Insights Success India’s The Women in Law

www.insightssuccess.in
Vol. 01 | Issue 02 | 2024
Advocate Mita Banerjee,
Founder, Indian Lawyer and Ac vist
Trailblazers in Robes
How Women are Reshaping
the Landscape of Law?
An Embodiment of Unwavering Dedica on to
the Principles of Jus ce and Equality and Human & Animal Rights
Guardians of Jus ce
The Emergence of
Women Lawyers on a
Mission of Championing
Change and Equality

Necessity knows no law;
I know some attorneys of the same.
– Benjamin Franklin

THE GAVEL RISES:
CELEBRATING WOMEN
IN LAW 2024
Editor’s Note

cross courthouses and conference rooms,
Aboardrooms and legal clinics, a powerful chorus is
rising – the voices of Women in Law.
This year, as we acknowledge their achievements and
contributions, we celebrate not just individuals but a
movement, a wave of talent and tenacity reshaping the very
landscape of justice.
No longer confined to the sidelines, women lawyers are
shattering glass ceilings with every landmark case, every
groundbreaking argument, every innovative legal strategy.
They are leading the charge in diverse fields, from
pioneering civil rights battles to crafting intricate corporate
deals, all while advocating for equality and inclusivity
within the legal system itself.
Beyond courtroom victories, the impact of Women in Law
extends far and wide:
Mentoring and empowering the next generation: They
pave the way for aspiring lawyers, creating pathways and
shattering stereotypes, proving that legal excellence has no
gender bias.
Championing social justice: From environmental
protection to human rights, women lawyers are at the
forefront of critical legal battles, fighting for a more just
and equitable world.
Promoting diversity and inclusion: They are dismantling
barriers within the legal profession, advocating for gender
parity, racial justice, and representation for all identities.
Leading with innovation: Women lawyers are not afraid to
challenge the status quo, exploring new legal frontiers,
embracing technology, and driving creative solutions to
complex legal challenges.
2024 promises to be a pivotal year for Women in Law:
Landmark legislation: Key rulings and legal advancements
related to gender equality and equal access to justice are on
the horizon, with women lawyers playing a central role in
shaping these landmark outcomes.
Rising stars: A new generation of diverse legal talents is
stepping into the spotlight, bringing fresh perspectives and
innovative approaches to the field.
Global collaboration: The fight for legal equality
transcends borders, as women lawyers around the world
join forces to share best practices, amplify voices, and
advocate for universal justice.
As we celebrate Women in Law, let us remember: This is
not just a moment of recognition; it's a call to action. We
must continue to champion diversity and inclusion in the
legal profession, dismantle structural barriers, and amplify
the voices of these remarkable women.
Let the gavel rise, not just in courtrooms, but in
boardrooms, classrooms, and communities everywhere. Let
their stories inspire, their victories resonate, and their
collective force pave the way for a future where justice
truly knows no gender.
The future of law belongs to them, and to us, as we stand
together in this unwavering pursuit of equality and justice.
All hail to Insights Success India’s The Women in Law |
2024.

COVER
Story
08
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S

ARTICLES
16
28
20
24
32
PROFILES
Stuti Dhyani
An Ardent Legal Advisor
Oﬀering the Most
Optimal Solutions
Nidhi Arya
The Professionally
Empowering Corporate
Legal Partner Zeenat
Phophalia
A Legally Adept
Global Lawyer
Guardians of Jus ce
The Emergence of
Women Lawyers on a
Change and Equality

JANUARY, 2024
Editor-in-Chief Pooja M. Bansal
Managing Editor Gaurav PR Wankhade
Assisting Editor Prajakta Zurale
Visualizer Sandeep Tikode
Art and Design Head Rashmi Singh
Sr. Graphic Designer Sameen Arif
Vice President Swapnali Vasaikar
Tejaswini Whaval
Asst. Vice President
Nitin Patil
Assistant Manager
Pratiksha Jagtap
Team Leader
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Sr. BDE
Technical Head Prachi Mokashi
Technical Specialist Rajeshwari Avhad
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Guardians of Jus ce
The Emergence of
Women Lawyers on a
Change and Equality
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Featuring Brief
Organization
Nidhi’s general corporate practice includes advising corporate
houses on day-to-day matters. She has also been involved in
various corporate transactions in the ﬁelds of power, turnkey
projects, and logistics.
Advocate Mita Banerjee is a prominent Indian Lawyer and
Activist known for her unwavering dedication to the principles of
justice, equality, and human and animal rights.
As a Partner at Khaitan & Khaitan (K&K), Mehak manages a
realm entailing intricate deal structuring, M&A, private equity,
regulatory compliance, and intellectual property.
Nidhi Arya,
Partner
Founder,
Indian Lawyer and
Activist
Mehak Khanna,
Partner
Argus Partners
(Solicitors & Advocates)
Advocate Mita
Banerjee
Khaitan & Khaitan
(K&K)
Stuti Dhyani is an experienced Patent Attorney with a
demonstrated history of working in the IPR services industry.
Stuti Dhyani,
Partner
Saikrishna & Associates
Zeenat Phophalia is an attorney licensed to practice law in the
State of New York, the United Kingdom, and India. Her expertise
lies in US business immigration.
Zeenat Phophalia,
Of Counsel
Davies & Associates

Adv Mita Banerjee ﬁrmly believes
that the strength of our legal
system lies not in its statutes but in
their just and impar al
implementa on.

