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Reflecting on your journey from your early days, could you share what inspired you to pursue a career in law? Additionally, what were some of the challenges you encountered during your initial days in the legal profession, and how did you overcome them to carve your path to success?
Looking back, I cannot boast of being a very exceptional student when I was in school or college. I wasn’t typically one who would take studies very seriously or put in loads of hours. In fact, from very early childhood, I had chronic asthma problems, due to which I oftentimes would have to miss classes. It took me quite some time to catch up with mainstream studies because of my long absences from school. It was with age and as my health conditions improved that my academic focus and bent of mind grew. To be frank, I was from the humanities section because I did not take up science due to my health problems, and my parents never pressured me academically.
Coming from a humanities background and eventually becoming more involved in studies with age, one thing struck me—I always wanted to pursue a professional course. In 2004, during counseling at our school, we were first given exposure to what a career in law might look like. Now, with the expansion of corporate law and the increasing importance of lawyers’ roles, pursuing a professional course has become even more enticing.
So, I think the changing landscape, around 2004 and 2005, of the Indian industry and macroeconomics made me consider law as a career path and profession. Fueling this decision was the realization, due to various family instances, of how challenging it can be for a common man to find proper legal guidance. Additionally, witnessing a legal battle within my close family during my college days underscored the impact it can have on a family and the plight of the common man without proper guidance in litigation strategy.
This realization eventually led me to pursue law and specialize in litigation. I always considered the license of a lawyer and the privilege to wear the gown as something earned over five years, and I was determined to utilize this privilege by advocating before the court. It was crucial for me to understand the importance of law, especially in the initial years of my career.
Coming from a family with no lawyers, I faced the challenge of starting my legal practice without knowing where to begin. I realized that waiting for opportunities to come to me wouldn’t suffice; instead, I needed to actively seek them out. With this determination, I decided to visit the high court and conducted research on Google to kickstart my journey.
So, I jotted down around 10 to 15 law firms. I still remember the day our final exams were not complete. In fact, we were just at the cusp of the final examination. Thereafter, there would be a break. I was a little tensed about what would happen because, at those times, especially coming from a state university, internships were not regular. Our college didn’t recommend or ask for them. Many peers of mine were doing internships because they either had their father or some close relatives in the field. However, for me, it was an unknown territory because I had not seen any lawyer in my life. No one in my family was a lawyer, even in the nearest vicinity. So, I hadn’t done any internships.
Anyways, alarmed by the situation, realizing that the time had come to start something, I got up and started knocking on the doors of each law firm, forwarding my CV and requesting an opportunity for internship. Among the 14 to 15 law firms I visited, one offered me a full-time internship for a month or two.
I still recall that I wanted to start with the law courts since most litigations in India take place there. I took two months of training in the district courts of West Bengal. Then, in 2009, around August or September, I got the internship at Victor Moses Company, where I would eventually spend seven years of my life, ultimately assisting the senior-most partner.
Initial challenges? Yes. The first challenge, as I mentioned earlier, being a first-generation lawyer, was to turn the internship into a work opportunity. And I think it’s crucial to convey this to every young intern. Nothing in life is to be taken lightly once you’ve completed your law course. Internships provide the opportunity to show the firm your interest, perseverance, and resilience. It’s about translating the internship into work. I remember during my internship days, I would be the one always seeking work. I would leave the firm around 7:30 or 8:00, sometimes even at 9:00. The hours of work weren’t important. What mattered was making myself a part of the firm, being involved in important projects. This is how I turned my internship into a job.
After that, yes, the initial challenges I faced were regarding timing. We would have conferences at 10 o’clock back then.
There was no VC. So, you had to stand in the queue for your conference in front of a senior counsel whose time would be at 10 o’clock, but you’d be called for the conference at 11 o’clock. There were no Uber or Ola. Our family didn’t have a vehicle at that point in time. So, late-night coming home. Yes, those were challenges, which I really feel good about and believe that due to technology and also as the practice of TA, now seniors have become really open to VC. In fact, most of the seniors insist on conference and VC only. If it’s late night, then VC is a norm that will be taken up on VC. In those times, it was not there. We didn’t have this privilege, but I think that is what it is. It has made us more resilient. That is what has contributed in not getting scared of the hard work, whether it is carrying the bulk of brief because in those days, it was always physical copies.
So, we had like 10 to 12 volumes of physical copies of briefs, then 30, then 10 to 12 books that we had to carry because the soft copy of brief or referring to scan copies or now that only one iPad serves us was a very alien concept at that point of time. So, carrying so much of brief, carrying so much of things, late-night conferences, you don’t know when you will come home. This has really, one thing I would say that it has ultimately contributed to making you a tougher person, preparing you for hard work. And one thing that has done for sure, it is for all times to come, it erased the concept of being scared. If you are scared of hard work at any point in time, nothing seems nowadays much is what times we have crossed and the challenges that we are facing.
