Aakash Parihar is a Partner at Triumvir Law and an alumnus of National Law School of India University, Bangalore.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
Growing up in a small town in Madhya Pradesh, many of my friends and peers were drawn to the traditional paths of engineering and medicine. However, my strengths and interests leaned more towards critical thinking and understanding complex systems.
This affinity to critical thinking naturally drew me towards law. I first discovered the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) in 2008 when the inaugural exam was conducted, sparking my initial interest in the field.
As I delved deeper, I was particularly captivated by how law not only shapes societal structures but also resolves multifaceted business challenges. This led me to specialize in corporate law, where I could merge my analytical skills with my passion for navigating the intricacies of commerce and regulations.
My career path, therefore, aligns with my values and intellectual interests.
Can you share some memorable experiences from your law school days?
Attending the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore was a transformative experience that deeply influenced my professional development and personal growth.
The vibrant campus life brimmed with rigorous discussions on complex legal issues, featuring interactions with eminent legal experts like the late Senior Advocate Ram Jethmalani and Senior Advocate Shyam Diwan.
These discussions not only sharpened my analytical skills but also enriched my understanding of the practical applications of law.
Beyond the academic rigor, I thoroughly enjoyed the extracurricular activities that filled my days, which included participating in debates, organising fests, sports and events. These activities provided more than just learning experiences; they were opportunities to forge deep connections with peers who have become lifelong friends.
The friendships and connections I forged during those years not only enhanced my experience at NLSIU but also became a strong support system that I continue to rely on to this day.
What are some of the key milestones in your career?
I have reached several key milestones in my career that have shaped my professional growth. Managing large-scale transactions and playing a crucial role in complex negotiations have honed my ability to deliver under pressure.
Additionally, I have advised on numerous mergers and acquisitions, providing strategic insights that facilitated successful integrations for our clients. However, the first cross-border acquisition I managed at Triumvir Law (TL) as a partner was truly remarkable.
The immense satisfaction I felt from closing that deal is indescribable, marking a pivotal moment in my career. A particularly rewarding recognition of my work came when I was shortlisted as a finalist for the ‘Young Lawyer of the Year’ award at the ALB India Law Awards 2024.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I am most proud of achieving high client satisfaction, which I consider the ultimate measure of my success. Ensuring that our clients meet their strategic goals and earn their trust has been incredibly fulfilling.
Additionally, our firm’s recognition in prestigious legal publications in such short time, underscores the collective effort and dedication of our team. Notably, we were recognized as India’s Top PE/VC Boutique Firm and Disputes Boutique Firm for the year 2024 by Asian Legal Business (ALB), a unit of Thomson Reuters.
We have also been ranked as a notable firm in commercial and transaction law, as well as in New Delhi and Bangalore, according to the latest Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific Rankings. Moreover, we were featured as a Top Legal Advisor for M&A and Private Equity by VCC Edge in its Q1 2024 Rankings.
In addition to these achievements, I take great pride in teaching and sharing knowledge through expert sessions and seminars.
This engagement allows me to contribute to the legal community by shaping the next generation of lawyers and enriching professional discourse, further enhancing my sense of accomplishment in my career.
What major challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
I have faced several major challenges throughout my career, each serving as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Initially, adapting to the rapid pace of a professional law firm was a significant challenge, especially when transitioning from my role as a student to an associate.
As I advanced in my career and assumed the position of partner at TL, the challenges evolved to include managing substantial work volumes and ensuring the impeccable execution of these tasks. Another challenge was integrating new practice areas into the firm.
To overcome these challenges, I dedicated myself to continually enhancing my management capabilities, actively sought mentorship, and implemented more efficient operational workflows within the firm.
How do you handle stress and maintain a work-life balance?
Being a partner often entails being available around the clock, which is undeniably taxing. At our firm, we uphold the philosophy that work-life balance is essential, not only for personal well-being but also for sustaining high-quality work. I personally lead by example to foster this culture within our team.
I set clear boundaries for work hours and rigorously prioritize downtime to spend with family and engage in hobbies. For instance, I love working out or playing a sport, and I always take some time off from work to do this.
