Super Lawyer

Tag: mergers and acquisitions

  • “The essence of economic legislations was fed into my mind, and I kept on working over the same. The challenges in high-profile cases demand patience, integrity, and the preservation of client confidence.” – Vinay Jalan, Principal Managing Partner at O.P Jalan & Associates Consultants LLP

    “The essence of economic legislations was fed into my mind, and I kept on working over the same. The challenges in high-profile cases demand patience, integrity, and the preservation of client confidence.” – Vinay Jalan, Principal Managing Partner at O.P Jalan & Associates Consultants LLP

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

    Can you share how you started your career and what motivated you to specialize in economic legislation and taxation? 

    I belong to a family of lawyers but I had shifted to Delhi and had been working with  Corporate after completing my Company Secretaryship. The essence of economic legislations was interestingly fed into my mind and I kept on working over the same. My Father Late O. P. Jalan who was working as a Lawyer at Ranchi had a very decent practice in Taxation. In 1991 he suffered from a heart attack which led to open heart bypass surgery, after which he left his practice I took over the same and that motivated me to specialize in economic legislation and taxation. I started my practice with my appearances before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and took up complicated search matters. These cases created many points of fact and questions of law making the practice interesting for me. 

    You have defended many high-profile cases, including nationally known raid cases. Could you please describe one such case and the unique challenges you faced during its resolution?  

    There have been many interesting high-profile cases that I cannot disclose by name due to the importance of maintaining professional confidentiality. However, one significant case where I faced unique challenges involved the seizure of a shipment of jeera by the Income Tax Authorities in Gujarat. This seizure raised several critical questions:

    1. Should perishable goods be seized by the Income Tax Authorities?
    2. If such goods are seized and subsequently damaged, will the government bear the resulting losses?
    3. In cases where the goods are partially purchased on credit, would the government assume responsibility for payment to the creditors? Additionally, how would the severe loss of goodwill be compensated?

    The decision by the Gujarat High Court in this matter, which led to a clarification by the CBDT directing the Directorate of Income Tax Investigation not to seize stock-in-trade, was widely appreciated. The challenges during this period were enormous. Authorities wield significant power, and it requires great patience to maintain the essence of the subject at hand. A major challenge is preserving the client’s confidence, which can often be shaken by external factors and rivalries. Each situation demands a unique solution to address these issues. To navigate such complexities, maintaining the integrity and essence of the profession, along with the values of purposive construction, is essential.

    As the Principal Managing Partner at O. P. Jalan & Associates Consultants LLP, how have  you steered the firm to its current standing, and what strategies have you implemented  to ensure its success? 

    I trust God and the values that the legal profession has. When I started this practice I preferred giving the same value to my associates whom I always respected,  taught and trusted. In 33 years we have been conducting classes every week explaining the factual propositions combining them with the purposive interpretations. The value of team members has always been appreciated and rewarded and in return, my associates have been with me always. We have one of the lowest switch-over of our colleagues who join us and become our part. This is our major strategy of success. 

    You lead a diverse team of chartered accountants, company secretaries, lawyers, and cost accountants. What are the key challenges and rewards of managing such a multidisciplinary team? 

    Taxation, Direct & Indirect, Corporate, Economic Laws and Governance along with compliances require a diverse team and to have an in-house team with the interest of each person served, it becomes very simple for a coordinated approach to give results to the clients and command faith over the authorities. Leading a team with diverse interests becomes simple if the due given by each professional is appreciated and he is given the freedom to exploit himself for the best. This helps lead the diverse team. Challenges do come but they are resolved when the interest of each other is not compromised. It is not difficult to manage a multi-disciplinary team if a selfless approach is taken. 

    What advice would you give to young legal professionals who aspire to specialize in taxation and corporate law? Are there any specific skills or experiences you believe are  crucial for success? 

    The most important advice I give to young professionals is not to focus solely on mere compliance but to understand the reasons behind why such compliances are required. In the field of law, advertisement and marketing are prohibited. I would advise young professionals to uphold the ethics of the profession and grow with the right values. The specific skills or experiences I emphasize include having an up-to-date knowledge of the economy and finances at the local, state, and national levels, and maintaining the right balance.

    How do you balance your demanding professional life with your interests and  hobbies? Can you share any particular hobby or interest that helps you unwind and stay  motivated?  

    As one grows with the profession, the number of hours spent in the profession plus the sleep reduces the time for one’s interests or hobbies, but to balance the professional life one of the most important hobbies that I have is my regular morning and evening meditation which I never let skip. I look at the personal interests of my colleagues and in turn, my colleagues always take care of what I intend to do. Apart from this my interest lies in a bit of writing and a bit of teaching which I always do, that helps me unwind and stay motivated. 

    You have been involved in preparing various policy matters and representations before  government authorities. Can you discuss a significant policy change you influenced and  its impact on the legal and business community? 

    Many policy changes have been done through our efforts but in the current budget bringing back the Block Assessment in search matter has been a very significant policy change. The impact of this is a substantial reduction of litigation costs and harassment where a person is searched. This policy change also helps the constitution of ease of doing business in the business community. If you read my notes on LinkedIn, my contention would be held to be correct. 

    What do you envision for the future of legal services, especially in the realm of economic legislation and taxation? How do you think legal professionals can prepare for upcoming challenges and opportunities in this field? 

    The future of legal services in the realm of economic legislation and taxation is undergoing rapid change, as the economy is evolving very quickly, and interpretations of the law are also shifting with time. With the growth of the economy, legal professionals must work as a team, reducing individual interests. This can only be achieved if business opportunities are viewed as opportunities for the entire team. The team manager should consistently share knowledge and bring in new talent to stay updated and be part of this growth.

    You started your career after completing your CS and later pursued an LL.B in 2011.  What motivated you to pursue an additional law degree at that stage in your career, and  how has it enhanced your professional expertise and practice? 

    I began my career as a Company Secretary, a role I consider to be fundamentally responsible for overseeing the economic legislations of a company. As an Officer in Default, I took on the critical responsibility of advising the Board of Directors. By 2009, Company Secretaries began to refer to themselves as Compliance Officers, focusing primarily on ensuring statutory compliance. This shift, however, seemed to limit the broader significance of the profession.

    Chartered Accountants (CAs), Company Secretaries (CSs), and Cost Accountants (ICMAs) are all rooted in the law. Coming from a family of lawyers, I decided to pursue a law degree in 2011 to expand my professional scope and appear before the Hon’ble Supreme Court and High Courts. After completing my law degree, I obtained my Certificate of Practice (COP) as a lawyer and transitioned my firm into a multidisciplinary law firm.

    You have been actively involved in economic empowerment through various roles,  including as a founder trustee of DOX and Chapter Chairman of the Institute of Company  Secretaries of India. Please share some insights about these roles of yours and how they  have influenced your professional approach. 

    As mentioned earlier, my father was a lawyer, and my elder brother, Shri Jai Prakash Jalan, was a civil lawyer. My younger brother, Shri Abhimanyu Jalan, is a barrister and a partner at Clyde & Co LLP. My elder brother’s daughter and her husband are also lawyers, working as partners at Khetan & Company in Bombay. My son is an advocate as well, practicing in the Jharkhand High Court as my partner, and in partnership with Blacks & Whites, a law firm.

    We have always believed in the importance of sharing and giving back to society. When our name became established, I thought of fostering a sense of brotherhood among the alumni of my alma mater, St. Xavier’s School, Doranda, Ranchi. To that end, a trust called DOX, comprising around 800 members, was created. This was done to give back to the society that has given us recognition.

    Following this, I took on the Chairmanship of ICSI to promote the profession and inspire aspirants to not only become good professionals but to achieve excellence in their fields. My approach to this institution stems from being part of a joint family of four brothers, where we value each person’s professional acumen by acknowledging their individuality while maintaining a collective vision for the right growth. This philosophy has greatly helped me in keeping my professional agenda and approach intact.

    Get in touch with Vinay Jalan-

  • “There is a growing trend for companies to establish in-house legal teams to manage their legal compliance and requirements internally, rather than outsourcing every task. This shift has created numerous opportunities at every career level”- Prathamesh Sawant, Deputy General Manager – Legal at Sula Vineyards

    “There is a growing trend for companies to establish in-house legal teams to manage their legal compliance and requirements internally, rather than outsourcing every task. This shift has created numerous opportunities at every career level”- Prathamesh Sawant, Deputy General Manager – Legal at Sula Vineyards

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

    Can you tell us what inspired you to pursue a career in law and how your educational background in commerce influenced your legal career?

    My inspiration and interest in pursuing a career in law came from my elder sister, who is also a lawyer and works with a reputed MNC as Head of Legal. During my SY B.COM summer holidays, I had the opportunity to read a few of her books, and I found them incredibly interesting. The subjects were practical in nature, and the knowledge could be implemented in day-to-day life.

    Having a commerce background gives an edge in understanding the commercial transactions of the company and to dissect financial statements which has proved to be beneficial in cases involving corporate litigations, mergers and acquisitions, etc.   

    How did your initial experiences as an intern at Idnani & Idnani Advocates shape your understanding of the legal field?

    My initial experiences as an intern at Idnani & Idnani Advocates played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of the legal field. I started my internship at this esteemed law firm right from the day I enrolled for my LL.B. program and worked there for 18 months. This early exposure was invaluable, as it allowed me to witness firsthand how the theoretical provisions we study in books are implemented in the real world.

    Working at Idnani & Idnani Advocates provided me with hands-on experience in various legal tasks, such as drafting documents, conducting research, and observing court proceedings. This practical experience was invaluable in bridging the gap between academic studies and real-world application.

