Super Lawyer

Tag: Symbiosis Law School Pune

  • “Moving from the courtroom to corporate boardrooms, I learned to switch between adversarial advocacy and collaborative problem-solving.” – Shreya Mehta, Counsel at TD SYNNEX.

    “Moving from the courtroom to corporate boardrooms, I learned to switch between adversarial advocacy and collaborative problem-solving.” – Shreya Mehta, Counsel at TD SYNNEX.

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

    From completing your B.B.A LL.B from Symbiosis to pursuing an LL.M. at NYU, how has your academic journey influenced your perspective on law and policy in a global context?

    What began as a spontaneous decision to pursue law gradually evolved into a conscious and enduring passion. Studying law taught me to view it not merely as a fixed framework, but as an ever-evolving dialogue across jurisdictions. At Symbiosis, I built a strong foundation in core legal principles within the Indian context, and later, my time at NYU shaped and broadened my entire perspective about it. 

    My motivation to pursue a post-graduation degree was a bit different from a lot of students out there. After nearly eight years of work experience, I decided to pursue my LL.M. at NYU; not as a break, but as a deliberate step to step back, reflect, and re-engage with law in a global classroom. That year was transformative. That experience allowed me to appreciate how legal systems can be both deeply interconnected and strikingly different, particularly in the areas I focused on; technology governance, environmental and energy policy. I believe that it also instilled in me the belief that a lawyer today must not remain confined within national borders or existing judgments, but should be ready to question, reinterpret, and challenge what they encounter at every step. I am also convinced that cultural context significantly shapes the way law is interpreted and enforced. Hence, my academic path enabled me to learn law in a way that extends far beyond textbooks.

    What inspired you to specialize in environmental and energy policy, with a focus on emerging technologies, during your Master’s at NYU? How did that experience enhance your understanding and practice of these areas?

    The real catalyst for my interest came during my time with the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance at the University of Cambridge. While researching the sustainability challenges of crypto-assets, I realized that what seemed like a niche question- whether blockchain-based assets could ever be environmentally sustainable- was in fact a window into a much larger set of issues around climate change, sustainable development, and the governance of emerging technologies. Over those nine months, I found myself asking bigger questions: how do we balance innovation with responsibility, and what role should law and policy play in steering that balance?

    When I decided to pursue further study, I chose the U.S. very intentionally. It has been a leader in both clean technology and regulatory innovation, and I knew that immersing myself in such an environment would challenge me and give me the global perspective I needed. NYU was the natural choice because of its emphasis on international and interdisciplinary learning. At NYU, seminars and courses such as Environmental & Energy Law Colloquium, and Law and Global Governance, allowed me to engage with both theoretical and practical dimensions of these challenges. I learned from professors who are at the forefront of global policy debates and worked alongside peers who brought perspectives from every continent. These interactions helped me see the intricate linkages between technology governance and environmental goals in a way that was both global and deeply contextual.

    That experience did more than just enrich my knowledge; it sharpened my conviction. I came away believing that solving climate and energy challenges will require not only technological innovation, but also robust legal governance frameworks that can adapt to the pace of change. It was at Cambridge where the spark was lit, but it was at NYU where that spark turned into a sustained commitment to work at this intersection.

    Early in your career, what were some of the most formative experiences, and how have you integrated those lessons into your professional practice?

    My most formative years were the initial three years, which were spent as a litigating lawyer under the mentorship of Mr. Anupam Srivastava (now Senior Advocate). For those three years, I had the privilege of working on a wide spectrum of matters across the High Court of Delhi, ranging from high-stakes political cases to civil disputes and recovery suits. Those experiences shaped me into the lawyer I am today. The environment was demanding yet enriching; drafting petitions, appearing before different courts, and learning to think on my feet. I entered litigation with stage fright, but my seniors’ trust and belief in me from the very first day when he handed me a file and asked me to argue before a registrar, is something that helped me as a young lawyer. Today, when I look back, that moment and many similar ones in those three years helped me shed my fear and find my voice as an advocate.

    I believe that the lessons I gained from my mentors and seniors during those years have stayed with me throughout my career. The discipline of drafting in litigation helps me today when I negotiate and draft million-dollar contracts or company-wide policies at a Fortune 500 IT distribution company. The advocacy skills I mastered in court helped me adapt seamlessly at NYU, where the Socratic method requires you to engage, challenge, and defend ideas in real time. I owe much of my professional growth to those early years and to the mentorship I received in that chamber, and they continue to anchor me, along with my work, and give me confidence as I navigate newer, global domains of law and policy even today.

    You’ve navigated diverse legal domains, from litigation and corporate law to compliance and emerging technology regulations. How do you adapt your approach when moving across such varied fields?

    Litigation gave me the strongest toolkit a lawyer can ask for; clarity of thought, precision in drafting, and the ability to argue under pressure. These skills are transferable across every legal domain I have since navigated. Whether drafting a court petition, negotiating a transaction, or shaping Data Privacy or AI governance frameworks, the process is similar- understand the facts, identify the risks, and build persuasive solutions.

    What changes is the context, and that is where adaptability comes in. Moving from the courtroom to corporate boardrooms, I learned to switch between adversarial advocacy and collaborative problem-solving. Litigation instilled resilience and meticulousness in me, and corporate practice taught me pragmatism and strategy. The combination of both makes me comfortable navigating even uncharted and new territories like digital assets or AI regulation, even after years of practice.

    While managing legal and policy functions at a cryptocurrency trading platform and later at Yellow.ai, what were some of the most challenging regulatory or compliance issues you faced in the digital assets and AI space?

    In the digital assets space, I faced regulatory ambiguity, which was new from what I was practicing before. When I started working for a cryptocurrency startup, digital asset regulations were not even at the nascent stage; everything was fragmented across jurisdictions, and mostly contradictory. The challenge was to build robust compliance structures in a grey zone, ensuring innovation without regulatory backlash- worldwide. Whereas at Yellow.ai, the challenge shifted to AI-driven business models, where data privacy, AI ethics, and regulatory uncertainty required foresight. Here, I guess, approaching every issue systematically, anticipating risks, and preparing strong documentation and frameworks to withstand scrutiny helped a lot. 

    From litigation to working in fast-growing tech spaces, the change was quite different, but as I mentioned, the approach remained similar, and these experiences taught me that in emerging fields, lawyers must not only interpret law but also actively shape it through dialogue with regulators and industry stakeholders.

    In your current focus on data privacy, AI governance, and sustainability laws, what shifts have you observed in these areas, and how do you navigate these evolving dynamics?

    Currently, I look after Data Privacy & Protection, AI Legal Governance, and Sustainability Laws for an IT distribution giant across the Asia-Pacific Japan region. The scale itself is humbling; advising a multinational with thousands of employees and partners requires not just legal expertise, but also cultural sensitivity, strategic alignment, and the ability to anticipate risks in markets that are at very different stages of regulatory maturity.

    This role is a stark departure from my earlier years in litigation and tech startups, but the contrast has been invaluable. While litigation sharpened my advocacy and analytical skills, working with startups trained me to be agile in ambiguous regulatory spaces. Now, in a corporate environment of this size, the challenge is about building governance structures that are both robust and scalable.

    The biggest shift I’ve observed is the fine balance between principles and accountability. In Data Protection & Privacy, this means embedding privacy by design into products, processes, and systems, instead of treating it as an afterthought. In AI Governance, the conversation is rapidly moving from broad ethical principles to concrete, enforceable frameworks like the EU AI Act, where businesses must demonstrate active risk management and transparency. And, in Sustainability, voluntary ESG disclosures are giving way to mandatory reporting requirements, with investors, regulators, and even consumers demanding credible, data-backed commitments.

    To navigate this evolving landscape, I rely on two approaches. First, I lean on the structured thinking that my litigation and academic experiences instilled in me; fact-finding, risk assessment, and precise documentation are my constant go-to. Second, I draw on my corporate and policy exposure to design governance frameworks that don’t just tick regulatory boxes but align meaningfully with business goals, enabling companies to remain compliant while still innovating and growing.

    Looking ahead, I believe the role of lawyers in these domains will become increasingly proactive. We are no longer just interpreters of the law; rather, we are architects of governance, guiding organizations through uncharted territories where law, policy, and technology converge.

    Having worked at the intersection of environmental law, corporate governance, and emerging technologies, what trends do you see shaping the future of legal practice in these areas?

    I believe the practice of law in my area is moving toward a far more anticipatory and integrated role than it has been in the past. Instead of being called upon to interpret rules once they are in force, lawyers are already and will increasingly be involved in shaping how those rules are designed, tested, and embedded into business strategy from the outset. In my view, this is especially true for fields like data protection, AI governance, and sustainability, where the pace of innovation is far faster than the pace of regulation.

    Another change I see is the growing expectation that lawyers act as translators, not only of law into practice, but of complex issues across various disciplines. For example, when discussing sustainability with the management of a company, the lawyer will not only have to explain reporting requirements, but also connect them to investor risk, technology adoption, and long-term corporate resilience. That level of cross-disciplinary fluency is going to define successful practitioners in the coming decade.

    Also, the global-local tension will only deepen as we are witnessing. We may see convergence in certain areas, like sustainability disclosures, but fragmentation will persist in fields like data protection and A.I regulations. Lawyers of the future will therefore need to be not just regulators’ watchdogs, but strategic advisors, who can help organizations craft governance frameworks that are both globally coherent and locally responsive.

    In short, I see the role of the lawyer evolving from interpreter of law to designer of governance, someone who not only ensures compliance but also helps businesses earn trust, stay resilient, and lead responsibly in uncertain times.

    What advice would you give to young lawyers seeking to build multidisciplinary expertise across litigation, corporate practice, and global regulatory policy?

    If I were to give one piece of advice, it would be to start with litigation if you get the chance. Those years in the courtroom gave me the strongest foundation: clarity of thought, discipline in drafting, and confidence in advocacy. As mentioned above, I still draw on those skills every single day, whether I am negotiating deals, drafting contracts, or shaping governance frameworks for global companies. Beyond that, I would encourage young lawyers to stay curious and not box themselves into one practice area too early. The legal profession today rewards breadth as much as depth, and a non-linear career path is not a weakness- it is rather a strength. Every shift, whether from litigation to corporate advisory or from startups to global policy, adds another dimension to your skillset and makes you a more resilient lawyer. And I cannot overstate the importance of mentors. I was fortunate to have seniors early in my career who trusted me and gave me real opportunities, and that faith shaped my confidence and growth. Seek out mentors who challenge and guide you, and be willing to learn from every opportunity, no matter how small it seems at the time.

    With such a diverse portfolio and responsibilities, how do you maintain personal well-being and work-life balance? Are there any particular strategies or resources you rely on?

    For me, balance has never been about drawing a hard line between work and personal life; it’s about weaving them together in a way that feels organic in my day-to-day life. I have found that movement is my best anchor. Whether it’s an early morning workout or a long evening walk to clear my head, those moments give me the energy and mental space to reset. They are often when I do my best thinking, away from screens and meetings.

    I also try to pick up new hobbies from time to time, something completely outside the legal world. Recently, it has been experimenting with different dance forms and cooking. Having something creative to turn to reminds me that my identity is bigger than my work, and it helps me keep perspective when deadlines pile up. It was early in my career, I learned how easily work can take over every waking hour if you let it. Now I’m intentional about boundaries. I’ll close my laptop at a certain time, put my phone away during dinner with family and friends, and make sure weekends have at least one pocket of time just for me. These small choices add up eventually- I have come to see well-being not as a luxury, but as a professional necessity.

    Get in touch with Shreya Mehta –

  • Curiosity Is My Superpower: From Art Aspirations to Global Legal Leadership – Aakritee Tiwari, Head of Legal & Compliance at VeeOne, Sweden.

    Curiosity Is My Superpower: From Art Aspirations to Global Legal Leadership – Aakritee Tiwari, Head of Legal & Compliance at VeeOne, Sweden.

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

    You have more than nine years of experience, including civil and common law jurisdictions. Would you be comfortable sharing the kind of initial reason for your interest in law as well as any particular event or any kind of maybe realization that guided you through this whole process in order to make sure that you have the better career, and as you are leading the legal front of an Emerging Institution in Sweden, being one of the first Indian woman over there, please do share it with our audience who are new learners, new entrants for law?

    My father was the one who encouraged me to consider law as a career as opposed to what I actually wanted.
    So I wanted to be an artist. I am a very creative person, and through my childhood and when I was in school, I participated in every art competition. I participated in slogan writing competitions in Delhi. Also represented my school at the national level. Won a lot of awards. So by the time I reached class 10, I realized that art is my calling.

    This is what I do best. And then came that moment which really paved my journey to law. So, one evening, me and my family were having dinner, sitting at the dining table, and my father asked me, so what do you plan to do after school? And my instant excited reply was, I want to be an artist.

    So he is a chartered accountant. He has his own firm. And he said, okay, do you have a plan B? Because getting into an art university is also very difficult. I said, I don’t really have a plan B, to which he said, what do you think about law as a career? And I was listening. So he said, see, as an artist, it would take you some time till you can build yourself after university and you can start earning, which was actually true.

    And then he said that, imagine, what if you study law—how much better your art would be sold if you are a lawyer and also an artist? And that, for me, was a brilliant idea. So from class 10th to 12th, I started preparing for both the art university and the law university, and I realized over the period of preparation I have developed an increasing interest in law because I realized that in art you have to be creative.

    You have to have a vision, which you would make into reality. Then you perceive some things, and then you align it with your vision, and then you paint. And that is the same in law. Now, when I look back, I see that, okay, I pull out a Word document, draft a legal document.

    Then if that document is a contract, for example, then that contract would be negotiated. Then that contract would be signed. Then that contract would have an expiry date, we would renew it. So I am building a relationship. I am bringing into existence something which was just an idea first. So. I entered the university in 2007, graduated 2012, and proudly became the first lawyer of my family.

    Thank you for sharing that particular story. After this, you also did your masters in business in corporate law. What was the motivation behind that particular specialization and how has that particular understanding of business and corporate law doing your masters helped you make your career trajectory reach to the point where you wanted or as you planned?

    So I gained working experience before I decided I wanted to pursue masters, and in my university, we were encouraged to do an internship every semester. So by the time I had finished university, I had a couple of internships with law firms like Amarchand, Jyoti Sagar.

    And then when I started working. Again, I had an experience. So while having this experience, I could really assess, analyze, understand what is my area of strength, where do my interests really go, and what is my passion? So I realized, looking back at my experience, that I decided to pursue my masters in 2015.

    So these years, I realized my area has always been business and corporate law. That is how I decided, okay, this is the masters that I want to pursue. Now because I pursued masters in business and corporate law, and one of our subjects was international business, that really helped me set the foundation of what I will be doing in the future.

    So I developed curiosity and interest towards cross-border transactions, conflict management, and assessing the different legal landscapes. How do you set up companies in a country which is not your area of expertise? Those questions really made me think, read more, and that became my passion.

    So I would say passion and curiosity led me to where I am now.

    While doing all of these things related to business and corporate law, you have also worked with prominent companies. How has working or maybe doing internships or doing a job, paved your way for international legal practice, what were the preparations or the kind of thought process you have had in order to make sure that you transition from national to international practice?

    Like I said, curiosity. I think curiosity is my superpower.
    I realized that because I was curious—reading, meeting professionals, going to events—that really helped me deepen my understanding of law, and prepared me for international practice. So what happens when I encounter something unfamiliar? Because I’m a curious person, it would compel me to read more, reach out to people who have done a similar thing, or if there is a case law that talks about a similar situation, or if there is a post which talks about a similar legal issue, but that legal issue happened in a different jurisdiction.

    And if I already know something, my curiosity pushes me to observe fellow lawyers—how did they approach this subject matter? How did they approach this issue? And then it helps me to refine my understanding, my expertise, and that really helps me to improve continuously.

    Since you said that curiosity is your superpower, what made you transition from national, especially India to Dubai and then to Sweden? And the kind of changes that you saw in all these jurisdictions, how did that help you actually reach your love I would say for business and corporate law? And what kind of practice did you do that you actually got what you wanted? So how did you do that and what are your suggestions for the same?

    When I was in India and I was working with Ansal Housing, I got this opportunity of working on an international arbitration. And now if I reflect back, I think I was put in that project because of my curiosity, because I’m very enthusiastic and I would really love to put in an extra hour if it is something that I don’t really know.

    So that experience of working on an international arbitration, combined with my experience and my study of international business law, made me realize that I am ready to step out of my comfort zone, which is India. And I realized that if I want to work on cross-border transactions, work with international clients, and be ready to negotiate deals which are happening in an international sphere, I need to be outside. And I still remember I had a conversation with my then manager, who is the General Counsel of Ansal Housing—an amazing mentor and a wonderful manager—and it was he who really said that:

    See, if you go and if you don’t like it, you can always come back, but if you don’t, you wouldn’t really know what your potential is. And I think that was the best mentorship advice he could have given me. So I found this opportunity at a law firm in Dubai, and I moved to Dubai. It was very scary, because I was moving abroad for the first time.

    I was always being taken care of in India, but now I am taking care of myself. And it is a very international space. So the work culture is like that. And the expectation from you as a lawyer is different. So I was working in this law firm. We were a batch of international lawyers working together on international issues.

    And every new client that we had in the law firm was from a different jurisdiction. So that really put me in a position where I, of course, had to know the law of India because that is where I’m coming from, and it is expected that I can advise on Indian laws. But I was expected to work on an issue with a client who is from Australia, and he wants to set up a company in Dubai. Or a transactioning, a partnership happening with a cement manufacturing company from China who wants to set up the manufacturing company in Spain. So you would understand the nuances of both these jurisdictions. So I realized that experience and that ease of moving from one jurisdiction to another really helped me globally connect, helped me easily move from one jurisdiction to another, and it no longer was a challenge.

