Super Lawyer

Tag: mergers and acquisitions

  • “Continuous learning is a key for any legal professional and in current times one needs to adapt to the constantly evolving legal requirements”- Sajid Nissar Mir, Senior Counsel at the Standard Chartered Bank.

    “Continuous learning is a key for any legal professional and in current times one needs to adapt to the constantly evolving legal requirements”- Sajid Nissar Mir, Senior Counsel at the Standard Chartered Bank.

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

    Can you please share a bit about your journey into the field of law? What initially drew you to pursue a career in this field, especially with a focus on corporate law?

    I am an accidental lawyer (lawyer by destiny not by choice). My journey into law was unexpected while growing up, I never imagined myself as a lawyer. During my school days I was crazy about sports (especially cricket), I wanted my passion for cricket to turn into a profession. I represented my state J&K in multiple youth competitions organised by BCCI. For a number of years, I went through the ranks of representing J&K in various national level trophies U-14, U-16 and U-19, which included Vijay Merchant, Vinoo Mankand & Cooch Behar Trophy. Also, I was among very few to have achieved a unique fear of being selected to play a national level university tournament (Vizzy Trophy) for Kashmir and Bangalore University.  However, God had some other plans and I ended up being a lawyer.

    During my college days, I just wanted to finish 3 years of my 5-year law course and get back to cricket. I had enormous support from my college, teachers, staff and friends during my entire law degree. It was because of few well-wishers in the college, I ended up staying back for 5 years and completing my law degree. Honestly speaking without those individuals, I wouldn’t have completed my law degree – A big thanks to all of them.

    After finishing my law, I took a break for a few months and started to think about my future. At that point my cricket was going as I expected and I made the decision to dive into law as a full-time career. I always wanted to start my law career away from my hometown and by doing so, I kind of restricted my areas of practice. How did I choose corporate law as a career option? I had limited options and time was running away, in my personal opinion to have a flourishing career in private practise it is important that one should be proficient in the local language of that particular place and the other option was to get in corporate side of law and catch up on the learnings which I had missed doing during my college days (like doing internships). I chose the latter, I wanted to develop strong business acumen and a solid legal foundation, corporate law just provided me the perfect platform. Also, corporate law exposes you to different laws/ regulations, you are hand in hand with various strategies of business, helps you understand the market dynamics and you are among the early adopters of new technologies around the world. These are a few reasons which were aligned with my interests, my education and my personality that I chose corporate law, and the journey hasn’t been an easy one.

    Ranging from data privacy to cybercrime protection, how do these certifications contribute to your approach to legal counsel, particularly in a fast-paced environment like the banking sector?

    Continuous learning is a key for any legal professional and in current times one needs to adapt to the constantly evolving legal requirements. The modus operandi of crime is rapidly shifting toward the internet, in India alone last year (2023) 1.13 million cases of financial cyber fraud were reported. So, it becomes pivotal for a legal profession to understand these new requirements and develop an approach which protects your organisation from getting exposed to these modern-day crimes regardless of the industry.   

    These law courses and certificates are a good source to gain specialized knowledge in different areas of law. It has definitely helped me to gain practical skills that are required in understanding, tackling and overcoming these new changeling regulations. I also make it a point to attend as many workshops, seminars and webinars conducted by various renowned law firms on the subject of data privacy and cyber security, as these events are very rich in content and backed by practical experiences.  I would recommend all the future professionals to participate in these events (when time permits), this would enhance their learning and help them in developing new skills. 

    As a Senior Legal Counsel at Standard Chartered Bank, you’ve been deeply involved in various aspects of contract drafting, negotiation, and compliance. Can you elaborate on how you balance the need for legal rigor with the demands of driving business growth?

    In the era that we are in, the role of an in-house lawyer has changed significantly from a decade ago. We need to act as business enablers rather than just legal advisers, this “value add” helps business growth of organisation.

    While being a business enabler, one must not forget that in-house counsel is the gatekeepers of an organisation. So, it is critical to deploy agile ways of working that adds commercial value to the organisation while keeping it safe, enabling it to achieve its strategy objectives with high integrity. In my current role the expectation from me is to provide advice proactively, be a business enabler, think in terms of risk (and reward), and draft documents in line with business expectations and regulatory requirements. I often get asked by my stakeholders to find solutions to various difficult questions and grey areas. But I do keep in mind my professional duty of acting in the best interest of the organisation and therefore it becomes important for me to view the question from a very different perspective than my business colleagues. While drafting or during negotiation of a particular transition regardless of the monetary value, I ensure strict adherence to the legal/ regulatory obligations, eliminating any possibility of non-compliance. 

    A crucial aspect of maintaining consistency in a rapidly evolving industry that prioritises business expansion is by knowing the boundaries between what is lawful and right (doing the right thing).

    In your role at Standard Chartered Bank, you’ve been instrumental in managing complex M&A activities and supporting various global initiatives. Could you walk us through a particularly challenging project you’ve tackled and the strategies you employed to navigate it successfully?

    Standard Chartered is an amazing place to work, especially the legal department. I have grown leaps and bounds over the past few years and gained valuable experiences. A big shout to my colleagues, the legal management team and my people leader for having faith and trusting me to take a lead on some of the complex initiatives, giving me absolute freedom to plan my strategies around these projects.  

    It’s quite difficult to pick one project, honestly every project or every transaction that I’m part of has its own set of challenges. One simple rule which I follow in my day-to-day activities is that while I am working on a matter, whether I am drafting or during contract negotiations, I never look at the names of the people/ organisations on the other side of the table, I keep my (woodpecker) focus on what is beneficial and risk free for my organisation. Last year I was given a task to empanel some of the best law firms in the world on the Bank’s global legal panel. The purpose was to use the expertise of these firms in complex scenarios across the Bank’s physical and digital footprint. The negotiations were intense and engrossing not only on the provisions of law but on policies as well, the successful completion of the project resulted in many appreciations and me getting an award.     

    Collaboration seems to be a recurring theme in your career, from brokering alliances with law firms to supporting cross-functional initiatives within the bank. How do you approach building and maintaining productive relationships with diverse stakeholders, both internal and external?

    The knowledge of the law remains one essential skill to be successful as an in-house counsel. However, the ability to develop strong relationships with stakeholders inside the business, outside counsel, and other external stakeholders to the business is critical and a crucial soft skill one must possess. Better working relationships lead to better teamwork which will help you to be less stressed, more engaged, more productive and avoid time-consuming disagreements. 

    I keep it very simple, there is no rocket science in developing this soft skill, I always put myself in others shoes to understand their requirements or pain points. First and foremost, in a house role your need to understand the business requirement, have a clear communication with internal stakeholders, clear any ambiguity, be an active listener, values their inputs or suggestions, provide them clear expectations/ timelines, go back to the drawing board and come back with a solution which should be within the boundaries of your organisational policies and regulatory requirements. Once all the internal stakeholders are aligned with the solution, I would engage the external stakeholders and replicate the similar process of communication. From many years this has really worked well for me and I have been able to build a very strong working relation within my organisation outside as well.

    Your experience spans both in-house counsel roles and consultancy positions. How do these different perspectives inform your approach to legal counsel, particularly in terms of understanding and addressing the needs of your clients?

    After 5 years of working in a corporation, I decided to take a bold and conscious step of moving out of corporate and getting into the consultancy side of law. The move wasn’t a knee jerk reaction instead it was a thoughtful decision, the primary reason being getting involved in complex legal work. The roles which I was doing in corporate were completely driven by processes and SOPs and barely required any intellect or any out of box thinking, so I felt I was restricting my skills, plus I wasn’t gaining any new knowledge apart from getting to know the corporate culture in India works (which sometimes is toxic). The move was challenging and I knew from the start it was not going to be a walk in the park, initially I started attending courts in Bangalore. After a few months, I got a retainer from a hospitality organisation and that was my first client. I was given an initial task to streamline their policies, website T&C’s, service agreements, and initiate an IP suit. I was able to successfully complete all the tasks and they offered me a permanent role, but I ended up rejecting that and continuing as a consultant. During the same time, I met a GC India of a large pharma conglomerate and he gave a task of initiating money recovery suits against many of their non paying clients, it was a 90 days assignment. I ended up working as a consultant for them for close to two years, streamlining contracts, managing external legal counsels, leading a winding up petition against a big hospital chain in India and closing down a few manufacturing factory units in India. The period of 3 years working as a consultant with many clients ranging from pharma, ecommerce, hospitality and media agencies gave me a rich experience of handling different legal requirements, which in turn helped me grow as a sound legal professional. 

    I never changed my approach towards work whether it was during my time as consultant or in house role. The basics of lawyering remain the same, doing the proper discovery, immaculate drafting, understanding the need, interpretation of statutes keeping in mind that your client or business is from a non-law background and being confident/ consistent.  Yes, a minor adjustment here and there that’s all was required while performing the roles. The legal needs of clients or businesses mostly revolve around being proactive (safeguarding measures) or in some cases being reactive (remedial actions). 

    Lastly, considering your extensive experience and achievements, what advice would you offer to law graduates aspiring to build successful careers in the legal profession, particularly in navigating the evolving landscape of business and compliance?

    Smile! I am still learning, I firmly believe achievements are yet to come, I can just relate it to my playing days, that I have just got into double figures and I need to convert this into a big hundred and then celebrate, so there is a long way to go.

    Legal profession is a noble profession, you should be trusted advisers, upright citizens and honest in your approach.  Your interests should not be our own, but should be those which align with the discharge of your duties to the law, to your client and as per the oath.

    As a budding lawyer, if your interests are in helping people in your day-to-day life, being an inspiration or being real (not role) model in society, here are few tips which you can be fruitful and helpful:

    • Stay Humble and Grateful.  
    • Continuous learning.
    • Be Forthright.
    • Exercise Diligence.
    • Go above and beyond.
    • Have Integrity.
    • Trusted Advisor.
    • Celebrate Success.
    • Smile.

