The journey to my role as “General Counsel” actually started as soon as I enrolled as an advocate in the year 1992. Those initial years of doing hardcore litigation in the various courts in New Delhi either being Supreme Court, High Court, Tis Hazari Courts, Patiala House Court or even before the various Consumer Forums helped me to sharpen my skills of advocacy and for dealing in various sorts of complex legal issues, be it either Civil or Criminal.
In the year 2000 I moved into my first Corporate Role with Max India, and have thereafter held various in house legal roles with Samsung, Ciena, Carrier, IndusTowers and am currently working with the Havells Group. From my second assignment itself, i.e. with Samsung India, I have predominantly been heading the legal department.
During my tenure with MNC’s I was exposed to various cross border laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or the UK Anti-Bribery Law, cross border acquisitions or domestic acquisitions by funding through various global subsidiaries. Predominantly most of these documentation have been developed inhouse with a focus to maximize in-house quality output.
I have had the opportunity to develop the Statutory Compliance manual for one of the MNC that I worked with and have thereafter, in all my subsequent assignments, been undertaking audits to ensure Statutory Compliances.
I have had the unfortunate privilege to be part of Corporate Investigations Teams for both domestic and international corporate frauds culminating into prosecution and arrest of a number of employees.
Some of the most satisfying litigation undertaken by me is for “Brand Protection” going back as early as my days with Samsung to those with my current assignment with Havells. One of the key challenges for me has been to create the right mix in the Legal Team so as to ensure timely, effective and quality output which fulfills the entire needs of the organization as a whole.
Presently for the Havells Group I am incharge for the entire gambit of the legal function including but not limited to the entire Litigation – IP or otherwise – Domestic and International, all operational issues pertaining to the two hospitals run by the group. All contractual drafting pertaining for the group. Any and all advisor work applicable to the group. The focus is primarily to address all of the above through the in-house legal team for the group.
Yes. GC role has evolved many folds. Today, General Counsels has to have a comprehensive understanding of all laws weather it is direct/indirect tax law, environment laws, etc. Apart from that a GC should also have a comprehensive understanding of undertaking effective litigation. Finally a GC should also master the art of effective and qualitative contractual drafting.
Each day throws a unique surprise or a challenge to resolve. A GC has a thin line to walk on. He has to advise the managements on repercussions of various applicable laws and has to simultaneously ensure resolution of the issue within legal parameters without compromising the business in any manner whatsoever.
Though Law Firms work in close collaboration with a GC, one area to really improve this synergy is to have a one single point contact in each law firm (preferably a Partner Level) for handling all the issues pertaining to the Group as Law Firms these days a have offices in multiple locations and who may all be handling one issue or the other for the Group. A single point of contact could collate all pending issues and discuss with the GC for effective and prompt resolutions and can also be to one source for the monthly MIS from the Law Firm.
I feel it is extremely important to be in touch with the latest updates. Apart from the mobile apps, Manupatra, SCC updates constant participation in seminars, conferences, interactive sessions with other GC’s, Law Firms for sharing professional ideas are extremely helpful in framing legal strategies on complex issues or for getting an industry feel for ways and means to address issues which impact one and all .
Anyone aspiring to have a career as in house counsel must spend the initial few years as with an independent legal practitioner primarily in the district court or the High Court. This helps in developing and maturing a young law graduate and goes a long way in helping him understand the on ground understanding of legal complexities and how are they being addressed by various courts.
Gadget – Laptop
App – Inshorts
Automobile Brand – Mercedes
Favourite Writing Instrument – My Parker Pen
Favourite Holiday Destination – A trip to the Scandinavian countries
Favourite Cuisine – Mutton do Pyaza
Siddhartha has over 22 years of extensive experience divided into litigation practice in the Supreme Court of India & Delhi High Court & Corporate experience with Companies such as Havells, Max India, Samsung, Ciena and Carrier. He has been involved in several M&A’s & also actively involved in setting up of JV’s in India. Siddhartha has also imparted trainings with respect to applicability of FCPA on an Indian Subsidiary and their employees; Conflict of Interest, Antitrust/Competition Act, and its effect and liabilities on Companies
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