The Making of an Advocate-on-Record: From Learning Law to Leading in the Courtroom – Srishti Juneja

The journey of Srishti Juneja, Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India, reflects the evolution of a modern litigation lawyer shaped by rigorous legal training, courtroom experience, and mentorship. With a practice focused on insolvency under the IBC, arbitration, and commercial litigation, her career demonstrates how legal education, early exposure to litigation, and dedicated legal practice are reshaping the profession today.

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

With such diverse experience today, how did your early education and legal studies at Indraprastha University shape your decision to pursue a career in law?

Born and brought up in the serene hill city of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, I completed my schooling at Wynberg Allen School, one of the most reputed institutions in the country. It was during my time there that I first decided to pursue law as a career.

School life was truly the stepping stone in my journey. Wynberg Allen instilled in me not just academic discipline, but also the importance of balancing multiple responsibilities with focus and dedication. Our days were packed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., filled with classes, sports, co-curricular activities, and community initiatives. That environment trained me early on to multitask effectively, manage time efficiently, and remain composed amidst a demanding schedule, qualities that have proven invaluable in my legal career.

But I was clear that I did not want to take the conventional or easier route of pursuing a general business degree and eventually joining my father’s business. I was looking for a path that would challenge me intellectually while also allowing me to create meaningful impact. Law stood out in that process. It offered a unique blend of structure and unpredictability.

Subsequently, I pursued my legal education at Amity Law School, Delhi, affiliated with Indraprastha University. Transitioning from a quiet hill town to the fast-paced life of Delhi was initially challenging, but it also broadened my perspective and strengthened my resolve.

During law school, I was encouraged to pursue as many internships as possible to explore different areas of practice. That phase also helped me appreciate the breadth of the profession. It was through these experiences that I developed a strong interest in dispute resolution.

What were some of the formative experiences in the initial phases of your career that influenced your approach to litigation and laid the foundation for your practice?

I still vividly remember the sheer excitement of stepping into court for the first time,  the energy of the corridors, the sight of lawyers arguing passionately, and the organized chaos of registry counters and court staff. There’s a unique rhythm to the courtroom,  one that can be both exhausting and overwhelming at the same time.

Navigating procedural hurdles, observing seasoned advocates argue with precision, and handling the practical realities of filings and listings gave me a first-hand understanding of what it truly means to be a litigation lawyer. It wasn’t just about knowing the law; it was about persistence, presence of mind, and the ability to adapt in real time.

What also made a difference in my journey were the mentors and seniors who guided and supported me through those formative years. Their encouragement, patience, and example shaped not just my professional growth but also my attitude toward the practice of law. I am particularly grateful to Ms. Gauri Rishi, who played a pivotal role in instilling in me the faith, confidence, and discipline that every young lawyer needs to find their footing in this demanding profession.

While the work was undoubtedly tiring, with long hours and unpredictable schedules  the sense of purpose I felt each day reaffirmed that litigation was my true calling. I realized that despite the challenges, there is an unmatched thrill in being part of a process where intellect, advocacy, and strategy come together to shape justice. Those formative experiences not only grounded me but also instilled in me the patience, discipline, and conviction that continue to guide my practice today.

Having worked on various cases over the years, could you share one particularly challenging insolvency or commercial dispute you handled, what made it so complex, and how you overcame those challenges?

Each commercial dispute comes with its own set of nuances and complexities, and over time, I’ve come to appreciate that no two matters are ever truly alike. Every case demands a different strategy, whether in understanding the client’s business model, interpreting contractual terms, or anticipating the other side’s approach.

In insolvency, decisions are rarely black and white, they often require creative solutions that align with both the letter of the law and the economic realities of the stakeholders involved.

Without naming any one, one particularly challenging matter I handled arose in the context of an insolvency proceeding where the issues went well beyond a straightforward debt-default situation. The dispute involved multiple stakeholders with competing interests, overlapping contractual arrangements, and questions around the treatment of certain claims within the CIRP framework. What made it especially complex was that the legal issues were intertwined with factual disputes, and any position taken had wider implications on the viability of the resolution process itself.

Another layer of difficulty was the need to align strategy across parallel proceedings, while ensuring that the client’s commercial interests were protected without derailing the timelines mandated under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

What inspired you to start your independent practice after working with a firm for over seven years? What was your vision, and what challenges did you encounter during the transition?

Every lawyer, at some point, dreams of building something of their own, a practice that reflects their values, work ethic, and professional vision.

I was fortunate to have the guidance and support of seniors, particularly my mentor, Ms. Gauri Rishi, who consistently pushed me to keep pushing my boundaries and take on greater responsibility. Her mentorship has been invaluable, and she continues to guide and support me even today. Owing to the strong professional rapport we built and the deep sense of gratitude I have for her mentorship, I continue to remain closely associated with her as part of her core team.

The satisfaction of building something from the ground up, rooted in one’s own principles, is truly incomparable. Yet, I see this not as a destination but as the beginning of a much longer journey. There is still a long way to go, many lessons to learn, goals to achieve, and new horizons to explore, and that sense of constant evolution, is what continues to drive me forward every single day.

With the advent of technology and increasing digitisation of legal processes, how do you see the role of legal practice evolving? In that context, how has the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code developed over the years, what reforms are still needed, and how do you personally stay updated with these changes?

For a field like law, which has traditionally been quite old-school, the manner in which technology has been integrated into everyday practice by lawyers as well as the judiciary has been genuinely wholesome. It reflects a collective willingness to evolve while still preserving the discipline and rigour the profession demands.

The increasing digitisation of legal processes has made legal practice far more efficient and accessible. From e-filings to virtual hearings and digitised records, the ability to navigate large volumes of documents quickly has significantly improved how we prepare and present matters. Today, you can review entire case files, run searches across pleadings, and organise material far more effectively than was possible in a purely physical setup. This has been particularly helpful in complex commercial and insolvency matters where documentation is extensive.

