myself updated about the media and entertainment industry.

      Lastly, over the years I have been conducting numerous legal and business workshops in the law schools at Mumbai, Hyderabad and have taught the students about copyright law, drafting agreements and nuances of media and entertainment business. Through the LinkedIn chat box these students also get a chance to interact with me and ask their concerns and seek career guidance for themselves. I  surely respond to each one of them as and when time persists. 

      Thus LinkedIn is a great social media platform for professionals to showcase their career progress, achievements, accolades and seek information on various related topics. I make sure that my LinkedIn profile is well updated and intact with the latest information and news related to herself and JP Legal Corp.

      Considering your achievements and experiences, what advice would you give to recent law graduates aspiring to make a mark in the field of entertainment and media law, or law in general?

      Today’s generation has a lot of advantages of having access to a lot of social media platforms which provides them with a lot of knowledge and current information. Over the period of years and working experience I  have realized that a person has to be evolving with the time and have a complete control and know-how of its surroundings along with current legal and technical knowledge of gadgets.

      When I conduct the workshops in the law schools, I emphasize and encourage the students who want to pursue media and entertainment law to firstly study contract act and copyright act in depth, along with that have a fair idea about trademarks and patents. These students should be inclined towards drafting, vetting, negotiating and executing agreements prevailing in the media and entertainment sector. If a student wants to join a studio or production house, firstly that student should acquire knowledge about the businesses conducted by such a company and have a hands down experience in knowing the different types of agreements which will be executed for a particular deal.

      In the media and entertainment sector the law students should understand that more than legal knowledge this industry functions based on mutual trust and confirmation between the parties and also respect and value the sentiments of the persons creatively involved in the process of content making, thus firstly the student should have people’s management skill within themselves. Also this industry is very volatile and growing thus the student should be open to learning the new aspects of the business and be able to cater to the same. 

      Lastly, this industry has no fixed working hours, hence the student should be completely passionate about the industry to work for long hours. Students should have knowledge about the business and have zeal towards working in the industry. To their seniors this will showcase their sustainability in the industry. Also this industry requires a lot of hard work and one should be ready to give their best towards the legal work. Always keep yourself updated with the latest judgements, industry know-how, local laws, commercial deals happening across the industry all this will provide skills and abilities to negotiate the deals in better manner and get the best commercials for the clients.

      Get in touch with Persis Hodiwalla-

    • “The diversity in my work not only keeps it intellectually stimulating but also allows me to bring a unique perspective to the table.” – Navigating the Legal Tapestry of Media and Entertainment, Sudisha Mukherji, Co-Founder of International Legal Alliance.

      “The diversity in my work not only keeps it intellectually stimulating but also allows me to bring a unique perspective to the table.” – Navigating the Legal Tapestry of Media and Entertainment, Sudisha Mukherji, Co-Founder of International Legal Alliance.

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

      How would you introduce yourself to our readers, considering your diverse background in law, media, and entertainment, along with your successful stint as a model?

      Hello, I’m Sudisha Mukherji. With over eight years of experience as a media and entertainment lawyer and IP attorney, my journey through the media industry has been both diverse and enriching. Prior to my legal career, I delved into the worlds of modelling and theatre. I modelled for renowned brands like Garnier, Lux, and Coke, and walked the ramp for various designers at fashion events such as the Bangalore and Pune Fashion Weeks. These experiences, alongside my legal studies, gave me a unique perspective enabling me to adeptly navigate the complexities of the media and entertainment sectors, both in India and internationally, with a deep understanding of their intricacies.

      Your journey into the legal profession is quite intriguing. Could you share some key milestones and experiences that shaped your journey from being a model to becoming an esteemed media and entertainment lawyer? How did your experience in the fashion industry contribute to your current role as a media and entertainment lawyer?

      My transition from modelling to law was marked by several significant milestones and enriching experiences. Winning MTV’s “Making the Cut Season 1” and being a finalist in Miss India East 2012 were key highlights. Additionally, my active participation in the theatre production ‘Stories in a Song’ offered me a profound insight into the intricacies of the fashion, media, and theatre industries. Meeting my mentor, Adv. Jamshed Mistry, during my MCom, led me to pursue law. Even before I enrolled in LLB, I was certain about specializing in a specific area of law i.e., media and entertainment. This early clarity and guidance have been pivotal in my legal career.  These experiences coupled with mentorship have proven to be invaluable in my legal career. 

      The opportunity to work in fashion, media, and theatre industries equipped me with a deep and nuanced understanding of the inner workings of these sectors, enabling me to provide effective counsel to a diverse range of clients within the media and entertainment industry. This unique blend of practical industry knowledge and legal expertise allows me to approach each case with a comprehensive perspective, ensuring that I am not just a lawyer, but also a strategic advisor who understands the creative and business aspects of the media world.

