Legacy is indeed a hallmark of recognition. It’s a testament to the enduring impact and influence that an individual leaves behind. Legends, whether in the realm of sports, arts, or business, are revered for their exceptional achievements and contributions. And the legal profession is no exception. The legal niche is replete with legendary personalities who have shaped the course of law, justice, and society.
Fast-emerging in the league as the most recognized lawyer to watch out for, Guruprasad Pal holds the distinction of working in India’s oldest law firm, Little & Co., as one of the four equity Partners of the firm. In a profession where the past informs the present, Guruprasad understands the importance of honoring tradition while also embracing innovation. He believes that the legal industry must adapt to the changing needs of society, and he actively fosters a culture of creativity and forward-thinking within his firm. By encouraging his colleagues to explore new ideas and approaches, he ensures that they remain relevant in an ever-evolving landscape.
Welcome to India’s First Law Firm
Little & Co. is recognized as the first law firm in India, established in 1856 under the guidance of Mr John Pares Bickersteth and represented East India Company as the solicitors. Following its nationalization, it became the Solicitors to British India and maintained this role until India’s independence. After independence, it served as the Solicitor Firm for the province of Bombay until its bifurcation into Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960. This legacy spans over 167 years, a fact that Guruprasad Pal takes pride in as an equity Partner of the firm.
Additionally, the late Charles Grundy, one of the last surviving English lawyers in India, had a formative influence on Guruprasad..
Guruprasad believes in a client-centric approach that emphasizes personalized service and tailored legal solutions, fostering lasting relationships. He emphasizes that reliability is crucial in today’s environment, advocating for a personal philosophy that aligns with client-centric decision-making, builds trust, and inspires action within the organization.
He has adopted a goal-centric approach that values collaboration and teamwork to achieve common objectives. In an ever-changing global landscape, he stresses the importance of continuous personal development to maintain high standards of practice and ensure the firm remains competitive.
Fortune Favours the Chance-takers
There’s a fascinating story behind Guruprasad’s entry into the legal field. Born into a typical middle-class family where the expectations are to become an Engineer or a Doctor, and having failed to fulfil his parents’ dreams, Guruprasad entered the field of law by accident, though his father was also an advocate who switched over to a career in the Bank for permanent employment with a steady income.
Having joined the legal education sector, Guruprasad excelled in his studies, ranking first among all three universities in Odisha in the year 1980. This achievement made him eligible for a National Merit Scholarship, prompting his enrolment at Bombay University for his Master’s in Law (LL.M.), which he completed in 1982. His ability to navigate life in Bombay independently motivated him to pursue a career in law.
Driving the Change
The legal industry, traditionally known for its resistance to change, is now embracing technology at an unprecedented rate. From automation in documentation processes and cloud computing to e-discovery and artificial intelligence, legal tech is revolutionizing the way law firms operate. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the adoption of virtual legal services and virtual hearings.
Guruprasad believes that investing in technology and staying informed of industry trends through publications and networking is one of the many ways to remain adaptable in the ever-changing legal landscape. He is part of the advisory board of various multinational companies, advising them by integrating strategies on a day-to-day basis.
Furthermore, today’s clients are more informed, empowered, and demanding than ever before, as they have unabridged access to a wealth of online information. There is also a growing number of legal service providers, and clients are no longer content with the traditional, opaque, and one-size-fits-all approach to legal services. Instead, they expect transparency, value, and customization from their law firms, which Guruprasad delivers to his clients.
After all, the legal industry is a service industry, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Guruprasad recognizes the importance of adapting to the changing needs of clients and embracing technological advancements to remain competitive in the legal landscape.
The Bridge of Discipline
Effective leadership is crucial in driving a firm’s success, fostering a collaborative culture, and ensuring high levels of client satisfaction. Guruprasad believes in setting clear goals to achieve desired outcomes. He emphasizes empowerment, delegation, collaboration, and trusting his team to handle assigned tasks. When necessary, he guides team members to explore various approaches to ensure impactful results.
