Transitioning from a background in business economics to the legal profession, Ankit Miglani, Founder of Law Office of Ankit Miglani, has built a dynamic practice rooted in dispute resolution and strategic advisory. From navigating early challenges at the Bar to establishing an independent practice and representing clients across diverse sectors, his journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to the craft of litigation. In this conversation, he shares key turning points, courtroom lessons, and practical insights for young lawyers aspiring to build a successful career in law.
This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
You began your academic journey with a Bachelor’s in Business Economics while also pursuing Company Secretary. What was the defining turning point that led you to transition fully into law?
I had an inclination towards law from a very early stage. However, during a career counselling session that I attended around the time of my board examinations, I was advised that pursuing law would require continuous reading throughout one’s career and that the earnings during the initial years could be modest. Being a student from a Tier-III city, these considerations influenced my decision at that time, and I chose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of Delhi.
While pursuing my graduation, I simultaneously enrolled in the Company Secretary course. It was during this phase that I discovered a natural affinity for law-related subjects. Studying company law and business law felt intuitive and engaging, almost as if I had finally found an academic space where I truly belonged. Even during my undergraduate studies, I found myself particularly drawn to subjects involving legal principles and regulatory frameworks.
This experience helped me recognise that my curiosity and intellectual engagement were strongest when I was studying law. Consequently, instead of pursuing a master’s degree in economics or business administration, I decided to follow that instinct and formally pursue legal education. This led me to enrol at ILS Law College, Pune, where I began my journey into the legal profession.
In your early years at the Bar, what was the most challenging phase you encountered, and how did it shape your resilience and approach as a disputes lawyer?
The journey of a disputes lawyer is inherently challenging and, in many ways, remains so throughout one’s career. Every case presents a unique set of facts and often involves industries or sectors that one may not have previously encountered. In my experience, the key to success in litigation lies in mastering the facts of the case. When you deeply analyse the facts, you gain invaluable insights into industries, business practices, and regulatory frameworks that may initially seem unfamiliar.
One experience from my early years at the Bar remains particularly close to my heart. I was sitting in the lobby of the Saket District Court, reviewing my brief while waiting for my matter to be called, when an elderly gentleman approached me seeking help in locating the court where his matter (recently transferred from the High Court to the District Court) was listed. I assisted him in identifying the correct courtroom before proceeding to my own hearing.
He later attended my hearing and, after observing my arguments, requested that I take over his matter, which had already been pending for nearly eight years and involved complex issues under the Civil Procedure Code. Handling this case proved to be a transformative learning experience. It required me to study and understand several intricate provisions of the CPC in depth.
The matter was eventually decided in December 2023, and throughout this long journey I learned that patience, continuous reading, and a thorough command of facts are the fundamental pillars of becoming an effective disputes lawyer. That case also played a key role in shaping my inclination towards civil and commercial litigation.
What motivated you to establish your independent practice, particularly in a field where credibility and trust take years to build?
During my internships, I had the opportunity to work across different environments, including corporate organisations, law firms, and chambers of independent practitioners. These experiences allowed me to explore various career paths within the legal profession.
However, it was during my time with independent practitioners that I felt a distinct sense of excitement and fulfillment. The dynamic nature of litigation, i.e., the constant movement between courts, advancing arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and dealing with new and diverse legal challenges, created an environment that was intellectually stimulating and far from monotonous.
Establishing an independent practice in a city that is not your hometown, especially without any professional connections, is undoubtedly a daunting task. It requires immense patience and perseverance. The initial years can be particularly difficult, which is why many young litigators leave the profession within the first few years.
In many ways, going independent feels like being thrown into deep water, you have no choice but to learn how to swim. That phase forces you to push your limits, develop confidence, and build your own identity as a lawyer. Over time, the daily struggles begin to transform into opportunities for growth.
I often advise my juniors to consider going independent within the first couple of years of practice rather than waiting for perceived milestones such as having a certain number of cases or achieving a particular income level. Those conditions often become psychological barriers. Once you take the leap, the work gradually follows, and your practice begins to evolve organically.
A lawyer’s growth begins the moment they stop waiting for perfect conditions and start taking responsibility for their own practice.
Was there a breakthrough case or client that significantly transformed your professional outlook? What made it especially challenging?
I consider every client and each case to be significant in shaping my professional journey. However, I believe my professional journey transformed when I began representing a leading tea-chain café brand. I had started my independent practice in May 2019, and within a few months my practice was steadily growing. However, everything changed in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the functioning of courts across the country. Litigation work was severely affected, and for a disputes lawyer it became extremely challenging to sustain practice during that period.
