This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
With over two decades of experience across various areas of law, what initially motivated you to pursue a legal career, especially coming from a science background?
After passing my Law Exam from GPG College Gopeshwar Uttarakhand, I began my journey as a lawyer in 1998. My path into law was driven by a deep-rooted curiosity and a desire to make a tangible impact on society. As a very social and emotional person, I have always been keen to see the world as a happier place. Coming from a science background, I was trained to think critically and solve complex problems. However, I soon realized that many societal issues required not just scientific understanding but also a framework for justice and advocacy. This realization led me to enroll in a law course.
During my B.Sc. days, I actively participated in debates, wrote poetry, was student editor of college Magazine, I was also involved in the Separate Uttarakhand Movement at that time. Some untoward incidents during this movement were a turning point for me, highlighting how legal systems could drive change and protect rights. Witnessing these events firsthand solidified my belief in the power of law to effect positive change.
As technology and computers advanced, I became increasingly inspired by cases where law intersected with technology and environmental issues. These areas allowed me to leverage my science knowledge to address complex legal challenges. This blend of science and law offered a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful advancements and uphold justice.
My journey into law has been shaped by a combination of personal experiences and professional aspirations. The intersection of my scientific background with legal practice has enabled me to approach problems with a unique perspective, ensuring that I can make a significant impact in both fields. This multidisciplinary approach continues to drive my passion for law and my commitment to creating a just and equitable society.
You began your career as an associate lawyer before transitioning to the corporate sector. What inspired this shift, and how does working in-house at a corporation differ from private practice?
After Coming to Delhi, I started my Journey from Patiala House Courts at New Delhi. I have done my Private Practice for almost 9 Years. Although my transition from private practice to the corporate sector firstly was solely driven by a desire to earn livelihood but later it was converted for a more integrated role within a business environment. As an associate lawyer, I enjoyed the intellectual challenge and the variety of cases I handled. With the passage of time in Delhi, I was keen to see the broader impact of legal decisions on a company’s strategy and operations and was very much willing to be part of entrepreneurial Journey.
I am very fortunate that I have started my journey very closely with Late Sh. DC Jain Ji, who was promoter of AKUMS DRUGS & PHARMACEUTICALS LTD which is the largest Contact manufacturing Company of Medicines in India. He honed my skills as a person, changed my perspective to see life, and gave me liberty to work as I am the owner of my organization. As you know, working in-house offers a unique perspective. Unlike private practice, where the focus is often on specific legal issues, in-house counsel are involved in the day-to-day business decisions and long-term strategic planning. This role allows for a deeper understanding of the business, fostering a proactive approach to legal risk management and compliance. Additionally, being part of a corporate team provides the opportunity to collaborate closely with various departments, contributing to the overall success of the organization.
I am fortunate that my promoters always gave me liberty to think out of the box and always believed me, as a result in every organization where I worked I have tried to do maximum work inhouse so that legal cost can be curtailed and ownership can be elongated.
Now a days Both Private Practice and Inhouse roles are becoming the same, and as far as I am concerned In-house roles are of more onus than Private Practice, however in Private practice you can have more flexibility of time, money and autonomy.
Your career includes a range of leadership roles. How have these experiences shaped your approach to legal practice, and what key lessons or insights continue to guide you today?
When I joined the AKUMS Group, the Legal Department was initially managed by individuals without a legal education background. However, as the industry grew, the visionary approach of Mr. Jain and his sons, Sanjeev and Sandeep, led to the establishment of a dedicated Legal Department within the group. At that time, it was uncommon for Indian companies to have a formal Legal Department, with Company Secretaries often leading legal functions. Mr. Jain’s proactive approach provided me with the opportunity to establish and lead the Legal Department.
In my current organization, Crystal Group, I found myself in a similar role. Under the mentorship of our Chairman, Mr. N.K. Aggarwal, and the leadership of our Managing Director, Mr. Ankur Aggarwal, I received full support in my endeavors.
My leadership roles have profoundly influenced my approach to legal practice, instilling a blend of strategic thinking, empathy, and adaptability. Leading teams has taught me the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and fostering a supportive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered.
One key lesson I’ve learned is the significance of proactive problem-solving and leading by example. In leadership, anticipating challenges and addressing them before they escalate is crucial. This mindset has translated into my role as GC, where I prioritize risk management and strategic planning to mitigate potential issues.
Another insight is the value of continuous learning and adaptability. The legal landscape is ever evolving, and staying abreast of changes is essential. My leadership experiences have reinforced the need to be flexible and open to new ideas, ensuring that my legal strategies are innovative and effective.
Lastly, empathy and ethical integrity are cornerstones of my approach. Understanding the human element behind legal issues and maintaining a strong ethical compass guide my decisions and interactions, ensuring that my practice not only serves the business but also upholds justice and fairness.
My experiences have taught me to trust my team, give them challenges, approach tasks with an entrepreneurial mindset, and always lead by example when they seek guidance.
Given your extensive experience in civil, criminal, and commercial litigation, which type of case do you find most challenging? Could you share a particularly complex case you’ve handled and how you navigated its challenges?
Among civil, criminal, and commercial litigation, I find criminal cases to be the most challenging. The stakes are incredibly high, often involving someone’s freedom or significant societal implications. As a legal professional, whether it concerns the top management of the company or an employee, each case holds equal importance to me. In pharmaceutical or agrochemical companies, sample matters are particularly significant. The complexity of criminal law, combined with the need for meticulous attention to detail and the emotional weight of these cases, makes them especially demanding. Nowadays, matters related to the CBI, PMLA, FEMA, or other authorities are equally important.
While I would not like to disclose details of any specific case due to the privileged nature of lawyer-client communication, I can elaborate on my approach to handling such situations. In promoter-driven organizations, the most complex scenarios often arise when top management is accused of a serious offense. These cases are further complicated by extensive media coverage, which adds public pressure and potential bias. Navigating this requires a multi-faceted approach by the legal team, who do internal investigation in the matter, communicate with relevant stakeholders, gather documents, mitigate risk by strategic communication with outside stakeholders, taking expert legal advise, giving hope to Client, which is in our case our management; to give them hope that ultimately all is well.
Ultimately, our comprehensive approach often leads to favorable outcomes, highlighting the importance of diligence, strategic planning, and empathy in handling complex criminal cases.
Besides criminal cases, I have a strong interest in intellectual property rights (IPR) matters, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights. As for commercial litigation and contracts, these are routine matters in my practice.
With the ever-evolving legal landscape, particularly in areas like commercial law, IPR, and mergers & acquisitions, how do you stay updated with changes in the law? What strategies do you use to ensure continuous professional development?
To stay ahead in the ever-evolving legal landscape, particularly in commercial law, IPR, and mergers & acquisitions, I employ a multifaceted approach to continuous professional development. I leverage advanced legal research software and databases to access the latest case laws and statutes. Reading two newspapers daily keeps me informed about current events and legal trends, ensuring I stay updated.
I believe that true knowledge enhancement often happens outside office hours, so I dedicate time after work to study new legal developments, attend webinars, and participate in online courses. Collaboration is key; I actively seek insights from colleagues and engage in discussions to gain diverse perspectives. Delegation is another strategy I embrace, as it allows me to focus on strategic tasks while empowering my team.
Professional development programs, workshops, seminars, and conferences are integral to my growth, providing opportunities to learn from experts and network with peers. Mentorship from seasoned professionals offers invaluable guidance, helping me navigate complex legal issues. Staying adaptable and open to new ideas ensures my strategies remain innovative and effective. Networking is crucial for success in any field.
By combining these strategies, I ensure continuous learning and professional excellence, enabling me to provide top-notch legal services to my organization. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my boss, Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Ltd, who gave me the freedom and opportunity to be part of the Deal Team. I am happy to share that in my journey of over four years with Crystal Group, I have been part of five deal transactions. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development drives my success and effectiveness in the legal field.
With your wealth of experience in drafting commercial contracts and agreements, how do you see legal technology impacting case management, contract drafting, and legal research? What tools or innovations have you found most helpful in your practice?
