In Conversation With Anshul Gupta, Managing Partner, ANG Partners

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

Coming from a family of Doctors and bureaucrats, my parents never pressured my elder brother and me to opt for the same profession, so from the very beginning, every other profession was being explored, and that is when my elder brother and I chose to pursue law as a career. It was a well-researched decision. I had the privilege of having an elder brother in the same profession who has guided me at every step, be it from choosing the right college to the several internships I undertook during my law school. I was certain since the 9th Grade that I will be pursuing a career in law. Accordingly, I prepared myself from the very start for the Common Law Admission Test. After clearing CLAT, I got admission in a National Law University and that is when the entire journey of loving and breathing law began. 

Studying law was a surreal experience. I got the opportunity to participate in Moot Court competitions and Model UNs. These exercises groomed my aptitude for the profession and helped me learn the practicalities of the same. In my final year, I started the RGNUL Financial and Mercantile Law Review which is to date, one of the top ten national law reviews in India rated by SCC Online. 

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

I feel that the teachers and professors should possess more practical knowledge of law or should start teaching if they have practical working experience in the field. Like in foreign universities, subjects are being taught by professors who are also currently practising the same, giving students the requisite working knowledge. Law is a practical subject that cannot be taught without imparting practical experience. 

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

We are a full-service law firm with around ten Advocates working in the Delhi office and multiple advocates associated in several parts of the country. We have international collaboration with law firms in Germany, Spain, France, Russia, Canada and China. 

We primarily practice in Corporate and Commercial Dispute Resolution, I have majorly expertise in the field of Real Estate Dispute Resolution and hold an experience of handling more than 3000 clients of Real Estate, representing them in various forums in India.

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?

Thank you so much. The only thing that has gotten me this far is perseverance and hard work. There is no other key to success but your hard work and consistency. The advice I would want to give to aspiring lawyers is that successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential. Always make sure to give your 100% because winning and losing a case is not important. What is important is how much hard work you have put in. 

Believe in giving back to the community and actively undertake Pro-Bono matters. I believe we are here for a reason and giving back to our community is the highest form of our duty as Lawyers.

What are the top three trends that are going to rule the legal sector for the next five years? 

The 3 things that are going to disrupt the legal space in the coming 5 years are: (i) Artificial intelligence, which will minimise human labour and augment human capability to the maximum level possible. (ii) Block-Chain Technology, it will streamline transactional work and store immutable legal agreements. (iii) Gaming Laws both Online and Offline with the eruption of many online platforms and betting apps this area of law will be a boom for lawyers as it is highly unregulated currently. There is no doubt in saying that all the revolutions/reforms are going to be in the online/virtual world. 

Is a masters degree in law important for a successful career in your desired practice area? Have you done your LL.M, if yes, please mention the specialization and college or your future plans of further studies or other important certifications useful for lawyers in this age and time, if any. If no, please share your views on why LL.M is not the answer to mastering a subject. 

Yes, it is the most important thing to do. The Client’s first question to you is your area of specialisation, and that is the need of the hour. Most students do not want to complete their education and straight away want to jump in the field from a very young age, in the want of early rewards. However, it works differently in our profession, one is always advised to complete the education with Masters. I have done my two Masters from two different Universities in France. University Catholic Lyon, France and University Lumiere Lyon, France in European Law, International Trade and Investment Law. The more you study the more beneficial it is for you in this profession. I feel one always has an edge if they have a specialisation in their kitty. 

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

Out of various books I have come across in my life, I would recommend one book which left a lasting impression on me, which is Legends in Law by V. Sudish Pai. It encapsulates all the legends of Law since 1850 till date. I bet once you start reading it, you won’t be able to put it down, it is that grasping.