This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team
You’ve had an extensive career spanning over 13 years in law. What initially drew you to this profession, and how has your journey been so far?
Law was not my first choice, I always dreamt to become a doctor. But there was no way I could have made it to a medical college, as I was not good in maths and science. 20 years back professions like law, engineering, and medicine were highly respected and prestigious, the level of respect they receive can fluctuate for a variety of reasons. So, I decided to pursue law to serve the community. Just as doctors work to heal and improve the health of individuals, lawyers work to uphold justice, protect rights, and ensure fairness within the legal system.
What inspired you to specialize in divorce law, service matters, civil, and criminal law?
At my law school I intended to become a corporate lawyer or work for corporates during my internships I discovered a passion for litigation.
As a junior I worked in the chamber of prominent lawyers such as Advocate Neelima Tripathi( now senior advocate) , Advocate Gurang Kanth( now Justice Guarang Kanth), Advocate Suparna Srivastava wherein each day was a learning experience, with victories and setbacks alike serving as fuel for my determination to continuously improve.
Working in the chamber of my seniors I wealth of knowledge in field of civil law and property law which enabled me to lay a strong foundation in the civil law and property law.
Why I became a family lawyer?
This is a question I, admittedly never actually asked myself before, that is until in 2015 when I started considering for opting an additional specialization. I sat down and actually asked myself … well , why did you want to become a family lawyer in the first place?
The answer I discovered was quite simple?
I am an empathic person, who likes to help people, I love to listen to people’s problems and help guide them through sometimes the most difficult time in their lives. When you’re going through a divorce, there’s a lot on the line. From your finances to your home and even the time that you spend with your children, it will all be a part of your pending divorce. Being a good Family Lawyer is to be understanding and empathetic, without becoming emotionally involved in your client’s life.
Family Law is a difficult area of law, it is emotional for clients as they are often at their most vulnerable, people are frustrated with delays and costs (both of which are increasing each year), and no-one ever really wins. But at the end of the day, I would say in nearly every case I have advised or acted for someone I can look back and say I helped that person (even if it was only in a small way) and that is what matters to me and what makes it all worth it.
You’ve been practicing independently for quite some time now. What motivated you to establish your own firm, RAY & ASSOCIATES?
Establishing my own firm, RAY & ASSOCIATES, was a decision driven by a combination of ambition, capability, and a desire for autonomy. After gaining valuable experience practicing independently, I felt compelled to create a platform where I could orchestrate operations according to my vision and values. The motivation stemmed from a deep-seated belief in my abilities and the conviction that I could lead a team to success. Founding my own firm allowed me to cultivate an environment where I and my associates could work collaboratively, pooling our strengths and expertise to achieve common goals. Moreover, the opportunity to work on my own terms, setting the pace and direction of our endeavour’s, was immensely empowering. By establishing RAY & ASSOCIATES, I aimed to create not just a business, but a supportive and inspiring workplace where every team member feels valued and motivated to excel. This journey has been fueled by a relentless determination to innovate, grow, and make a meaningful impact in the legal landscape, driving us forward with passion and purpose.
We understand that you specialize in matrimonial disputes among other legal areas. Can you share some insights or experience from one of your cases where the lady paid alimony to her husband? How do you approach such cases, and what factors might lead to such outcomes in matrimonial disputes?
There have been a plethora of memorable cases mostly in the field of family law but a exceptional case I handled was where a wife paid a certain amount to husband to get divorce. Certainly, in matrimonial disputes, the payment of amount by the wife to her husband is relatively uncommon but not unheard of.
I recollect that the client X ( Name not disclosed for privacy) entered by office and presented the brief. He said Mam I am a victim of false cases . I want compensation and alimony. I laughed on him and remarked “ You have gone crazy and this has never happened to my knowledge . My client was adamant and persistence to seek alimony from his wife.
Family law is patience and perseverance. This client of mine cooperated in all legal proceedings and mediation. The man was ready to face the trial without fearing for consequences.
In today’s time, there are increasing reports of men being victims of false allegations in matrimonial cases. What advice or insights would you offer to individuals who find themselves in such challenging situations and may not know how to navigate the legal complexities effectively?
Navigating false allegations in matrimonial cases can be an incredibly daunting and emotionally draining experience for anyone, regardless of gender. For individuals facing such challenging situations, it’s essential to approach the matter with composure and strategic thinking.
Firstly, seek legal counsel from a qualified and experienced lawyer specializing in family law. They can provide invaluable guidance and support, helping you understand your rights, obligations, and legal options.
If a wife files a false case, then the few advise which I can provide.
Stay Truthful and Transparent: Being honest and transparent with your lawyer is crucial. Provide them with all relevant information and facts pertaining to the case to enable them to represent you effectively.
Consider Mediation or Settlement: In some cases, opting for mediation or settlement negotiations can be a viable option to resolve the dispute amicably and avoid prolonged legal battles. However, this should be done under the guidance of your lawyer and with careful consideration of your best interests.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about your legal rights and obligations. Ask questions and seek clarification from your lawyer whenever necessary to ensure that you fully understand the legal proceedings and implications of various decisions.
