LexCounsel a law firm specializing in corporate, commercial, and litigation matters, operates from its headquarters in New Delhi and additional offices in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, along with associate offices spanning major cities across India. Catering to both domestic and international corporations, the firm offers a wide range of legal services. Renowned for its expertise in areas such as Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Law, Labor & Employment, Real Estate, Venture Capital & Private Equity, Education Laws, Defence & Aviation, Franchising, Media & Entertainment, Dispute Resolution, Insolvency, Software/Information Technology, General Corporate, and Commercial Law, LexCounsel is esteemed as a top-tier law firm.
Established on the principles of best international practices and bolstered by the extensive experience of its founders, Seema Jhingan, Alishan Naqvee, and Dimpy Mohanty, LexCounsel offers comprehensive legal solutions for both domestic and cross-border corporate matters. The firm is highly regarded for its sector-specific knowledge and personalized legal advice, tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients, whether they involve straightforward transactions or complex multiparty agreements. Recognized for their excellence in various legal domains, the founding partners of LexCounsel have consistently earned nominations as “AsiaLaw Leading Lawyers,” particularly in IT, telecommunications, media, venture capital, private equity, and labor and employment law.
LexCounsel is well-equipped with advanced technologies, management resources, updated library systems, and other dedicated support systems to ensure the timely delivery of legal services. With a closely connected network of offices in New Delhi and Bhubaneswar, Odisha, overseen by Partner Abhijeet Das, as well as associate offices in Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, and other major cities, LexCounsel leverages the specialized expertise of numerous professionals and specialists to provide seamless and comprehensive legal advice across India.
Consistently recognized as a leading firm across various practice areas including Corporate and M&A, Tax, TMT, Dispute Resolution, Aviation (including defense and aerospace), Real Estate and Construction, and Labour and Employment, LexCounsel has received accolades from authoritative sources such as Legal 500 and Asia Law and Practice, a Euromoney publication. Additionally, LexCounsel was honored as a Tier 2 M&A advisory firm by ALB in 2019.
Notably, LexCounsel’s litigation team, led by Alishan, was awarded the ‘Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year’ by BW Business World Legal Awards in 2019.
With over twenty-five years of experience, Ms. Seema Jhingan has been recently recognized as the “Partner of the Year – Overall” by the BW Business World Legal Awards. She has also received recognition from the Corporate Counsel Association of India in 2019 as the “Shining Star of Indian Legal Fraternity” and was named one of India’s “Trusted Corporate Lawyers of 2017” by the Indian Corporate Counsel Association in their publication ‘The Vanguards’. Ms. Seema serves as a nominated Private Equity member of IR Global, one of the world’s largest professional networks.
During a discussion with Ms. Seema Jhingan, let’s delve into the journey of LexCounsel since its inception.
What were the initial obstacles you encountered?
When I embarked on my legal career as a young lawyer in 1994, there were fewer women in the field, and it seemed that women were predominantly seen as junior associates rather than senior advocates in court. After a year of practicing litigation, I discovered my passion for corporate, commercial, and transactional law, which I still thoroughly enjoy today.
With the Indian economy opening up following the implementation of the new industrial policy in 1991, and the influx of foreign investors into the country, there was a surge in demand for legal support. However, navigating the complex landscape of laws and regulations, particularly in areas such as foreign exchange, presented significant challenges. I remember countless sleepless nights and immense pressure to provide accurate advice to our clients and support my seniors effectively. Nonetheless, it was an invaluable learning experience.
In 2004, my partners and I established LexCounsel as a small firm with minimal resources, support, or connections, lacking clients, premises, or infrastructure. Since then, we have experienced remarkable growth in terms of size, clientele, team members, and reputation.
What was the point that triggered the growth of the firm?
The Firm’s growth was spurred by unyielding dedication, resilience, optimism, and the consistent delivery of high-quality work, which led to numerous referrals from existing clients. LexCounsel’s reputation for providing business-oriented advice, maintaining attention to detail, and ensuring consistency in its services attracted a diverse clientele. Moreover, the Firm’s expertise in specialized areas such as satellite and telecom work, education, healthcare, clinical trials and biotechnology, food laws, and insolvency and bankruptcy practice further broadened its client base.
Alishan Naqvee’s commitment to leading the dispute resolution practice and Dimpy Mohanty’s focus on labor and employment law, including sexual harassment matters, also played significant roles in enhancing the Firm’s practice areas. Rather than pinpointing a specific event as the catalyst for growth, it is the ongoing delivery of consistently high-quality work that continues to drive LexCounsel’s expansion.
How has the firm evolved since its establishment? Could you provide some key statistics?
LexCounsel commenced with a team of four lawyers and has now expanded to 35 lawyers across India, with its own offices and associate branches nationwide. Progressing from a single-room office to occupying an entire building, the firm has not only grown in physical space and infrastructure but also in its range of practice areas.
What factors have contributed to your firm’s enduring success?
The firm’s enduring success can be attributed to several factors: a cohesive team, unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality services, prompt responsiveness to clients’ needs, adaptability to meet evolving business requirements, fostering trust with clients and associates, and maintaining competitive billing practices. These elements have propelled the firm on a consistent growth trajectory.
