Interview with Advocate Nitin Parihar

Advocate Nitin Parihar

Interaction || Indian Legal Solution

Q1. What motivated you to pursue a career in law, and how did your journey begin?

Ans. My family always had a strong connection with this field, which motivated me to pursue my career in law. My father is also an advocate, and my grandfather was a police officer in the J&K police, so I was exposed to all the conversations related to law from a very early stage at home. What attracted me to law was that it allows you to become a part of the institution itself, with the potential to create further opportunities for others. As a lawyer, it gives you the ability to offer guidance and mentorship to those in need, which gives me immense pleasure. Moreover, I was surrounded by justice, governance, and a problem-solving environment from childhood that played a key role in steering me towards law. After I graduated from the law school at the University of Jammu, I began my career in litigation, gaining experience across civil, criminal, and constitutional matters. I also believe that law offers a level of autonomy where an individual can shape their career and work in a dynamic lifestyle because you get to meet different people belonging to different backgrounds.

Q2. What inspired you to establish Meridian Law Chambers?

Ans. The inspiration behind setting up the Meridian Law Chambers came from my internship experience at top law firms in Delhi. Coming from Jammu, I have realized over time that there is a huge gap in the legal administration. It requires more structured and modern solutions to keep up with the evolving legal practices. Additionally, while we are dealing with international clients, we realized they have different requirements. And, for that, modernization in legal practices is necessary. With new tribunals emerging and legal fields expanding, it became evident that traditional legacy chambers might struggle to adapt to these changes. Driven by these challenges, I established the Meridian Law Chambers in 2022. I started the venture with a vision of creating a law firm that offers effective legal solutions while maintaining personalized client attention. The team of the chamber has been adept at leveraging expertise across litigation, arbitration, and advisory to deliver tailored solutions to all our clients.

Q3. How do you stay updated with the latest developments in law and ensure that your practice remains relevant?

Ans. It is important for us to stay updated with the latest developments in law and to keep up with the trends. I have various legal database subscriptions that help me get real-time updates on the judiciary. Apart from that, I believe that as a senior in this profession, you should always try to visit law schools and interact with the new generation. I regularly serve as a guest lecturer at institutions like the University of Jammu and have even been to the University of Delhi. These interactions allow me to share my knowledge and experience with the youth and help me understand new perspectives through them. Moreover, the law is a never-ending learning process, and I believe that the more we engage with people in meaningful discussions, the more we will grow. Additionally, reading plays a crucial role in staying informed, whether it is case laws, legal journals, or articles related to it.

Q4. Do you think technology will impact legal practices, particularly in your area of expertise?

Ans. I believe that technology has majorly impacted legal practices, and the greatest advantage is being able to serve clients globally. Due to the latest advancements, I have been providing consultancies to European clients and, more recently, a client from Vietnam. However, it would not have been possible to achieve in the past. Additionally, during the pandemic, we adapted to the new system of virtual courts. Even today, there are so many courts that are operating in hybrid mode. So, while you are sitting in Jammu, you can handle the matters in Mumbai or Delhi. Additionally, with the rise of AI, developed countries like the US have introduced AI-based judgment systems for handling minor offenses like traffic violations. I believe that as AI continues to advance, India must adapt to these changes soon, as it is quite important for us as a nation to be well-equipped and updated.

Q5. As someone who mentors aspiring lawyers, what qualities do you believe are essential for success in the legal profession?

Ans. Aspiring lawyers must note that success in this profession does not come overnight. It requires a lot of dedication, perseverance, and a long-term vision. Law as a profession takes an initial 4-5 years to build a foundation, and one of the most essential qualities that an aspiring lawyer should have is patience. I have seen a lot of talent migrate into different fields just because they don’t have patience. While luck might play its role, hard work and consistency are the keys to success, and a lawyer should be willing to put in the hours, continuously learn, and refine their skills over time.

Q6. What advice would you give to young lawyers who aspire to specialize in criminal law?

Ans. I would advise young lawyers who are specializing in criminal law to embrace the creativity and stay well informed about what is happening. Unlike other practices, criminal law requires quick thinking, strategic arguments, and in-depth knowledge of the legal framework, making it challenging and exciting at the same time. The more you read and research, the stronger your arguments will be. However, it is important to enjoy every practice and go through the journey to appreciate its challenges and rewards.

Q7. What do you enjoy most about mentoring young lawyers, and how do you think it impacts their journey in law?

Ans. My favourite part about mentoring young lawyers is experiencing and understanding the fresh perspectives they bring to the table. I always encourage these people to join chambers at an early age, which will reduce their struggle period and help them gain more practical exposure. What I like about working with young minds is their passion for the practice, as over time, they start coming up with brilliant ideas, which are different from our approach. Truth be told, this makes it more exciting for us as well. Beyond these approaches, I always emphasize the importance of sincerity towards clients. I always tell them to keep their clients updated about their case to retain their trust, which will lead to their successful careers. I also advise young lawyers not to chase money. Instead, they should focus on delivering quality work, as financial success will follow them naturally if they are good at what they do.