In Memoriam: Rajiv Luthra, A Legal Luminary, And Compassionate Soul- Dr. Subi Chaturvedi Remembers Mr. Luthra

The founder of L&L Partners, Rajiv Luthra, bid adieu to this world on May 10, 2023. His departure leaves a void that may never be filled. He was a visionary leader, a respected lawyer, and an extraordinary human being. A friend’s friend as most of Delhi and all his friends would put it. His friendships run long and deep. Blessed with rare legal acumen, an inimitable style, and tremendous warmth, Rajiv wasn’t just a counsel; for many he was a trusted friend, advisor and mentor. His loss is a deeply personal one. And this is the story of every home and heart he had touched. A single meeting with Rajiv could mean a friendship of a lifetime. He was a true giver always generous to a fault both with his time and his resources.

I have had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions, and each meeting was special and memorable. I first met him at his office to discuss a small matter almost a decade ago. It wouldn’t have merited the time and attention of a senior partner in any large firm and certainly not the Founding partner ; he did. Not only did he give me a patient hearing he put his best on the job including another extremely senior lawyer Vijay Sondhi. Who is also no longer with us. These two were both incredible individuals. Rajiv was all heart. His presence was magnetic, and he had a way of keeping you engaged with his knowledge, wit, and charm along with an absolutely incredible sense of humour. 

Over the years, I had the opportunity to interact with him on numerous occasions, and each time he remembered our last conversation and made me feel valued. He had a unique ability to connect with people, and his warmth and kindness were infectious. Despite his towering stature in the legal profession, he never let his success define him and remained grounded, humble and accessible. He was ever curious, eager to learn and made tremendous impact and contribution to the discipline with remarkable intervention in many areas and sectors with tremendous policy uncertainty. He was always open and receptive to new ideas and always gave you the benefit of doubt. 

As the founder of L&L Partners, Rajiv played a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of India. He had a deep understanding of the law and a passion for excellence, which reflected in the work of his firm. Under his leadership, L&L Partners became one of the most reputable and successful law firms in India, with a global presence.

Rajiv was also a mentor and guide to many young lawyers, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. He believed in giving back to society and was involved in various philanthropic activities. He was a patron of the arts, and his contributions to the field of music and literature were significant. His passing is a great loss not only to the legal fraternity but to the entire nation. His vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence will be tremendously missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire us. 

In his personal life, Rajiv was a family man and a devoted husband and father to two brilliant young girls. His wife Gayatri is also giver. She’s truly compassionate and cares deeply about children. I met both of them last when she also invited me to conduct a session for the children of Sanskiriti School who came from the 6-th to the 11th standard on how to use the internet safely and productively. This was the time when Blue Whale and a couple of other games along with concerns around cyber bullying were keeping many parents up at night. It was one of the toughest and most challenging sessions I had run. To engage with a very diverse set of children from different age groups on complex issues when their questions were both filled with curiosity and were no holds barred. As a couple both Gayatri and Rajiv have always had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest. They have together made a tremendous impact on society, looking for news ways of engaging, creating and building something anew. Rajiv was a connoisseur of fine dining, golf and traveling. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. It’s really difficult to write about him in the past tense. Gone too soon Rajiv! 

The untimely departure of a respected lawyer, visionary leader, and an extraordinary human being has left an indelible void. Rajiv's warmth, kindness, and generosity will be remembered by all who knew him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. As we mourn his loss, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. Rajiv will be remembered as the man who dared to dream, who had the courage to challenge norms, and who tirelessly worked towards creating a brave new world. His legacy will continue to illuminate the path for future generations, not just in the legal realm. The world has lost one of its brightest legal minds, but his legacy will forever shine on. He will always be remembered amongst his friends as the man who dared, who dreamed, who could and who did create a brave new world breaking barriers and challenging legacy.