Oh, the legacy we leave behind. Sometimes, people can’t fathom the things they do that leave an indelible mark on all that they touch. Dr Lalit Bhasin, President of the Society of Indian Law Firms, is one such legal titan with more than 60 years of experience in the legal profession, arming him with wisdom and showcasing his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice. As someone dealing with human conflict, resolution and the unending quest for equilibrium for more than half a century, he signifies that even as the years pass by, principles can remain steadfast and indomitable. And Dr Bhasin’s career and life almost mirror the growth of the legal profession in post-Independent India.
So, what does it take to be an institution-builder?
According to Bhasin, “My attempt over the last 50 years or so has been to create conditions where young professionals can have a bright future and receive a good legal education. Building an institution was a by-product of that. I never aspired to be a leader in that sense, I always considered myself as a professional to help other colleagues in the profession… And if there’s a responsibility, it has to be fulfilled to its fullest extent with a mission and a purpose”.
And how has the legal space been evolving?
Bhasin opines, “When I began my profession in 1962, it was still considered a profession. Over a period of time and, possibly, due to development at the international level, the profession is being converted into a business, which is not a good thing… At the level of practitioners, I think we’re converting organizations to become like businesses… Whether an organization has 10 lawyers or 100 lawyers, if they’re committed to letting it be a profession, it is possible and it’s been done in India. Compare that to lawyers in foreign jurisdictions, where they’re forming listed companies and even where investments are being made by non-lawyers”.
And how should technology be looked at in India, when it comes to the legal landscape?
Bhasin declares, “Technology should only function as a facilitator and as a tool for research. It ought to be used to reduce the cost of litigation by online filings and more, particularly for litigants who can’t afford to pay hefty fees. Overseas, AI is being applied for decision-making and making judgements. That’s not acceptable, because no two cases are the same and they have to be decided on the basis of facts, so technology shouldn’t base one’s legal decisions… When I started my practice, there was no pendency of cases. Today, there are about 5 crore cases and the number is increasing. So, if the use of technology can help there, it should be done”.
“Legal aid shouldn’t be lip service. There should be really good legal aid services, particularly in developing countries… Without legal support, one cannot achieve anything. There wouldn’t be protocols, conventions, bilateral agreements, M&As, amalgamations and more, so that’s the role that law firms have been providing to boost India’s economic growth”, quips Bhasin.
Watch the full interaction here:
