Interviewing Sarosh Zaiwalla

LawZ profiles herewith, Sarosh Zaiwalla who is credited with handling more than 12000 international cases relating to Energy, Maritime and Construction.

There is no doubt, that he is one of the most discussed solicitors of Indian origin in UK today. His firm Zaiwalla & Co. is ranked very high especially when it comes to litigation matters. Here is an insight into the persona and mind of Sarosh Zaiwalla, with whom LawZ gets up front.

In brief how would you describe your professional journey from his days as a student in India to becoming a leading Industry professional in London.

I was awarded my law degree from the Government Law College, Mumbai. I passed Law Society solicitors qualifying exam in London. I then trained at an English solicitors firm, Stocken & Co, whi¬ch specialised in International Arbitration work. Whilst I was training to become a solicitor, at Stocken & Co, I got to know a Senior London Maritime Arbitrator named Cedric Barclay who I consider to be my mentor in those early years. Cedric advised me that I should start on my own and not take a job in a City firm. He quite frankly told me that I was good and I could easily be employed by a large City of London firm but, not being of English origin, I would remain at the bottom and not rise in the firm. So I decided to take up the challenge and start on my own determined to do my best. I had hoped to build a British Law firm with an Indian foot print which would match the leading British international solicitors firms.

How was your life before you joined Law school and chose law as a career.