Dispute resolution law firm Unum Law is slated to be officially launched on Saturday, September 16..The firm is spearheaded by Partners Anushka Shah, Disha Sharma and Sidhant Kumar Marwah..Speaking on what prompted him to leave his chamber practice of four years and set up a firm, Marwah explained,"I think it was the only logical next step for me from a scaling and growth perspective...So, I thought of joining forces with my peers or other experienced specialists...This set-up enables us to benefit from each other’s expertise and as a result, enhances our ability to conduct representations in large and complex matters.That is why I came up with the name Unum, which is taken from the Latin phrase on the Great Seal of the United States of America - E Pluribus Unum - from many to one. It is symbolic of independent professionals united in the spirit of enterprise and excellence.".Shah pointed out that for her, the move was crucial to building a specialised practice."According to me, like its global counterparts, it is time for India to be able to boast of a specialist international arbitration practice - which I am keen to build. Building such a specialised practice requires freedom, and investment in imparting the right skill set to one’s resources. As part of Unum Law, I have the freedom to build a specialised arbitration practice that is modeled on, and at par with the practices followed by foreign law firms,” she said..Disha spoke of how Unum Law is intended to be a space to explore entrepreneurial aspirations, which may not be available in established law firms. "Unum is a collaboration between peers and creates a space for independent professionals to pursue their potential whilst creating an institution. This coming together is a valuable platform for us to express our entrepreneurial aspirations and is entirely distinguishable from the experience of working at an established law firm.".The partners also commented on how the firm is being built to be both a specialised dispute resolution firm, while also leaving room to expand into other related practice areas."We do see ourselves expanding to other practice areas that are direct offshoots of each of our subject-matter expertise. This is especially true of our IP, technology law and energy regulatory practices. In these areas, our subject-matter expertise adds value to the client in the disputes, transactional and compliance fronts. The overarching objective is and will remain an intense focus on subject-matter expertise whilst providing comprehensive solutions to clients. It is this focus that we believe, will set us apart from existing full-service models in the market,” Marwah said..The partners revealed that they want to put in place a work environment based on mutual respect and admiration, rather than obedience rooted in a hierarchy.“The idea is to find the right balance and adopt practices that are sustainable in today’s day and age - this includes providing our colleagues with freedom to manage their own time. We believe that this will go a long way in developing one’s sense of responsibility and ownership towards the needs of our clients while managing their own routine,” Sharma said..Unum Law is also slated to host a panel discussion on the topic Non-Signatories in Arbitration in India: Jurisprudence in Chaos? to mark its launch on Saturday, September 16.The panelists for the session would include Senior Advocate and Barrister at Fountain Court Gaurav Pachnanda; Joint President (Legal) of Adani Enterprises Jatin Jalundhwala; Partner and Head of Arbitration, Asia at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher Paul Tan; and Partner and Practice Head for Asia and the Middle East at Osborne Partners Montek Mayal and Sidhant Marwah.The session will be moderated by Anushka Shah.
