This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team
We’re delighted to have you here. Could you walk us through your journey from your college days at the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, to where you are today as a respected founder partner at Acumen Juris?
I’ve always been a regular student, not particularly the outstanding, studious type one might expect. Unlike those who decide early on what they wish to pursue, I hadn’t planned that far ahead. However, I found myself fascinated by the profession of law.
During my college days, I stayed connected with people and even contested in college elections, which helped me build valuable relationships and skills. The path wasn’t always clear, but I realised my passion for taking on new challenges while working in the industry. This realisation led me to establish my independent practice and eventually run a full-service law firm. Embracing challenges with a positive attitude has been key to my journey.
Starting a legal practice and establishing oneself in the industry requires determination and perseverance. Can you share some challenges you faced during the initial stages of founding Acumen Juris, and how you overcame them to build a successful law office?
Indeed, establishing oneself in the legal industry requires immense determination and perseverance. With years of experience, these qualities became ingrained in me.
When I decided to start Acumen Juris, I envisioned creating something different. After years of working long hours six days a week, I sought a balanced life that included time for family and adventure. With this in mind, my partners and I founded the firm with a simple strategy: to operate as a firm from the outset, rather than as individual practitioners, to gain recognition and trust from corporate clients. Our extensive experience and commitment to delivering high-quality, timely services have been key to our success.
I worked across multiple time zones, advising clients globally, supporting their business setups in various jurisdictions, and handling complex transactions.
Your expertise extends beyond M&A to areas like commercial contract, drafting, venture capital funding, and legal due diligence. What inspired you to venture into these diverse areas, and how do they complement your overall legal practice?
My expertise extends beyond M&A to encompass critical areas such as commercial contract drafting, venture capital funding, and legal due diligence. These skills were cultivated during my tenure at a mid-size firm, where I approached challenges with a proactive mindset and a commitment to achieving excellent client outcomes.
In addition to traditional legal responsibilities, I have successfully undertaken corporate valuations required under FEMA 1999 for major corporations. This involved dedicated efforts, often beyond regular work hours, supported by a collaborative and supportive, firm environment.
My deep knowledge of FEMA laws, a focus since the start of my career, enhances my capacity to provide strategic guidance in transaction advisory, resolving complex structures and related legal matters.
These varied experiences have significantly enriched my legal practice, enabling me to offer comprehensive solutions and strategic insights that effectively address the diverse needs of my clients.
You’ve recently handled a notable transaction that garnered attention within the legal community. Could you share some highlights or key takeaways from this case, and how it showcased your expertise in navigating complex legal issues to achieve a favorable outcome for your client?
One recent standout in my career was overseeing a significant 900 crore share swap transaction where we represented the seller side. This transaction was particularly challenging because of its complexity, involving multiple intricate legal components and several limitations. I played a pivotal role within the core team, contributing to discussions, providing strategic advice, finalizing agreements, and devising efficient tax structures across sell-side entities.
Throughout the transaction, our approach began with a thorough legal assessment to gauge feasibility, followed by comprehensive risk assessments, and tax planning to design efficient structures.
Success in such endeavors hinges on years of experience navigating diverse transactions, a robust knowledge base, adept interpretation skills, a proactive attitude, and, crucially, a skilled and cohesive team. I am privileged to work alongside a talented and efficient team that played a pivotal role in achieving a favorable outcome.
This experience underscores my capability to manage complex legal challenges and deliver results that meet the strategic objectives of our clients.
You’ve co-authored multiple editions of a bestselling book on the Companies Act, 2013. Can you tell us about the journey of writing and updating this book, and how it has contributed to your understanding of corporate law?
Contributing to a bestselling book on the Companies Act 2013 has been a pivotal milestone in my career, marking a journey of personal and professional growth. The experience of co-authoring and witnessing its success has been immensely gratifying.
Throughout the process of writing and updating the book, I drew extensively from my practical experience advising clients on corporate law matters. This real-world application provided invaluable insights into the statutory provisions, case law developments, and practical implications of the Companies Act 2013.
Overall, this experience has deepened my understanding of corporate law and strengthened my ability to provide informed counsel to clients. It underscores the importance of continuous learning and practical application in evolving legal landscapes.
In addition, key person in developing the only website for FEMA Laws while working in the previous firm.
With your extensive experience in providing transaction advisory services, what do you consider as the most critical factors for ensuring mutually beneficial terms in agreements related to funding processes or joint ventures?
In the realm of transaction advisory services, securing mutually beneficial terms in agreements related to funding processes or joint ventures requires a multifaceted approach. This approach involves conducting thorough assessments of all parties involved, encompassing their financial health, market positions, potential synergies, and strategic intents.
It’s crucial to establish clear and precise objectives upfront to ensure alignment of expectations and goals among stakeholders. Addressing potential obstacles with innovative solutions and structuring agreements that mitigate risks while maximizing benefits are paramount factors. Moreover, building trust and fostering transparency among stakeholders throughout the negotiation process is essential for cultivating a collaborative and mutually advantageous partnership.
Navigating negotiations with skilful diplomacy, knowing when to concede and when to stand firm, while maintaining open and constructive communication, ensures that agreements are not only favourable, but also set a solid foundation for long-term success and value creation for all parties involved.
You’ve been actively involved in speaking at various forums and contributing articles on corporate laws. How do you balance your commitment to legal practice with these extracurricular activities, and what motivates you to share your knowledge with others in the legal community?
