This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
You have extensive experience in handling multiple legal sectors including insurance, electricity distribution, healthcare, financial services, and corporate law. How would you describe your professional journey until now?
My professional journey has been exhilarating! I’ve been fortunate to explore the legal intricacies of diverse sectors like insurance, electricity distribution, healthcare, financial services, and corporate law, each with its unique challenges and legal complexities. Embracing change whenever new opportunities arose has been the key to my growth and success. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of my parents, who gave me the courage to move forward and face each challenge head-on.
To start at the beginning, was studying law a pre-decided career path for you? What was your motivation behind growing within the legal field?
Studying law was never a pre-decided career path for me. I initially aspired to become a veterinary doctor but was destined to become a lawyer. Once I began my legal journey, I realized that law is like a vast ocean—how much you explore depends on your commitment to integrity and hard work.
My journey from Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, to becoming a Senior Partner at Law Veritas: North has been one of constant growth and learning. After completing my studies, I was drawn to law for its potential to positively impact society, inspiring me to contribute to the legal framework and serve justice.
You have headed various legal departments of different companies and managed legal and compliance matters and now are the Senior Associate Partner and the Head of Corporate Legal & Litigation at Law Veritas North where being client centric is one of the fundamental values. How do you ensure a smooth workflow and a collaborative and supportive environment within your team?
Ensuring a smooth workflow and fostering a collaborative environment begins with empathy. Being empathetic costs nothing, yet it builds trust and mutual respect within the team, which is essential for a cohesive work culture. I believe in empowering my team rather than micromanaging. Tasks are delegated equitably, with clear deadlines and responsibilities, allowing each member to take ownership of their work.
I also implement work rotation to keep things dynamic and encourage skill development. Additionally, we hold fortnightly knowledge-sharing sessions, where team members present case studies, fostering an environment of continuous learning and collaboration. This not only sharpens our collective expertise but also reinforces a supportive and client-centric approach, aligning with our core values at Law Veritas North.
With 25 years of comprehensive legal expertise across various sectors of law. What is your work day like and how do you balance your personal commitments with a demanding career?
With 25 years of comprehensive legal experience across various sectors, my workdays are typically fast paced and demanding. When I’m in the office, time flies as I manage complex legal matters, client consultations, and team collaborations. However, balancing personal commitments with a demanding career is essential for me. Once I’m home, the digital ecosystem plays a significant role in maintaining this balance. With most tasks accessible via smartphone, I can manage urgent work issues efficiently while still making time for my family. This flexibility allows me to stay connected professionally without compromising on quality time with the loved ones.
Your expertise in structuring legal frameworks that align with business goals of your clients is commendable. What are the key instances in your professional career that you’d credit to have shaped your career?
Key factors that have shaped my career are integrity, hard work, and adhering to promised timelines. Maintaining integrity has helped me build long-lasting relationships with the clients, while hard work has been the foundation of every success I’ve achieved. Sticking to deadlines, no matter how challenging, has allowed me to gain trust and credibility with both clients and colleagues. Over the years, I’ve also had the opportunity to work on complex legal frameworks that align with clients’ business goals, and these experiences have not only sharpened my skills but also strengthened my commitment to delivering best results.
In your experience negotiating complex contracts and handling high-stakes litigation for insurance and financial institutions, what has been one of the most challenging experiences for you that you’d like to share with us?
One of the most challenging experiences I’ve faced in negotiating complex contracts and handling high-stakes litigation is aligning all stakeholders. It can be incredibly time-consuming and mentally draining to ensure everyone is on the same page, but it’s crucial for achieving a successful outcome and maintaining strong professional relationships throughout the process.
Your contributions to the legal field have been widely recognized and you have received several prestigious awards and accolades. How do these recognitions motivate you in your career?
While I appreciate the recognition and awards, I’ve received, they don’t significantly motivate me. My true drive comes from the work itself, the challenges I face, and the positive impact I can make in my clients’ lives. Focusing on results and client satisfaction is what truly inspires me.
What advice would you give to the younger generation, especially women lawyers who aspire to excel in the field of law?
Stay focused in all your endeavours and distance yourself from people and environments that don’t respect you. Never compromise your integrity. The legal field is vast and ever-changing, so it’s essential to keep up with the legal developments. Manage your finances wisely and invest early. Finally, maintain a strong support system at home and delegate time-consuming tasks to ensure a balanced and productive life.
You are also involved in various CSR activities, including cancer awareness camps and vaccination drives for children in rural areas which reflects your commitment to social responsibility. What drives you to be involved in such activities and are there more such activities that you’re involved in?
As citizens, we have a moral obligation to give back to society in any way we can. Participating in CSR activities, such as cancer awareness camps and vaccination drives, not only supports those in need but also enhances our sense of purpose and fulfilment. This commitment to social responsibility inspires us to strive for greater positive impact in our communities.
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