Super Lawyer

Tag: Mentor

  • AI, Mentorship and the Future of Law: Insights on Embracing Change in the Legal Profession – Bill McCormick, Legal Expert and Mentor, Greater Chicago Area, United States.

    AI, Mentorship and the Future of Law: Insights on Embracing Change in the Legal Profession – Bill McCormick, Legal Expert and Mentor, Greater Chicago Area, United States.

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

    In your profile, you described AI as a “young associate” in the legal field. Could you elaborate on how AI is redefining traditional legal roles and the kinds of responsibilities we might pass on to AI? How can lawyers adapt to this shift?

    I came to law from a manufacturing and engineering background, which gave me a unique perspective. The legal industry differed dramatically from manufacturing and engineering—specifically the accountability and lack of measurement. Much of law is learned through apprenticeship, which is vastly different from the formal training in engineering. In fact, I felt law school left me far less prepared for my career compared to the preparation engineering school provided for engineers.

    When I entered the legal field, I realized law practices could be more efficient. I compared it to medicine, where patients now play an active role—researching symptoms, diagnosing themselves (sometimes overly so), and bringing their questions to healthcare professionals. Medicine became somewhat democratized, allowing patients to take ownership of their health, for better or worse. This shift hasn’t happened in law on the same scale.

    Most of my career has been in corporate law, and I observed real changes in other corporate departments, like accounting and finance, which moved away from manual tasks toward insightful, risk-based processes supported by software. By contrast, legal departments stayed static for many years. While there were incremental innovations, such as moving from typewriters to word processors or shepherdizing cases online, none of these fundamentally transformed the legal industry. 

    One significant development came with Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs), which began specializing in areas like eDiscovery in litigation. They didn’t threaten traditional lawyers because these tasks were in untraditional fields. Similarly, in-house legal operations began to introduce the idea of running law as a business, but even that didn’t fundamentally change legal practice, which remained heavily relationship-driven.

    We also saw the rise of skilled paralegals, legal process-outsourcers, and other support, but the core practice of law didn’t evolve significantly. In the U.S., access to justice remains a major issue. A large portion of the population can’t afford legal assistance unless they are at a very high-income level. While many dedicate themselves to justice-based work, the problem persists.

    Where I see generative AI playing a significant role is in finally shifting some of the ways legal services operate. Generative AI has the potential to fundamentally change the role of outside counsel by improving productivity, reducing rote work, and allowing legal professionals to practice at the top of their expertise. It could bring greater satisfaction to legal roles by enabling lawyers to focus on higher-level thinking, problem-solving, and client strategy. I’d like to believe this will make the field more engaging—and even more fun.

    Many lawyers fear AI might take over the legal profession. You’ve been teaching AI engineers to understand “how humans do law.” What surprising or challenging aspects of this collaboration have you encountered? How has your legal and engineering background shaped your perspective?

    I wouldn’t go so far as to call myself a “professional” engineer, but my engineering mindset informs everything I do. Regarding AI, I understand the fear—that it might replace lawyers. But I see it differently. As AI reduces costs and improves productivity, legal services become more accessible. More people will be able to afford legal help, and demand will rise. In turn, lawyers will manage more clients while performing at a higher level.

    AI isn’t going to take over the legal profession. It’s going to be a tool—a partner and an enabler. This means lawyers can focus on preventing problems, conducting root-cause analyses, and understanding systemic issues instead of repeating the same tasks or racing against time. That’s why I encourage younger associates not to fear AI but to embrace it, adapt to the inevitable pace of change, and maintain a mindset of continuous learning.

    What have been the most important skills or mindsets you developed while working on more than 35 M&A deals across 13 countries? How did you navigate the cultural and demographic differences in those deals?

    Every culture, country, and even corporation has its own personality. Two key lessons stand out from my experience: humility and collaboration. I don’t assume I know everything. For example, even if I’ve done M&A work globally, the local counsel advising me always knows far more about the nuances of their jurisdiction. They bring priceless insights that I wouldn’t have on my own. Similarly, I’ve learned to be transparent about my preferences, expectations, and objectives while fostering trust.

