Arpith B FINAL

Summary

In this insightful interview, Advocate Arpit Bo shares his journey from being inspired by his grandfather to becoming a corporate lawyer with expertise in transactional corporate TMT disputes and cross-border legal transactions. He emphasizes the importance of mastering facts in law, staying updated through regular reading, and adapting to different legal practices like in-house roles versus litigation. Bo also offers advice to young lawyers, highlighting the lack of job security in the profession and the need for dedication and continuous learning.

Takeaways

• 📚 The importance of continuous learning in law, especially through reading and understanding case laws, is emphasized for staying updated with legal developments.
• 👨‍🏫 The influence of a mentor, in this case, the speaker's grandfather, plays a crucial role in shaping a lawyer's career and providing guidance.
• 🔗 The interconnectedness of different areas of law, such as election laws with the civil procedure code, and the Hindu Succession Act with income tax, highlights the need for a holistic understanding of the legal system.
• 🌏 The difference in legal practice between India and the USA, where India focuses more on volume and the USA on quality and preparation, shapes a lawyer's approach to work.
• 🏛 The significance of having a strong foundation in Indian law before venturing into international markets, as it prepares one for the competitive and dynamic nature of global legal practice.
• 📈 The necessity for lawyers to manage a wide range of specializations and stay proficient by dedicating time daily to reading and understanding new developments in their fields.
• 📝 The practice of keeping a diary to note important points while reading helps in future reference and demonstrates the value of detailed personal documentation in legal practice.
• 🤝 The transition from litigation to in-house counsel involves adjusting to a different work culture, where the focus shifts from constant court appearances to managing specific legal tasks for an organization.
• 🛡️ The role of mastering facts in any legal matter is paramount, as it provides a solid foundation for navigating legal strategies and dispute resolutions.
• 🌐 The impact of technology on law, particularly in intellectual property and TMT sectors, and the need for lawyers to have a deep understanding of these areas to provide effective counsel.
• 💡 The advice for young lawyers to focus on dedication and sincerity in their work, understanding that there is no guaranteed security in the legal profession, and the importance of not comparing oneself to others.

Q & A

What was Advocate Arpit Bo's initial motivation to pursue law?

Advocate Arpit Bo's initial motivation to pursue law was his grandfather, who was a senior lawyer. He learned and was mentored by his grandfather, working with him for four years.

How did Advocate Arpit Bo's experience in India shape his approach to practicing law internationally?

Advocate Arpit Bo's experience in India, where the focus is on the volume of cases, taught him dedication and prepared him to adapt and perform in the international market with quality and within stipulated time.

What was Advocate Arpit Bo's strategy for staying updated with the ever-changing legal landscape?

Advocate Arpit Bo's strategy for staying updated involves dedicating at least two hours daily to reading, including case laws and Supreme Court judgments, and maintaining a diary for important notes.

How does Advocate Arpit Bo suggest learning about the Civil Procedure Code through election laws?

Advocate Arpit Bo suggests that by reading about election laws, one can gain knowledge about the Civil Procedure Code since every part of the CPC is touched upon in election petitions that reach the Supreme Court.

What is Advocate Arpit Bo's view on the difference between practicing law in India and working as an in-house lawyer in the US?

Advocate Arpit Bo views practicing law in India as more volume-focused and requiring constant dedication, while working as an in-house lawyer in the US is more about work-life balance and managing a certain amount of work within office hours.

How does Advocate Arpit Bo connect the practice of law across different specializations such as Corporate Governance and Intellectual Property?

Advocate Arpit Bo connects different specializations by focusing on the core principles and understanding that areas like Intellectual Property and Technology are interconnected, with each influencing the other.

What advice does Advocate Arpit Bo have for young lawyers looking to build a successful career in law?

Advocate Arpit Bo advises young lawyers to dedicate themselves to their work, understand that there is no security in the profession, and not to compare themselves with others. He emphasizes the importance of mastering the facts in any case.

How does Advocate Arpit Bo approach dispute resolution, especially in complex, multi-million dollar cross-border legal transactions?

Advocate Arpit Bo approaches dispute resolution by first mastering the facts of the case and creating a timeline, which allows for better maneuvering around the law and finding effective solutions.

What is Advocate Arpit Bo's perspective on the importance of training for lawyers and judges in the legal system?

Advocate Arpit Bo believes that training is crucial as it provides a deeper understanding of the legal system, the importance of reading between the lines, and the impact of judgments on society.

How does Advocate Arpit Bo see the future of dispute resolution with the rise of ODR (Online Dispute Resolution) and EDR (Early Dispute Resolution) in India?

Advocate Arpit Bo acknowledges the growing importance of ODR and EDR, suggesting that mastering the facts and having a strong understanding of the law will continue to be key in effectively navigating these new methods of dispute resolution.

What advice does Advocate Arpit Bo give to lawyers who wish to transition from litigation to an in-house role?

Advocate Arpit Bo advises lawyers to view the transition like military training, where the rigorous experience of litigation prepares them for the in-house role. He also warns against jumping directly into an in-house role without the necessary litigation experience.