This interview has been published by Namrata Singh and The SuperLawyer Team
Bijoylashmi Das is a seasoned legal professional with 16 years of experience, known for her dedication to providing strategic legal guidance to corporations across various industries. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to helping companies navigate the intricacies of the legal landscape while aligning with their business objectives. Bijoylashmi specializes in corporate law, where she excels in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts to ensure favorable terms for her clients. Her expertise in contract negotiations has been instrumental in securing agreements that protect the interests of the corporations she represents. She is also highly proficient in litigation, where her skills in managing legal disputes have led to favorable outcomes in complex cases. Compliance and risk management are other critical areas of Bijoylashmi’s practice. She has a keen eye for identifying potential legal risks and developing comprehensive strategies to mitigate them. Her proactive approach to compliance ensures that the companies she works with adhere to all relevant laws and regulations, minimizing the risk of legal issues and penalties. Bijoylashmi’s proven track record of success is evidenced by her ability to help companies achieve their business goals despite legal challenges. She is adept at providing strategic legal counsel that aligns with the overall objectives of the corporation, ensuring that legal considerations support rather than hinder growth and innovation. Her extensive knowledge and expertise make her a trusted advisor to executives and stakeholders. Bijoylashmi is known for her ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively, empowering decision-makers to make informed choices. Her strategic insights and practical solutions have earned her the confidence of those she advises, making her an invaluable asset in driving corporate objectives and growth initiatives forward. In summary, Bijoylashmi Das is a highly experienced and dedicated legal professional whose comprehensive expertise in corporate law, contract negotiations, litigation, compliance, and risk management has consistently supported the success and growth of the corporations she serves.
Can you share with us how you started your career in law and what motivated you to choose this field? Could you please walk us through your journey?
Since childhood, I’ve been known for my courage, fearlessness, assertiveness, and strong sense of justice. My approach to everything has always been logical and evidence-centric—things were either black or white for me. Even from a young age, my parents recognized that my debating skills were unmatched because I always backed up my arguments with solid evidence. I have a deep-seated intolerance for injustice or bullying, and I’ve always felt compelled to stand up for innocent people.
My journey from being a girl from Guwahati to establishing myself in Delhi has been filled with challenges. I graduated from college in 2008 without any influential connections or shortcuts. I started my legal career by diligently navigating through district courts, district forums, and eventually gaining experience in the High Court and Supreme Court. I strategically planned my career progression, focusing initially on trial experiences before advancing to higher courts. Subsequently, I made the transition to the corporate sector.
Through my diverse experiences with various lawyers and law firms, I have earned a solid reputation within the organizations I have served. My dedication and hard work have been recognized with numerous accolades and awards along the way.
You have over 16 years of experience in various legal domains. How has your journey evolved over the years, and what are some of the significant milestones?
My journey has been a thrilling roller-coaster ride, marked by both successes and setbacks. Through it all, I’ve remained extraordinarily hardworking and persistent. My strong willpower has consistently propelled me forward, regardless of the challenges.
Early in my career, I had the privilege of learning from accomplished lawyers who have carved out distinguished reputations in the field. Their mentorship taught me invaluable legal skills.
Reflecting on some significant milestones, one standout moment was in a service matter where we faced a particularly challenging situation. Through diligent research, I unearthed a case law remarkably similar to our case, and it had been adjudicated by the same judge hearing our matter. This discovery proved pivotal, leading to our victory. I vividly recall my senior exiting the courtroom, giving me a high five, and attributing our success to my efforts—a moment of profound recognition.
Another memorable achievement was successfully representing a previous organization in the Supreme Court. It was a daunting case with slim chances of winning, but meticulous preparation and thorough counsel briefing enabled us to secure a l win and I ended up recovering a substantial amount for the organization.
Additionally, I fondly remember negotiating a critical endorsement agreement where the opposing party was a renowned law firm. As the sole negotiator from our organization, I effectively closed the deal on mutually agreeable terms. This accomplishment delighted our department head so much that he even offered me the opportunity to meet a Bollywood icon, though I graciously declined, the gesture left me elated.
Throughout my career, I’ve also contributed significantly to business transfer agreements and IPO processes, enhancing my professional journey and earning multiple accolades along the way. Each milestone has shaped me and reaffirmed my passion for the legal profession.
You’ve successfully negotiated numerous complex agreements. Can you share a particularly challenging negotiation experience and the key takeaways from it?
Negotiating a contract is a critical process that exposes you to potential risks inherent in the business deal. It’s crucial to accurately capture the business understanding and protect your organization from risks and defaults. In one instance, during negotiations where the other party held significant leverage as the revenue generator and threatened not to sign the agreement, I remained composed. I patiently explained the rationale behind each clause, ensuring they understood how each provision aligned with the overall deal. This approach ultimately led to agreement and closure.
