Soulful Conversations with Bithika Anand: Hiroo Advani, Senior Partner at Bharucha & Partners

This episode of Soulful Conversations with Bithika Anand features Hiroo Avani, Senior Partner at Barucha & Partners.

A distinguished leader in the field of arbitration and commercial disputes, with over 50 years of experience, Advani has successfully represented clients in multi-million dollar domestic and international arbitrations, both ad hoc and institutional, including proceedings governed by SIAC, LCIA and ICC rules. He also serves as an arbitrator and is a member of the Court of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. His expertise spans construction, infrastructure, energy, financial services and FMCG sectors. From complex EPC and metro rail disputes to offshore oilfield services, solar power projects and high value joint venture conflicts, he has consistently secured significant awards for leading corporates and public sector undertakings.

Reflecting on his journey, Hiroo recalls that one of the defining moments in his career came unexpectedly. What began as a small practice soon expanded through opportunities with international clients, opening doors to work across Europe, Australia and South America. Those early experiences not only shaped his career but also gave him a global outlook that continues to influence him today.

When speaking about his childhood, Hiroo describes it as happy and comfortable, growing up in Mumbai in a close-knit family. His father, a distinguished lawyer and educationist, left a particularly deep impression on him. While Hiroo eventually forged his own path in international arbitration, the values of hard work, discipline and commitment to excellence remained constant influences throughout his life.

What drew him most strongly to arbitration was the opportunity to engage with people, cultures and ideas from around the world. The international nature of the practice appealed to both his professional ambitions and his natural curiosity. Along the way, he learned valuable lessons not only from lawyers but also from business leaders and clients whose dedication and work ethic inspired him.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hiroo speaks passionately about the importance of maintaining good health. A former junior national swimming champion, he continues to swim regularly and remains committed to fitness through daily walks and exercise. For him, physical wellbeing has been an essential companion to a long and demanding career.

A lifelong reader, Hiroo also shares a fond memory of an unexpected friendship with author Jeffrey Archer, whom he met by chance in London. What started as a casual conversation developed into a lasting friendship, reminding him of the unexpected connections life can bring.

When asked what advice he would offer young lawyers, Hiroo emphasises the importance of looking beyond one's immediate surroundings. He encourages them to travel, engage with different cultures and learn from people across the world. Exposure to diverse perspectives, he believes, broadens not only professional horizons but personal growth as well.

Above all, Hiroo's reflections reveal a life shaped by curiosity, perseverance and a willingness to embrace opportunity. Whether speaking about law, travel, fitness or lifelong learning, he returns to a simple belief: success comes from remaining engaged with the world, working hard and never stopping the pursuit of growth.

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The Soulful Conversations series looks into lawyers' lives beyond the law - their experiences, personal journeys, values and beliefs that have made them true achievers.

The series is presently in its second season. The last episode featured Nish Shetty, Partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice at Clifford Chance, Singapore.

The episodes before that Dr. Manoj Kumar, Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Law & Justice and Tejal Patil, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Wipro Limited.

The seventh episode featured Vineet Vij, Global General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer of Tech Mahindra and its group companies.

The sixth episode featured Rajendra Misra, Executive Vice President & General Counsel of the Indian Hotels Company Limited, South Asia’s largest Hospitality group

The fifth episode featured Mayur Vasani, Head of Legal – India and affiliates, Indonesia, and the Philippines at Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health Division).

The fourth episode of the second season featured Dr. Akhil Prasad, the Country Counsel-India and Company Secretary with Boeing India.

The third episode featured Group GC at HDFC Bank, Sudhir Kumar Jha.

The second episode featured Deepak Acharya, Chief Legal Officer of Aditya Birla Group, while the first episode of the second season featured Dr Sanjeev Gemawat, Managing Director and Group General Counsel at Essar Group. The third episode featured Dr. Vivek Mittal, the Executive Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Hindustan Unilever Limited.