    Also, you must spend time on becoming a lawyer of the future; a lawyer who is not only fluent in the law, but also the commercial and customer-centric demands of the profession (O shaped Lawyer). You need to bring in a change to the public perception of lawyers, which in many societies today is that lawyers are ripping off people, greedy, selfish and arrogant. Lawyers have a fantastic opportunity to make significant contributions to society. You are privileged, educated, articulate and hard workers – make use of your skills. As a young legal professional raises your bar, you should be beyond reproach, something that others strive to be like, and something you should be honoured to be a part of. There is no short cut to success as you keep learning, you need to put in some hard yards to master the art and by doing so you will evolve as a professional.  

    May your future be bright and prosperous! 

    Happy Lawyering!

    Get in touch with Sajid Nissar Mir-

  • “By combining specialization, practical experience, and effective networking, aspiring legal professionals can lay a strong foundation for a rewarding career in intellectual property law or corporate governance”- Rajarshi Bhuyan, Principal Attorney at CB&I 

    “By combining specialization, practical experience, and effective networking, aspiring legal professionals can lay a strong foundation for a rewarding career in intellectual property law or corporate governance”- Rajarshi Bhuyan, Principal Attorney at CB&I 

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

    Could you share a bit about your educational journey, particularly how you transitioned from your LL.B. degree to pursuing LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law at The George Washington University Law School?

    While completing my BA.LL.B, I enrolled in a diploma course in Intellectual Property Laws at the Indian Institute of Law during my third year of law school. It was during my fourth year, as part of my curriculum, that I delved deeper into Intellectual Property law, sparking a keen interest in the subject. By the time I reached my final year, my aspiration for higher education had crystallized, leading me to forgo immediate employment in favour of pursuing advanced studies. I applied to several esteemed law schools in both the US and UK renowned for their offerings in Intellectual Property Law. Upon receiving admission to George Washington University, widely recognized for its excellence in this field, my decision was made without hesitation.

    Your LL.M. focused on Intellectual Property Law, among other areas. What sparked your interest in this field, and how has this specialization influenced your career path?

    I became interested in intellectual property law (IP) while studying it during my undergraduate studies. It is fascinating because it mixes law, technology, creativity, and new ideas. During my LL.M., I became even more interested in the subject. In today’s corporate landscape, whether working as a corporate lawyer for a multinational corporation in industries such as oil and gas, IT, pharmaceuticals, or others, it’s imperative to have a keen awareness of the intellectual property (IP) owned by your company. Understanding how to safeguard these assets from infringement is paramount. My master’s degree in Intellectual Property Law has played a pivotal role in meeting this requirement. I’ve found that understanding and safeguarding intellectual property is crucial for the success of any company. It’s been instrumental in my ability to comprehend and effectively protect the intellectual property assets of the organization I work for.

    You’ve had significant experience in both law firms and corporate legal departments. How did these varied experiences shape your understanding of legal practice, especially in the context of intellectual property law and corporate governance?

    Upon completing my master’s degree, I sought advice from industry peers and well-wishers who advised me against exclusively focusing on IP at the outset of my career. As a result, I began my career in litigation. After gaining experience in litigation for several years, I transitioned into a role as a corporate lawyer within a software company. It was within this company that I once again engaged with IP matters. Particularly during negotiations for licensing agreements, my prior experience with IP proved invaluable.

    Can you elaborate on your role as a Principal Attorney at McDermott, specifically in the domain of sustainability and governance? How do you integrate legal expertise with sustainable practices within a corporate environment?

    As Principal Attorney at McDermott, my responsibility is to assist our supply chain team in their endeavours to procure materials and services essential for project execution. In addition to contract negotiation, my team and I provide legal training to enhance their understanding of relevant clauses, thereby empowering them during negotiations. Ensuring adherence to the code of business conduct is paramount in all our activities, particularly concerning sustainability and governance initiatives.

    You’ve worked extensively in drafting and negotiating various contracts, including those related to engineering procurement. How do you navigate the complexities of legal frameworks across different jurisdictions, given your experience in regions like the Middle East, India, Europe, and Africa?

    In our contractual agreements, we opt for common law as our governing jurisdiction. This choice is deliberate, as contracts governed by common law principles share remarkable similarities across various jurisdictions worldwide. This uniformity simplifies our navigation of legal frameworks and enhances our ability to manage contractual obligations effectively across different regions and jurisdictions.

    As someone deeply involved in legal compliance and risk management, how do you stay updated with evolving regulations, especially in areas like intellectual property and corporate mergers?

    As someone deeply involved in legal compliance and risk management, staying updated with evolving regulations, especially in areas like intellectual property and corporate mergers, is crucial. I employ various strategies to ensure I’m informed about the latest developments. This includes continuous learning through workshops and seminars, staying updated with legal publications and journals, active participation in professional networks, regular engagement with legal counsel, and monitoring government and regulatory websites for official updates. These efforts enable me to proactively manage legal compliance and mitigate associated risks for our organization.

    Transitioning from law school to your current role, what were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? Are there any lessons you learned along the way that you would like to share with aspiring legal professionals?

    It has been over a decade since I graduated from law school, and I must say, it has been a journey of continuous learning for me. Transitioning from litigation to corporate law posed its challenges. Initially, my experience in litigation wasn’t fully recognized, and I found myself starting from scratch in the corporate world. However, as time progressed, my background in litigation has proven to be advantageous. Today, it gives me a unique edge over other corporate lawyers.

    To all aspiring legal professionals, I offer this advice: remain open to learning every day. Be like an empty vessel, ready to absorb new knowledge and experiences. This mindset is essential for growth and success in the legal field.

    Finally, considering your journey and expertise, what advice would you give to fresh law graduates aspiring to build a successful career in intellectual property law or corporate governance?

    For fresh law graduates aspiring to excel in intellectual property law or corporate governance, specializing and staying informed are paramount. Choose a specific area within these fields and immerse yourself in its intricacies, constantly updating your knowledge with the latest developments and regulations. Practical experience is equally crucial; seek internships or entry-level positions to gain hands-on exposure and insight into real-world applications. Additionally, effective networking is key to building a successful career. Engage with professionals in the industry through events and associations, fostering relationships that can provide valuable guidance and opportunities for growth. By combining specialization, practical experience, and effective networking, aspiring legal professionals can lay a strong foundation for a rewarding career in intellectual property law or corporate governance.

    Get in touch with Rajarshi Bhuyan-

  • “I think it’s important to bear in mind that we always need to keep our clients’ interests paramount and advocate their cases accordingly, whether before a regulator or across counterparties in any deals”- Rohan Kumar, Partner at Quillon Partners

    “I think it’s important to bear in mind that we always need to keep our clients’ interests paramount and advocate their cases accordingly, whether before a regulator or across counterparties in any deals”- Rohan Kumar, Partner at Quillon Partners

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

    Can you share with us what initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in law, especially in the field of corporate transactions and mergers and acquisitions?

    From my days in high school, when I needed to make a decision on my career, I was quite clear that I wanted to take up a career in law. I felt that a legal career would give me flexibility across other disciplines as well, such as journalism (which was my second option). While all my internships in law school were with litigators and litigation firms, I realised thereafter that my interest and skill sets were more suited to corporate transactions. Having said that, I still believe that all young lawyers should ideally start off with a litigation practice to gain an understanding of our courts system. Contracting, conveyancing and litigating in the courts (or in arbitration) are all inter-connected. If you look at any of the older generation of lawyers, they are equally comfortable in a court, arbitration process, or negotiating an M&A or financing deal.

    With over a decade of experience advising clients across various sectors, could you highlight a pivotal moment or experience that solidified your passion for corporate law?

    I don’t think I can highlight any one moment. It’s a gradual process. Certainly, after the initial 3-5 years of practice, I did see myself working as a lawyer long-term and I continue to enjoy my work. The regulatory developments and changing business requirements ensure that there’s always a challenge to confront.

    You’ve worked with esteemed law firms in India for several years before joining Quillon Partners. How did these early experiences shape your understanding of the legal profession and influence your career trajectory?

    Each experience was unique and fulfilling. I have been extremely lucky to always have worked with not just wonderful lawyers, but wonderful human beings. My early experiences taught me the value of attention to detail, hard work and the right attitude. The rest will fall in place.

    Your representative experience includes advising on significant transactions such as fundraise, investments, and mergers. Can you walk us through one of the most challenging projects you’ve tackled and the strategies you employed to navigate it successfully?

    I was advising a client on a fast-track merger sometime around 2017-2018, which is when the provisions had been recently introduced and notified. The process was getting delayed, impacting the companies’ operations. We didn’t really have a template process / precedent to follow, other than the merger approvals under the regular S.230-232 provisions. I decided to appear before the Regional Director’s office to allay their concerns, pointing out relevant precedents under the regular S.230-232 provisions and we managed to secure the approval shortly thereafter.

    Another challenging project was securing merger-control approval from the CCI back in 2013. It was one of the first merger-control filings our office was handling (the merger-control provisions had been notified a few years previously).

    I think it’s important to bear in mind that we always need to keep our clients’ interests paramount and advocate their cases accordingly, whether before a regulator or across counterparties in any deals.

    Having published articles on key reforms proposed by India’s capital markets regulator, could you discuss the importance of staying updated with regulatory changes in the legal field, especially in your area of expertise?

    I cannot overemphasise the importance of staying updated with regulatory changes and developments. This impacts the advice we give our clients on a daily basis, whether in terms of structuring transactions or negotiating an investment. It’s a key differentiator in providing high quality and effective advice.

    Transitioning from the Bangalore office to the Mumbai office of Quillon Partners, what factors contributed to this move, and how has it impacted your professional growth?

    It’s been a wonderful experience, with a new set of challenges. It’s really taken me out of my comfort zone, but I have enjoyed the transition. Of course, it’s helped that I continue to work out of both the Mumbai and Bangalore offices and get to enjoy the best of both worlds. As an M&A lawyer, it just made sense to make the move, but I also needed to be sure of working with the right set of people. In a world that’s increasingly interconnected and where physical boundaries no longer remain a challenge, I felt it shouldn’t really make a difference, whether I’m based out of Mumbai or London or Singapore.