    Overall, my internship helped me understand the practical aspects of law, enhanced my legal knowledge, and confirmed my passion for pursuing a career in this field.

    You have worked extensively in both litigation and non-litigation areas. How did your role at Auroma Law help you develop a diverse skill set?

    A major part of my litigation experience is derived from my tenure at Auroma Law. As an intern, I was initially responsible for filing matters, issuing summons and warrants from the department, appearing before the Prothonotary and Associates of the High Court, and preparing the first drafts of complaints, petitions, notices, and replies.

    I completed my law graduation while working at Auroma Law and was then absorbed into the firm as an Associate. They handled a large volume of criminal cases, and during my tenure, I independently appeared before all the magistrate courts within the Mumbai District. This provided me with quality exposure to criminal matters and helped me immensely to understand the entire procedure of criminal trials, from filing to final order.

    The experience at Auroma Law helped me develop into an in-house counsel who can manage and mitigate legal risks, strategize litigations and disputes, and protect the interests of the companies I work for.

    At Sharekhan Ltd, you handled a variety of legal matters. Can you share a significant case or project from this time and its impact on your career?

    During my tenure at Sharekhan Ltd, I transitioned my law career from practice to in-house corporate counsel in 2014.

    I vividly recall a high-stakes matter where a customer obtained a favorable order against the company in arbitration, directing us to make a substantial payment. The management urgently instructed us to obtain a stay order on the arbitrator’s decision due to its potential significant impact on the company’s balance sheet. We quickly briefed our counsel, prepared the challenge, filed it, and successfully secured interim relief within just three days of the impugned order.

    Navigating the complexities of share transactions and explaining them to our counsel, resulting in obtaining a stay order in such a short timeframe, was a notable achievement. This action effectively safeguarded the company from a substantial financial impact.

    Working at Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd, you dealt with high-stakes litigation and non-litigation matters. What were some of the key challenges and achievements during your tenure there?

    At Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd, the substantial volume of cases posed significant challenges in overseeing filings, ensuring order compliance, and timely submissions such as replies and rejoinders.

    One of the key challenges was to establish a streamlined process to manage the entire lifecycle of legal matters. Recognizing the need for efficiency and accountability, I developed and implemented a robust process that facilitated the management of cases from initiation through to conclusion. This involved creating frameworks for tracking deadlines, coordinating with internal teams and external counsel, and ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.

    At Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, you played a crucial role in the acquisition of trademarks and IP domains. Can you elaborate on this experience and what it entailed?

    At Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, I played a pivotal role in managing high-stakes non-litigation matters, particularly in handling intellectual property rights (IPR) portfolios, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), foreign collaborations, and multi-jurisdictional contracts.

    One of the significant aspects of my role involved overseeing the acquisition of trademarks and IP domains. This included conducting thorough due diligence to assess the value and risks associated with potential acquisitions. I collaborated closely with internal stakeholders and external advisors to negotiate and finalize agreements that safeguarded the company’s intellectual assets across various jurisdictions.

    Navigating the complexities of IP law and international business transactions required meticulous attention to detail and a strategic approach to protect Company’s interests. This experience not only deepened my understanding of intellectual property management but also enhanced my skills in negotiating and executing complex contractual agreements on a global scale.

    Your current role at Sula Vineyards involves leading M&A and IPO projects. What are some critical aspects of managing such high-profile legal initiatives?

    My current role in Sula is a combination of various portfolios I have managed till date in different companies.

    Handling multiple acquisition projects at Sula has provided me with invaluable experience, but it’s the involvement in the IPO process as part of the legal team that has been particularly exciting and promising.

    In such projects, multiple activities happen simultaneously at the same time and tracking your tasks and delivering correctly within the timelines becomes extremely important. There is no room for delay or error. Your strategy has to be full proof as there are multiple stakeholders involved.

    As someone with extensive experience and numerous accolades, what advice would you give to fresh law graduates entering the legal profession today?

    The legal sector has evolved significantly since the beginning of my career to the present day. There is a growing trend for companies to establish in-house legal teams to manage their legal compliance and requirements internally, rather than outsourcing every task. This shift has created numerous opportunities at every career level.

    For fresh law graduates aspiring to build a career in corporate law, I recommend gaining practical experience in a law firm or under a practicing advocate for at least a year or two. This experience helps build a strong foundational understanding of the law and provides invaluable confidence and skills necessary for success in corporate settings, whether in litigation or non-litigation roles.

    Get in touch with Prathamesh Sawant-

  • “Self-trust is the primary requirement. Understanding the fundamentals of law, good communication, time management, teamwork, dedication, critical thinking, and adaptability are equally important” – Savithri Sravanthi, Founder & Managing Partner at IUSTUS LEGAL

    “Self-trust is the primary requirement. Understanding the fundamentals of law, good communication, time management, teamwork, dedication, critical thinking, and adaptability are equally important” – Savithri Sravanthi, Founder & Managing Partner at IUSTUS LEGAL

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

    Could you share with us the story behind your decision to pursue a career in law? Does anything change for a women post-marriage? Looking back, would you revisit your career path? 

    Becoming a lawyer was my childhood dream. Unlike an add-on degree, I wanted the legal profession to be my primary career. My father was an accountant while my mom initially was a homemaker and later turned into an entrepreneur. Fortunately, as a child there was no pressure from my parents to choose the career path of their preference or excelling in academics. My choice of electing a legal profession as a career option was welcomed and completely supported by my parents. Relentless support from parents meant a lot to me, which motivated me to achieve a Gold Medal in my bachelor’s degree. 

    Family support for any lady post marriage undoubtedly helps her to retain her identity whereby she can balance her career aspirations with familial responsibilities. I have been fortunate to receive encouragement from my husband and kids, that I was able to achieve a Gold Medal in my Master’s degree 17 years after I completed my bachelors. 

    Time files, it has been more than 2 decades. If I look back, I feel it is deeply fulfilling and gratifying. I wholeheartedly thank my mentors, seniors, peers and family who contributed to my professional growth and being part of my life’s journey. 

    As a legal advisor across various sectors, including IT & ITES, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Pharma and Techlaw, what common challenges do you encounter, and how do you address them while ensuring compliance and legal efficacy?

    Every client reposes trust on their advisors, either legal or financial. As a legal counsel I pre-empt and aid our clients navigate through complex situations and challenges and comply with the laws to avoid potential risks and liabilities and seamlessly concentrate on their business goals. 

    Every organisation requires to comply with a plethora of laws which makes it important for companies to place reliance on subject matter experts. As a legal counsel, we advise on various laws based on the needs of our client, which include data protection, labour & employment laws, consumer protection laws, intellectual property rights, corporate and commercial laws.

    Creating awareness and conducting training sessions to the appropriate functions helps us to interact with the teams to explain to them the need for compliance and adverse effects of non-compliance. These sessions instill a value system and is a collaborative work as we share real time experiences  and challenges. We advise on legal compliance after assessing each client’s pain points and prepare policy or guidelines to suit their requirement within the legal framework. Periodic supervision, audits and team reviews with clients aid to keep a watch on adherence with ever changing laws. Compliance is not a one-time event but an on-going task. By doing so, organizations ensure they meet legal requirements, uphold ethical standards, and manage risks effectively. This proactive approach not only reduces the likelihood of non-compliance but also enhances overall organizational resilience and reputation.

    As a practitioner in Anti-Sexual Harassment Law, how do you approach training and awareness sessions for employees and internal committee members to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity within organizations?

    Sexual harassment is a social issue. It has been nearly a decade, that our Government enacted the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) yet many establishments remain oblivious to its existence or compliance. Like Consumer awareness this also needs to reach the people. Like the impact created by the ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ awareness program run by the Government, we need a similar movement to sensitize and create awareness of this beneficial legislation.

    Regular meetings with IC members is highly recommended, awareness sessions for employees are important likewise orientation to IC members is also equally critical, as they redress the complaints. IC members  have to be trained to ensure judicious redressal, as most of IC members are seniors and experts in their field but may not be from legal background hence may need assistance to understand the nuances of law and manner of conducting redressal process in a time bound manner. 

    Usually, participants /audience are silent for the first 15-20 minutes, some voice their concerns during the session while some wait until we conclude. But there are many queries which can be resolved only by training and interactive sessions. These sessions are to be attended by all, it should not be a women’s day event. Government has enacted the law but its implementation is a collective responsibility. 

    Could you elaborate on your involvement in Estate & Succession Planning and share insights into the importance of such planning for individuals and families, especially in the context of evolving legal frameworks?

    Estate and succession planning are complex processes that require careful consideration of legal, financial, and personal factors. It is a collaborative effort of legal, tax and financial professionals to meet their goals and safeguard their properties. Will is the most sought out option for many as it is easy. Whereas for High Networth Individuals and Ultra High Networth Individuals s structuring, distribution and transfer of assets /wealth to beneficiaries or legal heirs upon death is a complex task. Identifying assets, including real estate, investments, savings, retirals, insurance policies, prized possessions, and personal belongings itself is the first step, which is followed by structuring and so on.  Trusts can be useful for minimizing taxes, legal attachments, and providing for minor children or individuals with special needs. Pre-empting pros and cons and advising clients is challenging yet fulfilling once we reach the desired outcome. We partner with reputed financial advisors and family office experts to give our clients holistic solutions.Although we have laws, healthcare/ advance medical directives, such as living wills, outline an individual’s preferences for medical treatment and appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. This is a very sensitive topic similar to that of a Will. No child can ask his parent to execute a Will to safeguard our assets or have advance medical directive in place to avoid issues in case of incapacity of parent to make a decision.  

