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An experienced and well-established advocate who delivers quality legal advice and service to all clients is an excellent choice for anyone seeking legal assistance. Shireen Sethna Baria is one such name. Armed with requisite knowledge and experience to provide clients with the best legal representation and guidance possible, Shireen is dedicated to providing quality legal services to all clients.
She is an established advocate with over 35 years of experience in litigation, corporate and real estate transactions, and a wide range of commercial and corporate documentation. Her litigation experience includes appearances before the Supreme Court of India, the High Courts of Delhi Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, the National Company Law Tribunal, National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, State and District Consumer Forums throughout India. She also has extensive experience in social legislation issues for (NGOs,) labour law, welfare organisations (including animal welfare groups), government agencies and corporations.
In an in-depth conversation in Women Entrepreneur India, Shireen talks about her foray into legal profession, her challenges and milestones achieved throughout her journey.
What motivated you to venture into the field of Indian law?
I come from a family of achievers. My father was the Vice Chief of the Indian Army, my mother an author & writer, my three sisters, all are highly successful in their careers and in their personal lives. I grew up with the love for nature, personal freedoms and open thinking, being encouraged to reason and make my own choices. From a young age, I was made independent and involved myself in varied things; reading, travelling, horse-riding, loving and caring for animals, interacting with people of all ages, including meeting and entertaining world dignitaries.
My maternal grandfather came from a family where his father was a lawyer and later a Judge in Ahmedabad, with the surname ‘Vakil’. I was very close to him, so decided to become a lawyer. Inspired by him, I went on to name our law firm, Vakils Associated.
Throw some light on the prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What are some key learnings that you gathered over the years in the Indian legal world?
When I started my career with J.B. Dadachanji & Co., a highly reputed law firm in Delhi, my first experience was briefing doyens of the profession, like F.S. Nariman, Soli Sorabjee, G.L. Sanghi, G. Ramaswamy and Anil B. Diwan. Later, I had the privilege of working with legal stalwarts like Justice R.F. Nariman, Harish Salve, Dr. A.M. Singhvi, K.K. Venugopal, Shyam Diwan and Nowroz Seervai.
Law for me is a profession to serve the best interests of the client and the people who I have worked with. Monetary consideration was always subordinate to the cause.
Hard work, integrity and good communication are paramount features for any enterprise. I believe in offering honest and sincere advice in all my professional interactions and giving 'my all' in everything I do. I have learnt to take tough times, criticism and compliments all in my stride, never holding on to upsets, grudges or hurt. I have enjoyed the journey and strongly believe that, “Life happens while you make other plans”. In order to succeed at anything, there has to be “fire in your belly”, only then do you wake up in the morning, willing and open for a new experience.
" Law for me is a profession to serve the best interest of the client and the people who i have worked with me. Monetary consideration was always subordinate to the cause"
Tell us some of the key challenges you have had to face over the years. How did you work towards overcoming these professional roadblocks?
When I got married and moved to Hyderabad in 1997, I underwent a huge transition. I had no clients, no friends nor any professional connections. I started from scratch, in a new city, with a different language in 1999. My office consisted of only three women and over the years we presently have a team of over thirty.
The legal landscape in Hyderabad was very different then, from what it is today. Despite challenges, with the support my husband and mentoring by my partner Yadav, within a month of opening the office, I had my first client in Hyderabad. There has been no looking back from thereon. Over the years I have represented various Fortune 100 companies, MNC and Indian corporates of repute, Navratna companies, organisations and various individuals. Challenging situations came along the way, and things are never easy, but each day is a new opportunity and learning never stops.
In your opinion how is the Indian legal landscape evolving? What steps do you take to align yourself with the periodic changes and evolutions within the industry?
The legal profession has undergone a major transformation since 1986 when I passed out. We learnt law so as to give value to clients, as professionals. In the recent years, law has become more of a business and thereby taken on a different set of values. Many Indian lawyers are moving overseas, doing well in international law firms and even becominge counsels. There is ample scope for youngsters in the profession today.
With the increase in number of Tribunals and courts, litigation work still thrives all over the country and lawyers can practice anywhere in India after being enrolled. There are new opportunities in legal start-ups. I keep myself involved in numerous cases reading along with my teams, thereby keeping updated through interaction with youngsters in the Firm, who have agile minds and are quick with updates on the law.
Tell us about some of the key milestones you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What has been your success mantra?
I have been involved in drafting documentation for a large Public Private Partnership project in undivided Andhra Pradesh, handled a hostile takeover litigation for a reputed foreign company against an Indian group of companies and assisted in the establishment of an array of Aerostructure companies in Telangana, and continuing to do so. Have been a proponent of the law relating to Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace since its inception. My mantra is being simple, straight forward, go the extra mile to do good to others. Delays in our profession are common. It is however satisfying, when despite enormous delay we can get the client what they seek. My success has been the ability to retain clients and colleagues, whilst, building a respectable professional reputation.
Shireen Sethna Baria, Managing Partner, Vakils Associated
Shireen Sethna Baria has the knowledge and experience to provide clients with the best legal representation and advice possible, and she is dedicated to providing a high level of service to all clients.
