Three Delhi litigation partners hired by Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas from Dua Associates less than one year ago - Neeraj Sharma, Alok Tiwari and Seshagiri Vadlamani - are leaving the firm.
At the time of publication, we could not confirm whether they would be joining another firm or going independent.
Update 13 May, 10:11: Cyril Shroff commented: “Neeraj is setting up an advocacates chamber. The parting is very friendly . We will work with him also as outside counsel where needed.”
Neeraj Sharma is co-head of the disputes practice with Delhi partner Gauri Rasgotra.
He had been at Dua for nearly 15 years before joining Cyril Amarchand in September 2015.
He had also worked at Bhasin & Co in 1995 for five years, having graduated from Delhi University’s law faculty in 1990.
Partner Alok Tiwari had been at Dua for three years before joining Cyril Amarchand with Sharma, having practised independently since 2006.
Partner Seshagiri Vadlamani had also been a partner at Duas before joining Cyril Amarchand.
We have reached out to Cyril Amarchand managing partner Cyril Shroff and the three leaving partners for comment.
Comments
And what's the verdict on those who choose to stay - Buffons or buffoons?
jo kahu main wo karo tum
ek bat mann lo tum
jo kahu main wo karo tum
jo karu toh mera wada
mai karungi jo kaho tum tum
tum mujhko chand lake do
idli doo idli doo
mujhko tare lake do
idli doo idli doo
or sare lake do
If the partners have been told to go on account of their non performance, then kudos to CAM for the ballsy step.
If the partners have left of their own volition, its either:
1) They don't see CAM making a dent in Dilli anytime soon.
2) They are answerable not to Cyril,but others who cannot run an institution and yet continue to do so just because of their last names and family relations.
3) CAM has lost the ability to retain good people.
Cam needs to relook at its hiring policy to avoid such freeloading and focus on long term loyalty
And can you please fix the formatting of the list and post it back up again.
Many thanks for your help.
Also, Dude: Rishabh does not sit in the Delhi Office! Uske naam ka bas ek cabin hai! Hatthi
They have been calling people 'costs' [...] turning blind eye to the fact that rau and neeraj won't work for [...] legacy.
Also what about Corp lawyers at CAM delhi? Hearing stories there too.. [...]
Rishab is a capable lawyer with client standing in Delhi built very quickly, have worked with him. His corporate, projects and litigation experience and merit is surprisingly refreshing at such young age. Better to adjust to the new paradigm rather than cry about the first family.
Family gets all work so will be entitled to its due in the system. All the best to rishabh and cyril.
2. Such a high rate of attrition specially at senior level, shows poor HR management skills. ergo Vandana's management style needs attention.
3. Hire a management graduate, preferably with law background to look after your operational as well as employee aspirational issues. Family is important, but 21st century professionals have better options and will walk.
4. Get over your meglomaniac ego. Cyril has lived his life. Rishabh is getting everything on a plate. it would take 20 years or more for Rishabh to match Cyril in knowledge, client management or professionalism.
5. Get BCG to help you. and listen to them. Get their MCs to embed within your team. Yours is not the first family firm to face issues. professional leadership and family steering is possible. one need not be at the cost of the other.
6 Accept there is a problem and find viable business solution.
7. [...]
8. [...]
9. Deck of cards looks like a pyramid. but when winds blow, cards fall. Pyramid stands. what are you ?
For the longest time, I felt that new order (in long run) will be 1. CAM / SAM 2. Khaitan 3. AZB 4. Trilegal 5. JSA 6. Luthra but given the flux (and by no means AZB would be stable with Ashwath's arrival - it will have its own share of strong lateral move), but not I believe Indian law firms will stack up as follows:
1. Khaitan (it has remained not so affected over last 1 year - think one partner even came back; market perception is solid but they need to stack up on perceived quality issues)
2. SAM (it is doing a reasonable job till now unless Delhi Corporate blows up after the importance given to Mumbai hires - the B&B article spoke only of the new hires, and solid performers like Gunjan, Kalpataru, Raghubir are not being projected)
3. AZB (assuming marriage with Ashwath works out; in fact AZB Delhi is a stronger firm)
4. CAM (Corporate India relationships are solid, but is losing long lasting clients, and very poor perception right now)
5. Trilegal (like Khaitan has been consistent, but does not seem like a hungry lot)
JSA is on a free fall. Lesser said about Luthra the better.