    Drawing from your extensive experience, what advice would you offer to law graduates aspiring to specialize in transactional law and navigate the complex landscape of corporate transactions and mergers?

    Don’t stop learning. Whether we have completed 5 years or 15 years of post-qualification experience, we need to keep learning, given the demands of this profession. Don’t restrict yourself to strictly ‘legal’ knowledge. Expand your horizons of learning. Keep abreast with great cinema, the arts and culture. This better informs your skill sets, especially soft skills, which is invaluable as a lawyer.

    Get in touch with Rohan Kumar-

  • “Our role as in house counsels is to push the limits of permissible law and guide our business to take difficult decisions by explaining possible risk scenarios”- Ankur Deka Rabha, Founder & Managing Partner ~ Λrgħyä Legal

    “Our role as in house counsels is to push the limits of permissible law and guide our business to take difficult decisions by explaining possible risk scenarios”- Ankur Deka Rabha, Founder & Managing Partner ~ Λrgħyä Legal

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

    Can you share with us your journey of becoming a lawyer, starting from your graduation at NLSIU, Bangalore, to your current role as Managing Partner at Λrgħyä Legal?

    My journey as a lawyer began when I joined the prestigious National Law School of India University (NLS), Bangalore in the year 1997. Law school gave me a whole new perspective on life, purpose and law in general. The initial years until graduation was a period of great learning and appreciating the law, legal research and developing an analytical mindset. After graduation, I worked under a few senior counsels as a litigating lawyer in New Delhi being fortunate enough to be practising in various courts like DRT, Tis Hazari, Patiala House, High Court and Supreme Court. This is the phase in my life where I learnt the importance of PERSEVERANCE & RESILIENCE. When your salary is meagre  (compared to what your peers earn in a company or law firm) and you need to survive on that, it requires a lot of PERSEVERANCE & RESILIENCE to not give up on your dream. 

    I transitioned from a litigation lawyer to an associate in a law firm in the year 2006 when I shifted from New Delhi to Bangalore to work with a law firm dealing mostly with foreign clientele wanting to set up business in India. I was fortunate to be a part of the team managing contracts drafting and negotiations, M&A for some well known corporate clients.  This experience along with my previous experience as a litigation lawyer helped me to get into Bosch as an inhouse counsel and thus transition myself from a lawyer to a business lawyer. During this phase, I was fortunate to have both local and international exposure on various aspects of business and law in general. This phase was also about understanding and appreciating the importance of forging collaborations, understanding business, numbers, managing stakeholder expectations, managing teams, having the foresight for incoming risks and proactively taking steps to minimise risks.

    Finally the culmination of all that I had learned and experienced over the years helped me in pursuing this new phase in my professional career i.e. the setting up of Λrgħyä Legal  The firm was set up with the aim of providing affordable and high quality services to select clients. Having been an in-house counsel most of my professional life I am able to understand the pain points/areas of concerns of corporations better and provide solutions which are practical and easy to implement from a business standpoint. Currently the firm’s focus is mostly on assisting in house counsels with the day to day issues, mergers and acquisitions, secretarial assistance and compliance training. 

    With your extensive experience in various industries like healthcare, e-commerce, and IT, what motivated you to pursue a career in law, particularly in corporate and regulatory aspects?

    Few factors that contributed to my decision to join NLS and pursue a career in law. The desire to move out of Guwahati to broaden my horizon in life in general and to join a professional course which was equally relevant as that of medical and engineering courses.  I was very fortunate to be a part of this prestigious  institution.  NLS helped bring in a lot of maturity and clarity in my thoughts so once I graduated I had a clear roadmap in mind. Although someday I wanted to be an inhouse counsel, I first wanted to understand law and its nuances and see how it’s actually dealt with by courts, then law firms and finally settling down as an inhouse counsel. These experiences help me immensely while dealing with complex and critical situations which require strategic thinking. 

    Coming to the question of why I focus particularly in the area of corporate and regulatory aspect. Well I would say although these two aspects are very important, it would not be the only ones that I would need to look at if I am an in house counsel in a leadership position. One has to remember that the role of an inhouse legal counsel is about being a generalist in law, being foresighted, proactive, collaborative, approachable and generally having an idea about every aspect of law which applies to the organisation. You are the first line of defence and your internal stakeholders will look to you for answers and solutions. So I would say I am a generalist whose job is to maintain a fine balance between compliance of law while facilitating smooth business transactions. I have been really fortunate to be a part of multinational organisations which exposed me to a whole gamut of issues on various aspects of law which were really complex and some of them even path breaking, both nationally and internationally. Such experience has enabled me handle complex issues with poise and maturity. 

    You’ve held significant positions in both multinational corporations like Bosch and Essilor, as well as in consulting roles. How have these diverse experiences shaped your approach to legal counsel and leadership?

    Experience does matter and as a lawyer, I have been really fortunate to have worked with great senior counsels, being part of great teams at various law firms and finally exposed to a whole gamut of critical issues in a corporate world mostly in the IT and manufacturing side ranging from labour issues, product issues, litigation, M&A, compliance etc. After more than two decades of being in the profession, each stage of my career has taught me something new which I would not have been privy to or learnt had I continued in just one field and not delved into others. I can safely  say I have seen it all but of course with the humility to state that the learning never stops and I still think of myself as a student who has the courage and conviction to unlearn and learn if required.

    These past experiences of what it takes to drive business has an effect on how I counsel my clients today.  I look at the business and then apply law to see to what extent I can stretch my risks. Years of experience helps in a way to already visualise consequences. Hence, every suggestion or an opinion given to clients is based on their business need and practicality within the ambit of the permissible laws.  One size may not fit everyone so one has to be agile, quick and flexible to innovate. For example, I will never advise anyone to go in for litigation as a first step in a dispute situation. It should be the last resort and one needs to understand that the cost of litigation could dent a company’s bottom line.  During my stint as a General Counsel I have facilitated many negotiations and saved huge litigation costs to the companies I was associated with. 

    As someone who’s been recognized for achievements such as “General Counsel of the Year – Healthcare,” what are some of the key challenges you’ve faced as a first-generation lawyer, and how did you overcome them?

    Challenge is a perception and quite subjective. I always saw opportunities in everything that came my way and grabbed them to make a mark. There is also no alternative to hard work. Challenges are always present in life and we have to figure out a way to navigate through these challenges. Everyday something new happens which we may not comprehend nor anticipate and that is what keeps us going. Life without it will be very boring.


    I was never really dependent only on people teaching and guiding me to learn new things. Of course its importance can never be negated. However, I realised early in life to learn from experiences around me by myself as well. Time is always of the essence and sometimes you miss the bus. During one farewell, the managing director of the company asked me what I would have done differently or changed if I had the opportunity to go back in time. I replied saying none. They were valuable experiences and if I had not encountered them then I would have never learnt. Learning is not only about law, at a leadership level it is about how much you understand the business of your organisation, it is about managing people, managing expectations of your stakeholders, maintaining a fine balance between compliance and business, learning leadership skills etc. This attitude helped me rise the corporate ladder faster and become the general counsel of a listed company at a very early age where I also had to lead cross functional peers who were double my age and experience. 

    In your roles at Flipkart and Walmart, you managed legal aspects of B2B wholesale business. Could you elaborate on the complexities and nuances you encountered in navigating regulatory landscapes in the e-commerce sector?

    I will answer this question in a more generic manner rather than answering specifically with regard to my stint at Flipkart as it applies in general with every organisation in the B2B e-commerce sector. Although regulated, it is not as stringent as the B2C ecommerce sector. Nonetheless, one cannot deny the fact that compliance of the applicable regulations is very important and in order to ensure compliance we need to understand the current gaps and that is only possible through regular interactions with internal stakeholders to understand how the business is being driven. Only once you understand what is currently in place can you strategize on whether any alignment or realignment has to be undertaken. Further, there are also changes in certain areas of law or process which are constant in the B2B sector. Most of the time you will see clarifications and circulars issued by the government under FSSAI, ISI or Legal Metrology or CDSCO on a regular basis.  Sometimes interpretation of such changes becomes an issue as they could be interpreted in more than one way and this is where we need to step in to reach out to the right authorities and conclude on the correct interpretation. Likewise we also need to reach out to relevant authorities and advocate for change whenever we find new changes in law detrimental to our business interest. In general I would say in today’s fast paced business and cut-throat competition, agility and quick decision making is critical to the success of a business. Our role as in house counsels is to push the limits of permissible law and guide our business to take difficult decisions by explaining possible risk scenarios. 

    You’ve been involved in various legal domains such as M&A, compliance, and litigation management. How do you stay updated on legal developments, and how do you integrate these insights into your strategic advice for businesses?

    Overall there are a few things which we need to keep in mind as in inhouse counsel. Firstly understanding the law enables me to visualise consequences and such awareness enables me to guide internal clients in the right direction. Hence, having a proactive mindset to look out for new changes in law and how it is going to affect your organisation’s business and ensure mitigation measures well in advance by working with business colleagues to ensure smooth transition is key. I strive to continuously read and research  on relevant and complex legislations/ provisions of law to ensure that I get the required clarity of its nuances from the perspective of courts/case law to not only properly guide and advice clients but also to be able to successfully provide alternatives during negotiations. Sometimes a simple oversight could cost a lot for your clients. Therefore, it is important to have an eye for detail and the patience to read every line and use one’s analytical skills to question whether what one is looking at really applies to the current situation or not. 

    What is the story behind starting Λrgħyä Legal and embarking on a new chapter in your life. Many would see this as a huge risk stepping out of the comfort of a stable job and a successful career.

