Abhijit Mukhopadhyay: Guiding the Legal Team at Hinduja Group
Abhijit Mukhopadhyay, the President (Legal) and General Counsel at the Hinduja Group in London, shares insights into his international legal career and the evolving role of a General Counsel. In an engaging conversation with Pallavi Saluja from Bar & Bench, Mukhopadhyay discusses the pressures that come with the role, the dynamics of international arbitration, and the importance of personal branding in the legal profession.
The Role of a General Counsel
Mukhopadhyay asserts that the role of a General Counsel (GC) is deeply intertwined with the business’s success. He emphasizes that if a business does not perceive the GC as an integral part, it signifies a flaw in the relationship. A GC’s role can vary significantly across organizations, with some perceiving them as central figures while others do not. In such cases, he advises in-house lawyers to actively engage with business operations to become indispensable advisors. Mukhopadhyay believes that a GC should develop a personal brand, reflecting qualities that foster trust and advisory capability.
Building a Legal Team
The Hinduja Group’s legal team comprises about ten highly qualified professionals, each with expertise across multiple jurisdictions. Mukhopadhyay values quality over quantity, having previously managed larger teams. He collaborates with external lawyers and law firms globally, leveraging relationships built through engagements like conferences and discussions. These connections often provide invaluable advice at no cost, grounded in trust and mutual respect rather than mere transactions.
Managing Diverse Legal Challenges
Handling the diverse legal issues arising from the Hinduja Group’s extensive business operations is challenging. Mukhopadhyay highlights the necessity of being well-prepared to offer immediate, general advice on various matters. His strategy involves engaging with experts and accepting speaking engagements on unfamiliar subjects, which accelerates his learning and broadens his knowledge base.
Opening the Indian Legal Market
Discussing the Bar Council of India’s rules on foreign law firms, Mukhopadhyay notes that the Indian market is not truly open due to significant restrictions, such as the 60-day stay limitation for foreign lawyers. While large foreign firms have shown limited interest in India, Mukhopadhyay expresses confidence in the capabilities of Indian law firms. He cites the success of Indian companies abroad, emphasizing the potential for Indian lawyers to compete on a global scale.
Partnering with Law Firms
The Hinduja Group collaborates with various Indian and UK law firms, including Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Crawford Bailey, and Linklaters, among others. Mukhopadhyay selects firms based on expertise, quality, and cost, without a fixed preference. His relationships with these firms are flexible, aiming to extract the best value from each partnership.
Challenges in Indian Arbitration
Mukhopadhyay expresses skepticism about India’s readiness to become an arbitration hub. He identifies cultural preferences for litigation and the judicialization of arbitration as significant hurdles. The lack of specialized arbitrators and adequate infrastructure further complicates the situation. While efforts have been made to position India as an arbitration center, Mukhopadhyay believes a fundamental cultural shift is necessary to realize this ambition.
The Future of General Counsel
Looking ahead, Mukhopadhyay sees the biggest challenge for future GCs as remaining relevant by fostering innovative thinking to support business growth amidst stringent compliance demands. He advises young lawyers to develop their personal brand, be reliable, and strive to exceed expectations to build a reputation for dependability.