The key takeaway from this experience is to always provide clear rationale behind your suggestions or edits during negotiations. It’s essential for the other party to understand your thought process and how it aligns with the objectives of the deal. Additionally, it’s important not to succumb to pressure and agree to clauses that may be one-sided or disadvantageous to your organization.
How do you believe your work in the legal field has helped companies achieve success and gain knowledge, and what role does legal support play in business growth?
I have made significant contributions in business transfer agreements and IPO processes. These efforts have generated substantial revenue, goodwill, and reputation for the companies I have served. Additionally, as part of legal teams, our vigilant monitoring of risks and proactive mitigation strategies has shielded companies from various threats. We protect brand values, recover outstanding dues, and draft contracts that effectively preserve our rights and remedies. Collectively, these actions significantly contribute to the growth of any organization.
Balancing a demanding career with personal interests is challenging. How do you manage your work-life balance, and what hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?
Yes, achieving work-life balance can be challenging. However, whenever possible, I prioritize spending quality time with my daughter. We enjoy engaging in various activities together such as colouring, reading, dancing, and watching movies.
With the legal landscape constantly evolving, what are some emerging trends in corporate law and compliance that you believe will shape the future of the legal profession?
Certainly! In India, the legal landscape in corporate law and compliance is evolving rapidly, driven by regulatory reforms, economic changes, and technological advancements. Here are some emerging trends that are likely to shape the future of the legal profession in corporate law and compliance:
Digital Transformation and E-commerce Regulations: With the rapid growth of digital platforms and e-commerce in India, there is a need for robust regulatory frameworks governing data protection, cybersecurity, electronic contracts, and consumer rights. Corporate lawyers will need to navigate these evolving regulations to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks for companies operating in the digital space.
Regulatory Technology (RegTech) and Legal Tech Adoption: The adoption of RegTech and Legal Tech solutions is on the rise in India, offering innovative tools for legal research, compliance monitoring, contract management, and regulatory reporting. Corporate lawyers who embrace these technologies can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and provide strategic advice to clients.
Ethical Business Practices and Corporate Ethics: There is a growing awareness and importance placed on ethical business conduct, transparency, and corporate integrity. Corporate lawyers are expected to advise companies on adopting and implementing ethical frameworks, whistleblower policies, and conducting internal investigations into misconduct allegations.
These emerging trends highlight the dynamic nature of corporate law and compliance in India. Corporate lawyers who stay abreast of regulatory changes, industry developments, and technological innovations will be well-positioned to navigate complexities and provide value-added legal solutions to their clients.
Your career includes a significant transition from being an associate lawyer to a legal consultant. What prompted this change, and how did you make the choice to shift from a traditional law firm role to a consultancy position?
I’ve always had a passion for exploring diverse areas. If you look at my career trajectory, I’ve immersed myself in every aspect of litigation that a lawyer could possibly undertake. After gaining extensive experience across various courts, I made a deliberate move into the corporate sector to delve into its intricacies and challenges.
What advice would you give to young legal professionals aspiring to build a successful career in corporate law and litigation?
Whatever you pursue, do it with passion, dedication, and honesty. Integrity is crucial. Trust that your honesty, dedication, and hard work will eventually yield rewards. Embrace your struggles and difficult times—they shape who you are today and will make you proud of your journey.
As senior legal professional, what are your primary responsibilities, and how do you manage the legal challenges you face in daily dealings?
My main roles encompass strategic planning, risk management, contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and problem-solving. In addition, I oversee team management, providing guidance and collaborating with them to achieve organizational success.
A significant challenge I encounter is aligning with diverse internal and external stakeholders whose perspectives may differ from ours. Through extensive discussions and deliberations, we work together to navigate these differences and reach common ground effectively.
How did you manage to switch industries from the consumer sector to real estate sector and how has it been different?
After dedicating nearly 8 years to the consumer goods industry, I made a deliberate decision to transition and explore a new industry. My goal was to gain insights into its operations and intricacies. I believe that cultivating diverse knowledge and experience is invaluable, offering broader perspectives and opportunities for growth compared to staying within a single domain.
Certainly, while the sectors themselves may differ significantly, the core responsibilities of lawyers remain consistent across industries. Whether in consumer goods or any other sector, our primary duties include drafting sound contracts, successfully handling litigations, and establishing processes and policies to mitigate risks. Therefore, apart from the specific business activities of each organization, the functioning of legal teams tends to maintain a consistent approach and focus on these fundamental tasks.
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