This situation compelled me to adapt. Instead of focusing exclusively on dispute resolution, I began expanding into advisory and transactional work in order to sustain my practice. Around that time, I received an opportunity to manage the trademark portfolio of this leading tea-chain café brand, a client I have continued to represent since 2020.
That engagement broadened my professional outlook. I began actively approaching corporates and offering advisory services alongside litigation support. In hindsight, what initially appeared to be a crisis ultimately helped transform my practice into a boutique setup that combines dispute resolution with strategic advisory.
You have represented clients across diverse sectors including energy, railways, telecom, FMCG, and regulatory domains. How did you develop the strategic depth required to handle such complex and industry specific disputes?
For me, the fundamental principle remains simple: mastery of facts. While industries may differ, the law often provides a consistent framework. Therefore, the key lies in thoroughly understanding the factual matrix of the dispute and applying the relevant legal principles effectively.
Whenever I handle a matter relating to a specific industry, I make it a point to understand the operational processes, regulatory environment, and commercial practices of that sector. Familiarity with industry-specific rules, guidelines, and procedures is essential for effectively representing clients before courts and tribunals.
When a lawyer demonstrates a clear understanding of both the legal framework and the practical realities of the client’s industry, it instills confidence in the client. Once the client is assured that their counsel fully understands the dispute and is prepared to address judicial queries effectively, half the battle is already won.
Client confidence also plays a crucial role in building a sustainable practice. Satisfied clients are more likely to continue working with you and recommend your services to others, which ultimately contributes to the long-term growth of your practice.
Appearing before constitutional courts as well as arbitral tribunals demands different skill sets. How has your courtroom philosophy and advocacy style evolved over the years?
One principle that I believe applies equally to both constitutional courts and arbitral tribunals is the importance of listening carefully and responding with clarity. A lawyer must attentively listen to the observations or questions raised by judges or arbitrators and provide concise and precise responses that directly address the query.
Over the years, I have observed that many lawyers tend to provide excessive information while answering a simple question. This often leaves the original query unanswered or creates additional doubts in the minds of the adjudicating authority.
While constitutional courts require strong courtroom advocacy and persuasive argumentation, arbitration proceedings tend to be more focused on a structured analysis of facts and contractual interpretation.
With experience, I have consciously refined my advocacy style. I now place greater emphasis on calm, structured submissions rather than over-enthusiastic arguments. Maintaining composure and focusing strictly on the issues in dispute often proves more effective than raising one’s voice or prolonging arguments unnecessarily. This approach has helped me present my cases more effectively and often gives me a strategic advantage during hearings.
Building your own practice is a significant milestone. What key leadership lessons did that journey teach you?
Managing an independent legal practice can be demanding, particularly during the initial years when one often has to perform multiple roles simultaneously, from handling legal work to managing administrative and financial responsibilities.
One of the most important lessons I learned during this journey is the importance of trusting your team and delegating responsibility. In many chambers, seniors tend to retain complex drafting work or important hearings for themselves, often limiting the exposure available to juniors.
In my view, when juniors are entrusted with meaningful responsibilities and important opportunities, they tend to put in even greater effort to prove themselves. This not only enhances their confidence but also fosters a sense of ownership and commitment towards the practice.
Adopting this approach has helped me build a motivated team while allowing me to devote more time to strategic aspects of practice development, client relationships, and expanding the scope of our work.
Looking back on your journey from a young litigator to a trusted advisor for major corporates, how do you define success today?
To me, success is a deeply personal and evolving concept. For some, success may be measured by financial milestones or material achievements, while for others it may be defined by professional recognition or personal fulfilment. There is no single universal benchmark.
While I feel grateful for what I have achieved so far, I also believe that my legal journey has only just begun. There is always more to learn, more to achieve, and greater professional challenges to undertake.
At the same time, I believe that true success must include balance. Professional ambition should not come at the cost of personal relationships or family life. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and making time for family and friends is essential for mental well-being and long-term sustainability in the profession.
Success is not merely about reaching a final destination but about appreciating and enjoying the journey itself.
What advice would you offer to students aspiring to build a career in intellectual property law, and how do you see the future of your practice evolving in the coming years?
For students aspiring to build a career in law, be it any domain of law, the most valuable habit they can develop is consistent reading. Studying judgments in the area of law that interests you is one of the most effective ways to develop a deep understanding of legal principles and practical litigation strategies.
Equally important is the willingness to take up assignments that may initially seem small or modest. Even if a matter does not offer substantial financial rewards, it often provides invaluable learning opportunities.
The key mantra for young lawyers should be simple, ‘read, learn, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way’. One should never hesitate to explore unfamiliar areas of law. Every domain has a first case, and that is how a lawyer gradually expands their knowledge and builds a diverse practice.
Over time, this approach not only strengthens legal expertise but also helps in developing a well-rounded practice across multiple domains.
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