Nothing is impossible. Everything is Possible. Those
people who say that many things are impossible in
this world must look at the feminine breed amongst
themselves. How women have persevered through the ages in
a world historically dominated by men is a tale of exceptional
wit, grit, and resolve. Making determined strides to carve out
their own paths and rise above the deeply ingrained
patriarchal bias that permeates every facet of life, from the
household to the professional sphere, women have always
beenachievingtheimpossible.
Times have always been such where the echoes of gender bias
and societal norms often overshadow women's potential. Yet,
some individuals shatter these barriers and rise as nebulas of
inspiration. Thankfully, from time immemorial to the modern
era, we have been witnessing a growing number of women
shattering the so-called 'glass ceiling' and embarking on
extraordinary journeys of their own. In the legal domain,
especially, women have made remarkable and unprecedented
stridesinrecenttimes.
Advocate Mita Banerjee, a 'Padmashree 2024 Nominee,'
and 'Pillars of the Nation Award-2023,' celebrated as 'The
Women in Law 2023,' is in the league of those and is also
renowned as a remarkable trailblazer in the legal arena. Adv
Mita, a formidable presence, has made an indelible mark on
the field of law in India. Adv Mita is famous for her
exceptional prowess in the realm of legal expertise and is an
inspiring paradigm of women's accomplishments in a
traditionallymale-dominatedarena.
Standing Resolute
Born on December 21, 1982, Adv Mita is an Indian Lawyer
and Activist whose career embodies unwavering dedication
to the principles of justice and equality and human & animal
Rights. She has exhibited exceptional legal acumen,
advocating for individuals without discrimination based on
caste,creed,religion,language,colour,orgender.
In fact, she is the only Advocate who render legal awareness
to underprivileged Naxalite area in Buster. Adv Mita's
commitment to providing legal aid, especially to those from
marginalized and economically vulnerable sections of
society, is a testament to her belief in protection of human
rightsandinthepoweroflawtorectifyinjustices.
Adv Mita firmly believes that the strength of our legal system
lies not in its statutes but in their just and impartial
implementation. Throughout her career, she has passionately
represented her clients before the Honorable High Court of
Calcutta, various tribunals, district and session courts, and
criminal courts. Her relentless pursuit of justice has been
acknowledged in the pages of Success Story Lifestyle
Magazine's 'Influential Women Power 2022' edition and
HindustanTimes'listof'Top30WomenLeaders.’
Adv Mita's journey in the legal realm is nothing short of an
inspiration, marked by her resilience and dedication to truth
and fairness. She completed her education with a Bachelor's
in Political Science and pursued an LLB in 2009. During her
career from 2009 to 2016, she handled an impressive array of
100 cases, delving into areas such as rape, child abuse,
forgery, divorce, and corporate crimes. Her affiliation with the
Bar Council of India and the Barrister Library Club, High
Court Calcutta underscores her standing as a distinguished
legalprofessional.
Championing theCause
Adv Mita draws strength from the support of her husband
(Barun Kumar Ray), an advocate, and her father (LateAshoke
Banerjee), her guiding light through the ups and downs of life.
Adv Mita has further enriched her understanding of human
behaviour by learning diploma course in Psychotherapy. In
her leisure time, she finds joy in cooking for her beloved
husband and exploring the pages of history and Indian
mythology.
Adv Mita believes that Indian mythology is not mythology,
but the history of rich Indian tradition, culture, education,
pride, strength, architecture, medicine, engineering etc.,
The Women in Law 2024
Adv Mita's unwavering
commitment to social causes led
her to earn more than 25 na onal
awards, and she even represented
India in the United
Na ons-General Assembly.

which were destroyed from the pages of history by invaders,
anti-national forces and traitors at different times and are still
tryingtoerase.
ForAdv Mita, fighting against animal cruelty is not just a legal
profession but her heartfelt commitment, since, she believes
that like human being other animals too have same right to
live upon this planet, as all are the children of our mother
nature. Her unyielding belief in pursuing truth above all
materialistic gains underscores her unwavering principles.
She champions the cause of equality, vowing to stand against
discrimination, whether it's directed at men or women or third
gender.
Adv Mita's indomitable spirit and embodiment of the 'Iron
Lady'personaaretheelementsthatwomenworldwidefind

inspiring on their unique journeys. Her life story echoes the
sentiment that the path to success is indeed ﬁlled with vibrant
shades of grey, wherein the unyielding pursuit of truth takes
precedence.Adv Mita is a symbol of unwavering courage and
a testament to the boundless potential of women in the ﬁeld of
lawandbeyond.
AJourneyofExcellence
Adv Mita's leadership style and resolute personality shine
brightly through a remarkable journey of achievements and
accolades. Her journey began at the young age of 11 when she
actively participated in the Anti-Drug Oath event at the
Eastern Command Sports Stadium, Fort William, Calcutta, in
front of Rotary International (R.I. District 3290). Throughout
her academic years from 2002 to 2005 at 'Jogesh Chandra
Chaudhuri College,' Adv Mita showcased her leadership

qualities by securing first positions in debates and
extemporaneous speaking competitions. Her eloquence and
persuasive abilities earned her top honours in Inter
School/College Cultural Competitions, such as 'JAM and
'Debate' during the Milan Mela 2004, organized by the West
BengalMinoritiesDevelopment&FinanceCorporation.
Adv Mita's unwavering commitment to social causes led her
to earn more than 25 national awards, and she even
represented India in the United Nations GeneralAssembly.
She further demonstrated her leadership by serving as the
country vice-chairperson for India in Project 100 and the
International Women's Parliament. Her contributions
extended to addressing global issues at the G-20 Summit in
New Delhi, India, where she participated as both a speaker
andaguestofhonour.
Adv Mita's dedication is also reflected in her recognition by
the Embassy of The Republic of Uzbekistan, New Delhi,
India, and her accolade as an 'OasisWorld Records' awardee
for outstanding social activism. Furthermore, she was
honoured with the prestigious 'Prithvi Ratna Award 2023,'
solidifyingherstatusasadynamicandinspiringleader.
TheConstant SourceofInspiration
Adv Mita is undoubtedly a fearless individual who confronts
life's challenges with unwavering determination. She
acknowledges her husband, an advocate, for being a constant
source of inspiration throughout her life's journey.
Additionally, her father, her guiding mentor, has been a
steadfast presence, supporting and motivating her through
every trial and tribulation as she navigated her path as a young
lawyer.
Adv Mita hails from a family with a rich history and diverse
backgrounds. Her paternal grandfather, Late Sudhir Chandra
Banerjee, was an accomplished industrialist who operated
Engineers Union Private Limited, a company dedicated to
manufacturing railway sleepers for the Indian Railways. This
entrepreneurial spirit runs in her family's veins. On her
maternal side, her grandfather, Late Chandra Binod Dutta,
was a distinguished 'Tamra-Patra' recipient, highlighting his
contributions and achievements. It's worth noting that Adv
Mita's family is not only known for their industrial and
academic achievements but also for their deep spiritual
connections. Her paternal grandfather's cousin, Swami
Gitanandaji, formerly known as Basudev Mukhopadhyaya,
devoted his life to the noble cause of human welfare within the
Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, leaving an
indelible mark on the spiritual and humanitarian landscape.
This rich family history underscores Adv Mita's background
and the values of entrepreneurship, academia, and
humanitarianismthatinspireherendeavours.
CommittedtoaNobleMission
On a personal note, Adv Mita finds a connection with Razia
Sultan, resonating with the idea that there is often a woman
behind a man's success. In contrast, many men contribute to
the success of a single woman. Adv Mita's inherent
compassion for animals is evident as she actively takes up
cases related to animal cruelty. Above all, she firmly believes
that the pursuit of truth is the ultimate goal for humanity,
placing honesty above materialistic gains. When it comes to
gender discrimination, Mita is resolute in her commitment to
combatallformsofbias,beitagainstmenorwomen.
Adv MitaBanerjee'sHallofFame:
Ÿ NominatedforPadmashree2024.
Ÿ Pillars of the Nation Award-2023 from Ram Niwas
Goel,Speaker,DelhiVidhanSabha.
Ÿ International Women Parliament, Conclave 2023, on the
International Day of Parliamentarism, New Delhi, India
(announced).
Ÿ Top 30 emerging leaders- Women on the Top, Hindustan
Times.
Ÿ Global Peace Award by United Nations, Global Peace
Council, 24.2.2023, at Uzbekistan, Embassy, New Delhi,
India.
Adv Mita's commitment to
understanding human
behaviour and the underlying
causes of crimes led her to
pursue a diploma in
Psychotherapy.

