Women entrepreneurs are making significant strides in the legal sector, breaking barriers and excelling in various legal fields. Priyam Mehta's success story is a notable example of how women entrepreneurs from Symbiosis International University are making a mark in the legal profession. Having been in the legal industry for about 15 years, Priyam comes across as having a diverse blend of commercial and civil laws, as well as acting in the capacity of a standing counsel for the Delhi High Court and Delhi University and, is the Founder of Mehta Law Chambers, a full serviced law firm. She is well-poised to take the firm to the next level.

In this interview, Priyam shares her insights into her professional journey and walks us through the trends of legal industry.

Can you please give a brief overview of your journey with Symbiosis?

I call myself an accidental lawyer, as I wanted to become an English Lecturer and was enrolled for English Hons., but life and Symbiosis had a different plan and ended up becoming a student of law. I pursued my BBA. LLB from Symbiosis International University in Pune. Symbiosis International University has a reputation for producing confident individuals who believe in them selves and have independent thinking. Graduating from Symbiosis has helped me shape my career by enhancing my decision-making abilities and confidence.

During my time at Symbiosis International University, I appreciated how the college brought practicing advocates to teach practical subjects like Civil Procedure Code (CPC). Learning from these individuals, who provided real-life scenarios and examples from their experiences, sparked my interest in procedural laws. This aspect of learning from practicing advocates was a standout experience for me at Symbiosis.

What inspired you to pursue Law as a career?

As I began studying law, I understood its meaning; I realized that law can serve as a bridge between the issues individuals face and the solutions they seek. Through this experience, I saw how important it is for individuals to be aware of their rights and realized the meaningful position I was in to help people find solutions.

I initially started my career in corporate law, but I moved to litigation as I believed it was my true calling. It enabled me to be more directly involved in resolving disputes and helping individuals with their legal needs. Being a first-generation lawyer, comes with its set of problems but I was fortunate enough to join a counsel in the Delhi High Court who subsequently got designated as a Senior Advocate and later got elevated to a judge in the Delhi High Court. Here I learned the needs of both corporate and individual clients and how to handle matters from start to finish. This experience gave me a valuable overview of strategy and case management, which shaped my initial years in law. 

My focus has always been on civil and commercial laws. Over time, I have developed expertise in various areas, including matrimonial disputes, employment and labor-related cases, domestic and foreign-seated arbitrations. We specialize in POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace) advisory and litigation. Being a standing council for the Delhi High Court and Delhi University has given me an insight into the workings of government departments and helps in handling service law matters for the government. I am a big proponent of Dispute Resolution through the Mediation process, and we have a high rate of having successfully settled many commercial and matrimonial disputes.

In the course of my legal practice, I have successfully handled diverse cases, like recovery of monetary dues and claims for multinational companies, de-sealing of establishments, RTI Act-related matters, and education matters. All and all we delve into intriguing questions of law and try to find the best solutions for our clients.

Can you describe the challenges you faced in your legal journey?

As a Founder, my main challenge has been transitioning from practicing law to setting up a law firm. My role involves acquiring clients and determining our pricing strategy, which has been a learning process given the absence of rule books in this area. As a first-generation female lawyer, I didn't have someone to guide me through this, so I had to figure things out myself. Establishing my office amidst the onset of Covid-19 pandemic presented additional hurdles, but with the invaluable support of friends and mentors, we not only persevered but thrived. 

What’s been your success mantra in this male-dominated profession?

Persistence through my downs and consistency in my ups. Endurance and hustle are key, helping me transcend challenges. As a female entrepreneur, I face similar challenges to others in the field, often not taken as seriously as male counterparts. I've experienced this in client interactions, court, and with opposing counsel. Despite this, I persevere, encountering obstacles daily but staying focused on my goals. In the legal field, it's crucial to push past judgments and distractions. I prioritize collaborating with women professionals and working on women-centric legal issues. Additionally, we actively recruit young women lawyers to promote a more equitable playing field.

Do you have any piece of advice for upcoming women entrepreneurs?

In a word 'Being Persistent'. I cannot say strongly enough that it is indeed crucial for women aspiring to leadership roles in the legal industry. It is important to advocate for yourself with confidence and clarity, stay focused on your goals and continue to work hard. By persevering through difficulties, women can break barriers and achieve success in the legal field leading to creating a more inclusive and diverse legal profession.

Priyam Mehta, Founder & Managing Partner,  Mehta Law Chambers

Priyam Mehta is a distinguished legal professional with a diverse and extensive background in the legal field. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Mehta Law Chambers, a full-service law firm, she leads a team of legal experts dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services.