|
Q: You are a founding member of SABAW and its first woman president. What were some of the early goals and challenges of the founding members?
A: When SABAW was founded, there were very few of us, both in number and in positions of real authority within our firms. We didn't have a place where we could find each other. I remember sitting by the fireplace in the 6th and Union building, where we talked about the need to create a space of belonging and affinity within the Washington legal community.
We didn't have many South Asian advocates already in the system, but we did have a lot of great allies who came together and helped make SABAW happen. It was beautiful watching SABAW grow with their support.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working at Arnold & Porter?
A: Honestly, it's the people. Getting to work alongside people of incredible intellect who are deeply committed to the practice of law, and who have the background and ability to leverage that in support of our clients, is something that energizes me every day. The firm has exceptional regulatory strength. And in a world with more cross-border complexity, and growing needs around data privacy and AI, Arnold & Porter has found a way to be both stable and agile – and to navigate that change alongside our clients.
Being a founding member of Arnold & Porter’s Seattle office has given me the best of both worlds: it has blended the depth, reputation and resources of a global institution with the energy and nimbleness of a startup.
Q: You lead Arnold & Porter’s India Practice – a relatively unique practice group among law firms. Tell us more about what this practice group does.
A: Arnold & Porter's India team works across multiple offices and practice areas, and it serves two purposes: advising Indian companies on their operations abroad, and assisting our international clients navigate anything India-related. Our international presence really allows us to stand in an advisory role, providing effective advice on regulatory matters and facilitating the exchange between Indian companies (with Indian law firms) and companies globally.
Q: What has it been like leading the India Practice?
A: I'm a commercial litigator. But over the years, my role has evolved into that of a strategic advisor to C-suite executives across a range of companies, and my work has shifted from being reactive to proactive, with a much heavier emphasis on risk mitigation. Clients' needs have gotten more complex in our increasingly cross-functional, cross-border world. Leading the India Practice is an extension of the work I've always done. But it allows me to focus firm resources on working in this arena since they are major players in the global economy and deserve that dedicated attention.
Q: What advice do you have for young attorneys, South Asian or otherwise, who are navigating their developing career?
A: I have a few pieces of advice.
First, know your craft. Be a true craftsman of your practice and really spend time knowing it. The work of learning in the law is lifelong, so build a strong foundation and never stop building on it.
Second, remember to ask for help. Ask mentors, ask sponsors – the more you ask for help, the more you'll find that people genuinely want to give it. And when someone does offer guidance, be ready to listen and see the future that your mentors, with all their experience and insight, envision for you.
Third, and most importantly, believe in yourself and give yourself grace. You won't always be perfect, and that's okay. You’ll have to make mistakes to learn. The most important thing for a successful career is resilience – being able to weather the storms, the hard moments, and come out stronger. That’s what shapes a truly great attorney.
|