    I always had a desire of exploring and stepping out of my comfort zone to try something of my own. After a lot of thought and deliberation with my family, my peers in the industry from whom I found acceptance in the concept of our firm, I finally decided that it is about time I pursued this passion. Having spent more than two decades as a lawyer and most of part of that career as an inhouse counsel with various multinational companies gave me great insights into the various nuances/complexities of managing an inhouse team, budget constraints, work pressure and impossible timelines.  It is very difficult most of the time for in-house counsels to manage/outsource work due to the high cost of legal services. I understand that very well being in that situation myself and feeling helpless. Hence, Λrgħyä Legal was born in the month of August, 2023 with the aim of addressing such issue and coming up with affordable services without compromising on quality. Λrgħyä Legal strives to foster partnership and lasting relationship with our clients rather than just mere commercial transaction.

    Λrgħyä in Sanskrit means “Sacred Offering”. Λrgħyä Legal was set up keeping in mind the four principles: (a) Availability; (b) Affordability; (c) Quality; (d) Integrity. We collaborate with in house counsels and work on various models which helps in (i) outsourcing at affordable rates (ii) continuity of work during headcount reduction or headcount freeze (iii) managing critical manpower and reducing headcount costs and (iv) enabling ample time  to the in house counsels to focus on critical issues and (v) assisting organisation to implement compliance trainings on various legal topics. Currently the firm’s focus is mostly on assisting in house counsels with the day to day issues, mergers and acquisitions, secretarial assistance and compliance training. 

    Lastly, given your wealth of experience, what advice would you offer to fresh law graduates aspiring to pursue a career similar to yours, particularly in corporate law and regulatory compliance?

    In general, all I can say is no matter what one does, they should do it with complete dedication. Patience, Perseverance and Resilience is key to any successful career. There are no shortcuts to success. Do not be in a hurry to move on to new things without mastering what you are currently doing. 

    Get in touch with Ankur Deka Rabha-

  • “The most rewarding aspect of having my own practice is that I get to pick my clients without having any pressures of meeting revenue targets, and I am able to create flexibility around work timings because I answer to only my clients”- Harini Subramani, Founder at HS Law & Associates

    “The most rewarding aspect of having my own practice is that I get to pick my clients without having any pressures of meeting revenue targets, and I am able to create flexibility around work timings because I answer to only my clients”- Harini Subramani, Founder at HS Law & Associates

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

    Can you share with us your journey from being a financial journalist to becoming a corporate lawyer, and what inspired this transition?

    During my time as a reporter for Mint and the Wall Street Journal, I had to specifically track investment banks and write on mergers and acquisitions. As a primer, one of my sources suggested I read ‘Barbarians at the Gate’; that along with my conversations with bankers and private equity professionals got me hooked into the world of M&As. I was eager to explore the other side. 

    I had initially tried my hand at investment banking but the mundane work of creating spreadsheets and data analysis as an everyday role didn’t much enthuse me. Within a week though, I joined a boutique law firm and pursuing a business law programme at NLSIU parallely seemed natural. The law firm had a highly motivated team and enabled a varied exposure in corporate law – I learnt trademark application processes, commercial contracts drafting including transaction documents and base arbitration. I continued to write for Your Story occasionally. I had the best of both worlds and was learning something new everyday. I decided to stick on and take each day as it came.

    Given your diverse background in journalism, economics, and law, how do you believe it has shaped your approach to practicing law, particularly in M&A and commercial law?

    So my late entry in the legal world has worked to my advantage given my journalism background. While my initial degree was in economics, a lot of my learning of the law, especially around the securities market and SEBI, was from my days as a financial journalist. Aside from reviewing the regulatory sites (like MCA, SEBI and RBI) for latest circulars / amendments on a daily basis, I would routinely follow corporate announcements on the BSE and NSE. Any seasoned reporter would tell you that it’s a goldmine for story leads. When I needed guidance to understand concepts, (luckily) as a journalist I could ask industry seniors to share their knowledge. I was fortunate to be ably guided by some bankers in the equity and debt markets; I’d go armed with a lot of questions for breakfast meetings. All of this helped lay the foundation to understand not just the law but also complexities / challenges of the M&A world. Now, as I sift through the laws, my ground work in economics helps review it from a policy perspective. 

    Could you tell us about a particularly challenging case or project you’ve worked on in your legal career, and how you navigated through it?

    Every project has its own set of challenges. While I wouldn’t want to name a particular case, I’d like to share that since I handle corporate and a few litigation matters, I find a dichotomy with respect to timelines and outcomes. Because litigation has its own procedures, and owing to its sometimes time-consuming nature there’s more thrill in setting expectations for faster closures in M&A or commercial negotiations. I have to consciously set my mind to a different frame for litigation. 

    You’ve been involved in drafting various agreements and advising on regulatory matters. What are some key considerations you always keep in mind when advising clients, especially in the realm of mergers and acquisitions?

    Create an internal priority checklist of terms and flag them off – i.e., understand from the client the aspects that they are absolutely unwilling to let go off vs less important points. Discuss the business angle in the transaction as it goes in tandem. If representing an acquirer, then go the extra mile for a thorough diligence on the target to ensure that at least the key industry specific permissions are in place, and forensics on the promoter are clean.

    Your experience spans from working with Vichar Partners to establishing your own practice. What motivated you to start your own firm, and what have been some of the most rewarding aspects of being an entrepreneur in the legal field?

    After my stint at JSA – given my unconventional background, it was initially challenging for 2 law firms to accurately gauge my skill set because I could be a rainmaker and yet not as seasoned as a partner. It was easier to get clients. And some industry seniors, entrepreneurs themselves, motivated me to begin on my own. My work with one of the senior partners at Vichar (Partners) had already exposed me to the ‘business management’ side and the transparent culture in my team at JSA also helped place many things in perspective. Being a first generation entrepreneur, I had nothing to lose by charting my journey on my own. The objective has always been one of learning. The most rewarding aspect of having my own practice is that I get to pick my clients without having any pressures of meeting revenue targets, and I am able to create flexibility around work timings because I answer to only my clients.  

    As someone who has contributed to agrarian policy and worked on projects funded by organizations like the UN World Food Programme, how do you see the intersection of law and policy-making, particularly in areas like food security?

    For countries that have faced depredations of famine and hunger under colonial rule, food-security is a very sensitive and key matter of policy. Emerging nations have to safeguard and sustain their agrarian ecosystems against OECD nations’ policies at an international level. At the same time they also have to increase yield, shield themselves against crop losses as well as shift populations away from agriculture and into industry. Policy-making is a vital exercise to attain this goal while the law attempts to provide safeguards for all stakeholders during this process.

    With your interests in tennis, dance, and cultures, how do you find these aspects complementing your legal career, if at all?

    Sports and the fine arts play a vital role in expanding one’s horizons and for agility. In my view, having a wide exposure to different aspects of the society exposes me to varied thought processes and perspectives thereby enabling me to become a better lawyer. They are also an easy way to switch off and relax.

    Considering your journey and expertise, what advice would you give to law graduates aspiring to specialize in corporate law, especially in the areas of M&A and commercial law?

    Go full throttle, always try to understand the issue at hand, do your own research (the law changes and nobody knows everything), never work on an empty stomach, and continue pursuing your hobbies. 

    Get in touch with Harini Subramani-

  • “Understanding a law and implementation of law are two different things. Have patience, good things take time.” – Journey from Legal Luminary to Corporate Leader, Amit K Das, Head of Legal, Thermax Limited

    “Understanding a law and implementation of law are two different things. Have patience, good things take time.” – Journey from Legal Luminary to Corporate Leader, Amit K Das, Head of Legal, Thermax Limited

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

    Could you please walk us through your journey from your early days in law college to becoming a Head of Legal at Thermax Limited? What were some of the challenges you faced when you first started your career in law, and how did you overcome them?

    I am a first-generation lawyer and the decision to pursue law was a completely personal call. From an early age, I developed a special interest in legal subjects. After completing my 12th, without any second thought, I was admitted for a 5 (five) year BA(Law)LLB course with North Bengal University, Department of Law. I was an active student during my law college days and used to take initiative and participated in all events including moot courts, sports, and cultural events. During the 3rd year, I developed a special interest in the law of Jurisprudence. As we had limited resources during our college days, digital education was far from reality during the late 90’s, we used to spend long hours in our law department library reading and preparing notes on various subjects.

    To begin a career in legal, the first challenge is to get into a decent chamber of a senior advocate. Those days legal had very limited career opportunities and being from a small town in Darjeeling District, West Bengal, there was no other option but to start practicing in District Court immediately post completing of LLB. I started my career as a practising advocate under the guidance of the late Shri. Sunil Sarkar, in Siliguri Sub-Divisional Court and Darjeeling District Court handling civil disputes related to properties, etc. In his chamber, I learnt the art of drafting pleadings, cross-examination and trial. To gain exposure on the professional front, in 2003, I moved to Delhi and started working with a Corporate Law Firm, Law Combine Advocates. During my Law combine days, I handled legal work for major MNCs and focused on litigation, commercial contracts, part of the M & A team, IPR and real estate. To have experience in the corporate side, In 2008, I decided to switch and joined a real estate company in Bangalore and gained experience in commercial built-to-suit arrangements. Thereafter, I worked with a FMCG giant heading legal for their export division, managing international contracts and disputes.

    In 2014, I moved to Pune and worked with an engine manufacturing company and in 2022 joined Thermax Limited as Head of Legal which is my current designation.

    For a fresh law graduate, the biggest challenge is where to start and how to start. I was fortunate enough that the Senior’s Chamber I joined at the beginning of my career, gave me a decent amount of work to handle. He used to guide me as a mentor. The more I worked, the faster I was able to get adjusted in this profession. During my court practice days, even when my matters were not listed before the Court, I used to spend hours sitting in open courts watching different proceedings, arguments made by the counsels, court observations, and verdicts. I also used to read a lot. I used to read the entire judgement, doing my research on different laws dealing with different subjects, going through old, executed contracts to understand the transaction and the issues to be addressed in those kinds of transactions. More I focused on work and learning; I realized all the challenges are dealt with over time.

    Transitioning from practicing as an advocate to assuming leadership roles within legal departments of corporations like Thermax Limited involves a significant shift. What inspired you to make this transition, and how has this journey influenced your approach to legal practice and leadership within organizations?

