'I DON'T REMEMBER EVER WANTING TO DO ANYTHING BUT THE LAW'
Business Today|June 12, 2022
Zia Mody, Co-founder and Managing Partner of AZB & Partners, explains why she chose the legal profession, why it is difficult for women lawyers, and her value system
UDAYAN MUKHERJEE
'I DON'T REMEMBER EVER WANTING TO DO ANYTHING BUT THE LAW'

She is one of India's top corporate lawyers and the go-to person when some big deal or restructuring is planned. From the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover by the Tatas, the L&TMindtree deal, the Cairn-Vedanta deal, SoftBank buying a stake in Ola or, more recently, the HDFC-HDFC Bank merger, Zia Mody, Co-founder and Managing Partner of AZB & Partners, has had a role to play in all of them. In an interview with Business Today's Global Business Editor Udayan Mukherjee, she reveals what attracted her to the legal field, her | inspiration, and the business leader she looks up to. Edited excerpts:

Q: Zia, let me begin by asking you if it is an exciting time to be a lawyer in India today, because there's so much going on-in the M&A landscape, with foreign direct investment pouring in, and even the much spoken about judicial activism in the public sphere. It must be exciting.

A: Look at my face, Udayan! Isn't it looking excited? I think it is one of the most fascinating periods for any young lawyer to be part of the entire development of corporate M&A, and of legal jurisprudence-either arguing in court or being a young corporate attorney sitting in on a mega M&A deal. The world has changed from about 20 years ago, where law was not necessarily the first calling of choice. But now, becoming a lawyer and hoping to aspire and reach the top of your game is very much a possibility and a dream that many youngsters want to dream. And therefore, we are seeing many more talented youngsters join the legal profession than we saw before. So, the simple answer your question is a big yes.

"Your sense of self-worth and confidence, and your ability to sleep at night without vexing about what you did during the day is far more important than winning that fight with the wrong means"

Bu hikaye Business Today dergisinin June 12, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Business Today dergisinin June 12, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

BUSINESS TODAY DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
"Moving to cloud helped us grow❞
Business Today India

"Moving to cloud helped us grow❞

What was the problem you were grappling with?

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
She's Got Time
Business Today India

She's Got Time

MORE WOMEN ARE BECOMING WATCH CONNOISSEURS, SEEKING OUT BOTH JEWELLED AND TECHNICAL WATCHES FOR THEIR STYLE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

time-read
3 dak  |
November 24, 2024
RISING STAR
Business Today India

RISING STAR

PARUL GULATI IS a name that's been steadily gaining prominence in the Indian entertainment industry after she appeared on season 2 of Shark Tank in 2023. She has become a multifaceted personality who effortlessly transitions between acting and entrepreneurship.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
Building on a Legacy
Business Today India

Building on a Legacy

WHEN ZAHABIYA KHORAKIWALA stepped into her role as Managing Director of Wockhardt Hospitals over a decade ago, she confronted formidable challenges that have since turned into achievements.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
LEADER IN INNOVATION
Business Today India

LEADER IN INNOVATION

AS FEDEX'S PRESIDENT (Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Africa), Kami Viswanathan has a lot on her plate.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
WAITING IN THE WINGS
Business Today India

WAITING IN THE WINGS

Here are those who missed out as they have not yet completed a year in office; they'll be strong contenders in 2025

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
A DECENT PROPOSAL
Business Today India

A DECENT PROPOSAL

IN TODAY'S WORLD OF TRYING TO CREATE AN EQUITABLE SPACE, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR HOUSEHOLDS. WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE THEIR OWN SAVINGS POOL AND INVESTMENT ROUTINE. GIVEN THIS, HOW SHOULD FUTURE BRIDES APPROACH FINANCIAL PLANNING?

time-read
5 dak  |
November 24, 2024
Women and the STEM Bias
Business Today India

Women and the STEM Bias

EMPOWERING WOMEN IN STEM WILL NOT ONLY BENEFIT INDIVIDUALS, BUT ALSO STRENGTHEN THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY, DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 24, 2024
ROCKET WOMEN
Business Today India

ROCKET WOMEN

WOMEN IN INDIA ARE NOT ONLY VENTURING INTO SPACE BUT ARE ALSO STARTING TO SPEARHEAD THE COUNTRY'S EFFORTS IN THE GLOBAL SPACE RACE.

time-read
6 dak  |
November 24, 2024
ONE STEP FORWARD
Business Today India

ONE STEP FORWARD

THE NUMBER OF WOMEN INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS IS GROWING STEADILY, BUT IT'S A LONG WAY FROM GENDER PARITY. MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO BREAK THE GLASS CEILING IN BOARDROOMS.

time-read
6 dak  |
November 24, 2024