To get started, I have reposted “bebo’s” comment on [url=http://www.legallyindia.com/index.php/20090723103/Corporate-/-MA-/-IPOs/Partner-brings-Clifford-Chance-Indiabulls-from-Amarchand\]this story[/url]:

“oh Mr Kian - you are at your gossip style yellow journalism - characters like you need to be flogged !!! - utter trash -

Clifford Chance is heavily discounting its rates in the capital market practice and trying to wean away clients. AMSS retains its premier leadership in the capital market segment - the key man behind AMSS is Cyril Shroff and the promoters of Indiabulls swear by Cyril not some 10 year lawyer called Rahul Guptan. When will you guys understand the nature of Indian legal markets - dont try challenging Cyril’s client reach - it includes one and all in India -”

Comment #3 by “no excuse” (anonymous) moved from the story on [URL=“http://www.legallyindia.com/index.php/20090729116/Law-firms/Amarchand-Delhi-CFO-resigns”\]Amarchand’s CFO/COO resigning[/URL] (off-topic):

“AyeCaramba is probably Kian Granz. i’d agree if u say this is a non event. just coz u cover the small niche world of law firms in India you can’t start writing about renovation of offices and large scale repair of air conditioning now, can you. though trust me, with the mindboggling numbers of lawyers enterin the market every year and in a situation where only a handful of them have even a remote chance of working with a half decent law firm in their initial years, there has come into being a significant population of suckrs for absolutely any information coming from this place (sorry for this terribly long sentence). you’ll know if you are ever stuk with them. the sort of trivia they have mastered about every level of each law firm is not even funny. This story caters to them and Kian might be one of them. Maybe i’m wrong and unduely harsh. but can we focus on what should be focussed on? thank you.”

By the way and for the record, I only post comments on the site under my own name.

I am most certainly not Kian. I am a senior associate, previously with a top tier Indian law firm.

“kian : once again its proven you speak utter rubbish. i recently met a judge of Delhi HC, and guess what - he was mentioning about your site and how its a disgrace to the legal profession.”

Reposted original comment from “Bebo” to [url=http://www.legallyindia.com/index.php/20090807125/Job-moves/Amarchand-Delhi-hires-Freshfields-returnee\]this\[/url\] story.

See second comment above for more fan-mail, also apparently from “Bebo”.

I guess it is now law that this website is a disgrace because a High Court Judge said so.

People - if you dont like the website don’t log on to it.

Kian - I think it is a great idea. Don’t always agree with all your news items and posts but it is very interesting. The Naval Chopra one was the worst of the lot. I also love the comments on the website especially the ones where people are sucking up to their bosses or trying to live in reflected glory - along the lines - Cyril is the greatest or Shardul is awesome.

How do you manage to keep this website afloat financially since I don’t see any ads on it.

Thanks for your feedback.

We are currently working on the commercial side so Legally India can be self-sustaining in future.

On a different note, a comment was just posted about the quality of editing on Legally India.

Indeed, particularly in the past week some inexcusable typos have crept into articles. Apologies about this but please do post a short comment if you spot one and we will correct it.

“Hi Guys,

Unfortunately, it seems Legally india wishes to transform itself into a journal providing classifieds and advertisements.

In the wake of the comment put in above, it was incumbent upon the editorial team to have come out with the true picture.

However, the clarification provided by the Editorial team is purely perfunctory and speaks volumes about the kind of responsibility you can expect from Legally india.

Really fail to understand why Legally india is becoming a willing party to circulation of half baked and incomplete information.

May be the Editor would like to respond.”

Comment posted by anonymous on following story:

http://www.legallyindia.com/index.php/20091109275/Job-moves/Zeus-Law-expands-from-law-schools-US

Dear Anonymous,

Thanks for your comment. We have been approaching dozens of smaller firms in the past few months to find out about their news and to widen our coverage from just the large, well-known firms. This is not advertising.

In this case, we have spoken to all new Zeus recruits mentioned and have confirmed that they have joined.

If you disagree fundamentally with the background of the story and believe that it needs to be addressed to give the true picture, please contact us directly and confidentially rather than posting up an anonymous comment.

Often comments we receive anonymously can contain general allegations, which are hard for us to publish and/or confirm.

Look forward to hearing from you - please give me a call or send us an email - check the Contact tab above.

Best regards,

Kian

I totally agree with the comment…the manner of putting details in the article shows some other intent rather than providing updates…would have appreciated if the comment was put on the article comment page for the public rather than moving the comment to a discussion forum…

Thanks for your feedback.

As discussed previously in this forum, we will generally move comments that require detailed responses or meta-discussions about Legally India, otherwise the debate in articles will go all over the place.

In cases such as the present one because of issues of our own liability, we can not post up anonymous and unsubstantiated allegations in real-time.

We will, however, do a brief check if possible at the time and post up any portions of the comment that are safe or the firm in question has been allowed a right of reply to.