    This was not an overnight shift or transition. If you go through my career path the entire transition was step by step and with constant efforts. It was planned and executed accordingly. I believe if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then at least crawl but keep moving forward. All the changes I made in my career are only with a view of learning new things which is very important for a lawyer. Shifting from a small sub-divisional court practice to a Delhi Corporate law firm practice is only for getting more exposure and learning. Similarly, switching from one industry to another during my corporate journey is also to gain experience and knowledge of different laws and practices applicable to such industries. This journey of continuous learning, curiosity, eagerness, and developing new skill sets brought me where I am today.  Therefore, I will say eagerness to learn new things, getting exposure to different legal areas, and curiosity to learn about different industries and applicable laws and practices, inspired me to make this transition. Another factor that inspired me to move from legal practice to a leadership role in corporate is to make an impact at a larger level. During practice days, I used to give my opinion and advice on a specific legal matter. I never learned how my opinions and advice impact or influence an organization’s culture and policies. With an intent to make an impact, bring a difference and influence all the stakeholders, I decided to move to a corporate leadership role to use my experience and knowledge to make a positive impact on the business and organization practices. Over the period, while working in different formats, and handling different kinds of legal issues, I realized that legal practice is too wide and large. The more I learned about one area, there are several other new areas came up for further learning. My exposure to different formats and working in different industries contributed a lot to my development as a lawyer and made me adequately competent to handle any kind of legal issues or at least know how to find a solution for an issue not dealt with in the past.

    Your profile highlights your expertise in areas like Mergers & Acquisitions, Contract Management, and Litigation & Arbitration. Among these, which aspect of legal affairs do you find most engaging or challenging, and why?

    It all depends upon the complexity of a matter which makes it challenging. I have come across several complex M&A transaction structures, high-stake commercial contracts and complex litigation and arbitration which were too challenging and engaging. Hence, it will be unfair to claim any specific area as engaging or challenging as all the areas are complex, vast, and challenging. Even if you insist on naming one area then considering the nature and complexity of the dispute, sometimes I find managing Litigation and Arbitration is most engaging and challenging. For handling and managing litigation, one must consider all applicable laws, specific sections, various court precedents, and all facts and documentation involved in the dispute. Though the general perception is that litigation & arbitration are handled by external counsels, however, to enable the external counsel to effectively handle any litigation and arbitration, it’s an in-house counsel who provides all the briefing and documentation related to the case. A minor miss can have a major impact on the outcome. Managing legal expenses, while expediting the proceeding is another challenge in litigation and arbitration.

    You’ve been recognized with multiple awards and accolades throughout your career. Can you share a particularly memorable achievement or recognition that holds a special place in your heart?

    All achievements and awards are special for me as they came at different times in my career. The recognition that I receive in-house has a special place in my heart as it shows that my work is making some impact on the business and it’s a direct recognition from my internal stakeholders. Also, the team awards that I have received till date are also very special for me. In the past, I have received team awards as “Best Support to Business Initiatives”, “Most Innovative Legal Team of the Year” and “Best Enabling Function”. All these team awards represent that we as a team are able to provide effective support to our businesses and in return we have been acknowledged and appreciated. But to answer your question, The “Best Enabling Function” award received during the first year of my job with Thermax holds a special place in my heart as I was new in the Organisation and was building an impactful relationship between the Legal Department and Business.

    In addition to your professional achievements, we’d love to know more about your personal interests and hobbies outside of the legal realm. How do you unwind and rejuvenate after a busy day at work?

    I like to participate voluntarily in teaching activities, especially teaching underprivileged kids. I have been associated with a few non-profit organizations and I like spending my weekends helping these NGOs with different activities from teaching to helping the students in getting prepared for their next level of academics and career.

    Listening to music and playing guitar have been my favourite pastimes to unwind myself after a busy day at work. In the past, I had our band with a few of my friends and we spent our free weekends and holidays performing at open clubs. I love to attend music concerts and shows.

    When I feel tired after months of work, I like to unwind by long cross-country drives with my family to places I have never visited, exploring everything about that place from their culture to their staple diet. Talking to unknown people is an immense pleasure and a beautiful experience.

    Given your extensive experience, what advice would you give to the current generation aspiring to pursue a career in law? What skills or attributes do you think are crucial for success in this field today?

    For the current generation, my advice is that there are a lot of opportunities in the legal domain. Over the years, different forms of practices have developed. There are different legal areas to excel and specialize in and a lot of learning opportunities around. Students who are still pursuing law, please take your moot courts and court visits sincerely and develop a habit of reading. Law is not as easy as it seems to be and for every lawyer, it is important to learn something every day. A lawyer should always have a room for learning. Understanding a law and implementation of law are two different things so take advantage of every real-life internship you can, so you can figure out what kind of lawyer you wish to be.

    It’s my request to young guns, please develop a habit of reading and keep learning new things. There are no shortcuts in the legal profession. Online updates and snapshots are okay to get the update but please don’t miss to read those new laws, latest landmark judgements, articles, etc. Have patience, good things take time. Nobody achieves success, knowledge, and experience overnight. All these things take time and constant effort, and hard work will take you to the right places. Don’t expect immediate results in our profession and always remember that your today’s action will have a reaction after a few years. Be humble, meticulous, and good in your research and analytics.

    Given your experience in handling litigations and arbitrations, what do you believe are the critical factors for successful dispute resolution, especially in today’s dynamic business environment?

    The knowledge of Business and Law is very important for a Lawyer in today’s dynamic business environment. Unless we have exposure to both we can’t take the best foot forward and guide our Organisation. Dispute resolution requires you to have a win-win approach for the Organisation. You can’t be too stringent on your approach and have a balanced view of the dispute that is in hand. Be meticulous and have the eye of an eagle regarding attention to detail. An active and effective collaboration between legal and business is of utmost importance for successful dispute resolution. Any dispute can be handled based on evidence on record; therefore, strong documentation and record keeping are of utmost importance to resolve any dispute successfully. There should be a problem-solving approach to resolve any dispute, it will save lots of cost and time for both sides. Timely resolution of disputes is another factor to be considered. In most of the disputes, the purpose of getting into dispute resolution frustrates if it is not concluded in a time bound manner.

    You pursued management development programs from IIEM in 2017 and IIM in 2019. What motivated you to undertake these courses, and how do you believe they have contributed to your growth as a legal professional? Additionally, what are your thoughts on the importance of continuous learning and further education, such as pursuing masters or other specialized courses, in the legal field?

    Opting for courses from IIEM and IIM is part of my continuous learning process.  Through these courses, I have improved my knowledge and exposure to international trade laws as well as improved my leadership skills. Continuous learning and further education are very important parts of any professional, especially lawyers. Law is a dynamic subject and legal professionals need to be up to mark in all day-to-day changes and evolution in the subject. Continuous learning is the ongoing expansion of a person’s knowledge and skill sets. It is not only for the development of new skills and knowledge but also for reinforcing what has been previously learned. A lawyer or legal professional needs to pursue higher education and specialized courses to adapt to changing legal trends, stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. By actively pursuing higher education and specialized courses, legal professionals can refine their skills and position themselves as leaders in their respective practice areas.

    Throughout your career, you’ve undoubtedly encountered a wide array of legal challenges and victories. If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger self as you embarked on this journey, what would it be and why?

    Most of us desire to be accepted and liked, but the reality is that you can’t please everyone. It took years and years to get here, but knowing what others think doesn’t matter, disengaging from those who are not humble, practicing self-development and learning new areas of law are some of the best things I have ever done for myself. Do not seek validation in the form of other people’s opinions. Lead with kindness and treat people well. To be honest – don’t be afraid to speak your mind.

    Get in touch wit Amit K Das-

  • A Tale of Go-Getter Mentality, Collaboration, and Cultural Navigation” – Smitha Chandrashekar’s Journey from Singapore to Legal Director at HARMAN International

    A Tale of Go-Getter Mentality, Collaboration, and Cultural Navigation” – Smitha Chandrashekar’s Journey from Singapore to Legal Director at HARMAN International

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

    Your career journey spans across various industries and geographies. Can you share a bit about how you started your career and the key moments that shaped your path to becoming a legal director at HARMAN International?

    I started my career in Singapore and as an outsider and without much prior experience and knowledge about the legal field in Singapore, it was no doubt an arduous task. However, being a go-getter and having been blessed with good mentors as well as supportive colleagues, the journey so far has been really amazing. Diverse industries and countries have particularly helped me achieve certain things that are so invaluable and pertinent even today. For instance, the initial approach adopted to settle within a particular industry moulds your entire work life in that particular industry. Reaching out to the right people, gathering information about the actual “source” of information, finding mentors and peers, trial and error processes etc are all the key factors that contribute towards growth. Technically, one may be brilliant but if an individual has zero skills in all other aspects, it would be impossible to grow. Most importantly, one must be humble, grateful, dedicated and eager to learn. These soft skills coupled with a strong technical background pave the way for a successful career!

    As a legal director, you’ve been described as a “transformation powerhouse.” What drives your passion for transforming legal processes within organizations, and can you share an example of a particularly impactful transformation project you’ve led?

    I have a very keen eye for detail and this quality has probably helped me with the transformation projects. If a particular area of law can be dealt with in a better manner, I jump into action immediately. It is also equally important to involve all the right stakeholders right from the beginning so that all aspects are covered beforehand. In one of the companies I worked for, the entire negotiation life cycle of a particular agreement (which was the bread and butter of the business) was 250 days. After various discussions with all the stakeholders, I identified the gaps and came up with a gap analysis. Following this, an SOP was put in place which clearly articulated the roles and responsibilities of each of the stakeholders involved in the process along with the timelines. The project went live and the entire negotiation was completed in 30 days (as opposed to the 250 days)! This had a huge impact on the revenue recognition i.e. the company started to see profits in a relatively short time.

    You’ve been involved in setting up subsidiaries and clinical trial laboratories across the Asia Pacific Region. What challenges did you face in these endeavors, and what strategies did you employ to overcome them?

