In Conversation With Akshay Sharma, Independent Legal Counsel

Tell us a bit about yourself. What made you choose a career in law? And how was the experience of studying law? 

I am Akshay Sharma, an Advocate based out of Delhi and majorly practise in the area of insolvency and commercial laws. I belong to Roorkee, Uttarakhand, a city apparently famous for IIT Roorkee, so everyone kept asking me this question why law instead of engineering. Since my childhood, I had a habit of reading newspapers and therefore was inclined toward politics and public space. I continued this interest of mine by participating in various debates and competitions and therefore, law was an obvious choice for me. 

I studied law at the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi a comparatively new NLU established in 2011. There were a lot of opportunities to tap into. I participated in various national and international moots courts, Model United Nations and therefore, my law school journey had transformed me in a better way. I am also thankful to my friends who always remained there for me as a support system and also forced me to enjoy the fun side of Law School. 

If you could suggest one reform in the legal education system, what would it be?

When I was in law school, I always thought that there should be more and more practical teaching of law and today, I am looking at various universities onboarding legal practitioners to teach the finer nuances of law to the students. 

This is important because in today’s world you cannot expect a student to just learn the law for five years and then learn the practical aspect of it during the initial days of practice, you have to prepare them for the real world as early as possible. 

Please tell us about your specialization and the array of work you handle at your firm.

I am associated with the Office of Senior Advocate P Nagesh and also independently practise in the area of IBC and company disputes along with the original side practice of the Delhi High Court.  I have represented various stakeholders under IBC before NCLT, and NCLAT and regularly advise clients in this area. 

What advice would you give law students seeking the best internships in their area of interest?

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code is still in its nascent stage, and there has not been a single year when there is no amendment to IBC since its introduction in 2016. “As the area of law is still new, the number of practitioners in this area of law is also limited, and currently, 21,000 cases are pending before NCLT. So it’s a huge opportunity.”

I can only advise law students to keep themselves updated about the recent development under IBC and somehow demonstrate their interest to particular practitioners or law firms. 

Many Congratulations on joining the BW Legal World Elite 30 Under 30 Club of Achievers 2021. What to your mind has helped you get to where you are and what advice would you have for others who want to set off in a similar direction?

Thanks a lot. I am grateful to the esteemed jury and BW Legal World for conferring this citation to me. Well, this is a difficult question as you are asking me to spill all my secrets to the world at large. 

I am a first-generation lawyer and not even a distant relative of mine or a friend of my family practises law. 

On top of that, I belong to a tier III city, so it’s difficult for an individual to keep him/herself constantly motivated in a profession where your background plays a significant role. However, the only thing which kept me motivated is that our legal profession is rewarding in the long run, some may not get it early, but if they are persistent and hardworking, they will sooner or later join the list.

I am often criticised for specialization in one area of law but then look up to various stalwarts in our profession who are known for their expertise in specific areas of law and therefore, I am trying to follow that path. What are the top three trends that are going to rule the legal sector for the next five years?

It is difficult to predict the trends, but the infusion of technology into the legal field is something to look out for.

As a final note, would you please recommend to our readers your favourite book that left a lasting impression on you?

In my 4th year, I read “ Kissinger: The Negotiator” and Henry Kissinger by Walter Issacson and I was just taken away by the personality of Mr Kissinger and the negotiation skills that the books impart which are applicable both in personal life and also abundantly beneficial in legal Profession. I still sometimes go back home and read these books for guidance.