In Conversation With Pallavi Shroff, Managing Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

Ms Shroff, you graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Delhi. What motivated you to pursue law?

My studying economics was purely by chance. when my father moved to Delhi as a judge of the Supreme Court of India, my uncle Prof Jagdish Bhagwati went to Lady Shriram College for Women to apply for admission to first year of college. Being an economist, he decided my subject as economics and Mathematics . That’s how I studied Economics. In hindsight, I am glad that I studied economics. 

Even though I came from a legal background where my father and grandfather were Judges, I was always interested in business. So after graduation I applied to business School and got into Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies in Bombay. Toward the end of my final year , I got engaged to Shardul who was a lawyer. I soon realised that law was a jealous mistress and decided I did not want to compete for his time all my life , so I joined him by studying law. 

Your illustrious journey has been an inspiration to young women lawyers of today’s generation. Who have been the key people who have inspired you in your life?

I have been inspired by my father and father in law. My father was the ultimate role model for me on how one should live life with humility and compassion no matter what your achievement or position in society or elsewhere is. I try to implement this philosophy always. His extreme hard work ,quiet and equanimity in the most difficult situations is simply awe inspiring. 

My father-in law has been my inspiration in my professional life. His insight into matters, lateral thinking, depth of knowledge and ability to put everything together with ease and simplicity was phenomenal. He mentored me to achieve this. 

From my mother-in law, I learnt how it is possible to manage a family and home and a career all at the same time. She was always there for me. 

And  my mother, is an inspiration to me even today. She started her small home food catering business at the age of 90 ,after my father passed away and for the last 5 years she has been running her home kitchen catering tirelessly serving fresh home cooked food . 

What are your thoughts on the future of arbitration in India?

In my view, arbitration is the way forward in most commercial disputes. With the recent changes in the Arbitration Act and the judiciary supporting it, the arbitration landscape in India is changing. Arbitration cannot be done after court hours. It is an alternate to the Courts .We also need to start having an arbitration Bar. 

What to your mind will help in nurturing more women leaders like you in the Indian legal ecosystem?

What women need are the opportunities. If the unconscious biases that we have towards women are checked , and opportunities are given, women will rise. They are contentious and hardworking and perhaps more efficient.  They need mentors who can guide them in difficult situations through their life and careers. Employers need to make their work environment friendly and safe for women. Respect for women has to be top down. 

What would be your message to young and upcoming women lawyers on breaking the glass ceilings and shining in their careers?

If I could do it, so can you. Believe in yourself and there is nothing that you wont be able to do.  Have patience , grit and determination. Grab every opportunity you get. If that opportunity is not given to you, go and ask for it.