Mr. Abhishek Sharma is a seasoned in-house counsel with extensive experience in corporate law, compliance, and risk management across various industries. Known for his ability to integrate legal strategies with business objectives, Mr. Sharma has successfully navigated complex regulatory environments while ensuring organizational growth. With a strong focus on corporate governance, he has become a key strategic partner in decision-making processes. Embracing the power of legal tech, Mr. Sharma leverages innovative tools to streamline contract negotiations, enhance operational efficiency, and mitigate risks. His leadership is driven by a commitment to fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
1. What motivated you to pursue a career in corporate law?
Growing up in the 80s, I witnessed my parents navigate distinct career paths my father in government service and my mother in the emerging corporate sector. This exposure to two major pillars of employment in India sparked my interest in the corporate world. Problem-solving, which has always come naturally to me, became a key aspect of my professional journey. Throughout my internships in corporate settings, I nurtured this interest. My campus placement led me to work with the Solicitor General of India, but after his sudden demise and with no family background in law, I shifted to a multinational corporation to pursue my corporate law career.
I have always been fascinated by the intersection of business and law. As a transactional lawyer, I combine my passion for legal analysis with business strategy. I enjoy the challenge of navigating complex legal environments and advising businesses to help them achieve their goals. It is a fulfilling journey, with no shortage of intellectual challenges.
2. How has your experience evolved over the years across different industries?
As an in-house legal counsel, my experience has evolved across various industries, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities that have broadened my legal perspective. Working in sectors such as investment banking, energy, and information technology has enhanced my ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and ensure compliance. Each industry comes with its own set of regulations, business models, and risks, requiring constant adaptation and expansion of legal expertise.
I view corporate lawyers as adaptable resources, with exposure to different industries fostering innovation in legal solutions. The ability to apply best practices from one sector to another promotes a culture of continuous improvement. Over time, my role has evolved from providing legal advice to becoming a strategic partner in business decision-making. By aligning legal strategies with business objectives, I have contributed to the growth and success of the organizations I have worked with.
3. Can you share a defining moment in your legal career that shaped your leadership approach?
A defining moment in my legal career came when I joined a multinational corporation early on. It was my first experience in such a large, diverse organization, and it transformed my understanding of corporate values and leadership as an in-house counsel. Initially, the scale and complexity were daunting, especially as I supported the prime brokerage and securities division with no financial background. However, I quickly learned the importance of aligning legal strategies with the company’s core values of integrity, innovation, and teamwork. Engaging with colleagues across departments, I gained a holistic understanding of the business. This experience emphasized the need for ethical decision-making, effective communication, and collaboration, shaping my leadership approach to be proactive and strategically aligned with business objectives while upholding corporate values.
4. How has corporate law evolved in India and globally in the last decade?
The role of in-house counsel has evolved significantly over the past decade, driven by changes in Indian and global corporate law. In India, the Companies Act, 2013, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, have increased focus on governance, compliance, and insolvency resolution. In-house counsel ensures adherence to regulations, navigates digital compliance, and manages regulatory scrutiny from SEBI and RBI. Globally, ESG factors have become vital in business strategies, while data privacy and cybersecurity laws like GDPR add complexity. With global expansion, they handle cross-border compliance. Emerging technologies like blockchain and AI further broaden their responsibilities.
5. How do you integrate compliance frameworks into business operations effectively?
Integrating compliance frameworks into business operations is essential for in-house counsel to ensure legal adherence while supporting business goals. The first step is gaining a deep understanding of the company’s business model, operations, and industry challenges, enabling the customization of compliance frameworks to address specific risks. Conducting a risk assessment follows, identifying potential legal and regulatory risks and prioritizing them based on impact and likelihood. This ensures focus on areas requiring immediate attention while maintaining a balance between incoming and outgoing matters. Next, establishing clear and accessible compliance policies is crucial, requiring collaboration with stakeholders to align company procedures with applicable laws, regulations, and business values. This calls for cross-functional and cross-regional cooperation to understand operational challenges and ensure effective implementation. I foster a culture of compliance by incorporating it into the company’s core values, including through weekly “legal clinics” where we discuss compliance, policies, and management responsibilities. This approach minimizes risk and enhances organizational success.
6. What is your perspective on the role of legal tech in streamlining contract negotiations?
Legal tech plays a crucial role in streamlining contract negotiations by improving efficiency, reducing errors, and enhancing collaboration. In our General Counsel Office, the flat organizational structure allows each regional counsel, like me, to work independently, thanks to legal tech tools. These tools, such as those for contract management, legal filing, drafting, legal research, compliance, and knowledge repositories, enable us to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Automation of routine tasks is one of the most impactful ways legal techs enhance productivity. Tools like Thomson Reuters CoCounsel, a secure generative AI, allow lawyers to delegate mundane tasks and focus on complex, high-value work. AI can analyze contract data, identify risks, and suggest negotiation strategies, while also streamlining contract reviews. Legal tech tools also help identify and mitigate risks by tracking compliance and obligations.
In-house counsel today must be “tech enlightened,” leveraging tools to streamline processes, accelerate contracting, and monitor compliance, ensuring faster, more cost-effective, and efficient outcomes.
