Did you always want to be a lawyer?
Well, yes. My family has been in this line for almost seventy years now. I grew up around lawyers and wanted to be just like them. I was never pressurised to take up law. I guess it just happened.

So how did you go about it?
After completing my BA in Economics from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, I went on to do my law degree at Cambridge University, United Kingdom. The Bar Council of India recognised the Cambridge degree. Not only did I study there for two years but I also worked in two large law firms in London for a year. It was a fantastic experience. I got a first hand experience of how a top-notch international law firms operates.

Which was your first case?
Well, it was not so much a case as a series of assignments over a period of few months. It was so insignificant that I can barely remember it.

However, I do remember one of the first big cases that I handled. Although I cannot get into the specifics, I can tell you that it was the first foreign investment in a particular sector. Seeing that deal go through gave me a lot of satisfaction.

You specialise in corporate law. Tell us what it exactly means.
As a corporate lawyer, you will help companies navigate through seas of legalities related to mergers, takeovers, acquisitions, foreign direct investment, etc.
For example an Indian company may decide to obtain foreign investment. This would involve legal issues to be sorted out such as the Companies Act, foreign exchange laws, securities laws etc. You would need to look at the legal aspect of this business. You will explain to your clients as to what kinds of approvals are needed, the key regulatory issues, the various legislations, etc.

So what kind of work goes into putting a deal like this together?
Clients usually have investment bankers or merchant bankers advising them on the financial aspect of a transaction. You will also have accountants to look after the tax aspects of the transaction. As a corporate lawyer you will prepare the drafts of the agreement and get the various government approvals. You will also advise the client on the enforceability of these documents. You will have to sit through negotiations with the other side and interact with their lawyers too. So you see, it's a big team effort.

The time taken to complete a transaction depends on its facts. A smooth transaction can take two to three months. You will spend the whole day either going over lots of paperwork or communicating with your clients and their associates and advisors. This could be over the phone, via email or over meetings. The international nature of corporate law means that at all times of the day some part of the world is open for business. Managing your time therefore becomes important.

How does one become a corporate lawyer?
The law degree enables you to have a basic understanding of all the legal issues. As you grow with experience you branch out into an area that you like. Most law firms including ours recruit law students as trainees when they are in their fourth or fifth year of their law degree. So by the time they complete their degree they have already gone through the nitty-gritty of everyday legal issues. They are therefore able to make an informed choice as to which area they wish to specialise in.

What are the qualities essential for a lawyer?
A good lawyer must have a solid grounding in the basics of law. You must have good commercial sense. You must have the ability to think. And most importantly a lawyer must be honest, be prepared for hard work and have the ability to attract clients.

What does the future hold for lawyers in India?
With the onset of economic liberalisation, corporate law in India has become very attractive. Areas such as international finance and project finance are very rewarding. Not only will lawyers find opportunities with law firms but also with many major corporations and financial institutions.

Increasingly, clients are looking for quality service. Very soon foreign law firms may also be allowed entry into India. Most Indian law firms are therefore bringing themselves in line with the best that the west has to offer in terms of infrastructure and technology. There is more competition these days and that has helped upgrade the quality of practice of law in India. So the future is definitely bright for young lawyers wanting to do international legal work

What is your advice to youngsters?
Try to get a good senior - a mentor who can guide you and help you grow professionally. A couple of years of experience will help you decide whether you want to be a solicitor or an advocate or a counsel and which areas of law you would like to specialise in.

Your work must be very stressful indeed. How do you relax?
I spend maximum amount of my leisure time with my family. That is my relaxation. I would like to take out more time to travel though.

-Siddhartha Roy