    In any negotiation, it’s critical to show truth, trust, and vulnerability to create an environment where others feel safe to reciprocate. That allows for the best possible collaboration and outcomes.

    You’ve negotiated with Fortune 100 companies and Big Four banks. What challenges and rewards have you faced in those negotiations, and how have those experiences influenced your role as a mentor?

    The hardest part of negotiations is working with someone unprepared, especially when you’re doing most of the work for both sides of the deal. It doesn’t make for great results. On the other hand, negotiating with the Big Four banks was challenging but rewarding. They were experts—specialists who deeply understood nuanced regulations like credit reporting laws. Collaboration required me to respect their expertise and remain concise and factual while educating them on where our roles aligned. 

    In negotiations, preparation and confidence are essential. But you must also align closely with your team and communicate openly to achieve success.

    You heavily emphasize mentorship and learning. What’s the most impactful piece of advice you’ve received that you pass on to mentees?

    Be true to yourself. Focus on developing your strengths rather than obsessing over weaknesses. I believe we’re all given unique gifts. While it’s important to address our shortcomings, trying to “fix” them at the expense of our strengths does more harm than good. The key is to leverage your natural abilities while minimizing distractions from your weaknesses.

    You seem to live a life of continuous learning. How do you practice implementing new knowledge in both your personal and professional life?

    The key is repetition. Whether it’s a new skill, concept, or even something as simple as someone’s name, using it consistently helps retain it. Skills, particularly technical ones, are perishable if not employed regularly. Teaching, in particular, has been a way for me to cement what I learn. When I share knowledge with others, I not only reinforce what I know but also open myself to learning from their insights.

    Your profile mentions a love of backpacking. How has that hobby helped you manage stress or shaped your approach to life and law?

    Backpacking forces me to unplug. It takes me back to the essentials of life: reaching the destination, managing supplies, and supporting those hiking alongside me. The simplicity is both grounding and rejuvenating. It reminds me to keep stress in perspective and appreciate the privilege of the work I do.

    You’ve had a diverse career across industries like fintech, MedTech, and law. How has this versatility shaped your perspective?

    My career has been a journey of curiosity and learning from diverse environments. Moving between fields allowed me to bring insights from one industry into another. For example, working across corporate governance allowed me to see how brilliant leaders approach complex issues. These experiences have helped me ask better questions, foster collaboration, and apply versatile approaches to newer challenges.

    Ultimately, people matter more than tasks. Empathy, kindness, and respect guide my interactions, whether I’m working with a Fortune 500 CEO or a junior colleague. Maintaining humility and staying true to these principles is essential.

    As technology and societal shifts disrupt the legal profession, how are you preparing for the next decade? How do you mentor others to adopt a similar mindset?

    The legal profession is undergoing the most significant inflection of my lifetime, and I’m excited to be part of the generation ushering in this change. To prepare, I focus on continuous learning—keeping up with technology, gaining simulation-based experience, and staying abreast of fast-paced changes.

    Personally, I see the democratization of justice as a key issue for the next decade. I hope to leverage my skills and technology to support pro bono efforts and improve access to justice. While the system is imperfect and broadcasts its flaws, history shows us that societies cannot exist without the rule of law. Ensuring we uphold and adapt that system responsibly is a challenge I’m ready to embrace.

    Get in touch with Bill McCormick –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Challenges:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Get in touch with Majiuzu Daniel Moses-

  • “The more diverse your practice areas are the better it is for you and your growth” – A Global Trailblazer in Wealth Management Solutions, Varun Kalsi, Global Head of Legal & Business Solutions, Lighthouse Canton

    “The more diverse your practice areas are the better it is for you and your growth” – A Global Trailblazer in Wealth Management Solutions, Varun Kalsi, Global Head of Legal & Business Solutions, Lighthouse Canton

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

    Varun, it’s a pleasure to have you for this interview. Could you please introduce yourself and share a bit about your journey and your current role as the Global Head of Legal and Business Solutions at Lighthouse Canton? 

