In Conversation With Shivani Chawla, Senior Associate, Satram Dass B & Co.

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

My tryst with the legal profession began with a personal experience. Growing up, I witnessed my father, who is the secretary of a trade association, navigating the complexities of legal matters, particularly in dealings with the Municipal Corporation. I found myself drawn to assisting him in drafting representations on behalf of the association.

Through this hands-on involvement, I gained first-hand insight into the profound impact of law on individuals' lives, ranging from matters as seemingly mundane as trade regulations to other profound issues. Witnessing how legal intricacies could significantly influence the smallest aspects of people's lives sparked my fascination with the law.

As I kept helping out not just my father, but also other members in the trade association, something clicked for me. I saw how knowing the law could really change things for the better. It was like a lightbulb moment that pushed me towards diving into law as a career. So, I figured, why not turn this knack for legal complexities into something bigger, something that could really empower people and make our communities stronger? That's what got me on the path to becoming a lawyer.

Tell us about your roles and responsibilities as Senior Associate at Satram Dass B & Co.

In my capacity as a Senior Associate at Satram Dass B & Co., I undertake multifaceted responsibilities that encompass various aspects of legal practice. Primarily, I am entrusted with representing our clients in judicial proceedings across a spectrum of courts, ranging from the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, High Courts to district courts, tribunals etc. I am tasked with overseeing case management operations. This entails coordinating schedules, delegating tasks, and maintaining organizational efficiency. Beyond courtroom advocacy, a significant component of my role involves client interaction and counselling as well as drafting cases that are subsequently argued before the courts.

What do you think about the advent of Artificial Intelligence and its intersection into the legal profession?

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the legal profession marks a significant development that has the potential to revolutionize how legal services are delivered. AI applications, such as Provakil, which efficiently manage caseload through advanced algorithms and machine learning, have already gained widespread acceptance within the legal industry.

AI undoubtedly holds immense promise; its ability to analyse vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and generate insights can greatly benefit legal professionals in various tasks, from legal research to document review and contract analysis.

However, while AI is a trending facet in the legal profession with undeniable advantages, it's essential to recognize that law is ultimately made by the people for the people. Despite the remarkable capabilities of AI, it cannot fully replace the nuanced judgment, empathy, and critical thinking skills that human lawyers bring to the table. In my opinion, AI should complement rather than overshadow the expertise and experience of legal professionals.

What is your success mantra and what advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career path?

My success mantra in the legal profession can be summed up in one word: patience. Whether it's establishing oneself in the  litigation field, dealing with clients, waiting for matters in court, or meticulously preparing cases, patience is indispensable. My advice to others aspiring to pursue a similar career path is simple: be patient and commit to the hard work required.