“We are no more Company Counsels but our role has transformed to Business Partner” – Atul Juvle General Counsel, Compliance Officer & CS – India & South Asia, Schindler India

In-House Counsel

“We are no more Company Counsels but our role has transformed to Business Partner” – Atul Juvle General Counsel, Compliance Officer & CS – India & South Asia, Schindler India

Lex Witness Bureau | December 2017

THE PROFESSIONAL YOU

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

I am employed with Schindler India Private Limited, a swiss MNC. We are in business of manufacture, supply, installation & service of elevators & escalators. In my current role, I wear three hats- Legal, Compliance & Company Secretary. I am responsible for ensuring the business is run in compliance with the applicable laws and in accordance with the company’s internal policies & procedures, for India & South Asia. As a Company Secretary, I am also Key Management Person-(KMP) in Schindler. I ensure the Code of Conduct compliance by following 3 Es principles- namely ‘Educate, Examine & Enforce’.

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

Over 3 decades of experience across diversified businesses- public sector bank, Tata group, US MNC, HDFC life, Godrej Agrovet, Swiss MNC. I am currently employed with ‘Schindler India’ as General Counsel, Compliance officer & Company Secretary- for India and South Asia. Continuous learning approach helped me to remain successful for over last 16 years as a General Counsel, among the diversified businesses.

Do you feel that the role of General Counsels is evolving in today’s business scenario? And if so, how?

To remain in business, today operations have to run at speed to market with quality. This poses multitude of responsibilities on today’s GC- ranging from contract management to risk mitigation to business decision-making mean that GCs need to communicate faster, better with an eye on satisfying the business expectations. In our company external agency conducts Internal customer satisfaction survey and part of variable compensation is linked to satisfaction results. So, GC’s role is evolving year on year.

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

Ensuring 100% compliance and balancing business expectations;
Timebound targets to close cases, when the external administrative process is not under control.
The business environment has transitioned from “NO” to “Know & Go”. This has resulted into the role of GC getting closer to the business. We are no more Company Counsels but our role has transformed to business partner.
Limited resources, optimisation of its usage & maintaining EQ (emotional quotient) with Team

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

In-house legal team has to excel in doing proper and complete ground work to ensure that Law firm when consulted, gets complete story backed up by the documents/evidences, to take the same forward for correct advice or successful litigation. This will improve the synergies between law firms & corporate in-house legal teams.

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

Habit no.7 of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey) is “Sharpen the Saw”. With the digital revolution, many elearning opportunities are available. Many reputed Foreign Universities are offering now e-learning courses in India. (Previously one has to travel abroad to acquire this knowledge). Further mandatorily attending at least one conference/seminar on quarterly basis, can keep one updated on the current developments. Last but not leastintelligent use of ‘WhatsApp” Group of qualified professionals.

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

Excellent future for the role with the globalisation and stress on Governance. Develop a capability to convert “NO-GO” in to “KNOW & GO” by exploring & developing skills set in diversified areas of opportunities. Develop habit to work as a Business partner.

THE CASUAL YOU

Favourite Gadget – Smart phone
Favourite App – WhatsApp, True caller.
Favourite Automobile Brand – Honda City.vx. model
Favourite Writing Instrument – Touchscreen keyboard
Favourite Holiday Destination – India- Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra- Overseas- Naigara, ‘Made for mist’, from US side.
Favourite Cuisine – Indian – Steamed rice with daal.

About Lex Witness

Lex Witness Bureau

The LW Bureau is a seasoned mix of legal correspondents, authors and analysts who bring together a very well researched set of articles for your mighty readership. These articles are not necessarily the views of the Bureau itself but prove to be thought provoking and lead to discussions amongst all of us. Have an interesting read through.