    Thank you for inviting me for this interview. I began my legal career back in 2007-08. Predominantly, I have always been a law firm lawyer before joining Lighthouse Canton as their Global Head of Legal and Business Solutions. I would bifurcate my career into two parts wherein the first part was spent at Dua Associates where I began as an Associate and continued for almost a decade. Thereafter, I was a Partner at PSA Legal Counsellors, and Desai & Diwanji, respectively. At Lighthouse Canton, I oversee the legal function, which is self-explanatory. The other function that I oversee is business solutions, which is essentially at the heart of the wealth management business of Lighthouse Canton, which has 2 main businesses wealth and asset management. While legal has a broad range and would cover arrangements on asset management, HR and myriad other areas across the organisation, business solutions cater to HNIs and UHNIs who are on the lookout for niche tax/other structuring solutions, setting up an offshore family office, flipping their current structure, succession planning solutions and so on.

    Varun, you pursued your Master of Laws (LLM) at NYU in New York and now hold a prominent position in Singapore. How did your education in the U.S. influence your career path, and what prompted your move to Singapore? 

    Education in the US is an incredibly enlightening experience. Not only is the method of instruction different from that in India or England, but the culture and approach towards education per se are distinct. The focus is on discussion, rationale, understanding and analysis, and your age or current vocation does not matter. There is no limitation to acquiring or enhancing one’s skill set. Ideally, I would have liked to work in the US for some time at least. But as they say, man proposes and God disposes. Shortly after I began my LLM program the world was hit by something called the subprime mortgage crisis, a global recessionary situation wherein the US was the epicentre of this economic earthquake, and I was one of those right in the middle of it. That apart, the US, especially New York, teaches you a lot about life in general. One of those things is self-reliance or sufficiency. If you are open to the idea, you could discover yourself in such a situation. Let’s face it. The LLM program at a premium varsity abroad is expensive for the average person. So, one would like to procure a work opportunity in the US to obtain exposure and recover the hefty tuition unless one manages a scholarship. The latter was on my agenda, but that discussion is for another day, I guess. Law firms in the US are extremely professional. Thus, even rejections to my request for placement were kindly worded and came to me in sealed envelopes. Other than the fact that you are away from home/family, an existing economic crisis only has a compounding effect on one’s self-esteem. However, sometimes, such a situation only makes one stronger, and it’s not in my DNA to give up easily. Thus, I took everything with a pinch of salt and made my way back to India. To clarify, Singapore was not on my agenda then. 

    Can you share insights into adapting to the legal and business environment in Asia after your experiences in the U.S.? 

    Honestly, the first time I thought about Singapore as a place where I could work and live was when I was transiting from Singapore for a holiday in 2015. The layover was longer than usual for some reason, so we opted for the free city tour that Singapore Airlines does from the Changi airport. It is an interesting tour for someone who has never been to Singapore. I had already been here twice and thought that I was aware of the city, but things were to change. The island country had changed a lot from the days when Orchard Road was the city centre and the Merlion stood tall at Sentosa. Now, there was a thriving central business district at Raffles Place/Collyer Quay and the city had transformed itself in more ways than one. So, yes, the thought did cross my mind, but I was too preoccupied with what I was already doing so I did not follow through. It was only in 2021-22, when the opportunity with Lighthouse Canton came along that I put my mind to it and began a detailed investigation into the possibility of moving to Singapore. Singapore and the US are very different from each other. One of the major factors is the sheer size, demographics, and population of the respective countries. There is no second-guessing about Singapore’s position as the financial hub of Southeast Asia. Further, the law and order promulgation, enforcement, political stability, and swift and efficient judiciary make it a force to reckon with not only in Asia but also in the world. As Singapore is a common law country, the basic structure of all laws is like other common law countries with subtle nuances to the same. The banking and finance industry is at the centre stage and almost all global corporations and conglomerates have a significant presence here. Honestly, the pressure to deliver never changes if you take your work seriously and have the desire to grow personally and professionally. So, while there could be a difference in approach, there is no compromise on quality. 

