This Interview has been published by Pragya Chandni and The SuperLawyer Team
Can you tell us what inspired you to pursue a career in law and how your educational background in commerce influenced your legal career?
My inspiration and interest in pursuing a career in law came from my elder sister, who is also a lawyer and works with a reputed MNC as Head of Legal. During my SY B.COM summer holidays, I had the opportunity to read a few of her books, and I found them incredibly interesting. The subjects were practical in nature, and the knowledge could be implemented in day-to-day life.
Having a commerce background gives an edge in understanding the commercial transactions of the company and to dissect financial statements which has proved to be beneficial in cases involving corporate litigations, mergers and acquisitions, etc.
How did your initial experiences as an intern at Idnani & Idnani Advocates shape your understanding of the legal field?
My initial experiences as an intern at Idnani & Idnani Advocates played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of the legal field. I started my internship at this esteemed law firm right from the day I enrolled for my LL.B. program and worked there for 18 months. This early exposure was invaluable, as it allowed me to witness firsthand how the theoretical provisions we study in books are implemented in the real world.
Working at Idnani & Idnani Advocates provided me with hands-on experience in various legal tasks, such as drafting documents, conducting research, and observing court proceedings. This practical experience was invaluable in bridging the gap between academic studies and real-world application.
Overall, my internship helped me understand the practical aspects of law, enhanced my legal knowledge, and confirmed my passion for pursuing a career in this field.
You have worked extensively in both litigation and non-litigation areas. How did your role at Auroma Law help you develop a diverse skill set?
A major part of my litigation experience is derived from my tenure at Auroma Law. As an intern, I was initially responsible for filing matters, issuing summons and warrants from the department, appearing before the Prothonotary and Associates of the High Court, and preparing the first drafts of complaints, petitions, notices, and replies.
I completed my law graduation while working at Auroma Law and was then absorbed into the firm as an Associate. They handled a large volume of criminal cases, and during my tenure, I independently appeared before all the magistrate courts within the Mumbai District. This provided me with quality exposure to criminal matters and helped me immensely to understand the entire procedure of criminal trials, from filing to final order.
The experience at Auroma Law helped me develop into an in-house counsel who can manage and mitigate legal risks, strategize litigations and disputes, and protect the interests of the companies I work for.
At Sharekhan Ltd, you handled a variety of legal matters. Can you share a significant case or project from this time and its impact on your career?
During my tenure at Sharekhan Ltd, I transitioned my law career from practice to in-house corporate counsel in 2014.
I vividly recall a high-stakes matter where a customer obtained a favorable order against the company in arbitration, directing us to make a substantial payment. The management urgently instructed us to obtain a stay order on the arbitrator’s decision due to its potential significant impact on the company’s balance sheet. We quickly briefed our counsel, prepared the challenge, filed it, and successfully secured interim relief within just three days of the impugned order.
Navigating the complexities of share transactions and explaining them to our counsel, resulting in obtaining a stay order in such a short timeframe, was a notable achievement. This action effectively safeguarded the company from a substantial financial impact.
Working at Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd, you dealt with high-stakes litigation and non-litigation matters. What were some of the key challenges and achievements during your tenure there?
At Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd, the substantial volume of cases posed significant challenges in overseeing filings, ensuring order compliance, and timely submissions such as replies and rejoinders.
One of the key challenges was to establish a streamlined process to manage the entire lifecycle of legal matters. Recognizing the need for efficiency and accountability, I developed and implemented a robust process that facilitated the management of cases from initiation through to conclusion. This involved creating frameworks for tracking deadlines, coordinating with internal teams and external counsel, and ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
At Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, you played a crucial role in the acquisition of trademarks and IP domains. Can you elaborate on this experience and what it entailed?
At Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, I played a pivotal role in managing high-stakes non-litigation matters, particularly in handling intellectual property rights (IPR) portfolios, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), foreign collaborations, and multi-jurisdictional contracts.
One of the significant aspects of my role involved overseeing the acquisition of trademarks and IP domains. This included conducting thorough due diligence to assess the value and risks associated with potential acquisitions. I collaborated closely with internal stakeholders and external advisors to negotiate and finalize agreements that safeguarded the company’s intellectual assets across various jurisdictions.
Navigating the complexities of IP law and international business transactions required meticulous attention to detail and a strategic approach to protect Company’s interests. This experience not only deepened my understanding of intellectual property management but also enhanced my skills in negotiating and executing complex contractual agreements on a global scale.
Your current role at Sula Vineyards involves leading M&A and IPO projects. What are some critical aspects of managing such high-profile legal initiatives?
My current role in Sula is a combination of various portfolios I have managed till date in different companies.
Handling multiple acquisition projects at Sula has provided me with invaluable experience, but it’s the involvement in the IPO process as part of the legal team that has been particularly exciting and promising.
In such projects, multiple activities happen simultaneously at the same time and tracking your tasks and delivering correctly within the timelines becomes extremely important. There is no room for delay or error. Your strategy has to be full proof as there are multiple stakeholders involved.
As someone with extensive experience and numerous accolades, what advice would you give to fresh law graduates entering the legal profession today?
The legal sector has evolved significantly since the beginning of my career to the present day. There is a growing trend for companies to establish in-house legal teams to manage their legal compliance and requirements internally, rather than outsourcing every task. This shift has created numerous opportunities at every career level.
For fresh law graduates aspiring to build a career in corporate law, I recommend gaining practical experience in a law firm or under a practicing advocate for at least a year or two. This experience helps build a strong foundational understanding of the law and provides invaluable confidence and skills necessary for success in corporate settings, whether in litigation or non-litigation roles.
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