    Then when I moved to Sweden, it was very different from how it was in Dubai, because now I became a wife, also a mother, and I was in a country in which the first language is Swedish. So then my third language became Swedish. So Hindi, English, and then Swedish. So I realized that now I need to deepen my understanding of the local laws and also the EU laws, because in every European country you would first look at the local laws and then you would look at the EU law if there is any precedent or if there is a law that reflects on the legal issue that you’re working on.

    So that is what Sweden gave me—helped me deepen my understanding of local and European laws, and I would say this path or this journey I was on, what really helped me was strategic thinking, being committed to the goal that I set for myself, adaptability, and lots and lots of hard work.

    The reason why I say hard work is that there is so much pre-work that I have to do, or any lawyer who moves from a different country to a new country has to do, which may or may not be directly proportional to the role that you would be performing. For example, if you’re moving to a European country or a non-English-speaking country, you would have to learn the language.

    And then you would have to understand the working culture in that country, because that is also very different. Like leadership style—what I saw, leadership style in India, in Dubai, and in Stockholm, Sweden is very different. So you need to understand the cultural nuances. So navigating those cultural and regulatory differences was a crucial aspect of having an international career, I would say. Then maintaining a strong network of local lawyers. So I didn’t forget my roots. I still am connected with Indian lawyers who are experts, so I can reach out to them on knowing what is happening. So, just a week back, my manager, who is the CEO, was asking what is the impact of the tariffs that the US is making now in India?

    So had I not read that, I wouldn’t know that. Had I not been connected with my local friends, I wouldn’t know how it is impacting. So these small skills really bridge—or really helped me bridge—the international legal career. One tip that I would like to give to a student who wants to pursue an international legal career, or a person who’s already working,

    He wants to move abroad: Have a strong network of professionals, and have a strong network of local lawyers who you can reach out to for advice, who you can reach out to reassess your thoughts, your analysis on a legal issue. Having a group of professionals who you can trust is a game changer if you are moving abroad or if you want to have a global legal career.

    After relocating to Sweden, you took maternity leave as well, how did you make yourself return to the workforce without the so-called guilt that we always have as working moms?

    Second, how did you continue your professional development during the time when you were not there practicing? What were the strategies? How did you connect with the industry? Like you said, we need to be connected with not only good lawyers, but local lawyers as well, who can give you the nuances and the kind of update that you need. So how does that work for you? And during that time, how did you make sure that you don’t lose that particular connect? 

    I never truly stepped out of the legal field. I was very focused, and I always knew that I want to continue being a lawyer.

    I want to continue my legal profession. And I would say, when you move abroad, it’s a great opportunity to reassess whether you want to have the same career or you want to maybe branch out to something different. For me, you know, it is law, it has been law, it is law. So I knew, okay, after resuming my career after maternity leave, it would be law.

    So, I had that in mind, and I had the preparation ready. So for me, maternity leave—which we over here call parental leave—was actually not a break, it was a form of professional growth. I looked at the break as a time to invest in myself, to refine my skills, and to actually prepare for the biggest and the most difficult role, which is of being a parent.

    And I was being a twin mother, which is, let me tell you, it’s a full-time job. You are a parent yourself, you know it’s challenging. So during the parental leave time, and also because I was moving to Sweden, I took the time to familiarize myself with the culture, the education system, understanding the local laws and understanding the regulations.

    Then I actively also followed the domestic developments, which are the developments that are happening in India and in Dubai. Because if I say that I’m an international lawyer and I have worked in India and Dubai, the expectation is that I know what is happening in the industry. So it comes with a lot of responsibility.

    So I kept myself updated. Then it was my time to again assess my skills, identify my area of growth, because now I would be stepping into a new jurisdiction. So I stayed focused, connected with my friends who are based in India, who are working in-house and also practicing as lawyers.

    I followed—I still follow—professionals on LinkedIn who talk about leadership, who talk about the changes that are happening in the industry. I read newsletters. I love reading. I read a lot. I enrolled myself in the Swedish language course.

    So this continuous preparation for what I want to do once I resume my career really helped me to stay confident of my skills and also to bring a very fresh perspective to the role that I would be doing. Staying focused, committed to law, my passion for reading.

    Then my curiosity of knowing—so a very small example I’ll give you, like in India, we remove our shoes outside and then we would step into the house. It’s the same in Sweden. So understanding these similarities and, like for us in India, the tea culture is something that brings two people together.

    So if you want to call somebody home, you would call for tea. And in Sweden, you would call them for coffee. And there is a culture called Fika. So it is—you have to be mindful of taking breaks, and those breaks are about you sitting with your colleague or you sitting with your friends, unwinding and connecting.

    So my curiosity led me to learn so many new things. So I already felt that I am at home. I know what the culture is about. I fairly understand the language. So I was ready. I was ready for the next step.

    I think that is what is needed for everyone and probably that has brought you being the head of legal and compliance at VeeOne AB. What kind of primary factors were there? You already have said a lot about your commitment to your reading, to your learning culture. How did you foresee the kind of role that you were going forward for? In particular, it is a totally technology driven industry. So what kind of new learnings did you do while you were transitioning towards being the head of this number one company over there?

    Preparation is the key in anything that we do in our life. This role was a little different because this industry was new to me. So VeeOne is a company in crew planning.
    My focus on legal compliance stemmed from the fact that to have a strong foundation, you need to have a robust regulatory framework. The role of legal and compliance has evolved and I would say has become complex. Earlier, it was very traditional—even for a lawyer, it was traditional.

    Either you are in a law firm, or you are in a court, or you are in a company. Now, when there are other factors, like AI, there is data privacy, there are regulatory landscapes that really come into play, and that makes the environment more complex and dynamic.

    So I foresee that to perform well in this role, I need to shift my approach from being reactive to be proactive. So there has to be a shift in strategy where there has to be a risk analysis done even before the risk can or may or may not occur. So, we in VeeOne, we try to integrate compliance with innovation or new ideas so we can mitigate the risk.

    And I think that is what a lot of companies are also trying to do to have a competitive advantage in the global market.

    While you are doing all of this, you also read a lot. First I would like to ask, how do you carve out that much time with being a full-time mother to twins, then working your way up in your organization, being the head you are the most responsible one. So what kind of books do you read to keep yourself inspired to shape your perspective?

    Like you said, you follow newsletters also of leadership styles and others. How do you connect all that with your legal understanding and implement it in your career? For the new aspirants or the graduates who are coming up, if they want to pursue a similar kind or maybe the same pathway. So what would be your suggestion? The kind of journals that they should read or they should go through, the kind of books, resources that you may recommend and to build the kind of mindset of always being prepared as yours. What guidance would you like to give them?

     First, I would say, and this could be controversial, that reading that you do during work is not something I would say is reading.

    Reading is something that you do outside of your work. If you are doing reading during your work, that is to accomplish a task or to work on a project or to expand your knowledge on the issue that is at hand. Reading that you do outside of your work is reading that would grow you as a person, grow you as a professional.

    So that being said, when I say reading, it is outside my work. For me, mostly it has been biographies. And I am more inclined towards nonfiction. I have tried reading fiction, but I again gravitate towards nonfiction. So it’s not that I haven’t tried—I’ve tried. So biographies that have really shaped my perspective on life and also on the legal field have been of Nani Palkhivala, J.R.D. Tata.

    And very recently I read this biography of Haben Girma. Must read! A beautiful book. She is the first American disability rights advocate. She is the first blind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, and the work that she is doing for the disability community is amazing. So that is on the biography part.

    Somebody who wants to start reading, hasn’t read before but wants to have that habit—I would suggest a book called Creativity by John Cleese, a very thin book, a very quick read. It talks about how creativity is not something you are born with; it is a skill that you can develop. What makes the book really interesting is that John Cleese is a lawyer.

    He went to Cambridge to study law. Eventually he became a comedian, and he’s a very popular comedian. So that is something that I would suggest to somebody who’s wanting to read, planning to read, has little time, but still wants to get into the habit of reading or come back to reading. Since the role of a lawyer has transformed—from at least when I graduated, it was still very traditional.

    Now it has transformed to beyond the traditional lawyer, which is either you are in litigation or you are giving legal advice. I think creativity is now a skill that can help us as professionals, as legal professionals, be ahead of AI. Because there could be possibilities when, for example—a very small example—review of contracts.

    If you are very, very good at contracts, there are extremely good contract management platforms, contract review platforms, which can review a contract for you—maybe better than what we can do, quicker than what we can do. So if you want to stay ahead of AI as a professional, creativity is the skill that is a must.

    And I would generalize your question when you said somebody who wants to have a legal career. I would say cultivating a hobby. And that hobby should be consistent—something that you would like to do every day. It could be running, it could be reading, it could be swimming, it could be vlogging.

    Having a personal passion outside of work will help you contribute to your life—your personal life—and to your professional life in a wonderful way. And your journey as a professional would be very fulfilling, because there are days as a professional, especially as a lawyer, some days are very tense.

    Some days are not that tense. So you really need help when those days are tense. So I would say having a consistent hobby.

    Then the second most important thing would be finding a mentor. Having a mentor is extremely important. That is how you can have continuous growth, which is required if you are in this profession. For me, I have been very fortunate that I have had amazing mentors throughout my career.
    Always have a mentor. I would say you are never too expert to not have a mentor.

    Then the books that I am reading right now. I usually read two books—one is mostly legal and the other is mostly related to non-legal. The first book is Range by David Epstein. The author talks about how individuals who explore multiple disciplines—that really helps you have a broad skill set. So you would have multiple tools, and then you can really narrow down those expertise to one thing that you would really like to do. So I would say the sum of the book is that sampling is the key to success.

    And now if I look back—for me, also because of my internships, because of my experiences—when I decided that I wanted to pursue masters in business and corporate law, I had done my sampling.

    So I had worked with NPOs, I had worked with judges, I had worked with senior lawyers. I did my sampling. I realized, yes, this is what I want to do. And this is my area of interest.

    Then the second interesting book that I’m reading—and thanks to my current manager, the CEO of my company, he recommended that book. That book is called Getting to We: Negotiating Agreements as Highly Collaborative Relationships. So this book is written by a university professor and two lawyers. One of the lawyers is a Swedish lawyer. So the book tells a five-step process to create a collaborative agreement.

    And this was very interesting to me because for me, as a lawyer who is drafting back in India or back in Dubai, I would look only at my liabilities, only at my governing law, only at what impacts me. But the book really shifts the focus from the relationship or the approach being transactional to a strategic partnership. And now when I draft a contract, it is a very different approach.

    So if I’m drafting a contract, I would look at the contract or the document from a we perspective, because it is a partnership at the end of the day. It could be an employment agreement, service agreement, partnership agreement. If I only focus on my liabilities, if I only focus on my governing law, if it is very unilateral—first, I would have a challenge when negotiating the contract, there would be red lines everywhere.

    Then it would take me a lot more time to negotiate the contract because it is very unilateral. So that book really shifts the mindset and says that to have a collaborative relationship, the agreement should also be collaborative. So if there is somebody who really likes drafting contracts, or says that they’re an expert in contracts, or would like to work on contracts, I would recommend this book.

    Thank you for sharing that. I won’t ask how you balance work and life, but rather how do you plan your day? As a mother to twins, your planning must be very intentional. Personally, I’d love to learn how you manage everything without compromising your personal or professional life, especially when your children need you so much. How do you ensure there’s enough time for work, family, and still carve out personal space for yourself for reading, relaxing, and recharging that superpower of curiosity that keeps you moving forward?

    You gave out the keyword, which is planning. I would put a prefix, which is strategic planning.
    So first, it is strategic planning. Then, because both of us are working, both of us have a very demanding schedule—managing our time, managing our schedule—that is what we do. So generally, our day would look like: the twins are off to school, and I am at work, my husband is at work.

    We would come home, and some days after work, I would go to an event, I would meet friends. And if I’m not doing that, I would come home, then it would be cooking together. Over here, it’s all about involving the child, no matter how small that child is. So it would be cooking with them, and we have created a habit of asking, How was your day?

    So as soon as I step in the house, they would ask me, How was your day? I would ask them, How was your day? After having the meal, we would watch TV, and that is, I think, something that I realized is great because we switched on TV for them when they were very young, and the TV is always on.

    So now for them, TV is furniture. It’s not TV. So even if the TV is on, they would not necessarily want to watch the TV. They would want to play or they would want to paint or they want to color. So TV is always on in the background, and that actually helps us to build their language. Because in the school they go to a Swedish preschool.

    On the TV we have English programs, and we speak with them in Hindi. So they’re always listening, and we are doing these activities together, which is either watching the TV or coloring or cooking. And then once the twins have slept, it is either my time with my husband—we would either watch something or I would read.

    So that is what our schedule looks like. I make sure that I invest time with my friends, with my husband, I attend events, I mentor in Sweden also.

    I have two mentees right now, giving time to them, upskilling myself—which is through reading that would directly relate to me. But also, I have to read about how I can be a better mentor, or if my mentee has some questions and I don’t know about them, so I need to prepare myself. Then it is parenting.

    We were talking about parenting—the most crucial role. So, there is a lot of reading about what activities can we give the twins, how can we keep them engaged? If they have a question, what should be the right answer for that question? So I think if I know, okay, the task that I have for me in a day—and you gave me the keyword, which is planning. 

    So I do strategic planning. That is how we plan, I would say.

    Get in touch with Aakritee Tiwari –

  • “Every case has its challenges, but the ones that stay with you are those that reveal both the human side of crime and the imperfections of our system.” – Piyush Singhal, Managing Partner at JS Law Chambers.

    “Every case has its challenges, but the ones that stay with you are those that reveal both the human side of crime and the imperfections of our system.” – Piyush Singhal, Managing Partner at JS Law Chambers.

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

    What was your experience like pursuing the B.S.L., LL.B. program at Symbiosis Law School, Pune University? What inspired you to choose law as a career path?

    I was part of the 2000-2005 batch at Symbiosis Law School, Pune. At the time, that was the only campus of Symbiosis and it was affiliated to Pune University. Coming from the heartlands of Uttar Pradesh, where I studied across various districts, transitioning to a cosmopolitan campus was a cultural shift. School life in U.P. was more traditional and structured, but at Symbiosis, I experienced diversity, freedom of thought, and a broader outlook on the law and society.

    I was never inclined toward science or mathematics, which were often the only options given to students back then. I wasn’t great at either. Fortunately, coming from a legal background, law was always present in my environment. It lingered in my mind and triggered a serious interest soon after school. I appeared for the entrance exam and secured admission into Symbiosis, and from that moment onward, I knew I had found my calling. The depth of civil and criminal law captivated me from the very beginning — corporate culture was never my cup of tea. I always wanted to be a courtroom lawyer, and that conviction only grew stronger during my law school years.

    In the early stages of your career, you served as State Counsel for Uttar Pradesh at the Supreme Court of India. How did that experience shape your legal perspective, and what impact did it have on your professional growth?

    I’ll be honest — nepotism does exist in our profession. But having said that, the opportunity to serve as State Counsel for Uttar Pradesh at the Supreme Court early in my career was a transformative phase. I was entrusted with drafting Criminal SLPs, Article 32 petitions, Reviews, and more. But it wasn’t just about the legal work, it was mainly the environment that shaped me.

    Being in court every day, watching legendary lawyers argue, listening to courtroom banter… it was mesmerizing. That exposure taught me courtroom craft like nothing else. It is often said that a lawyer must be crystal clear on the facts, because the judges already know the law. That wisdom stayed with me. The court isn’t impressed by ornamental arguments; it respects clarity and preparation.

    What inspired you to establish your own independent practice? Could you share some of the initial challenges you faced and how you navigated through them?

    I started my independent practice quite early, opening a one-room office on the second floor of a building in Lajpat Nagar. It wasn’t easy. I had to knock on different doors, asking for work. Gradually, I got empaneled with banks and insurance companies. Alongside, I took on private civil and criminal matters and even matters related to IPR.

    I never said no to any work — whether it was registering a marriage or conducting due diligence for agricultural, residential, or commercial properties. That consistency and “go-getter” attitude paid off. Word of mouth remains the best marketing strategy, and that helped me earn the trust of top professionals in MNCs.

    Having the bank and insurance panels helped extend my practice pan-India. I proactively offered pan-India services and built a network of trusted lawyers across the country. It wasn’t easy. Far from it! It was, in fact, full of unexpected challenges, but persistence paid off. Today, I can proudly say that I run a reliable pan-India litigation practice serving multiple clients nationwide.

    You’ve represented the Delhi Police in numerous cases involving fundamental rights and constitutional matters. Is there a particular case that stands out as especially challenging or impactful?

    Every case has its challenges. But the ones that stay with you are those that show you both the human side of crime and the imperfections of our system. I remember one particular case: a brutal murder on a public road using large knives and swords. There were eyewitnesses, there were recoveries, and I was representing the victim.

    There was strong evidence, but the accused were powerful. Witnesses were threatened, some were even bought off. I remember walking into the courtroom flanked by over a hundred men glaring at me. We had to move multiple applications to secure protection for the witnesses. Some still turned hostile. Working closely with the police, I saw firsthand how their hard work can be undone by manipulation and intimidation. That case deeply affected me — it showed me both the resilience and the vulnerability of our justice system.

    When handling high-stakes criminal matters, how do you balance the legal complexities with the emotional and human elements that often accompany such cases?

    In high-stakes criminal matters, it’s never just about law books and precedents. There are real people, real emotions, and very often, deep trauma involved. I’ve seen crimes born out of vengeance, impulse, and even false allegations. Whether I’m representing the victim or the accused, I try to understand the ‘why’ — in legal parlance, the “motive” — the story behind the act. It helps me build my case, because crimes are rarely black and white.

    One must be both empathetic and analytical while handling criminal cases. That balance helps in framing a stronger legal strategy and also in dealing with clients and especially their families, who are often emotionally shattered.

    In your experience handling matters under Labour & Employment Laws, what are the most common issues establishments face, and how can these be addressed proactively in the early stages?

