This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
In the early stages of your career, you interned with several leading law firms. Could you share specific experiences or lessons from those internships that significantly shaped your understanding of the law and laid the foundation for your litigation practice?
Thank you very much for inviting me—it’s a pleasure to be here at this platform, and I truly appreciate the opportunity.
Coming from a non-NLU background, having pursued my BA LL.B. from Aligarh Muslim University followed by an LL.M. from NALSAR, the path to breaking into top-tier law firms wasn’t straightforward. However, through determination and consistent effort, I was fortunate to secure internships with leading firms such as the erstwhile Amarchand Mangaldas and Luthra & Luthra.
I consciously chose to work across both corporate and litigation teams to gain a well-rounded understanding of the legal landscape. On the corporate side, I was involved in drafting commercial contracts, conducting due diligence, and assisting in deal structuring—experiences that honed my attention to detail, regulatory knowledge, and commercial insight.
However, it was in Litigation that I found my true calling. Attending court proceedings, grasping procedural intricacies, drafting legal responses, and conducting research using platforms like SCC Online and Manupatra, etc. significantly shaped my litigation skill set—tools, which I still continue to rely on in my current practice.
A particularly formative experience was assisting in a complex arbitration matter, where I had the opportunity to observe Senior Counsels navigating the procedural and substantive challenges with strategic finesse. This experience further solidified my interest in litigation, especially in the realm of Criminal law, which demands keen analytical thinking, real-time problem-solving, and persuasive advocacy.
Beyond technical proficiency, these internships instilled in me essential soft skills—discipline, time management, and the ability to perform under pressure. They laid a strong foundation for my litigation practice and continue to influence the professional I aspire to be.
What drew you to the legal profession? Was law always a planned career path for you, or did your interest develop gradually over time?
To be honest, Law was not my initial career plan. Coming from a commerce background, I had originally considered pursuing professional courses like CA or CS. Around 2010, when I completed my 12th grade, awareness about legal education—especially institutions like National Law Universities and entrance exams like CLAT—was still quite limited, particularly at the grassroots level.
It was actually through my father that I first came to know about the option of studying law. That sparked my curiosity, and I began researching about the Law schools, the Legal Profession, placements, top law firms, and prominent lawyers. The more I explored, the more I found the field fascinating—it felt like an opportunity to do something meaningful and different.
Once I joined law school, my interest deepened gradually. Studying various legal subjects and gaining practical exposure through internships helped me understand the vastness and depth of the profession.
Most lawyers tend to pick a specialization early on—fields like IPR, corporate law, or tax. But I deliberately took the longer route. I wanted to earn clarity through lived experience rather than rushing into a niche. By working across different domains, I gained a broader perspective and eventually discovered that my true passion lies in Litigation.
What motivated you to pursue an LL.M. in Corporate & Commercial Laws from NALSAR University of Law? How did that specialization deepen your grasp of commercial legal issues and impact your practice?
After qualifying CLAT, I thoroughly researched LL.M. specialization options offered by various National Law Universities. NALSAR stood out to me for its diverse range of specializations and academic excellence. Given my prior internship experience with corporate teams in Law Firms as well as Litigation Chambers, I decided to pursue Corporate and Commercial Laws as my primary specialization.
I was particularly drawn to this field because of its dynamic interplay between legal reasoning, business strategy, and regulatory frameworks. However, my interest didn’t stop there. During my internships, I also discovered a genuine passion for litigation. I initially aimed to pursue a dual specialization with Criminology but couldn’t formally opt for it due to program constraints. Nevertheless, I chose Criminology as an elective to complement my corporate focus.
This combination—Corporate & Commercial Laws with an understanding of Criminology— equipped me with a well-rounded legal perspective. It allowed me to develop the skill set needed for both corporate advisory roles and litigation practice, offering me flexibility in career direction while deepening my understanding of complex commercial and criminal legal issues.
You’ve worked on landmark constitutional cases like Aadhaar and M. Nagaraj alongside senior advocates. What were some of the most challenging or rewarding aspects of those matters? How have those experiences shaped your current approach to litigation?
After completing my legal studies, I was fortunate to work under the guidance of esteemed Legal Professionals, including under Chambers of Advocate-on-Record and prominent Senior Advocates such as Mr. Arun Kathpalia and Mr. Sidharth Luthra. Working in their Chambers gave me the rare and invaluable opportunity to contribute to Landmark Constitutional matters such as M. Nagaraj, Aadhaar, Ayodhya, and cases concerning mob lynching, among others.