    Setting up entities is a different ball game altogether. Every such project is unique because the requirements vary on a case-by-case basis. For example: a representative office was set up in a particular country (as opposed to setting up a subsidiary) owing to various legal and taxation challenges. While the legal team is overall responsible for setting up entities, the commercial analysis at the very beginning should be performed by the Finance, Taxation and Business teams respectively. There should be a clear path to why a particular entity should be set up, what strategy should be adopted, Pros and Cons should be weighed carefully and above all, would this entity really matter ten years down the line…these are a few initial as well as crucial points which ought to be covered. In terms of challenges, this was the exact challenge I faced initially i.e. I used to go ahead with setting up entities purely based on Business decisions. Over a period, I realized that there is much more to it and then started to collaborate with various teams to understand the process thoroughly. In the entire scheme of things, the major challenge is to get everyone involved aligned (as different individuals have different temperaments, approaches etc).

    Being a firm believer in sharing knowledge, you often speak at conferences and address students as a guest lecturer. What do you enjoy most about engaging with the student community, and what message do you hope to impart to them?

    The best part about engaging with the students is their curiosity and line of questioning. They certainly think differently and constantly challenge as well as fascinate me! I also thoroughly enjoy it when the students outwit me. Also, I get to learn a lot in the bargain.

    Your educational background includes a Diploma in Information Technology Law and certifications from Harvard University and UNITAR. How have these additional qualifications influenced your approach to legal practice, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of technology law?

    If I don’t upgrade myself with the relevant qualifications promptly, I will be a loser. Going by this philosophy, to the extent time permits, I continue to upgrade myself in the areas of interest as well as relevance. By doing so, I can add more value to the organization by either introducing appropriate changes, upgrading the existing policies or contributing better in the management meetings.

    In your role at Hitachi Data Systems, you managed negotiations for a variety of commercial contracts across different regions. What were some of the key challenges you faced in navigating these negotiations, especially in diverse cultural contexts?

    Good question! Yes, diverse cultural backgrounds do matter to a great extent in contract negotiations. Initially, it was very difficult because I was new to the company and also the entire ecosystem. So there was a steep learning curve. Once I overcame that part came the cultural challenge. In Singapore, people are very wary of time and speed is of the essence. Whereas in certain other Southeast Asian countries, negotiations may not be fast-paced because issues with respect to hierarchy, internal processes, regulations, trust, bias and above all, language barriers come up mostly. So, I gradually learnt that “patience” is paramount. One needs to be patient to observe and understand the environment. Once the background is assessed appropriately, negotiation becomes smoother.

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

    I am passionate about travelling, teaching and working out. In today’s fast-paced world, it is very difficult to get time out for yourself. However, when one realizes how important it is to slow down, enjoy the small pleasures of life and respect one’s body and mind, one works towards achieving his/ her personal goals. While on a personal trip, to the extent possible, I avoid using my work phone. The other aspect I have realized is that chasing your dreams allows you to be happier and also gives you contentment. So, a healthier and happier mind functions better at work.

    As a woman leader in the legal industry, what advice would you give to other women aspiring to leadership roles, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors?

    A positive attitude is a must-have quality. Aspiring women leaders should work harder and at the same time strike a balance between professional and personal lives. To do so, one just needs to be smart in terms of prioritizing. Women in particular should insulate themselves from any external factors which could disturb them mentally in particular. Last but not least, physical fitness plays a vital role in the overall well-being of an individual. So I encourage all aspiring women leaders to find time to engage in any physical activity at least four days a week.

    Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, both professionally and personally? Are there any new challenges or goals that you’re particularly excited to pursue?

    My first inclination is towards teaching in the long run. At some point, when I retire, I would like to pursue teaching. I am also very passionate about ESG (Environment Social Governance) as well and am exploring a few ideas at the moment. When the right time comes, the ideas will be put into action.

    Get in touch with smitha chandrashekar-

  • “Thought leadership is integral to staying ahead in the legal field. While it requires dedication, the impact of sharing insights and generating discussions outweighs the challenges. It’s about giving back to the profession and shaping its future.” – Divi Dutta, Partner – Private Client & General Corporate at Khaitan & Co.

    “Thought leadership is integral to staying ahead in the legal field. While it requires dedication, the impact of sharing insights and generating discussions outweighs the challenges. It’s about giving back to the profession and shaping its future.” – Divi Dutta, Partner – Private Client & General Corporate at Khaitan & Co.

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

    Your journey from college to becoming a Partner at Khaitan & Co. has undoubtedly been filled with challenges and achievements. Can you share with us some pivotal moments or challenges you faced during your college years and after graduation, and how you overcame them to reach where you are today?

    A little-known fact about me – before joining law, I worked with Raell Padamsee as part of her theatre group. I moved into law subsequently. I graduated in law in 2005 from the Government Law College, Mumbai and since then it has been an exciting journey. I worked in one of the oldest law firms in India – Crawford Bayley in its Mumbai office. I had the opportunity to train under Mr. Sanjay Asher for almost 6 years which shaped my understanding, interest and aspirations in the field of corporate law. Subsequently, I moved to Delhi in 2012 and joined the then Amarchand Mangaldas Suresh A Shroff & Co., the unified firm. Subsequently, post the split in 2015, I continued with Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co (SAM).

    However, the most pivotal decision in my journey has been to take up the challenge and set up the private client practice which was relatively unknown at that time under the aegis of Shardul Shroff. This was unchartered territory for me as hardly any law firm had a dedicated private client practice at that time and there were no set precedents or background on this practice. We had to develop our own understanding of issues, create drafts and reach out to other limited experts in the field. Despite the initial struggles and the teething problems, I can proudly say that foraying into the private client practice has been the most significant professional decision I have made in my life. This practice has been both challenging and rewarding at the same time. After spending almost 12 years in SAM, I recently joined the private clients practice group in Khaitan & Co. This move was not easy given my long association with SAM but I am excited and raring to go and make this next journey even more memorable and fruitful.  

    I feel tremendous gratitude for the opportunities I have had and the support and guidance I received from Mr. Shardul Shroff. I am also confident that my association with Khaitan & Co. will only further my passion for the private client practice and give me a platform to take my journey to greater heights.

    Your work often involves delicate matters related to family dynamics and wealth management. How do you approach building trust and rapport with your clients, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like family disputes or succession planning?

    I treat every client as family. Most family matters need to be dealt with extreme sensitivity and confidentiality. You need to be a friend and confidant of your client first to enable them to trust you and open up to you. The legal aspect of these issues comes much later. Additionally, in a practice like this, the relationship does not end once the mandate has ended. The rapport that gets developed in these matters transforms into the relationship as there is a certain internal trust that gets built with the client. I continue to have a great relationship with most of my clients even if I am no longer advising them on legal matters and they keep reaching out to me for personal as well as professional assistance on other matters from time to time.

    Besides your legal expertise, you seem to have a flair for writing and thought leadership. How do you balance your professional commitments with your passion for writing, as seen in your contributions to various publications?

    The legal field is constantly evolving and the laws keep getting amended basis changing circumstances and other practical challenges. I feel that it is very important to be aware and keep oneself updated with the latest developments, especially in your area of expertise. It is equally important to create awareness amongst clients and peers as well. Therefore, while it is difficult to remove time and create a balance between professional commitments and making contributions, I look at these contributions more as a way of giving back to society, mentoring juniors, exchanging information amongst peers and generating business for my field of work. Further, given the nature of my practice, the reach of legal articles relating to succession planning, inheritance and wealth management is pretty wide.

    Your involvement in setting up operations for foreign companies in India is impressive. What are some key challenges these companies face, and how do you navigate the regulatory landscape to ensure smooth transitions?

    Most foreign companies are not aware of the regulatory regime in India and often question the requirement of providing documents/information. The regulatory regime in India is cumbersome to comply with in the initial stages of set up and the maximum time and effort is usually spent on collating the right documents/information from the foreign clients, explaining the submission criteria and requirements of the authorities and managing timelines. Fortunately, the current regime has streamlined a number of these processes, and it has now become easier to set up operations for foreign companies in India. Additionally, foreign clients are now more aware of the Indian system and are usually more cooperative now than before in supporting us in the set-up.

    After dedicating more than 11 years to Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., you made the transition to Khaitan & Co. as a Partner. What motivated this move, and how do you envision your role evolving in your new firm compared to your previous experiences?

    My 11 years in Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas were very fruitful and I am extremely thankful to Mr. Shroff for welcoming me into the firm. I have learnt a great deal from my experience in the firm and I take back fond memories of my time in the firm with me. I am very excited at this stage in my life and I am eagerly looking forward to my role in the Khaitan & Co. family. Khaitan & Co. has the largest private client practice in India and I intend to expand the practice to even greater heights and have an extended outreach in every corner of India through my association with Khaitan & Co. Mr. Haigrieve Khaitan is already very well known in this field and I am confident that with his support and guidance, my journey will be even more successful, enriching and rewarding than it has been so far.

    As a Partner at Khaitan & Co., what do you find most rewarding about your role, and how do you foster a collaborative and supportive environment within your team?

    The most rewarding aspect of my role in Khaitan & Co. is the confidence that the Khaitan family has reposed in me. They are always ready to support me, collaborate with me and have been extremely welcoming. They have done everything possible to provide me with a platform and resources that I can only grow to greater heights from here. The environment at Khaitan & Co. is one of extreme support and collaboration and I have naturally imbibed that thought process. The best aspect about Khaitan & Co., apart from its legal competence and a brilliant team, is its culture. 

    Beyond your professional endeavors, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do you balance your personal pursuits with your demanding professional commitments?

    I am an out-and-out foodie and I love to try new places, new cuisines and new food items, be it a new restaurant, a new café or a new dhaba. I also love watching movies. Some of my food interests are shared by clients and colleagues as we try new places together. I try and watch a late night movie on most Fridays after a long week of work. Other than this, I enjoy playing table tennis and swimming.

    For aspiring lawyers looking to build a strong foundation, what kind of internships would you recommend they focus on? Additionally, what are your views on gaining experience through internships with tier 1, tier 2, or tier 3 law firms?

