“The legal world is smaller than it seems, and your name carries weight even when you’re not in the room.” – Meenal Duggal, Founder of Meenal Duggal Law Offices.

“The legal world is smaller than it seems, and your name carries weight even when you’re not in the room.” – Meenal Duggal, Founder of Meenal Duggal Law Offices.

This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team

You’ve worked across diverse areas of law. Which ones have you found most intellectually stimulating, and how do you stay updated with developments?

I’ve had the opportunity to work across a wide spectrum of legal matters, and each area has contributed uniquely to my growth as a litigator. However, I find economic offences and corporate litigation particularly stimulating. These fields are intellectually rigorous—they demand deep strategic planning, constant engagement with evolving jurisprudence, and the ability to navigate complex factual and legal matrices. They keep you on your toes because no two cases are ever truly alike. At the same time, handling matrimonial disputes and IPR matters has been deeply fulfilling, as these areas bring me face-to-face with the human, emotional, and creative dimensions of law.

To stay current, I treat learning as a non-negotiable part of my routine. I regularly follow recent judgments, legislative updates, and expert commentaries. I attend bar association seminars, workshops, and informal discussions with peers and seniors. In this profession, the law is a living organism—it evolves constantly, and staying attuned to its rhythm is essential.

In the early stages of your career, what were some of the key skills or insights you gained while assisting senior counsel on these high-stakes cases?

Starting my legal journey with matters involving serious criminal offences—ranging from economic frauds to murder trials—was a transformative experience. These cases taught me the irreplaceable value of clarity, precision, and presence of mind. Every word matters, every fact must be double-checked, and your ability to stay composed under pressure can be the difference between success and failure in court.

Assisting senior advocates during those formative years gave me a masterclass in legal strategy. I learned how to dissect a case, anticipate counterarguments, and build a narrative that is both factually robust and legally sound. Most importantly, I absorbed the discipline of courtroom conduct—how to be persuasive without being aggressive, how to command attention while respecting the court. These early lessons still guide me every time I step into a courtroom.

You’ve handled a broad spectrum of civil and criminal matters, particularly matrimonial disputes which have a high emotional quotient. How do you craft a legal strategy that balances the emotional complexity with the legal rigor these cases demand?

Matrimonial litigation is unlike any other—it’s not just about statutes and precedents but about people, emotions, relationships, and often, pain. As a lawyer, I believe our role here extends beyond legal representation—we’re also emotional anchors during what can be one of the most vulnerable periods of a client’s life.

I begin by listening deeply and without judgment. It’s important to understand not just the legal facts, but the emotional currents underlying the conflict. From there, I work to create a strategy that is empathetic yet firm—one that protects my client’s rights while also guiding them toward resolution, not escalation. Wherever possible, I advocate for amicable settlements, particularly where children or long-term emotional repercussions are involved. At the same time, I stand resolute when legal intervention is necessary. It’s a delicate balance—but one that can lead to outcomes that are both just and healing.

You’ve credited your experience with Mr. Viraj R. Datar as foundational. Could you tell us more about that influence?

Working under the mentorship of Mr. Viraj R. Datar at the Delhi High Court was one of the most formative chapters of my career. It was in his chamber that I first witnessed what it truly means to practice law with purpose. He wasn’t just a brilliant legal mind—he was deeply ethical, humane, and committed to justice in its truest sense.

From him, I learned that legal practice is not merely a profession—it’s a service. He taught me the importance of integrity, thorough preparation, and above all, empathy. His approach was never transactional; he cared about the impact of every case on the people involved. Those values left a lasting imprint on me. To this day, I try to uphold those same principles in my independent practice—doing my best not just to win cases, but to ensure fairness, compassion, and dignity are never compromised.

Starting your independent practice in 2020 must have come with its own set of challenges and opportunities. What inspired you to take that step, and how did you navigate the early phase of building your clientele and case portfolio?

Starting my independent practice in 2020 was a leap of faith—but one rooted in conviction. After years of chamber work and rich mentorship, I felt ready to take ownership of my legal path and build a practice that reflected my values. I wanted to be more hands-on with clients, more accountable for outcomes, and freer to choose matters that aligned with my sense of purpose.

The timing, however, was far from ideal—courts were functioning in a limited capacity due to the pandemic, and the entire legal system was undergoing a digital transformation. But adversity became my teacher. I focused on being highly accessible, responsive, and consistent in my work. I relied heavily on referrals, built a network through online legal forums, and made it a point to stay visible within the legal community. Slowly but steadily, the practice grew. Each case taught me something new—not just about the law, but about resilience, adaptability, and faith in one’s own journey.

 You’ve represented several corporate entities, including private limited companies and firms. What are some recurring legal challenges you’ve noticed in business litigation and how do you think they can be avoided at an initial stage?

One of the most recurring issues I see in business litigation is the prevalence of poorly drafted agreements. Many of the disputes that land in court could have been prevented with a little more legal foresight. Vague clauses, inconsistent terms, and the absence of dispute resolution mechanisms often create avoidable friction between parties.

Another major challenge is the lack of organized documentation and communication records. In today’s fast-paced commercial environment, businesses sometimes neglect formalities—which leads to evidentiary gaps when disputes arise. My advice to businesses is simple: invest early in sound legal structuring, contracts, and compliance. Preventive legal care is much more cost-effective than reactive litigation.

Managing a diverse litigation portfolio is demanding. How do you maintain consistency and balance?

Indeed, litigation can be all-consuming. But over time, I’ve realized that consistency stems from mindful planning and being fully present in each task. I rely heavily on structured routines—prioritizing my week based on urgency, court appearances, and client needs. I carve out time for drafting, case review, and quiet research without distractions.

Outside of work, I make a conscious effort to reconnect with my roots—be it through time with family, spiritual reading, or simply being in silence. These little rituals ground me and allow me to show up with focus and clarity. I also try to maintain strong professional boundaries, where possible, to avoid burnout. It’s still a work in progress, but I’ve learned that sustainable success comes not from doing everything at once, but from doing each thing with presence and purpose.

Having worked in reputed chambers and now leading your own firm, what advice would you offer to young lawyers who aspire to develop a well-rounded litigation career spanning multiple areas of law?

My advice would be: begin with curiosity and carry it with commitment. Don’t pigeonhole yourself too early—explore various domains of law, because each one strengthens a different muscle. Seek out mentors who challenge you to think deeper and work harder. Watch court proceedings, learn how judges think, and observe how experienced lawyers argue—that exposure is invaluable. 

Focus on building your core skills—research, drafting, procedural clarity, and client interaction. But more than anything else, build your reputation—for reliability, professionalism, and ethics. The legal world is smaller than it seems, and your name carries weight even when you’re not in the room. A well-rounded career doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built over years, with patience, self-discipline, and a genuine love for the law.

What initially drew you to law, and how did your education shape your decision to pursue litigation?

What drew me to law was its power to resolve real-world conflicts through reasoning, dialogue, and structured thinking. I was always fascinated by how law could bring order to chaos, how a well-argued case could lead to justice, and how legal tools could be used to empower the voiceless.

My education laid the foundation for this journey. Moot courts, legal research assignments, and internships gave me a taste of courtroom dynamics early on. I found myself naturally drawn to litigation—it challenged my intellect, honed my articulation, and gave me a platform to engage with real people and their stories. From there, building my own practice felt like the most organic next step—a space where I could not only argue cases but shape my path on my own terms, in a way that resonated with my values and aspirations.

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