I would say that because we have, and the one good part about that, the factor that has really contributed and helped me in my later years is that, since we always used to have physical conferences and it would be late night. So, this also helped you in creating a unique relationship with each and every council that you work with each and every junior clerk of that council chamber, which is an asset that you can only realize once you have spent some years in this litigation industry, that there’s nothing less than an asset because when you spend hours in a council’s chamber, at times waiting or at times doing conferences with him, you also develop a relationship with that chamber, with the council, you learn from so closely.
The craft, the art. Each council has their own way of approaching a matter has their own way of making arguments. Has a craft, has a craft of their very unique to their own. So you as a solicitor, you as a briefing council, get to learn, get to observe, and you get the benefit of judge, you get the benefit of. Of deciding how you want to now make your unique style of argument, your unique style of craft, what you want to take, how you want to modify, because you are basically, you are getting exposed to so many schools of advocacy. So that itself is a very big contributing factor, which the later years, which are the foundational stone, the touchstone of your success in the later years. So, since from day one, I have been in this case resolution and had the opportunity. I got the privilege to attend to so many conferences, so many senior counsels, counsels, so I think it really helped me eventually in developing my own skillset in developing the method in which my firm now approaches litigation and obviously it helped me.
In getting guidance and also approaching any of these councils, whenever I wanted a guidance in whichever matter, they’ve always been so open, so warm welcome. So you have to take it that the initial grill, grind and the pressure that yes, litigation industry offers you is nothing but a preparation phase. A phase that once you pass, it’s also, I think. Of things to, to test your resilience, your determination, because that is two foundational stones for surviving in a dispute resolution law firm, in a dispute resolution profession, not law firm. So I think once you have crossed it, once you have sailed through it, it can only be a journey of moving forward.
As a member of various prestigious institutions like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Indian Women Network (IWN), how do you think being part of such networks has influenced your professional growth and the growth of SC&A Legal?
Being a lawyer and Founder of a Law Firm specializing in commercial litigation, it is essential to stay updated on emerging policies, closely monitor industry news, and have a deep understanding of industry trends, new rules and regulations, and the economic rationale behind them. Understanding the pitfalls and potential challenges allows us to guide our clientele proactively. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) plays a significant role in this regard, providing a platform for lawyers to engage with key stakeholders across various industries. CII organizes events, conferences, and seminars where lawyers can engage in meaningful discussions with business leaders, policymakers, and fellow professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Additionally, CII’s research reports and policy advocacy efforts keep us informed about emerging trends, regulatory developments, and business opportunities, enabling us to better serve our clients and stay ahead in a dynamic business environment. CII has significantly contributed to our professional growth, helped SCA expand its client base, and kept us updated on industry-specific challenges and opportunities.
On the other hand, the Indian Women Network (IWN) wing of the CII has been instrumental in bringing me closer to many inspiring women and providing a platform for women leaders making exceptional contributions to various industries. As an entrepreneur, you often face isolation in your growth path, and during those times, such support and a tribe of motivators and inspirers are invaluable. Presently, under the leadership of Sujata Guin, Senior VP of Appejay Surendra Park Hotels Limited, and Smita Chatterjee, CEO of Centreax, IWN is reaching new heights and influencing the lives of many.
SC&A Legal specializes in dispute resolution. How does your firm differentiate itself in this competitive landscape, and what unique strategies do you employ to ensure client satisfaction?
SA Legal believes that the first guidance required for clientele is in identifying disputes because litigation does not start from the courtrooms. It starts from your office, from the day the seeds of litigation are sown, from the day you enter into a contract, a commercial transaction, or a deal. So, SCA Legal, being specialized in commercial litigation, its uniqueness lies in strategic partnership with its clients, advising them in each and every step, helping them to build their case, even when the disputes are not so much identified by the clients, but we as an expertise and one of the industry leaders can see and identify the early signs of it. The earlier you can identify your disputes or your cause of actions that may lead to dispute, the greater, the better way and the easier and greater way you will be able to resolve it. Moreover, we do not see litigation as an end in itself. We believe that amongst many bundles of strategies, litigation, whether it’s conventional or non-conventional modes such as mediation or arbitration, is a means to resolve and end your disputes. At times, it is to give you a higher bargaining power so that you can enter into a greater settlement or greater deal.
Furthermore, in SCA, we provide you with complete transparency in our strategies. We plan the end game with our clients on day one. When we think of starting a dispute, they have complete transparency regarding the timelines, regarding the costs. So, our main motto is to bring to our clients, in a cost-effective and time-bound manner, a resolution to their disputes.
With offices in Kolkata, Delhi, and Bhubaneswar, how do you ensure seamless coordination and communication among your team members across different locations, especially in the context of complex legal cases?