This seems only fair.

As mentioned above, if there is more to the story or we seem to have misrepresented the facts, please contact us directly so we can do further research if necessary or relevant.

Best regards,

Kian

Hi Friends,

[This is in furtherance of my earlier comment which for obvious reasons of avoiding a discussion has been moved to the Discussion Forum rather than putting the same in the Open forum]

While I thank the Editor for his/her prompt response, I would like to highlight that this is a classic example of irresponsible behaviour on the part of this website.

It seems the editorial team lacks the competence to appreciate the comment and respond accordingly. The fact of new assciates having joined was never ever in question; what was being debated was the number of people who have left the firm recently.

The simple and honest way of answering the question was to present the exact number before the readers after confirming the same from the firm. Instead the question has been diverted by questioning my identity.

I would like to openly state that I am willing to reveal my identity and carry this forward as a debate on the CREDIBILITY of Legally india. I would just expect that the debate takes place in an open forum and is open for all to access.

While restraining myself from making allegations of any nature, i cannot resist stating that the conduct of Legally india in this case is such as if they are being paid by the firm and are hand in glove with the firm.

I just expect that Legally india would answer this erious concern regarding their CREDIBILITYand RESPONSIBILTY.

Looking forward to a response.

Dear Anonymous,

Thanks for your comment.

1. Your comments *have* in fact been made in an “open forum” that “is open for all to access”. Arguably this forum is even more open than the comments to a story.

2. Much has been said already in the “debate on the credibility” of this site. Please check this thread, and other threads in the Suggestion Box forum, particularly “how to moderate comments” and “things you would like to see more of”. Please also check “Our Aims” in the “About” section in the top menu.

3. At the risk of repetition, we are neither “hand in glove” with any firm, nor do we receive money for editorial content.

4. As far as I can tell, you agree with the substance of the story (firm X has hired 4 lawyers) but feel that the angle should have been that the firm has suffered from associate defection and has now hired 4 lawyers.

I will be happy to discuss this in detail and try to ascertain the facts to address your concerns. Doing so in a forum discussion or in anonymous comments is not possible, both for legal and practical reasons.

My number is +91 900 405 6651.

I look forward to hearing from you, please feel free to post your conclusions in this forum after we talk.

Best regards,

Kian

It looks as making allegations against firm for someone who has left or may be asked to leave firm, has become only agenda. For all of us who have worked previously in firm and enjoyed the same should not now get into this dirty work. We can easily identify one individual who is making these allegations. But I am sure most of the guys who have worked in the firm will stood by it like me. We wish all the best to firm for its expansion plans. In fact I wish the complainant also a bright future being our Colleague.

Dear Mr. RJ

At the first instant i believe you are trying to personify as someone who u arent. You i believe is probably someone in and from the firm who has not taken to the criticism of the article very well by our Anonymous friend.

If you an ex or part of the firm you’ll be well aware that all who have left the firm in recent past have left of their own accord and for better avenues…except probably one who was a special recruit last year who may have been asked to leave. i think we all are well aware that the mentioning of certain facts and details are distorted and misplaced having no relevance in the present context.

By the way how can you be so confident as who this anonymous person is … i cant think who this can be…the attrition rate has been high plus people leaving the firm havent been treated very well during their exit from the firm… so there are many who can post such comments!!!

Hi,

This is anonymous again.

Though I empathize with Mr. or Ms RJ’s concern for the firm, I would request him/her not to make this a forum for raising personal issues. By attacking individuals u r just trying to wash the dirty linen in public.

The debate here pertains to the irresponsible behaviour by Legally india and lets stick to it.

Thanks Kian for narrowing down the question we are addressing. I would be calling you shortly to discuss.

For sake of clarity lemme reitearte that this issue has arisen bcoz Legally india apparently is receiving monetary consideration from the firm and have therefore, come out strongly in defence of the firm by stating that IT IS PART OF NATURAL RECESSION FACED BY THE FIRM.

The statement made by Legally india is totally irresponsible and has been made without confirming the facts.

I have a simple questions and i expect an straight answer.

How many people have left the firm recently and if the same is a sizeable number, whats the possible reason??

I beleive Legally india shud seek a clarification on this from the firm and put it in the public forum.

Once again may i expect all concerened to stick to the point.

thnx

Thanks for your comment.

I am still not certain whether this is simply trolling for a response, but at the risk of repetition and boring everyone, we have NOT received “monetary consideration” from any firm as you say is “apparent”.

Second of all, we did not come out “strongly in defence” of the firm nor stated it as fact, but merely reported what they had to say in response to an anonymous comment.

That is standard journalistic practice and only fair.

I look forward to speaking to you on the phone at your convenience.

From now, let’s please keep this thread firmly on topic and limit it to flaming Legally India and me but not each other.

