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OF COURSE, FOR GOOD REASONS

Envisioning a 21st Century Firm since 1996

The legal profession has no dearth of situations wherein family run setups have been a key overriding factor. It was indeed a delightful moment to have met Sangeeta Goel, Founding & Managing Partner, Sim And San – Attorney at Law when we learnt the power of envisioning a firm over the next century ever since its inception. Here’s an excerpt of our conversation.

Briefly share with us the legacy behind the firm's standing today

I founded the firm in 1996 and had coined the name myself, although, in those days, it was regarded as a departure from the usual practice of naming the firm on the basis of your last name and adding the words “associates” or “partners”, etc. On the contrary, I remember Justice A.K. Sikri complimenting us on the name of our firm as he thought the firm name came across as very stylish and a departure from the usual practice.

During the early days, I was assisted by two of my very close friends, who agreed to be associated as partners with me in the firm, and few associates.

Keeping in mind my own expertise, I wanted to start the firm as a boutique law firm specializing in Intellectual Property Rights Laws. Now, over the past more than twenty-two (22) years of the firm existence, the firm has developed a niche practice expertise in Intellectual Property Rights Laws and is regarded as one of the top law firms dealing in Intellectual Property Rights Laws and associated industry sectors.

Unlike my contemporaries and colleagues at that time, I always wanted to keep a low profile. I did not believe in creating noise about our firm. I was always happy in receiving work based on execution and competence. This culture is an integral part of the DNA of the firm. We still do not believe in keeping a high profile. Organically achieved appreciation and accolades are most precious to us.

Through 2008-09, when my son Mohit joined the firm after leaving J. Sagar & Associates, and my younger son Sidhant graduated and joined the chambers of Mr. Gaurav Pachnanda, it was our collective decision to expand the firm's practice areas to all forms of dispute resolution and corporate commercial transaction advisory. This was a genuine step towards progression and making the firm a bit bigger in terms of practice areas and client base.

Slowly and steadily we have managed to grow the firm into a full-service one, keeping alive our niche practice expertise in Intellectual Property Rights Laws, while developing expertise in all forms of dispute resolution in almost all practice areas and corporate commercial transaction advisory. We have also opened an offshore office in Dubai to cater to our firms ever growing middle eastern clientele.

Although I continue to manage the firm, after so many years of practice, honestly, I am ready to pass this baton and take a back seat and take on a mentor role in the firm.

What are your views on the country's current legal and regulatory landscape?

I am a positive person and, in my opinion, the landscape is quite good. There is a lot of scope for doing better. We now have regulators investigating anti-competitive practices, industries such as telecom and broadcasting and many others. But there is room for more regulation, especially for the digital world. We see a lot of lightening developments happening in digital space and thus we need to better regulation for the intermediaries. Our firm has taken up this cause for some of our clients and fighting court battles against the biggies of the digital world and seeking some regulation of their activities. Let’s see what the courts have in store for us in those cases!

Do you think India will gain from the liberalization of the legal services?

Yes, it is bound to. I am a staunch believer in exploring new opportunities and liberalization of legal services will do that. Just think of a smaller law firm, who has the potential to do well but has not found the platform to display its skill sets. I feel liberalization will give that platform and we will see progress in the execution of legal services. India will only benefit, I feel.

What are your thoughts on the entrepreneurship spirits in the legal services sector?

We do lack in entrepreneurial endeavours in the legal industry. Partly it’s got to do with the big firm culture which does not allow talent to explore new initiatives. We need our younger lawyers to stick their neck out and take more risks. I also feel that senior colleagues at the bar and judges should encourage young talent, encourage them to hone their skill sets rather than subjecting to them to constant criticism.

Upto what extent can technology enable lawyers in their profession?

Technology, like in any other industry, has a huge role to play for lawyers. These days I see lawyers using tablets to argue their cases in court. In fact, we have E-Courts in Delhi High Court. Everything is available at the click of a button, including files, case laws, etc., which is excellent for increasing efficiency and output.

What are the various expertise areas that the firm has developed over the years?

As I said earlier, we have developed expertise in commercial litigation, including Arbitration. Our firm specializes in trials and final disposal of commercial disputes. We have been frequently handling mandates to take over matters at the trial stage until final disposal. We have also developed expertise in corporate commercial transaction advisory, which includes, mergers and acquisitions, private equity funding, amalgamations, structuring business internationally, amongst others.

What according to you is a success secret as far as retaining clients in this sector is concerned?

Hard work, quick and efficient services of international standard. Never underestimate a client. The client always thinks about the delivery of services and their quality. Therefore, to disappoint a client, would mean losing the client.

Your advice for the NexGen lawyers of the country

Work hard with full honesty. Aim for a balance between work and personal life, but always have this at the back of your mind that the legal profession is a competitive profession and to do well, one must always keep improving on day to day basis.