    Justice M S Sonak, who serves on the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court, became the first person in Goa to register a “living will”, an advance medical directive for his family for when he cannot make his own decisions. Such trailblazers pave the way and pass on a message that nothing is permanent. It is rational to pass on responsibility of taking decisions in case of health in case of an emergency or wealth in case of eventuality. 

    What inspired you to embark on the journey of founding your own firm, IUSTUS LEGAL, and what specific vision or goals did you aim to achieve through this endeavour? Could you share some of the significant challenges you encountered when establishing IUSTUS LEGAL?

    Starting a law firm or independent practice is a logical and common path for any legal professional in practice. I believe a silver lining during pandemic for me was clients both domestic and international realised that corporate legal services can be rendered effectively and efficiently using technology. E-meetings became the go-to venue and virtual data room a repository of documents. Personally, I noticed there were avenues and opportunities which were opened and I wanted to explore the waters as the market dynamics were changing and legal compliance was gaining a foothold due to enormous foreign investments and funding which prompted legal due diligence and paved the way for diversified agreements and mandated compliance under corporate and labour laws.

    I truly believed that it was the right time for me to make my deep rooted vision of providing just and fair legal services to clients into a reality. Initially, I was apprehensive, as it could be risky moving out of my comfort zone and setting up a firm from scratch. It meant less to no work and less to no steady income. I took a leap of faith and established IUSTUS Legal. IUSTUS is a name derived from IUSTITIA, the Lady of Justice (Nyaya Devta) and also means righteousness, ‘dharma’, being just and fair which is based on the vision to create value to every client in every entrusted matter. It is fulfilling when a client entrusts a matter to you and feels content when the desired outcome and refers to new clients or more matters.

    It has been nearly 3 years since I ventured on this journey and we are expanding. I feel elated when I say it was an all women team (and young mothers) who continue to balance both professional and personal responsibilities effectively. We are expanding with young professional minds joining us.  I am grateful to the Almighty for being the guiding light, to our amazing clients, competent team and my wonderful family.  

    Entrepreneurship comes with its risks and challenges, but if you have conviction in yourself and faith in God, the journey is beautiful. 

    What challenges did you encounter as a woman along the way that shaped your journey to becoming a seasoned legal professional and Managing Partner at IUSTUS LEGAL?

    Conventionally, the representation of women in the legal profession is low. Despite significant advancements, women face challenges and many let go of this profession due to gender discrimination, demanding timelines, constant comparisons, unrealistic expectations, work-life balance, motherhood etc. Support from seniors and family is important for any woman to pursue their career aspirations. I was fortunate that there have been only a few such instances more gender based, but have heard so many experiences from my friends and colleagues to quit the profession and change their career paths. 

    In fact many women colleagues leave the profession due to familial responsibilities or unsupportive family, post marriage or childbirth. Out of 30 women students in my class of 2000 batch, hardly a handful women are continuing in this profession, which is disheartening.

    I truly believe and advise young mothers, who have no support but have legal acumen and skill sets, could take up tasks where they could work from home or work as freelancers. 

    Earlier, litigation or corporate law were the only options, now the legal profession has further branched out. One can be a legal correspondent, legal analyst, part time lecturer, corporate lawyer, labour law consultant, POSH advisor. Quitting is easy, navigating through odds is a challenge worth trying.  

    How do you balance your work-life as a legal professional? How do you manage your work day?

    Time is the most precious commodity which is non-renewable, but we need to value both time and money. Legal profession is highly demanding. Striking a balance is not an easy task as profession and personal life are equally important. Based on situations, I have prioritized both professional growth and personal life. 

    In response to your question, I prioritize work every day before I start my work, I read a matter and make hand noting this helps me recollect the matter easily, avoid procrastination, except in case of emergencies and keep a watch on the deadlines, in case work spills beyond expected timeline I ensure apprising clients helps in maintaining a healthy and long standing professional relationship. I believe enriching client relationships and being updated with domain areas is also spending time productively as a lawyer. delegation of work with a team helps in productivity, time management and ability to focus on priority and high risks matters.

    Most of all, I believe in spending time with family and taking short breaks/getaways as it rejuvenates me. This helps growth of professional and personal lives

    What advice or suggestions would you offer to the next generation of aspiring legal professionals who are entering the field, especially in light of the evolving legal landscape and emerging challenges?

    Self-trust is the primary requirement for any aspiring student as comparisons are bound to happen and that should not adversely impact on your growth. Embarking as a lawyer is an exciting yet challenging journey. Understanding the fundamentals of law and research are key skill sets but good communication, time management, team work, dedication, critical thinking and adaptability are also equally important. 

    Formal education gives aspiring lawyers an overview of law but practical learning under a senior /mentor and gaining insights from experienced professionals enhances the knowledge, legal reasoning and application of the education judiciously. Attending workshops, conferences, networking aids in an impactful way to foster continuous learning. A legal professional must be willing to be a lifelong student to sustain and grow. My motto ‘if you are not updated, you are outdated’. Stay updated to continue and shine in this noble profession and collaborate with colleagues. One may not know everything but everyone will know something.

    I am happy to have been part of this pious profession and strongly urge students to consider this as their career option, if it aligns with their skill sets, interests, and career aspirations. Lawyers can positively influence the Country’s law & policy, make key contributions in people’s lives and decisions through their expert legal guidance. 

    Get in touch with Savithri Sravanthi –

  • “After 15 years of practice, I have come to see how few women stay on in the profession and put themselves out there – especially at negotiation tables in PE & M&A transactions”- Goda Raghavan, Advocate & Partner, AK Law Chambers

    “After 15 years of practice, I have come to see how few women stay on in the profession and put themselves out there – especially at negotiation tables in PE & M&A transactions”- Goda Raghavan, Advocate & Partner, AK Law Chambers

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

    Ms. Raghavan, you have a remarkable career in corporate law, leading the Corporate Transactions practice at AK Law Chambers. Can you share with us the journey that led you to pursue a career in law and what sparked your interest in this field?

    I come from a family of litigating lawyers (my grandfather KR Gopivallabha Iyengar was a judge of the Karnataka High Court and my father, Mr. KG Raghavan, is a senior advocate in Bangalore) and I am now the third generation lawyer. While I was always keen on becoming a lawyer from very early on, I wanted to establish a practice to create an identity of my own and on my own merit and consequently, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue litigation as my area of specialisation. In addition to being a lawyer, I am also a qualified company secretary. As part of the CS course, I worked with the GMR Group. During my stint for a little over a year there, I was exposed to working with the legal and secretarial team alongside the business vertical with a focus on getting business done within the framework of the law rather than academic interpretation of the law. I even had the opportunity to be a part of the board meetings. When I met my husband, Anirudh Krishnan, in London during my LLM at the London School of Economics, our idea was that if we were to setup our private practice together, our skill sets should complement each other and not duplicate. All of this instilled a keen sense of desire to work in an area that is a bridge between the business world and the law and consequently pursuing a career in corporate transactions was the perfect fit.

    Your educational background is impressive, with a Bachelors in Law from University Law College, Bangalore, and an LLM from the London School of Economics. How did your educational experiences shape your legal career and influence your specialization in corporate and commercial law?

    An undergrad degree equips you to be a lawyer sans specialisation in most 5 year programs However, the LLM degree in LSE, UK changed my perspective on how to approach a given factual matrix and debating the ‘why’ of the law given that I shared a classroom with some of the best students from top schools across the world and was taught by some of the world’s best subject matter specialists. While at LSE there were two specific courses that added to my already keen interest in corporate and commercial law – International Business Transactions and Project Finance & Public Private Partnerships. However, according to me, much of my specialisation came to me as a learning on my first job with Mr. TK Bhaskar. But I would like to add that, over the years, since I have setup my own vertical in the area of corporate commercial transactions at AK Law Chambers, the LLM has visibly given me an edge when a client has to decide between two or more prospective lawyers.

    Being a qualified company secretary and securing a gold medal is quite an achievement. How has this additional qualification complemented your legal practice, particularly in corporate transactions?

    Thank you. I believe that having an additional qualification such as the company secretaryship has definitely added an intangible benefit to my practice. I am now in a position to provide my clients with the wholistic advice on how to structure and negotiate a particular transaction not only from the legal point of view but also from the financial and secretarial point of view and any Private Equity or M&A transactions would necessarily involve all three aspects –  legal , finance and secretarial.

    You have been recognized by prestigious platforms such as Chambers & Partners, Thomson Reuters, and Legal 500. What do these accolades mean to you, and how have they impacted your professional journey and reputation in the legal community?

    The accolades are a recognition of the good work that one has done and a motivation to keep getting better each year. However, today the market is flooded with plenty of awards and several that come with a ‘nomination fee’ or a ‘registration fee’. We as a firm have a no payment for recognition policy and therefore I feel that those that I have earned are truly on the basis of the work we do. That being said, I am very grateful for the recognition and accolades that I have received and several of these carry a very good reputation and value internationally.

    Your work in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate advisory has been highly acclaimed. Could you tell us more about one of the marquee deals you were involved in, specifically the Mahindra Logistics acquisition of Whizzard, and what made it stand out as the deal of the year?