Ÿ Recipient ofAppreciation Letter fromAmbassador of The
Embassy of The Republic Of Uzbekistan, New Delhi,
India.
Ÿ Recipient of Special Achievement Honored by Bengal
Institute of Political Studies (Regd. No.190303020 of
2019)on11.2.2023,Kolkata.
Ÿ Awardee of Peter Drucker Management Excellence
Award, at the Celebration of International Education Day,
25.01.2023, at Constitution Club of India, New Delhi-
110001.
Ÿ Awardee of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Award, 2023,
New Delhi, January 22 2023, (IIC) - 'OASIS WORLD
RECORDS (SEASON 4)
Ÿ Prithvi Ratna Award-2023, National Anti-Corruption
Commission-Amritsar-Punjab.
Ÿ Mother Terresa PrideAward-2023, International Women's
Day Celebration, MSME, NITI AYOG, presented by
RashtriyaMahilaJagritiManch.
Ÿ AMI RUPANGDEHI 2.2 by Rotary Club, Rotary Club
District 3291, Prominent Practicing Advocate at the High
Court Calcutta and well-known personality in the legal
andSocio-politicalsectors.
Ÿ Bidrohi Kavi Nazrul Islam's 47th Tribute, Samman
Award,Bashori-ANazrulCenter.
Ÿ National Pride Award by Socially Point Foundation
(Regard) approved by NITI AAYOG GOVT. OF INDIA,
MinistryofMSME Govt.India,2022.
Ÿ India's Iron Lady Awards- Season-1, India's Iron Lady of
theYear-2022,InspiringLady,ByMTTV,INDIA.
Ÿ Appreciation of Work on Police Diwas by Kolkata Police,
2022,byShakespeareSaraniThana.
Ÿ Certificate of Excellence, Best Advocate and Law
CounselorWomenoftheYear2022byBIA.
Ÿ Top 100 (2022) Influential Indians Award – Mast
Influential ADVOCATE, Presenting Emerging change
makers,Dated16.10.2022
Ÿ Prithvi Women Climate Warrior, Campaigning by Her
StoryTimes,10.10.2022.
Ÿ Femmetimes India's Under 50 Women Leader for her
outstandingachievementsasanadvocate,25.9.2022.
Ÿ National Pride Award, Award: Excellence Award in
Advocacy, Recognized by Ministry of Skill Development
& Entrepreneurship, Supported by International Chamber
ofCommerce,August 282022,Kolkata.
Ÿ Champion Corona Gladiator & Role Model of our Society,
byHalloKolkata,21.5.2022
Ÿ Barsha Sera AayanJibi (Bhalo Kajer Sera Samman),
23.4.2022.Press ClubKolkata.
Ÿ Biswa Bangla Nari Samman-2022, InternationalWomen's
Day, Achiever's Award for Eminent Advocate and Socio-
CulturalMotivator,HelloKolkata.
Ÿ Nation Pride Award, 2022, for 'Excellence Award in
Advocacy', supported by the International Chamber of
Commerce.
Ÿ Rajiv Gandhi, ICONAWARD – EXCELLENCEAWARD
IN LEGALFERTERNITY,26THFeb2022.
Ÿ International Social Honourable Award – by WORLD
CHARITY WELFARE FOUNDATION – Associated
with Ministry of Health Family Welfare, Central vigilance
commission, Ministry of chemicals & Fertilizers,
M i n i s t r y o f s k i l l D e v e l o p m e n t &
During her career from 2009 to
2016, Adv Mita handled an
impressive array of 100 cases,
delving into areas such as rape,
child abuse, forgery, divorce, and
corporate crimes.

ENTERPRENEURSHIP (Register. No. U85300D2011
NPL75789).
Ÿ Indo-Bangladesh Harmonica, Excellence in Trans-
National Socio-Cultural Welfare, for Eminent Advocate
andSocio-CulturalWelfare,HelloKolkata.
Ÿ Hello Kolkata- Achievers Award, November 30, 2019, at
Calcutta Press Club, for Eminent Advocate & Socio-
CulturalMotivator.
Ÿ Hello Kolkata - Women Empowerment Award-2018, for
EminentAdvocate,March9,2019,BirlaPlanetarium.
Ÿ Excellence Award, 2018, by Hello Kolkata in
collaboration with Kolkata Book Fare, February 9 2018,
BookFareKolkata.

16 |January, 2024
or centuries, the courtroom was
Fa hallowed hall dominated by
the deep baritone of male
authority. The legal landscape, once
dominated by men, is undergoing a
profound transformation as women
increasingly ascend to prominent
positions, wielding inﬂuence and
reshaping the trajectory of the legal
profession. Within its imposing walls,
a quiet revolution has been brewing–a
revolution led by women in robes, their
voices rising in chorus to reshape the
very landscape of law.
Gone are the days when women were
relegated to the margins of legal
practice. Today, they stand front and
center, shattering glass ceilings with
every landmark case, every eloquent
argument, every innovative legal
strategy. They are a force to be
reckoned with, not just in iconic
lawsuits but in every courtroom,
corporate boardroom, and legal clinic
across the globe.
Beyond Victories in Court
The impact of these trailblazers in
robes extends far beyond courtroom
victories. They are:
Mentoring and empowering the next
generation: They see their success as a
beacon, paving the way for aspiring
lawyers, creating pathways through
mentorship and shattering stereotypes.
They prove that legal excellence has no
gender bias, inspiring young women to
dream big and reach for the gavel.
Championing social justice: From
environmental protection to human
rights, women lawyers are at the
forefront of critical legal battles,
ﬁghting for a more just and equitable
world. They lend their voices to the
voiceless, challenging injustices and
advocating for those whose rights are
trampled upon.

HowWomen are
Reshaping the
Landscape
of Law?

