This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team
Can you walk us through your journey into the field of law? What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and could you share some insights into your college experience and how it shaped your professional path?
Since my 8th standard I always wanted to be a Lawyer. My father is in the uniform job, hence serving the nation and the community in the best possible way runs in my upbringing and in my blood. I am an Alumni of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Law college no doubt is the first step into our legal journey and it is not a common Graduation that we pursue, it is a professional degree hence the approach should also be professional. I was fortunate enough to get the best faculty in the city and that too through my 5 year programme. Till date my professors are torch bearers in the legal field as well.
As someone who has pursued diverse disciplines in law, what sparked your interest in becoming a mediator and arbitrator alongside your practice as an attorney?
ADR I would say is not the Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism, rather is the Appropriate Dispute Resolution Mechanism System. Serving my clients with their legal battles for years and seeing them suffer emotionally, financially, physically sometimes (irrespective of the outcomes or reliefs they get from the Courts), ADR is the swiftest way to resolve disputes. Cases that take decades in courts can be resolved in a few months through Mediation or Arbitration. Being a Mediator or an Arbitrator satisfies not only the pocket but the soul as well! (On a lighter note!)
You’ve delved into various areas of law, from matrimonial disputes to trademark matters. Is there a specific field that you find most fulfilling, and if so, why?
I feel a perfect lawyer is the one who is a Master of all the fields. He should be able to serve his client with all principles intact. I find Matters pertaining to women to be most fulfilling. Since then, the legislative has made several laws purely for the protection of women. Hence, striking the balance of their rights and duties towards their families and spouses etc. and proceeding with them in the right direction is really challenging and fulfilling at times.
As a former prosecutor and now an advocate, what advice would you give to aspiring legal professionals who aim to make a positive impact in society?
One who knows the law well knows how to use it to suit his client. Sometimes it may go against the lawyer’s ethics. In such circumstances one must listen to their heart and proceed. As a young prosecutor, there were many challenges before me, such as dealing with the police machinery etc, but when you know the law and your cases well, no one can mess it up against you. One should always keep the head and the heart in Sync-mode and you become an asset to the society.
With your expertise in alternative dispute resolution, what role do you see technology playing in shaping the future of legal proceedings?
With the coming up of the Online Dispute Resolution ( ODR-ADR) mechanisms, disputes can be resolved at any place and at any time. AI apps like Peacegate etc. help in resolving disputes in a smarter way and the disposal rate is absolute. Post COVID technology has served several purposes, even hearings are being done virtually which saves a lot of time and money.
As someone who has judged various moot court competitions, what qualities do you look for in aspiring lawyers and mediators?
One must be sound in various fields of law and must be willing to serve the society. Sitting across the table with an open head and heart and helping the parties to navigate the disputes to resolutions is the only skill a Mediator should ace!
Outside of your legal career, what are some of your favorite hobbies or activities that help you unwind and recharge? How do you find balance between your professional and personal interests?
Being a mom of two young daughters is my hobby! And beyond that I love to meditate. This helps me rejuvenate energies and help me find balance in life. I love to travel, I have travelled to several countries, different cultures, and people attract me a lot. It helps me recharge and find a purpose in life.
Reflecting on your educational journey, how pivotal were your internships in shaping your understanding of the legal profession? Could you share a particularly impactful experience from your time as an intern? Also how important is internship in shaping anyone’s career path?
Internships are indeed an integral part of the legal curriculum. It is through these internships that I could locate my interest in the legal field. The best of my internships was in my second year, where I worked with the Delhi Legal Service Authority at the Tihar Jail. I got the opportunity to
interact with the inmates and help them with their cases. This helped me to dream about becoming a Prosecutor and represent the State.
Balancing multiple roles as a legal practitioner, mediator, arbitrator, and trademark attorney must require excellent time management skills. Could you share some strategies or routines you employ to effectively manage your time and responsibilities?
It is indeed difficult and you get exhausted at the end of the day but effective time management is the key and above that a team of equally efficient and trained lawyers to work beside you is an asset. I am fortunate enough to have such people associated with me and hence working alongside becomes easier. Also fixing days for specific forums or courts can prove to be helpful too.
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