Best regards,

Kian

Dear Kian,

I really appreciate your promptness in responding to my comment.

Howver, despite your promptness you are still far away from answering my simple question, viz.” How many ppl hvve left the firm recently and if yes, th ereason?? ”.

I am not sure if the EVASIVE attitude u r displaying is a standard journalistic practice. The readers wud really appreciate if the question be answered in a direct way. If you do not wish to substantiate your news item by seeking a confirmation from the firm, kindly say so clearly.

The endeavour over here is simply to flame Legally india and not to score any points. I hope you would come clean on this issue and uphold the confidence of the readers in the content provided by u r website.

Hope our telecon wil help render some clarity. Wud update the readers pursuant to my telecon. So ppl pl keep folowing this thread.

I am pleased to be able to revive this thread. Three entertaining comments from the same person moved from a story as off-topic:

Lola Kutty

written by Anonymous guest, 22 April 2010 23:29

To No#3 - ‘inspiring’ law student

At the rate CIA declassifies its secret archives at the turn of a quarter century, Kian will release the Associate Survey of 2009 in 2034. Hopefully!

It would then serve as a great academic piece for researchers documenting the growth of the Indian legal consulting industry.

I’m sure you will not wait for that long.

Some threads earlier, Kian did mention that the ‘gratification’ is sometime away. Perhaps when ‘gratification’ is recieved, Kian would be in some hurry to claim some credibility. May be only that will expedite the survey.

But till then, please dont unnecessarily finger the ‘hired gun’ of various Indian law firms.

Kian we love you.

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Titillation@LegallyIndia

written by Anonymous guest, 23 April 2010 01:24

Haha…

Moral turpitude fingering to a lawyer-turned-website runner? Running a dedicated website for law-firms… Really like the ‘hired gun’ theory - capitulate to the first bidder. Soul once sold, then sold to as many you like…willing to hired by one and all, same service USP.

Kian, have you ever visited http://abovethelaw.com or http://www.rollonfriday.co.uk/

From the first world, you really wandered all the way to a third world country to float a pulp portal?

You may resent being called a ‘hired gun’ but then the truth is that you run a “titillating website” - attracting eyeballs from comments section, and posting law firms’ ad in the guise of newsbreaking. Your only USP is to run an almost unmoderated Comments Section, but perhaps that is only to get visitors.

You cater to the lowest denominator of curiousity. The Firm that I work at, My colleagues visit your site only for the interesting comments.

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Anon

written by Anonymous Guest, 23 April 2010 01:49

This is too funny. Kian will now come out with a detailed response on how the survey was returning garbage values and it will still take some to decipher the data. Humble excuses. Or will narrate about his ideals and values. It is indeed curious why this website (Must I say, is really popular among associates, curiousity denominator notwithstanding) is run with a personality stamp. Forget websites tracking international firms, even Rainmaker does not manage its website (rather does it quite responsibly with crisply edited content, and no free for all comments section), like a personality fief. What is inherent for legallyindia in doing so?

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Editor’s response:

Dear Reader,

Thanks for your comment, although I do suspect that I may be [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll\_%28Internet%29\]feeding a troll[/url].

Anyway, what more can I say, each to their own. You are clearly in a love-hate relationship with this site but I am glad that you nevertheless seem to be enjoying parts of it.

What I can respond, at the risk of repeating myself for the Nth time, is that I have no idea where this perception with a few comes from that we are taking money from law firms for writing flattering articles about them.

In case I need to say it again, unequivocally: No, we do not take money from law firms for editorial and no we will not do so. We are aware that other publications on the Indian legal market have done so and do so but we very definitely never want to go down that road for various reasons.

Even if Legally India never breaks even, I would rather shut the site down than go down that road.

I could also go into detail and the nitty gritty of exactly what goes into reporting news about a nascent sector like law firms in India but I will spare you your time and stamina. Maybe another day.

On another note, I think you make an interesting point. I never started Legally India with a definite plan of what it should become. It grew organically and in ways neither I nor anyone else expected or planned. I agree that the community and readers’ contributions are now as important a part of the site as the editorial content.

I do not see why that is a bad thing, although sometimes comments can veer off topic and internet anonymity can cause some unsavoury behaviour (though luckily [url=http://www.joemanna.com/blog/social-media-frustrations-trolls-psychos-and-haters/\]nothing as bad as this yet[/url]).

However, we are starting to moderate comments more actively as the community grows to keep discussions relevant, interesting and as civil as possible, while still retaining some fun.

Comments are also valuable in bringing transparency in cases where a firm’s supplied information is not accurate. We read all comments and take them on board in future coverage.

Finally, I would like nothing better than for readers to stop abusing me personally and for the site to stand as is, rather than having a “personality stamp”. But LI is less than a year old and I hope that it and the legal market will mature together into something vibrant and professional.

If anyone is still reading, apologies for droning on.

Warm regards,

Kian