Maintain Support Networks: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who can provide emotional support during this challenging time. Seeking counseling or therapy can also be beneficial in coping with the stress and anxiety associated with false allegations.
Trust the Legal System: Have faith in the legal system and trust that truth and justice will prevail. While the process may be daunting, having a skilled legal advocate by your side can significantly increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your case.
By following these advice and insights and working closely with a knowledgeable lawyer, individuals facing false allegations in matrimonial cases can effectively navigate the legal complexities and protect their rights and interests.
Documenting any evidence that disproves the allegations or supports your case is crucial. This could include text messages, emails, witness statements, or any other relevant documentation. Additionally, maintain open communication with your attorney and follow their advice diligently throughout the legal process. It’s also important to prioritize self-care and seek emotional support from trusted friends, family members, or counselling professionals to help cope with the stress and uncertainty of the situation. Remember, false allegations can be disproven with patience, perseverance, and the right legal representation.
Looking back at your journey from law school to becoming a partner at VantaLegal, what are some pivotal lessons you’ve learned along the way that you would like to share with our readers aspiring to make their mark in the legal field?
In reflecting on my trajectory from law school to achieving the status of partner at VantaLegal, I have garnered pivotal insights that I deem invaluable for aspiring legal practitioners seeking to carve their niche in the legal realm. Through this journey, I have underscored the paramount importance of perpetual learning, which serves as a linchpin for professional advancement in the dynamic legal milieu. Specializing in a distinct area of legal expertise has proven to be transformative, allowing me to distinguish myself and furnish exceptional value to our esteemed clientele at VantaLegal. Cultivating robust professional relationships has been foundational to my career trajectory, enabling me to unlock new vistas of opportunity and glean insights from peers and mentors. Upholding an unwavering work ethic and demonstrating perseverance are cardinal virtues in the legal profession, qualities that have been pivotal to my ascension to partnership within VantaLegal. Finally, I accentuate the indispensable nature of ethical standards in the legal domain, advocating for the steadfast adherence to integrity, honesty, and ethical precepts as non-negotiable tenets that engender trust and credibility with clients and peers alike. In culmination, I proffer guidance for aspiring legal professionals to embrace continuous learning, cultivate specialized expertise, prioritize relationship-building, uphold a strong work ethic and perseverance, and maintain unwavering ethical standards, as a blueprint for success and impactful contributions within the legal arena.
Throughout your career, you’ve handled cases independently and provided legal consultancy services. Can you share a memorable case that taught you something profound about the legal profession or human nature?
Every case provides a unique opportunity for learning and growth, both professionally and personally in family law. I recollect a case which is quite dear to my heart which was child custody. Cases involving child custody can be emotionally challenging, especially when there is acrimony between the parties involved.
The parties had acrimonious relationship, due to dispute between parents affected child custody arrangement. The father was unable to meet the child for 2 years which had emotional and psychological consequences on both father and the child involved. In this case, the court’s decision to grant the father custody during the summer vacation demonstrates the court’s recognition of the importance of the father-son relationship and the need to ensure the child’s access to both parents. This decision not only provided the father with the opportunity to spend quality time with his son but also helped to restore and strengthen their bond after a prolonged period of separation.
This order enabled me to realize that moments like these, where the legal system can facilitate positive outcomes for families, that highlight the significance of the work done in family law courts.
Especially in child custody it is imperative to provide a forum for resolving disputes and making decisions in the best interests of children, being the officer of courts, we lawyer play a crucial role in promoting the well-being and stability of families.
Amidst the demands of a thriving legal career, how do you unwind and recharge? Could you share some of your favourite ways to relax and rejuvenate outside of the courtroom?
Balancing the demands of a busy legal career is crucial, and finding time to unwind and recharge is essential for maintaining productivity and well-being. Outside of the courtroom, I prioritize activities that promote relaxation and mental rejuvenation. Spending quality time with my pets, family and friends are incredibly rejuvenating. I practice mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, helps me to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I believe that fostering a sense of humanity and camaraderie within our profession is essential for long-term success and fulfilment.
Collaboration seems to be a key aspect of your work, whether it’s negotiating agreements or providing legal support. How do you cultivate effective collaborations with clients and colleagues?
In my legal practice, fostering effective collaboration is fundamental, whether engaging in negotiations or providing legal support. This entails a comprehensive approach grounded in clear communication, cooperation, and trust. I prioritize transparent communication channels, ensuring clients and colleagues are consistently updated and engaged, fostering a sense of accountability and mutual understanding. Additionally, I actively listen to and empathize with stakeholders’ perspectives, tailoring legal strategies to align with their goals. Collaboration is further enhanced through teamwork and cooperation, leveraging diverse expertise to achieve shared objectives efficiently. Moreover, I uphold principles of professionalism and integrity, cultivating an environment of trust where all parties feel empowered to collaborate openly and confidently. By adhering to these principles, I facilitate robust collaborations that drive successful outcomes in legal matters.
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