    After 15 years of practice, I have come to see how few women stay on in the profession and put themselves out there – especially at negotiation tables in PE & M&A transactions. I’d like to use the word ‘marquee’ in two contexts – one where the deal itself is complicated and requires manoeuvring through the nuances of the law – like the Mahindra deal which was a deal involving an acquisition by a listed company and also had to be completed in a time bound manner of less than 5 days (where typically deals take around 45-90 days). There was another deal that I advised on wherein the investors from Mayalsia were exiting an Indian hospital and selling shares to a non-resident Indian and therefore the deal involved compliances and structuring under multiple jurisdiction. There is yet another deal I advised on which was a Rs. 1200 crores fund raise by a Section 8 company involved in a highly sensitive project in India. Some of these deals are in the public domain, while others are not. The other context of marquee, in my view is a transaction where the entire team of lawyers for all parties were all women – in this deal even the CFO of the investor was also a woman and when we closed the deal it left me with a sense of pride!

    In addition to your legal practice, you actively mentor the start-up community and engage with organizations like TiE Bangalore and NASSCOM. How do you balance these roles, and what drives your passion for supporting startups and innovation?

    I work with companies at all stages – companies that are still at an idea stage to multi-national companies that have several business verticals across countries. I would like to bring my expertise to help startups since they are the future of business in India and when they grow we grow with them. Organisations such a TiE, NASSCOM, etc provide a great platform for me to give back to the society in the way I can.

    Beyond your professional achievements, you are also a trained veena artist and serve on the executive committee of the Madras Music Academy. How do you integrate your passion for music with your demanding legal career, and what role does music play in your life?

    I have learnt the veena for over 30 years now and it was something that my mother was very particular about. Her objective in me being trained in music was two-fold, I would learn the music itself  and also would inculcate the art of being able to focus. I believe that this has truly helped me at several points. My profession can get a bit monotonous at times and music brings in the refreshing change to my day. I believe it is important to keep your passions alive outside of your profession so that when you take that break and come back to work, you are recharged to give your best.

    As someone who has achieved so much in both your professional and personal life, what advice would you give to fresh law graduates who are just starting their careers in the legal field?

    Use your time at your internships well to assess which is the area of law that interests you and not go behind the mere “image” of a practice that looks externally appealing. In my opinion the first boss is probably more important than the area of work since the mentorship that you receive in your initial years will shape your professional life for several years thereafter. Also, if you choose to take up a particular area of practice, give it atleast 2-3 years so that you are able to see the full cycle of a deal or a case and understand to some extent what the area of practice entails.

    Get in touch with Goda Raghavan-

  • “Embracing technology tools and resources, such as legal research platforms, case management software, and artificial intelligence applications, streamlines workflows and facilitates efficient information retrieval in diverse legal areas”- Ajinkya Patil, Senior Legal Counsel – Dentsu

    “Embracing technology tools and resources, such as legal research platforms, case management software, and artificial intelligence applications, streamlines workflows and facilitates efficient information retrieval in diverse legal areas”- Ajinkya Patil, Senior Legal Counsel – Dentsu

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

    Can you share a pivotal moment or experience from your early career that solidified your decision to pursue law as a profession?

    My grandfather was a significant influence on my career path! He was a Prothonotary and Senior Master in the Bombay High Court. On summer vacations when I used to visit his place, he used to tell me how his day at work was like. Just seeing him get all decked up in crisp formals and a coat with his suitcase ready to go to work is what inspired me to pursue law. The discipline in life which comes along with it is just an icing on the cake.   

    You’ve had an extensive journey through various law firms and corporate positions. What motivated you to transition from law firms to corporate roles, and how did each experience shape your expertise?

    Transitioning from law firms to corporate roles was motivated by a desire for a different perspective and new challenges in my career journey. Each experience has played a significant role in shaping my expertise in different ways. Starting in law firms provided me with a strong foundation in legal practice. In this environment, I honed essential skills such as legal research, writing, and advocacy. Working on diverse cases and projects allowed me to develop a broad understanding of various areas of law and learn to navigate complex legal issues efficiently. Additionally, collaborating with experienced attorneys and receiving mentorship helped me refine my approach to legal analysis and client representation. Also, as it is necessary to have a strong foundation before constructing a building, I always believed the law firm experience provides with that strong foundation and basics at the starting point of your career. 

    Transitioning to corporate roles offered a unique vantage point to apply my legal skills in a different context. In a corporate setting, I gained insights into the business side of legal matters, including contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Working closely with internal stakeholders, such as executives, department heads, and cross-functional teams, enhanced my ability to align legal strategies with organizational goals and priorities. Moreover, navigating corporate environments provided me with valuable experience in understanding the interplay between legal considerations and business objectives, fostering a more holistic approach to problem-solving.

    Each experience, whether in law firms or corporate settings, has contributed to my growth as a legal professional. 

    With your background in handling litigation matters across different forums, could you highlight a particularly challenging case you managed and the strategies you employed to navigate it successfully?

    I strongly believe that each case has its own complexities and challenges, and it cannot really be segregated to the most and the least challenging. However, one case which stands out particularly is an international arbitration before the Swiss Arbitration Centre. I chose this one not because of the complexities involved (though it was extremely complex) but considering that it was my first international arbitration involving a completely different process altogether. I had to collaborate with a top tier law firm of Geneva for assistance and working with their team was itself very challenging and at the same time a big learning experience. To navigate this case successfully, several key strategies were employed:

    • The first step was conducting a comprehensive analysis of the facts, contracts, and applicable law. This involved reviewing extensive documentation, including contracts, emails, financial records, and other evidence, to gain a deep understanding of the case’s nuances and intricacies.
    • Based on the analysis, a strategic litigation plan was devised to address the various legal and factual issues effectively. This plan involved identifying strengths and weaknesses in our position, anticipating opposing arguments, and formulating proactive strategies to mitigate risks and maximize favorable outcomes.
    • Diligent Discovery: Given the complexity of the case, diligent discovery was crucial. This involved conducting thorough investigations, propounding targeted discovery requests, and strategically responding to discovery demands from opposing parties. Leveraging electronic discovery tools and expert assistance facilitated the efficient management of voluminous documents and data.
    • Collaborative Approach: Collaboration with colleagues, experts, and clients played a pivotal role in the successful management of the case. Regular communication, teamwork, and coordination ensured that everyone involved was aligned with the litigation strategy and working towards common goals.

    I will always remember this case as I got the opportunity to work with one of the best law firms in Geneva and in the process gained sight of their working ways and culture and made some lifelong contacts. 

    Your experience spans across diverse legal domains such as civil laws, corporate laws, real estate, and arbitration. How do you manage to stay updated and proficient in such a wide array of legal areas?

    Staying updated and proficient across diverse legal domains requires a combination of ongoing learning, strategic focus, and effective resource management. My senior always used to tell me that ‘Reading’ is the key and that it is never enough and one has to keep reading more and more. This has stuck with me ever since and I make sure to take time to do that. It does not specifically mean that one has to read Law books and commentaries. A simple novel, newspaper, articles are enough. I prefer to categorize the reading process in the following manner. 

    • I prioritize continuous learning through various channels, including legal seminars, webinars, workshops, and professional development courses. These opportunities allow me to stay abreast of legal developments, emerging trends, and best practices across different practice areas.
    • I dedicate time to conducting legal research regularly to stay informed about recent case law, statutory changes, and regulatory updates relevant to each legal domain. Leveraging online legal databases, scholarly journals, and reputable legal publications helps me access timely and accurate information.
    • Engaging with colleagues, mentors, and legal professionals across different practice areas fosters knowledge sharing and collaboration. Participating in professional associations, bar committees, and industry forums provides valuable insights and perspectives from peers and experts in various legal fields.
    • Embracing technology tools and resources, such as legal research platforms, case management software, and artificial intelligence applications, streamlines workflows and facilitates efficient information retrieval in diverse legal areas.
    • Seeking guidance from experienced mentors and senior colleagues provides invaluable support and guidance in navigating complex legal issues and expanding expertise across different practice areas.

    As someone who has held leadership positions, including leading teams and managing departments, what strategies do you employ to foster effective teamwork and collaboration within legal environments?

    The teamwork and collaboration should not be restricted only within the legal team. The key in a corporate setting is to be a business enabler rather than just finding legal solutions to the problem. The first and foremost thing I tell the team is that working in the corporate sector is completely different from that of a law firm (from experience!) and the objective is to find a solution which is viable for the business and one which does not put the company exposed to any potential liability or conflict. I make sure to set up weekly catch-up calls with the business leaders and stakeholders just to discuss casual business and their expectations from the legal team. Likewise, acknowledging and celebrating team achievements (legal and business), both big and small and seeing failures as opportunities for learning and improvement help in the long run. 

    In your role as a legal professional, you’ve undoubtedly encountered complex contract negotiations. Can you share some insights into your approach to negotiating contracts and ensuring favorable outcomes for your organization?

    Absolutely! Negotiating contracts can be intricate and demanding, requiring a blend of legal expertise, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills. Before entering into negotiations, conducting comprehensive research and analysis to fully understand the terms, conditions, and potential implications of the contract is important. This includes reviewing relevant laws and regulations, understanding industry standards, and gathering information about the other party’s preferences and priorities. Working closely with stakeholders to understand their objectives is equally important. Clear and concise communication is essential throughout the negotiation process. Effective communication helps build understanding and facilitates productive dialogue.

    Given your involvement in Mergers and Acquisitions, could you discuss some of the key legal challenges you’ve faced in such transactions and how you navigated them to ensure compliance and success?

