“There is No Alternative to Experience!” – Kiran Chitale, Country Head of Legal (OT&C), Barclays Technology Centre India

In-House Counsel

“There is No Alternative to Experience!” – Kiran Chitale, Country Head of Legal (OT&C), Barclays Technology Centre India

Lex Witness Bureau | November 2017

THE PROFESSIONAL YOU

Briefly, tell us about your role in the organization and the mandates you handle?

I head legal function for Operations and Technology (O&T) business of Barclays group in India. These are captive units providing back office operations and technology support to Barclays Group globally. We do have a Legal team headed by General Counsel for India who is also responsible for supporting corporate banking, investment banking and wealth management businesses.

Tell us something about your journey so far as a General Counsel in India?

I have broadly worked in Company Secretarial and Legal functions. My journey as a legal counsel covers end-toend legal support as an in-house legal counsel to business on strategic as well as routine matters. Of course, this is impossible without support of my colleagues at various levels/ locations. It has been an interesting career journey so far. Worked in unlisted as well as listed environment as a company secretary. Handled joint venture agreements, international commercial contracts, inhouse legal advisory support (including business queries, core legal queries, operational issues, setting up of business units, real estate support, a bit of litigation support, legal risk management, etc.).

Do you feel that the role of General Counsels is evolving in today’s business scenario?

And if so, how? Certainly yes. I think role of a legal counsel has evolved over a period of time and will continue to evolve with growing dynamics in the legal world, industry, changes to government policies, technological developments, smarter next generations and so on. I believe, an inhouse counsel should understand business requirements and perspective so as to apply his knowledge and experience. It is also important that an in-house counsel provides alternatives to help management in mitigation of legal risks.

What are the key challenges that General Counsels have to deal with on a regular basis, irrespective of the industry sector?

With evolution of the role, comes the challenges for in-house counsels. It is important for an in-house counsel to understand the industry, business of his employer organization and manage expectations of being solution friendly and pragmatic colleague within the organization, without compromising the four corners of law (and spirit). It is important to keep oneself up-to-date to the changes in the legal world

What are your thoughts on improving synergies between law firms and corporate in-house legal teams?

I think these are two sides of a coin or two hands of a human being, each plays a very important role and complements the other. Law firms are good repository of domain knowledge and experience. Law firms can be of great help in providing legal advisory or in setting up of a compliance system and in handling complex legal issues, contract negotiations, apart from handling litigations. Law firms can act as extended arm of in-house legal functions to offer support (in legal or para-legal space).

What are some of the key tools that General Counsels can use for continued learning education (CLE)?

I think it is important to continue to learn through-out. Apart from traditions ways of learning through legal journals, professional magazines, law reporter, etc. it would be useful if an in-house counsel has access to on-line legal database, ecompliance tools, electronic database. It is equally necessary to apply logic, experience and pragmatism when it comes to dealing with legal issues.

Any advice for someone exploring a legal career as an in-house counsel?

A legal career is like an ocean. It is for an individual to decide what would he/ she like to do within legal arena e.g. employment law, corporate law, maritime law, in addition to civil/ criminal/ family/ real estate, etc. particularly on the practicing side. If one chooses to remain in employment, I believe, it is up to you to explore right job profiles, explore opportunities to grow whether in terms of knowledge, handling various work profiles, being proactive to take-up additional work that brings variety to your area of expertise. It is important to continuously learn from seniors; there is no alternative to experience!! Now a days lots of opportunities are available within and outside India. Legal career is a very demanding and commanding career option.

THE CASUAL YOU

Favourite Gadget – Generally a fan of electronic gadgets…cameras, mobile phones, etc.
Favourite App – Astrosage
Favourite Automobile Brand – Volkswagen
Favourite Book – A pen that makes you write!!
Favourite Holiday Destination – Goa (within India)
Favourite Cuisine – Wide range (Wada Pav to Continental food)

About Lex Witness

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