In Conversation With Maneesh Salagala, Head Of Legal, Avaan Group Of Companies

Please throw light on what drove you towards the legal profession?

I have deliberately chosen to embark my path in the legal profession since my early days of higher education. Like many others, I firmly believe that the legal profession is truly a ‘Noble Profession’, which inspired me to pursue this career with unwavering determination. Lawyers are often referred to as the 'Social Engineers of the Society', and I have complete faith in this notion, as they serve as the cornerstone in shaping the very fabric of our society, fostering the advancement of humanity. These collective factors serve as a constant source of motivation for me to strive for excellence in this esteemed field of law.

Tell us about your roles and responsibilities as Head of Legal at Avaan Group of Companies.

My primary duties and obligations revolve around overseeing the various cross-functional team’s legal issues within my Group Companies and offering impeccable legal solutions across the domains of HR, Finance, Administration, and Business Operations. Each day, I diligently handle litigation matters spanning the entire country, meticulously drafting and reviewing a plethora of commercial contracts, all while providing invaluable legal opinions on potential risks and liabilities. Collaborating closely with both external and internal stakeholders is an added feather in my cap. 

What do you think about the future of changing the role of General Counsel in company operations?

In the current era, General Counsels and Chief Legal Officers find themselves at the epicentre of transformative shifts that have redefined the roles of corporate leaders and the very nature of business operations. As companies navigate complex societal issues, they increasingly rely on the expertise and strategic vision of GC’s and CLO’s, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by the top echelons of organizational leadership. The undeniable truth is that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) have taken centre stage for many thriving companies worldwide. In this landscape, GC’s and CLO’s are instrumental in upholding DE&I principles alongside ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) considerations to drive strategic goals and retain top talent. From my perspective, General Counsels have transitioned into pivotal roles encompassing a wide array of responsibilities that were traditionally the domain of P&L or other functional teams. This shift underscores the critical importance and expanding influence of GC’s & CLO’s in driving organisational success.

What is your success mantra and what advice would you give to others wanting to pursue their career as an in-house counsel?

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” - Pele

Take charge of your success by always staying ahead of the game. Do not wait for others to act - be proactive and show your best self. Whether it is preparing for an exam or handling an important project at work, never delay. This mind-set will set you apart from the rest and help you shine among the crowd of intellectuals and professionals.