Promoting diversity and inclusion:
They are dismantling barriers within
the legal profession, advocating for
gender parity, racial justice, and
representation for all identities. They
understand that true justice requires a
tapestry woven with diverse threads,
and they work tirelessly to ensure that
the legal system reflects the richness
and complexity of the society it serves.
Leading with innovation: Women
lawyers are not afraid to challenge the
status quo. They embrace technology,
explore new legal frontiers, and drive
creative solutions to complex legal
challenges. They don't shy away from
uncharted territory, constantly pushing
the boundaries of legal practice and
seeking ever-more effective ways to
uphold justice.
The Rise of Women in Law:
Historically, the legal field has been a
male-dominated domain, with women
facing numerous barriers to entry and
progression. However, the past few
decades have witnessed a remarkable
shift as women lawyers have broken
through these barriers, challenging
stereotypes and making their mark
across diverse legal sectors.
Leadership Roles and Judicial
Benches: One of the most notable
developments in recent years is the
increasing representation of women in
leadership roles within law firms and
on judicial benches. Women are now
assuming the role of managing
partners, general counsels, and justices,
bringing diverse perspectives to
decision-making and fostering a more
inclusive legal environment.
Championing Social Justice: Women
in law are emerging as champions of
social justice, leveraging their legal
expertise to address systemic
inequalities and advocate for
marginalized communities. Whether
through public interest law, pro bono
work, or advocacy within legal
institutions, these trailblazing women
are effecting positive change in society.
Diversity, Inclusion, and
Mentorship: The impact of women in
law extends beyond individual
achievements; it encompasses a
commitment to fostering diversity and
inclusion within the legal profession.
Many women lawyers actively engage
in mentorship programs, guiding the
next generation and promoting a more
equitable distribution of opportunities
and recognition.
Breaking Glass Ceilings: The
metaphorical glass ceiling that once
restricted women's advancement within
the legal field is being shattered by
these trailblazers. Their achievements
send a powerful message to aspiring
women lawyers, signaling that gender
should never be a barrier to success in
the legal realm.
Navigating Challenges: Despite the
progress made, women in law still
encounter challenges such as gender
bias, unequal pay, and a lack of
representation in certain legal sectors.
Acknowledging these challenges is
crucial for continued advocacy and
creating a more supportive and
egalitarian legal landscape.
Technological Integration: The
integration of technology into legal
practice has provided new avenues for
women to make their mark. Women in
law are harnessing the power of legal
tech to enhance efficiency, increase
access to justice, and redefine
traditional legal processes.
Balancing Act: A recurring theme in
the narratives of women in law is the
delicate balance between professional
and personal life. The article explores
how these trailblazers navigate the
demands of a legal career while
advocating for policies that facilitate
work-life balance.
This is not just a moment of
recognition; it's a call to action. We
must continue to champion diversity
and inclusion in the legal profession,
dismantle structural barriers, and
amplify the voices of these remarkable
women. We must stand with them as
they continue to reshape the legal
landscape, ensuring that justice is not
just served, but actively pursued for all.
"Trailblazers in Robes" celebrates the
indomitable spirit and
accomplishments of women who have
risen to prominence in the legal
profession. Their stories illuminate not
only the progress made but also the
path forward toward a legal landscape
that embraces diversity, equality, and
the transformative power of women in
law.
18 |January, 2024

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Professional success is a culmination of following
your interests with inquisitiveness, fascination,
passion, and the constant pursuit of excellence in
your chosen path of career. Possessing these qualities in
abundance, Nidhi Arya, a Partner at Argus Partners, has
recently been recognized as a “Recommended Lawyer” for
Banking & Finance by the Legal500 Asia-Pacific Rankings
2022.
Further, her practice, i.e. Banking & Finance at Argus
Partners, has won several awards and recognitions,
including:
Ÿ IFLR1000 2022, 2021 and 2020.
Ÿ Top 50 Law Firms in India by Forbes India in its Legal
Powerlist 2021, 2020.
Ÿ Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific 2021 & 2020.
Ÿ Chambers & Partners Global Guide 2020.
Ÿ Asia Law Profiles 2021, 2020 and 2018.
The legal profession along with being a noble one is the
most arduous area to function in. Yet, in the past decade that
Nidhi has been with Argus Partners, she has been an
integral part of the leadership and has actively participated
in shaping the different policies which are currently in place
at Argus Partners, including shaping the culture at the firm.
She is excelling and setting benchmarks of higher accom-
plishment in her practice areas of Banking and Finance,
Real Estate, and General Corporate.
An Inquisitively Inspirational Journey
Sharing her inspiration behind venturing into the legal
profession and mastering it with panache, Nidhi recalls that
while growing up, she was always fascinated with eminent
legal personalities who often appeared in the news and had
a reputation for being the best in the high-profile matters of
their time. Being a history buff and an avid reader in school,
she was also inspired by lawyers who had dedicated their
careers towards fighting for our independence. She adds,
“These personalities stoked my inquisitiveness about the
legal profession.”
Nidhi graduated from Symbiosis Law School, Pune in the
year 2008, and then went on to complete her L.L.M.
(Master of Law) in International Finance Law from King’s
College, London. “In law school, I realized that I had a
passion for the profession. Though initially, I wanted to be a
litigator, I later found that I had a knack for corporate law,
which I practice till date due to the constant learning
opportunities across a wide breadth of industries that I
engage in.”
Nidhi started her legal career with Gagrats, Mumbai.
Thereafter, she was a part of the international capital
markets team at Rajani Associates, Mumbai, before joining
Argus Partners in the year 2013. “I also believe that the
legal profession is one of the few noble professions in India
that demand a higher standard of conduct and integrity,
which instils a sense of pride in me,” she says.
Speaking about her law firm, Nidhi says that…
Argus Partners
…is a leading Indian law firm with offices in Mumbai,
Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Innovative thought
leadership and the ability to build lasting relationships with
all stakeholders are the key drivers of the firm. The
professionals of the firm are business lawyers, who
understand business and financial issues that help in
identifying real risks and providing practical legal solutions
to drive the growth of the clients’ business.
The firm is a result of the merger of two firms. In 2012 the
firm Argus Partners merged with an existing Mumbai
headquartered firm, Udwadia & Udeshi, which was
The Professionally Empowering
Corporate Legal Partner
20 |January, 2024 www.insightssuccess.in

established in 1997. The merged firm was renamed
‘Udwadia Udeshi & Argus Partners’. In 2015 along with the
change in the name of the firm to ‘Argus Partners’, the
partners adopted the firm’s immutable core values of
integrity, quality, and respect, which stand as the
cornerstone of the firm in all its dealings.
The firm has built a formidable reputation for
its consistent high performance. The firm,
the Partners and the associates have rich
domestic and international experience,
and have been recognized and awarded
by several publications. Presence across
India gives the firm a distinct advantage
in serving its clientele which includes
industry and business leaders in all
segments of the market.
When probed about challenges she faced
while entering the legal profession viz-a-
viz present challenges, Nidhi says as she
self-reflects to the time when she had
entered the legal space, there were…
Two Key Challenges
that she faced as a budding lawyer:
Firstly, it was challenging for her to find her fit in this
industry. The sheer number of practice areas and law firms
in the corporate legal space can be daunting for a fresher.
This is where internships play a vital role where freshers
can immerse themselves across practice areas until they find
their calling. “It is heartening to see that, today, internship
programs are more advanced and regimented than they
were when I was in law school.”
Secondly, it took her a lot of time and effort to identify the
right approach that could help her better understand the
needs and pain points of her clients. This was critical to
ensure that she structure solutions that meet their unique
needs. She says, “As corporate lawyers, once we have a
deep understanding of the business of our clients and how
it's evolving, only then does it become easier to guide our
clients through the traverse of law and the regulatory
regime.”
Today, as a partner in a law firm, the biggest challenge that
she faces is maintaining her brand as an expert in her
domain, since the market in India is now fiercely competi-
tive. Relationships play a key role here. Personally, she has
Nidhi Arya has been recognized as a
‘Recommended Lawyer’ for Banking
& Finance by the Legal500
Asia-Pacific Rankings 2022.