    Certainly! Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions present a plethora of legal challenges, ranging from regulatory compliance to contractual issues. Here are some key legal challenges I’ve encountered in M&A transactions, along with strategies for navigating them to ensure compliance and success:

    1. Regulatory Compliance: One of the foremost challenges in M&A transactions is navigating the complex web of regulatory requirements and obtaining necessary approvals from regulatory authorities. This includes antitrust regulations, securities laws, foreign investment regulations, and industry-specific regulations. 
    2. Contractual Issues: M&A transactions involve negotiating and drafting numerous contracts and agreements, including purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, and employment contracts. Ensuring that these contracts accurately reflect the parties’ intentions, protect their respective interests, and comply with legal requirements is critical. 
    3. Intellectual Property (IP) Issues: IP considerations are often paramount in M&A transactions, particularly in technology-driven industries. Identifying and assessing the target company’s IP assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, is crucial to evaluating the transaction’s value and mitigating risks. 
    4. Employment and Labor Law: M&A transactions can have significant implications for employees, including potential changes in employment terms, benefits, and job security. Ensuring compliance with employment and labor laws, including regulations governing layoffs, severance pay, and employee benefits, is essential to minimizing legal risks and maintaining positive employee relations. 
    5. Data Privacy and Security: In an increasingly digital world, data privacy and security considerations are critical in M&A transactions, particularly when handling sensitive personal or proprietary information. Ensuring compliance with data protection laws and regulations, such as the GDPR and CCPA, is essential to protecting both parties’ interests and mitigating potential legal and reputational risks.

    By proactively addressing these and other legal challenges in M&A transactions, I aim to facilitate smooth and successful transactions that create value for all stakeholders involved while minimizing legal risks and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

    Drawing from your extensive experience, what advice would you offer to fresh law graduates stepping into the field today, especially regarding career growth and navigating the complexities of the legal profession?

    For fresh law graduates entering the legal profession, here are some key pieces of advice to consider as you embark on your career journey:

    1. Continuous Learning and Skill Development: The legal profession is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to prioritize continuous learning and skill development throughout your career. Stay updated on legal developments, industry trends, and emerging areas of law through ongoing education, professional development programs, and networking opportunities.
    2. Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Find mentors within the legal profession who can offer guidance, support, and advice as you navigate the complexities of your career. Mentors can provide valuable insights, help you develop professionally, and offer perspective based on their own experiences in the field.
    3. Embrace Technology and Innovation: Embrace technology and innovation as valuable tools for enhancing your legal practice. Stay abreast of advancements in legal technology, such as case management software, research tools, and e-discovery platforms, and leverage them to streamline your work processes, improve efficiency, and deliver greater value to your clients.
    4. Cultivate Professionalism and Integrity: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in all aspects of your legal practice. Adhere to ethical guidelines and codes of conduct, maintain confidentiality, and always act in the best interests of your clients while upholding the rule of law.
    5. Develop a Strong Work Ethic and Resilience: The legal profession can be demanding and challenging, requiring perseverance, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Be prepared to put in the time and effort necessary to excel in your career, and don’t be deterred by setbacks or obstacles along the way.
    6. Stay Flexible and Adapt to Change: The legal profession is dynamic and constantly evolving, so be prepared to adapt to change and embrace new opportunities as they arise. Stay flexible in your career trajectory, be open to new experiences and challenges, and seize opportunities for growth and advancement along the way.

    Get in touch with Ajinkya Patil-

  • “To excel in the legal profession, one must be very sincere, have patience and work diligently with dedication”- P S Suman, Managing Partner, PSS Legal Advisors LLP

    “To excel in the legal profession, one must be very sincere, have patience and work diligently with dedication”- P S Suman, Managing Partner, PSS Legal Advisors LLP

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

    Can you share your journey into the field of law with us? 

    My Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Corporate Secretaryship got me interested in Corporate Law. Thereafter, I finished the Company Secretaryship course as well as a Degree in Law. I enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu. I had the spectacular opportunity to work under Senior Advocate Mr. R. Murari whose mentoring gave me a great start. 

    Three years later, I finished my Chartered Governance programme at the Chartered Governance Institute (UK and Ireland). 

    A solid foundation in corporate and commercial law is very essential to becoming a successful corporate lawyer. Fortunately, the academic and professional courses I pursued gave me this much-needed in-depth understanding which enables me to handle corporate cases effectively. The journey of my 20+ years in legal practice has been very exciting throughout.

    With your background in corporate secretaryship and law, what drew you to specialize in mergers and acquisitions? 

    I was very passionate about Mergers and Acquisitions right from the beginning of my practice. It is my constant endeavour to know as much as possible about this topic to facilitate providing extensive in-depth services to our clients. It is this interest that led me to complete a program on ‘Value Creation through Mergers and Acquisitions’ from the Indian School of Business (ISB, Hyderabad). At our Firm, we handle various M&A transactions and we enjoy facilitating each of the aspects involved for our clients. Presently, there is constant activity in the M&A space and it’s a very exciting area of practice for our Firm. 

    You co-authored a book on ‘Supreme Court on Insolvency and Bankruptcy’. What inspired you to delve into this topic, and what key insights did you gain from the process?

    The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code brought about very interesting changes and the law has seen substantial and rapid developments. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has been settling this law on various aspects. I proposed to author a book on this topic and the team at LexisNexis was very supportive. The process of authoring this book gave me a deeper sense of understanding various aspects of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

    As the Managing Partner of PSS Legal Advisors LLP, could you elaborate on the range of services your firm provides in corporate matters? 

    ‘PSS Legal Advisors LLP’ is a boutique corporate law firm. The Firm’s Advisory Practice deals with a wide variety of matters including all matters relating to foreign exchange law. The Firm’s Transaction Practice deals with a variety of M&A and contract-related matters. In our Litigation Practice, we provide comprehensive end-to-end support on all aspects of Corporate, Civil and Commercial Law and represent our clients before all Courts including the Supreme Court, High Courts and various Tribunals such as NCLT, NCLAT, DRT, DRAT, Enforcement Directorate etc., The Firm also has an active alternate dispute resolution practice on Mediations and Arbitrations. We also have a successful real estate legal practice.

    Being a co-founder of Beej Network, how do you balance your legal expertise with your involvement in angel investments and startup support? 

    I am a mentor by nature and I always look forward to making a difference to people around me. It is because of my knowledge domain and mentoring activities that I was made a Co-founder at Beej Network, which is an angel investing network.

    The founders of startups need to focus on their business and hence they require immense legal and other professional support at all stages. It is my endeavour to understand the business of a startup and their business plan, the vision of the promoters, their pain points etc., from a legal standpoint and guide them suitably to enable them to focus effectively on developing their business without facing non-compliance. 

    As a corporate lawyer, I am fortunate to have assisted clients at different stages of their life cycle over the years and it is this experience that empowers me to mentor the start-ups and its promoters.

    Could you share some highlights from your involvement with the Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry? 

    I am fortunate to have about 15+ years of long association working closely with Japanese companies on their requirements in India. A few years ago I was appointed as a Member of the Governing Council, which is the core governing body of the ‘Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry’ (IJCCI). The IJCCI has been focussing exclusively on Indian and Japanese trade and cultural activities for over 32 years.

    At the IJCCI we endeavour to connect enquiries from Japan to Indian businesses and vice-versa. We have organised several delegations from India to Japan to give Indian businesses both prospects and exposure to doing business in Japan. I front-ended an economic survey on ‘Indian Industry expectations from Japanese Companies in TamilNadu’. This report is widely circulated in key offices in Japan with an intent to effectively integrate investments from Japan into India. 

    Our Law Firm supports IJCCI by hosting knowledge-sharing programs. 

    Your efforts in attracting foreign investments into India are commendable. What strategies have you found most effective in fostering these international collaborations, particularly with organizations like the United Nations Industrial Development Organization?

    We have arranged programmes for Japan on investing in India with the help of the IJCCI and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, ITPO Tokyo. I have been fortunate to travel to Japan extensively on several occasions during which I learnt more about their culture, business practices, expectations on investing in India and other important aspects.

    In our practice and otherwise, we receive enquiries from Japan and other countries. Japanese Investors expect complete clarity on all aspects and it is only thereafter that they execute their decision to invest in India. Of course, the simplicity of setting up and operating in India is the key to attracting foreign investments. 

    Generally, the main focus is on attracting foreign investments into India. However, what we need is to continue to support such foreign investors even post their investments in India by addressing their pain points on priority. The endeavour of the Government must be to turn foreign investors into extremely happy customers which in turn will get such foreign investors to spread the word about and highly recommend their countrymen on investing in India.

    I have dedicated a lot of time and effort to advancing Japanese investments in India and I look forward to continuing to assist many more foreign businesses with their requirements in India.

    How do you ensure your team stays ahead in such a dynamic field?

    This process is the most challenging and yet very interesting. We start each word day with an individual-centric session focussed on their personal development with a brief meditation, mentoring and affirmations. Our teams are aligned to the Firm’s vision. Each member is focused on doing meaningful work every day and on every assignment. The team embraces challenging work willingly and this helps them grow professionally. 

    I have addressed sessions at various institutions on succeeding in the profession, fast-tracking careers and other aspects and I endeavour to enable this for the team at the firm as well.

    What is your approach at the Firm to protect the interest of your clients?

    At the Firm we operate on the principle of ‘Prevention is better than the Cure’. Every commercial action has multiple legal implications and we endeavour to provide clarity to our clients on such implications and also take the necessary steps to protect their interests. Litigation or prosecution leads to complex situations involving huge costs resulting in a financial depletion in a company, diversion of human resources and stressful situations. We proactively address issues with our clients early on by working with them continuously and this enables us to take care of the client’s interest as and when a requirement arises thereby reducing the possibilities of litigation or prosecution.

