In Conversation With Abhinav Kumar, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas | BW Legal World 40 Under 40

Many Congratulations on winning the BW Legal World 40 under 40. How has been your initial reaction after joining the elite club of BW Legal World 40 Under 40 Lawyers and Legal Influencers? How was your experience interacting with the Jury and of the event?  

AK: Thank you. It was really overwhelming for me to win this coveted award and to be recognized as a part of the elite club of BW Legal World 40 under 40 lawyers of the country. This recognition has only further motivated me to remain committed to excellence and service needs of our clients. I am thankful to BW Legal and the Jury for undertaking such a comprehensive process with such degree of fairness.  

The jury comprised of some of the top legal luminaries of our country who are widely known and recognised for legal excellence and whose achievements have inspired lawyers like us for decades now. The jury was thorough with their research (despite their really busy schedules) and posed very interesting, incisive as also thought provoking questions during the interaction.  

Please walk us through your journey in this field of law? When did you first realize that law was your life’s calling? 

AK: In my school days, a very bollywood-esque image of a lawyer was one that argues a lot! Ever since those days, my family and friends recognised me as someone who was quite analytical in his thought process and loved to attempt logical counter-arguments at every discussion. That’s when I realised my aptitude for analysis and negotiation and the natural  career choice that came to mind was to be a lawyer.    

I completed my bachelors in law in 2008 from NUJS Kolkata and joined the then AMSS by way of campus placement. AMSS held a very special appeal for new graduates from NUJS due to its top position amongst legal firms in the country but more importantly, the trust that AMSS placed in the graduates from NUJS year on year. I have been with AMSS (now Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas) since campus placement in 2008 for the last 15 years and every day of these 15 years have been progressively more satisfying and fulfilling for me at both a professional as well as at a personal level. I have been part of the capital markets practice since 2010 and I now head the western region of the practice for the firm. 

Who according to you has been your guide and mentor in this illustrious journey as a lawyer?  

AK: I believe that I am still not at the peak of my career as I learn new things every day and my firm and clients have so much more to offer. At a firm level, my guiding light has been our managing partner, Mr. Cyril Shroff, who is recognised as one of the best corporate lawyers of the country. At a practice level, our national practice area head, Mr. Yash Ashar, has been a guide and mentor for me and the practice since the early stages of my career.   

I have also learnt a lot from many of my clients and colleagues over the years in course of discussing various legal and commercial issues. I think the quality of clients and colleagues that Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas offers is unparalleled in the Indian legal industry and that has undoubtedly shaped the kind of lawyer I am today. Please help us understand the practice areas you deal in and the diverse array of work you handle? Which industries does your practice cater to mostly and which sector of the economy does your advisory service cover? 

I have been part of the capital markets practice for the most part of my legal career. I primarily advise on equity transactions such as initial public offers and capital raising by listed companies including qualified institutions placements. I also advise on regulatory matters related to securities law such as insider trading as well as listing regulations. The most delightful part of my practice is that it transcends through all industries and sectors and therefore, we need to stay abreast of legal developments across sectors and that in itself curbs monotony.  

The part I enjoy the most is working with founders who have established revered organisations and assist them to reach the most significant milestone of their entrepreneurial journey by achieving listing of their shares. Every founder’s story is different and inspiring in their own way and the elation of seeing them getting the shares of their companies listed is not comparable.  

Do you believe that AI and Technology will supersede the lawyering skills in the coming times, especially with the recent hype around ChatGPT and other AI softwares? 

AK: We are at the cusp of a major revolution in the Indian legal sector due increased adoption of technology at many levels of legal offerings. I don’t see any threat of technology superseding our skills as our legal experience and acumen cannot be replaced. However, technology can surely supplement our skill set and make our profession a lot more efficient. If any lawyer or law firm believes that they can choose to overlook technology and how it can overhaul the entire legal industry then they need to get their head out of the sand lest they run the risk of going extinct.  

Cyril Amarchand has always been the pioneer in the Indian legal industry especially where keeping up with changing times is considered, and embracing and adopting new technology and recognising that as an opportunity rather than a threat is definitely one such area. I feel privileged to be a part of such a revolutionary and evolved law firm.  

What are you doing if not lawyering? What are your hobbies in general?  

AK: I love reading and meeting people from other walks of life. Like most Indians, I am crazy about cricket and movies. I also like learning new skills and vocations like I am learning playing piano and guitar at the moment.  

As a parting note, would you please recommend a favorite book that left a lasting impression on you? What has been your most recent read? 

AK:I read a lot of fiction by Indian authors. The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai and The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy are the last two books that I have read and would recommend both as must read. Amongst non-fiction, Midnight’s Furies by Nisid Hajari and Ghost Wars by Steve Coll are excellent reads as well.