THE PROFESSIONAL YOU

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

While it is 16+ years now, I still feel that the journey has only begun. I’m as thrilled, passionate and excited as I was on the first day. It is certainly not an easy one to stitch all streams of the legal world or legal practice – Litigation, Corporate, Risk& Compliance, Outsourcing but it’s worth it. I would certainly like to thank all my mentors, colleagues and my peers. I believe in ‘not only learning from my own ways, but from others as well’.

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

Certainly, a GC’s role has gone through a complete transformation. In the modern world, GC is an advisor and is part of the leadership team, leads the risk committee, isa compliance driver – shows it all.

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

Dynamic changes to the environment including legal landscape and conflicting interests.

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

The change is already happening in my view. They are more solution oriented and more a partner or an extended arm of the function.

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

Continuous learning in itself. Every aspect including a change has a legal connotation to it and therefore is primary for a counsel to keep abreast with the changing world. To keep oneself upswing with the dynamic environment, one needs to know the current and the future.

Any advice for someone exploring a legal career as an In-House Counsel?

It’s a fantastic opportunity to know the world closer than you think. Before getting to in-house, it is equally important to know and learn perceptions externally. This will be helpful in forming our perspectives later.