I would definitely thank the growing technology and the way the world has accepted video conferencing, and virtual platforms after COVID for this seamless handling and coordination between the three offices. Whether it’s court, clients, or councils, everybody has become increasingly comfortable with virtual platforms. We have handled so many arbitrations before so many different forums and cities across India and abroad through virtual platforms. Even the arbitrators are now much more open to allowing witness actions to be held over virtual platforms. So, I think the litigation industry has witnessed the biggest boon of technological growth, the lawyers’ profession where, due to technology, we can now successfully run so many offices and litigations, and dispute resolution projects seamlessly, in complete control and coordination.
With your involvement in the Incorporated Law Society of Kolkata, how do you contribute to aspiring lawyers’ legal education and professional development? Are there any initiatives or mentorship programs you’re particularly passionate about?
As a member of the Incorporated Law Society of Kolkata, I get to participate in various initiatives aimed at enhancing legal education and professional development for aspiring lawyers which also keeps my passion of encouraging new talents from joining Litigation and Dispute resolution satiated.
With your background in real estate and infrastructure law, how do you foresee the legal implications of future urban development projects, especially in the context of sustainable growth and environmental conservation?
Future urban development projects will likely face increased scrutiny and regulation regarding sustainability and environmental conservation. As awareness of climate change and environmental issues grows, there will be a greater emphasis on incorporating sustainable practices into urban planning and development.
From a legal perspective, this means that there will be stricter compliance requirements related to environmental impact assessments, zoning regulations, land use planning, and building codes. Lawyers specializing in real estate and infrastructure law will need to stay abreast of evolving environmental legislation and regulations to ensure that their clients’ projects comply with these standards.
Additionally, there may be an increased focus on incorporating renewable energy sources, green building technologies, and eco-friendly design principles into urban development projects. Lawyers will play a crucial role in negotiating contracts, securing permits, and navigating regulatory frameworks to facilitate the implementation of sustainable practices.
Furthermore, there may be legal challenges and disputes arising from conflicts between development interests and environmental conservation efforts. Lawyers will need to provide strategic advice and advocacy to resolve these conflicts while balancing the need for economic development with environmental protection.
As a woman leader in the legal industry, how do you advocate for gender diversity and inclusion within your firm and the broader legal community? What strategies do you employ to ensure equal opportunities for all professionals regardless of gender?
As a leader, I believe acts speak louder than words so as a firm we encourage our women associates and women team members to take up critical and crucial roles. We ensure to give them a flexible ecosystem so that they can balance their work and life but at the same time stay motivated to look forward. All our women associates are fierce fighters when it comes to representing their clients. We encourage them to argue, and plead before the various Competent Forums and they all have been performing stellar shows at that.
In your experience, how does cultural diversity impact dispute resolution, especially in cases involving multinational clients? Could you share a memorable cross-cultural negotiation experience and the valuable insights gained from it?
Cultural diversity can have a significant impact on dispute resolution, particularly in cases involving multinational clients, as it can influence communication styles, negotiation tactics, and approaches to conflict resolution. Understanding and navigating these cultural differences is essential for effective dispute resolution.
To overcome these cultural differences and facilitate a successful negotiation, it is essential to approach the process with sensitivity and flexibility. We generally in these cross border negotiations take the time to understand each party’s cultural background, communication preferences, and underlying interests. We also employ techniques such as active listening, reframing issues in a culturally sensitive manner, and finding common ground to build trust and rapport between the parties.
Through patience, empathy, and a willingness to adapt our negotiation approach to accommodate cultural differences, we have been able to reach mutually satisfactory resolution that addressed the interests and concerns of both parties.
With the demanding nature of your profession, how do you unwind and maintain a work-life balance? Could you share some of your favorite ways to relax and recharge outside of your legal endeavors?
With growing years of experience, I have realized that practicing detachment with your matters and profession is the key to maintaining a balanced life. When you are handling litigation or a project, give your full focus and mind to it. But once it is over, irrespective of the favourable or unfavorable outcome, one must learn to move on. We must remember that it’s an ongoing journey. Neither should we allow ourselves to get carried away by a win, nor waste time mourning a lost case. Each day is a new day with new challenges. It’s also important to take short breaks where one can completely disconnect from the profession and indulge in pursuing some other hobby, so that one can restart every time with rejuvenated spirits.
Given your journey from a young professional to founding SC&A Legal, what advice or key points would you share with students and young professionals who are just starting their careers in the legal field?
My first advice to every young law graduate would be to definitely garner experience in a dispute resolution law firm, as that will give you deeper understanding of various streams of law and thus build a strong foundation for a lifetime. Secondly, never give up on yourself. The legal profession will also give you back your rewards; it’s just a matter of time. Have faith and patience; you will succeed.
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