In Conversation with Pallavi Pratap, Managing Partner, Pratap & Co.

Pallavi, would you please tell us where did this illustrious journey begin and at what age did you decide to study law. Please walk us through your early years of education and the decision of becoming a lawyer. 

My primary education was from Carmel Convent, Lucknow and secondary education was from Manav Bharti School in New Delhi. I did my History (Hons.) from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University and took my law entrance examination for Lucknow University. I was preparing for Civil Services then and a degree in law was only to ensure that I could prepare for Judiciary. I had topped the law entrance and given a scholarship which I remember, I had declined because I felt someone else in need could avail that benefit. However, after taking my attempts for civil services and unable to clear it, I decided to apply for an MBA abroad. Since the admissions had already closed for India, UK and USA, I applied for Australia. I did my MBA from La Trobe University, Melbourne and did a Research in Performance Measurement systems for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in France and Australia from ESC Dijon, France. This was funded by the Government of Victoria, Australia. I came back and started working in a project funded by UNDP for capacity building on micro-insurance policy Self-Help Group women in three of the most backward districts of U.P. My last assignment in the corporate sector was as Associate Vice President in a boutique investment banking firm. I decided to practice law very late in life and even though I regret not joining the profession early on, I still feel that every single experience in my life has helped in becoming who I am today.   

Who have been your guiding North Stars and the biggest inspiration in this journey?

My biggest inspiration in the profession was Late Shri P.P. Rao sir. He was a wonderful human being and encouraged me a lot. My North Star continues to be Ms Meenkashi Arora (Senior Advocate, Supreme Court). I remember watching her in the Supreme Court corridors and I never imagined I would brief her one day. She has encouraged me a lot and has motivated me tremendously in every step of my journey so far.

Would you please tell us more about the array of work you handle at your firm?

The firm purely works in the field of litigation and dispute resolution. We have been fortunate to represent our clients in Hon’ble Supreme Court, Delhi, Allahabad, Bombay and Chandigarh High Court, NCLAT, NGT, NCDRC, NCLT, PMLA, EOW and lower courts in Delhi/NCR. We are representing some of the biggest names in domestic arbitrations and arbitration-related litigation. Our area of specialisation includes Criminal matters especially economic offences, Civil matters including Service matters, Matrimonial and Family Law including succession, Constitutional matters, Insolvency and Bankruptcy, Environmental Laws, Arbitration. Being the Managing Partner I am required to be involved in each and every matter since we are still growing.  

What in your opinion has been the biggest change or challenge looming over the legal landscape of India amid COVID-19? 

I think the biggest challenge has been for many lawyers, to transition to a paperless mode of working and getting accustomed to technology. The older generation has felt it the most. Also, the appellate side of litigation is suffering due to a fraction of disposal taking place. Thus, what is important is to stay consistent with our work and for different teams to support each other.  

Would you please summarily tell us the current status of the sectors of the economy you work in, the roadblocks in your path and the way forward? 

We are primarily working with Construction, Metals and Aluminium, Mining, Information Technology, Retail and individual clients who come from variety of sectors of the economy. I think due to pandemic, the biggest roadblock is definitely quick disposal. Although Virtual Hearing is an excellent way to ensure that justice is accessible but it may not travel to last mile yet. Having said that, I still believe that the manner in which judiciary and lawyers have adopted technology, I am sure that last mile will be covered soon as well.    

Would you please share with our readers your expert views on ‘Should rules for solicitation/advertising change for lawyers in the backdrop of the pandemic as well as the emergence of the tech era’.  

I see many voices raised from various segments of the legal world with respect to changing the rules pertaining to solicitation/advertising especially as far as paralegal services are concerned. Also, with the presence of social media, there is more accountability that a professional has, as far as performance and integrity is concerned. So only looking at it as solicitation may warrant looking at glass half-full when presence on social media also brings about increased accountability. Secondly, since the litigants cannot travel long distance when their cases are pending in a different jurisdiction, social media, especially LinkedIn provides an insight into a professional’s body of work. It provides reviews from clients and peers and helps a possible client in taking informed decision.  

What in your opinion has been the biggest change or challenge looming over the legal landscape of India amid COVID-19?  

I think the biggest challenge has been for many lawyers, to transition to a paperless mode of working and getting accustomed to technology. The older generation has felt it the most. Also the appellate side of litigation is suffering due to a fraction of disposal taking place. Thus, what is important is to stay consistent with our work and for different teams to support each other.   

What can law firms do today to ensure they survive in an era of disruption? How is your firm staying futuristic? 

Surviving and adapting to the fast-changing technology is most definitely the only way to survive the era of disruption. Also, staying abreast with changing laws and the various findings of Courts, be it Supreme Court or High Court, has been a challenge in itself. Currently, we are working on building up our Knowledge-Management team to develop a database of case laws and possible arguments in specific laws. The desire is to build resources and be subject-matter experts in the areas of our specialisation. It sounds very basic but when one digs deeper, it is a deep sea of knowledge, which is very difficult to fathom. 

Other than work, what else keeps you busy? Would you please share your other interests and hobbies with our readers?

I adore my work so except for few days when there is a lot of fire fighting to do, it doesn’t really feel like work. I love my workout so every day for an hour, I do a mix of weight training, cardio and functional training. I watch TV very rarely. I like spending time with my family the most, with the current work-from-home situation. It is joyous. I love to write and usually post on my blog. The topics are mostly women-oriented. I spend a lot of time delivering lectures and webinars. That has been so insightful and I have been learning so many new things. Some topics are very challenging that make me dig deeper and look at things from a different perspective.

Many Congratulations on joining the BW Legal World Elite 40 Under 40 Club of Achievers 2020. 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?

Hard work, Smart work and integrity is all that helped me in reaching where I am. I feel one needs to realise that they are a brand and just as a brand has certain value attached to it, it is upon us to ensure that we build up our brand value every single day. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our lawyers of the future, any golden piece of advice from the treasure trove of your experiences in the industry?

My advice is that never give up and stick around. Litigation for a first generational lawyer is very difficult but keep doing your job with the best of your ability. Never hesitate to ask for help. You will be surprised at how many people are willing to help you. Never think you are inadequate. Yes, remember, in this profession, only humble people rise.  Humility is a virtue one should adopt early on in their career.

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

On Balance by Justice Leila Seth is the single most important book which made me become a lawyer. I highly recommend it for lawyers, especially women lawyers.

*The interview was published in November 2020.

Nominations for the second edition of BW Legal World's 40Under40 are now open.

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