There is no doubt that Legal technology is revolutionizing case management, contract drafting, and legal research, significantly enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Advanced software like Manupatra, Mykase, Mikelegal, and Complinity are some tools I use for case management, organizing and tracking details, deadlines, and documents. I do not use Automated contract drafting tools as every organization requires Customisation and we do it without help of software. Legal research platforms like Manupatra and Casemine provide access to vast databases with powerful search, delivering relevant results swiftly. For IPR we are using Mikelegal, software is beneficial, allowing us to focus on strategic thinking. The new generation is very tech-savy and embracing these innovations is essential for staying competitive and delivering high-quality legal services. However, I strongly advise against total dependency on software. While technology offers incredible tools, it is our unique human qualities of critical thinking and imagination that truly drive innovation and effective problem-solving. These abilities should be nurtured and strengthened, not allowed to weaken or become extinct. Balancing the use of technology with our innate human insight ensures we leverage the best of both worlds, maintaining our creative and analytical edge in the legal field.
Can you outline your responsibilities in your current role? Given the demanding nature of your career, how do you manage to maintain a balance between your professional obligations and personal well-being?
In my capacity as the General Counsel (Vice-President) and Head of Legal at Crystal Crop Protection Ltd, I am entrusted with a broad spectrum of legal and strategic duties. My primary responsibilities include overseeing litigation, intellectual property rights (IPR), and contract management. Additionally, I am an integral part of the Deal Team. I manage litigation cases, represent the company in legal disputes, and safeguard the company’s interests in court. Ensuring regulatory adherence is crucial, so I ensure compliance with all pertinent laws and regulations, including those related to the CBI, PMLA, FEMA, and other regulatory bodies. I provide strategic legal counsel to the board and senior management on various business initiatives and transactions, and identifying potential legal risks and formulating strategies to mitigate them is a key part of my role.
In contract management, my team and I draft, scrutinize, and negotiate various agreements such as Contract Manufacturing Agreements, Principal to Principal Agreements, Loan-License Agreements, and Confidentiality Agreements. Most of the IPR matters, especially trademarks, are handled in-house. Additionally, I lead and mentor the legal team, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
Balancing a demanding career with personal well-being requires a strategic approach and effective time management. Earlier in my career, I used to seek validation from others, but now I focus on myself. If you are honest, you don’t need validation from others. In my organization, we believe in the FITECS values (Family, Integrity, Trust, Entrepreneurship, Customer-centricity, and Sustainability), and adopting these values in daily life helps achieve work-life balance.
Remember, we are all ‘musafirs’ (travelers) in this journey called life. Be a traveler, not a tourist; enjoy every moment of #thejourneyoflife. Prioritizing my personal well-being by setting boundaries and ensuring I have time for family and personal interests is essential for maintaining long-term productivity and job satisfaction.
What advice would you offer to young aspiring lawyers who are eager to excel in the field of law? What key qualities or practices should they focus on to build a successful career?
For young aspiring lawyers eager to excel in the field of law, all I can say is, work hard, do not procrastinate, try to learn new things, do not be afraid of life, what will happen tomorrow? Aim big, do bigger tasks, explore territories where you were never before. This is the best profession in the world, you are king here, explore your kingdom. For inhouse lawyers my advice is treat your job as if you are running your own company. Approach every task with dedication and responsibility. Face each challenge with the precision of a trial, avoiding procrastination and leaving your ego aside. Continuous learning is essential; stay updated with the latest legal developments through research tools, journals, and newspapers. Dedicate time outside office hours to study, attend webinars, and take online courses. Collaboration and networking are vital for success now a days.
One thing I strongly wish to communicate is that you decide early whether you wish to pursue an in-house role and as Practicing Lawyer? Because confusion will take you nowhere and you will suffer. Prioritize personal well-being by setting boundaries and ensuring time for family and interests. Surround yourself with friends who are more intelligent than you, more visionaries and having big dreams. Always Remember that you are an average of 5 persons around you. Lastly whatever you achieve in life remember that best is yet to come, “Abhi Udaan Baki hai”
Lastly, Commitment to continuous learning and professional development drives success in the legal field.
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