This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
With over 13 years of experience in the legal field, what initially motivated you to pursue law as a career? Was it a deliberate decision, or did it evolve over time?
Interestingly, my decision to pursue law wasn’t deliberate at all—it was a last-minute escape. A week before my engineering and medicine entrance exams, I realized neither path appealed to me. The thought of spending my life crunching formulas or dissecting cadavers didn’t exactly inspire joy. By chance, I spotted an ad for law entrance coaching and thought, “This seems like a good way out—let’s give it a shot.” I didn’t know if law was my calling but was sure engineering and medicine weren’t.
The first two years of law school felt like any other degree, but the third year, with its core law subjects, changed everything. It wasn’t an epiphany but a steady realization that I had found something I truly enjoyed. Thirteen years later, I genuinely still love being a lawyer. As a first-generation lawyer, the challenges have been daunting yet rewarding. What started as a spontaneous decision turned out to be the best choice of my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Having started your career at a law firm and then transitioning to working as a Counsel in the Chambers of a Senior Counsel, how have these distinct experiences influenced and shaped your legal journey today?
Starting my career at a law firm was an invaluable introduction to the legal world, exposing me to large disputes and seasoned practitioners. However, within a year, I realized my passion lay in counsel practice, driven by advocacy and the dynamic energy of the courtroom. Transitioning was challenging, but with my family’s unwavering support, I embraced the long-term growth this path promised.
The turning point was joining the chambers of Senior Counsel Mr. Rahul Narichania, where my journey truly began. His chambers were a crucible of discipline, hard work, and rigorous legal thinking. Sir created an environment where asking “why” was never off-limits, encouraging us to challenge assumptions and delve deeply into the essence of every principle grounding my practice in clarity and first principles. His words, “Make your point—it might be taken, it might not, but make it,” reinforced the value of contribution regardless of seniority and built my confidence.
In chambers, I learned to sift through complexities, focus on what truly mattered, and embrace the inherent uncertainty of counsel practice. Sir also encouraged me to chart my unique path however different it might to others with utmost courage and dignity, a lesson that has stayed with me. These foundational values have not only shaped my skills but also defined my identity as a lawyer. They have equipped me to navigate legal complexities, collaborate across jurisdictions, and build meaningful global relationships. For this- I remain deeply grateful.
You successfully defended a high value Special Court Suit concerning securities transactions before the Bombay High Court. What was the most critical legal challenge you faced in defending such a high value case, and how did you prepare for it?
Defending my client in this high-stakes case was a defining moment in my career, as it was my first final hearing brief as Lead Counsel at just 26 years old. The matter, an offshoot of the infamous Harshad Mehta scam, involved highly complex securities transactions, including Bankers’ Receipts (BRs) and Security General Ledger (SGL) entries, with claims exceeding hundreds of crores.
The case required me to master intricate financial instruments and alleged misappropriations within the securities market. Understanding these complexities was crucial to framing effective arguments. I immersed myself in the fundamentals of these instruments and their regulatory framework, breaking them down to articulate their nuances clearly in court. Hours of detailed study and conferences with my attorneys, who placed immense trust in my abilities, helped me build a comprehensive understanding and argue with confidence.
Arguing against seasoned senior advocates was both challenging and motivating. Their expertise pushed me to prepare meticulously, anticipate arguments, and analyse precedents thoroughly. By reconstructing the transaction timeline and exposing discrepancies in the plaintiff’s evidence, I successfully demonstrated that my client’s involvement was administrative and lacked fraudulent intent.
A loss would have been catastrophic for my client, both financially (as the plaintiff sought to hold him liable for over Rs. 100 crore) and reputationally. The high stakes demanded absolute precision. This case, although daunting, became my greatest teacher, deepening my understanding of commercial litigation and refining my advocacy skills. This experience holds a resonant place in my career, not only for the legal challenges it presented but also for the invaluable lessons it taught me about resilience, collaboration, and the transformative power of belief in oneself.
As a Solicitor qualified in England & Wales, how has this qualification enhanced your approach to handling cross-border work, particularly in international arbitration?
My qualification as a Solicitor in England & Wales has profoundly enhanced my approach to cross-border work, particularly in international arbitration. However, the foundation of this expertise lies in the rigorous legal education and practice I received in India. The Indian legal system, with its unique blend of statutory frameworks and common law principles, provided the analytical rigor and adaptability essential for addressing complex legal issues. This solid foundation was further refined through my Solicitor’s qualification.
The qualification exposed me to global legal standards, emphasizing precision, clarity, and commercial awareness. It deepened my understanding of common law principles, which are widely applied in international contexts, and equipped me to assess multi-jurisdictional risks effectively. As the legal system of England & Wales is a cornerstone of common law influencing global commercial systems, the insights gained were pivotal for navigating international legal principles, commercial practices, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Beyond technical expertise, the qualification broadened my cultural and professional perspectives. It enhanced my ability to work seamlessly with international teams, adapt to diverse legal frameworks, and meet the expectations of global clients. This experience fostered cultural sensitivity and strengthened my negotiation skills—critical when dealing with multinational stakeholders.
Having represented clients in international commercial arbitrations under ICC, SIAC, LCIA, and other major arbitration bodies, what are the major challenges you face and how do you mitigate these challenges?
Representing clients in international commercial arbitrations under institutions like ICC, SIAC, and LCIA requires a fundamentally different approach than domestic arbitration or commercial litigation. International arbitration emphasizes brevity and precision, (as I call it “appreciation for brevity”) with concise submissions and oral arguments tailored to tight timelines. Distilling complex issues into focused arguments is essential, demanding sharp analytical skills and the ability to present clear, persuasive cases.