Having said that, the Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasised that while technology is an enabler, it cannot replace diligence and independent application of mind

In the context of insolvency, technology has brought discipline, transparency, and speed to the resolution process. In the long run, technology will reduce average resolution time and maximize asset value.

Apart from that, the jurisprudence under the IBC has significantly matured over the years, with a much expanding scope of creditor and clearer contours around the concept of default.

However, what continues to concern me is the persistent delay in resolutions. While the Code prescribes strict timelines, it does not fully account for the time consumed in court proceedings. If this issue is not addressed effectively by the legislature, there is a real risk of the Code losing its intended efficacy.

Another related issue is that the timelines under the IBC are not always aligned with those under other statutes. For instance, approvals required under the Competition Act often operate on a different timeline, which can create bottlenecks in the resolution process. This misalignment leads to additional litigation and, in many cases, results in commercial inefficiencies and loss of value.

Personally, I make it a point to stay updated through a combination of continuous reading and active engagement. I regularly track NCLT and NCLAT orders, Supreme Court judgments, and amendments issued by the IBBI.

As an Advocate-on-Record and independent practitioner before the Supreme Court and other forums, how do you manage the end-to-end process of matters? What responsibilities come with this position, and how do you prepare for high-stakes matters, especially when appearing before the Supreme Court?

As many people may perceive it, the designation of an Advocate-on-Record can sometimes appear to be just a tag, but in reality, it carries a degree of responsibility.

Becoming an AOR involves clearing a rigorous and prestigious examination, and more importantly, it places the onus on you for the conduct of the matter before the Supreme Court in a very direct way.

Even otherwise and before other forums, managing matters end-to-end is certainly a hands-on process, but it is not something one can do in isolation. In reality, handling the entire lifecycle of a matter without the support of a dependable team is nearly impossible. The role relies heavily on close coordination with colleagues and an efficient clerical staff who ensure that filings, compliances, and logistics are handled seamlessly.

One truly understands what it means to be an Advocate-on-Record only after stepping into the role. It brings with it a deep sense of responsibility, not just for legal strategy but for ensuring that every procedural, administrative, and technical aspect of a matter is handled with precision. The process of preparing a matter for filing before the Supreme Court is far more intricate than it appears from the outside. From ensuring that every document, annexure, and affidavit is in perfect order to getting the paper books checked, verified, and cleared by the Registry, it is a meticulous and, at times, cumbersome exercise.

When it comes to preparing for high-stakes matters, especially before the Supreme Court, the key lies in knowing your brief inside out. Preparation must be so thorough that you can anticipate the Bench’s questions and respond with clarity and confidence. It is not about reciting facts but about understanding the essence of the case, the law, the logic, and the likely judicial concern.

I believe that effective advocacy before the Supreme Court comes down to three core principles: preparation, composure, and clarity. The Court appreciates brevity and precision, so the ability to convey complex issues in a crisp, structured manner is critical.

You have advised and handled an exceptionally wide range of matters, from shareholder conflicts and insolvency issues to criminal proceedings and government policy challenges. Given that government policy matters are highly regulated and have various stakeholders involved, how do you navigate them effectively?

Government policy matters are, by their very nature, multi-layered. They sit at the intersection of law, regulation, and public interest, and often involve multiple stakeholders with competing priorities. Navigating them effectively requires a slightly different approach from conventional litigation.

Stakeholder mapping therefore becomes critical. Government bodies, regulators, affected industry participants, and sometimes even public interest considerations all play a role. The strategy, therefore, has to be calibrated—firm in protecting the client’s interests, but also mindful of the broader implications and sensitivities involved.

In your experience, what skills and qualities should young lawyers develop to succeed in litigation, and how can they stay informed about the latest legal trends?

To succeed in litigation, I believe young lawyers should focus on developing three core skills: clarity in thought, precision in communication, and consistency in preparation. Litigation is as much about strategy and presentation as it is about patience and perseverance. The early years can often be overwhelming, with long hours, unpredictable schedules, and constant learning curves, but these are also the years that shape one’s discipline and resilience.

Equally important is developing strong drafting skills. Whether it is a short application or a detailed petition, the ability to express ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively is invaluable.

As far as staying updated is concerned, it has to be a continuous habit. Regularly following judgments of the Supreme Court, High Courts, and tribunals, keeping track of legislative and regulatory changes, and engaging in discussions with peers all help.

In today’s time, young lawyers are fortunate to have access to an abundance of information. Various legal portals, research platforms, and digital databases constantly update us on the latest judgments, legislative changes, and trends in practice. Staying abreast of the law has become far easier, but what truly matters is how one processes and applies that knowledge.

Looking back on your journey so far, what is one core professional value you have always upheld? How do you balance a demanding legal career with personal well-being?

One core professional value I have always upheld is integrity, both in the way I approach my work and in how I engage with clients and colleagues. The legal profession often presents situations that test one’s judgment and resolve, but I have found that maintaining absolute honesty and ethical clarity, even when inconvenient, ultimately earns trust and builds credibility that lasts far longer than any single case outcome.

Balancing a demanding legal career with personal well-being is undeniably difficult, even more so as a woman, given the expectations and responsibilities that often extend beyond the professional sphere. But the reality is that this profession demands choices. At different stages, one has to decide what takes precedence and accept that balance may not always look perfect.

For me, it has been about making peace with those choices,  being fully present and committed to my work when required, and equally valuing the moments I take for myself or my family. It’s not easy, but it’s part of the journey. Over time, I’ve realized that acknowledging this truth, rather than chasing an idealized version of balance, brings a sense of clarity and strength.

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