    You’ve had a diverse and extensive career, ranging from private practice at law firms to your current global leadership role. How has your journey, including experiences at Desai & Diwanji, Priti Suri & Associates, and Dua Associates, shaped your approach to legal and business solutions? 

    It has been a rather interesting journey wherein I have worked with two large firms and one boutique law firm. I began my career at Dua Associates, so a large part of my initial learnings came from here. I was fortunate to report to a senior partner with rich experience behind him. While that meant that expectations were always high, I had the opportunity to learn, sometimes by simply observing my senior and some other times by asking the right questions of him. One needs to understand that this process necessarily involves unbiased introspection as otherwise, you will not be able to upskill, improve yourself and identify the chinks in your armour. Further, another important thing is to know what to learn and imbibe and what not to. Of course, that comes with experience, age, and wisdom. By the time I was at PSA, I was relatively senior and joined them as a partner. Also, as it is a boutique law firm, the manner of operations was very different from that at Dua Associates. However, as we were a lean team, everyone put that extra effort to make things happen and sometimes the energy you create in such situations is contagious to others too. It was here that I unlearned some of the things that I had learnt as I identified and learnt some things that were better and contemporary than what I was accustomed to previously. One needs to appreciate that learning is a continuous process and one must continue to upskill themselves and sync with the present. While I had already begun the process of developing my own book, it was at PSA, that I shifted gears and opened my mind to different possibilities at work. Working at both these wonderful organizations gave me an insight into setups that were traditional and a heady mix of modern and traditional. My last law firm stint before Lighthouse Canton was at D&D, wherein I worked closely with the other partners. So, yes, I was back to a large law firm setup but the manner of functioning of the organization was again distinct from what I had seen in my earlier firms. As I said, the learning never stops. One needs to be a good observer and listener to identify what should be done and also what should not be done in a particular situation. Working at these firms was an enriching experience that shaped my career for the better and made me a better lawyer and a person.     

    As the Global Head of Legal & Business Solutions, you provide legal support to wealth and asset management businesses. How do you strike a balance between addressing legal intricacies and facilitating business solutions, especially in the wealth management sector? 

    Interestingly, there is an overlap between the legal and business solutions functions. As mentioned earlier, business solutions involve providing structuring solutions to HNIs/UHNIs, that are tax efficient. Further, a client may have successional planning requirements, which is akin to private client practice at law firms. At Lighthouse Canton, the main difference is that client requirements will typically mostly be at a global level, unlike a law firm wherein you may still engage in domestic mandates and transactions. Also, at law firms, we would typically engage a local counsel when catering to the laws of a foreign jurisdiction. However, with business solutions, there is an expectation to have a preliminary handle on foreign laws too. For instance, one will have to examine legal regimes across jurisdictions to appreciate the tax impact for a particular client. It is pertinent to note that this will change depending on the situation, objectives, and asset locations of a client. Similarly, succession planning solutions will also require us to assess the best option available globally, to address a client’s needs and objectives. Of course, we will engage with local advisers as and when necessary. Thus, it is fair to say that my legal background is critical in enabling me to deliver requisite solutions to our wealth management clientele.

    Your role involves executing wealth management pitches for UHNI prospects, including conglomerates and founders. Can you share an interesting experience or a successful pitch that stands out in your memory? 

    There have been many such experiences that are worth remembering or mentioning. But one needs to understand that a pitch to provide a solution becomes even more interesting where there is interplay between multiple jurisdictions, or where there is some uncertainty in applicable laws. A classical situation that arose some time ago was when we were prospecting a conglomerate for setting up its family office in Singapore. For this purpose, the prospect would make overseas direct investment/ODI from India under the new route for operating companies in India, as introduced by the legislature in August 2022. Interestingly, while on paper, which is also backed by a law firm’s opinion, this route is still available, practically it is not possible due to certain informal communication to authorised dealer banks, who are no longer willing to allow remittance through this new route. Again, this is one amongst several instances that have been extremely intriguing and interesting.