    Being associated with MNCs and institutional clients, I frequently deal with labour and employment contract issues. The most common problems arise due to ambiguous employment agreements, non-compliance with termination procedures, misclassification of employees, and disputes over wages or bonuses.

    To avoid these issues, companies must ensure their employment contracts are drafted with legal precision, HR policies are clear and compliant, and they follow due process during hiring, termination, or disciplinary actions. Early legal intervention and internal audits can prevent most of these problems. A stitch in time truly saves nine in labour law.

    What are the key considerations and recent developments in bail jurisprudence that legal practitioners should be mindful of when representing clients before the Supreme Court, various High Courts, and district courts in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana?

    “Bail is the rule, jail is the exception”: this principle from State of Rajasthan v. Balchand (1977 AIR 2447) is often quoted but rarely followed in spirit. Bail today is a discretionary and often inconsistent domain. Two identical fact situations can yield two very different bail outcomes.

    Judgments like Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar have helped reduce unnecessary arrests, especially in offences punishable with less than 7 years. But we still lack uniformity. Courts are supposed to consider whether the accused will tamper with evidence, flee, or pressurize witnesses. But over time, “gravity of offence” has taken disproportionate weight, which was never meant to be a primary criterion.

    I’ve seen false cases filed to settle personal scores, even invoking POCSO where minors are tutored to speak against relatives in matrimonial disputes. Allegations under 376 IPC or Section 354 are sometimes misused in civil or employment-related vendettas. Of course, not every case is false; but the potential for misuse is real. Legal practitioners must push for more consistency and emphasize the fundamental principles of liberty and fairness.

    What advice would you offer to young professionals aspiring to build a career in litigation? Are there any particular habits, resources, or practices that have helped you stay current and sharp in this fast-evolving field?

    • Use AI and digital tools wisely. They’re helpful, but they’re no substitute for deep legal understanding. Read every word in your draft. Don’t blindly trust technology or florid language from thesauruses or ChatGPT. Courts appreciate clarity and precision, not jargon or verbosity. Big, long drafts may work in corporate circles, but they don’t impress judges.
    • Precision wins cases. Read regularly — judgments, legal updates, articles — and never stop refining your drafting and argumentation. Litigation is a responsibility. Be present. Be prepared.

    Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of your legal practice and your personal journey within the profession? How do you maintain focus and mindfulness in pursuit of that vision?

    Advocacy has become more than just a profession for me. It is my lifestyle, my identity. I cannot imagine a day without the rhythm of courtrooms, case files, and client interactions. It’s what keeps me grounded, challenged, and constantly evolving. My vision is to continue offering honest, effective legal solutions, build on the pan-India practice I’ve established, and serve every client with the same commitment, till my last breath. There is no looking back.

    Law runs in my blood; we are a family of lawyers. My father, a retired High Court Judge, has been my lifelong mentor. His insights, clarity of thought, and sense of balance in legal reasoning continue to guide me. Whenever I’m stuck, I know exactly where to turn. My wife is an in-house counsel, my mother (though not practicing) has a deep understanding of law, and not a day goes by in our house without spirited legal debates. Sometimes it’s lively, sometimes it’s noisy, but it’s always engaging. Along with the love and care that bind us, law is also the force that connects and energizes us.

    Focus and mindfulness for me come from consistency and determination. The determination to read every document carefully, to understand every client personally, and to never compromise on precision. I believe in showing up — fully present and fully prepared — every single day. That’s what shapes long-term success.

    I’ve also been fortunate to have worked under some of the finest seniors, whose mentorship helped me in understanding not just the letter of law, but also the unwritten code of ethics and decorum in the courtroom. Their teachings stay with me even today.

    As the profession evolves with technology and new challenges, I remain rooted in traditional advocacy values: clarity, credibility, and compassion. That’s the compass I follow on this lifelong journey.

    Get in touch with Piyush Singhal –

  • “India is at a critical crossroads vis-à-vis intellectual property (IP) as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies reshape global businesses and transactions.” – Anant Prabhuchimulkar, Founding Attorney at Frigg & Snotra.

    “India is at a critical crossroads vis-à-vis intellectual property (IP) as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies reshape global businesses and transactions.” – Anant Prabhuchimulkar, Founding Attorney at Frigg & Snotra.

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

    A legal career can hold different meanings for different people. What inspired you to pursue law as a career, and what was the driving force behind your decision to take this path? How did your journey through law school further ignite your passion for the field and shape your motivations for the future?

    My journey to law began against the backdrop of family tradition pointing elsewhere. Three successive generations of civil engineers in my family (including both my parents), had established a legacy in public service and infrastructure – particularly, water supply,  a cause to which both my father and grandfather had committed a large portion of their lives. While I was tempted to lean into this “flow” state, following them into a set career as an engineer working in infrastructure or environmental sciences, my interests as a student actually leaned towards aerospace engineering and all things space-related. 

    Frankly, it was my grandmother who ultimately inspired my legal path, and acted as a guiding light. It was in the late 1940s that she had graduated with a law degree from Government Law College, Mumbai (then-Bombay) having lost a few years to the Indian freedom movement. She continued to maintain kinships with notable alumni like Soli Sorabjee and Nani Palkhiwala whom she had met in study groups – on occasion she would narrate several anecdotes about them and their time at law college. Soon after graduating however, she chose family life over a demanding legal career – a decision she later expressed regret about before passing in 2024 at age 97. Despite never having practiced law as a member of the Bar, her legal training permeated her daily life. Her sharp wit, articulation and ability to debate confidently at length with eminent personalities and champions of industry left me with profound respect for the legal profession and even fostered a sense of reverence for litigating lawyers. There was something meaningful about pursuing a career she had not been able to follow. 

    Law school quickly dispelled my romantic and innocent notions about legal practice. No number of anecdotes or choice phrases could replace the intellectual rigour and stamina required for law school. Law school demanded a sharpened focus and genuine eagerness to learn, qualities that developed gradually during my studies. What transformed my experience were approachable professors, commercially relevant courses and real-world internships that revealed how legal strategy truly functions in practical application. 

    I became particularly interested in dissecting and analysing business structures and strategies in the form of case studies, similar to investigative journalism. I was taken in, almost jonesing on the access to information that legal training provided me –  corporate filings, audit reports, public disclosures – told compelling stories that captivated me more than fiction. This fascination further accelerated me towards corporate law, built on the fundamental understanding of how legal frameworks shape industries and business strategy. 

    After completing your law degree, you chose to pursue a master’s from Durham University, United Kingdom. Given the number of esteemed institutions offering similar programs, what made Durham stand out as the ideal choice for you? Could you share how your experience there enriched both your academic and professional journey?

    Choosing Durham University for graduate school was an easy decision. As one of the UK’s ancient universities alongside Oxford, Cambridge and St. Andrews – often collectively referred to as “Doxbridge” – Durham offered prestigious academic standing with its #4 UK ranking that year. This was a deciding factor as I was only looking for universities in the UK. Further, having missed application deadlines for Oxbridge, Durham represented excellence within my available options. 

    Another important consideration for me was the collegiate system at Durham that really attracted me – with each college maintaining its distinct history and culture. My acceptance to Castle College, Durham’s founding and oldest college was particularly transformative for me. The “Castleman” culture, shaped by centuries of tradition, encouraged by academic excellence and strong professional camaraderie was an unmatched value addition. Studying within a medieval castle – one that had served as a filming location for Harry Potter was an immersive experience in itself. Formal dinners in historical halls and galleries complete with ceremonial or academic gowns, connected learning to centuries of scholarly tradition. 

    Academically, Durham provided the perfect platform for refining and deepening my skills in commercial law. A key highlight was being taught Mergers & Acquisitions by Shaun Goodman, a Kirkland & Ellis’s London partner – easily one of the sharpest minds I had encountered. His nuanced perspective and practical insight into corporate acquisition strategy, execution modes and financing structures were invaluable. This blend of theoretical depth and real-world commercial application, prepared me for complex high stakes legal transactions that were around the corner for me in law firm life. 

    The Durham experience extended beyond coursework – instilling qualities that continue to shape my professional approach and work ethic: focus on analysis over verbosity or precedent, adaptability in unique situations, collegiality in professional relationships, and a broader sense of purpose and achievement in legal work. These elements remain foundational to my practice today.

    In the early stages of your career, you had the privilege of working with several prestigious law firms, including Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Trilegal, as well as co-founding Digi-Smart Technologies. What were the pivotal learning moments during these formative years that not only deepened your understanding of the law but also set you on the path toward excellence in your profession?

    My early years across law firms provided a crucible which forged my practice. At Trilegal, I was immediately thrust into representing a major multinational technology player interested in strategic acquisitions across the Indian tech sector as well as a USD 100 billion+ AUM private equity fund – both deploying approximately USD 8 billion in capital across Indian markets over a spread of deals in distinct sectors within aggressive timelines. This experience, building upon my foundational two years of private equity experience at Desai & Diwanji, revealed that excellence in complex high stakes transactions requires more than technical proficiency; it demands strategic vision that anticipates challenges before they materialize. 

    What proved invaluable to me was navigating these transactions with a lean, efficient, high performing team united by shared principles – rigorous work ethic (read: hard work), unwavering integrity and meticulous attention to detail. It became clear to me that the quality of collaboration often determines transaction success more definitively than individual brilliance. The diversity of perspectives and backgrounds among the exceptional professionals I worked with expanded my own professional toolkit exponentially, teaching me that legal solutions emerge not just from following set precedent but from creative problem solving. Our camaraderie naturally also seeped into our personal lives and I can’t underscore the importance of maintaining strong friendships while working in high stress settings.  

    At Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, assisting on a private equity buyout of a major education provider across the preschool to K-12 segment while simultaneously handling my first listed acquisition – a control deal in the highly regulated cement sector revealed the multidimensional nature of complex transactions that intersect with governance, policy and public interest. Both these matters inter alia required synchronising national, state, local and international regulatory frameworks while identifying inconsistencies between them. Dissecting legal risks several financial quarters in advance and advising on mitigation strategies and pragmatic solutions and structures. This experience crystalised my understanding that superior deal counsel must operate as regulatory cartographers – mapping jurisdictional and legislative complexities while charting clear paths forward.

    Having worked at prominent law firms, such as Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Trilegal, what motivated you to transition into an in-house role with Euronet Worldwide, Inc? How did you perceive the cultural shift between working at a law firm and being part of a corporate in-house team, and how did your responsibilities evolve in this new environment?

    My transition to an in-house role at Euronet was driven by a fundamental desire to participate in business strategy and decision making from inception rather than merely documenting or assisting with decision already made. While law firm practice offered technical depth, I found myself increasingly drawn to the strategic questions that precede formal legal engagement. Having already done a masters’ degree, an MBA seemed excessive and unaffordable and I had often heard inhouse roles being equated to an MBA education.

    The cultural shift from law firm to inhouse was stark and multidimensional. In private practice, client interactions typically begin after commercial parameters are already established – the classic “deal is agreed in principle between principals, now it’s the lawyers job to document it” scenario. At Euronet, I experienced the inverse, legal counsel became integral to opportunity identification, market entry strategy and risk assessment months or even years before external counsel may be engaged or a term sheet even considered. This shift from a reactive to proactive counsel demanded developing “commercial intuition” – the ability to anticipate business or revenue implications beyond legal analysis.

    This perspective aligns with what a senior partner at a previous firm I worked at once described as the evolution from “legal technician to business strategist”. It took a lot of effort to create trust for counsel to be seen as business enablers rather than gatekeepers, but once this trust was established, the rewards to the company and stakeholders were self-generating.

    During my time at Euronet, the Asia-Pacific business presented unique opportunities, requiring legal support for double-digit growth across diverse markets in South East Asia and the Middle East in addition to India. To meet these demand, I worked to innovate our legal function along with leadership by establishing what I saw as a “quasi law firm” within the corporation, treating stakeholders as clients and legal team as service providers. We deliberately recruited attorneys with top-tier law firm experience from AZB, CAM and SAM who could maintain technical excellence of legal practice while developing commercial acumen and who had the necessary temperament and soft skills required to work in a fast paced multi-cultural international environment. 

    While Euronet was a NASDAQ listed US corporation operating in over 100 countries operating for nearly 30 years, I found that negotiating with technology giants such as Google, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft that were significantly larger and well-resourced required a dual perspective that included understanding not just contractual terms, commercial motivations and regulatory landscape but also strategic negotiation and cultivating perseverance. Collaborating with state owned enterprises, government bodies, DISCOMs, utility providers, SMEs and startups conversely required a different brand of lawyering.

    Perhaps most rewarding was leading compliance and product counsel functions under the guidance of senior leadership. This involved direct and close interaction and engagement with regulators, LEAs, industry bodies and policy forums. The work often required pioneering approaches for fintech products with no established regulatory blueprint and involved constantly navigating regulatory grey zones with an informed view.

    Ultimately, the transition taught me that exceptional in-house counsel must balance technical expertise with commercial pragmatism while maintaining integrity at all times.

    What inspired you to establish your own practice, and what vision did you have for Frigg & Snotra? Were there any significant hurdles or obstacles you faced during the establishment of your practice, and how did you overcome them to build it into what it is today?

    The inception of Frigg & Snotra emerged from a vision to create something fundamentally different in India’s legal services offering – a boutique practice that integrates legal expertise with strategic business advisory. Having worked both in prestigious law firms and as in-house counsel, I observed a persistent gap between pure legal advice and practical business implementation, particularly in technology, financial services, media, and emerging sectors. Our mission became building that crucial bridge between legal and commercial.

    The name “Frigg & Snotra” was chosen from Norse mythology, symbolizing wisdom, foresight, and prudence – qualities we believed essential for modern legal practice. This foundation reflected our commitment to delivering counsel that looks beyond immediate legal questions to anticipate future challenges and opportunities.

    Though we are only six months into this journey, the early stages have been both challenging and illuminating. As fundamentally a first-generation lawyer establishing an independent practice, the challenges were immediately apparent. The regulatory framework governing the legal profession in India places significant and legacy hurdles on marketing unlike other mature legal markets such as the United States of America – Bar rules prohibit lawyers from advertising or marketing services in ways that other professionals take for granted. This restriction made traditional client acquisition strategies impossible, requiring creativity in building reputation and visibility through relationship development.

    Financial uncertainty was perhaps the most daunting aspect in the early months. Unlike established firms with predictable revenue streams, we faced the constant challenge of irregular payment cycles, with some clients delaying payments by 60-90 days or more. There is also the running risk of clients utilizing work product – detailed legal opinions or transaction documents – or taking them to other lawyers for execution without paying for the intellectual input. This has necessitated implementing a system of setting up advance payments and developing clear engagement terms that protect our interests while remaining client-friendly.

    Building a client funnel without traditional marketing channels has demanded persistence and ingenuity from day one. We are focusing on creating specialized knowledge capital in emerging domains like fintech regulation, digital businesses, and cross-border transactions. This expertise-first approach is slowly but gradually attracting clients facing complex challenges that commodity legal services can’t adequately address.

    Perhaps most challenging in these initial months has been establishing credibility as a new entity. We’re addressing this by adopting an agile, client-centric approach that emphasizes responsiveness and personalized attention that larger firms can’t match. This is beginning to build the trust that I hope will transform one-off engagements into lasting relationships.

    We’re still at the beginning of our journey, with much growth ahead, but by remaining adaptable to evolving client needs while maintaining unwavering ethical standards, we’re working to transform these early challenges into the distinctive characteristics that will define our firm and practice in years to come.

    Given your extensive experience in advising on complex IP license transactions, how do you foresee the future of intellectual property evolving in India, especially in the context of global transactions, and in light of emerging trends in AI and digital technologies? 

    India is at a critical crossroads vis-à-vis intellectual property (IP) as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies reshape global businesses and transactions. As an advisor to technology companies for over a decade, I see several key developments in the near to mid-term future. India’s traditional IP framework anchored principally by the Patents Act, 1970 and the Copyright Act, 1957 was not designed for the AI era, creating significant gaps in protection, ownership and liability. The question of who owns AI-generated content remains particularly contentious and we are yet to see lasting judicial clarity on the subject (while several matters have already reached Indian courtrooms they are at no level of conclusion). 

    The Indian Patent office currently maintains that purely AI-generated inventions lack patentability. Considering the explosive growth in the use of AI for instance in life sciences, this approach is particularly concerning for AI-based IP inter alia in areas such as diagnostics, disease identification, drug and clinical trials where big data from healthcare providers, medical workers, hospitals, researchers and patients can be used to develop innovation, leaps and bounds quicker than using non-AI methods. A stable IP protection framework in this sector also has to be balanced with public access considerations. There is a general awareness over the critical role algorithms play in a data centric world. However algorithms and software currently face patentability challenges in India unless they demonstrate practical application within specified devices.

    Harmonised IP protection is essential for cross border transactions. Even for emerging tech startups, a strong patent portfolio is one of the first items that provides investor surety that the company or team is working on a unique subject matter or value proposition. India may need to create entirely new IP mechanisms specifically designed for IP innovation – this is in line with recommendations of the parliamentary standing committee on commerce. 

    India has already done significant work on incentivizing startups to formally protect their IP and be an active participant in the patent ecosystem by creating fee exemptions or subsidies as well as providing for expedited processing times for startups as India prepares for an unparalleled wealth creation era. Some work still remains in bridging the legislative or judicial uncertainty in IP on emerging technologies. For businesses navigating this shifting landscape, I recommend ensuring robust contractual protections and safeguards for proprietary information and trade secrets, while parallelly monitoring policy developments. Corporations irrespective of scale may also actively engage (as industry stakeholders) with policymakers and legal experts to problem solve sector specific issues and concerns, with the ultimate goal of optimizing the emerging IP framework and striking a balance between clarity, protection and innovation. 

    Over the course of your distinguished career, what is one key lesson or insight that has stayed with you, and how has it shaped your professional journey? What advice would you give to younger professionals aspiring to build a career like yours, and what resources would you recommend for them to stay ahead of the curve in today’s fast-evolving legal landscape?