had the opportunity to work in Mumbai and Kolkata, which
has enabled her to build relationships in both these markets
and maintain those relationships by leveraging technology
to be more location-agnostic while servicing her clients.
A Brilliance of Legal Excellence
Briefing about the various specialized legal offerings,
solutions, or services that she provides to her clientele,
Nidhi says that within the sphere of banking and finance,
she regularly advises large banks, non-banking financial
companies and funds on debt transactions in both the
stressed and non-stressed sectors, including corporate
funding, construction finance, external commercial
borrowings, issuance of non-convertible debentures and due
diligence.
She also has extensive experience within the real estate
space, wherein she provides compliance-based advisory
services to clients, especially in light of the Real Estate
(Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA). She
handles multiple transactions for townships and real estate
projects, which include real estate financing, joint ventures,
joint developments, leases, and RERA documentation.
She informs, “Within my general corporate practice, I have
advised corporate houses on day-to-day matters, while also
overlooking various corporate transactions in the fields of
power, turnkey projects, and logistics.”
Tech Legal Transformation
Shedding light on the impact of technological advance-
ments on the Law space, Nidhi says that in the pre-COVID
times, much of the work within the legal industry was
heavily reliant on face-to-face consultations, physical
meetings, and hearings. The past two years have seen a
sharp learning curve where new technologies are concerned
as COVID forced courts and lawyers alike to adapt to
remote ways of working. “More specifically, digital
solutions such as virtual data rooms, servers and virtual
meeting rooms have really changed the way that we work
today.”
According to her another great impact of technology on this
profession is that lawyers are now no longer confined to
businesses within their cities, with more work being
accomplished through online meetings, virtual hearings and
email interactions. Law firms are, therefore, no longer
confined to geographies where they are present and have
now started servicing clients in different markets.
“Further, digital contracts, clickwrap agreements, e-
signatures and e-filings have now become a common
practice amongst corporates and businesses,” she says.
An Extensively Powerful Growth Story
Revealing specialities/factors that make her stand out as an
influential personality in her field, Nidhi says that she is a
first-generation lawyer with an extensive legal career of
about 14 years that spans multiple practice areas. As a part
of the core team, she has played an active role in the growth
story of her firm for the past decade. “We started from 25
lawyers and are 200 lawyers strong today, across four
cities,” she conveys.
Having worked in banking and finance, real estate and
general corporate, she has managed to build her own brand.
She adds, “I am now using this experience to groom the
next generation of lawyers within my firm, while also
creating opportunities for them.”
Nidhi offers her clients customer-centric solutions and
delivers results with efficiency and speed. “This approach
has allowed me to build strong relationships with some of
the most prominent financial institutions within the country,
while also venturing into new spaces.”
Wisdom for the Future of Law
In her advice to the aspiring legal enthusiasts who are
willing to step into the legal space today, Nidhi feels that
while a career in law can be demanding, the same is true for
any professional services today. “My advice to aspiring
lawyers would be to stay positive and focus on practice
areas that they find interesting. For us lawyers, it takes time
and patience to develop subject matter expertise in any
practice area and this will eventually lead to building your
own unique brand in the future.”
Highlighting the current scenario of the Indian Legal Space,
Nidhi shares that these are exciting times for lawyers with
technology being at the centre of everything they do. What
this presents are multiple pathways to learning new skill
sets. “In recent times we have also seen the emergence of
many new legal practice areas and specialties such as
technology including fintech and digital payments, e-
commerce, data privacy, cyber laws, ESG, climate action,
etc. which have opened new opportunities for lawyers,” she
concludes.

An Ardent Legal Advisor Offering the Most Optimal Solutions
Stuti Dhyani
Partner
Saikrishna & Associates
24 |January, 2024

here is no one best solution that would fit all in the
Tlegal arena, only completely customer-centric
optimal solutions. This is what Stuti Dhyani
ardently believes in. As the Partner at Saikrishna &
Associates, she has comprehensively learned this fine
distinction. According to her, it is important to realize early
on that the best solution for one may not be the most
optimal solution for the other; hence, "We need to
understand our audience before any advice. With a decade
of practice, I believe one naturally learns the pulse of the
authorities one is dealing with and can offer the optimal
advice most suited for one's client.”
Stuti's legal expertise's USPs makes her stand out as an
influential lawyer in the industry, and especially as a
Partner; Stuti leads the ICT, Computer Science, and
telecommunication vertical at the firm and looks after the
end-to-end services, be it drafting, prosecution, or dispute
resolution when it comes to Patent Law.
Protecting Your Intellectual Genius
Adding on the traits of an influential lawyer, she says that
creativity is intrinsic, but with the right intention, it can
also be cultivated. "I believe I have always put an
amalgamation of my technical prowess, my love for words,
and the ability to think beyond what exists on the table to
offer the most optimal solution to the client.”
Another leg to this discussion is championing the cause of
not just getting any claim or patent granted but getting an
enforceable claim or patent granted. The arduous work of
protecting your innovation doesn't end with a granted claim
or patent but infact, begins only with its enforceability.
"With being neck-deep into SEP litigations, we are made
aware of how crucial this fact is on quite a daily basis and
realize how it is the crying need of the hour," she feels.
Other than her primary role stated earlier, Stuti has
copiously contributed to creating awareness of the firm's
patent practice, attending various national and international
conferences and seminars, and journaling important patent
updates. Being deeply entrenched in the field and
developing a pragmatic viewpoint in dealing with the court
and patent office officers regularly has given her the vantage
point to provide strategic advisories on patent law.
However, a Partner at Saikrishna is much more than
someone who has made their mark in law and technology.
Moving up in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, one is
motivated by self-actualization. This self-actualization
forms a fine nexus with adding value to society at large,
leading to fulfilling your life purpose.
In the patent space, there are fine nuances between the
monopoly of rights and the abuse of dominant position that
one must understand. The differentiator between the two
can often be conflated and blurred, and comprehending this
can be very nebulous. As an ardent Indian patent
professional, Stuti strives to galvanize awareness of the fine
balance so that whilst the proprietor's rights are not
compromised, the commoner and the society generally don't
hang by a thread either. "This is both challenging and
rewarding at the same time.”
Legally Techno Logical Journey
Saikrishna & Associates is a full-service law firm
specializing in Intellectual Property, Telecommunication
Media and Technology, Corporate Law, and Competition in
Noida, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore in India. "Started by
our Managing Partner, Mr. Sairkrishna Rajagopal, in 2001,
the firm has grown by leaps and bounds across verticals
and locations," informs Stuti, an IT engineer, a lawyer by
education and a patent attorney/lawyer by profession.
Her inclination towards IPR, particularly patents, seemed a
natural step after earning her Engineering degree because
I believe I have always put
an amalgamation of my
technical prowess, my love
for words, and the ability
to think beyond what exists
on the table to offer the
most optimal solution
to the client.

