As the tough and determined driving force behind her firm, Advocate Pallavi Pratap has went a long way before choosing the avenue of law, while sticking to the Corporate side of it which she enjoys.
Q. Why did you aim for La Trobe University for your MBA?
A. I did my MBA in Finance from La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia after finishing my History (Hons.) from Jesus & Mary College, Delhi University. I was preparing for Civil Services exam and when I couldn’t clear it in two attempts, my parents suggested that I should not waste time and pursue a masters degree. Since it was middle of the year, I enrolled in summer session (since Australia has summer session in January). I completed my MBA and received scholarship to go to ESC, Dijon, France to do research. Law was never planned as a career since when I came back I started working in Corporate side. It was something that enjoyed most. But, due to personal reasons, I took a sabbatical from work and thats when I started practicing law and rest as they say, is history.
Q.You are the Managing Partner of a law firm and an Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court of India. Which designation do yoi enjoy more at a professional level?
A. Being an AOR is wonderful however, I have my firm M/S Pratap & Co. also working as an AOR and our corporate filings take place through the firm. I enjoy the role of Managing Partner because it is basically being an entrepreneur and my skills working as Associate Vice President in a boutique investment banking firm has helped me a lot. My training as an Investment Banker helps me read and understand Financial Statements, Information Memorandum, and strategising has been very useful. I worked with startups all my life so running my own firm is absolutely wonderful. My brother and sister are also advocates and we are first generation lawyers so everyday we face a new challenge and we try to find a solution.
Q.How would you describe your experience working with budding lawyers in your firm?
A. I believe a lot of budding lawyers have unique ideas and strategies and it is really interesting to talk to them and learn from them. I learn from my interns and my juniors. The kind of research that they do and their understanding of law is beautiful. But, I am also finding that many first generation lawyers coming from tier 2, tier 3 colleges are exceptionally hardworking and open to learning. I feel writing them off is not a good thing that many firms do.
Q. Can you guide our followers about the intricacies of Legal Writing?
A. I think legal writing requires a lot of patience. You should be willing to read through each and every document and build up your case. I find original side drafting as the most challenging. Appellate side drafting is comparatively easier.
Q. What is your approach/ philosophy to win or represent a case?
A. We must always give our best to any case. Most of the times, one would know the fate of case. I have always believed in informing the client about my opinion on the merits of the case. After the same is discussed, we move on to develop the strategy. Once the strategy is decided, research and arguments are drafted. A major insight is required regarding what stage has the client approached us. At the end of the day, there is no substitute to hardwork and integrity in representation of client.
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