    Based on your extensive experience, what advice would you offer to fresh graduates aspiring to pursue a career in law, especially in the realm of corporate law and entrepreneurship?

    To excel in the legal profession, one must be very sincere, have patience and work diligently with dedication. The long hours at work must be seen as a pleasure and must be embraced willingly. Fresh graduates must understand all aspects of the profession in detail and happily align with such requirements. They must also have a clear goal in mind and proceed with a long-term approach and it is necessary to stay on track throughout consistently. Horizontal exposure to a variety of laws is vital, but it is also critical to develop core competencies in a select few areas so that, over time, one can establish oneself as an authority in at least a few selected fields. Interest in and investing in continuous education in chosen areas is critical. 

    Get in touch with PS Suman-

  • “I have always wanted to be in a profession that is more society-centric and has good opportunities to meet people from different walks of life.” – Manish Gaurav, Founding Partner at Lexspectrum

    “I have always wanted to be in a profession that is more society-centric and has good opportunities to meet people from different walks of life.” – Manish Gaurav, Founding Partner at Lexspectrum

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

    Could you take us back to the beginning of your career journey? What inspired you to pursue law, and can you share any pivotal moments or experiences that shaped your decision to enter this field? Additionally, what were some of the challenges you faced when starting out, and how did you overcome them to establish yourself as a prominent figure in the legal profession?

    I have always believed that God has bestowed grace upon me. Importantly, my parents have always encouraged me to make decisions and have provided enough freedom and information to make an important decision that has a long-term impact on my life.

    I have always wanted to be in a profession that is more society-centric and has good opportunities to meet people from different walks of life. In this context, law as a profession was an obvious option for me. I consulted many of my friends/seniors and some reputed lawyers before taking this decision to pursue law. Their encouraging words (along with challenges in the profession that they mentioned) encouraged me to pursue my career in this field.

    Since I am first generation lawyer, there were plenty of difficulties. I was very clueless in my initial days (after completing my law degree) about my next step and other related aspects. But, there is always someone to help me or guide me in such difficult situations. They were either friends/colleagues or strangers (as well). I am thankful to all of them.  

    Lexspectrum is known for its comprehensive legal services. What inspired you and your partner to establish this firm, and what sets it apart from others in the field?

    I have always believed that there is enough space for new law firms in the sector that can be more focused (handholding approach) towards clients. Additionally, having experience of a certain number of years, acted as an asset for me in this endeavour.

    Importantly, I sought feedback from various clients/friends to provide their suggestions regarding setting up a new law firm. In most the cases, I got very positive and encouraging suggestions/responses that helped me make such a decision.

    Your bio mentions you’re recognized as a recommended lawyer for Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions. What advice would you give to young lawyers aspiring to achieve similar recognition in their careers?

    Well, such recognitions are always welcome. It gives a sense of satisfaction and improves confidence. In my opinion, consistency with quality work is key to success in the field. It is important for a young lawyer to be very consistent with quality work to achieve their professional goal.  

    In your opinion, what can the current generation do to carve out successful careers in law, especially in a field as dynamic as yours?

    The current generation of lawyers should focus (in addition to basics) on the changes which is taking place in the field of law. For example, legal practice in the field of data/AI/the international context of multi-party disputes/PE/VC transactions was not so common a few years ago but now it is very much mainstream practice. Hence, it is imperative that a lawyer should pay adequate attention to the development/changes in the legal field wherein such lawyer is practising.

    Additionally, quality of work and timely response to clients is imperative. I have noticed that these days clients are well informed about the existing legal provision(which affects them) and their expectation from the lawyer is not only to be better informed about applicable legal provisions but also to have good understanding of the case which such a lawyer is handling. Hence, a lawyer should be much more attentive to the case/assignment that they are being entrusted with. 

    Outside of your professional life, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do you balance your personal interests with your demanding career?

    Typically, I do not get much time to pursue my hobbies which has changed with time. I love travelling with my family and friends and I try to do the same whenever it is possible. Being with family and friends is always a wonderful experience. 

    With the constantly evolving legal landscape, how do you stay updated with industry trends and changes, and how do you ensure your team at Lexspectrum remains ahead of the curve?

    We, as a firm, have weekly sessions on the legal updates on the matter concerning the current assignments and generally related to the subject matter of practice area. Additionally, we encourage our team members to write articles/updates regularly to get a better understanding of the subject matter. We also encourage our team to participate in relevant conferences to be fully updated.

    There is always an emphasis that we as Lexspectrum should be well aware of the subject matter which we are dealing with. There is also an emphasis on having a good understanding of the sector in which such client is engaged.

    Being recognized as one of the highly recommended lawyers in Mergers & Acquisitions is a remarkable achievement. For students aspiring to excel in this field, what specific skills or knowledge areas would you recommend they focus on during their education and early career to position themselves for success in M&A transactions?

    Typically, I have noticed that law schools have a higher degree of inclination towards litigation than corporate matters. Likewise, law students have better exposure to litigation matters. Hence, it is imperative that law students must participate in all relevant events /seminars (typically organised by Investment banking firms/law firms/CA firms) to get exposure to the subject matter.

    Additionally, various blogs/research paper are being published by law firms that should be referred regularly. Having internships in law firms with maximum exposure to corporate matters will be very helpful. 

    Could you share with us the experience of the first time you stepped into a courtroom to argue a case? What was going through your mind, and how did it shape your approach to advocacy?

    I consider myself lucky in this respect wherein my senior permitted me to argue a matter when I was just 4-5 months into the profession. My senior mentored/guided me well on the said case. However, it was a bit shaking moment for me till I started making submissions to the Hon’ble Court. Once, I started, it became relatively normal for me.

    Courtrooms often witness intriguing moments and unexpected twists. Can you recall any particularly memorable anecdotes or moments from your time practicing law that stand out to you?

    On several occasions wherein the Hon’ble judge and/or opposite counsel has agreed to deviate from the established norms keeping the larger interest of the litigants in mind and the same has served very well in the interest of justice. On one such occasion, a key witness has arrived here in India for a minimal time period. Such a witness was critical to the matter. On our request, the Hon’ble court and opposite counsel agreed to complete all procedural aspects concerning such witness on the same day which is not so common.

    On several occasions, we are informed about certain documents/events on the day of the hearing which is critically important.  Such events on many occasions require us to immediately make suitable changes in our strategy/submission. Due to confidentiality, I will not be able to delve into this any further.

    Get in touch with Manish Gaurav-

  • “Misalignment often arises when lawyers within law firms fail to grasp the significance of commercial imperatives or when in-house counsel overlook the critical importance of legal compliance.” – Shiju PV, Senior Partner at IndiaLaw LLP

    “Misalignment often arises when lawyers within law firms fail to grasp the significance of commercial imperatives or when in-house counsel overlook the critical importance of legal compliance.” – Shiju PV, Senior Partner at IndiaLaw LLP

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

    Can you walk us through your journey from when you decided to pursue a career in law? What inspired that decision, and how did you navigate through the process? 

    In the realm of academia, my interests gravitated towards disciplines such as social science and political science. Consequently, the prospect of pursuing law as a career naturally appealed to me. Although I harbored a passion for journalism, I made the deliberate decision to pursue law instead.

    During the inception of my professional journey, our economy underwent a significant transformation with the liberalization of global capital. This ushered in a wave of foreign investment, acquisitions, and various forms of financial activity. Following a brief stint in litigation, I transitioned to Nishit Desai Associates, where I specialized in matters pertaining to funds and foreign investments, thereby gaining valuable exposure in areas such as FDI, private equity transactions, fund structuring etc.

    Subsequently, I further honed my expertise through engagements with several other prestigious law firms, focusing particularly on the corporate, infrastructure and real estate sectors. These experiences culminated in my tenure at IndiaLaw LLP, where I have found my niche and established myself within the legal landscape.

    Considering IndiaLaw LLP celebrated 25 years last year, how do you envision the future growth and development of the firm?

    The practice of law is characterized by perpetual evolution, demanding a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and self-reinvention. The landscape is replete with examples of centenarian law firms rendered obsolete due to their inability to adapt to changing times. As a first-generation law firm, we have navigated through the nepotistic tendencies prevalent in India’s legal sphere by fostering a culture of innovation.

    Central to our ethos is a steadfast commitment to client service, underscored by the establishment of a dedicated client service team—an uncommon practice within our industry. Anticipating the pivotal role of technology in the legal profession, we took proactive measures by developing a proprietary, in-house software tool in the early 2000s, seamlessly integrating our operations under a unified interface. Presently, we are diligently working on harnessing technology to prepare ourselves for the future trajectory of the legal landscape.

    With a strategic presence in key Indian metropolises, our firm has now set its sights on international expansion, laying the groundwork for overseas ventures that align with our vision and values.

    You’ve been instrumental in building up a non-litigation practice at IndiaLaw LLP. What challenges did you face during this process, and how did you overcome them?

    Led by our Founder and Managing Partner, Mr. K.P. Sreejith, an esteemed dispute resolution lawyer, our firm was initially established with a primary focus on litigation and arbitration. Presently, we boast a comprehensive portfolio encompassing a wide spectrum of litigation matters, ranging from civil, corporate, and commercial disputes to property, banking, and insolvency litigations. Additionally, our expertise extends to both domestic and international arbitration proceedings.

    The expansion into non-litigation areas transpired following my joining, representing a strategic pivot for our firm. Despite encountering formidable competition from well-established counterparts, we surmounted these challenges through our dedication, innovative strategies, and commitment to client satisfaction. Presently, our non-litigation practice is helmed by distinct partners, each overseeing specialized verticals within the domain.