One of the most enriching aspects of these experiences was engaging with complex constitutional questions and the evolving landscape of public law. Tasks such as conducting in-depth legal research, preparing concise briefing notes for senior counsels, and closely observing courtroom strategy helped refine my analytical abilities and broaden my legal perspective.
What I came to appreciate deeply is that litigation extends far beyond courtroom appearances— it’s about the discipline, consistency, and integrity brought to each stage of a case. The rigorous process of preparing briefs, anticipating counterarguments, and grasping the wider constitutional ramifications of a judgment has significantly shaped my litigation approach. I’ve learned to pay close attention to detail, think critically, and always stay anchored in the constitutional values underlying each matter.
These experiences have cemented my long-term interest in constitutional litigation and criminal law practice. They’ve also taught me that even behind-the-scenes contributions play a vital role in shaping outcomes and influencing the development of the law.
You’ve had the opportunity to work under Chambers of the most distinguished Senior Advocates in the country, including Mr. Sidharth Luthra and Mr. Arun Kathpalia, predominantly in areas like criminal law and insolvency. What were some of your key takeaways from working in their Chambers, both in terms of legal acumen and professional growth?
I began my legal career after completing my studies by joining Chambers of Advocate on-Record Mr. Fuzail Ahmad Ayyubi, who has a robust criminal law practice, followed by Mr. Sanjay Kapur, a leading counsel for the State Bank of India with a strong practice in civil and commercial laws. These initial experiences were truly foundational. I was actively involved not only in legal drafting but also in understanding court procedures and clerical work—skills, which I believe are essential for any young lawyer starting a career in litigation. Gaining this procedural insight early, gave me a practical edge and helped solidify my interest in courtroom advocacy.
While working under AOR’s Chambers, I gradually developed a deep interest in Criminal law. One of my aspirations was to work under the guidance of Mr. Sidharth Luthra, Senior Advocate— an opportunity I knew would be both rare and competitive, given his stature in the field. Before joining his chamber, I had the privilege of working with Mr. Arun Kathpalia, Senior Advocate, who is widely regarded as a top-tier Counsel for complex IBC matters before the Hon’ble Courts.
Mr. Kathpalia’s exceptional memory and mastery of Insolvency Law were immensely inspiring. Assisting him in high-stake matters and undertaking intensive legal research helped me build a strong foundation in commercial litigation and develop a more strategic, structured approach to handling complex cases.
Eventually, I was fortunate enough to get a chance and join the Chambers of Mr. Sidharth Luthra— a long-standing goal of mine. Working under his mentorship has truly been a best once-in-a lifetime experience. He is a tough master yet a remarkable mentor one can ever have. As I often say, you may enter his Chamber like a puppy, but you leave it with the strength and discipline of a Rottweiler. The transformation is that intense, but incredibly rewarding.
Mr. Luthra’s Chamber molds you into a well-rounded Litigator, regardless of your area of specialization. But particularly for someone inclined toward Criminal Law, the exposure is unmatched. From sharpening your legal research and drafting skills to preparing argument notes and managing the pressure of a fast-paced litigation environment, you are constantly challenged to grow. You lose the fear of reading voluminous bulky case files and develop habits that sustain a long-term career in litigation.
While I may never match his brilliance, what I’ve truly tried to internalize are his work ethic, time management, argumentation style, command over case laws, and unwavering dedication to the craft of advocacy. These experiences have been pivotal in shaping both my legal acumen and professional outlook, instilling the discipline and resilience required for a meaningful career in litigation.
What inspired you to establish your independent practice? What initial challenges did you face while setting it up, and what vision did you have for your role as an independent counsel?
From the early days of my undergraduate and postgraduate legal studies, I was determined to immerse myself in every dimension of the law—be it Corporate practice or Litigation—rather than confining myself to a single niche. My internships across leading Law Firms and prominent Chambers exposed me to the nuances of drafting, court procedures, and client handling. But it was through those hands-on experiences that I discovered my deeper inclination toward Litigation. I came to understand that Litigation isn’t just about mastering statutes and precedents; it’s about crafting compelling narratives, building trust through connections and referrals, and delivering real justice to clients.
Starting an independent practice as a first-generation lawyer—from a mid-tier city to the legal landscape of Delhi—was undoubtedly daunting. I had no legacy to rely on, no ready-made client base, and there were days in the beginning when court appearances were few and far between. Establishing credibility meant more than just refining my research and drafting abilities; it meant absorbing the invaluable lessons I learned under mentors like Mr. Arun Kathpalia and Mr. Sidharth Luthra, developing strong interpersonal and conversational skills with a blend of strong command over the Laws.
