Dear Madam,
This is with reference to the Intelligence report titled, Flying below the radar in the March issue of India Business Law Journal.
Firstly, and in my humble opinion, the report ought to have been titled, Hidden treasures of India’s legal profession, in as much as the law firms mentioned truly are hidden treasures, albeit treasures that are flying below the radar. These hidden treasures are bound to be discovered by those destined to find them and the fruits and rewards of the discovery will be beneficial to both parties. I state this with the utmost confidence having been in practice for well over 16 years with the so termed “handful” of India’s largest law firms as well as with the so termed hidden treasures.
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In a typical case, a legal professional starts of his or her career with a large full-service law firm that has a diverse practice. Over a period of time, both the professional and the firm aspire to grow. However, and specifically in the case of India, large law firms are not always in a position to keep pace with their own growth and some fall into a downward spiral as a result.
In the meantime, the professional gains expertise and a thorough knowledge of the field in which he or she has specialized. He or she undergoes a voluntary transformation from a mere professional to a treasure chest overflowing with hidden treasure. Upon the discovery of such treasure it is handpicked by niche firms that specialize in practice areas such as intellectual property. These firms are able to recognize the true value of such talent.
Large full-service law firms in India may survive in perpetuity on account of their brand value. They will have their visions and ambition statements beautifully worded and will remain on the radar of international clients thanks to the publicity that their deals receive and the painstaking efforts made by their internal PR machines to give their names international prominence.
However, what large full-service law firms lose out on as they struggle to remain on the international radar is the ability to recognize hidden treasures closer to home.
The hidden treasures are here to stay and I take the opportunity to wish them all a speedy discovery. With due credit to Roger Waters, David Gilmour, David Jon and Richard Wright, “shine on you crazy diamond”, may you always be cut and polished.
Vinay Dwarkadas
Advocate, Trademark
& Patent Attorney
RK Dewan & Co
Mumbai
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