    Among the diverse legal projects, you’ve been involved in, is there one that stands out as your favourite? What made it particularly memorable or rewarding? 

    This is a tough one. I have been party to many and it is hard to place a finger on anyone. However, let me share one of them for our audience. The thing in legal practice is that favourites will change with time. This is so because at a later point in time, hopefully, one will be more experienced/skilled and the same thing that was interesting once may appear mundane now. In a particular instance, I met someone for a business development meeting at their office. We spoke for an hour about various businesses and issues that the group was involved with and areas where I could help the organization. The meeting was with the CEO himself. About a week after our meeting, he sent me a text saying I liked what you told me about securing our group’s IP. Let’s begin with that and see where we go. From there, I ended up assisting the promoter on their private client matters and other issues that the group was facing from time to time. Even today, I am in touch with the gentleman and my highest reward is not the billing that happened but the faith he reposed in me in executing different kinds of tasks for the group. I am ecstatic that I earned a person while earning my livelihood.

    Outside of the legal realm, what are your personal interests or hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation? How do you unwind from the complexities of legal leadership? 

    Now we are talking. I love my music, food, outdoor sports, and spending time with family including my extended family and specifically, my grandparents. I firmly believe that one should not forget that later our grandparents and parents will need us just the way we needed them earlier (and still do). As an aside, I am agnostic to the genre/kind of music or food as the music should sound nice and the food should taste good.

    In your career, you’ve worked across various legal domains, from general corporate to private client and intellectual property laws. How has this diversity contributed to your skills, and what advice do you have for legal professionals looking to diversify their practice? 

    Interestingly, nowadays most law firms have lawyers who operate in silos in terms of practice areas. While that can be a good thing for some practice areas, for some others, it is my view, that it inhibits growth. So, if you have the choice to diversify your practice areas, please do. However, keeping in mind how most law firms will have specific practice area-based departments, it makes sense to bifurcate your skill sets between your core areas and those that move around them. This is crucial from most large law firm’s perspective. Interestingly, in a smaller law firm (and some larger ones too), or in-house role, the more diverse your practice areas are the better it is for you and your growth. While it makes sense to augment your skill set, you must choose your areas wisely both in terms of your core areas and the then prevailing trends and opportunities.

    As we conclude, we’d love to hear your perspective on the importance of continuous learning in the legal profession. How do you stay updated on industry developments, and what role does ongoing education play in your career? 

    As I have already acknowledged, learning is indeed a continuous process. Personally, I keep my eyes and ears open concerning anything that affects my current work profile, or that may otherwise have any relation to the same. As you would appreciate, with the global role, my canvas is quite large. So, I need to keep painting when the opportunity arises while the canvas keeps on expanding itself. We also indulge in external trainings, that can enable us to improve our work and knowledge especially those in relation to Lighthouse Canton’s wealth management business. Thus, ongoing learning and education are critical for my functions.

    Get in touch with Varun Kalsi-

  • “Former DJS Officer and Law Specialist, sheds light on his transition from the Delhi Judicial Services to becoming a Law Coach. Explore the motivations behind his shift, the passion for teaching, and insights into effective mentoring for aspiring judicial officers.” – Bhavya Nain, Law Specialist

    “Former DJS Officer and Law Specialist, sheds light on his transition from the Delhi Judicial Services to becoming a Law Coach. Explore the motivations behind his shift, the passion for teaching, and insights into effective mentoring for aspiring judicial officers.” – Bhavya Nain, Law Specialist

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

    Having served as a former member of Delhi Judicial Services, what motivated your transition from a judicial officer to a Law Coach? Please tell us about your journey.

