What do you see as the main points that differentiate Veritas Legal from your competitors?

Given that the Indian market is not institutionalized and still promoter-driven, the personalization is important in this relationship-driven market. Indian regulations are not black and white, and require exercise of judgement. In these circumstances, it is the experience from being associated with the profession for almost 3 decades that helps in the diagnosis. Admittedly, the solution should be well founded in law, but you need to be a “deal maker” not a “deal breaker”.

Veritas is boutique in size if you only factor the 3 main practice areas of the firm, but we are full service in our client offerings. As a result, also, we are able to cross-engage teams from the different practice areas to advise a single client.

Our average non-Partner PQE is around 5 years, which we believe, is higher than the market and therefore, we believe that we provide more senior hands-on bandwidth to clients than what you averagely see in the market.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

I see practices in Infrastructure and Alternate Energy spaces growing. I also see that the Litigation practice area will grow with the Courts, after a long time, slowly coming back to normal.

What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?

I think more than change, we have remained consistent in our quality, delivery and level of experience to the client on a hands-on basis.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Yes and No.

Yes, because it provides the advantage of speed and efficiency of communication coupled with greater outreach to global clients.

No, because the personal touch which is the most important contributing factor to relationship building is getting lost in translation.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

More than an example, we have seen one thing playing out all through the pandemic. Our ability and willingness to see the matter from a commercial perspective, and thereby giving solutions that are founded in law, with the practical viability of the Indian Court systems and their limitations for quick resolution, is something, which has been appreciated by multiple clients. With many clients, we have not only given the advice, but actively participated in implementation of the advice to take the proposition to its logical end.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Yes, they do. The continuation of teams on matters is important for a client, as the teams may have understood their ways of doing business. This is true for almost all the clients whether strategic or otherwise. In a market, which is very volatile in terms of talent movement, I think the clients will be looking at the ability of the Firm to stabilize their resources over medium to long term.