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Lawyered in conversation with Ankita Sambyal on completing an exemplary journey of over a decade in the Legal industry. 

Interview Questions - Ms Ankita Sambyal:

1. To begin with, if I may ask you to please share with our readers something about yourself, your journey in the profession and your early years?

Well, almost 10 years in the profession and this question takes you back to your first day at law school. To pursue law was never in the plan. During my formative years at law, I was more inclined to be part of the Fashion Industry. But as it turned out that didn’t happen. So I like to see it as, “I didn’t choose Law, Law chose me”. Being a first-generation Lawyer the path isn't easy. It was uncharted territory and a pivotal change from my family's choice of career paths. Not only did I carry the weight of my own future, but also the weight of my family's hopes and concerns. The constant feeling of being underserved and underrepresented at an elite institution fuelled my motivation to maximize my potential. 

At my first lecture at RGNU, the professor asked us, "Why Law?" And I had no idea that everyone else in the class already knew the answer. They were well aware that this question would be posed to them. The professor asked the same question to me, to which I replied, "Because I want to be the voice that convinces; a voice that represents; a voice that makes an impact”.

"Women are efficient at administrative duties; they do not argue." I'd always known I didn't want to sit at a desk because I wanted to refute that statement. I enjoyed being out in the field and observing things intently, which I did. It is a male-dominated profession, but you must expect the unexpected, and the only advice I can give is to never give up hope. Overcoming the traditional viewpoint of this career was a difficult task for me. My greatest asset was my potential, which was independent of my gender.

2. You have a unique perspective of being an active practitioner in the legal and technological industry and achieved great success in pro bono legal initiatives. How do you balance such diverse roles?

There is no hidden secret to balancing these roles as both require you to be on your toes and keep your client’s interests above everything else.. I started with my pro bono work when I was in Singapore, and there itself, I invested my time and knowledge in the legal landscape of the technical world. The commitment to pro-bono helped me grow my skillset and gain experience. Generally, pro bono activity is commonly associated with community service, along with that it also creates relationship and networking opportunities for future business development. Similarly, Technology has transformed not only our industrial age society but has drastically changed the concept of marketing, communication with clients, regulations and monitoring. I am a firm believer in the concept that, “Change is the only Constant”. This made me realise that the Future is heavily wrapped in the twisted yank of Technology. These different roles have been instrumental in shaping me as an individual and as a lawyer.

3. Being an upcoming entrepreneur, what is your take on India’s current situation?

It is as good a time to start your practice like any other. The situation is new, the challenges are different, the Pandemic is not easy for anyone, it has changed our lives in unimaginable ways. However, a crisis can be handled and sometimes even used as a catalyst to build a thriving and successful skillset. This is the best time to turn adversity into prosperity.

We all find it very difficult to research and upgrade in our field. But the Pandemic provides us with space not only to be a competent lawyer but also entrepreneurial. The challenges and responsibilities created by the pandemic open a window of opportunities to young minds and new lawyers to learn and offer differently to set up more cost-effective and diverse service platforms.

4. What made you choose a relatively new and challenging field such as the amalgamation of technology and law?

Amalgamation is a broader concept of a better business combination. We are in the world of Artificial Intelligence and new techniques that are constantly evolving, and the council is evolving along with it. The competitive advantage that technology provides in the field of law is progressively creating an efficient system. It will only evolve as new technologies emerge. The idea of technology has, however, served as a benchmark for the need to adapt and grow. The idea of law upheld by technology serves as a resolution to future problems. With the pendency of cases before the courts, the idea of technology provides a better direction. The purpose of technology doesn't intensify the fact that the impacts aren't severe. The use of technology is paperless work and hassle-free.

5.  Why do you think Virtual Currency is high in demand? RBI recently clarified the stand around the old circular which was set aside by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, what is your take on it?

The global economy is inescapably progressing towards a digital ecosystem. People are keen on investing in it as the risk factors are similar to investing in stock markets. Even though there is a risk, virtual currency comes with transparent fundamentals. People have lost all hope of non-concerning governmental regulations. 

To keep it simple, I would like to highlight that the RBI has neither regulated nor endorsed virtual currencies. However it did advise banks to carry out due diligence, comply with KYC, AML and CFT guidelines and also comply with FEMA in case of overseas remittances. A small victory for not only crypto investors but exchanges, who have been denied services even after the circular of April 06 was set aside.

6. What would you like to say to the students pursuing Law? 

To all the students who are reading this, I would like to tell you that attending law school is a serious commitment. Law is a language and you must know how to use it. Work on your observatory skills and keep learning. Read and learn every day. Law school is competitive. There will be students who will do anything they can to get ahead of you. Remembering to stay dedicated no matter how hard, exhausting and boring it may get is an important part of law school success. 

Do not think of your internships as a fashionable commodity. An internship is the best and the easiest way to find your way in the legal world. The earlier you tap it, the easier it will get. It will affect your relationships, take up all of your time and change your day-to-day life. That is why it is important to stay dedicated. Dedication and perseverance will help you stay ahead of the curve and ultimately affect your career as a lawyer.