He asserts that leadership, team building, and client satisfaction are interdependent. Guruprasad has always nurtured a client-centric mindset, encouraging proactive communication within his team and with clients. He is keen to instill the value of discipline, stating, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.” He believes that while each individual can make a difference, collective efforts can bring about significant change, with client satisfaction being the ultimate priority.
The Scale of Law
The essence of the legal industry lies in bringing innovation and advancements to the niche. To balance legal limitations and client expectations, Guruprasad has always fostered a culture that encourages creative thinking and innovation. He supports new ideas and approaches that can enhance client services and firm operations. Guruprasad often tells his team that while one may anticipate things, one should never assume, as it can be difficult for some clients to articulate precisely what they seek. Therefore, it is essential to provide the best advice to obtain specific information.
Balance is an essential component in every sphere of life, including law. Unless firms can balance client expectations and needs, they risk displeasing their clients. With the power to make or break now shifted to clients, it has become imperative for firms to provide the highest level of client service.
The Green Pioneer in the Legal Parlance
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial aspects of the modern era. When asked how he promotes these principles into legal and administrative parlance, Guruprasad says that, so far as environmental responsibility is concerned, he was one of the first ones to practice at the National Green Tribunal (Western Zone) and the Principal Seat of the NGT. He has taken up pro-bono cases regarding environmental degradation and advised on several high-profile environmental law cases.
The law firm Little & Co. has achieved remarkable success. When asked to highlight a transformative project, Guruprasad says that each case is equally important; however, some are highlights of his career. He has been involved in several high-profile litigations for government bodies and was instrumental when the project finance phase in India was on the upswing. He was also closely associated with the Enron case in India and the UK.
Embracing the Digital Dynamics
In the realm of legal systems, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency. Guruprasad shares that at Little &Co., they adopted the latest technological advancements in their day-to-day practices. Nowadays, even senior counsellors use tablets rather than bulky briefs. Similarly, their entire office is automated.
They are further up-to-date with today’s technology and the latest laws relating to it, like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023. They have embraced digital transformation. Aside from going paperless, the firm also actively advises technology companies. Its core ethos revolves around providing insightful guidance and operational resolutions across a spectrum of legal domains. From transaction advisory services to dispute resolution, Little & Co. prides itself on offering adept legal services that transcend the ordinary and yield impactful results.
Challenges are inevitable. In the legal sector, leaders must counter them daily. Guruprasad shared that recently, they were working on a Project Finance transaction for a leading FMCG client that was embroiled in a slander controversy. They had to be tenacious and dodge some issues, but in the end, everyone involved in the transaction was on the same page.
Equality is the Only Way Ahead
Gender equality is a buzzword, especially in the legal sector. With the Women’s Reservation Bill coming into the picture, Guruprasad says he sees a change coming in the industry. He believes that inequality and discrimination stem from people’s mindsets. He asserts that gender inequality affects everyone, including children, women, transgender people, and men. He emphasizes that women’s empowerment is essential for achieving gender equality. By providing equal opportunities and ensuring that women receive their rightful share of rights, organizations can not only attain gender equality but also contribute to a variety of development goals.
He highlights that his firm, Little & Co., employs several women lawyers who are compensated equally to their male counterparts.
An Optimum Counsel
Many young aspirants wish to enter the legal industry, for whom Guruprasad’s advice is practical. According to him, the legal profession is a slow profession, and it takes many years to develop a good practice. Moreover, one has to work from morning till night because even after coming back from court, one has to sit in their chamber and work. So, it is not for a person who wants a nine-to-five work-life balance. “Discipline is the key to the profession. No one can become a stalwart in this profession by winning one case or cracking one deal. One has to slog day in and day out. The concentration should be towards optimum work and not the outcome, be it favourable judgment/favourable deal or monetary compensation/fees.”
Lawyer life can be rough sometimes, but it doesn’t mean you should give up. “If you’ve found yourself in a legal career, it means you’re meant to do great things and positively impact the world. Never forget that!”
Finally, looking to the future, Guruprasad says that harmony is the key vision he sees for Little & Co. He lives by the rule of offering practical solutions to his clients, which is the driving force in his legal career.