    I think it is very important to intern under different law streams such as litigation, corporate, banking & finance, competition etc. to figure out where your interest lie. If you don’t like what you do, you will never be able to do it for long. I also feel, tier 2 and tier 3 law firms provide an overall experience as most of them do not have segregated practice areas and one would be able to gain a lot of experience in these fields. So one should definitely do a few internships in tier 2 and tier 3 law firms before moving on to tier 1.

    For students aspiring to specialize in private client practice or general corporate law, what advice would you offer to help them navigate the complexities of the legal profession and build a successful career in these niche areas?

    Nowadays most law firms conduct webinars, training sessions and interviews on important topics under general corporate and private client practice. Additionally, there are lots of articles and publications that are authored by partners and other associates from various law firms. There is a huge library of material in the digital space on every aspect of these practices. Every aspiring student should read and grasp this material as it really helps them to get an understanding of the practice and it also creates an edge for them in interviews and interactions with other legal professionals. Most lawyers also take guest lectures in law schools and once should try and interact with these professionals to understand their approach and seek guidance from them. These few aspects can really help any student in generating an interest in the profession. This should of course be coupled with sincerity and hard work as there are no shortcuts in any profession.

    Get in touch with Divi Dutta-

  • In Conversation with: Sneha Sudhir Nanandkar Advocate and Solicitor at Phoenix Legal

    In Conversation with: Sneha Sudhir Nanandkar Advocate and Solicitor at Phoenix Legal

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

    Can you share with us what initially inspired you to pursue a career in law and Solicitors thereafter? considering your diverse experience across various legal domains?

    I am an ardent believer of the famous quote “If you think small, your world will be small. If you think big, your world will be big.” — by Paulo Coelho.

    I am a first-generation lawyer and right from childhood I had seen my father Dr. Sudhir Nanandkar handling several sensitive and high-profile cases as a Forensic Expert and his job profile required him to be constantly updated about not only medical expertise but applicable laws as well for which, he even enrolled for LLB. My father obviously could not practise law but he inspired me to take it up as a profession. My decision was further crystalized when I saw my mother Mrs. Neeta Nanandkar helping kids with special abilities and needs as a Counsellor and Special Educator, fighting for their rights and inclusion in the society. Thus, I always wanted to choose a profession which was not only empowering but also gave me a sense of purpose. 

    My horizons were further broadened when I started my internship with a Solicitor firm at fort “Vivek Kantawala & Co.” and my Mentor, Mr. Vivek Kantawala motivated me to push beyond my comfort zone and I embarked on a journey to become a Solicitor. This journey was marked by rigorous preparation for the Solicitors examination, which I successfully cleared.

    I am thus deeply grateful for the opportunities and people that shaped my journey till date and today as a seasoned lawyer with fourteen years of experience, I carry forward my multitudinous enriching experiences with pride.

    With your extensive background in Commercial Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Insolvency and Bankruptcy, Real Estate, White Collar Crime, Shipping and more, could you walk us through a pivotal moment in your career that solidified your passion for Litigation?

    I am extremely thankful for the opportunities and trust of my seniors throughout my career and it has been a constant source of impetus for me. Though my foray into the diverse legal landscape of Commercial Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Insolvency and Bankruptcy, Real Estate, White Collar Crime and Shipping was not a deliberate choice, it was a natural evolution guided by the legal stalwarts that I have worked with throughout my career, coupled with my enthusiasm and constant thirst for knowledge resulted in strengthening my business development skills and strong clientele. 

    I have worked on several complex and enthralling matters in my career and regardless of its nature, every matter has been a stepping stone for my professional growth but pivotal moment of career was when I was impelled by a Hon`ble Judge of The Hon’ble Bombay City Civil Court to argue a case despite me being a fresher who was still exploring possibilities of Litigation and Non-litigation! It was a memorable and scary experience as I had to prepare my submissions in just one hour. I distinctly remember, me and my opponent, both freshers, tried to wriggle out of the situation by calling our respective seniors to court, but they were made to sit behind us and we were asked to argue the case. In retrospect, I did not choose litigation, litigation chose me! making me forever indebted to this Learned Judge of Hon’ble Bombay City Civil Court! I must admit after this incident I have not looked back. 

    What are the causes you feel strongly about?

    I come from a family which believes in giving back to the society and right from childhood, my parents have instilled in me the values and virtues of empathy, compassion, and quality conscience, encouraging me to volunteer in several pro bono campaigns. I strongly believe that we need better resources and employment opportunities for kids with special abilities and needs which can be achieved through inclusion alone, which necessitates combined efforts from government authorities and society for expeditious and effective implementation. Further, issues pertaining to awareness in respect of women’s rights and equal representation deserve to be addressed at a larger level.

    Having worked with various reputable firms, what valuable lessons did you learn about the legal profession and the intricacies of your practice areas?

    I am blessed to have worked with various reputed law firms in my career, which offered me invaluable exposure of litigation and non-litigation cases at domestic and international level, helping me enhance my knowledge of law, oratory skills and analytical thinking. These experiences made me proficient in courtroom advocacy and after court management with strategic use of skills, experience, and court craft. Thus, as lawyers we need to be constantly updated and ready to learn and adapt as and when required.

    I can sum it up by saying that there is no shortcut to success and it is a rewarding road filled with thrilling challenges, which ultimately lead to triumph! 

    I am happy and honoured to be part of Phoenix Legal now and I am confident that I can contribute significantly to the firm’s expansion and success.

    Your journey reflects a blend of corporate representation, high-stakes disputes, and involvement in significant cases. Could you share a memorable experience from your time advising and representing well-known companies before the NCLT, RERA Tribunal, or other courts?

    In my legal career spanning fourteen years, I have handled some high-profile cases, each carrying its own weight of significance but some cases challenge you to think out-of-box   and are one of a kind. I had opportunity to represent two reputed gaming companies in a defamation suit before the Hon’ble Bombay City Civil Court against “John Doe/Ashok Kumar” unknown or unidentified persons, who were reportedly posting defamatory content about the makers and investors and their video game on Facebook, Twitter, Google, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms. The miscreants were targeting the two companies, their promoters, and their ambassador on various social media platforms by posting posts, tweets, messages, videos and spreading rumours that the game was conceptualised by late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Thus, causing “irreparable damage” to the companies’ reputation. We had to obtain an interim order / “John Doe” Order from the Hon’ble Bombay City Civil Court urgently to restrict these several unknown people from spreading defamatory rumours. This case was unique as the obligations of Intermediaries at that point of time were unclear and it was easy for them to shrug their responsibility by taking a stand that they were merely intermediate platforms, having limited liabilities. It was enthralling to explore and highlight the interplay between the then existing laws pertaining to Intermediaries and their liabilities towards the content uploaded by unknown miscreants and we were successful in obtaining the “John Doe” Order and was reported in various newspapers and social media platforms. This case honed my abilities to navigate through a high-pressure environment and accentuated the importance of innovative legal solutions.

    With a notable track record of handling complex matters such as mergers, insolvency cases, and high-profile disputes, what challenges have you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

    I believe that most complex situations can be diffused easily with an out-of-box thinking and calm mind. I have learnt this with my own set of trial & error experiences, especially when stakes are high for clients and time is of essence, every strategic step matters. I must emphasize that handling a particular case can never have a straight-jacket formula solution, it involves several permutations and combinations of cautious interpretation of laws, industry-specific expertise, communication with non-legal professionals /officials, managing compliance burdens, continuous research and developing cost-effective solutions. 

    I distinctly remember one of my clients approaching me with a peculiar problem. Client had availed loan from a reputed bank for building a resort at Nagpur and though bank was disbursing money on one hand and it was being recovered on other hand, with interest. Thus, not actually helping the client to apply the said money for resort construction and interest simply went on mounting in crores. Client tried closing the account but the same was not allowed by the bank and bank further refused to release original property documents, making it difficult for client to approach other banks or entities. Client later realised discrepancies in the documents establishing forgery of crucial documents.  Thereafter the bank declared the client NPA and sued them before the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal for alleged non-paid loan amounts. Superficially, it looked like a normal debt and default case, hence the Hon’ble Tribunal was initially inclined to admit the petition against the client, as there were no precedents allowing forensic audit by Hon’ble Tribunal and not many cases on evergreening of loans. Thus, we had to highlight the evergreening committed by bank along with the forgery of documents committed by officials of bank owing to personal vendetta against the promoter of client company, which is when our application seeking forensic audit of bank`s documents was allowed by the Hon’ble Tribunal. I would thus say, a little out-of-box thinking goes a long way. 

    Considering your vast experience and insights gained throughout your career, what advice would you offer to law students or recent graduates embarking on their legal journey? How can they navigate the complexities of the legal profession effectively?

    In an era of mindless herd mentality and allure of firm remunerations, it is essential for law graduates to ascertain what drives and motivates them at an early stage, so that focused efforts can be invested in a particular area of Law. For example: whether one enjoys vibrancy of court or not, will aid a person in determining whether litigation is their calling or not, failing which burnout or scattered exertions will be an inevitable consequence. 

    Thus, the key is to not to trade passion for glory, enjoy the thrill of challenges which often are opportunities in disguise and stay abreast of these evolving trends and developments as the dynamics of the legal profession keep fluctuating.

    Get in touch with Sneha Nanandkar-

  • “Success in the legal profession stems from a keen desire to learn, coupled with patience and a supportive network of mentors and colleagues.” – Seher Ali, Partner at Antares Legal

    “Success in the legal profession stems from a keen desire to learn, coupled with patience and a supportive network of mentors and colleagues.” – Seher Ali, Partner at Antares Legal

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

    Seher, could you please walk us through your journey from your early days in law to becoming a Partner at Antares Legal? What were some of the challenges you faced when you first started your career in law, and how did you overcome them?

    I am a multi-generational lawyer and have been exposed to the legal profession from the time I was born. My grandfather and great-grandfather were both judges of the Supreme Court. It was assumed that I would choose a career in law and endeavour to follow their giant-size footsteps but it wasn’t until after I graduated from LSR, that I found my way to law. While in college, I was certain that I wanted to pursue journalism – I loved to analyse, probe, look for loopholes and write. When that didn’t work out, I shifted focus to law and these interests became strong research, diligence and transactional capabilities.   