    The most effective lawyers are those who position themselves at the intersection of legal expertise and business or commercial strategy. Legal counsel viewed in isolation rarely delivers optimal value. The ability to contextualize legal advice within commercial or existential realities facing clients transform regular counsel to indispensable advisor. 

    To borrow from Mr. Cyril Shroff, “Modern practice requires to be multilingual – fluent not just in law but in the language of business, technology and risk management”. 

    Another valuable habit is cultivating client empathy – the ability to genuinely understand your client’s motivations, constraints and unspoken concerns. This is a dimension of legal practice that cannot be automated or outsourced to artificial intelligence and remains the foundations on which exceptional legal careers are built historically, and will continue to be in the future. 

    If I was a younger legal professional I would embrace the technological transformation that is quickly reshaping legal practice. Tools such as lexum.ai, jurisphere.ai etc are simply the beginning. In terms of resources, I recommend looking beyond legal sources and engaging with trusted publications such as HBR, Mckinsey Quarterly and The Economist. For personal knowledge development, there is a wealth of knowledge based podcasts, and most podcasting platforms have great algorithms that guide self-discovery and often lead to deeper and meatier discussions. I find Business Wars by Wondery a great podcast to follow. Separately, I often use Google Scholar to read academic papers in emerging domains rather than an article and typically find more nuanced takes on issues. I use Notion to track my own learning and development.

    The legal profession is known for its demanding nature, often making it difficult to maintain a work-life balance. As someone who has achieved great success in your field, how do you manage the pressures and responsibilities of your career while also prioritizing your personal well-being?

    Me opining on work-life balance is like the Hindenberg calling someone a “hot mess”. The profession’s reputation for demanding schedules is well earned particularly in transactional practice where client emergencies and deal timelines often dictate rhythms and sleep cycles. However, lawyers maintaining work life balance isn’t an oxymoron like “affordable housing in Mumbai”. It just requires strategies slightly more sophisticated than explaining to your partner why a client call at 4 AM constitutes “quality time”. 

    Early in my career, looking at my seniors, I embraced the conventional wisdom that success required superhuman dedication – that sleep was optional and black coffee was a superfood. My “work life balance” consisted of consolidating closing documents while at a colleague’s wedding, hoping that I could catch his next one without a deliverable. I once found myself lugging a laptop up a mountain, choosing to carry it to review an SSPA offline instead of a camera tripod that I desperately needed to capture a view that I had trekked several hours to photograph. 

    My evolution towards sanity has involved several realizations: First, I have established my personal constitutional rights – non-negotiable elements that even the most demanding clients or matters cant amend. Every persons non-negotiables are different. For some it is morning exercise routines that are non-negotiable, for others it is playtime with their children or partners. A great irony I’ve noticed is that the most creative solutions to complex problems have emerged not during midnight office sessions but while watching terrible reality television or some other mundane activity constituting a break. Taking breaks actually improves critical thinking to the ire of legal purists. 

    The legal profession’s reverence for precedent shouldn’t extend to destructive work habits. Just because generations of lawyers before us sacrificed personal well-being on the altar of professional advancement doesn’t mean successive generations must continue this dubious tradition. Like typewriters and smoke filled cabins, some precedents deserve to be overruled. 

    The verdict? Balance isn’t perfectly achievable, but sanity is possible with boundaries, perspective, and the occasional ability to laugh at our profession’s most absurd demands.

    Get in touch with Anant Prabhuchimulkar –

  • “One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is that you must never allow yourself to be caught off guard. Being fully prepared not only helps in presenting your arguments convincingly but also helps you gain the court’s confidence.” – Ramchandra Madan, Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court of India.

    “One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is that you must never allow yourself to be caught off guard. Being fully prepared not only helps in presenting your arguments convincingly but also helps you gain the court’s confidence.” – Ramchandra Madan, Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court of India.

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

    With such a diverse range of skills and experiences, when you reflect on your journey, what were the pivotal moments that led you to choose law as a career? How did your time at Symbiosis Law School, Pune shape your legal interests, and which areas of law caught your attention early on?

    Growing up in Shimla, a town known for its serene beauty and quality of life, I was fortunate to receive a good education. However, the opportunities for students to explore diverse interests and extracurricular activities were relatively limited. This changed when I moved to Delhi and joined Vasant Valley School, an institution renowned for its academic and extracurricular excellence. The shift broadened my perspective immensely.

    At Vasant Valley, I actively participated in theatre, debates and business competitions, which helped me develop critical thinking, public speaking and teamwork skills early on. At the time, my plan was firmly set on pursuing entrepreneurship, an idea that took shape after I won an international business competition alongside my team, earning me a prestigious scholarship However, on the advice of teachers, peers, and family, I decided to also appear for law entrance exams while awaiting results from some top business schools. This decision, made at the last minute, turned out to be pivotal for my career path.

    Joining Symbiosis Law School in Pune was a transformative experience. It was my first time living independently, away from the comfort of home and I found myself surrounded by incredibly intelligent peers. In Pune, I continued to explore my passions, albeit with some limitations. Theatre, which I had always loved, took a backseat, but I remained active in debating, public speaking and participating in moot court competitions. Representing Symbiosis at both national and international moot court competitions was a highlight of my time there, giving me invaluable practical experience and honing my legal acumen.

    Law school also instilled in me a strong sense of community. The alumni network, which remains robust and supportive, has been an anchor in my journey in litigation. I was also fortunate to intern with some of the most respectable legal professionals, including Mr. Neeraj Kishan Kaul, Mr. Prashant Mehndi Ratta, Ms. Nandita Rao, and Mr. Sameer Oberoi. These internships were a window into the world of litigation and I liked the view! My law school experiences helped me discover my passion for law and I haven’t looked back since.

    Having yourself pursued an LLM at the prestigious LSE, can you talk about your experiences studying there and also outline the advantages of getting a master’s degree? 

    The decision to pursue an LLM should not be made with the sole objective of securing a higher salary. An LLM is best pursued for the academic and holistic growth it offers. While it undoubtedly enhances one’s credentials, especially as an independent practitioner, it’s not a guaranteed pathway to higher financial rewards.

    Initially, I hadn’t planned on pursuing an LLM, having interned extensively with my senior, Mr. Neeraj Kishan Kaul during law school, I was eager to start my litigation practice under his tutelage. However, at the encouragement of close friends, I decided to try my luck and applied to a handful of prestigious schools. To my surprise and delight, I was accepted into the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), an institution renowned for its remarkable legacy and association with eminent academics, lawyers and thought leaders, including luminaries like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Additionally, the central location of London, a global cultural and academic hub, was a significant factor in my decision. 

    I was also accepted and awarded a partial scholarship for taking residence at The Goodenough College, a highly selective residential college for distinguished graduate students from around the world. This scholarship made my decision to join LSE even more compelling as it would have significantly reduced my financial burden.

    My experience at LSE was transformative. The faculty’s expertise and the rigorous academic environment pushed me to expand my intellectual boundaries. I delved deeply into subjects such as competition law, arbitration law, refugee law and international law, examining them through post-colonial and literary perspectives. These courses broadened my understanding of the law and shaped my approach to legal issues in a nuanced way. I was also fortunate to read under experts such as Dr. Chaloka Beyani, my supervisor, who is the former UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons. 

    Equally enriching was my time at the Goodenough College, where I had the privilege of living amongst some of the brightest minds across various fields. Even our regular, dinner table conversations were intellectually stimulating and inspiring. Beyond academics, living in London allowed me to experience its vibrant cultural scene—world-class theatre, opera, orchestral performances—and explore Europe on a shoestring budget, further enriching my worldview.

    The admissions process was rigorous but immensely rewarding. For aspiring students, my advice would be to focus on crafting a strong personal statement that highlights not just academic achievements but also a clear vision of how the LLM fits into your long-term goals. My journey to LSE taught me the value of taking unexpected opportunities and it’s a decision I’m deeply grateful for.

    Prior to going independent, you worked alongside Mr. Neeraj Kishan Kaul, Senior Advocate. How did this experience enhance your legal expertise, and what valuable lessons did you gain from working with such an esteemed mentor?

    When I first joined Mr. Kaul as an intern as early as 2012 I knew that I wanted to follow in his footsteps and be a litigator. I was in such awe of Mr. Kaul that I even kept the cause list from my internship days as souvenirs. Even when I chose to pursue my Masters in London, I knew I was never going to stay on and was going to come back to India to litigate. Which is why when I was invited to join Chambers with Mr. Kaul I was elated. 

    Working with Mr. Kaul was like a crash course in litigation and the art of advocacy- there are only a few, if any, who understand how to read the Court as well as him. Here, you can expect an extremely steep learning curve, where nothing short of perfection is expected from a Junior. We were always expected to add value to the brief by coming up with new arguments that even the solicitors missed out on. We were to pre-empt questions, whether direct or ancillary, that may fall from the Bench. 

    Equally important was the fact that Mr. Kaul‘s Chamber gave me invaluable colleagues who became my professional family, supporting me as I began my career and always a text message away whenever I needed to pick their brains or discuss strategy despite their own busy schedules. I will forever be grateful to Sir and my seniors and colleagues at the Chamber on who’s shoulders, today, I try to stand.

    You have successfully argued some important cases before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the NCLAT and the Delhi High Court. Could you walk us through the challenges you encountered while arguing and how you navigated them?

    Each case presents its own unique challenges, but for a first-generation lawyer, especially one considered young in the profession, the hurdles are particularly distinct. Ours is a profession built on trust—trust from clients, peers, and, most importantly, the Courts. This trust must be earned, and for a young lawyer who is an unfamiliar face, the road can be difficult. Courts often view you with a degree of skepticism, and there is a natural resistance to accepting your arguments until you establish your credibility. 

    Arguing cases before forums such as the Supreme Court, the NCLAT, and the Delhi High Court has taught me that preparation is the key to overcoming these challenges. The only way to level the playing field—especially when appearing against eminent senior counsels—is to be thoroughly prepared, often better prepared than your opponent. Creativity and hard work are what help young lawyers stand out. When you can bring to the table insights or arguments that others, even with years of experience, might overlook, you begin to gain recognition.

    Every appearance in court must be treated with the seriousness and dedication of a final hearing. There is no room for complacency. Judges often test the mettle of young lawyers by probing their understanding of the case and the law. If the court perceives even a hint of unpreparedness, it is likely to challenge you even more. Anticipating these challenges and preparing meticulously has been my strategy in navigating these situations.

    One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is that you must never allow yourself to be caught off guard. Being fully prepared not only helps in presenting your arguments convincingly but also helps you gain the court’s confidence. Over time, as you consistently demonstrate your competence and dedication, that initial resistance from the Court, gradually gives way to trust and acceptance.

    While the challenges are real and sometimes daunting, they are also what drive me to work harder, think deeper, and perform better with each case. The journey of a young, first-generation lawyer is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding when you start seeing the trust you’ve earned reflected in the court’s acknowledgment of your efforts.

    You have been involved in a lot of pro bono work. What inspired you to dedicate time to legal aid, and how has this shaped your broader legal practice?

    Law is often referred to as a noble profession and as officers of the court, our primary duty is to the cause of justice. For me, this principle has always been at the heart of my practice. I find enormous satisfaction in being able to provide my services to those in need, and I strongly believe that no person should be denied justice due to their financial constraints.

    A significant portion of my practice has been dedicated to pro bono work. I was associated with the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) on the Criminal Panel for three years. This experience was both a profound learning opportunity and a stark reality check, as it exposed me to the vast inequalities in access to justice. It brought into sharp focus the glaring class divide in our country.

    What struck me most during my time with the DSLSA was the reality that for the majority of Indians, litigation begins and ends at the trial courts. Even in a city like Delhi, where the High Court and Supreme Court are often less than 10 kilometres from any district court, access to justice remains out of reach for many. The economic and social barriers faced by individuals trying to navigate the legal system were a stark reminder of the responsibility we hold as lawyers.

    Today, my private practice serves as a means to support my pro bono initiatives, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to society. I believe that as lawyers, we must recognize our obligation toward the community. Rendering services to those who cannot afford them is not just an act of charity—it is our duty to uphold the ideals of justice. 

    You’ve represented social media influencers and journalists in defamation cases against corporations. Given the fast-evolving nature of digital media, how do you approach defamation law in this context?

    Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most vital facets of the fundamental rights enjoyed by individuals in India. Beyond being a constitutional guarantee, it is also recognized as a human right, forming the cornerstone of any democratic society. The right to express freely and without fear gives meaning to all other rights, making it essential to uphold. However, this right is not absolute and is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.

    In my experience representing social media influencers and journalists in defamation cases, I have observed a worrying trend- powerful entities often misuse criminal and civil defamation proceedings to suppress fair and honest criticism. Freedom of speech in India, while constitutionally guaranteed, comes at a cost—it must be zealously protected from those who attempt to silence dissent or critique.

    The rise of digital media has democratized the exchange of ideas like never before. Today, with greater means available to everyone to voice and exchange opinions without the institutional barriers that once limited public discourse, people are more empowered to engage in critical dialogue, satire, and even humour- all of which are essential for a healthy democracy. One must be mindful, however, that this freedom cannot be used to justify the spread of hate speech and malicious falsehoods. 

    My approach to defamation law in the digital age emphasizes striking a delicate balance. On one hand, it is crucial to safeguard freedom of speech and resist any attempts to weaponize defamation laws to curb legitimate critique, satire, or dissent. On the other hand, the right to reputation and privacy, both of individuals and corporations, must also be protected from truly defamatory or intentionally harmful statements.

    Our society must develop a greater tolerance for humour, satire, and criticism while ensuring that boundaries are maintained to protect against harm caused by defamatory speech. In representing influencers and journalists, my goal is to advocate for the right to speak truth to power while promoting responsible discourse. The evolution of defamation law must adapt to this changing landscape, fostering an environment where free expression and accountability coexist.

    Throughout your career, you’ve been invited to judge competitions, participate in panels, and deliver lectures. What role has mentorship and legal education played in your own professional journey, and how do you view the future of legal practice for young lawyers in India?

    Mentorship and legal education have been integral to my professional journey, as they are for any lawyer striving to succeed in this noble profession. In law, one’s growth often relies on the guidance and wisdom of seniors, colleagues, and even opponents at the Bar.

     My own journey has been deeply rooted in the mentorship I have received from my seniors and peers, as discussed previously. I have been fortunate to experience the kindness and support of both the Bar and the Bench, which has enabled me to make small but meaningful strides in my career.

    Here’s where an interesting titbit comes to mind. Historically, in England, a lawyer qualified as a barrister and was called to the bar only after attending a series of formal dinners. While this tradition may seem unusual, it symbolized an important truth: the essence of legal education lies in the exchange of ideas and the wisdom shared by those who have walked the path before us. This spirit of learning continues in courtrooms, where lawyers and judges alike contribute to the collective growth of the legal community.

    The law, being one of the oldest professions in the world, carries a rich tradition of passing the baton of knowledge from one generation to the next. For anyone who has attended court proceedings, it is evident that the legal fraternity operates as a community invested in nurturing young talent and preserving the integrity of the profession.

    I view mentorship not just as an opportunity, but as a duty. One of the primary responsibilities of a lawyer is to carry forward this noble tradition by supporting and guiding the next generation. Whether through judging competitions, participating in panels or delivering lectures, I see these opportunities as ways to contribute to the ongoing dialogue of legal education and to help young lawyers navigate the challenges of a demanding profession.

    As for the future of legal practice for young lawyers in India, it is both exciting and challenging. The landscape of law is rapidly evolving with technological advancements, the growth of niche areas like data privacy and fintech law, and increasing global interconnectivity. Young lawyers must adapt to these changes while staying rooted in the foundational values of the profession—integrity, diligence, and a commitment to justice.

    As an Advocate-on-Record with extensive experience, what advice would you offer to young lawyers just starting out, particularly those interested in specializing in areas such as arbitration, company law, and bankruptcy?

    I believe young lawyers embarking on their journey, particularly in specialized areas such as arbitration and bankruptcy, must approach their careers with a clear sense of purpose and dedication. Here’s my advice for those starting out:

    • Patience and Grit Are Essential: Success in the legal profession is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires unwavering patience and resilience. The journey can be slow, but perseverance and consistent hard work always pay off.
    • Prioritize Quality Work Over Monetary Gains: Early in your career, focus on gaining valuable experience and honing your craft. Money will follow as a byproduct of expertise and reputation. 
    • Volunteer and Be Available: Offer to assist seniors on briefs and be available whenever they need help. The willingness to learn and support seniors demonstrates your commitment and eagerness to grow, which will open doors for mentorship and challenging opportunities.
    • Always Be Prepared and Professional: Every appearance in court, every draft you submit, is an opportunity to make an impression. Your reputation is built over years of consistent effort but can be lost in an instant. Never take any task for granted and always strive to be at the top of your game.
    • Stay Up-to date with the law: Laws specially like the IBC and Arbitration in India are still evolving and have not yet fully settled. Whether it’s new judgments, legislative amendments, or emerging trends, constant learning and staying up to date is a non-negotiable part of a lawyer’s journey.
    • Read the Travaux Préparatoires: To understand new laws like bankruptcy, it is essential to study the Travaux Préparatoires—the preparatory documents and discussions that shaped the legislation. For instance, the Bankruptcy Law Reform Committee (BLRC) Report, along with various Law Committee reports, provides invaluable insights into the origins and objectives of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). By examining these foundational documents, one can better grasp the reasons behind the law’s enactment and its subsequent amendments, leading to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the IBC.
    • Adopt a Holistic Perspective: No law operates in isolation. Having a broad-based understanding of other areas of law and industries will provide context and depth to your practice, making you a more versatile and effective lawyer.

