The research I conducted during this internship greatly impressed my Senior, leading to an offer to join his chamber as a junior.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I completed my B.A. L.L.B from KIIT University, Bhubaneswar in the year 2014. Following that, I gained invaluable experience over five years at the chambers of Senior Advocate Mr. Ardhendumauli Kumar Prasad, where I honed my legal skills under his guidance. His mentorship was instrumental in my professional growth.
In 2019, I ventured into independent practice. Subsequently, in 2021, alongside my colleagues Piyush Singh, Abhinav Gupta, and Parijat Chandan, I co-founded VEDAM LEGAL, Advocates and Solicitors. This venture has allowed us to offer comprehensive legal services to our clients.
In 2022, I successfully passed my AOR examination on my first attempt. This achievement was made possible by the grace of the almighty and my beloved father (who left for heavenly abode in the year 2021), the teachings of my Senior Mr. Ardhendumauli Kumar Prasad, the unwavering support of my family—especially my mother—and the encouragement of my friends.
2. How do you manage to stay proficient across different legal forums such as the Supreme Court, NCLT, and NGT?
Credit for my proficiency across different legal forums such goes to my mentor. He always advised me to prioritize quality over quantity by avoiding multitasking. When engaged with a brief, I ensure its completion before taking on new work. Maintaining a meticulous diary helps me plan effectively.
In instances where matters overlap across forums, I rely on my efficient team, crucial in navigating these challenges. I'm fortunate to have a dedicated team, which plays a pivotal role in our success.
3. What has been one of the most challenging cases you have handled at the Supreme Court, and how did you approach it?
Answering that is always a challenge. For me, every case an advocate handle presents its own unique difficulties. As a first-generation lawyer and a protege of Senior Advocate Ardhendumauli Kumar Prasad, I approach each case with utmost seriousness. However, there have been several cases that stood out as particularly challenging for me.
For instance, before Hon’ble Supreme Court, amongst numerous cases I dealt with, some of the challenging cases which demanded exhaustive research and a deep understanding of complex legal nuances were Ajayinder Sangwan and Ors. V. Bar Council of Delhi & Others (2018) 2 SCC 776, Nipun Saxena v. Union Of India, (2019) 2 SCC 703, Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty & Another v. Union of India, W.P. (Civil) No. 1011 of 2022.
One of the case which I felt challenging was Satprakash Meena v. Alka Meena, C.R.P.1/2021 and CM APPL. 332/2021 (better known as Uniform Civil Code Case) before Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. These afore-mentioned cases required dedicated effort, including extensive day-and-night research.
4. Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of, and is there anything you would have done differently?
Reflecting on my career journey, I began as an intern working on a significant matter involving a dispute between the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Territory of Delhi over land in Okhla. The research I conducted during this internship greatly impressed my Senior, leading to an offer to join his chamber as a junior. I take pride in the fact that I entered such a prestigious chamber solely based on merit, without any recommendations.
Regarding whether I would have done anything differently, I cannot think of specific instances where I would change my approach. However, one consistent principle I adhere to is my commitment to thoroughness in my work. Once I take on a brief, I dedicate myself entirely to it until completion, without working in fragments. While I may take time to initiate tasks, once I am immersed, I ensure to give my all to achieve the best possible outcome.
5. How do you build and maintain strong relationships with your clients, and what do you consider the key to effective client communication?
Honesty is paramount. I believe in providing realistic expectations to clients, refraining from raising false hopes even in cases where success seems assured. Additionally, effective client communication hinges on active listening to understand their concerns fully and intervening when necessary.
Moreover, I emphasize to clients that their case is of utmost importance, demonstrating that their interests are at the forefront throughout our engagement.
6. What drives your commitment to justice, and how do you balance this with the practicalities and challenges of legal practice?
My commitment to justice is rooted in a deep sense of responsibility towards my clients and the legal profession. When a client seeks my assistance, I take their trust seriously. It's not just about completing tasks efficiently but also about understanding the impact of my work on their lives or businesses. This understanding drives me to ensure that every aspect of their case is handled with utmost care and diligence.
Practically speaking, balancing this commitment with the demands of legal practice involves several key strategies. First and foremost, I prioritize effective time management. This includes setting realistic deadlines and ensuring that I allocate sufficient time for thorough research, drafting, and preparation.
Communication also plays a crucial role. I maintain open and transparent communication with my clients throughout the process. This helps in managing expectations and ensuring that they are informed about the progress of their case.
Additionally, I emphasize the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with legal developments. This not only enhances my professional skills but also equips me to provide informed and effective representation to my clients.
Overall, my approach revolves around diligence, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to achieving justice for those I represent. By adhering to these principles, I strive to navigate the complexities of legal practice while upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and client service.
7. What are your future goals as an advocate, and are there any specific areas of law you wish to focus on?
Currently, my focus is on excelling in my role and responsibilities as a legal professional. I strive to approach each task with dedication and precision, ensuring that I provide effective legal counsel and support to my clients. By maintaining a strong work ethic and delivering results promptly, I aim to build a solid foundation for my future career aspirations.
In terms of future goals, while I may not have set specific targets at this moment, I am deeply passionate about several distinct areas of law. Corporate law appeals to me because of its complex and strategic challenges, which involve advising businesses on legal matters that shape their operations and growth. Criminal law interests me due to its profound impact on individual rights and the pursuit of justice within our legal system. Constitutional law is compelling to me because of its role in defining and safeguarding fundamental rights and principles that govern our society.
Looking ahead, I aspire to deepen my expertise in these areas through continuous learning, professional development, and practical experience. I am committed to staying abreast of legal developments and evolving practices within these fields to enhance my ability to provide effective legal solutions and advocacy for my clients.
8. What advice would you give to law students and young lawyers who aspire to practice at the Supreme Court or start their own law firm?
For law students and young lawyers aiming to practice at the Supreme Court or establish their own law firm, my advice extends beyond just academic and professional achievements. It's essential to prioritize building meaningful relationships and networks within the legal community. These connections can provide invaluable support, mentorship, and opportunities throughout your career.
Moreover, when you're starting out in a law firm or any legal office, gaining the trust and confidence of your seniors is crucial. Show dedication to your work, demonstrate reliability, and strive to exceed expectations in the tasks assigned to you. Your seniors' belief in your capabilities not only enhances your professional growth but also opens doors to more challenging assignments and responsibilities.
Avoid the trap of comparing yourself to peers based on where they work or what positions they hold. Each person's career path is unique, and focusing on your own development and performance will yield greater long-term success.
Bio:
I completed my LL.M. from IILM and my law degree from School of Law, KIIT University, Bhubaneshwar and subsequently, enrolled myself in Bar Council of Delhi. After my graduation had started practising law under guidance of Mr. Ardhendumauli Kumar Prasad in his esteemed chamber. After assisting him for five years in the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, Hon'ble National Company Law Tribunal, and Hon'ble National Green Tribunal, I had started my own law firm in the year 2019.
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