Among the new firms, Indus is promising. LKS will be indirect tax powerhouse. NDA and Bharucha will remain where it is - small and strong in its core areas. Not much to talk about strategy of ELP.
Front offices like Platinum and TTA will continue to do well -- at the same time, they are not in this race.
Which is the long lasting client that has left? Englighten me my good sir!
But a lot of gossip emanating out of the firm....senior partners might leave... some really talented corporate guys available or will e available once the partner promotions are announced...
We kinda did our SAM one year review already a little while ago:
http://www.legallyindia.com/law-firms/from-morass-to-lean-and-less-mean-shardul-amarchand-s-pallavi-shroff-akshay-chudasama-interview-as-cam-sam-no-poach-due-to-expire-via-mint
But you're right, it is time for a CAM update. We're working on some interesting things there, instead of just Q&A re-hashes of the obvious... ;)
But have to admit Jijimon is very capable leader. Best for office management in non-legals. Experienced in managing many offices. The Go to guy if Vandana or Cyril cannot get a MBA foreigner.
CAM should get a foreigner and give all daily office admin jobs to him. That's the only way they can focus on growing business. Growing means more time from daily schedule to non-core, non-business related matters.
NR's departure void is also unplugged, big loss
Vandana ma'am is spread too thin managing HR, reviewing associates performance, bonus and client work, needs to lighten some of the load so can focus again on senior hiring. She had the best eye for talent. Rishab looking after recruitments has definitely helped, but needs more experienced hands. All the best ma'am.
1. Focus on family. assuming everyone should fulfil the family obligations with no corresponding rights.
2.Ignoring clients. Attempt to build new once by travel, not work. They are for us, not the reverse attitude..
3 . justifying every decision - good or bad. Ego.
4. Knee-jerk responses (short term), when pushed to take action. Confusing movement with progress
5. Yes sir yes ma'am culture. Old world dna, life has moved on.
6. Biggest of all, clip rather than let grow approach to stars and rising talent
7. Ignoring that most like law (in some form) without wanting to get caught up in fun and games! Let ppl be
In the interim, sing along...
At first I was afraid
I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live
Without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights
Thinking how you did me wrong
And I grew strong
And I learned how to get along
And so you're back
From outer space
I just walked in to find you here
With that sad look upon your face
I should have changed that stupid lock
I should have made you leave your key
If I had known for just one second
You'd be back to bother me
Go on now go walk out the door
Just turn around now
'Cause you're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
Did you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
Oh as long as I know how to love
I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
And I'll survive
I will survive (hey-hey)
It took all the strength I had
Not to fall apart
Kept trying hard to mend
The pieces of my broken heart
And I spent oh so many nights
Just feeling sorry for myself
I used to cry
But now I hold my head up high
And you see me
Somebody new
I'm not that chained up little person
Still in love with you
And so you felt like dropping in
And just expect me to be free
And now I'm saving all my loving
For someone who's loving me
Go on now go walk out the door
Just turn around now
'Cause you're not welcome anymore
Weren't you the one who tried to break me with goodbye
Did you think I'd crumble
Did you think I'd lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
Oh as long as I know how to love
I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
And I'll survive
I will survive
[x2]
In choppy seas (which don't last long) waves and lightening create an ilusion of despair- takes the largest ship to wade through fearsome waves and typhoons, when calm returns, tallest flags rule the seas once again. cycle of life!
www.ajayshroff.com
Y all attention to Zia? She has lost her teenage charm.
Guy can run large offices. Great man management skills. Am sure other non legal heads would welcome this move.
A. Fairness - work hard, system will take care of the rest
B. performance - client appreciation is more important than appreciation from the safari suited brethren.
C. Trust - most ar3nt born with the tricks, so hope that A and B will be enough to protect one from the tricks.
D. trust2 - think about the client, be brave, yet smart. If yet things were to go wrong, someone is there to cover you, without bias!
E. TEAM - invest in people, a sign of leadership, requires sacrifice (limited bonus pool!). Ask any general...
F. platform - differentiates a start-up from a name. Not difficult to start own firm...
G. dignity - for service put IN, and bucks earned for the PLATFORM, at the cost of personal life and sacrifices
H. Security - not of the job, but against the insecurity of non-performance.
I. AT least A-H above..
Old amarchand was built on this model, dissolved since last year!