    The legal profession is demanding, but it offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and impact. By focusing on continuous learning, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, and demonstrating a commitment to the law, lawyers can carve out successful and meaningful careers in arbitration, bankruptcy, or any other field.

    Given your demanding professional commitments, how do you manage to strike a balance between your career and personal life? Are there specific practices or strategies you use to maintain focus and well-being?

    “Law is a jealous mistress” is a saying often repeated for its undeniable truth. To pursue a career in law, especially in litigation, one must be deeply passionate about the profession, as it tends to permeate every aspect of a lawyer’s life. 

    While striking a good-balance is often very difficult when court is in session, litigators are fortunate to have court vacations scattered throughout the year, and I make the most of these breaks by traveling. I make the most of such breaks and ensure to plan at least one trek and one surfing trip each year to help me disconnect and recharge.

    On weekends, I enjoy attending plays and concerts in Delhi, which provides a creative and cultural outlet. Maintaining health is also a priority; I’ve recently started swimming 2–3 times a week, which helps me keep physically active.

    Ultimately, striking a balance is about finding activities that allow you to unwind and maintain focus. For me, travel, the arts and physical activity are key to sustaining my well-being alongside my professional commitments.

    Get in touch with Ramchandra Madan –

  • “Over the years, I have witnessed how IP law has expanded from traditional Patents and Trademarks to addressing digital content, AI-generated works, and global enforcement challenges.” – Shipra Alisha Philip, Senior Associate at RNA Technology and IP Attorneys. 

    “Over the years, I have witnessed how IP law has expanded from traditional Patents and Trademarks to addressing digital content, AI-generated works, and global enforcement challenges.” – Shipra Alisha Philip, Senior Associate at RNA Technology and IP Attorneys. 

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

    With your extensive and impressive expertise in Intellectual Property matters, looking back on your remarkable career journey, what initially inspired you to pursue a career in law? What was the driving force behind your decision to specialize in the dynamic and specialized field of IP law, and how have you seen the field evolve over the years?

    Growing up as a girl in Patna, a city full of ambitions, I always dreamed of making a difference. Growing up in a society where career paths often followed traditional expectations, I had ambitions that went beyond the norm. However, despite being surrounded by convention, I was fortunate to have parents and a brother who supported my aspirations and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. From an early age, I was determined to carve my own path and make a meaningful impact. I was driven by the idea that no matter where you come from, determination and passion can open doors to incredible opportunities. I have always been a creative person, drawn to ideas, innovation, and the power of original thought. That’s what led me to law because, at its core, law is about shaping and protecting ideas that can change the world.  

    As I delved deeper into legal studies, it was Intellectual Property (IP) law that truly captured my passion. It was thrilling to see how a single patent, trademark, or copyright could empower inventors, businesses, and creative minds worldwide. That realization fuelled my decision to specialize in this field. Also, while many areas of law are well-settled and fixed, IP law evolves constantly, adapting to technological advancements, new business models, and creative breakthroughs.

    Over the years, I have witnessed how IP law has expanded from traditional patents and trademarks to addressing digital content, AI-generated works, and global enforcement challenges. It has transformed into a field that is deeply intertwined with the future of technology and business. Looking back, my journey has been about pushing boundaries, embracing change, and proving that creativity and ambition can redefine expectations. IP law continues to inspire me because it never stands still. It grows with society, with technology, and with the brilliant minds it seeks to protect. 

    Reflecting on the early stages of your career, from internships to your initial legal roles, what were some of the most formative experiences that helped shape your foundation in the legal profession, especially in IP law? How did these early challenges prepare you for your current success in this highly specialized area?

    From the very beginning of my career, I had the opportunity to work at top-tier law firms, each playing a pivotal role in shaping my foundation in the legal profession. Every firm I worked at contributed uniquely to my growth, equipping me with the skills and confidence to navigate the complexities of IP law.

    Starting with a strong litigation background, I developed a keen eye for detail and the ability to anticipate legal hurdles early on. As a fresher, meticulous attention to detail was the primary expectation, a skill I quickly honed while handling high-stakes IP matters. I was also encouraged to ask as many questions as possible, as my seniors often emphasized that “no question is stupid.” This supportive environment helped me shed any inhibition about seeking clarifications, allowing me to develop a deeper understanding of the law and intricate IP matters. These early experiences refined my analytical skills, strengthened my problem-solving approach, and laid a strong foundation for my career in IP law.

    Over time, I was given direct exposure to client handling, allowing me to lead conferences and calls independently. This experience not only refined my communication skills but also solidified my confidence in the knowledge I had gained over time. It allowed me to apply that expertise effectively in my advisories, ensuring practical and strategic solutions for clients. 

    These formative experiences prepared me to take on greater responsibilities in my current senior role at RNA Technology and IP Attorneys. At RNA, I have had the opportunity to lead complex IP matters while also showcasing my expertise at international and national IP conferences, building strong professional networks. Additionally, my firm has encouraged me to contribute to the broader IP discourse through various publications, where I have explored pressing topics such as landmark international and Indian rulings and their impact on the Indian copyright and trademark landscape, brand challenges and counterfeiting in the nutraceutical industry, the impact of AI, IP, and data privacy in India’s growing medical tourism, the trends, regulations, and IP hurdles in the Indian pet food industry, and evidence admissibility in trademark disputes. What sets RNA apart is its commitment not just to the firm’s growth but also to individual professional branding. This support has allowed me to refine my expertise, expand my industry presence, and actively engage in thought leadership within the IP space. Each step in my journey has reinforced my passion for IP law and my ability to adapt to its ever-evolving landscape.

    As someone with deep expertise in handling domain name disputes, particularly before NIXI, what are the key legal considerations that must be taken into account when addressing such issues? Could you share a particularly memorable or challenging case from your experience and how you navigated it, offering valuable insights for aspiring lawyers in this domain?

    When addressing domain name disputes, several legal considerations must be taken into account:

    1. The complainant must establish trademark rights over the disputed domain. Even if the mark is unregistered, demonstrating extensive use and brand recognition can strengthen their case.
    2. The disputed domain name must be identical or confusingly similar to the complainant’s trademark. Minor variations, such as typo squatting, do not necessarily create distinctiveness.
    3. The respondent may avoid liability if they can prove legitimate rights or a fair use of the domain, such as using the domain for a genuine business unrelated to the complainant’s brand; being commonly known by the domain name; and/or making non-commercial, fair use of the domain.
    4. The complainant must prove that the domain was registered and/or used in bad faith, such as: acquiring it with the intent to sell at an inflated price or misleading consumers, phishing, or redirecting traffic to a competitor.
    5. A respondent may defend their case by proving legitimate rights, such as using the domain for a genuine business unrelated to the complainant’s brand; being commonly known by the domain name; and/or making non-commercial or fair use of the domain.

    In a high-profile INDRP dispute, I defended a client against a corporation alleging bad faith registration. Through strong evidence, we proved:

    • The domain had a legitimate, bonafide use.
    • The complainant knew of the domain but took no action (acquiescence).
    • Market research showed third-party usage of the complainant’s mark, weakening exclusivity claims.
    • Inconsistencies in the complainant’s prior trademark office positions further undermined their case.

    The arbitrator ruled in our favor, reinforcing that trademark ownership alone does not guarantee domain rights.

    For aspiring lawyers in this field, my advice is:

    • Assess legitimate interest. A trademark does not automatically grant domain rights. The complainant must prove bad faith registration and lack of legitimate interest on the respondent’s part.
    • Prior knowledge of the domain without action weakens the complainant’s case. Always advise clients to review old records, emails, or correspondence for any indication of prior knowledge. As lawyers, conducting online research, scanning publicly available documents such as publications, interviews, advertisements, etc. can uncover evidence of acquiescence.
    • Review past trademark claims and court proceedings to identify inconsistent pleadings of the parties.
    • Market research is crucial. A thorough investigation into how a mark is used across different industries can weaken a complainant’s exclusivity claim and help establish generic or descriptive use of a term.
    • Domain disputes are not won on allegations alone. Well-documented evidence, strong legal arguments, and meticulous research are essential to securing a favourable outcome.
    • With the growing importance of online branding, domain disputes are becoming increasingly complex. Aspiring IP professionals must stay updated on digital enforcement strategies, evolving domain name laws and policies, and international best practices to remain competitive in this space.

    Managing global trademark portfolios is no small feat. What are some of the most significant challenges you encounter when dealing with international trademarks, and how do you navigate these complexities to deliver exceptional results for your clients? Could you share the most complex or fascinating trademark matters you’ve dealt with?

    Well, managing international trademarks in India poses challenges due to jurisdictional differences, procedural complexities, and evolving legal standards. Key challenges and strategies include:

    1. Classification Challenges: India follows the Nice Classification system, but jurisdictional variations in interpretation, overlapping classes, and administrative constraints can create uncertainties. Market practices and evolving product categories further complicate classification. Careful jurisdiction-specific analysis is essential.
    2. Registrability Issues: Descriptiveness and genericness are interpreted differently across jurisdictions. A comprehensive clearance search can help assess registrability and mitigate objections.
    3. Prior Use vs. First-to-File: Unlike strict first-to-file jurisdictions, India recognizes common law rights. Foreign brands without prior use may face opposition from local businesses. Proactive filings and documented use evidence are crucial.
    4. Trademark Squatting: Unauthorized third parties often register well-known foreign brands in India. Legal remedies like oppositions, cancellations, and rectifications, along with watch services, help address potential infringements early.
    5. Budget Constraints and cost-effective protection: Costs for trademark filings, renewals, oppositions, and enforcement can be unpredictable. A flexible budget should anticipate expansion needs and enforcement actions. Recommending prioritization of key markets and leveraging cost-efficient systems like the EU Trademark and WIPO’s Madrid System for multi-country filings can be beneficial.
    6. Competitive Monitoring: Tracking competitor filings and industry trends is essential. Regular trademark database analysis helps businesses stay ahead of emerging market developments.
    7. Record Maintenance: Outdated trademark records complicate enforcement and transactions. Prompt updates for assignments, name changes, and acquisitions ensure legal clarity.
    8. Leveraging Technology: Manual processes slow portfolio management. AI generated tools enhance efficiency in searches, classification, and trademark monitoring.
    9. M&A Due Diligence: Hidden conflicts or weak rights can impact acquisitions. Thorough due diligence, verifying ownership, status, and conflicts mitigate risks.

    By addressing these challenges with strategic planning, businesses can efficiently manage global trademark portfolios while minimizing risks and costs.

    One of the complex trademarks matters I handled involved a global brand facing objections from the Indian Trademark Office at the examination stage. Although our client’s brand had been adopted, registered, and widely used internationally long before, the objections were based on similar third-party trademark registrations that predated it in India. The key challenge was establishing the brand’s transborder reputation in India despite limited direct use. To build a strong case, we compiled extensive evidence, including global sales figures, media coverage, and proof of consumer awareness in India. We also examined international conferences where our client’s mark and product had been showcased, many of which were attended by Indian delegates, thus demonstrating brand exposure among potential consumers in India. Additionally, we submitted old correspondence from Indian entities inquiring about our client’s product under the disputed trademark. Through strategic arguments and well-documented evidence, we successfully secured the brand’s rights in India.

    Trademark opposition and rectification petitions are complex and nuanced processes. How do you approach the preparation and management of these cases? What research tools do you rely on, and how would you assess the effectiveness of the trademark registry in resolving disputes in a timely manner?

    My approach begins with comprehensive preliminary research, analysing the trademark’s history, including prior use, registrations, assignments, and any past opposition, rectification, or litigation. A strong opposition or rectification petition hinges on clear, compelling arguments. It is therefore crucial to assess the similarity or dissimilarity of competing marks through various legal principles, such as the Rule of Anti-Dissection and Dominant Feature, while also examining grounds like non-use, likelihood of confusion, bad faith adoption, misrepresentation, and inconsistent pleadings before judicial authorities and tribunals.

    To establish prior rights and brand goodwill, I rely on market research, global brand reputation reports, advertisements, social media presence, publications, consumer recognition surveys, etc. Website archives, trademark journal publications, and business reports also help substantiate claims.

    In terms of research tools, I extensively use trademark registry databases, WIPO’s Global Brand Database, EU trademark database, domain name databases, Registrar of Companies (ROC) records, social media searches, and online archives to track prior filings, international use, and potential conflicts. Litigation databases and court records are equally valuable in assessing past disputes involving the contested mark. Additionally, the use of AI-powered tools significantly enhances legal and trademark research, strategy-building and trademark monitoring to help identify potential conflicts more efficiently. 

    The Indian Trademark Registry has made improvements in handling disputes efficiently, particularly through digital filings and automation and open house helpdesk portal to address queries. However, challenges persist, including backlogs, procedural inconsistencies, lack of nuanced understanding of IP laws by hearing officers, and frequent adjournments, all of which delay swift resolutions. Despite procedural bottlenecks, leveraging technology alongside a well-researched and strategically argued case significantly increases the likelihood of a favourable and timely outcome.

    As a respected leader managing a team of talented lawyers and paralegals, how do you ensure that workload distribution is both effective and balanced across your team, especially when dealing with high-stakes and intricate IP cases? How do you foster a collaborative environment to ensure your team works cohesively to meet client expectations and deliver top-tier results?

    As a leader managing a team of skilled lawyers and paralegals, I believe in a strategic delegation approach, where tasks are assigned based on individual expertise, experience, and bandwidth. 

    I delegate legal drafting and opinion writing to my lawyers, ensuring they gain hands-on experience in core legal work. I thoroughly review their drafts, provide detailed feedback, and refine their arguments, helping them sharpen their legal reasoning and drafting skills. Where a matter demands deep legal analysis, I personally handle it to ensure accuracy and a strong legal foundation. For particularly complex or high-stakes cases, I seek insights from my partners, leveraging their expertise to strengthen our strategy. The paralegals support research, document and database management, basic drafting, and procedural filings, streamlining the workflow and allowing the team to focus on substantive legal work. 

    Collaboration is at the core of my leadership style. I encourage open communication and make it a point to ask my team, “What challenges are you facing, and how can I support you?” – a principle I learned from my husband. This approach also aligns with my firm’s core values and creates a friendly and supportive environment where challenges are addressed proactively, fostering both professional growth and efficiency. By maintaining clear guidance, open dialogue, and strategic delegation, I ensure that our team works cohesively to meet client expectations and deliver top-tier results.

    To maintain balance and prevent burnout, I regularly assess workload distribution, keeping track of deadlines, case priorities, and individual capacities. Leveraging project management tools and AI-powered legal tech, we monitor case progress, streamline task allocation, and optimize efficiency, ensuring that no single team member is overburdened.

    In pre-litigation enforcement, you play a crucial role in preparing legal notices, settlement proposals, and conflict resolution strategies. What key strategies do you employ to negotiate settlements before issues escalate into full-scale litigation? Additionally, what common pitfalls should companies be mindful of early on to avoid litigation concerning their IP assets?

    Well, the goal is to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting the client’s IP rights. Before initiating any action, a detailed evaluation of the IP rights in question is a must. This includes assessing prior use, registrations, market presence, and the overall strength of the client’s position to determine the best strategy. A well-drafted cease-and-desist notice sets the tone for resolution. In fact, the language of the notice depends on the client’s approach. While it must be firm in asserting rights, it should also leave room for structured discussions. Rather than escalating conflicts immediately, I explore amicable solutions such as settlement options, coexistence agreements, licensing arrangements, branding/packaging modifications, or even buy-out options. This approach fosters dialogue while protecting legal interests. With courts increasingly emphasizing mandatory mediation in IP disputes, pre-litigation enforcement has evolved significantly. Many high courts, particularly the Delhi High Court, actively encourage mediation as the first step before litigation, recognizing its effectiveness in resolving complex conflicts. Whenever possible, I advocate for mediation or arbitration to secure cost-effective and swift resolutions, minimizing the burden of litigation. Beyond legal considerations, I believe it’s essential to weigh the commercial interests of both parties. An enforcement strategy should aim for long-term business viability rather than just short-term legal victories. By balancing legal rights with practical business solutions, disputes can often be resolved more efficiently while maintaining brand integrity and commercial relationships.

    Many businesses make the mistake of launching a brand without conducting comprehensive trademark searches, leading to costly disputes and rebranding efforts. A thorough clearance search can prevent such legal complications. Weak IP contracts are another common issue. Poorly drafted agreements in licensing, joint ventures, or vendor relationships can result in ownership disputes. Clearly defining rights, obligations, and dispute resolution mechanisms is essential. Inconsistent brand use and failure to enforce trademarks can weaken legal rights over time, making regular monitoring and timely action against infringers crucial. Additionally, businesses often neglect to maintain proper evidence of trademark use, such as first use records, advertising, and consumer recognition, which are vital for defending exclusivity in disputes. Rushing into poorly negotiated settlements can also lead to recurring conflicts; settlement agreements should clearly define future use, licensing terms, and territorial rights to ensure long-term protection. By addressing these pitfalls proactively, companies can safeguard their intellectual property and minimize litigation risks.

    Balancing the demands of a challenging legal career with personal life is undoubtedly a tough task, especially in such a high-pressure profession. How do you manage to maintain equilibrium between your professional commitments and personal well-being? Could you share some strategies that help you preserve your health and sustain a balanced lifestyle, even while excelling at the top of your field?

    Maintaining equilibrium is not just about time management, it’s about setting priorities and boundaries. Efficient planning of work ensures that deadlines are without unnecessary last-minute stress. Delegation also plays a crucial role. I entrust responsibilities to my team while maintaining oversight, allowing me to focus on high-level strategy and complex legal matters. While the legal profession often demands round-the-clock availability, I try to carve out time for my family, my two adorable cats and my personal interests like travelling, reading and watching movies. Setting realistic expectations with clients and my team helps manage workload without burnout. Also, self-care is important. Whether it’s staying physically active, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking short breaks during the day, these small habits help sustain energy and focus. Additionally, having a strong support system, both professionally and personally, makes all the difference. At the end of the day, excelling in this profession is not just about working hard, it’s about working smart, staying innovative in your work and ensuring that both professional success and personal well-being go hand in hand.

