Becoming a lawyer has been a childhood dream – NLSIU alum and Senior Advocate Akshay Bhan

Akshay Bhan, a graduate of the National Law School of India University, Bangalore (Class of ’98) has recently been designated Senior Advocate by the Punjab & Haryana High Court. Practicing in the Punjab & Haryana High Court for the last 16 years, Bhan is the first NLSIU graduate to be designated a Senior Advocate..In this interview with Bar & Bench, Bhan shares his childhood dreams, what it means to come from a family of lawyers and his thoughts on the legal profession..Bar & Bench: Were you always interested in the legal profession?.Akshay Bhan: Yes, I was always interested in the legal profession. It was a dream ever since childhood..B&B: You have become a senior within 16 years of your practice, which is a very short span of time. Thoughts?.Akshay: It is a humbling experience for sure..B&B: You come from a family of lawyers. Your father Justice Ashok Bhan was the former Judge of Supreme Court. How was it growing up in family of lawyers and how did it help you in shaping your career?.Akshay: Yes, I do come from a family of lawyers. My late grandfather, Babu Brish Bhan was a freedom fighter and a lawyer by education. My father practiced in this very High Court before he was elevated as a judge. Both these factors have motivated and guided me in my career..B&B: How were the initial years? Any turning point in your career?.Akshay: I joined the office of [Justice] Anil Mittal and started my practice with him. He was the one who moulded everything for me. Subsequent to his elevation in 2004, his entire practice came to me, which was a huge step for me and a turning point in my career..B&B: It is noticed that very few law school graduates join litigation. What do you think is the reason for this?.Akshay: I feel one of the factors could be that solicitor firms was a new arena of work which has opened up in the last decade or so. There is always the lure of trying something new, as there should be. Moreover, it is not easy for a young lawyer to establish oneself independently, both in terms of work and finance..B&B: How do you choose your juniors?.Akshay: As regards selection of juniors, I have been simply quite lucky. They have all played a significant role in helping me reach where I have..B&B: What advice would you give to those starting out in the profession?.Akshay: Believe in yourself, have faith in the profession and most importantly enjoy what you do!.B&B: Interests other than law?.Akshay: I still do enjoy music and a good read.