Women-related issues are considered taboo in our society even today. While women’s empowerment has been tagged as a huge eyeopener with the changes being implemented at every stage of our society, it is still a muchdebated topic at the grassroots level. Urwi Keche Yawalikar, Partner, Astrea Legal Associates LLP is one of those rare leaders who apart from being an efficient lawyer has been working on spreading awareness on law, women empowerment, and so on. She also delivers speeches on various Legal issues like IPR, Human Rights, Consumer Protection etc as well as conducts workshops on POSH Act 2013 for both government and private organizations.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur, Urwi shares her thought process behind choosing the legal sector, her efforts to spread awareness on legal issues andwomen-related issues in our society, and much more.

Give Us A Brief Overview Of Astrea Legal Associates LLP. What Is The Varied Expertise That You Possess As A Law Professional?

As a full-service Law firm, Astrea Legal offers a comprehensive range of legal services in the areas of Civil, Constitutional, Corporate, and Criminal law. The firm extensively focuses on addressing industry-wise Legal & Consultancy services. Astrea always keeps in mind to address every legal service requirement of the business transactions under a one roof service strategy. I am a Law graduate with an LL.M Degree in Constitution and Administrative Law and also, I am presently pursuing my Ph.D. in Law. I am registered at the Bar Council of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa. I started my career at Astrea Legal Associates LLP as an Associate and soon got promoted as a Partner. I also have worked as a Lecturer at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh College of Law, Amravati where I taught subjects like “Legal Language & Writing” and “Professional Ethics” to LL.B students.

"The law is there to get justice, not to get revenge. So use it wisely"

After that, I was invited as a visiting faculty at Anganwadi Training Center under GTC Amravati. The job over there included teaching and guiding Anganwadi workers about Women's issues and related laws, legal remedies, and government measures and making them understand various women’s issues and remedies. I was also invited to work as a visiting faculty at Amravati University MBA Department where I delivered  lectures on - Consumer Protection Act 1986, IPR, IT Act  2000, Cyber Crime, and e-commerce. I also work as a legal advisor in the Internal Complaints Committees at Dr. Rajendra Gode Institute of Technology & Research, RajeshriShahu Science College, and Chandra Mats Pvt. Ltd Aurangabad, where I provide legal consultation regarding sexual harassment cases. I conduct workshops on POSH Act 2013 for both government and private organizations and also deliver speeches on various other legal topics.

Take Us Through Your Early Educational Journey And Prior Industry Experience That You Bring To The Table. What Motivated You To Foray Into The Legal Industry?

Growing up in Indian society, we are not new to social issues. Since my childhood, I have always wanted to make our society a better place. I believe that everybody has a right to live with dignity. So, I decided to go into the legal field against my family's wishes who wanted me to be an engineer. After completing my Post Graduation LL.M Degree in Constitution and Administrative Law, I got an offer from Astrea Legal Associates LLP due to my reasoning and drafting skills. Joining as an Associate, I worked my way up through the organization to become a partner. Since then, I have been providing Legal Consultation and spreading awareness about legal rights through my public speeches and Radio Interviews.

What Are The Various Roles And Responsibilities That You Currently Shoulder At Astrea Legal Associates LLP? What Are Some Of The Most Challenging Aspects Of Your Role As The Partner?

While as an Associate, I was responsible for talent acquisition and dispute management. I also represented the firm’s clients and coordinated with the legal talent to resolve legal issues. After becoming a partner, I am responsible for dealing with national and international clients, daily case management in all of the offices across the country. I have also assisted renowned MNCs like - TATA AIA, Next Education India Pvt Ltd, Tieto, Sapphire Foods (KFC and Pizza Hut), M&M, MS Handlooms Corporation Ltd, Mody Group, Anglicare Australia, and others, in legal works. Through these works, I got both exposure and experience in property due diligence, trademark, copyrights, legal drafting, medico-legal matters, consumer matters, arbitration, and more. I am also responsible for building the knowledge bank, proofreading, and monitoring the works of trainees and interns.

What Are Some Of The Major Milestones That You Have Achieved So Far In Your Professional Journey? What Is Your Guiding Leadership Philosophy?

Women-related issues are still taboo in our society. It makes people uncomfortable. However, it is important to talk about these issues. So, in my speeches and workshops, I try to make people comfortable. My biggest achievement has been making both women and men feel at ease at my POSH Act Workshops. I try to approach the topic as such that women don't feel embarrassed and men don't feel accused. Making the working environment better is the overall spirit of these workshops. In the end, I urge people to use the law wisely. Because the law is there to get justice, not to get revenge.

As A Successful Businesswoman, What Would Your Advice Be To Young Women And Girls Aspiring To Become Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs In The Future?

In our Indian Society, even though women are currently allowed to work, they are still expected to balance both household and office work. It takes a toll on one's body and soul. My advice for young women and girls is to take care of themselves and set aside the mentality of self-sacrifice. Don't try to do it all alone. Take help and don't feel bad about the messy home.

Urwi Keche Yawalikar, Partner, Astrea Legal Associates LLP

After completing her Post Graduation LL.M Degree in Constitution and Administrative Law, Urwi joined Astrea Legal Associates LLP as an Associate and worked her way up through the organization to become a partner. Apart from that, she is also a public speaker, legal consultant, and POSH Act Workshop trainer. She is also a creator of Madhukar Keche Website and co-edited the book "Rajkavane... Poetry of Dr. Raj Yawalikar".