With 15 years of solid experience in corporate commercial law advising big corporates and emerging businesses in areas such as information technology, e-commerce, medical infrastructure, oil & gas, real estate, and media & entertainment, Priyanka Havelia laid the foundation of Sancus Legal in 2015. Unlike traditional law firms, Sancus Legal follows a personalized approach wherein prompt, proactive support is provided at affordable rates. This approach has enabled this boutique firm to serve some of the leading corporate houses worldwide, spanning the USA, UK, Australia, and the Middle East.

The following are the snippets from an exclusive interaction held between the WE Editorial Team and Priyanka Havelia. Here Priyanka shares with us about her professional journey and some of the unique approaches she has been undertaking at Sancus Legal:

Please give us an insight into the legal advisory industry in India. In your opinion, what opportunities does the sector hold in the near future?

The legal advisory industry in India is currently in a very interesting phase. Clients today are much savvier. Every client wants quality advice but, at the same time, are very cost-conscious. Promoters are very aware of business risks and actively work with lawyers to understand and minimize their commercial and legal risks. A lawyer today, therefore, is continuously involved more as a trusted advisor than someone you call when you are hit by a lawsuit or a potential dispute.

I believe the Indian legal advisory industry currently stands at over US$ 1 Billion. The increased role that lawyers are expected to perform means there is more legal work than ever. Every client wants a lawyer who is not unidimensional and understands legal as well as commercial risks. So, lawyers who work to understand their client’s business are doing well. I also see start-ups becoming a major source of work for lawyers as we move away from traditionally run businesses.

In your opinion, what factors set sancus legal apart from its contemporaries in the industry?

Traditionally, clients’ experience with law firms involves long wait to schedule meetings, long turnaround times, various levels of review, massive legal bills, and complex advice, which is hard to decode and often fails to address the commercial issues faced by the clients. What sets Sancus Legal apart is that we are very approachable, and we provide our clients with customized and straightforward legal advice at very affordable rates. It is our constant endeavor to ‘de-formalize’ the lawyer-client relationship, and we are committed to change the way businesses seek and receive legal advice.

We ensure fast turnarounds because we understand that business matters are time-sensitive and should not be dependent upon the lawyer’s availability. We also believe in getting a deep insight into the client’s business before taking up any assignment that enables us to understand the commercial risks related to the client’s business and helps us think critically and find quality solutions for protecting their interests.

“Expertise in providing legal services to domestic and international clients on commercial contracting, M&AS, JVs, technological collaboration, IP and IT contracting, cross border investments and other corporate legal issues”

How has your professional journey been so far? What different facets of your personality or your leadership style have helped the company propel further in its growth journey?

I feel that my professional growth journey has been very satisfying indeed. I am a first generation lawyer and after working with different law firms for almost a decade, I started my independent practice at Sancus Legal from scratch with no past clients or contacts. In 6 years’, time, we are now a team of seasoned senior lawyers who work very closely with each other and have advised more than 100 companies and individuals, not just in India but across the world including USA, UK, Australia and Middle East.

I am a straightforward person and like to keep things uncomplicated, which I believe is also reflected in the work I deliver – clear and concise.

I believe in participative leadership rather than being directive and encourage my team to dive deep and come up with solutions by themselves. I am very passionate about my work, and I firmly believe that this passion, combined with compassion, has helped me build a strong base that will further propel the firm’s growth.

What is the roadmap ahead for your professional journey? Are you looking to focus on any specific areas or niche capabilities in the days to come?

I feel that my growth journey has just started, and there is a long road ahead. I intend for us to keep growing so that we can serve more and more clients while still retaining the personal touch and insight into their businesses. Our clients appreciate our professional commitment towards protecting their interests, and we want to continue giving them the same user experience while maintaining high quality standards.

In relation to my focus areas for the future, I continue to have immense faith in the IT sector, focusing on tech start-ups and newer technologies. I intend to build a talented and motivated team where our clients can leave their legal worries to us and instead focus on achieving their business goals.

Priyanka Havelia, Founder, Sancus Legal

After completing her Law from Campus Law Centre, the University of Delhi in 2006, Priyanka pursued her dream to become a corporate lawyer and followed up with courses from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). After initiating her career with one of the topmost corporate law firms in India - Trilegal, Priyanka went on to join another top-tier law firm - J.Sagar Associates.

Backed by a solid legal foundation after working with some of the eminent corporate lawyers of India, Priyanka Havelia eventually set up her own law firm- Sancus Legal.