This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team
Can you share with us your journey from your college days at Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, to becoming a Senior Partner at Law Veritas North? What inspired you to do Law after completing your B.Com?
My journey from my college days at Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, to becoming a Senior Partner at Law Veritas : North has been one of continual growth, learning, and dedication. After completing my B.Com (Hons.), I was inspired to pursue law due to its inherent potential to impact society positively. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The true source of rights is duty. If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek.” I felt compelled to contribute to the legal framework of my country and serve justice.
As a senior partner, what leadership qualities do you believe are essential for guiding a successful legal team?
As a senior partner, I believe essential leadership qualities for guiding a successful legal team include integrity, clear communication, strategic thinking, empathy, and the ability to inspire and mentor others. To quote Abraham Lincoln, “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.” Effective leadership fosters collaboration, ensures coherence in strategy, and motivates team members to perform at their best.
From your perspective, how can the current generation of aspiring lawyers adapt to the evolving landscape of legal practice and carve out successful careers for themselves?
The current generation of aspiring lawyers can adapt to the evolving landscape of legal practice by embracing technology, honing their communication and interpersonal skills, staying updated on legal developments, and fostering a spirit of innovation and adaptability. The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experience. Practical experience and a willingness to learn from challenges are paramount in carving out successful careers in law.
With over 24 years of legal experience, what are some key lessons you’ve learned along the way that you would pass on to aspiring lawyers?
Over my 24 years of legal experience, I have learned several key lessons that I would impart to aspiring lawyers. Firstly, integrity and ethics should always guide your practice. Secondly, continuous learning and staying updated with legal developments are essential. Thirdly, effective communication and interpersonal skills are as crucial as legal expertise. Finally, perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges are indispensable qualities for success in the legal profession.
How do you balance the demands of litigation with providing strategic counsel to clients in property and revenue matters?
Balancing the demands of litigation with providing strategic counsel to clients in property and revenue matters requires meticulous planning, effective delegation, and clear communication. It’s about understanding the priorities of each case and allocating resources accordingly. To quote Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Diligent preparation and a strategic approach enable me to effectively manage both aspects of my practice.
Could you share with us one of the most challenging cases you’ve encountered in your career and walk us through how you navigated through it to achieve success for your client?
One of the most challenging cases I have encountered involved a complex property due diligence running in crores with multiple stakeholders and intricate legal issues. Navigating through it required a comprehensive understanding of property laws, strategic negotiation skills, and perseverance. Through meticulous research, strategic planning, and effective advocacy, we were able to secure a favourable opinion/outcome for our client, ensuring justice prevailed despite the complexities involved. However, due to a confidentiality clause I am unable to divulge further details.
Could you share a moment in your career where you had to adapt to a new dimension or understanding of the law, and how it impacted your approach to future cases?
In a pivotal moment in my career, I faced a property law case where traditional principles clashed with modern urban development dynamics. This compelled me to delve into nuanced aspects of property laws, zoning regulations, and authorities provisions. Adapting to this multifaceted dimension of property law not only refined my legal expertise but also emphasized the significance of balancing individual property rights with broader societal concerns. This experience profoundly influenced my approach to future property law cases, fostering a more nuanced and holistic perspective that integrates legal principles with social and economic realities.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the legal profession, and have you had any mentors who significantly influenced your career trajectory?
Mentorship plays a crucial role in the legal profession, providing guidance, support, and valuable insights to aspiring lawyers. I have been fortunate to have some mentors who significantly influenced my career trajectory by imparting wisdom, sharing experiences, and nurturing my professional growth. Mentorship fosters personal and professional development, shaping the future leaders of the legal profession.
Could you walk us through what a typical day looks like for you as a Senior Partner at Law Veritas North? How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks amidst your various responsibilities and commitments?
A typical day for me as a Senior Partner at Law Veritas : North involves a blend of client meetings, case reviews, strategic planning sessions, team management, and administrative tasks. Time management and prioritization are crucial, and I rely on effective delegation, leveraging technology for efficiency, and maintaining a structured schedule to balance my various responsibilities and commitments effectively.
How do you think the current generation of lawyers can leverage technology to enhance their legal practice?
Embracing legal technology is paramount in today’s legal landscape. Despite not being a technology expert myself, I recognize its pivotal role in enhancing legal practice. As per an anonymous quote, “Our achievements are the culmination of various influences and collaborations.” Similarly, integrating technology into legal practice enables lawyers to weave a more efficient and effective tapestry of legal services for clients. While I may not possess innate technological prowess, I acknowledge its importance and actively seek opportunities to leverage legal tech tools to streamline processes and deliver better outcomes for those I serve.
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