General Counsels Are Pivotal For Company Operations, Says Justice Rekha Palli

Justice Rekha Palli, judge, Delhi High Court, while speaking at the BW Legal World General Counsel Conclave 2023, emphasised that General Counsels were an essential part of the legal profession in every manner.

Reminiscing her journey, Justice Palli said, "When I completed my law degree, we had no other option but to wear a black coat and litigate. People never thought that being a general counsel could be an option."

Justice Palli said that initially her seniors would not let her argue matters as they thought that this was not meant for ladies. So, she took up drafting work. 

"But over the last two decades, things have changed drastically. Now all the business houses are realising that they need somebody who is always with them to seek legal advice," Justice Palli noted.

General Counsels assist in the compliance of statutory obligations and every other legal strategic operations.

Everything depends on agreements which are drafted under the supervision of the General Counsel. If drafted correctly, there will be phenomenal results. If the agreement is fullproof, there are more chances of getting relief in Court.

Justice Palli stated that General Counsels were also strategists as they had to give their insights and solutions to a problem. 

"GC is happier when there are less problems, unlike lawyers who are happy when there are more problems," said Justice Palli.

Concept of General Counsel is pivotal. But there is no statutory forum where you can take your grievance. Women General Counsels have this unique ability to balance running the house as well as their work.