    One of the challenges I faced in my early days as a lawyer was likely a challenge faced by most young aspiring women lawyers at the time – being a young woman lawyer! It has been encouraging to witness the multi-fold increase of women in the legal profession in the last two decades, but when I first started out, being a woman, one had to be twice as patient and work and persevere twice as hard to prove oneself as a serious legal professional – especially in the litigation space, which is where I began. Clients would assume I was either the support staff or prefer to address my male colleagues even if I was the senior most lawyer in the room.  I had to resort to creative ways to appear serious and professional which ranged from donning sarees to sporting spectacles at a young age. With the boom in corporate law in the 2000s, perceptions began to change and I couldn’t be happier about it!

    After having spent my formative years in litigation at Khaitan & Khaitan (erstwhile KJSV), I traversed to the corporate law practice at Dua Associates and Tatva Legal and gained significant  experience in M&A, PE, Real Estate, Debt transactions and litigation.

    After having spent over 14 years at law firms, and despite having led teams in large and substantial  transactions, I felt needed more challenges, in a new  and different setting. This led me to the M&A team at Bharti. This gave me the opportunity of stretching my limits through a gigantic learning curve, with the sheer variety and volume of fantastic transactional work that can only come with working with a world-class global MNC. I realised however that I missed the satisfaction and fulfilment that private practice brought – the variety in client interactions, variations in work and challenges and establishing structure in chaos! Antares Legal happened to me at a time when I has started evaluating my next steps and searching for newer challenges.

    Siddharth Bhavnani, Arjun Anand (my partners at Antares Legal) and I had known each other well for almost our entire professional careers, having worked with each other across various law firms. Under the exceptional leadership of Siddharth and Arjun, Antares Legal was in a short span already a name to be reckoned with for delivering quality driven and value based legal services. Collaborating with Arjun & Siddharth in the growth and management of Antares Legal was an opportunity and challenge that I embraced and transitioned back to private practise.

    Could you share a bit about your experiences of managing a charitable trust and how it shaped your approach to law and community service?

    Alongside my legal career, I also manage a family set-up, public charitable trust in Bihar. The proceeds to the trust are distributed towards various charitable purposes in and around Patna including scholarships to students in the EWS category, medical facilities, establishing and maintaining a legal and literary library, infrastructure for schools etc. 

    Each lawyer has a moral and professional duty to serve the broader community. Engaging in community service, to whatever extent possible, is a manifestation of this  responsibility and an indicator of one’s social consciousness. I endeavour to provide timely guidance and support in community service matters and encourage all young lawyers to find time to contribute positively to society (in addition to their Clients!) through pro bono work and volunteer initiatives. 

    With your diverse portfolio and responsibilities, could you give us a glimpse into what a typical workday looks like for you? What are some common tasks and challenges you encounter, and how do you navigate through them to ensure smooth operations and client satisfaction?

    Timelines that run away from you because of matters that require urgent intervention on account of unanticipated crises at a Client’s end, are commonplace and arise almost every day. 

    As an old school lawyer – I’m always taking notes and maintaining task sheets and to-do lists for each day. Effective time management, organization and prioritization is key and equally so is picking the low hanging fruits first! Naturally none of this is possible without my meticulous and trail-blazing team who ensure that each client is prioritised and the ball is never dropped!

    While it is not possible to generalize a typical workday, I start my day very early by prioritizing the key deliverables, calendarizing calls and meetings and checking my emails/whatsapps for overnight developments. Delegation of tasks and responsibilities at the right time and to the appropriate resource is critical to achieving timely goals. Administrative tasks including timekeeping and billing also need to be attended to in parallel. At the end of the workday, I update my task sheet and set my tasks for the next day.

    In your role at Bharti Enterprises, you led numerous high-stakes transactions across the group companies. Can you walk us through one of the most memorable deals you worked on and the challenges you faced? 

    One of the most intriguing transactions was the demerger of the general insurance business of Bharti Axa to ICICI Lombard. In addition to analysing, reviewing and negotiating the various transaction documents which form part of the regular life cycle of any M&A, this transaction also necessitated applying for and obtaining varied regulatory approvals from CCI, IRDAI, stock exchanges, MCA, RBI and NCLT. The transaction kicked off right in the middle of the Covid lockdown with everyone working remotely. Despite innumerable work-life balance challenges, tech fatigue and childcare and familial responsibilities, each of the stellar teams and departments involved at Bharti, Axa, ICICI Lombard and all of the external firms involved, worked relentlessly, often until the wee hours, to keep up the momentum and ensure closure in record’s time.

    You made a transition from an in-house role at Bharti Enterprises to a law firm environment at Antares Legal. How has your experience in corporate legal departments influenced your approach to practicing law in a firm setting?

    I had worked in law firms for over 14 years when I made the transition to Bharti. But when I returned to private practice, I carried back with me a wealth of practical experience and commercial insight which I never knew I needed.  The importance of understanding not only your Client’s products/service offering/business and relevant industry dynamics, but also anticipating potential risks in a timely manner and advising on practical strategies to mitigate them effectively, cannot be underscored enough. 

    In-house counsels are typically weighed under with day-to-day assignments and responsibilities and tend to lean upon their external counsels for crisis management and response efforts during emergencies, like significant claims/litigations, criminal proceedings, product recalls, regulatory enforcement actions, and other incidents that could pose significant legal and reputational risks. 

    The ability of the external counsel to take charge of such situations including providing strategic oversight, inspiring confidence through inter- personal communication skills and their ability to effectively collaborate across the various departments and functions of the Client is what Client finds most valuable. 

    One of your notable achievements includes advising on a significant debt market deal recognized at the Asian Legal Business Awards. What were the key strategies behind the success of this transaction?

    During my time at Bharti Enterprises, I had advised on the issuance of secured perpetual securities of USD 1Bn by an offshore Bharti Airtel WOS. This transaction was globally acknowledged as one of the leading debt transactions of the time and was felicitated with the Best Debt Market Deal of the Year 2020 at the Asian Legal Business Awards. Another transaction, whereby Bharti Airtel raised USD 3Bn was reportedly the largest ever dual tranche equity and FCCB offering in the Asia-Pacific and largest QIP ever by a private sector issuer in India, was recognised and felicitated by IBLJ as a landmark capital markets deal.

    These mammoth transactions necessitated intense engagement and coordination with various internal teams, departments, group companies, external domestic and international law firms, underwriters, BRLMs and other agencies within extremely tight timelines.

    As someone who has navigated through various law firms and corporate environments, what do you believe sets Antares Legal apart in terms of its approach to legal practice and client service?

    The team at Antares Legal has extensive experience and has recognized achievements in the areas of mergers & acquisitions, private equity, hospitality, real estate, and banking & finance transactions, and general corporate advisory. The firm also strategizes and represents clients on litigation matters before the Supreme Court, various state High Courts, District Courts, Commissions, Tribunals and forums on a pan India basis as well as in arbitrations.

    We have tremendously high-quality work with top tier clients and have created long-standing relationships with our clients and other external stakeholders. This serves as testimony to our strong understanding of the legal landscape, and the ability to be resourceful and offer practical, innovative and business conscious solutions.

    We prioritise the provision of quality driven and value based legal services to our Clients and which is why, though relatively new to the legal services space (having been established in 2017), Antares Legal has already developed the reputation of being a trusted advisor. 

    Having worked in both in-house roles and at law firms, you’ve experienced the legal landscape from different perspectives. Could you elaborate on the differences you’ve noticed between these two environments, and how they have shaped your approach to legal practice?

    Like most private practitioners, I assumed in-house would entail a slower pace with exposure to cookie cutter contracts and transactions. I couldn’t have been more wrong! I was part of the frenetic yet hugely satisfying M&A team at Bharti. Leading multiple transactions simultaneously – all set in different industries, regulatory regimes and jurisdictions, meeting the demands of numerous internal and external stakeholders, balancing legal and business priorities, crisis management, post-merger integrations and living with the transactions post-closing, are only some of the challenges I faced. It was these challenges however, which have helped hone my approach. The importance of understanding our client’s operations and internal dynamics, industry context and strategic objectives are crucial for providing effective legal advice and support. In addition to providing kosher and strategic legal advice, providing continual guidance on compliance gatekeeping and risk management, changing laws and best practices are vital to clients.

    Outside of your legal career, you enjoy reading, volunteer work, and other pursuits. How do you balance your professional commitments with your personal interests?

    Outside of my legal career and managing the Trust, I have two young, innately curious and free-spirited children, who keep me on my toes! I try not to miss any events they participate in, whether in school or outside. I also love watching movies with my family, and time permitting will also spend hours reading all types of fiction.  

    The recent trends in technology and globalization have reshaped the legal landscape. How do you stay updated with these changes, and what advice would you give to aspiring lawyers entering the field today? 

    The importance of continuous learning cannot be emphasised enough. I endeavour to stay updated on changes in laws, regulations, and precedents by attending seminars, workshops, and conferences and webinars. I love reading, and read all publications, journals, and newsletters about recent developments in my practise areas.

    Aspiring lawyers must focus on developing a strong grasp of legal principles, research skills, and analytical thinking. Young lawyers should spend at least a couple of years in litigation practise – the experience they will gain will prove to be invaluable and form the bedrock of their legal careers. Also, begin your career as a generalist and thereafter follow your passion into your niche. If you like what you do, you’ll never tire of it. Young lawyers could also seek out mentors, who are willing to offer guidance and advice as they navigate their careers.

    A keen desire to continually learn more, do more and be more with a healthy amount of patience will help position aspiring lawyers for success in the legal profession. Reinventing oneself on a regular basis will ensure one remains relevant. Lastly, surround yourself with people smarter than yourself – I’ve had the good fortune of being part of exceptional teams throughout my career and I attribute my success to them and my association with them.

    Get in touch with Seher Ali-