How do you determine the next steps for expanding your services?
We plan to establish additional offices across India to broaden our practice. Additionally, the firm is affiliated with three international organizations: IR Global, International Lawyers Network, and Alliott Group. Our team members actively participate in the annual conferences and regional meetings of these organizations, engaging with legal professionals worldwide to exchange best practices, facilitate client referrals, and enhance firm development and management.
New Service Offerings and Exciting Developments:
LexCounsel has recently expanded its service portfolio to include the Insolvency and Bankruptcy practice. Additionally, the firm’s robust education practice provides advisory services to K-12 and higher educational institutions worldwide. With a continued focus on clinical trials and healthcare, LexCounsel has also ventured into providing guidance on cryptocurrency matters, marking an exciting new area of expertise.
Evolution of Diversity in the Legal Sector:
Over the years, I’ve observed significant changes in diversity within the legal sector. When I commenced my career in the 1990s, there were fewer practicing women lawyers. However, today, the legal field is notably more diverse, encompassing a broader representation of genders and backgrounds. The emergence of various corporate, litigation, and niche practice area firms has contributed to this diversity. Additionally, the proliferation of law colleges has facilitated the entry of students from tier 2 and 3 cities into the legal profession, particularly aspiring corporate lawyers.
Professional Journey Overview:
Driven by a profound passion for legal practice, I remain deeply engaged in staying abreast of new legal developments. My career journey commenced at Singhania & Co, followed by Titus & Co, before co-founding LexCounsel in 2004.
Within LexCounsel, I continue to spearhead the corporate commercial practice, deriving immense satisfaction from advising clients on intricate legal matters, business structuring, and transactional affairs. Furthermore, I relish the opportunity to engage with entrepreneurs at conferences, where I am a regular speaker.
How do you ensure the well-being of your employees, and what sets your team apart?
Our dedicated legal team forms the cornerstone of our high-quality services. Given the collaborative nature of legal work and the often extended hours involved, fostering strong connections among team members and associates is paramount. LexCounsel organizes lunches, dinners, gatherings, and celebratory events to foster team cohesion. However, our unique approach lies in empowering our associates through involvement in client interactions, court appearances, and delegation of responsibilities, which fosters a cohesive and resilient team dynamic.
What distinguishes your team from others?
Our team stands out for its adaptability to comprehend clients’ specific business needs, its extensive knowledge of business law and industry intricacies, adept research and legal interpretation skills, and its proficiency in formulating and executing litigation strategies.
Could you share any notable client experiences?
Numerous client interactions have been particularly memorable. For instance, in our representation of Pilatus Aircraft, Switzerland, we were honored to be included in the delivery ceremony of Pilatus trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, hosted at our offices. Similarly, Protostar, a US-based satellite company, involved LexCounsel in the launch of its inaugural satellite, as a token of appreciation for our diligent efforts. Additionally, Usha Breco, a longstanding client in the ropeway industry, entrusted LexCounsel with representing them in media relations concerning safety protocols for their ropeway systems.
Focus Areas for Next Generation Women Advocates and Litigators:
Next-generation women advocates and litigators should prioritize bringing passion and dedication to their work, regardless of their chosen practice area, whether it be litigation or corporate law. It’s essential not to allow gender to define one’s profession. Throughout my career, I’ve viewed myself simply as an advocate, not specifically a woman advocate. Many of the barriers and obstacles we encounter are often self-imposed, and it’s crucial to confront and overcome them.
Admired Individuals:
Professionally, I deeply admire Zia Modi, the founder of AZB. On a personal level, my admiration extends to Mahatma Gandhi and, more recently, Sudha Murthy.
Inspirational Business Stories:
While there are countless inspiring business narratives, I find inspiration in various everyday stories of resilience, perseverance, and innovation. These tales, whether from individuals overcoming personal challenges or innovating on a small scale in fields such as agriculture, water conservation, or charitable work, are profoundly inspiring. Additionally, I draw inspiration from renowned figures such as Steve Jobs, Narayana Murthy, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, and Bill Gates, whose impactful business journeys continue to motivate me.
What quote has inspired you the most?
One of the most impactful quotes that resonates with me deeply is “Power of being Present in Now” by Eckhart Tolle. I strive to embody this philosophy in my daily life. The ability to refrain from indulging in imaginary narratives or fears and instead, being fully immersed and aware in the present moment is fundamental to maintaining mental clarity, conscious behavior, and overall happiness.
How do you navigate the challenges of a competitive environment like the legal field?
The legal profession is undeniably demanding, characterized by long hours and numerous responsibilities such as drafting, arguments, submissions, and consultations. To mitigate stress and anxiety, it’s crucial to find enjoyment and purpose in one’s work. Coping mechanisms become necessary only when work lacks intrinsic motivation. Personally, I find immense motivation in serving clients and aiding them in achieving their objectives. Additionally, maintaining a healthy work-life balance through activities like spending time with family, practicing yoga or exercise, traveling, reading, and pursuing hobbies serves as effective stress-relievers. Balancing work with personal interests fosters a sense of equilibrium.
