In Conversation With Sanya Sud, Principal Associate, Saraf & Partners | BW Legal World 30 Under 30

1.Many Congratulations on winning the BW Legal World 30 under 30. How has been your initial reaction after joining the elite club of BW Legal World 30 Under 30 Lawyers and Legal Influencers? How was your experience interacting with the Jury and of the event?

SS:It is an honor and privilege to be made part of this elite club. My experience at BW 30 under 30 has been exceptional- it is humbling to have received so much support and acknowledgement by the jury and audience members.

2.Please walk us through your journey in this field of law? When did you first realize that law was your life’s calling?

SS:I have always been interested in the law since a young age. I think my drive to be a litigator was cemented when I set foot in my first moot court competition in law school. In the finals round, my arguments and style were praised by the presiding judge who was then a sitting judge of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. With this boost, there were no bounds to my confidence and aspirations, and I knew instantly what I wanted to do in my career

3.Who according to you has been your guide and mentor when you started working as a lawyer and what did you imbibe from him as a junior?

SS:I was fortunate to have received guidance from many of my bosses right from the inception. I learnt right from the outset that my first duty is to the Court. I understood that being a litigator is a constant balance between managing your client’s expectations, the court’s deadlines, and your personal life for which there is rarely any time. I learnt that it is important to fill your own cup and take time off to recharge one’s batteries. I learnt that especially in the beginning of your career, it is more important to be ‘good’ rather than ‘great’, which only comes with decades of hard work and experience.

4.How did you decide on your practice area when you started looking for a job? How much do you think internships helped in carving out a pathway for young lawyers who intend to get in the profession?

SS: For me, more than internships, it was the moot courts I did early on that inspired me. My practice area choice formed shape when I started enjoying and excelling in my college seminar courses on litigation, criminal law, CPC etc.

5. Do you think higher degrees like LL.M. can enhance the skill set for a lawyer? If so, according to you which is the right time to pursue the same for a lawyer who has just entered the profession?

SS:Any added education is always salutary, and an LLM would no doubt be a feather in a lawyer’s cap. However, this is not to say that those who don’t pursue an LLM are lacking in any manner. In fact, clients often are unimpressed by credentials and look for real-world experience. Its all about what each individual is able to extract from the experience of an LLM and whether they are able to utilise it to their advantage later on in the practice of the law.

6. Do you believe that AI and Technology will supersede the lawyering skills in the coming times, especially with the recent hype around ChatGPT and other AI softwares?

SS:It is hard to deny that there are certain segments within the legal fraternity which may get impacted by AI. While this may take a significant amount of time, one cannot simply wish away the importance of AI and its huge ramifications in the coming ages

7.What are you doing if not lawyering? What are your hobbies in general?

SS:I like to read, dance and the occasional binge watch of my favourite TV show. When I’m not working, I’m usually at a dance class on the weekends learning ballet.

8.As a parting note, would you please recommend a favorite book that left a lasting impression on you? What has been your most recent read?

SS: I am a huge fan of Murakami and love to revisit his books. Sally Rooney is another favourite of mine and her most recent book “Beautiful world, Where Are You” was a compelling read.