In Conversation With Saurabh Arora, Principal Associate, Khaitan & Co | BW Legal World 30 Under 30

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? 

SA: At the outset, I would like to thank the jury members and the entire team of BW Legal World for recognizing me amongst the BW Legal World 30 under 30. To be honest, joining the elite club of BW Legal World 30 under 30 is a humbling experience. It’s a validation of the effort I have invested in my profession, and it motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and making a positive impact in the legal field.  

In furtherance, interacting with the esteemed Jury was an enlightening and rewarding experience. Engaging with such accomplished professionals in the legal industry allowed me to gain valuable insights and perspectives. Their guidance and feedback will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors. The event in itself was remarkable and it provided an environment conducive to knowledge-sharing and collaboration. I found the sessions and discussions to be highly informative and inspiring, fostering a sense of camaraderie among like-minded individuals who are passionate about the law. 

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

SA: I firmly believe that our childhood experiences build a strong foundation for our future. In my case, my interest in the field of law was ignited during my formative years. Growing up in a business-oriented family, I often found myself involved in navigating various compliance requirements and assisting my father in understanding and preparing responses to legal matters. As time went on, my interest in the legal sphere continued to grow and hence I joined law school. During my law school my interest further grew in corporate law. The dynamic and ever-changing nature of corporate transactions and the intricate legal framework that governs them fascinated me and as I delved further in the subject, I realized that corporate law offered a unique blend of legal knowledge, business acumen, and strategic thinking. It provided an opportunity to work closely with businesses, helping them navigate complex legal issues, and contribute to their growth and success. So, post my law school, I joined Tatva Legal, and honed my skills as a corporate lawyer. Ever since then there has been no looking back and have I dived in the continuous process of learning, growth, and striving to contribute meaningfully to the legal profession. 

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?

SA: When I reflect on my journey as a lawyer, I am grateful to have had several guiding lights and mentors. To start with I am always grateful to my family for their constant support in shaping both my personal and professional life. However, when it comes to my true guide and mentor in my career, I would always look up to Mr. Bharat Anand and Ms. Nidhi Killawala, Partner at Khaitan & Co.  they have played a pivotal role in my growth as a legal professional. Through their guidance and mentorship, they have not only taught me valuable lessons but also provided me with a strong foundation to navigate the intricacies of corporate law.  They have always taught me the importance of attention to detail. They instilled in me the value of thoroughly researching and analyzing legal issues, leaving no stone unturned. This attention to detail has become an integral part of my work ethic and has contributed to the precision and accuracy required in the legal profession. I am grateful for their mentorship and will continue to carry the lessons I have learned from them as I progress in my legal career. 

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?

SA: When I embarked on the journey of exploring career opportunities in law, I already had a clear inclination towards corporate and commercial law. This inclination developed during my college days as I have mentioned above. With this passion in mind, I began my professional journey in the corporate field through my first internship at Tatva Legal. Internships play a vital role in the career of any law student. It is during these internships that students can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By working alongside experienced professionals, young lawyers gain exposure to the day-to-day challenges and complexities of legal practice. However, I firmly believe that the best form of learning comes from self-motivation and a genuine desire to learn. While internships can provide valuable guidance and mentorship, it is ultimately the individual’s own zeal for learning that drives their growth.  

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?

SA: The pursuit of higher degrees, such as an LL.M., can indeed enhance the skill set of a lawyer. I firmly believe that continuous learning and expanding one's knowledge base are essential for professional growth in the legal field. The decision to pursue an LL.M. is highly individual and depends on various factors such as career trajectory, practice area interest, and individual goals. Some lawyers may prefer to pursue an LL.M. early in their careers, while others may choose to gain practical experience before pursuing further education. However, in my opinion having practical experience before pursuing an LL.M. can be advantageous. It allows lawyers to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, develop a practical understanding of the legal profession, and identify specific areas of interest or specialization. Practical experience can provide valuable context and enhance the learning experience during an LL.M. program, making it a ‘cherry on the top’ in terms of professional development. 

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?

SA:While Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology have undoubtedly revolutionized the legal industry, I firmly believe that they cannot supersede the lawyering skills of a human.  AI can serve as a powerful tool and enabler for legal professionals, but it cannot replace the expertise, judgment, and nuanced understanding that lawyers bring to the table. They can help identify patterns, trends, and potential risks more efficiently, allowing lawyers to focus their attention on critical issues that require human intervention. The future of the legal profession lies in a symbiotic relationship between legal minds and AI. They should be seen as complements rather than substitutes. By leveraging AI to augment their capabilities, lawyers can enhance their efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. 

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?

SA:One book that has left a lasting impression on me is “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. This book offers valuable insights into financial literacy and challenges conventional wisdom about money and wealth. It provides a thought-provoking perspective on how to approach personal finance and build a mindset for financial success. As for my most recent read, I am currently engrossed in “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman.