In the latest installment of Soulful Conversations with Bithika Anand, we are introduced to Sameer Chugh, the General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer at Games 24×7 Pvt Ltd. Chugh is at the helm of the company’s Legal, Risk, Compliance, Secretarial, and Risk functions, bringing over a decade of legal expertise in complex business transactions including mergers and acquisitions, financing, legal compliance, litigation, and cross-border M&A.
Sameer Chugh’s career is marked by transactions exceeding $38 billion and involvement in two of India’s largest litigations, the AGR and GST disputes, collectively valued at $44 billion. Despite his remarkable legal journey, Chugh’s initial path was envisioned to be in the military, following five generations of his family’s service. “I always say I’m a lawyer by accident,” he candidly shares, reflecting on his unexpected yet fulfilling career.
Chugh’s leadership is deeply influenced by the values imparted during his military upbringing. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, discipline, and leading by example as essential traits for both legal professionals and leaders. Additionally, he advocates for intellectual humility, acknowledging the need to understand one’s limitations and seek knowledge as necessary.
Preparation is a cornerstone of Chugh’s philosophy, inspired by a quote attributed to Napoleon: “The person who wins the battle is the one who has prepared well, not the one who has fought well.” This belief in thorough preparation fosters confidence and resilience, crucial for effective decision-making.
Through his career, Chugh has been mentored by esteemed legal figures such as Ram Jethmalani and Fali S. Nariman, alongside influential leaders who have shaped his approach to leadership. Their guidance, combined with lessons from his father, has reinforced his dedication to excellence through consistent preparation and perseverance.
More Read
Chugh’s perspective on leadership prioritizes responsibility over authority. He values a work environment built on trust, openness, and mutual respect, where diverse viewpoints are encouraged, and meaningful dialogue is fostered. He asserts that true leadership involves standing with one’s team in both triumphs and challenges, recognizing success as a collective achievement.
Outside of his professional commitments, Chugh finds balance in his passions for automobiles and badminton. He humorously notes that he might have pursued a career as a car mechanic if life had taken a different turn. Moreover, he maintains a spiritual practice, involving daily prayer and reflection, which provides him with grounding and clarity amidst professional demands.
Offering wisdom to aspiring lawyers, Chugh advises them to maintain patience, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering integrity. While acknowledging the impact of technology and artificial intelligence, he emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, discernment, and lifelong learning.
More Read
The Soulful Conversations series delves into the lives of legal professionals beyond their careers, exploring the experiences, values, and beliefs that define them. Currently in its second season, the series has featured various esteemed guests, including Hiroo Advani, Nish Shetty, Dr. Manoj Kumar, and Tejal Patil, among others. Each episode offers insights into the personal journeys and professional achievements of these remarkable individuals.