    Your broad expertise across various legal areas is truly commendable. For young lawyers looking to build a diverse and successful practice like yours, what key advice would you offer? What skills, attributes, and mindset do you believe are essential for navigating the competitive and multifaceted world of law, particularly in the ever-evolving field of IP? 

    Adaptability and continuous learning are key for diverse and successful practice in law. IP law evolves rapidly, so staying updated on legal developments and industry trends is essential. Strong research, analytical, and communication skills are crucial for presenting clear, persuasive arguments. Beyond technical expertise, a problem-solving mindset and commercial awareness set a lawyer apart. Clients value strategic, practical, and business-oriented solutions rather than just legal advice. Lastly, mentorship and networking open doors to invaluable insights and opportunities. Success in law comes from critical thinking, innovation, and integrity in navigating legal challenges.

    Get in touch with Shipra Alisha Philip –

  • “What keeps me drawn to the profession of Law is how justice is truly poetic, not just in its finality but also in the journey that it takes to get there.” – Dr. Divyadeep Chaturvedi, Advocate on Record at Supreme Court of India.

    “What keeps me drawn to the profession of Law is how justice is truly poetic, not just in its finality but also in the journey that it takes to get there.” – Dr. Divyadeep Chaturvedi, Advocate on Record at Supreme Court of India.

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

    With your broad experience as an AOR in the legal field, what first inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what continues to ignite your passion for it today?

    The law was not my first love, but like all great romances, it found me when I least expected it. Growing up in a small town, I saw justice as a distant grand ideal, often out of reach for those who needed it the most. At a very young age, I was able to observe and acknowledge the invisible establishments that do not allow equality to breed in society. What keeps me drawn to this profession is how justice is truly poetic, not just in its finality but also in the journey that it takes to get there. Justice, like a perfect poem, is not merely written but felt, its weight resting in the space between reason and longing. I grew into the law much like one grows into the rhythm of an unfamiliar but haunting melody. It wasn’t love at first sight, but somewhere between its Shakespearean tragedies and Wildean wit, I found my art, one that demands precision, patience and the perfect closing. 

    After completing your law degree, you went on to pursue a Master of Laws in Advanced Studies in Public International Law, specializing in International Criminal Law, at Leiden University. What led you to choose this specific university and specialization? Could you share some highlights from that experience with our readers?

    Leiden University has a rich history in international law, and its faculty includes some of the most distinguished names in the field. My decision to specialize in International Criminal Law stemmed from my deep interest in justice beyond national borders. I developed a keen interest in the evolution of this specialised field of law that addresses mass atrocities, often referred to as “crimes of crimes”. Leiden University was therefore, the only University where I had applied for my Masters as it also offers an insight into the practical aspects of international criminal law in action aided by its proximity to most of the international criminal tribunals. One of the highlights of my time there was studying under Prof. William Schabas and Prof. Carsten Stahn who was also my thesis supervisor. The experience not only deepened my understanding of legal principles but also broadened my world view on justice and accountability.

    Early in your career, you had the opportunity to intern in various insightful environments, domestic and international. Could you reflect on some of the most memorable experiences from these internships and jobs that helped shape your understanding of the law? Are there any key lessons from that time that have stayed with you?

    Early in my career, I was fortunate to intern in diverse and intellectually stimulating environments, both in India and internationally, each shaping my understanding of the law in unique ways. Working with Mr. J.N. Mathur, Senior Advocate and then Additional Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh, exposed me to the complexities of constitutional and administrative law, while my time with Ms. Indu Malhotra, Senior Advocate at the time and who later became a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, deepened my grasp of arbitration and commercial litigation. Under the guidance of Late Mr. Pawan Sharma, erstwhile Standing Counsel (Criminal) for the State of NCT, Delhi, as well as under the guidance of Ms. Manisha Bhandari, I developed an understanding of criminal law, both at the trial and appellate stages. Beyond the courtroom experiences, I had the rare privilege of being awarded the Spic Macay Scholarship that led me to working with the Tibetan Government in Exile in Dharamshala, where I engaged with human rights and international law issues and had the profound honor of meeting His Holiness The Dalai Lama. This was also a unique and humbling experience as I stayed with the monks in H.H. The Dalai Lama’s monastery in Dharamshala during my tenure there. 

    Perhaps one of the most defining experiences of my early career was my time at the Office of the Prosecutor at the United Nations Special Tribunal for Lebanon, where I had the invaluable opportunity to contribute during a pivotal moment – the commencement of the Ayyash Trial. Being witness to the transition from the pre-trial stage to the trial stage and participating in the first day of the trial was an extraordinary learning experience, offering firsthand exposure to international criminal proceedings. These experiences collectively shaped my legal perspective, reinforcing the importance of meticulous preparation, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to justice.

    Over the years, you’ve represented clients in landmark cases like the Nithari Killings and the IPL spot-fixing case. What were some of the distinct challenges these cases presented, and how did you approach them from a legal perspective?

    Working on cases like the Nithari Killings case and the IPL spot-fixing case reinforced a fundamental truth for me – that there are no shortcuts to thorough preparation. I first worked on the Nithari Killings case as an intern at the office of Ms. Manisha Bhandari, who was representing Mr. Moninder Singh Pandher, and over the years, I progressed from being an intern on his case to representing Mr. Pandher as an Advocate on Record in the Supreme Court of India. This case has been a continuous source of learning, and I was fortunate to be led and guided by Mr. R.S. Sodhi, Senior Advocate, Ms. Manisha Bhandari, and Mr. Omkar Shrivastava, who not only allowed me to be part of their defense team but also taught me how to navigate a high-intensity, high-stakes matter. One of the greatest challenges in this case was the media and public’s tendency to arrive at unfounded conclusions long before the courts rendered their verdicts. Managing the crumbling spirits of a client who had spent years in jail, awaiting justice, was another formidable challenge. Jail visits during such a prolonged litigation are emotionally taxing, as one cannot help but feel for the client who loses hope with each passing day. The slow churn of justice, especially in death sentence cases, is a heavy burden. Each passing year is not just time lost but a test of endurance, where hope flickers like a candle in the wind, struggling to stay alight.

    You’ve been deeply committed to pro bono work, advocating for marginalized communities. What motivates you to focus on these vulnerable groups, and how do you manage balancing this crucial work with high-profile criminal cases?

    Justice, to me, is not just about legal arguments or courtroom victories. It is about who gets to be heard. Too often, the most vulnerable are the least represented. Their stories are lost in a system that moves too fast for those without power. My pro bono work is driven by a simple belief that access to justice should not depend on privilege. Balancing this with high-profile cases is not a challenge but a responsibility. The law is at its best when it serves everyone, not just those who can afford it. And if I have the skills and opportunity to make that balance possible, then that is exactly what I must do. 

    Criminal law is a constantly shifting field. How do you stay updated on recent developments and emerging trends, particularly in cases related to white-collar crimes or cybercrimes?

    The law is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing world, and to stay ahead in the dynamic realm of criminal law, especially in areas like white-collar crimes and cybercrimes, one must embrace learning not just as a practice but as a discipline of vigilance. It is not enough to master how the law may be used. One must also understand how it is misused, manipulated, and twisted to serve those who seek to undermine justice. For instance, in cases involving unscrupulous elements, such as the land mafia, the challenge is not merely legal but systemic, as the police machinery is too often found to be not just complicit but, at times, an extension of the very forces the law is meant to curb. To be effective, one must stay immersed in legislative developments, judicial pronouncements, and global trends, ensuring that the law is wielded as a scalpel against injustice rather than a shield for those who corrupt it.

    Passing the Advocate-on-Record (AOR) exam is no small feat. What aspects of the exam did you find the most challenging, and what strategies or preparations helped you succeed in this prestigious exam?

    The AOR exam is an arduous test, demanding not only a deep reservoir of legal knowledge but also the ability to think critically and apply the law with precision. Its true challenge lies in the depth of one’s understanding of the principles laid down by the Supreme Court. There is no room for superficiality. My approach was rooted in disciplined reading, where I meticulously analyzed leading judgments, unraveling their nuances to grasp the core principles. Drafting, however, is a skill honed over time and refined through constant practice. Some of the most valuable lessons in Supreme Court drafting come not just from the theoretical understanding of the structure of a draft, but from the process of eliminating and curing defects, ensuring that files are cleared for listing by the registry. Ultimately, success in this exam is not just about intellect, but about practice, perseverance, and the invaluable experience gained along the way.

    Outside of law, you’re passionate about poetry, music, and surfing. How do these creative pursuits influence your personal development and help you maintain a balance in managing the demanding nature of your legal profession?

    Poetry, for me, is a way of making sense of the world. It is where I find my voice beyond the courtroom, where I explore life not through statutes but through metaphor and rhythm. Law, much like poetry, allows for interpretation in the face of ambiguity.

    Music is another language by itself. As a DJ, I know that a well-placed beat can shift an entire room’s energy, just as the right argument, delivered at the right moment, can turn the tide of a case. Mixing music is an art of timing, of intuition, of knowing when to hold back and when to let go. It is a lesson that applies just as much to advocacy.

    And then there’s surfing. The ocean is the greatest teacher of all. It humbles you. No matter how skilled you are, the waves have the final say. It teaches patience, resilience, and the art of surrender. You can’t fight the sea. You learn to move with it and to respect its rhythm. In many ways, law is the same. You don’t control justice, but you learn to navigate its currents, to read its shifting tides, to time your movements with precision. Each of these pursuits ground me and add balance to what happens to be a highly stressful profession. 

    What advice would you offer to young law students or aspiring lawyers, particularly those interested in criminal litigation, who are hoping to follow a path similar to yours?

    Be relentless in your pursuit of knowledge, but never lose sight of the people behind the cases. Litigation is not just about statutes and precedents, it is also about understanding human behavior, motivations and social realities. Read voraciously, observe experienced lawyers in court, and take on challenging cases even when they seem daunting. Most importantly, swear by the thumb rule – “when in doubt, ask.” One must not hesitate to seek guidance when in need of it. 

    Get in touch with Dr. Divyadeep Chaturvedi –

  • “People will put their faith in the legal system only if they believe in it. The access to the justice system shouldn’t be restricted to the top 1%; it must also extend to the remaining 99%.” – Sahil Salvi, Partner at D N Salvi and Associates.

    “People will put their faith in the legal system only if they believe in it. The access to the justice system shouldn’t be restricted to the top 1%; it must also extend to the remaining 99%.” – Sahil Salvi, Partner at D N Salvi and Associates.

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

    What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how did starting as a law clerk for Justice Kurian Joseph at the Supreme Court shape your early understanding of the legal profession?

    From a very early age, I was fascinated by the concept of law, justice and the judiciary. Conversations about justice, ethics, and the intricate workings of the legal system would often surround me. I would often visit the courts or spend time in my father’s chambers. It was all these things coupled with the conversations that generally happened at home that played a monumental role in piquing my interest in Law. His thriving practice, a short stint as a Sessions Judge, and power-packed career as a special prosecutor painted a vivid picture of what I wanted my tomorrow to be. 

    Over the years, my father encouraged me to look at multiple viewpoints or to think critically. I would look forward to the lengthy dinner-time discussions with him, where he would dissect varied matters and he would explain to me the nitty-gritty. I can recollect the lengthy discussions that would span over a few hours to a few days over civics lessons relating to working of the parliament and the judiciary, etc. Though I could grasp only as much in my nascent years, early interactions with several legal luminaries and their working etiquettes taught me that law is more than just a set of rules- it is a breathing, evolving framework that shapes the society. This was enough to gravitate towards the profession. 

    Now for the second part of your question, I want to tell you after graduating from Symbiosis Law School, Pune, I was fortunate to work as a judicial clerk cum research assistant with Justice Kurian Joseph, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India. As a raw professional, learning from a noteworthy Supreme Court Judge was an unforgettable experience that was instrumental in paving my legal journey from there. My responsibilities involved undertaking extensive research (they could sometimes get pretty daunting) and learning how landmark judgements come into existence. I remember sitting in the judge’s library of the Supreme Court on many occasions for hours like once we had to look at the Cooperative Societies Act of all the Indian states to find out which states have the provision to recall the elected nominees or during the NJAC case when we had to look at all the countries of the world how they appoint their higher judiciary. I used to be pleasantly surprised as Justice Joseph would spend quality time with all the clerks and interns, providing feedback to our research and perspectives to the cases argued in front of his bench on that day. I also had the opportunity to watch the country’s best lawyers showcase their impeccable court craft and legal acumen. It was like a dream brought to life for an aspiring counsel like me. 

    However, something else about him will forever be etched in my mind and soul. My precious takeaways were that I could closely observe his dedication, discipline, work ethic and eye for the most astute and acute details. I would love to tell you how on a couple of occasions he would take Suo Moto cognizance of Delhi’s most neglected causes like the case of the deplorable conditions of the Delhi public parks. In my interview he had asked me questions about the lesser-known fundamental duties, something which the law students generally miss out on while learning constitutional law, and the fact that he has authored a book on the same shows his eye for detail. The way he made the work look effortless is evidenced by the fact that he was a very vibrant judge and has authored 1110 judgements, the 10th highest among all the supreme court judges till today. Working under a visionary like Justice Kurian Joseph sir not only broadened my vision horizon but was also instrumental in shaping my core principles. 

    You’ve mentioned providing pro-bono legal services. What drives you to take on such cases, and how important do you think it is for lawyers to contribute to access to justice for all? 

    There is a quote by the American author, Raymond Chandler,” The law isn’t justice. It’s a very imperfect mechanism. If you press exactly the right buttons – and are also lucky – justice may show up in the answer. A mechanism is all the law was ever intended to be.” And I swear by it. As an officer of the court and a member of the legal fraternity, I feel, the importance of public trust in the judicial system is paramount. People will put their faith in the legal system only if they believe in it. The access to the justice system shouldn’t be restricted to the top 1%; it must also extend to the remaining 99%. More and more people need positive experiences with the system to build trust and to retain it. Hence, many litigants who cannot afford the best legal services but fight for just causes need to be seen and heard. I genuinely believe that, as lawyers, we are the voice of the common man who stands behind the closed doors of justice waiting and hoping for the miracle to happen. 

    It is about giving back to society. Do you know that once, while working at the office of Mr. Sidharth Luthra, he asked me if I knew why lawyers with extensive practice opt for the bench, the positions like the ASG/SG/AG, or undertake pro bono cases? After a few moments of pondering, he told me they want to make society a better place for their children. These words have never left me and have acted as my compass as I walk this journey. 

    With such diverse experience, what would you advise young legal professionals who are just starting their careers and aim to navigate the complexities of litigation? 

    As a budding lawyer or a young professional, you must explore various fields before finding your true calling. As popularly quoted by Julian Assange — ‘What we know is everything, it is our limit, of what we can be.’ So, budding legal entrants should try to know everything to find out where and how they can channel themselves. 

    My father’s wisdom often reminds me that law is prudence- it is a manifestation of common sense. It revolves around what a person of normal prudence would do in a given situation. This practical, judicious perspective is the foundation of interpreting any law. 

    One common myth I encountered early in my legal journey was the idea of ‘Sundays in litigation’. There is a very famous interview of a Senior Counsel who has said that there are no Sundays when you work at a litigation office. It is absolutely true. While the entire week goes attending to matters in court, weekends are spent in litigation offices drafting and conducting conferences. It’s a life of dedicated hard work and discipline. I believe, success in litigation is not about being a born genius, but about years of hard work, dedication, honesty, patience, integrity and self-belief. In the end, like my father says, law is just common sense. 

    As far as my journey as a young professional goes, my clerkship at the Supreme Court was immensely helpful. I took lessons in court craft from the country’s best counsels which was through self-learning as they argued in front of the court. I would say, that for those who don’t have time to invest in clerkship, spend some time sitting in the court halls and observing the court proceedings— that is where the best learning experience lies. One should also invest time in learning about the trial court proceedings even if you aspire to practice in the appellate courts. If you are unaware of how the artist performs critiquing the art, is something you cannot self-learn. Keeping up with the latest judicial pronouncements by the High Courts and the Supreme Court is something that you can’t miss on this journey. These are the basic blocks to making a career as a sound counsel. 

    You’ve worked on both prosecution (such as the 1993 Bombay Bomb Blast case) and defense (such as the Kamala Mills fire case). How do you balance these two perspectives, and what key lessons have you learned from each side?

    Once you get a decent grasp of the law, you realise that defence and prosecution are just two sides of the same coin. It is a matter of perspective. A good litigator should be able to anticipate both the prosecutor’s and defence’s arguments trajectory.  It’s like when you argue at the Writ court, there are several parties involved. As a legal counsel, you must safeguard the client’s interests while also keeping an eye out for the bigger picture. 

    At the trial stage, the prosecutor shoulders the most challenging task. As per the Supreme Court, the prosecutor’s job is to assist the court to come to a judicious conclusion, but in reality, it involves proving every fact in the chargesheet beyond a reasonable doubt. This requires presenting the entire chain and sequence of events with utmost precision while the defence attempts to discredit their narrative. 

    The defence tries every trick in the book to get some relief for the undertrial accused persons. I remember in one of the recent trials the defence lawyer did everything in his ability to delay the trial and he also argued on the fact about the continued delay to try to secure bail. The issue of systemic delays in courts in India has become so rampant that the courts have laid down precedents to avoid punitive detention of the undertrials. But the same is now being misused in this fashion. While the prosecutor is proving the charges, he also has to counter the defence’s attempt to take undue advantage of the systematic delay. Balancing these multiple counteracting factors while being fair to the accused is akin to balancing on a tied rope.  

    The job of a defence attorney is akin to that of a hawk. They must meticulously examine the entire prosecution story, searching for the weak links that can be exploited without disturbing certain aspects of the prosecution’s story. As a defence lawyer, you align with the prosecutor until it doesn’t incriminate you, and you must converge just enough to avoid liability. The goal is not to disprove the whole theory but to create enough doubts to hint at the fallacies in the prosecutor’s premise. 

