Till the recent past I was the Head of Legal for Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited (a subsidiary of Tata Communications Limited), responsible for the entire gamut of its business operations in India. At present I am responsible for the portfolio of “Legal (Real Estate Affairs)” in Tata Communications Ltd, which include its multiple subsidiaries.
Not much can be achieved without sheer dedication, discipline and commitment. While acting as the Head – Legal for Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited, I had the advantage of working in an Organization which had its operations spread across the length and breadth of the country, with its wide array of white label and brown label ATMs. The dynamics of a changing business environment, the regulatory norms associated with the industry, the operational exigencies and the business needs – made it truly interesting and a great learning exposure. Added to that, was the responsibility of looking after the legalities involved in relation to the critical real estate transactions that the parent company was involved in.
Yes, no doubt about it. In today’s business scenario a Legal Counsel is required to understand the business which it represents and its various requirements. An in-house Counsel needs to be well eloquent about the business dynamics, the transaction that the Organisation enters into and the ‘asks’ of the different internal customers within the Organisation. An inhouse Counsel is now a multi-dimensional role – having travelled a long distance from what it was earlier.
The role of a GC/Head of Legal is not limited only to its legal quotient and/or specific to the industry wherein it operates. The role in today’s world stretches far and has now transformed into a wider horizon – wherein one expects that the individual need to be aware of the changing laws, the newer dimensions of statutory and regulatory frameworks, the expectation and requirements of internal and external customers, the business objectives of the Organisation and the teams alignment to the same, the competitive edge, cost optimizations – all of which would make the role and the function composite in nature yet add versatility in terms of meeting the expectations.
One must appreciate the way the Law Firms have evolved and their support to the in-house legal teams. However, saying so, an in-house Counsel also needs to understand the requirement while engaging a law firm. It is imperative that clear expectations be set out – which helps both the ends to work together in synergy thus achieving the desired results. It is also important to set benchmarks – target deadlines and to constant monitor the same to ensure the accomplishment of an assignment.
Learning has no barriers – hence I wouldn’t opt for one, as there are multiple avenues. Be it a legal journal, law magazine, website or even a Bare Act – one should always use his/her free time in the best way possible – trying to know something new – which is related to his/her area of practice/industry or otherwise. Knowledge has no boundaries – hence the more one gains – the more wisdom that he/she gathers.
I would always recommend that the foundation years should always be spent in a law firm, practicing as a Counsel before the Courts. This adds a lot of confidence and exposes one to the basic understanding of Court procedures, the art of pleading, drafting and communication with clients. With these in stride one may in the latter years opt for in-house practice, wherein the learnings would be of great use and importance.
Favourite Gadget – My phone, tab and laptop, to be connected.
Favourite App – Social platforms have now become an integral part of our lives.
Favourite Automobile Brand – Anything that helps me reaching my destination in time, safe, cost effective and to some extent comfortable.
Favourite Writing Instrument – Pen or a Pencil, depending on the requirement.
Favourite Holiday Destination – Anywhere in the hills, mountains or by the sea-side.
Favourite Cuisine – Anything that taste good – always willing to explore.
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