this step allowed her to combine her predilection for
Technology, passion for words, and love of protecting the
rights of researchers and scientists alike.
She started her career at Anand and Anand Advocates,
Noida, in 2011. She was intensively involved in drafting
and prosecuting patent applications and contentious
matters- appeals, invalidations, and litigation representing
some major software and telecom giants across the globe.
After that, she joined Saikrishna & Associates, Noida, in
2019 as an Associate Partner.
At Saikrishna, Stuti has had the fortune of garnering
extensive experience in involving herself at the end to end
of the patent spectrum ranging from analytics, searches,
drafting, standard essential patent evaluation, claim chart
mapping, patent licensing, and monetization. She has also
been involved in prosecution before the Patent office, in
contentious matters before the erstwhile Appellate board
and the current Intellectual Property Division (IPD) of the
Delhi High Court (DHC), and in hard-core litigation,
especially in Standard Essential Patents and FRAND before
the Court of Law. Notably, she has prosecuted nearly 6000
patent applications on computer-related inventions and
telecommunications with a whopping success rate.
She has also had the rare opportunity to be a resource
person for Induction and Training for Judges of the
High Court and District Courts in India's IPR policy at
the National Judicial Academy (NJA), Bhopal. Besides
this, she has also delivered lectures at various universities,
start-ups, research, and financial institutions to increase
protection awareness in building patent-implemented
inventions.
Her dabbling into various arenas of patents has given Stuti
the latitude to perform in almost any capacity–from being a
representative at the Indian Patent Office, the Intellectual
Property Division, and the High Court for clients across the
world.
Intrinsically Cultivated Intelligence
Despite having seen the legalese while growing up, it had
little impact on Stuti's decision to venture into the legal
space. On the contrary, she resorted to a different route and
pursued engineering in Information Technology. While she
was able to secure offers from various software companies
in her pre-final year of engineering, she had an epiphany
that she wasn't so inclined towards application-based
computer programming and probably would never be fully
satisfied being a coder.
Stuti interned at Anand and Anand, Noida, as a part of her
5th-semester subject, and it dawned on her that she was
much intrigued by the theoretical aspect of computer
science and the ongoing research and innovation that is
incrementing our lives. After her 8th semester, she declined
her other IT offers and took up the job at Anand and Anand.
During her tenure at Anand and Anand, to further augment
her skills, Stuti pursued law and ultimately passed the Bar
in 2017. When she entered this field in 2011, this was still
an upcoming arena in law, with not many people cognizant
of this. The competition was sparse, and the opportunities
were still exploratory. Stuti reflects, "However, I believe for
a student of science and technology, with no formal
education in law at first, it can take some time to wrap their
heads around the law per se and its application to
technology thereof. I must admit that there has been a sea
change in awareness since then, with many patent agents
and engineers/scientists who already come with combined
degrees before starting their careers.”
That being said, she adds that techno-legal professionals
must never lose sight of the fact that while technology
advances at a galloping speed, the law needs to keep pace
with it. "The law, especially if I were to talk about the
Patent law, was enacted in 1970, and the Patent Rules have
been constantly revised since 2016." The law was enacted
to offer protection to technology with an exclusion to a
certain category of invention, keeping in mind the socio-
economic structure of our country then. Following the 2005
Doha Declaration, India became a member of the TRIPS
with a certain embargo on some kinds of inventions.
The Smartness Quotient
"We can all appreciate that the technology and the nature of
inventions, both incremental and disruptive, have evolved
significantly since then. The economy of India can also be
re-evaluated to determine the relevance of the laws
protecting our IPRs." At any rate, the need of the hour is to
ensure that the law protecting these IPRs is also
dynamically fine-tuned so that they don't become discrepant
with the very technology they aim to protect. "While the
Patent Rules' slew of amendments since 2016 till now have
brought much respite in addressing procedural deficiencies,
we can hope for revised legislation such that the laws don't
become antiquated.”
26 |January, 2024

Briefing about her specialized services, Stuti says at
Saikrishna they are a diversified team of engineers, lawyers,
and patent agents who run into multiple technical domains
and are adept at Patents and Designs filing, Prosecution,
litigation, prosecution and litigation advisory, Illustration
Drawings, Patent drafting, Patentability searches, Invalidity
searches, Freedom to operate searches, Risk Analysis,
Competitive analytics. They also routinely assist in filing
and prosecuting in other countries through their foreign
associates. They cater to automotive, computer science,
telecommunication, electronics, chemistry-pharma, life
sciences, agriculture, and material sciences, to name a few.
They are deep into drafting of complex inventions on AI
and ML and 5G/6G technology, Standard Essential Patent
(SEP) and FRAND litigation and various Alternate Dispute
Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, such as mediation and
negotiations.
The Dynamic Aspect
While sharing her opinion on tech advancement in the law
field, Stuti says that technology has played a vital role in the
legal industry. It has increased the efficiency of legal offices
and the productivity of clerical workers. It has also
improved accuracy and ensured greater transparency within
and outside the firms. "The advent of technology is most
welcoming when it helps the world and our legal ecosystem
go green.”
With cloud migration, the need to maintain physical files
has been eliminated. This change is not just evident in law
firms but also in some courts too. It has enabled people to
work remotely when needed and has far-reaching effects in
ensuring job satisfaction.
However, with the advent of AI-based applications, such as
chatgpt, technological advancement has reached a new
height. There are speculations that it could dilute the need
for lawyers, but however good technological progress may
be, it cannot replace a human mind with the creativity one
desires.
The Law Full Wisdom Way Ahead
In her advice to the budding legal professionals aspiring to
step into the legal field today, Stuti thinks that young
professionals need no advice; they are extremely
hardworking, industrious, and diligent and are equipped
with anything at their command. "But if I can offer my two
cents, it is that before anyone else, stay true to yourself. I
believe that is where we falter because misleading oneself
can cause much-unwarranted agony. It is easy to get
overwhelmed by what is prevalent, so if we can appreciate
our strengths and embrace our weaknesses, we can make
great strides in this industry.”
Focus on finding a true mentor. Having a mentor to help
you wade through the waters even when you think you may
know everything is a boon in today's day and age. There are
many unexplored areas where one can find their niche. It is
akin to developing a taste or distaste for a subject,
depending on how good your teacher at school was!
And lastly, but most importantly know why you are
doing what you are doing.
“At times, when I conduct interviews, I realize there is little
to no focal point to the discussion with some professionals
when they are asked to comment on the 'why' behind
something,” she adds.
Regarding the current and future scenarios, Stuti believes
that the Indian legal industry is a work in progress, as is any
legal sector of any other country. "The Indian
Jurisprudence, and I can speak for patent jurisprudence, has
developed substantially in the last five years like some
much-lauded decisions by the Delhi High Court on the
formation of the Confidentiality Club, the Anti- Anti Suit
Injunction, claim amendments and divisional applications,
but we still have a long way ahead," she concludes.