      Managing both legal practice and involvement in the Ethics Committee of Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital and Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children is impressive. How do you balance your professional commitments with your responsibilities in the healthcare sector?

      My involvement with the healthcare sector, particularly with Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital and Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, spans over six years. In this role, I serve as a Legal Expert on the Ethics Committee, focusing on ensuring adherence to good clinical practices for collaborative studies and research. This responsibility complements my legal practice rather seamlessly.

      In all honesty, I don’t view my role in the healthcare sector as an additional task to manage; rather, it’s an integral part of my professional journey. My work with the Ethics Committee enriches my understanding of legal issues in healthcare. The skills and insights I gain from one sphere often benefit the other.

      Balancing these commitments comes down to effective time management and a deep passion for both fields. The synergies between my legal practice and my role in healthcare governance allow me to navigate both areas effectively. My experiences in healthcare have provided me with a broader perspective on legal issues, enhancing my ability to advise clients with a more holistic approach. Therefore, rather than balancing two separate roles, I see them as complementary aspects of my professional life that enrich each other.

      Your clientele includes a diverse range of entities, from production houses to hospitals. How do you navigate between such different sectors, and what challenges or rewards come with representing clients with varied interests?

      Navigating between diverse sectors like production houses and hospitals presents its unique challenges and rewards, and my experience in both the media and healthcare industries plays a crucial role in this. One of the main challenges is the need to constantly adapt to the distinct legal landscapes of each sector. The media and entertainment industry, for instance, involves a lot of intellectual property, contractual, and compliance issues, while the healthcare sector demands a thorough understanding of medical ethics, privacy laws, and regulatory compliance. My background in both these areas allows me to transition smoothly between these different legal environments.

      The rewards of representing such a varied clientele are immense. It provides me with a rich, multifaceted perspective on legal issues. Working with production houses keeps me connected to the creative and dynamic world of media, while my involvement with hospitals grounds me in the impactful and socially responsible realm of healthcare. This diversity in my work not only keeps it intellectually stimulating but also allows me to bring a unique perspective to the table, combining creative problem-solving with a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks. In essence, the variety in my clientele enhances my capability as a lawyer. It enables me to approach legal issues with a broader, more informed perspective.

      Your journey involves a transition from a legal consultancy role to being an independent practitioner. What inspired you to take this leap, and how has it influenced the way you approach your work?

      The decision to transition from a legal consultancy role to becoming an independent practitioner was not so much a choice as a necessity. At that time, I was struggling to find work that aligned with my interests and expertise. However, once I made the leap, thankfully, my practice started to grow organically through word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals.

      This journey has profoundly influenced how I approach my work. One of the key aspects is my perspective on learning. I consider myself a lifelong learner; I learn something new every single day. This mindset has been crucial in my journey as an independent practitioner. I’ve learned everything on the job, and I’m deeply grateful to my mentors and seniors who have offered unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement. Their assistance was invaluable in the early days of my practice, and it remains just as important now, whenever I reach out for insight.

      Being an independent practitioner has also instilled in me a sense of resilience and adaptability. It has pushed me to be more proactive in seeking opportunities, developing new skills, and expanding my network. This journey has not only honed my legal skills but also sharpened my entrepreneurial instincts. It has taught me the importance of building and maintaining relationships, understanding client needs deeply, and consistently delivering high-quality work.

      In summary, the transition to independent practice has been a transformative experience. It has shaped me into a more versatile, knowledgeable, and resourceful professional, enabling me to offer more comprehensive and personalized legal services to my clients.

      During your secondment with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited on their digital vertical while working for ANM, how do you perceive the ongoing digital transformation in the media and entertainment industry, and what legal challenges and opportunities does it present?

      The digital transformation in the media and entertainment sector, fuelled by online curated content platforms, broadens content variety, targeting diverse audiences. This shift brings legal challenges and opportunities in management of rights and online content regulation. Key areas include managing rights through agreements like co-production and licensing, and handling sensitive content and brand associations. Legal expertise is essential to navigate this evolving digital landscape, ensuring compliance and protecting interests amidst changing regulations and audience dynamics.

      Beyond the legal realm, what hobbies or activities do you engage in to unwind and rejuvenate?

      Outside of my legal career, I find joy and relaxation in spending time with my family and  my two wonderful boys. One of my favourite activities is curating sensory bin activities for them, which is both fun and engaging. Additionally, I enjoy unwinding by taking long drives, and immersing myself in the world of books. 

      With your extensive experience in media and entertainment law, what advice would you give to aspiring lawyers looking to enter this dynamic and ever-evolving field?

      To aspiring lawyers entering the field of media and entertainment law, I advise prioritizing mental health due to the field’s demanding nature, where everything often seems urgent. While it’s a learning-rich profession, remember that you can’t master everything at once. Taking time off for yourself is crucial to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance.

      Get in touch with Sudisha Mukherji-