In Conversation with Adv. Harsit V. Raj

Harsit completed his Bachelor of Law (Hons.) at Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur in 2016. During his tenure, he participated at the 12th National Youth Parliament held by Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Soon after he went on to publish a paper on, "Freedom of speech viz-a-viz Right to Privacy" which was presided by accomplished Senior Advocate, Fali S. Nariman at Bar Council of India.

Prior to co-founding De Novo, Harsit handled complex domestic and cross-border corporate litigation matters. Personally administering first hand solutions to many intricate issues within different frameworks of various organizations.

His areas of expertise are Corporate Advisory, Mergers and Acquisitions, Real Estate Investments, Laws of Insolvency and Dispute Resolution. Harsit has worked with a number of companies in different sectors of the industry including Fintech, IT, construction, education, automotive, infrastructure and tourism.

Student Assistant: Shrrey Vashist, Student, IFIM School of Law, Bengaluru

Can you tell us about your journey and how you established the DE NOVO LAW FIRM.

My journey in the legal profession has been both rewarding and challenging. After completing my legal education at Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, I gained valuable experience working at various reputed law firms and corporate legal department. However, I always harbored the ambition to create a boutique law firm that focused on providing specialized legal services to businesses in diverse sectors.

The idea for establishing De Novo Law Firm came from a desire to offer tailored legal solutions that address the unique needs of each client. In 2020, together with my co-founder, we took the leap and founded De Novo with a clear mission to excel in corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions, real estate investments, laws of insolvency, and dispute resolution. Our vision was to create a firm that embodies excellence, innovation, and a client-centric approach to legal practice.

As a co-founder of De Novo, a law firm, what motivated you to specialize in corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions, real estate investments, laws of insolvency, and dispute resolution? How do these areas of expertise complement each other in your practice?

The decision to specialize in corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions, real estate investments, laws of insolvency, and dispute resolution was driven by our team's collective expertise and passion for these practice areas. We recognized that these fields often intersect in the business world, and having a deep understanding of each allows us to offer holistic legal support to our clients.

In our practice, corporate advisory services lay the groundwork for businesses to operate smoothly, while mergers and acquisitions facilitate growth and consolidation. Real estate investments offer lucrative opportunities, but they also require careful legal navigation. The laws of insolvency come into play when businesses face financial distress, and dispute resolution ensures that conflicts are resolved effectively and efficiently.

By having proficiency in all these areas, we can provide comprehensive legal solutions that cater to the diverse needs of our clients and offer them a one-stop legal shop for their business requirements.

Given your experience in working with companies from various sectors, such as fintech, IT, construction, education, automotive, infrastructure, and tourism, how do you adapt your legal advice to suit the specific needs and regulations of each industry?

Adapting our legal advice to suit the specific needs and regulations of each industry is a crucial aspect of our work. We understand that every sector has its unique challenges, compliance requirements, and market dynamics.

To address these differences, we invest time in studying and keeping ourselves updated on the specific legal frameworks and developments relevant to each industry.

By staying well-informed about the fintech, IT, construction, education, automotive, infrastructure, and tourism sectors, we can provide tailored advice that aligns with our clients ’goals while ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations. Flexibility and adaptability are key traits that enable us to serve our clients effectively across diverse industries.

What are some current legal challenges or emerging trends you see in the field of corporate law, particularly in relation to mergers and acquisitions and real estate investments? How do you stay updated on these developments? 

The field of corporate law is constantly evolving, and keeping abreast of emerging trends and legal challenges is essential to offer top-notch legal services. In relation to mergers and acquisitions, we've observed a growing trend of cross-border transactions and increased scrutiny by regulatory authorities.

In real estate investments, environmental and sustainability concerns are becoming more prominent.

To stay updated on these developments, we regularly participate in industry conferences, legal forums, and seminars. Additionally, we maintain strong networks with legal practitioners, industry experts, and regulatory authorities. Continuous learning and research are at the core of our commitment to provide up-to-date and strategic legal advice to our clients.

As a managing partner, what leadership qualities do you believe are essential in running a successful law firm? How do you foster a collaborative and effective work environment within your team?

As a managing partner, I believe that several leadership qualities are vital to running a successful law firm. Communication and transparency are paramount, ensuring that our team members are well-informed and aligned with our firm's vision. Leading by example, I foster a culture of excellence and dedication to client service.

Promoting collaboration within the team is crucial, as it encourages knowledge-sharing and a supportive work environment. We recognize and celebrate individual achievements, which fosters a sense of belonging and motivates our team to consistently excel in their roles

Can you highlight any pro bono or community service initiatives you have been involved in or supported? How do you contribute to the legal profession and society beyond your professional work?

At DE NOVO LAW FIRM, we place a strong emphasis on giving back to society through pro bono initiatives and community service. We actively support and participate in legal aid programs, offering our services to those who may not have easy access to legal representation.

We also collaborate with NGOs and social organizations to address legal issues affecting vulnerable communities.

Beyond pro bono work, we contribute to the legal profession through mentorship programs, guest lectures, and workshops at law schools. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we aim to empower the next generation of legal professionals.

As a law graduate from Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, how did your education and academic experiences shape your understanding of the legal profession? Were there any particular courses or experiences that had a significant impact on your career trajectory?

My education and academic experiences at Hidayatullah National Law University were instrumental in shaping my understanding of the legal profession. The rigorous curriculum and diverse opportunities provided me with a strong foundation in various legal fields, enabling me to explore my interests.

Participating in moot court competitions and internships during my studies exposed me to the practical aspects of law and prepared me for the challenges of a legal career. Additionally, courses in corporate law, negotiation skills, and legal drafting had a significant impact on honing my expertise in the areas that our firm specializes in today.

In your role as a co-founder, what were some of the main challenges you faced in establishing and growing De Novo? How did you overcome these challenges, and what lessons did you learn from the experience?

Establishing and growing DE NOVO LAW FIRM came with its fair share of challenges. Some of the main hurdles included building a client base from scratch and establishing our brand in a competitive market. Overcoming these challenges required persistence, dedication, and a focus on delivering exceptional service.

We tackled these obstacles by building strong relationships with existing clients and earning their trust, which led to word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, investing in business events and networking efforts played a crucial role in expanding our reach. The experience taught us the importance of adaptability and continuously evolving our strategies to meet market demands.

With your expertise in corporate advisory, what advice would you give to startups or entrepreneurs looking to navigate legal and regulatory requirements when establishing their businesses? What are some common pitfalls they should be aware of?

My recommendation for startups and business owners facing legal and regulatory constraints is to get legal guidance from the very beginning of their operations. To avoid potential issues in the future, it is crucial to have a solid legal foundation. Selecting the ideal corporate structure, safeguarding intellectual property, and creating understandable contracts and agreements are just a few examples of specific legal considerations.

Engaging a law firm with experience dealing with startups can significantly alter the situation because they can provide individualized assistance and foresee potential legal difficulties. Long-term success depends on being proactive about compliance and keeping up with legislation that are relevant to your sector.

Considering the evolving landscape of data privacy and cybersecurity laws, how do you advise companies on protecting their sensitive information and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations? What steps do you recommend for mitigating the risks associated with data breaches or non-compliance?

In today's digital environment, data privacy and cybersecurity rules are in fact taking on more significance. We encourage proactive approach when advising businesses on how to safeguard sensitive information and make sure they are in compliance with privacy laws. This entails carrying out thorough data audits, putting in place strong security measures, and creating corporate guidelines that give data protection top priority.

A well-prepared incident response strategy is essential to minimizing potential losses and liabilities in the event of data breaches or non-compliance. We also provide guidance on the localization requirements for data in various jurisdictions, which helps businesses manage global data transfers more successfully.

As a legal professional, how do you stay updated on changes in legislation, case law, and industry trends? What resources, associations, or networks do you rely on to enhance your legal knowledge and skills?

For any legal professional, staying abreast on changes to legislation, case law, and market trends is a constant exercise. We rely on a variety of sources, including trustworthy online news sites, academic journals, and publications on the law. We can learn from other practitioners and professionals by actively participating in industry conferences and seminars.

Joining professional legal networks and groups is a great way to stay in touch with the legal community and have access to helpful training opportunities. In addition, ongoing training and education programs in law keep our team members up to date on the most recent legal developments.

As a managing partner, how do you prioritize client satisfaction and ensure that the services provided by De Novo meet the needs and expectations of your clients? How do you measure success in terms of client outcomes and long-term relationships?

Client satisfaction is the cornerstone of our practice at DE NOVO LAW FIRM. We prioritize understanding our clients' unique needs, objectives, and challenges, which allows us to provide tailored legal solutions. We encourage open communication with our clients and maintain transparency throughout the legal process.

Success, for us, is measured not only by achieving favorable outcomes but also by building strong, long-term relationships with our clients. We regularly seek feedback from clients to assess our performance and identify areas for improvement. Our commitment to delivering exceptional client service drives our daily efforts.

As a managing partner, how do you foster strong relationships with clients and maintain long-term partnerships? How do you ensure effective communication and transparency throughout the legal process? 

Fostering strong relationships with clients and maintaining long-term partnerships is crucial for the success of our law firm. To achieve this, we prioritize the following strategies: Client-Centric Approach, Responsive Communication, Transparent and Honest Counsel, Regular Client Meetings, Tailored Reporting, Client Feedback, Value-Driven Service, Continuity of Service.

By adhering to these principles and consistently demonstrating a commitment to our clients' success, we have been successful in building strong, long-term partnerships with many of our clients. We recognize that each clients unique, and their satisfaction and trust in our legal services are the driving forces behind our continued growth and success as a boutique law firm.

In your experience, what are some common legal challenges that arise in the startup ecosystem? How do you support early-stage companies in overcoming these challenges and achieving their business objectives?

In the startup ecosystem, common legal challenges include those involving fundraising, intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiations. We assist early-stage businesses by supplying specialized legal counsel, assisting with the preparation of strong agreements, performing due diligence, and offering strategic direction to help the mover come potential challenges and accomplish their business goals.

As a legal professional, what role do you believe technology and innovation play in the future of the legal industry? How do you embrace technological advancements to streamline your legal services and improve client experiences?

Technology and innovation play a significant role in the future of the legal industry. At De Novo, we embrace technological advancements to streamline our legal services and improve client experiences. This includes leveraging legal research software, utilizing cloud-based collaboration tools, and implementing data security measures to safeguard sensitive client information. Embracing these innovations enhances our efficiency and allows us to provide more cost-effective solutions to our clients.