    Before coming to the question asked, let me introduce myself: I hold a Bachelor of Laws degree from GGSIPU, Delhi, which I obtained in 2009.   I completed my LLM degree at the Indian Law Institute in Delhi in the academic year 2015-2016, having been awarded a scholarship based on my academic achievements. Subsequently, I participated in the Delhi Judicial Service Examination-2018. Thereafter, I was appointed as a Judicial Officer in Delhi. I voluntarily resigned from the esteemed Delhi Judicial Service in September 2023. The primary impetus for transitioning from being a member of the esteemed Delhi Judicial Services to becoming an independent Law Coach in Delhi was my fervour for teaching as a vocation. Prior to my appointment as a Judicial Officer in Delhi, I had already held the position of Assistant Professor of Law at Amity Law School, Noida, UP. Therefore, teaching law is a familiar undertaking for me.   Teaching Law to young students brings me great happiness and a sense of fulfilment as I contribute to the education sector, which plays a vital role in the development of our nation. During my tenure at the esteemed Delhi Judicial Services, I acquired a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of law, niceties of law and nuances of court practice/procedure. This motivated me to transition into a role as a Law Coach in order to share my extensive legal knowledge and skills with the judicial aspirants in Delhi-NCR. I have accumulated this expertise over a span of around 14 years as a legal professional, including my rigorous training at the esteemed Delhi Judicial Academy and my first-hand experience observing court proceedings as a Trainee Judge in Delhi. The shift from serving as a Judicial Officer in Delhi to working as a Law Coach in Delhi mostly stems from my instinctive desire to impart legal knowledge, driven by my natural inclination to guide and encourage aspiring legal professionals.

    As a Law Coach, you are contributing to the development of future legal professionals. What inspired you to take up coaching, and how do you approach mentoring and tutoring to ensure effective learning for your students?

    After my tenure in the Delhi Judicial Services, I have made the decision to devote my life to the education sector by becoming an independent Law Coach in Delhi. I plan to provide mentorship and coaching to those aspiring to become judges in the Delhi-NCR region. This is because I possess a distinct strong legal background by my unique exposure to academic positions, legal advocacy, judicial services, and legal research responsibilities. I am currently in the process of preparing and upgrading study materials to ensure that I can offer my services as a Law Coach in Delhi in a thorough and efficient manner. In the near future, I intend to officially establish my independent physical centre/office to cater to the needs of aspiring judges in the Delhi-NCR region. This launch is expected to take place within a few months. Meanwhile, I disseminate legal developments online and produce concise law articles for the benefit of online judicial hopefuls. Additionally, I am currently offering mentorship to anyone aspiring to enter the field of judiciary through online platforms. My primary objective is to alleviate the challenges faced by individuals aspiring to become judges and facilitate their transition from being students to becoming judges as seamlessly as feasible.

    You’ve authored and co-edited books on legal topics. Can you tell us about the motivation behind your literary pursuits and how these publications contribute to the legal knowledge landscape?

    I have collaborated in the editing of law books published by prominent law publishers and have also authored academic papers. This is mostly due to my inherent propensity towards academia and my intellectual orientation.   The majority of my detailed articles were released while I was an Assistant Professor of Law at Amity Law School, Noida, UP.   I continue to produce legal content through online platforms due to my strong passion for legal knowledge and my desire to share the knowledge I have obtained.   I have co-edited two law volumes that focus on the subjects of post-colonialism in India and Sports Law in India.   Both of these legal subjects are highly relevant in the present day, and the primary motive behind editing these books was to enhance the existing academic knowledge in India.   I trust that I have adequately fulfilled this objective.   Lately, I have transitioned to composing concise legal articles/notes on subjects of general legal knowledge and recent cases due to their frequent inclusion in Judicial Service Examinations.

    Your profile showcases an impressive balance between academic roles, judicial services, and advocacy. How do you manage to balance these diverse roles, and what insights can you share with professionals looking to diversify their legal careers?