    In a testament to our growth trajectory, we recently inaugurated our second office in Mumbai dedicated exclusively to our non-litigation practice, underscoring our commitment to providing comprehensive legal services to our clientele.

    You have been in legal practice, especially in the corporate and transactional laws, for almost two and half decades? You are involved in various committees related to legal services and corporate laws, how do you see the evolution of the Indian legal and regulatory regime over the years and how do you perceive the future landscape of corporate law practice evolving in India?

    The legal landscape is currently experiencing significant transformation driven by rapid technological advancements, notably in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). AI stands poised to revolutionize corporate law practices by enhancing efficiency and productivity. Leveraging AI-powered tools enables expedited analysis of extensive legal datasets, thereby simplifying research processes and affording lawyers the opportunity to delve deeper into analysis and strategic deliberation.

    Moreover, AI facilitates the streamlining of contract analysis and due diligence procedures, enabling swift identification of pertinent issues and empowering legal practitioners to allocate their time towards critical thinking and decision-making endeavors. The integration of AI is poised to fundamentally reshape the legal profession, particularly within corporate law practices.

    Those who proactively embrace AI technologies stand to gain a competitive edge in their professional endeavors, positioning themselves favorably within the legal landscape.

    With your expertise in M&A transactions, what do you believe is the key to a successful negotiation in this field?

    Achieving successful negotiation outcomes hinges upon a clear understanding of your objectives, whether advocating for the acquirer or the seller. It is imperative to delineate non-negotiable terms and areas open to flexibility. Given that M&A transactions are collaborative endeavors, thorough deliberation with clients and fellow advisers prior to entering negotiation proceedings is essential.

    Conducting comprehensive due diligence, whether from the perspective of the seller or the acquirer, is paramount to gauging the strengths and weaknesses of the target entity. This informed assessment facilitates a nuanced understanding of one’s negotiating position. Moreover, adopting a collaborative stance, as opposed to an adversarial approach, is pivotal for transactional lawyers, fostering constructive dialogue and conducive negotiation environments.

    As a corporate lawyer, you often work closely with in-house lawyers. Could you share insights into  how the role of a lawyer differs from law firm and inhouse?

    The responsibilities of a lawyer remain largely consistent, whether operating as an in-house counsel or within a law firm setting. The hallmark of success for a corporate lawyer lies in their ability to perceive their role as a facilitator of business objectives rather than a mere impediment. Misalignment often arises when lawyers within law firms fail to grasp the significance of commercial imperatives or when in-house counsel overlook the critical importance of legal compliance.

    Irrespective of the organizational context, a corporate lawyer’s duty is to strike a delicate equilibrium between business imperatives and legal mandates. By doing so, they empower the business to operate within the confines of the law while concurrently pursuing strategic objectives.

    Considering your extensive experience in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) since its inception, what is your evaluation of the progress of this law?

    The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) commenced with significant momentum as the Reserve Bank of India directed chronic defaulters, responsible for a substantial portion of non-performing assets (NPAs) in the nation, to the IBC framework. Our involvement in numerous such cases, representing diverse stakeholders, underscored the pivotal role we played during this period of transition.

    Preceding the implementation of the IBC, India’s insolvency laws were characterized by fragmentation; the IBC consolidated these disparate statutes under a singular framework. However, the abrupt initiation of the IBC exposed several inadequacies within the legal framework, compounded by the unpreparedness of National Company Law Tribunals (NCLTs) to manage the influx of cases. Although the legal landscape has evolved considerably since then, infrastructural deficiencies persist, impeding optimal efficiency.

    Nevertheless, the impact of the IBC is palpable, evident in the fostering of a more prudent credit culture across the country. Promoters now exercise greater caution when seeking financing, cognizant of the potential ramifications of losing control over their enterprises.

    With your extensive experience advising clients across various sectors, what suggestions would you give to the current generation of aspiring lawyers in deciding between working for law firms or in-house legal departments at companies? What criteria or considerations should they prioritize in making this decision?

    As previously mentioned, the fundamental responsibilities of lawyers remain consistent regardless of whether they operate within a law firm or serve as in-house counsel. However, the role of an in-house lawyer presents unique challenges, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the company’s business operations—a facet often more demanding than that required of a law firm lawyer. Moreover, an in-house lawyer must function as a generalist, whereas their counterparts in law firms often benefit from specialized expertise.

    Nonetheless, law firms afford invaluable opportunities for first-hand experience in executing legal transactions, thereby providing a solid foundation for burgeoning legal practitioners. Therefore, I advocate for aspiring lawyers to commence their careers within a law firm to acquire essential skills and exposure before contemplating a transition to an in-house role, should they desire to do so.

    Beyond the professional realm, what’s a hobby or interest you have that might surprise people?

    That’s rather unsurprising. I have a penchant for literature, cinema, and indulging in travel experiences.

    Could you walk us through what a typical day looks like for you as a Senior Partner at IndiaLaw LLP? And on that note, what aspect of the daily job of being a lawyer interests you the most?

    With a robust presence spanning eight offices across major metropolitan areas, encompassing a diverse range of practice areas and a substantial team of legal professionals, our firm caters to a clientele comprising major corporations and High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) known for their exacting standards. As a result, a considerable portion of my time is dedicated to firm management—a responsibility that brings forth distinct challenges on a daily basis.

    One aspect of legal practice that particularly captivates me is its tendency to present continual surprises and challenges. Despite believing that matters are well in hand, unforeseen circumstances often arise, capable of derailing even the most meticulously laid plans. In such instances, the primary approach is to innovate by leveraging all available resources and meticulously referencing legal precedents to realign our strategy. This perpetual cycle of adaptation underscores the reality that law is an ongoing educational journey, necessitating a perpetual commitment to learning in order to remain relevant in the legal profession.

    Get in touch with Shiju PV-

  • “Any land transactions whether acquisition or disposition is highly complex in India because of applicability of various state laws as well as from retrieving documentation”- Atindra Basu, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

    “Any land transactions whether acquisition or disposition is highly complex in India because of applicability of various state laws as well as from retrieving documentation”- Atindra Basu, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary

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

    Can you walk us through your journey from starting as an in-house counsel at HUL to your current role as General Counsel & Company Secretary at Greaves Cotton Ltd? What pivotal moments or experiences shaped your career path along the way?

    22 + years of experience as an inhouse counsel – both an amazing journey and also a humbling experience. Immediately from the campus joining HUL was like a dream come true for any freshman. I have thoroughly enjoyed and immersed myself into an amazing experience of managing litigation, marketing schemes, sales promotion, labour issues, crises management et al working with a group of highly intelligent legal species, some of them continue to be my mentor. Post HUL, I have enriched myself in some short but interesting stints in Abbott and Marico before joining Johnson & Johnson where I spent a good 4 plus years in partnering the consumer business to witness its enormous growth. Post J&J and after a small stint in Jyothi Laboratories, joined GSK Consumer where from supporting supply chain business, got into the acquisition of Novartis OTC business, which going forward paved the way for its new GSK Consumer business. After being in GSK for 4 odd years, had a short stint in Cipla before joining Greaves Cotton. All my experiences before Greaves seem to be sublime in comparison with Greaves. My learning curve keeps going true north with exposure in – acquisitions, divestments, corporate structuring, compliance, brand management, managing litigation, handling crisis situations, investigations and on and on. 

    Your profile highlights extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring. Could you share some insights into your approach to these strategic transactions and how they have contributed to the transformation of the businesses you’ve worked with?

    Inorganic growth is the easy target of every organisation but at the same time it’s difficult to achieve for multiple reasons which can cover cultural fitment to financial aspirations of both the investor and investor. As an inhouse lawyer our responsibility extends beyond documentation, from the commencement of hunting the target till the completion of all the condition precedents, my role encompasses every dimension of the transaction. From structuring transactions to negotiation of the commercials, I have been able to successfully complete around 7 transactions in a span of the last 5 years in Greaves and counting. All these transactions have completely transformed the company over the years – from one engine B2B play to multi dimensional, fuel agnostic B2C company. 

    With your background in legal operations, including advisory, litigation, and contract management, how do you balance the need for legal compliance with the broader business objectives of the company?

    To help the business to be compliant, one needs to be rooted in the business of the company very strongly and enforce the need to have a compliant framework in order to make the business growth sustainable. Compliance framework in order to be effective, need to be robust and look into not only the current state of affairs but should be able to capture the future business growth. It should also be able to detect and diagnose the problems early in order to take corrective actions before the system falls apart. Thus, an effective compliance framework should be futuristic and proactive. 

    You’ve been involved in numerous high-stakes litigations and dispute management scenarios throughout your career. Can you share a particularly challenging case you’ve encountered and how you navigated through it to achieve a favorable outcome for the company?

    I have been fortunate enough to be part of numerous litigation which continues to be relevant. But I enjoyed the most litigation with the Government and one such litigation was challenging an order of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority under DPCO 2013 before the Delhi High Court through a writ petition. The stake was very high in the litigation, but some of our competitors decided to take the route of filing a revision application under DPCO, but we distinguished that no alternative remedy is available and filed a writ straightaway. While getting a stay immediately and ultimately it was disposed of in our favour. The impact of the judgement was very high not only for us but for the industry overall.

    Your expertise extends to real estate matters, including land acquisitions and liquidations across India. What are some key considerations or challenges you face in these transactions, and how do you ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks effectively?

