Sneha Nanandkar Final Reworked 3rd

Summary

In this insightful interview, Snea Nandar, a seasoned Advocate and Solicitor with over 14 years of experience, shares her journey from a non-legal background to becoming a prominent figure in the legal field. She highlights the importance of mentorship and guidance from senior partners at Phoenix Legal, her role in handling high-profile cases, and the impact of her work in international arbitrations and cross-border transactions. Snea also emphasizes the significance of passion and purpose in choosing a legal career, offering valuable advice to aspiring lawyers on maintaining work-life balance and pursuing their interests.

Takeaways

• 😀 Snea Nandar is an accomplished lawyer with over 14 years of experience, known for her deep understanding of laws and representing high-profile clients in international and domestic arbitrations.
• 🌟 Snea is a first-generation lawyer in her family, inspired by her father, a forensic expert, and her mother, a social worker, to contribute to society and pursue a purpose-driven profession.
• 🔍 Snea's journey into litigation was accidental, but she has embraced it and found her calling in the legal profession, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and adapting to circumstances.
• 👥 Snea emphasizes the role of mentors in her career, particularly senior partners at Phoenix Legal, who have provided guidance, support, and helped shape her expertise in various legal fields.
• 🏆 At Phoenix Legal, Snea has been involved in handling complex cases in maritime law, insurance, banking, finance, real estate litigation, and white-collar crime, showcasing the firm's diverse and comprehensive legal services.
• ⏰ Snea stresses the importance of time in maritime law, particularly in ship arrests, and the need for thorough knowledge of jurisdiction and legal precedents in practice.
• 🏢 Snea discusses the impact of RERA (Real Estate Regulation Act) in Maharashtra, India, which has resolved many disputes for common people and improved the real estate sector, but also points out the need for better implementation and infrastructure.
• 🤝 Snea advocates for Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms like mediation, arbitration, and conciliation as effective ways to resolve disputes expeditiously and amicably, and highlights recent developments in Indian legal system favoring ADR.
• 💡 Snea shares personal insights on maintaining work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of mental health, contributing to social causes, and pursuing hobbies like singing to maintain a balanced life.
• 📚 Snea advises law students and new legal professionals to understand their motivations and passions early in their careers to avoid burnout and excel in their chosen fields, and not to trade passion for glory.

Q & A

What is the significance of mentorship in Sneha Nandar's legal career?

Mentorship played a pivotal role in Sneha Nandar's career, with senior partners like Mr. Savan Singh, Mr. Saket Shukla, and Mr. Goam Biker serving as pillars of support and strength, guiding her through her journey in the legal profession.

How did Sneha Nandar's family background influence her decision to become a lawyer?

Sneha comes from a non-legal background, but her father, a forensic expert, and her mother, a social worker, inspired her to contribute to society. Their work in social causes and justice motivated her to pursue a career in law.

What was the turning point for Sneha Nandar in choosing litigation as her field of practice?

The turning point was when she was sent to Bombay City Civil Court as a fresh college graduate. An honorable judge compelled her to argue a case, which she initially tried to avoid. This experience marked the day when litigation chose her, and she has not looked back since.

How does Sneha Nandar describe her experience with Phoenix Legal?

At Phoenix Legal, Sneha Nandar appreciates the guidance of senior partners and the opportunity to work on diverse legal matters, including arbitration, disputes, cross-border transactions, and white-collar crime.

What are the key areas of law that Phoenix Legal specializes in, according to Sneha Nandar?

Phoenix Legal specializes in Maritime and insurance law, coupled with banking, finance, real estate litigation, and catering to clients in India and abroad.

How does Sneha Nandar approach the representation of major shipping companies and financial institutions?

Sneha emphasizes the importance of expertise, analytical thinking, and an out-of-the-box approach to cater to these clients, ensuring timely and effective legal services tailored to their specific needs.

What challenges did Sneha Nandar face while handling maritime law cases, and how did she overcome them?

Time is of essence in maritime law, and challenges include understanding territorial waters and jurisdiction. Sneha overcomes these by being thorough with her knowledge, understanding precedence in practice, and staying updated with global impacts and evolution in the field.

How does Sneha Nandar view the impact of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) on the real estate sector?

Sneha sees RERA as a beneficial act that has resolved many disputes and provided clarity for common people who have invested in properties. It has improved the implementation of projects and addressed concerns regarding possession timelines.

What role does Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) play in the Indian legal system according to Sneha Nandar?

ADR, including mediation, arbitration, and conciliation, plays a crucial role in the expeditious and effective disposal of disputes. Sneha highlights the importance of these mechanisms in providing an alternative to traditional court proceedings, ensuring timely resolution and reducing the burden on the judiciary.

How does Sneha Nandar maintain a work-life balance given her demanding professional life?

Sneha maintains a work-life balance by meditating, contributing to social causes, and engaging in activities like singing. She emphasizes the importance of mental health and the support of mentors who encourage a balanced lifestyle.

What advice does Sneha Nandar have for law students and graduates embarking on their legal journey?

Sneha advises law students to understand their motivations and passions early in their careers, to avoid burnout and make informed decisions. She encourages them not to trade passion for glory and to solidify their knowledge before pursuing higher positions.