In Conversation with Arjun Krishnan, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India

Mr Krishnan, would you please tell our readers what motivated you to study law? What were the initial formative years of your glorious professional career like?

Actually, it was my father who encouraged me to study law. Though he was not a lawyer himself, he appreciated the importance of law as a subject, and he wanted me to have a professional career. Once I got into National Law School, those around me and my law professors got me interested in the subject.

The early career was tough. There was not that much money, but I had the wonderful support of my parents, and an incredible senior and mentor, Mr Gourab Banerji, Senior Advocate, who was very encouraging and a pillar of support for me.

You were the recipient of the Young Lawyer of the year Award at the BW Legal World Legal Summit. What has helped you achieve and sustain success over a long period of time?

I think it is important to realise that success does not come overnight. One has to make sure that the right processes are being followed and there is no dip in the quality of the work. It is also important to take constructive criticism from others and learn from mistakes.

Your legal career has been nothing short of an inspiration for many aspiring and young legal professionals. Who are the mentors you have looked up to and admired? How have they helped you in shaping your career?

As I mentioned above, the senior with which I started my career, Mr Gourab Banerji was a big inspiration in terms of his work ethic, love of the law, and the amount of hard work he put into every brief or opinion. Other than that Mr Gaurav Agrawal really helped me.

in many small and big ways when I became an independent lawyer, both in terms of sending me work and supporting me with my own.

In my present position as a partner at Samvad Partners, to of my partners and colleagues, Poornima Hatti and Harish Narasappa have taught me the value of strategic thinking and how to deal with clients, which are both very important skills.

6. Where do you see yourself in five years from now? 

I see myself as an integral part of my firm Samvad Partners. I also hope to become a good arguing counsel and perhaps also act as an arbitrator in a few cases.

Please tell us about your hobbies. Would you please recommend any movies or books that have had a profound impact on you?

Currently, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my daughter and son who are still quite young. I love travelling and seeing new places. While I don’t have any particular recommendation for a book or a movie, I think it is important that lawyers develop a life and interests that are separate from their work.

Always remember there is another side to your case, and try to be objective about the client’s case. Don’t give your client false confidence. Make sure to always do something to help those who don’t have the means to pay for your services – not everything is about money!

Please hold tight! BW Legal World is coming up with the inaugural edition of the BW Legal World print magazine.  It will feature Mr Arjun Krishnan's full interview and much more from the world of law. Stay tuned