    The shift from being an advocate to being a Law Coach has been a gradual process for me. Consequently, I firmly believe that individuals should always trust their instincts and their gut-feeling. Balancing is a skill that is cultivated when one is completely prepared to engage and is committed to giving their utmost effort towards achieving a specific objective within the constraints of time and available resources. Acquiring the skill of balancing can only be achieved via practical experience in a work environment. Young professionals have the opportunity to expand their expertise into several related industries, as long as they are open to acquiring new skills while working and adapting to the ever-changing circumstances that come with diversifying. It is imperative to consistently enhance one’s skill set in order to remain competitive with others in any professional domain. To make the decision to diversify one’s legal career, it is necessary to possess courage and self-confidence. Having faith and patience in one’s own ability is also an essential prerequisite.  

    Having been a law researcher in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, how do you think your passion for research influences your coaching style or philosophy?

    I served as a Law Clerk and Research Assistant in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India from 2009 to 2010. It was an immense privilege.   As a Law Clerk, one is responsible for creating daily summaries of cases scheduled to be heard by the Court, as well as conducting research and preparing notes for ongoing cases.   Furthermore, much research is necessary on many legal matters that necessitate resolution by the Court. Through engaging in these activities, I significantly refined my research skills. This skill set has proven beneficial in various domains, including advocacy, education/academic roles and judicial services. The skill of legal research is a valuable asset for the position of a Law Coach in Delhi. It is essential to stay updated with current legal issues that are frequently reported in the news. Questions related to this area often appear in judicial service examinations under the category of latest legal general knowledge. Furthermore, the current law has been altered/modified by recent rulings of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and numerous Hon’ble High Courts in India. Once again, it is necessary to conduct legal research in order to comprehend and inform the pupils about these legal advancements.  

    With approximately 14 years of experience in teaching, advocacy, and research, you’ve worked on notable cases and served in various legal capacities. Could you share an experience or case that left a lasting impact on you and influenced your approach to the law?

    I can think of one recent instance where I served as a lawyer. In that instance, my contribution brought me great gratification and made a lasting impression on me. The case before the Ld. The Disability Commissioner concerned the terms and conditions of service for a disabled employee working for a PSU. Only tenacity and a lot of work were able to change the life of a disabled person who was being denied both his monthly salary and a transfer to a position close to his home/native place. The disabled person received both reliefs on the first hearing date because the case was structured in a way that the Ld. Commissioner was satisfied with the grounds raised in that particular case. This case has left a lasting impact on me. This instance taught me that there might be some differences between the written law on paper and the actual law in practice. Though they may have many rights in theory, disabled people may not be able to really exercise those rights in real practice for a variety of reasons. A lawyer’s or disability activist’s job is to ensure that the person with the disability may truly use all of the legal rights that have been granted to him in the black letter of the law.

    Beyond your professional endeavors, are there specific personal interests or hobbies that you find rejuvenating, providing a balance to your demanding roles in the legal domain?

    Due to the demands of my work, I have limited opportunities to engage in my other interests. However, I manage to allocate some time each day to browse the Internet and listen to Indian music, which really revitalizes me.   Occasionally, I also keep track of cricket matches taking place in major tournaments, particularly the matches being played by India against other major cricketing nations. I also try to stay updated on current events in India by regularly reading newspapers, both in print and online, during my leisure time.

    Drawing from your experiences, what advice would you give to the next generation of law students and legal professionals, especially those aspiring to join the judiciary?

     My short advice to the next generation of legal professionals aspiring to join the judiciary in India is that one should always follow his passion and should always work in a planned and dedicated manner and only then can one achieve one’s goal. Dedication and hard-work alone help in clearing the Judicial Service Examinations in India and there is no short-cut to success. Proper planning and careful strategic thinking may reduce the degree of effort required, but without hard work, clearing such examinations would not be possible because there are far more applicants for judicial services compared to the limited number of available seats in India.