To ensure we all manage stress effectively and maintain balance, our firm implements structured breaks and mandatory offsites. These not only provide a respite from the daily grind but also promote team cohesion and mental refreshment.
During work hours, I focus on efficient time management, allowing me to maximize productivity while safeguarding my personal time. This approach helps me handle the demands of my role without compromising my well-being or that of our team.
What are the current trends in the legal field that law students should be aware of?
One significant trend in the legal field is the shift from specializing in a single practice area to developing a broad knowledge base across various disciplines.
This versatility enables lawyers to handle complex cases that span multiple aspects of law, enhancing their adaptability and marketability in this dynamic legal landscape.
In addition, law students aspiring to specialise in corporate law should cultivate a more global outlook. It is crucial for them to stay informed about international legal and economic trends.
Understanding global markets, regulations, and cultural nuances can significantly impact their ability to advise clients effectively and navigate cross-border transactions.
This broader perspective will not only enhance their legal practice but also position them as valuable assets in an increasingly interconnected world.
How do you see the field of law evolving in the next decade?
The next decade will see profound changes in the field of law, particularly influenced by the integration of artificial intelligence in legal practices. This technology will streamline many routine tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on more complex and nuanced legal reasoning.
Additionally, we can expect the introduction of more precise laws that address contemporary issues such as digital privacy, cybersecurity, digital assets and international trade.
In corporate law, the landscape will evolve with increased globalization and complex regulatory changes. Corporate lawyers will need to navigate shifts in international trade agreements, governance standards, and compliance across jurisdictions.
The growing importance of private equity and venture capital in shaping business landscapes will also be a key area, demanding deeper knowledge of funding mechanisms, deal structuring, and regulatory compliance.
What advice would you give to law students who are about to graduate?
Building on the trend of acquiring a broad knowledge base, I encourage law students to immerse themselves in multiple areas of law. This approach isn’t just about becoming more versatile; it’s about equipping yourself to tackle the complexities of today’s legal challenges.
Stay curious and always seek to learn beyond what feels comfortable. Dive into different legal disciplines and keep your skills sharp and up-to-date.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Build meaningful relationships within the legal community; these connections can offer valuable mentorship, career advice, and even open doors to new opportunities.
Adapting to changes and thinking ahead will serve you well in the dynamic landscape of law.
How can students make the most of their time in law school?
To make the most of your time in law school, I recommend diving into both academic and extracurricular activities. Engaging deeply in community activities and honing your communication skills are just as vital as excelling in traditional academic competitions like moot courts and debates.
By participating in a variety of extracurricular activities, you not only broaden your network but also cultivate the essential soft skills needed for a successful legal career. This balanced approach will help you develop a well-rounded skill set, making you more adaptable and effective in any legal environment.
Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, whether in the classroom, in a courtroom simulation, or while collaborating with peers on projects that ignite your passion for law.
What changes would you like to see in the legal education system?
I believe legal education should focus more on practical application. By incorporating more real-world simulations and clinics, students can gain hands-on experience that better prepares them for the demands of professional legal work.
This approach would make their training more dynamic and relevant to their future careers as lawyers.
What are your future plans and goals in the legal field?
As a partner in a boutique firm, one of my goals is to help guide our firm to a leading position in the market. I am especially focused on spearheading major private equity and venture capital transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, across India.
By tapping into our specialized expertise, I aim to exceed our clients’ expectations with every project. The commitment to excellence is fundamental to our approach.
At the end of the day, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the legal field and support our clients through their most challenging and significant transactions.
How has Lawctopus supported you in your career journey?
Lawctopus has been an invaluable resource throughout my career, providing up-to-date information and insights into the legal field. Their comprehensive coverage of industry trends and professional opportunities has significantly contributed to my development as a lawyer.
Recommended books (on subjects of their expertise)
- On Company Law: “Gower and Davies’ Principles of Modern Company Law” is an essential text that offers comprehensive insights into the intricacies of company law.
- Out of Subject Recommendations: “The Comfort Crisis” by Michael Easter explores the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone, and “The Checklist Manifesto” by Atul Gawande illustrates the power of checklists in managing complex processes efficiently, both of which are beneficial for any professional, including lawyers.
Source: Lawctopus