    Practically, therefore, it’s not a difficult task to balance out the two perspectives and as a lawyer, professionally, you should not let the moral compass get in the way of your balance.

    How did pursuing your LL.M. at Queen Mary, University of London, enhance your understanding of international legal systems, and how has that influenced your practice in India?

    Pursuing my LL.M. at Queen Mary, University of London, significantly enhanced my understanding of international legal systems. The program allowed me to interact with peers representing different nations and learn from globally renowned professors. This exposure broadened my perspective on legal frameworks in various jurisdictions, particularly in the context of commercial law and arbitration.

    When the Supreme Court faces any legal dilemma, we look up to the legal frameworks of other international jurisdictions to find solutions, especially the commonwealth countries. Similarly, a commercial law-arbitration comparative study assists in determining how the law is going to evolve. 

    Studying alongside brilliant legal minds from multiple jurisdictions allowed me to gain insights into how different courts behave and interpret laws. Understanding these differences has been invaluable in my practice in India, especially when dealing with cross-border disputes. It has also helped me navigate the complexities of international arbitration and work towards establishing uniformity in interpreting and implementing arbitration awards.

    Overall, the experience has equipped me with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of international legal systems and apply comparative insights to my practice in India.

    Looking back on your career so far, what do you believe is the most significant impact your work has had on your clients and the legal system, and how do you hope to continue shaping the legal landscape moving forward? 

    Every small relief we secure has a profound impact on the lives of the litigants. For them, it can be a life-changing moment. We deal with people’s lives, and it feels like a lifesaver when you bail out an innocent person or secure an acquittal. A favorable judgement not only impacts their life but also extends to many more lives dependent on them. I recall a case from Kolhapur in which I had taken pro bono. The accused and his father had killed the accused’s brother over a property dispute, leaving three women in the family without any support or protection. We fought tirelessly to get his bail rejected, knowing that this rejection order meant saving the lives of those three women. For every client, each order we secure makes a significant impact. 

    There was another case in which, as sad as it may sound, a 13-year-old girl was molested by her own uncle. The accused secured anticipatory bail from the trial court within a week without notice to the victim. We approached the High Court to get his anticipatory bail cancelled, even the Supreme Court refused to grant him protection and thereafter he was finally arrested. 

    However, there are many systematic delays which happen in the judicial system. So many times, the essence of the order is only when the court decides in a time-bound manner. Otherwise, the impact can be subdued or the meaning entirely lost. Hence, I strive to resolve matters as early as possible through my work. I do not believe in unnecessary adjournments to fuel selfish goals. There have been instances when I have secured an ABA from the Bombay High Court for a client within 4 days from the filing date. I try and minimise systematic delays at my end as much as possible. Sometimes, the delays are imminent, but as an officer of court, you can at least try. A pioneer of this can be Justice Kathawala, who sat till 5:00 AM on the day before Diwali vacations. Not that in one day he could solve the issue of pendency, but everyone deserving relief on the day got one which could have been prolonged for a month at least. 

    The unfortunate reality is that many have lost faith in the country’s two limbs, but there is still hope in the efficacy of the judiciary system. It is crucial that justice is not just done, but, done in a timely manner. Justice delayed is justice denied, and it is only by ensuring timely justice that we can restore faith in the judiciary and uphold the rights of every individual. 

    With your busy schedule and involvement in high-profile cases, how do you unwind and maintain a work-life balance? Are there any specific hobbies or activities that help you recharge? 

    As a litigating lawyer, I know that there are effectively no Sundays. But everyone deserves and needs that breath of fresh air now and then to keep re-fueling the inner juices. But, as we are city dwellers, there is a way to escape. Hence, as litigating lawyers, court vacations must be spent out of your residential town, somewhere you can’t be disturbed. I love travelling. I travel with my wife on longer weekends and during court vacations. It helps me ease out of the monotone. 

    When time is short, I turn to simple activities like swimming or running. These acts of self-care can work wonders, refreshing and rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul. There’s something almost therapeutic about a peaceful run or a swim before starting a hectic day, it’s like meditation. And on those rare days when I wrap up early, indulging in OTT content is my guilty pleasure. On rare occasions, I also love to don my chef’s hat and cook up a storm. Finding time for these activities and also indulging in meaningful conversations with my law school friends keeps me grounded during this journey.

    Get in touch with Sahil Salvi-

  • “In the process of litigation you may lose some small battles, but the idea is to win the war and not every single individual battle” – Avinash Amarnath, Partner at Chandhiok & Mahajan

    “In the process of litigation you may lose some small battles, but the idea is to win the war and not every single individual battle” – Avinash Amarnath, Partner at Chandhiok & Mahajan

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

    A very warm welcome to everyone! The SuperLawyers team is back with another enriching and informative session. Today, we are thrilled to introduce our guest, Mr. Avinash B. Amarnath. Thank you so much for accepting our invitation. Avinash sir is currently a Partner in the Competition and Disputes team at Chandhiok & Mahajan Advocates and Solicitors. He leads the firm’s Hyderabad office and South India disputes practice, specializing in advising clients on complex competition law and dispute matters.

    A very warm welcome from the entire SuperLawyers team.

    Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here.

    Sir, after a decade of commendable excellence in the legal profession, could you share with us why you chose law? Was it a calling, or a conscious decision from the start?

    For me, law has always been part of the family. My father is a practicing lawyer, and my mother, though not a practicing lawyer, is a law graduate. However, law was never imposed on me—I had the freedom to choose. I would say it was a conscious decision. Honestly, I chose law almost by a process of elimination. I didn’t want to pursue science, and I had a choice between commerce and law. Law seemed intriguing, especially because I had an interest in humanities during school. I felt that studying law would allow me to explore subjects like political science, which is why I chose it.

    That was concise and insightful. Moving on, you’ve been working in the corporate sector for years now. What keeps you going in this environment? Do you have any particular routine or professional discipline that you follow?

    So, I think the first thing I would say is that the routine that works for me may not work for everyone. My first piece of general advice is that everyone has to find their own routine. However, a few tips I’ve noticed that generally help include sleeping early, waking up early, and avoiding screen time.

    You’ll find that you actually have a lot more time in the day than you think, especially if you follow these guidelines. It’s also very important, particularly in this stressful corporate culture, to prioritize your family and yourself.

    One of the best pieces of advice I received as a young lawyer was from someone who used to run a law firm. This advice has stuck with me for a long time, and I try to follow it: no matter how much work you have or how tight the deadlines, always dedicate three to four hours to the following things:

    1. Spending time with your family.
    2. Engaging in physical exercise.
    3. Pursuing any personal hobbies.

    Guard this time scrupulously and strictly. This is what I try to follow to maintain discipline. Of course, the most important thing in this is that, the corporate culture demands flexibility.

    So, while this is a routine, it often gets broken, and you have to be innovative. For example, I travel a lot, and when I do, some of this strict routine gets disrupted. But you have to be innovative and find alternatives.

    If I’ve been traveling too much, I make sure to completely reserve that weekend for my family. Even when I’m traveling, I try to fit in quick 10 to 15-minute exercises in the morning. This is something I’ve realized over time. It took me 10 years to figure out this routine, so it will take time. As I mentioned at the beginning, this works for me; it may not work for someone else. The idea is to find your own routine and what makes you tick.

    Thank you, sir. I’m sure we all recognize the importance of limiting screen time and balancing various aspects of life, especially in such a high-pressure environment. This wisdom is particularly valuable for those of us just starting out. Let’s move on to our next question: Dispute resolution involves a lot of strategizing and planning. How did you develop your flair in this area, and how much do you enjoy it?

    Absolutely. I was fortunate to have very good mentors and guides when I started in the profession. The most important thing in litigation, especially in strategizing and planning, is paying attention to detail. One of the first things I was told very early on is to read the entire file—whatever it is, even if it’s a small transfer petition matter.

    Even if the matter is just getting adjourned, I was still told to read the file as thoroughly as possible, front to back. This habit, ingrained in me from the beginning, made me realize that sometimes, the more you read and reread, new things come to light that you wouldn’t have noticed before.

    This attention to detail really helps in planning and strategizing. When a client first approaches you, they provide a broad perspective, often their own, which may not be reflected in the documents. So limiting yourself to just what the client says isn’t sufficient. You need to verify their perspective by examining the documents. As I mentioned, the devil is in the details.

    This practice slowly developed my flair for this work. The more I read, the more confident I became with the case, and the better I could strategize. It’s a process of evolution, right? As a young lawyer, your role is often limited to knowing the facts well. If you have a strategy, great, but usually, you’re expected to have a solid understanding of the facts, along with thorough legal research.

    As you grow older in the profession, you start engaging in actual strategizing. It’s like a game of chess—you make a move and see how it plays out. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. When it doesn’t, you go back, regroup, and try a new move. It’s a constant game of chess, and I enjoy that.

    Strategizing and planning, especially in litigation, is like sports. It’s not always going to be a perfect victory on the first try. There will be setbacks, but what’s important is to focus on the long-term goal—for both the client and yourself—and work towards that in the best way possible. You may lose some small battles, but the idea is to win the war, not every single battle. That’s how I approach and enjoy it.

    You have been involved in a lot of high-profile cases. That has received media attention. And we all know how media attention can turn both ways. It can celebrate you one day. It can suddenly criticize you unnecessarily the other day. How do you keep calm in these specific high-profile matters where really high stakes are involved?

    I think I’ve been a bit fortunate because I haven’t had to face intense media pressure directly. However, there were instances where difficult questions were asked, and I received calls from media houses seeking comments on a very contentious case. In such situations, we were strictly instructed by the client not to make any comments.

    Generally, in cases, I always try to focus solely on the case itself and block out any external noise, as I call it—whatever is happening outside. I believe that in high-profile cases, it’s even more important to understand that your role is limited to being a lawyer in that case and not to worry about the repercussions or consequences. Your job is to provide the best strategy, whether it’s a defense or prosecution, and offer the best advice to your client. The outcome is not in your hands, nor is what people make of it or think about it. You have to let it go. In one word, you need to develop a thick skin and ignore what the media is saying.

    Moving on to the next question, your academic excellence at King’s College is truly commendable. As someone who has studied both in India and abroad, how was your law school experience different there compared to India?

    I should start by saying that my law school experience was 10 years ago, so I’m sure things have changed in India since then. However, back then, my experience in India was that law education was still heavily focused on rote learning and less on application. When I studied abroad, that was the biggest difference I noticed.

    The way classes were conducted there was different. Typically, in India, you come to class, open the book, and learn the concept then and there. But there, the structure was different—you were given a set of reading material before class, and you were expected to read it on your own. This might also be because it was a master’s course, so there was an assumption that most people already had a basic understanding of the law. Still, I really liked that system. You do your reading at home, and when you come to class, you’re taking the discussion to the next level. You’re applying the knowledge you’ve already gained to difficult questions or discussing specific, controversial, or complex topics in more detail.

    Even the exams were different. The questions were mostly problem-based, requiring you to apply what you’ve learned and provide solutions, rather than just reproducing information. This was a significant difference for me. Another major difference was the encouragement from the faculty to have and express opinions. They would encourage students to form their own opinions and make it clear that there is no right or wrong answer, as long as you can back it up with solid logic. They might challenge your logic if they disagreed, but if you could defend your position, they respected that. This openness and application-based learning were aspects I truly enjoyed at King’s College.

    That was very interesting. I’m sure law schools in India are also starting to embrace these changes, though we still have a long way to go in fully adopting application-based learning. How did this experience shape your legal perceptions once you returned to India and began practicing?

    To be honest, it was partly that education, but also working with some lawyers here who were educated abroad, that really changed my entire perspective on law.

    In most subjects in India, let me take law or even medicine as an example—you’re often considered a good doctor if you can quickly prescribe the right treatment. Similarly, the expectation for lawyers in India is that you should know every section and answer legal problems on the spot, complete with section numbers and details. However, I realized that’s not what practicing law is really about, nor is it what makes a good lawyer.

    It’s impractical for a lawyer to know every single law by heart, especially given the vast range of knowledge required. What’s important, and what changed my perspective, is knowing how to read and interpret the law. When presented with a problem, you should be able to identify the relevant subject, pick up the relevant law—perhaps one you’ve never read before—and immediately apply yourself to it. You should be able to analyze the law and argue points based on the definitions and sections. The focus should not be on merely retaining knowledge, but on how to use that knowledge effectively and strategize.

    So, in that sense, my approach to practicing law changed completely. I no longer stress about remembering every detail; instead, I focus on how to strategize and apply the knowledge that’s available in front of me.

    How to read the law is such an application-based concept, which we should all imbibe no matter whether or not our colleges and our educational setups are telling that. We can definitely make it a practice. Thank you so much, sir.

    Talking on these lines, sir, how do you balance this personal life with professional commitments, any hobbies or any passion, or interests, that keeps you lively?

    As I mentioned earlier, I think it’s important to revisit the discipline points we discussed because maintaining those habits helps me balance professional and personal life. I want to touch on hobbies, but something else just came to mind. When you’re at work and you get a call from home, you might answer, but usually, even if you do, you say, “I’ll call you back, I’m at work.” I believe the key is to give that same level of importance when you’re at home, spending time with family, or doing something personal. There will be emergencies, and sometimes you genuinely need to take a call and work, and I completely understand that. However, more often than not, if someone calls you, even if it’s from work or a client, you can tell them, “I’ll call you back.” It’s important to give the same respect to your personal time as you do to your work time. If someone calls you while you’re with your family, it’s okay to tell them, “I’ll call you back in a bit.”

    Now, regarding hobbies, I’ve always been a sports fan, particularly passionate about cricket, especially test cricket. When I’m not working, I’m usually either following cricket, trying to play wherever I can, or discussing it with everyone I know. One of the things I love about sports is how it parallels what we do as lawyers, especially in court. It’s like a game of chess, similar to sports where you constantly see strategies and counter-strategies. I find that very appealing, so I try to follow and play sports as much as possible.

    Moving on, how would you compare the corporate work culture in law firms versus the litigation culture in chambers? If you had to choose between the two, which would you prefer based on your experience? Could you elaborate on that?

    Sure. Both have their pros and cons, and I’ll explain my preference based on my personal reasons. I found litigation chamber work more appealing, but I think the ideal scenario is to combine the best aspects of both, which I see happening, especially in our firm.

    In corporate work culture, one of the pros is that you are more directly in touch with the client, which gives you a very different understanding. In corporate and commercial law, there’s a legal position and a commercial reality. For a client, especially a company or a business, the end goal is that commercial reality—whether they’re trying to make or save money or achieve some other goal. The legal position may not always support that goal, so the challenge is to find an alternative or a middle path that satisfies that goal while staying within the confines of the law. In pure litigation chambers, responses can be more black-and-white: “This can be done, this cannot be done.” But in a corporate law firm, you develop the art of finding solutions, saying, “This strictly cannot be done, but we can explore this alternative.” That’s crucial as a commercial lawyer—you have to be solution-oriented, not just give yes or no answers.

    Another advantage of law firms is that you get more time to work on a particular case. In litigation chambers, files often come to you the day before a hearing, leaving you little time to fully understand the case. In a law firm, you might work on the same case for two to three months, allowing you to interact with the client, get all the necessary clarifications, and build a strong strategy.

    On the downside, one con of law firms, and this varies, is that sometimes there’s too much focus on presentation—form over substance. A document might look very polished, but if the substance isn’t strong, it shouldn’t pass the test. Another con is the lack of court time—you don’t get to go to court every day, maybe once a week or a few times a month.

    In litigation chambers, the focus is primarily on the substance because you don’t have time to worry about presentation. The emphasis is on points of law, developing legal arguments, and finding and interpreting judgments. In a litigation chamber, you’re expected to read judgments thoroughly, knowing both the points that favor you and those that don’t. Plus, being in court every day is a significant advantage.

    However, a con of litigation chambers is the lack of time to fully apply yourself to a file, as you would in a law firm.

    At Chandhiok & Mahajan, especially within the disputes team, we’re trying to combine the best of both worlds. We don’t just recommend briefing senior counsel for every matter; we’re happy to argue cases ourselves, which gives us the litigation chamber experience while also benefiting from the client interaction typical of a law firm. We try to push for this as much as possible, although it’s ultimately the client’s preference.

    So, to sum up my long-winded answer, I would say that combining the best of both worlds would be my ideal scenario.

    Thank you, sir. Talking about work and everything, first of all, since you have been involved with dispute resolution and you so beautifully summarize the entire strategizing process as a game of chess, how do you think the new ADR mechanisms, such as the mediation bill, will impact India’s ADR structure in the coming years?

    I think we’ve all realized that with arbitration, certain mistakes were made as a system, which is why it hasn’t worked the way people had hoped. The main issues were delays and court interference. If we don’t repeat those mistakes with mediation, I believe it could be very effective—perhaps even more so than arbitration. The reason is that mediation is fundamentally based on the consent of the parties. In arbitration, you consent to having a decision made by someone outside the court, but in mediation, you consent to the substance of the settlement itself. This significantly reduces the scope for court interference.

    I think we’ve got a great opportunity now, and rightly so, the government is pushing mediation as a preferred form of ADR. However, we must be cautious and learn from our past mistakes. Firstly, we need to minimize court interference. Secondly, it all comes down to the will of the parties involved. Sometimes, as litigation lawyers, we see ADR as just another method to delay things. Everyone might agree to mediation, but they might not take it seriously. The mindset often is, “Okay, it will go into mediation and take another six months.” If that’s the approach, it won’t work.

    So, perhaps some level of court interference could help. Currently, once a case enters mediation, courts are very hands-off, and extensions are given when requested. I think courts should perhaps ask for interim reports on how the mediation is progressing. If the court feels it’s not working out, it might be better to pull out of mediation rather than prolong an unnecessary process.

