A General Counsel Today is both about Management & Legal Skills – Satyaki Chakraborty, Senior General Manager – Legal II, Corporate, Exide Industries Ltd.

In-House Counsel

A General Counsel Today is both about Management & Legal Skills – Satyaki Chakraborty, Senior General Manager – Legal II, Corporate, Exide Industries Ltd.

Lex Witness Bureau | January 2021

THE PROFESSIONAL YOU

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

I am working as the Head of Legal portfolio which includes litigations, contracts, advisories and IPR.

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

The role is both challenging as well as motivating. It involves understanding the entire gamut of the operations of the organisation and advising solutions to conduct business seamlessly.

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

Yes. Earlier legal heads used to see their roles more as an extension of a legal practitioner and accordingly decided in the perspective of legal principles only. With the evolution of modern industry, globalisation and change in management practices, a General Counsel’s role has undergone a metamorphosis. They now have to function both as business manager and a legal adviser.

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

The main challenge is to keep abreast of the latest developments in the legal circles and he reported judgments. Moreover, the LW Bureau tête-à-tête continuous change in business models necessitates change in the role of a General Counsel.

What are your thoughts on improving synergies between Law Firms and Corporate In-House legal teams?

This needs more emphasis by regular meetings, attending workshops so that both the General Counsel and the law firm complement each other.

What are some of the key tools that General Counsels can use for Continued Learning Education (CLE)?

Subscribing to online law reporters.

Any advice for someone exploring a legal career as an Inhouse Counsel?

A very exciting career indeed that merges legal education with modern management practices.

THE CASUAL YOU

Favourite Gadget – iPad Mini
Favourite App – Live Law
Favourite Automobile Brand – Maruti Suzuki
Favourite Writing Instrument – Lamy
Favourite Holiday Destination – Turkey
Favourite Cuisine – Chicken Gratin

About Lex Witness

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