Guardians of Justice
28 |January, 2024

n the hallowed halls of justice, a
Ipowerful transformation is
underway as an increasing number
of women lawyers rise to the forefront,
donning the mantle of Guardians of
Justice. For centuries, the image of a
"guardian of justice" evoked a figure
cloaked in authority, a voice booming
from behind a judge's bench.
But in the annals of history, another
image is quietly carving its place – the
image of a woman in lawyer's robes,
her voice rising not just from the
bench, but from the very heart of
communities demanding change and
equality.
These are the Guardians of Justice,
women lawyers on a mission to
dismantle the inequities of the world,
one case at a time. They are not content
with merely upholding the law; they
are actively reshaping it, weaving
social justice into every legal thread.
The Emergence of
Women Lawyers
www.insightssuccess.com
Beyond the Case Files: These
guardians' impact extends far beyond
the cold confines of case files. They
are:
Defenders of the Vulnerable: From
fighting for women's rights to
advocating for environmental
protection, they stand as shields for the
marginalized, giving voice to the
voiceless and challenging structures
that perpetuate injustice.
Architects of Equality: They
understand that true justice isn't served
on a silver platter; it requires
dismantling discriminatory systems
and crafting laws that level the playing
field. They tirelessly advocate for
gender parity, racial justice, and fair
representation for all.
Builders of Bridges: They break down
silos, forging partnerships with
activists, communities, and
onaMission of
Championing Change and
Equality

policymakers to create a multi-pronged approach to social
change. Collaboration is their weapon, ensuring justice isn't
just fought for, but built together.
Trailblazers in Innovation: These guardians aren't bound
by dusty legal precedents. They embrace technology,
explore new legal frontiers, and develop creative solutions
to tackle complex challenges. From utilizing data analysis
to empower marginalized communities to championing
legislative reforms, they constantly push the boundaries of
legal activism.
A Generation on the Rise: 2024 marks a pivotal moment
for these guardians:
Shattering Stereotypes: The legal profession, once
characterized by gender disparities, is witnessing a
paradigm shift as women lawyers break through traditional
barriers. These trailblazers are not merely practitioners of
law; they are architects of change, challenging stereotypes
and proving that justice knows no gender.
Championing Equality: At the heart of the mission
embraced by these women lawyers is a commitment to
championing equality. Whether in the courtroom,
boardroom, or public interest spaces, they leverage their
legal acumen to dismantle discriminatory practices,
advocating for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and social
justice.
Diverse Perspectives in Legal Decision-Making: The
emergence of women lawyers in leadership positions within
law firms, corporate legal departments, and on the bench
has injected diverse perspectives into legal decision-
making. This inclusivity is fostering a more nuanced and
equitable approach to addressing complex legal challenges.
Public Interest Advocacy: Guardians of Justice are not
confined to traditional legal roles; they extend their
influence into the realm of public interest advocacy. Many
women lawyers are at the forefront of campaigns
addressing systemic issues such as racial injustice,
environmental concerns, and access to education and
healthcare.
Legal Tech and Innovation: Embracing technological
advancements, women lawyers are leveraging legal tech to
enhance the efficiency of legal processes and increase
accessibility to justice. From online legal services to
artificial intelligence applications, these guardians are at the
forefront of legal innovation.
Balancing Professional and Personal Commitments:
There are unique challenges faced by women lawyers in
balancing their professional and personal commitments.
Despite societal expectations, these guardians are forging
paths that redefine work-life balance and challenge
traditional norms within the legal profession.
Mentorship and Leadership: Acknowledging the
importance of mentorship, many women lawyers actively
engage in guiding and uplifting the next generation of legal
professionals. Their mentorship goes beyond imparting
legal knowledge; it includes fostering a supportive
environment and creating pathways for career progression.
A Wave of New Champions: A new generation of diverse
legal talents is rising, bringing fresh perspectives and
unwavering dedication to social justice. They are unafraid
to challenge the status quo and demand bold legal reforms.
Global Solidarity: The fight for justice knows no borders.
Women lawyers across the world are forging alliances,
sharing best practices, and amplifying each other's voices,
creating a powerful global movement for legal change.
Beyond Recognition, a Call to Action: Celebrating these
guardians of justice is not just about acknowledging their
achievements. It's a call to action for all of us. We must
stand with them, amplify their voices, and join their fight
for a more just and equitable world.
Let us be inspired by their unwavering commitment, their
relentless pursuit of equality, and their courage to
challenge the status quo. Let us, together, be the generation
that ensures that the gavel of justice is wielded not just by
the privileged few, but by the guardians of justice
themselves, the women who are reshaping the landscape of
law, one case, one community, one voice at a time.
30 |January, 2024

