Payal Parikh is a Partner at ANB Legal, which is a full service law firm. She heads the Infrastructure and Banking practice in the NCR region. The firm operates out of Mumbai, Goa and NCR Region.
She has worked closely with sponsors and project developers, governments, banks and financial institutions, contractors and other consultants.
She has vast experience in advising on various aspects including:
(i) developing infrastructure projects and manufacturing facilities
(ii) equipment procurement
(iii) construction and services arrangements
(iv) Joint Ventures
(v) Strategic Alliances
(vi) Downstream investments
(vii) real estate deals pertaining to transfer of freehold and leasehold land, development agreements and Slum Rehabilitation Schemes.
Prior to joning the Firm, she has held diverse posts in her decade long career including being a Partner at M. Dhruva & Partners, Deputy General Manager of the Welspun Group heading the Infrastructure and Textile arm of the group. She has also been associated with law firms like Dua Associates and Kanga & Co. and Companies like the Lodha Group of Companies and Suzlon Energy Ltd.
She has generously agreed to share her experience with us through all these years and help law students navigate the recruitment process by answering a few questions.
1) You have been a Partner at ANB Legal since almost two years. How has the experience been?
It has been fantastic. Downs and luckily more up’s. To be a partner and then to be a partner where you have to run a place is a completely different ball game. I have been blessed with amazing colleagues who share my burden, joys and responsibilities.
2) You were previously a Partner at Dhruva & Partners. How different is the work environment in the two firms?
It would be wrong for me to comment on this one. Each firm has a different culture and working status. This one is a “Bhutan” model. Happiness is given its due weightage.
3) You were also Deputy General Manager at Welspun. What prompted you to shift from a company to a law firm? What is your advice to those who want to do the same?
I always wanted to be a part of an organisation which I could contribute my bit and be a part of its growth. When I got an opportunity to head a department, I took it. Also, it is good to be a part of an organisation where there are like minded people.
4) What would your advice to students who want to take up banking practice be? How should they prepare themselves?
Commercials are the key in any project finance document. To understand how they work and then try and document them is what one should focus on. Keep it simple I would say.
5) What does ANB Legal look for in prospective candidates?
Attitude and a bit of inclination. Apart from that, we make it a point to spend time with our colleagues and engrain not only the finer points of law but also the soft skills. We are proud to say that we have colleagues who identify themselves as an integral part of the organisation.
6) Does ANB Legal provide internship opportunities? What is the process of selection?
We select on the basis of the CV and a phone interview. We start with a month, however if the intern seems promising, we extend on a mutual basis.
7) What is the process of recruitment at ANB Legal?
We follow the same procedure for an intern, however for an associate the probation is 6 months. We go by the recommendations of fellow firms and people from the legal fraternity as well.
8) What according to you must a good CV have?
No typos. Precise, crisp and relevant information.
9) How important do you hold moot court achievement or paper publications to be during the recruitment process?
Not much. That doesn’t determine a candidates competence or ability to work.
10) Does ANB prefer candidates with referral? Is there a college preference while providing internship/job opportunities?
We do prefer candidates with referral. It is for the simple reason that we know where is the student coming from.
11) What do you look for in a candidate during an interview session? What areas of law must a candidate be prepared in, in order to get through the interview?
A smile, confidence (not over confidence), an attitude which shows the ability and the willingness to learn. Being on time and salutations help too.
12) Is there an opening at ANB Legal presently? Where should the candidates looking for internship/job opportunities contact?
We are looking an associate with 1 or 2 years PQE for our corporate team in New Delhi. Please send in your CV to admin@anblegal.com
13) Any other tips you would like to give our readers with respect to recruitment and their career in general?
Lawyers are required to keep themselves updated with the latest developments. Would think that the candidates should be able to provide an insight on the developments. Last not but not the least, TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK.