    Any land transactions whether acquisition or disposition is highly complex in India because of applicability of various state laws as well as from retrieving documentation. I have faced various challenges including classification of land, claiming of ownership, trust land, mutation entries etc. In my view it is very important to ensure we have digitised the entire documentation of the land bank and tagging all the original documents for quick retrieval. Any missing documents, need to be restored to ensure we have a complete chain of title with respect to each of the land document. For any acquisition we need to ensure we have a complete traceability of title at least for a period of 50 years to avoid any future litigation. Another important aspect is the public notice which needs to be as comprehensive as possible and needs to be published by at least three to 4 newspapers with a decent coverage. Unfortunately whatever steps one take real estate continues to be a grey area and prone to litigation. 

    In terms of influencing the external environment, how do you engage with influencers and industry associations to advocate for your company’s interests while staying within legal boundaries?

    Influencing the external environment is a very difficult job considering that there is always a conflict of interest. The way I approach it is to understand the areas of focus of the government and help the government in order to achieve its objectives either by helping them through CSR initiatives like skilling, engaging with them to create awareness in some of the initiatives we strongly believe in or even helping them through professional advice pro bono. To summarise, influencing the external environment is possible only by demonstrating a strong purpose benefiting the society at large including the organisation.

    As both a General Counsel and Company Secretary, how do you assist the Board of Directors in understanding and navigating the complex landscape of corporate compliance and governance? What strategies do you employ to ensure effective decision-making at the highest level?

    I think the most important area of focus is to have a robust corporate governance mechanism to ensure that the Board is transparently privy to all the relevant information which can help them to make a decision. At the same time to ensure that the Board should not get into the executive role. The balance is difficult to maintain but as the GC and Company Secretary that has always been my endeavour.

    Drawing from your rich experience, what advice would you give to fresh graduates aspiring to pursue a career in law, particularly those interested in corporate law and company secretarial roles?

    The freshers I have interacted with are very intelligent, promising and talented. One word of caution to them is not to get swayed away by external perception, they need to understand the business at the grass root level like any other management trainee joining in any other function, show perseverance and wait for the opportune moment to flourish and not to rush. I am confident that the next generation is going to take the in house counsel role to the next zenith. 

    Get in touch with Atindra Basu-

  • “By merging the vigour of young professionals with the wisdom of experienced advocates he emphasizes the importance of teamwork, open communication, and technological integration in achieving legal expertise” – Ritesh Ranjan, Head & DGM-Legal at Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA), Govt of Bihar

    “By merging the vigour of young professionals with the wisdom of experienced advocates he emphasizes the importance of teamwork, open communication, and technological integration in achieving legal expertise” – Ritesh Ranjan, Head & DGM-Legal at Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA), Govt of Bihar

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

    Could you share with us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming the Head & DGM-Legal at Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA)? What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what challenges did you encounter along the way?

    I am a first-generation lawyer born and brought up in West Champaran district of Bihar. After my B.A. (Hons.) from Faculty of Arts, BHU, I pursued LL.B. from Law School, B.H.U. and embarked my legal journey with challenges of not having the benefit of a well-trodden path or sage advice. My parents and my younger brother gave me their unwavering support in all my decisions. Guided by serendipity, I found myself at the BHU, Varanasi. I started practicing in Patna High Court and my erstwhile practice area involved a diversified spectrum of legal jurisprudence. After practicing for over three years in Patna, I moved to Mumbai, where I worked as Law officer of Transport Corporation of India Limited, Mumbai for handling all the legal affairs within the state of Maharashtra. Onwards  I worked as Examiner of TradeMarks in the Trade Mark Registry Mumbai. After which I joined Videocon d2h Limited, Mumbai, wherein I was also part of the team for  the  execution of the India’s largest Media Sector merger of Brand Videocon d2h into Dish TV. After merger, I migrated to Dish TV India Limited, Noida and successfully handled litigation and contract management for both brands d2h and dish TV.  

    After years of experience in broadcasting and distribution related to the DTH Industry, I joined Hathway Digital Limited a multisystem operator of Reliance Jio Group as a Senior Manager -Legal in Delhi. In this role I managed Pan India Litigations before TDSAT, Trial Courts, High Courts, Consumer Forums and Supreme Court.  Thereafter, I joined Micromax Group as head of Legal and finally joined as DGM-Legal in BIADA, Patna. During working with different organizations from a practising advocate, corporates and government sectors in different cities, I found that we need to adopt the work culture at earliest and you have to learn something from everyone as once my mentor has said everyone is your client except yourself. You have to create your own brand and for this you need to accept all the challenges with a smile.

    You’ve had a diverse career journey, from practicing law in Patna to working with major corporations in Mumbai and Delhi. What motivated you to transition from the corporate sector to a government role at BIADA, and return to your home state of Bihar and take on a role with BIADA?

    The diverse career journey had its perks but at the same time there was remorse in my mind that having reached the pinnacle of my career. I was never in a position to give it back to the society from where I belonged. Everyone has his or her perspective towards the way of contribution for a better and prosperous society, but from my spectrum of things this endeavour to join this government organization was to achieve a more industrialized and prosperous Bihar by removing the hurdles faced by entrepreneurs and streamlining the legal process attached to it.

    As someone deeply rooted in Bihar’s history and culture, how do you envision the role of BIADA in contributing to the state’s development and economic growth? What initiatives or projects are you most excited about? 

    BIADA has been envisioned to promote and augment industrialization and create awareness about the Industrial Policy of the state as well as creating an environment for consistent growth of Industries in the state. The management finds it highly important to change the way these units operate for a few reasons, such as Changing priorities of units, Enhancing the effectiveness of organizations, initiating new schemes, there is an enormous scope of things which could be improved considering the Industrial growth, Bihar is growing. The role as DGM, Legal is quite dynamic and varied as one has to juggle a lot between Courts and Policy decisions. I endeavour for transparent policy formulation whereby policies are fair, simple and comprehensive. Also, such policies are required to be formulated for instilling faith upon Corporate and at the same time better execution of such for the organization. At present, investors are coming to Bihar and a number of Industrialist and Start up have been seeded there huge investment in State with a vision for development of Bihar. Therefore, by my small contribution I am participating in the development of my state by use of my legal, strategy and advisory skills.  

    With the recent influx of investors and industrialists into Bihar, what are some of the legal challenges and opportunities that BIADA faces in facilitating economic development while ensuring regulatory compliance and transparency? 

    The fragmented land-holding and lack of large pool of land is a reality in Bihar yet by undertaking various persuasions have been in a position to make sufficient land available for the Investors and Industrialists. The biggest huddle which we constantly face is to get back the large chunk of land which was not used for industrialization and to allot the same to the prospective investors. There are innumerable stakeholders and to take everyone on board for the furtherance of development of Bihar is quite a task. At present the government is providing better policies and support for establishment and revival of industries in the state.

    As someone who has worked across different states and industries, what do you find most rewarding about working in the public sector, particularly in Bihar? How does it differ from your experiences in the private sector? 

    To be honest, in the last years or so with BIADA, I have evolved as a person who has made several required changes in the existing system based on prior experiences and current needs of the state. It was an enlightening experience to work within the multi-layered and complex structures learning nuances of executing and facilitating Industrialization in state. The perspective of being an outsider was a blessing in disguise as people believed that I had joined this organisation for a purpose and that it provided me with cooperation from everybody in the organization. 

    In your role as Head & DGM-Legal, what strategies do you employ to foster collaboration and synergy within your team of in-house legal professionals and panel advocates? How do you ensure effective communication and coordination? 

    Coordination between youth professionals and experienced minds to achieve better results is one of the mantras I work with. I am very privileged to have an in-house team consisting of law graduates from National law Universities and other reputed law colleges and as an icing on the cake there are experienced Advocates on our Panel and together we bring a diversified approach to the table for better and fast results.  With such a big team, it becomes very important to have open and transparent communication. It is very important to promote team members irrespective of their position in the hierarchy of the organisation to brainstorm ideas and communicate their opinions in regard to every case. Fortunately, I am blessed with a dedicated team and together we discuss and prepare notes of argument and strategy in each case. I cherished the participative work culture of the organisation wherein everybody gets to contribute something.

    Being from a corporate background, I tend to promote the modern work approach and use of technologies for better collaborations with cluster offices and our Panel Advocates in the High Court as well as in the Supreme Court. 

    With your experience in handling a wide range of legal matters, what are some common misconceptions about the legal profession that you would like to debunk for aspiring lawyers? 

    One of the common misconceptions about the legal profession is that there are limited prospects in the legal sectors. However, in this modern world, everyone needs the application of legal minds which opens a plethora of opportunities before the law students. In the era of globalization, even cross-border opportunities open up for the youths. Another misconception lies that law is not for women but here I would like to take this opportunity and say the legal field is gender neutral and 50% of my team members are female and they demonstrate relicense, time management and good analytical skills. 

    Apart from your professional endeavors, what are some of your personal interests or hobbies that you enjoy outside of work? How do you balance your personal life with the demands of your role at BAIADA? 

    For work life balance, I would like to thank my soul mate Sarika who wholeheartedly takes care of my two lovely daughters and family. The preoccupation in my current role doesn’t allow me to spare much time for personal interests or hobbies limited to watching news and outings beyond my work but quality time with my family instills me with strength, love, affection and peace. 

     Given your experience in both the corporate and government sectors, what advice would you offer to young professionals aspiring to build a successful career in law, especially in the context of navigating different work environments?

    I firmly believe in the famous quote that “there is no substitute for hard work”. Both corporate and public sectors have their own pros and cons, however it is important to set one’s priority straight why making a pick and one should not shy away from giving their best in whichever sector they choose. This brings out best performance helping the individual to excel in his/her career

    Get in touch with Ritesh Ranjan-