oundaries are merely artificial and intangible lines
Bof fictitious individual perceptions. However,
geographic boundaries – borders - have the power
to alter the land’s cultures, customs, and laws. Zeenat
Phophalia, Of Counsel at Davies & Associates, LLC,
headquartered in New York City, understands these global
cross-border ever-evolving intricacies of the legal profes-
sion.
In such a scenario, according to Zeenat, the Indian Legal
Industry is already in the process of transformation. She
states her views, “With the technological impact and
increased cross border work and more and more globaliza-
tion, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the Indian
legal industry has got a makeover. What would sell as a
general corporate or contract law practice some years ago
no longer works. Areas of practice are specialized and
super-specialized these days. Legal Process Outsourcing, a
concept less popular ten years ago, is ever growing and
thriving today.”
The Transformational Power of the Judiciary
This vastness of law inspired Zeenat in the first place to
choose law as her profession. She comes from a family of
lawyers and was exposed to this profession at a young age,
“And I think it was a natural inclination for me.” Her
mother, a trust and estate lawyer, used to take her to
courthouses, and she has vivid memories of walking the
hallways of the many courtrooms and being fascinated by
and in awe of all the energy around.
“As a child, of course, I had little appreciation of the depth
and dynamism of this profession. But as I came to learn
more about law in my high school years (and thanks to the
many John Grisham novels), I began to truly understand
the power it wields and the influence it has to impact
society and bring about change – change in big ways – be it
through litigation, judiciary or advocacy,” she says. Also,
what is so wonderful about this profession is that it’s so
diverse - there are so many areas of the law, each entirely
different from the other yet interlinked in many ways.
Shedding light on her professional tenure, Zeenat informs
that she is an attorney licensed to practice law in the State
of New York, the United Kingdom, and India. Her expertise
lies in US business immigration. Over the past ten years,
she has represented clients in business and employment
immigration, permanent residence, consular matters,
naturalization, and waivers of inadmissibility. She has
advised clients on nonimmigrant visa applications and
petitions such as L1, H1-B, F1, and O, as well as EB-1 and
EB-5 cases and related immigration compliance.
“Having studied and worked in America and I’m equipped
with a deep understanding of the system, and have helped
several businesses and families navigate the many nuances
and complexities of US immigration law. It’s given me
great satisfaction to have assisted my clients in realizing
their American dream,” shares Zeenat.
Before practising immigration law, she worked with leading
law firms in India, advising domestic and international
clients on Indian corporate law, mergers, and acquisitions
and entry strategies and foreign investment regulations.
An International Saga of an Immigration Attorney
Zeenat highlights her roles and responsibilities as Of
Counsel with Davies and Associates LLC based in Mumbai.
“The firm has a global presence, and we have offices across
different continents and time zones,” she informs.
She particularly supports the firm’s growing client base in
India and South East Asia – Vietnam and Singapore. “I
advise clients on various US immigration options and
strategies, including employment visas, green cards, and
investor visas, and assist with consular representation. I
also oversee the teams’case management and client
deliverables,” she adds.
Davies & Associates, LLC is a US law firm that started life
assisting Indian business owners seeking to expand to the
United States, managing all aspects of the process from visa
application to company incorporation and tax structuring.
Since then, they have expanded into assisting Indian
Zeenat’s legal training in various
countries has equipped her with
a strong understanding of the
legal system of these countries
– the US, India, and the UK.

nationals with applying for US investor visas, US family
immigration, US intracompany transfer visas, and much
more. The firm has also extended its global reach, assisting
Indian clients seeking to move to the United Kingdom,
Italy, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Grenada, and beyond.
The firm has a team dedicated to the US L1 Visa, which
permits the intracompany transfer of certain employees
from the Indian office to the existing or newly established
US office. It also has a team dedicated to filing EB5
Investor Visas applications, which has experience with the
unique financial and cultural requirements of Indian clients,
such as issues relating to the Liberalised Remittance
Scheme and documenting the Source of Funds used to
finance the investment.
The firm’s E2 visa practice was the first in the world to
obtain an E2 visa for an Indian client through the Grenada
Citizenship by Investment donation route. Indians are not
directly eligible for the E2 visa and must first become
citizens of an E2 country, such as Grenada if they wish to
become eligible. The E2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that
permits the holder to reside in the United States with
qualifying family members to invest in and run a business.
Spouses of E2 holders are authorized to work in the United
States.
Winning Over Challenges
Recalling challenges she faced while venturing into the
legal industry viz-a-viz challenges of today, Zeenat says
that in her first law firm job, she was put on a rotation
program to get an opportunity to work in different practice
areas. She had started in the firm’s litigation practice and
spent almost every day at a courthouse. She remembers,
“Back then, there were far more male litigators than female;
I think women were taken less seriously and often dis-
missed as not being “tough” (as was expected of a litigator),
but over the past 20 years, things have changed so much,
and as a woman, you no longer feel a misfit when you walk
into a courtroom.”
Also, in her initial years as a young lawyer, she didn’t have
access to a mentor, “And I think getting guidance helps
tremendously, more importantly in your early years as you
are still navigating and finding your niche. I feel that that
gap still exists,” she says. While many firms and companies
have mentorship programs in place, given the very long
hours and perpetually aggressive deadlines chased,
mentorship is often sidelined and not given the importance
it deserves.
Lawyers are known for working endless hours; as passion-
ate as one may feel about their work, exhaustion and
meltdowns are real, often recurring, and cannot be ignored.
While this comes with the territory, these can have long-
term effects. There are ways to mitigate and balance by
prioritizing wellbeing, delegating, collaborating, teaming,
and seeking help.
Tech-Know-Legal Advancements
Zeenat shares her opinions on the technological impact on
the legal profession and how she is leveraging advanced
tech to ensure the seamless delivery of services to her
clients. She says that technological advancements have
revolutionized many industries and professions, and the
legal sector is no exception. Many law firms today have
adopted modern technological solutions; for example, AI is
used for document review, case law research, predicting
outcomes in certain cases, etc.
The digital tools can process and review large volumes of
documents which significantly lowers litigation costs.
34 |January, 2024

Various case management software is designed to help
lawyers and legal teams efficiently manage multiple tasks
and deadlines. She adds, “These are particularly important
for immigration law firms such as ours where keeping track
of visa petition validity and expiry dates becomes of utmost
importance as this affects the immigration status of a
foreign worker or dependent.” Then there are knowledge
management tools that create a central repository of legal
material, making knowledge easily and quickly accessible
firm-wide, and the list goes on. Undoubtedly, technology
has impacted the legal sector for the better, making things
more cost-effective and efficient.
Deep Impact
Highlighting unique factors standing her out as an influen-
tial lawyer, Zeenat feels her legal training in various
countries has equipped her with a strong understanding of
the legal system of these countries – the US, India, and the
UK. “Moreover, understanding the cultural, political, and
social aspects of different geographies, I think, forms an
important part and a practical component of the legal
services and advice that I can provide as a lawyer,” she
explains. For example, for Indian companies wanting to set
up businesses in the US and send their employees on US
work visas, assessing the Indian industry in regulatory
compliance becomes important. Her Indian training puts her
in a better position to advise on compliance and other
regulatory issues in such cases.
In her advice to the budding legal professionals aspiring to
step into the legal field, Zeenat says that today, the
profession of law is more exciting and dynamic than ever
before; with the penetration of technology, the legal sector
has adapted, remolded, is thriving and full of opportunities.
It’s a great time to be graduating law school.
“To me, self-motivation, critical thinking, and collaboration
are important to growth. That said, starting, whether on
your own, in-house or with a law firm, comes with its share
of heartburns. I feel it’s important to know that it’s OK to
make mistakes, doubt yourself, and reach out for help.
Having a mentor, someone in a senior role within the
organization - truly helps, someone who can help you
navigate. I would also say this, and more so in the context
of the uncertain times that we live in – one should be
willing to pivot if needed. While you may absolutely love
doing bankruptcy, if the need of the hour is IP, be open to
learning and adapting and acquiring a new skillset. And last
but not least, we lawyers have a reputation for burning the
midnight oil, which may not necessarily be something to be
trumpeting about. While it’s important to stay committed
and work hard, of equal importance is your wellbeing, and
so always, always remember to be kind to yourself,” she
concludes.

“You will be deﬁned not just
by what you achieve,
but by how you survive.”
- Sheryl Sandberg

Insights Success India’s The Women in Law

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