Cross-border disputes add layers of complexity, involving diverse jurisdictions, conflicting legal systems, and varying arbitration practices. Substantive foreign laws often govern, requiring meticulous research and collaboration with local counsel, when necessary to ensure compliance and alignment with the tribunal’s expectations. Sensitivity to cultural differences in legal reasoning further underscores the need for adaptability and global awareness.
International arbitration operates within a dynamic framework shaped by treaties like the New York Convention, where enforcement strategies play a critical role. Pro-arbitration jurisdictions like Singapore provide robust support, while others with restrictive public policy interpretations demand tailored strategies. Effective arbitration agreements, neutral seats, and enforceable procedural rules are key to navigating these challenges. Emerging trends like ESG disputes, third-party funding, and rapid technological adoption continue to reshape the arbitration landscape. It is imperative to adapt swiftly by staying informed, embracing innovation, and continuously learning to navigate these evolving dynamics effectively.
What I particularly find challenging, yet invigorating, is the swift adaptability required in presenting cases. International arbitration demands a nuanced alignment with the substantive or governing legal frameworks of a particular jurisdiction and procedural rules of each institution. I ensure that my approach is tailored to meet the specific demands of the arbitration at hand, aligning with its unique requirements while consciously avoiding the mixing of practices from domestic arbitration or commercial litigation. The two disciplines differ significantly in their approach, and maintaining clarity in practice is critical to delivering effective outcomes.
Your experience spans drafting and negotiating key corporate documentation, such as M&A, joint venture, and licensing agreements. How do you ensure these agreements effectively manage risks and comply with both domestic and international legal frameworks?
Although I began my career as a disputes lawyer, I also transitioned into transactional work after recognizing that many disputes stemmed from gaps or ambiguities in documentation. Disputes background has been invaluable, giving me a unique perspective on drafting and enabling me to identify potential areas of conflict and mitigate risks effectively through precise and strategic provisions.
Drafting and negotiating corporate agreements demands a structured approach to manage risks and ensure compliance with both domestic and international legal frameworks. I begin with thorough due diligence, gaining a deep understanding of the transaction’s structure, regulatory environment, and jurisdictional specifics. For cross-border transactions, I analyse foreign investment regulations, tax implications, and competition law requirements within my professional boundaries. Collaborating with local experts in the relevant jurisdiction ensures compliance with foreign legal frameworks, while my research on treaties and international agreements bridges knowledge gaps.
Precise drafting is central to risk management. I focus on clear definitions of roles, responsibilities, and obligations, and ensure robust indemnity, warranty, and liability clauses. Compliance with domestic laws such as the Companies Act, FEMA, and competition laws is integrated seamlessly with advice from foreign counsel for jurisdiction-specific issues. For cross-border agreements, I emphasize tailored dispute resolution mechanisms, often incorporating arbitration clauses under institutions like ICC or SIAC with neutral seats to ensure enforceability.
Aligning agreements with the parties’ commercial goals is a priority. Active engagement with stakeholders ensures that contractual terms reflect their objectives accurately. My knowledge of English law, given its global relevance, has been instrumental in navigating cross-border transactions and collaborating effectively with international teams, always supported by local expertise for jurisdictional precision.
Balancing a thriving legal career with personal commitments can be tough. How do you manage to navigate both your professional responsibilities and personal life?
Balancing a legal career with personal life? It’s a bit like juggling flaming torches—demanding, precarious, and occasionally singeing. Over time, I’ve realized it’s not about achieving perfect balance but savouring small, meaningful moments amidst the chaos. It takes flexibility, planning, and a sense of humour that outruns even your tightest deadline. For me, balance is about finding joy in both work and life, whether it’s uncovering the perfect case law or unwinding with a good book and jazz.
The key is giving 100% to whatever you’re doing—work or personal. This clarity didn’t come easily, and I’ve stumbled plenty along the way. I am still “work in progress” when it comes to this. Planning helps, but the unpredictable nature of law demands constant reprioritization. Some weeks, work dominates, while other weeks, I consciously slow down to recharge. I’ve come to embrace this rhythm and focus on what truly matters in the moment.
Another important lesson is to separate professional pressures from personal life. The disputes or transactions we handle aren’t personal battles, and understanding this fosters a healthier relationship with the profession. Drawing boundaries has helped me maintain perspective and protect personal relationships from work stress.
Above all, prioritizing health has been a hard-earned lesson. It’s a non-negotiable investment in sustained performance and clarity. Law is a marathon, not a sprint—though it often feels like a 100-meter dash with flaming hoops on heels. The late nights and challenges are part of the journey, but so is the unparalleled satisfaction of seeing hard work pay off.
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to follow your path and build a successful career in commercial litigation and international and domestic arbitration?
The best advice I can offer young professionals aspiring to succeed in commercial litigation and international arbitration is to be clear about what you want—and equally, what you don’t want. Your journey will be unique, and that’s perfectly fine. Confidence is key—build it daily. It’s not just a professional asset but a life skill that grows with every challenge you overcome.
In commercial litigation, focus on mastering procedural laws and core areas like contracts and corporate disputes—they form the backbone of your practice. Start with domestic arbitration to develop a strong foundation in procedural nuances, drafting, and hearings before transitioning to international arbitration. Avoid jumping into international arbitrations directly; instead, strengthen your foundation through the rigors of commercial litigation and domestic arbitration. When you transition towards international arbitration deepen your understanding of cross-border principles to effectively navigate global challenges.
Finally, cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. Being a lawyer is demanding, so maintain resilience with grace and have dignified patience —it will take you far. Stay true to your goals, trust your instincts, and prioritize integrity, quality of work, and continuous growth. Law is as much about relationships as it is about rules. Nurture meaningful connections, embrace opportunities, and keep evolving and learning. Show up every day, even in moments of self-doubt, work hard, and bring along those who supported you on your journey- they deserve a share in your success.
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