Balancing my commitment to legal practice with speaking at forums and contributing articles on corporate laws can be challenging, as it often requires allocating time from either my personal or professional life. However, these activities are integral to establishing and expanding the presence in the legal industry.
The primary motivation behind engaging in these extracurricular activities is twofold. Firstly, they serve as crucial avenues for showcasing and publicizing my knowledge within the legal community, thereby enhancing my professional reputation and attracting potential clients. Secondly, participating in speaking engagements and writing articles allows me to stay updated on evolving legal developments, enriching my expertise and broadening my perspective.
While there may not always be a perfect balance, I find immense value in contributing to the legal discourse through these platforms, both for personal growth and for the benefit of my legal practice.
You’ve provided legal services across a wide range of sectors, including retail, logistics, hospitality, and more. Is there a particular sector or type of client that you find most rewarding to work with, and if so, what makes it stand out for you?
Having served diverse sectors, including retail, logistics, hospitality, and others, each offers distinct challenges and rewards, making it difficult to single out one as the most fulfilling. However, if I were to identify a particularly rewarding sector based on personal interest and professional satisfaction, it would be the technology industry.
Technology is integral to operations across various sectors, from hospitality to healthcare and education. Working with clients focusing on technology is particularly gratifying due to the sector’s rapid pace of innovation and the continuous evolution of associated legal frameworks. Staying abreast of emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, and industry trends keeps me intellectually engaged and drives ongoing professional growth.
Furthermore, technology firms often operate on a global scale, facilitating complex cross-border transactions and international collaborations. This global dimension adds depth to legal engagements, involving interaction with diverse cultures, legal systems, and business practices.
In my practice, I have had the privilege of supporting technology-driven enterprises across more than 25 jurisdictions, assisting with business structuring, ensuring regulatory compliance, and navigating intricate cross-border transactions through our extensive global network of associates.
Working with technology clients not only challenges me to deliver strategic legal solutions but also broadens my perspective as a legal professional, reinforcing my commitment to excellence and innovation in every client engagement.
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal interests is crucial for overall well-being. What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of the legal realm, and how do you find time to pursue them amidst a demanding legal career?
Maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal interests is crucial for overall well-being, albeit challenging in the demanding legal profession. Outside of my legal work, I have a keen interest in leisure travel, immersing myself in diverse cultures around the world, engaging in adventure sports, hiking, swimming, golf and indulging in cricket—a passion shared by many in India.
I make it a priority to play cricket every weekend and ensure I travel at least twice a year, either with my family or solo. One memorable experience was a biking expedition from Delhi to the highest motorable road in Ladakh and back, where I joined a group of strangers connected through mutual acquaintances—a journey that enriched my perspective on camaraderie and adventure.
Achieving this balance is only possible with the support of a dedicated and responsible team. Their commitment allows me the flexibility to pursue my interests while maintaining the high standards required in our legal practice.
In your experience, what are some emerging trends or challenges in corporate law that you believe young lawyers should be prepared for as they enter the legal profession today?
In today’s legal landscape, young lawyers face a dynamic environment characterized by evolving trends and challenges in corporate law. Initially, they must master the art of understanding and interpreting the law, which forms the foundation of their practice. Law is inherently practical and continuously evolves to meet industry demands, interpreting a crucial skill.
Emerging trends that young lawyers should prepare for include the increasingly complex global legal frameworks due to globalization. Understanding the differences across jurisdictions and navigating international transactions are essential skills. Moreover, the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics is transforming corporate practices. Young lawyers must grasp these technologies’ implications for legal strategy and compliance.
Another significant trend is the growing emphasis on sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) laws globally. Companies are facing greater scrutiny and regulation regarding their environmental and social impacts, requiring legal advisors to integrate these considerations into corporate strategies.
In summary, young lawyers entering the legal profession today must be ready to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. They should embrace continuous learning, adaptability, and a proactive approach to stay ahead in corporate law.
Internships play a crucial role in shaping the careers of aspiring lawyers. What advice would you give to current law students seeking internships to ensure they make the most out of these opportunities and build themselves into proficient legal professionals?
Internships are essential milestones for aspiring lawyers, offering critical opportunities to gain practical experience, hone essential skills, and establish professional networks early in their careers. Based on my experience and insights, I advise current law students seeking internships to maximize their impact and readiness for a corporate legal career:
- Actively pursue internships with law firms and corporate legal departments aligned with your career aspirations and areas of interest within corporate law.
- Approach your internship with a proactive mindset to absorb knowledge and insights from experienced corporate lawyers. Take the initiative to understand corporate transactions, regulatory compliance, and strategic legal advice.
- Cultivate meaningful relationships with mentors, senior lawyers, and peers during your internship. Networking within the corporate legal environment can provide valuable guidance and potential career opportunities.
- Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality in all interactions and assignments. Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic to earn trust and respect within the organization.
- Strive for excellence in every task assigned. Deliver accurate, thorough work products and demonstrate your capability to handle corporate legal matters with attention to detail and precision.
- Regularly assess your performance, seek constructive feedback from supervisors, and proactively incorporate learnings to enhance your skills and knowledge base.
Internships serve as pivotal experiences for aspiring corporate lawyers to develop foundational skills, gain practical exposure to corporate legal practice, and pave the way for a successful career in corporate law.
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