1. What was the motivation behind the start-up corporate law firm Clasis and how did you forge the synergies of the team over the years to rank among the top global law firms of the country?
Some years after becoming a partner, I started thinking what’s next and the thought of going independent started toying in my mind. Various factors pushed the thought for months to set up my law firm. I would say the mantra of Atma Swatantrata (Self-independence) to take decisions, manage work and add worth to many other associated people was a pivotal push to the idea. As the saying goes, one should grab the opportunity when it knocks as it generally knocks only once, but in my case, there was a clear indication as I was approached twice with the same platform and the second time it was just the signal of the universe to take that giant leap. So, here I am with my team and a decade-long service of excellence and growing patronage of clients.
While it is important to forge synergies between teams and look at the larger picture, it is often the most difficult part of moving ahead with everyone being on the same page. The only way this can be achieved is by being transparent, treating teams / people at par and giving each person the due that they deserve.
2. What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful? What is the firm’s USP that makes it different from the other businesses in similar domains?
Perseverance, dedication to excel, the desire to work and do good for your client are the main factors that have brought the firm and me this far. It has been 25 years in the legal profession for me, but even today, every new matter or every deal closing, gives me a kick, like it gave me when I did my first matter or closing. It is a very simple approach that I follow and also tell my juniors and colleagues to follow. One must treat a client like a baby. You need to care for and nurture a baby and above all, you need to anticipate what the baby wants and what’s best for the baby. There are no defined guidelines on how to take care of a baby but there are guidance notes. You need to understand your client's business, intent, and wish list and not simply follow the instructions or specific advice sought by your client. You also need to advise what you feel is best for the client, which may be deviating from the initial intent and thoughts of the client. Ultimately the decision to choose the direction is of the client however, it is our role to ensure that the client is aware of all aspects, so as to be able to make an informed decision.
The USP/nucleus of the firm is its client centric approach and our clients are at the core of how we work, that is why we put our clients' interest first. After all, it's a baby who never grows up and desires constant attention and care.
3. Globalization has opened the doors of corporate law in a big way. How has Clasis Law leveraged this opportunity in the backdrop of the COVID pandemic?
Globalisation is not a new concept! Globalisation has been a constant factor in India’s economic growth for a while now. One of the various initiatives taken by the Government is in opening the economy to 100% foreign investment (under the automatic route) in almost all sectors.
During the pandemic, we have assisted many global companies in providing specialized transactional and advisory services across sectors, covering diverse areas including Joint Ventures, Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Transfers, Disposals, Exit Options, Employment laws in India - especially in light of COVID, Real estate matters (emphasis on force majeure events), Contentious and Non-Contentious Disputes and Insolvency matters.
We have supported our clients all along through this pandemic phase and shall continue to be available for any assistance that may be required.
4. With a young and dynamic team with new ideas, a fresh vision and verve, what are your future plans?
We have a very open environment in the firm. People have the freedom to speak their minds without being judged. I feel the firm is successful because of the concerted effort of each member who has been a part of the firm’s journey to date. Historically, we have had family run firms, where the decisions have been taken by the top management; however, I have tried to build a place where decisions are taken in consultation with others.
The firm’s current focus is to help companies revive, restart, recalibrate during and post COVID; understanding & implementing new technology which is the key to meeting the changing demands. Having seen a time like the COVID pandemic, which we never thought would be a reality even in our wildest / scariest dream, we need to reassess and move ahead with the times. The times are changing and people are adopting new methods of interaction, even the manner of navigating work and doing business has changed in the last year and a half. Keeping all these factors in mind, we are also moving in that direction of change. Like Socrates famously said “the secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new”.
In the end, on the occasion of Independence Day, our spirits are high despite no end in sight yet to the horrifying Covid era. We all at Clasis Law through this platform pay our sincere gratitude to frontline works, doctors, and forces for their efforts and support to all Indians.
Clasis Law
Offices : New Delhi - Tolstoy House, 4th Floor, Tolstoy Marg, New Delhi - 110 001
Mumbai - Bajaj Bhawan, 1st Floor, 226, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400 021
Contact us : +91 11 4213 0000 I +91 22 4910 0000
Reach us : www.clasislaw.com I info@clasislaw.com
Recent editorial: “Doing Business in India” second edition. Download your copy @ https://tinyurl.com/y245jt5o