I provide legal leadership and help Snapdeal to navigate fast evolving regulatory regime and grow its business at a speed that is faster than the industry growth numbers.
becoming General Counsel of one of the fastest growing consumer internet company was a natural career progression given my education and professional background in corporate and technology laws. During my early days of career, I focused on using law as a tool to solve complex business and technology problems. I ensured legal terms are translated into a language which is easily understood by business and technical people. As a General Counsel, you have to be a friend, philosopher and guide to the management and have to believe in their vision and get fully aligned to the same. Last but not the least, a I practiced identifying good legal talent, motivating and nurturing them for high level performance.
Role of General Counsel has never been as strategic and important as what it is today. A wrong judgment on law can put the business on stand still. External stakeholders, like government, shareholders, law enforcement agencies are becoming more relevant and critical for the growth and sustenance of the business. A General Counsel’s role has now become more of external than internal thereby making it essential for the General Counsel to have a sound and presentable personality in addition to his/her legal acumen.
Challenges are both internal and external. Internal challenges are to make sure legal department is seen as a business enabler. External challenges, especially when you are a GC in a new-age-economy business, are to help external stakeholders understand your business model and make sure that the laws are interpreted and enforced in a progressive manner. The best mantra to navigate these challenges is to have a trait of LAWBI i.e. Legal Acumen With Business Intelligence.
Both categories of lawyers have to play different roles which they need to realize early in the game. In-house lawyer understands the internal risk appetite and business vision. External lawyers are closer to the legal eco-system and jurisprudence. A collaborative approach will help the company (client) to take sound and calculated decisions on tricky issues. It is also essential that good personal rapport and harmony is forged early between the two teams. External lawyers should also update themselves on the business and technological developments in the industry of their clients so that their advices are more focused and relevant. In-house lawyers also need to respect the time and cost of the external lawyers and ensure they are financially rewarded in a fair and timely manner.
Google has made continuous learning more convenient and broad based. There are plenty of online education sites which imparts online video and other interactive based learning. There are daily updates legal sites both in India and internationally which can be subscribed to for daily updated on legal developments in various jurisdiction and industries. GC should also be aware of what is happening in the business and technology side of the industry, with competitors and across the globe. One can use Google Alert feature to get daily mail updates on these matters. Most importantly, the GC should be present in all the critical internal business and technical meetings to fully understand the company’s opportunities and challenges. Last but not least, subscribe to LexWitness and read the articles and other columns. I personally spend 2-3 hours as daily average to study and read various news and articles.}
Be a problem solver rather than problem identifier. Embrace risk taking within the organization. Market each and every achievement of yours both internally and externally. Never assume the facts and always get them right. Remember, its like garbage in and garbage out. Lastly, believe in yourself and always “Stay Hungry Stay Foolish”.
Favourite Gadget – TV remote, whenever I can snatch it from my wife and son!!
Favourite App – Google Maps, I am very bad in directions.
Favourite Automobile Brand – Enfield Bullet!! Its my passion.
Favourite Writing Instrument – Reynold Pen with white body and blue cap. I wrote all my professional exams with those.
Favourite Holiday Destination – Udaipur during winters and Himachal during summer.
Favourite Cuisine – Makki ki roti sarson ka saag with jaggery and white butter.
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