Sundari R Pisupati
What are the best and worst things about your job?
The intellectual satisfaction one derives when you solve a case or find solutions to a client’s problem; the adrenalin rush when you argue in the Courts; the freedom, the independence I enjoy in my practice are the best things. The worst things are the fact that you have to keep yourself updated and current all the while or else your knowledge can become outdated.
Who was the first lawyer you ever worked under? What is the most important lesson that you learnt from him/her?
The first lawyer I worked under was Mr. V.R Reddy. He was the Chairman of the Bar Council of India and was one of the key lawyers who was instrumental in setting up the National Law School of India, Bangalore . He was a frequent visitor to our law school. I was very impressed by his articulation and presentation in the Courts. I did my first internship with him.
If a seventeen year old came to you and asked you whether he/she should consider a career in law, what advice would you give?
I would highly recommend one taking up legal profession. In today’s world, there are global opportunities for a lawyer and the independence it gives to someone is commendable. The contribution of lawyers to public service and nation building has always fascinated me.
What was your first car? When did you buy it?
My first car was a Dodge Caravan. I bought it in the US and I bought it when I was five years into practice. I was working at Sidley & Austin, an international law firm in New York at that time.
Which is your favourite restaurant?
My favorite restaurant is Vong in New York . I love Thai food and I am always looking out for the best Thai food wherever I go.
What is the best book you read in the past year?
I read the book “Winning” by Jack Welch recently which inspired me a great deal while I was embarking on my new venture- setting up Tempus Law Associates.
Where did you go on your last vacation?
Our last vacation with the family was to the North East-Sikkim & Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, which was spectacular and exotic! My children loved being so close to the Himalayas and our trip to Gurudronamar lake (18,000 ft above sea level) was a true adventure! After having travelled quite a bit in North America and Europe , we are eager to discover the remote parts in India .
Which historical figure would you invite for dinner? If you could only ask one question of him/her, what would you ask?
I would call Mahatma Gandhi for dinner. I would want to hear from him if he could not foresee the various issues we have been having with our rival neighbor and what would his advice be to unify India which is so fragmented based on caste, community and religious basis?
What is the most significant change that you would make to the law school curriculum?
In my view, law school curriculum has to be more oriented towards practice. I see that even graduates from National Law Schools need a significant training in practical aspects and in legal drafting. While research skills are important, equal priority should be given to imparting legal drafting skills.
What is the most significant change that you would like to see in the legal industry in the next five years?
I would like to see a tremendous improvement in the quality of legal services being delivered in all areas of legal practice so that people’s faith in lawyers, legal system and the justice delivery system is restored. I would also like the Indian lawyers to have opportunities to continuously improve their skills to be current with the legal dynamics.
(Sundari R Pisupati is a Founder Partner at Tempus Law Associates, a multi-service law firm with its office in Hi-Tech City, Hyderabad.)