    Get in touch with Bhavya Nain-

  • Vijay Pal Dalmia, Partner at Vaish Associates Advocates In Conversation With SuperLawyer On Legal Implications Of Web 3.0 & Role Of Mentor In Legal Profession

    Vijay Pal Dalmia, Partner at Vaish Associates Advocates In Conversation With SuperLawyer On Legal Implications Of Web 3.0 & Role Of Mentor In Legal Profession

    Did you always want to become a Lawyer or was it something that you decided in the later part of your school life? What other career options would you have considered, if not law?

    From school time, I had the intention to become a lawyer, though I was also good at science and my teachers wanted me to opt for the medical field. Once I reached college, I also considered options relating to military and civil services, however, on the death of my father Late B.L. Dalmia in the year 1983, who was a distinguished senior lawyer, I finally opted for law as my profession.

    You have published numerous papers and Articles. How important do you think these are in shaping your understanding of law?

    Article writing and publications always give you an edge in understanding law. One has to do a lot of research and read judgments before writing an article which immensely adds to your knowledge and acumen. In my experience, article and paper writing has always been a boon which helped me immensely in my profession.

    What can be the real challenges while establishing a career in the field of law?

    Information and knowledge are widely available these days after the invent of the internet and particularly Google. However, for establishing a career in the field of law, you need to understand that “A lawyer must know something about everything and everything about something”.

    For building a career in the field of law, it is extremely important to understand the practical side of the law, psychology, body language and judges. One may be a corporate lawyer sitting in the office but it is highly important to understand the ways the judges analyse documents and ask questions. Understanding a judge’s psyche is of utmost importance to be a good lawyer. In my view, every budding lawyer must spend some time in court to be a good lawyer and understand the practical interpretational aspects.

    According to you, what major improvements we need to make in the crypto laws and regulations?

    Presently the most important thing is that the Government must come up with comprehensive legislation on cryptos. Crypto has acquired massive dimensions in society and has practically touched the lives of most people. Cryptos are no more in nascent stage. The entire concept and business have advanced. At present India is facing a situation of being “nowhere” in the domain of crypto laws. There is a stalemate and the Government is indecisive. There are no crypto laws or regulations except to some inadequate extent under tax laws .

    The role of mentor often gets underestimated, what is the importance of mentor as per your experiences thus far?

    Having a mentor is one of the most important aspects of the legal profession. Learning becomes easy and sharp. You come to know about the “tricks of the trade”. Getting guidance becomes easy.

    What can be the legal implications of Web 3.0 according to you?

    Web 3.0, sometimes known as Web 3, is the concept of the next generation of the web, in which most users will be connected via a decentralized network and have access to their data.  The world is on its way to an Internet where people will have complete control over their data and privacy which will be made possible by blockchain technology. Some of the implications relating to Web 3.0 are national security, sovereignty and integrity of the country, public disclosure, privacy, taxation, governance, IPR protection and enforcement. Web 3.0 is a complicated structure.

    Can an Advocate be soft-spoken yet established; what do you think about how the legal profession takes this quality?

    Being soft-spoken is a matter of duty and pride for an Advocate. It is not a matter of choice, rather its obligatory for an advocate to be soft-spoken and polite with clients and in court. Being loud, arrogant or harsh is not a good quality of any advocate. Politeness wins and you get to gain before the court and with the clients. A soft-spoken and polite advocate is always highly appreciated and welcomed by all in the profession.

    Would you like to give any career/life tips to the readers?

    One of my sincere pieces of advice is to write as much as possible on legal topics and circulate it on the web through different forums.

    Give lectures, run your own Youtube channel and educate the public which will bring recognition and clientele to budding legal professionals. In this profession, you can not advertise, and new advocates have to make their presence felt. In my view, there is no other alternative.

    Remember, advocacy is a grey hair profession, and it takes time to succeed. Give time to your profession and yourself. Keep on developing your skills.

    Get in touch with Vijay Pal Dalmia-