    I genuinely hope mediation works, but it will come down to addressing these challenges and the will of the parties involved.

    Understood, sir. You’ve highlighted several important aspects, and it’s crucial to exercise caution as we move forward with the mediation bill and act, as you mentioned, to avoid repeating the same mistakes and to hope for a better structure. Sir, this next question is from young lawyers and law aspirants who are in the early stages of their careers. As someone who has emphasized the importance of strategizing, what advice would you give to those who are struggling to find a strategy in the initial phase of their legal careers?

    I would say, keep it simple. Sometimes, people tend to project law as more complicated than it really is. So the first thing I would say is, don’t worry—it’s not rocket science. I often tell my colleagues that people who work in science and innovation require a much more complex skill set. Law, at its core, is a social science; it’s human-related.

    One of the key aspects to understand is that it’s a lot about psychological insight, especially for litigation lawyers. Of course, you need to know the substance of your matter, but it’s equally important to understand who you’re talking to and where they are coming from—not just the judge, but also your client. This is something we focus on extensively in our sessions. One of the most important things to remember is that the client is ultimately a human being with certain considerations. Understanding what the client wants and the pressures they are under can make things a lot easier.

    The only other piece of advice I would offer is that young lawyers today are much more aware of their rights, which is a very good thing. They demand work-life balance, recognizing it as a right rather than a luxury, and they are comfortable with technology, which makes them efficient. However, I would advise them to occasionally go back to being old school. With technology, you might miss out on important details, and those details are crucial. So, use technology to your advantage, but don’t forget the importance of manually double-checking and thoroughly reading every document. It’s sometimes good to be old-fashioned in this regard.

    If you’re feeling confused about your career path, I’d say there are many opportunities in law now, so don’t be afraid to try different things. Coming out of law school, it’s impossible to be clear about what you want to do because you don’t get enough exposure. Internships can help, but they don’t provide the full picture. So, try out different things—corporate law, litigation, clerking, media reporting—everything. Don’t think it’s too late to make changes. There’s plenty of time to find your niche.

    Sir, the way you’ve elaborated on this point, particularly the notion that coming out of law school doesn’t always equip you with the decision-making skills needed to know exactly what you want to do, is a relief to many of us who are just starting out in our careers. We also appreciate the emphasis you’ve placed on planning and the balance you’ve achieved at your firm. So, what are your long-term plans in terms of your personal trajectory in this profession, as well as your plans for your firm?

    I was working in Delhi until two years ago, and most of my career has been based there. For both professional and personal reasons, I saw a unique opportunity to come to Hyderabad and set up an office. I believe Hyderabad has a lot of untapped potential, and the proposition we’re building here is unique. We’re aiming to run an entire South India disputes practice out of Hyderabad.

    We faced several challenges initially, especially when virtual hearings weren’t common, as travel could be quite a problem. But thanks to the initiatives taken by the current Chief Justice of India, high courts are now hybrid, which really helps us manage matters. For district courts, we sometimes have to rely on local counsel, but overall, it’s a very unique proposition, and I’m enjoying the roles we’re building here.

    My immediate goal is to continue developing this practice into what we envisioned—a comprehensive South India disputes practice. In the long term, I plan to continue in litigation, with a particular focus on competition law. I don’t see myself leaving competition law, as it’s a specialization I consciously chose early in my career. Eventually, I hope to argue more matters in court and continue doing interesting work.

    Your insights have been amazing today. Once again, thank you so much from the entire team of LawSikho and SuperLawyers. We are sure that with the wealth of practical experience and tips, which you have given us today, we have benefited all the young ones.

    Thank you.

    Get in touch with Avinash Amarnath-

  • “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” – Shweta Sharma, Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India.

    “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” – Shweta Sharma, Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India.

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

    Could you please introduce yourself to our readers and share your journey from your early days in law to becoming an advocate-on-record at the Supreme Court of India? We’d love to hear about the pivotal moments, challenges, and inspirations that have shaped your remarkable career trajectory.

    After graduating from Symbiosis Law School, Pune in 2009 I joined the Legal (Tax and Regulatory) Department of PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) where I had a short stint of about a year. My work at PwC mainly included doing due-diligences for various organizations and businesses, opening on labour law and employment law queries from pan-india PwC locations. While my time at PwC gave me a lot of exposure to the regulatory side of work, from the point of view of Indian as well as international clients, I felt that I wasn’t being challenged as much – mentally as well as academically. I started speaking to my law school batchmates who were pursuing litigation and that’s when it became clear that I was missing out on the real deal. Even though the economy was in a recession in the year 2009, I did the unthinkable and put in my papers at PwC and joined Parekh & Company, which is a full-service litigation firm. To be honest, it was very difficult to take a 50% pay-cut and say goodbye to the 9 to 5 job where I had the weekends all to myself. Looking back, it was the best decision ever. Upon joining litigation, I realized that there is no concept of weekends and no fixed timings. Juniors were expected to carry work home and make sure the filings were done in time, seniors were briefed well in advance and the clients got the reliefs they wanted. There were moments where I felt I’d bitten off more than I can chew but I just kept at it and before I knew it, I fell in love with the entire process. At Parekh & Co, I was under the guidance of my “first boss” as I call him to this very day – Mr. Sameer Parekh. At Parekh & Co., I had the privilege of working on matters being argued by some of the most distinguished legal luminaries like Mr. Harish Salve, (Late ) Mr. Ashok Desai, (Late) Mr. Ram Jethmalani, Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, (Late) Mr. Goolam Vahanvati, (Late) Mr. T R Andhyarjuna, Mr. Rohinton Nariman, K K Venugopal, Justice P S Narsimha, (Retd.) Justice U. U Lalit to name a few. After working in Parekh & Co. for about three years, I had a short stint at TMT Law Practice which is a technology, media and telecommunications law firm where I had the opportunity to represent clients across the entire spectrum of the media and entertainment industry, including television, films, radio, music, print and publications. Thereafter, I got married to my batchmate from law college – Diggaj Pathak, who was also pursuing litigation full time. Since we had put in about five years into the profession and got a fairly decent amount of work to pull us through, we decided that it was time now to take the plunge and go independent. That was truly the best decision of our lives. Now we were two like-minded individuals ready to take our love affair with litigation to the next level. People say it is difficult to work with one’s spouse and that one mustn’t mix business with pleasure but that has been far from the truth for us and we have had such a successful partnership where both of us have immensely contributed to each other’s growth in this profession. After spending 7 years in litigation, we became eligible to take the Advocate – on – Record examination and cleared it in the first attempt. There was really no looking back after that.  

    You have an impressive portfolio of legal representation spanning various tribunals and courts. Could you share a memorable experience from your early days in the legal profession that shaped your career trajectory?

    Due to the work ethic I was exposed to at Parekh & Co., I learnt that one must never say no to any kind of work and that litigation encompasses more than just the Supreme Court or the High Court. There are so many tribunals and quasi-judicial bodies in Delhi like National Green Tribunal, Ministry of Mines, Central Information Commissions, National Consumer Fourm, Employees Provident Fund Appellate Tribunal, Debt Recovery Tribunal, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, Armed Forces Tribunal, Appellate Authority for Revenue cases etc. So there is really no dearth of work. There were times when I wasn’t sure if I could do justice to a matter but I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by such encouraging seniors and mentors who provided me with the necessary push so that I could give my 100% to the cases in question. I had the opportunity to appear very frequently before the Telecommunications Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) when Justice Aftab Alam (Retd.) was the Chairman. Justice Alam was extremely encouraging of women practitioners and would often appoint me as Advocate Commissioner in matters which really helped me build my confidence. Similarly, Justice Shiva Kirti Singh (Retd.) also appointed me as Local Commissioner in several cases for which I had to travel outstation and that again really helped me understand the telecommunications and broadcasting sector from close quarters. Apart from TDSAT, I had the privilege of working with Mr. Krishnendu Datta, Senior Advocate on various company matters before the NCLT. I was greatly inspired by Mr. Datta’s work ethic and the way he completely immerses himself into cases really had an impact on me. I also love to brief Mr. Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Senior Advocate for my Supreme Court matters from whom I get to learn so much. He is truly an exceptional individual. Then I had the good fortune of working with Mr. Meet Malhotra, Senior Advocate on several telecommunications and broadcasting matters. Words cannot describe how much Meet Sir helped me in building my practice in the energy sector. His trust and faith in my work has helped me immensely. I am deeply indebted to these individuals.  

    With your extensive involvement in telecommunications and energy sectors, what sparked your interest in these particular areas of law?

    To be honest I never imagined that I would be practicing so extensively in these sectors but that’s the beauty of being a first-generation litigating lawyer – you never know what you’re going to get and sure enough you never say no to any kind of work! Having said that, I had the opportunity to work in the telecommunications sector early on because my partner was already handling the work in that area for a few clients. So, when we started working together, I had to naturally shoulder the responsibilities with him. Some of the cases before TDSAT were extremely high-stakes and in those matters we would brief Mr. Meet Malhotra, Senior Advocate from whom we got to learn so much. As far as work in the energy sector is concerned, I owe most of what I know in this field to Mr. Buddy Ranganadhan. Buddy Sir is an outstanding lawyer and briefing him is such an enriching experience, every single time. 

    Balancing a career in law with personal interests is crucial for holistic well-being. Could you share some of your hobbies or interests outside of the legal realm that help you maintain a sense of balance?

    To be very frank, it is super hard to maintain a work – life balance being a litigating lawyer and even more so if you’re a female litigating lawyer. And if you are a mother, then you need multi-tasking skills of a different level. Even if you ace this time management, be prepared to pay the ‘motherhood penalty’. Yes, the legal profession is not immune to it. Every day of the week, we are in court and the evenings are spent lamenting on the cases listed for the next day. Sometimes, you’re in multiple courts on a single day and your meal-timings go for a toss. Then Saturdays are for the district court cases and Sundays are for drafting assignments, conferences with senior advocates and client meetings. One has to also take out time for social and professional commitments. In all this chaos, it is very easy to actually lose sight of your own health and the health of your loved ones. So, keeping fit – mentally as well as physically – is of utmost importance. I try to be active and take out time to take my toddler out to the park and ensure that I take at least 4 vacations a year. I carry work with me on those vacations too, much to my partner’s dislike, but that’s another story. I also enjoy judging moots and have had the privilege of judging some moot court competitions like the FDI International Arbitration Moot, the KTS Tulsi Mock Trial Competition etc. I also love to interact with young law students, especially first-generation lawyers who are sometimes overwhelmed by litigation practice and have had the privilege of speaking at the Delhi Faculty of Law on the topic of Career as an Advocate-on-Record. I also try to give my services to those who cannot afford it and have done a few pro-bono matters. The appreciation I receive from my pro-bono clients is really immeasurable. 

    Starting a legal career can be daunting for many young aspirants. What advice would you offer to the current generation of law students and aspiring lawyers looking to make their mark in the legal profession?

    There are a couple of things that one must mentally prepare before joining the legal field. Firstly, always and I mean always remain an “eager beaver”. Everyone will see it – Judges, clients, seniors as well as colleagues – it will help you generate new work. Secondly, never say no to any case even if it is small research – you will learn so much from it and that knowledge is to be treasured. Thirdly, be prepared to sometimes miss out on important personal events like weddings, funerals, birthdays etc. as you may have a deadline or the limitation would be expiring in a particular case. If you have taken up some assignment or matter, you cannot leave it halfway no matter what. Having said that, it is also incumbent upon you to then make it up to that family or friend who’s function you missed. Fourthly, there will be times when you may be reprimanded at – by the Judge or your senior. Do not take it to heart, listen to what they are saying as they have experience which you don’t and experience must be respected at all costs. Fifthly, be kind to your support staff – court clerks, driver, office boy, nanny, cook etc. You will be most effective if you have a strong team backing you up. Sixthly, be grounded and grateful. It is easy to lose sight of where you started from when you’re making a lot of money but one must never take any matter – big or small, for granted. Lastly, be fair to your opposite counsel. There is life outside court also. We are a small fraternity and people talk. Not all cases you get would be very high stakes, but be determined to prove yourself. Slowly but surely, the work will start pouring in from all quarters. 

    Being a female practitioner in a male dominated profession do you have any specific advice for women who are keen to join litigation?

    Let’s face it, the ratio of women-to-men in the legal profession is abysmally low. But the demographics are changing over the past few decades. While it is true that the legal profession demands long hours and constant availability, I want to tell these women who want to join litigation that the fruits of the hard work you will put in will be immense. If you are a working mother, and this holds true for any field, you will be perceived as less committed to your career because it is assumed that you choose to work only because you have financial needs to fulfil. Employers are wary of hiring mothers as it is thought that since they have familial responsibilities, they will be less dedicated to their roles. But this notion is completely wrong, and, if at all, only applies to a very small percentage of working women. We can be as passionate, as driven and as ambitious as our male counterparts. We are currently blessed to have Justice D Y Chandrachud as our CJI who is a staunch supporter of increased participation of women in the legal profession. He values inclusivity of women lawyers and makes a mention of it not just in open court but also at every public platform he speaks at. He was very pleased to see a dramatic increase in the number of women appearing virtually before the courts during and post-covid as it provided them the comfort of appearing from the safety of their homes. In 2024, a committee headed by our CJI designated the highest number of female senior advocates that have ever been designated by the Supreme Court in its entire history since 1966. Just imagine, 12 in 75 years and 11 in just one year! Justice Chandrachud has also encouraged more and more women to come forward, contest elections and hold positions of responsibility in the bar associations and the bar councils. He has further advocated for institutional support (like creches in courts) to ensure more and more female lawyers are inducted and retained in the profession. This augurs really well for us women practitioners. We should take full advantage of this changed scenario. In the coming times, I’m sure there will be more designations and more elevations. Personally speaking, I feel so inspired looking at the women senior advocates practicing today. Few senior advocates whom I have briefed and who had a great impact on me include Mrs. V Mohana, Mrs. Madhavi Divan and Mrs. Haripriya Padmanabhan. I hope to one day have the opportunity of working with (Retd) Justice Indu Malhotra, Mrs. Indira Jaisingh and Mrs. Aishwarya Bhati as well, all of whom are outstanding lawyers. So, my advice to young women aspiring to join litigation would be to perform decently at law school, write legal articles, if possible, take your internships very seriously and once you start a career in litigation, just stick with the grind. The results are inevitable. 

    As an advocate-on-record and panel counsel for esteemed organizations like TRAI, WBSETCL, Eastern Coalfields Limited and Central Coalfields Limited, what strategies do you employ to effectively represent your clients’ interests while upholding your own ethical standards?

    Preparation is key obviously. Secondly, I inform the client of all the eventualities because anything can happen in court so one has to be prepared in advance. If the client has been slightly in the wrong, and is informed in advance of the probable reaction from the court, then it can give suitable instructions to his lawyer about the extent of the concession the lawyer can make on its behalf. Thirdly, if there is a senior counsel being briefed in the matter then he/she has to see how invested you are in the case. It makes it all the more interesting for them. Since some of the matters for these clients are very high stakes, I always get instructions in writing to avoid any miscommunication later on. 

    Your educational journey includes international exposure during your schooling in the United States. How do you think such cross-cultural experiences contribute to a lawyer’s ability to navigate diverse legal scenarios?

    I studied in California for about three years and it was such an enriching experience. Since my father was in a transferable job, I changed almost eleven schools and had the opportunity to stay in many different parts of India too. This gave me so much exposure as I had to get used to adapting to a new place every few years. That helped me tremendously. The legal professional is so multi-faceted. You may be able to impress your client with your legal knowledge but if you’re not able to smooth talk your way in a Bihari or a UP accent with the Court Master or the Alhmad to get a certified copy or a shorter date then what is the point of all the fancy education that you have had?  

    Becoming an Advocate-on-Record involves rigorous training and examination. What motivated you to pursue this prestigious designation, and how has achieving it impacted your legal career and approach to advocacy?

    So, it is very important to understand that one doesn’t magically start getting Supreme Court briefs simply because one has cleared the Advocate-on-Record examination. In order for a steady stream of Supreme Court cases to come your way, you have to have what we refer to as a “parent high court” where the advocates from that particular high court keep sending you matters regularly to be filed in the Supreme Court. But the fact of the matter is that many first-generation advocates like myself do not have any such contacts with any high court so the cases initially will be far and few. One has only to ensure that they give their 100 percent to those cases. Soon enough, your client, your colleagues, your seniors will spread the word which will certainly translate into more matters. Having said that, choosing to practice exclusively in the Supreme Court is a completely personal choice and if that is the path you have chosen as a first-generation lawyer then you must keep reaching out to the lawyers practicing at various High Courts to generate Supreme Court work. But I speak for myself, I consciously did not want to restrict myself to practicing only in one court. I took the exam because I wanted to have this added qualification so that in the event a situation arises where I’m required to approach the highest court of the land, I should be able to do so myself without asking anyone else to be my AoR. I was also able to generate supreme court work by practicing in various forums like the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, TDSAT, National Green Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity etc. 

    You’ve been associated with the law office of DPSS, which holds a prominent position in the legal landscape. Could you share some insights into the working of your firm?

    The Law Offices of DPSS was founded by my husband (Diggaj Pathak) and I about ten years ago. Diggaj was my batchmate at law school and we started out with just a handful of matters. We are soon going to complete 1000 files together. Though we have grown since our founding, we are the same agency at heart. We approach each of our clients with fresh eyes to offer them customized and unique strategies. We are result oriented, in as much as we try and get speedy relief for our clients instead of keeping them embroiled in litigation which can sometimes last for several years in our judicial system. If the circumstances permit, then we actively try to mediate and settle the cases for our clients which can sometimes get better and faster results than adversarial litigation. We feel we owe this to our clients and to our judicial system. Ultimately, as lawyers we must not burden our courts unnecessarily and if there is a way to sit across the table and negotiate terms of a settlement then we always explore that option. 

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