Hriti Parekh, Associate at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Mumbai on Challenges and Learnings at a Law Firm

Interview conducted by Divya kanojiya as a part of her Campus Leaders Program.

Can you tell us about your early motivation to pursue law? Was there a defining moment or influence?

To be honest, law was never the initial plan. I had always envisioned myself pursuing the UPSC path. Law was meant to be a backup, something that would complement that journey. But as I began studying it, something shifted – what started as a fallback slowly unfolded into a deep fascination.

I found myself captivated by the way law could shape society just as powerfully, if not more subtly, than policy. There wasn’t a single defining moment, it was more of a quiet, steady pull. Semester by semester, I began to feel at home. Eventually, I stopped seeing law as a detour and started seeing it as a destination.

Could you walk us through your internship journey and how it led to your role at Trilegal?

I interned at Trilegal as part of the mandatory internship before joining, and it played a crucial role in shaping my transition into the firm. Even though I had already received the offer, the internship wasn’t just a formality, it gave me a first-hand understanding of the team dynamics, and the kind of work I’d be involved in.

The experience gave me clarity and confidence, and by the time I officially joined, I felt far more prepared – both in terms of expectations and the work environment. It made the shift from student to professional feel more natural and grounded.

How would you describe your time as a law student? Any specific experiences that shaped your path?

As a first-generation lawyer, I walked in without any roadmap. Everything – from reading my first case law to navigating internships, was new. But that also made every small win feel deeply meaningful. One of the turning points for me was when my family started coming to me with legal questions – about agreements, rights, everyday problems.

I might have still been a student, but the fact that I could help in some way made me feel empowered. It reminded me that law isn’t just theory – it touches people’s lives everyday, and that stayed with me. At the same time, it wasn’t all academic. I made it a point to live my college life to the fullest, whether it was papers, campus festivals, late-night chai debates, or friends that became family.

So I’d say, those years taught me as much about resilience and joy as they did about jurisprudence.

What kind of matters or practice areas do you typically work on now?

I currently work with the Capital Markets team at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, where I primarily focus on equity transactions. This includes IPOs, rights issues, QIPs, and OFS deals. A large part of the work involves advising issuers and lead managers on regulatory compliance, drafting key offer documents like the DRHP, and navigating SEBI and stock exchange processes.

It’s a fast-paced and detail-driven practice. Each transaction brings its own set of challenges, whether it’s interpreting regulatory nuances or coordinating with multiple stakeholders under tight timelines. It’s dynamic and fulfilling to contribute to milestones that are often transformative for companies.

What has been your biggest learning so far as a law firm associate?

The biggest learning for me as a law firm associate has been that technical knowledge alone isn’t enough, what truly matters is how you show up every day. The ability to stay calm under pressure, ask the right questions, take feedback with humility, and still deliver your best, even on days when you’re stretched thin – that’s what makes the difference.

It’s also taught me that growth isn’t always loud or immediate. Sometimes it’s in the quiet wins, catching a small error that could’ve cost time, managing a tight deadline without dropping the ball, or just becoming someone your team can count on. Over time, you realise it’s not just about becoming a better lawyer, it’s about becoming a more dependable and grounded professional.

What are some challenges young associates often face when they first join a firm—and how did you personally handle them?

One of the biggest challenges young associates face when they first join a firm is the steep learning curve. Law school gives you the theory, but practice is a different world altogether, fast-paced, detail-heavy, and driven by real-world consequences. It can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re trying to keep up and make a good impression.

Personally, what helped me was learning to ask questions early and without hesitation. It’s tempting to try and figure everything out on your own, but I realised that clarity always trumps guesswork. I also made it a point to stay organised – maintaining checklists, tracking timelines, and documenting learnings helped me build both confidence and efficiency.

Another challenge is dealing with self-doubt, especially in high-pressure environments. For me, reminding myself that everyone starts somewhere, and that growth comes with time really helped me stay grounded. It’s still a work in progress, but embracing the learning process, rather than fearing mistakes, has made all the difference.

What advice would you give to students from NLUs or non-NLUs who feel “left behind” in the race for top internships or PPOs?

It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind, especially when others seem to have clearer paths or shinier CVs. But what most people don’t talk about enough is how much failure/rejection is part of the process – whether you’re from an NLU or a non-NLU. Everyone faces rejection, confusion, and self-doubt at some point in this journey, What actually makes a difference over time isn’t a perfect record – it’s how you respond when things don’t work out.

The willingness to try again, learn from what went wrong, and keep showing up even when it’s uncomfortable – that’s what moves you forward. Failure’s not a sign you’re off track. More often than not, it’s a sign you’re actually doing the work. And your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be valid or successful.

Keep showing up, doing the work, and backing yourself even when it feels like no one else is. Sometimes, being “off track” is exactly what puts you on the path you were meant to follow.

How do you maintain a work-life balance (or at least try to) in the fast-paced law firm environment?

To be honest, maintaining work-life balance in a law firm is challenging, especially in a high-paced practice like capital markets where timelines are often beyond your control. There are weeks that are intense, and the line between work and personal time can blur.

But I’ve come to accept that balance doesn’t always mean strict separation – it sometimes just means being kind to yourself in the middle of it all. I try to find small ways to stay connected to life outside work, whether that’s catching up with friends, taking short breaks when I can, or simply doing something that makes the day feel a little lighter.

It’s not perfect, but I’ve realised that even the smallest routines can help you reset.

Are there any habits, routines, or mindsets that help you stay grounded and focused?

For me, consistency has been the most grounding force. I’ve realised it’s not about having huge bursts of motivation, it’s the small, repeated efforts that really add up over time. Even on difficult days, just showing up for myself in little ways: getting enough rest, staying organised, or sticking to a simple routine keeps me steady.

I’ve also learned to not underestimate the power of doing the basics well. Whether it’s maintaining a regular sleep cycle, keeping my space in order, or taking time to reflect, these habits create a sense of stability, even when everything else feels unpredictable.

Any final message you’d like to share with law students who look up to professionals like you?

I would say that don’t confuse silence for failure. Some of your most important growth will happen quietly, when no one is watching, when no one’s posting about it, and when it doesn’t feel like a “win.” That doesn’t make it any less valid. Focus on being consistent, curious, and kind to yourself and others through the process.

Ask questions, seek feedback, and allow yourself space to grow, not just as a lawyer, but as a person. The legal profession can be intense, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you stay connected to your own reason for choosing it. Keep showing up, even on the tough days – you’re doing better than you think.

Disclaimer: Interviews published on Lawctopus are not edited thoroughly so as to retain the voice of the interviewee.

This interview is a part of our Star Interview series, conducted by the Campus Leaders at Lawctopus. Stay tuned for more!