The vision behind KH Law Office has always been twofold. First, to build a practice rooted in integrity, meticulous preparation, and genuine client empathy—ensuring that anyone who walks through my doors, whether for a criminal matter, commercial dispute, NGT proceeding, or an IBC case, feels assured that they have a dedicated and dependable advocate. Second, to maintain intellectual and professional versatility. While my core focus lies in Criminal and White-collar matters, I actively take up the cases in civil litigation, GST, environmental law, and Insolvency.
Today, with established branches in both Delhi and Gorakhpur and a steadily growing practice, I look back with pride and can say, it was perseverance, belief in myself, and the understanding that true excellence in Litigation goes beyond specialization, that helped turn my vision of independent practice into a growing, dynamic reality.
As an empanelled legal counsel for the Competition Commission of India, what are some of the unique challenges that arise in representing regulatory authorities? How do you address complex, sector-specific legal issues in such matters?
Representing a regulatory authority like the Competition Commission of India brings a unique set of challenges. One of the key responsibilities is to ensure that legal arguments not only align with statutory mandates but also uphold public interest and regulatory integrity. Unlike private clients, where strategy often centers on protecting individual interests, working with a regulator demands a broader, sector-wide perspective.
As an independent practitioner, I value the objectivity and responsibility that comes with such empanelment. It’s not just about winning a case—it’s about reinforcing regulatory frameworks and promoting fair competition in the economy.
Many of your publications explore important issues like trials by media, cybercrime, and gender justice. How do you manage to balance the demands of a full-fledged legal practice, your commitment to writing on socially relevant topics, and finding time for your personal life?
Balancing a full-fledged legal practice with writing on socially relevant topics and maintaining a personal life does come with its challenges, but it’s something I’ve been passionate about for a long time. Since my college days, I’ve been actively involved in academic writing and have had several papers published. After completing my post-graduation, my inclination toward academia only grew stronger, and I made a conscious decision to pursue it alongside my litigation practice.
Over the years, I’ve delivered lectures on various legal subjects—predominantly in criminal law— which has not only helped me deepen my own understanding but has also allowed me to stay updated with evolving legal concepts. I genuinely enjoy interacting with law students; those engagements are often mutually enriching and offer fresh perspectives.
Balancing litigation, academic writing, and teaching definitely requires good time management. I usually try to dedicate some of my weekends—Saturdays and Sundays—to research, writing, or preparing for lectures. I firmly believe that a lawyer should possess dynamic qualities and should actively contribute to both the practice and academic sides of the profession. Engaging with the next generation of legal minds is both energizing and intellectually stimulating, and that’s how I strive to maintain balance in my professional life.
What advice would you offer to young law graduates aspiring to enter litigation? Are there any specific resources or practices you would recommend to help them stay updated on the latest legal trends and developments?
My genuine advice to young Law graduates aspiring to enter Litigation, especially from the lens of someone who built an independent practice as a first-generation lawyer with no legal background, would be this—have a strong vision, stay persistent, and believe in your ability to grow through the process.
Litigation is not about instant rewards—it’s a long game. It tests your patience, builds your character, and teaches you lessons that no textbook ever can. Many freshers walk into Chambers asking, “What’s the starting salary?” And while it’s understandable, Litigation doesn’t begin with a CTC—it begins with court. If your first instinct is to calculate income before understanding the practice, Litigation might not be for you. This profession pays, but only after it shapes you. It pays when you’ve shown that you’re worth paying.
In the initial phase, your goal should be to learn—not to earn. Some may pay you in the first month, others may wait until you prove your contribution. What matters is your presence, your commitment, and your curiosity to grow.
My advice:
Keep reading—not just judgments and articles, but also good books on legal reasoning, advocacy, and even biographies of great lawyers.
Develop the habit of going through Bare Acts—they are the backbone of Legal interpretation. Strengthen your Legal Research and Drafting Skills—these are the tools of your trade.
Build your communication skills and cultivate professional relationships—referrals and a good reputation can take you a long way.
Stay updated with legal developments through platforms like SCC Online, LiveLaw, Bar & Bench, and newsletters by reputed firms or legal portals.
Also, don’t try to immediately narrow your focus. In the early years of your independent practice, take up all kinds of matters—Civil, Criminal, Commercial, Environmental, Tax, IBC—whatever comes your way. It helps you gain exposure across various Hon’ble Courts and develop command over a range of subjects. Gradually, you’ll discover where your core interest lies.
Ultimately, the path is tough, especially if you’re starting from scratch—but if I could do it with perseverance and a clear vision, so can you. Stay consistent, stay grounded, and don’t be afraid of the slow climb. Because in litigation, once you rise, the view is absolutely worth it.
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