Pankaj Kumar, Sr. Legal Counsel and Department Head at Maruti Suzuki India Limited. From his early days at DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir to his current role, Pankaj's journey is one of resilience and determination.
His story began in an era where engineering was the prime career choice. However, his curiosity in societal and government affairs led him to journalism and eventually law. A pivotal moment came when his father suggested exploring law, setting Pankaj on a path that would define his career.
Pankaj Kumar embraced law school with a sense of urgency, knowing it was his last chance to build a career. He undertook 14 internships, gaining exposure to various legal fields. The 2009 recession made job hunting difficult, but a campus recruitment by Bajaj Allianz opened doors. Despite initial uncertainties about the job profile and location, he seized the opportunity, marking the beginning of his legal career.
His career trajectory saw him transition from insurance giants like ICICI Lombard and HDFC ERGO to Maruti Suzuki. Each move was challenging but enriched his understanding of litigation and procedural laws. The shift to the automobile sector introduced him to a vast array of legislations, but his fundamental understanding of law and a love for continuous learning facilitated his adaptation.
At Maruti Suzuki, he leads the Dispute Prevention & Advisory team, handling complex issues like Customs litigation. His strategy? Prioritize reading and staying updated with the dynamic changes in laws. “Identifying priorities that have a greater impact on management is crucial,” he notes.
Though brief, Pankaj's stint in law firms during his internships and early career equipped him with invaluable insights. Understanding the psychology of the opposition and collaborating effectively with external law firms have been instrumental in his role as an in-house counsel.
He observes significant evolution in Competition law, Insolvency & Bankruptcy, and Legal Metrology. He highlights the progressive amendments in Competition law and the futuristic Digital Competition Bill, alongside the ongoing challenges in Insolvency law and the stability in Metrology law.
For young legal professionals, Pankaj Kumar emphasizes the importance of early learning and skill enhancement. Writing articles, judgment analyses, and flawless drafting are crucial. “The knowledge and skills developed early on will support you throughout your career,” he advises.
Innovative Approaches in Legal Practice
Pankaj’s approach blends legal expertise with business acumen, fostering a partnership with stakeholders to achieve organizational goals. This methodology has cultivated trust and a healthy work atmosphere, proving highly effective in his role.
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