Divi Dutta: Charting New Frontiers in Private Client Advocacy

In today’s fast-paced world, there is a great demand for skilled and dedicated law advocates who are passionate about their work. As our society evolves amidst various challenges, the role of these legal professionals has become increasingly important. These professionals do not only advocate for justice, but they also act as catalysts for positive change and are the champions of the rule of law.

Divi Dutta, an accomplished Partner at Khaitan & Co., has a proven track record in providing bespoke solutions to high-net-worth individuals. Her extensive experience in succession planning, trusts, wills, estates, family settlements, and private wealth management advisory makes her a valuable asset to any client seeking to protect and grow their assets.

Additionally, her expertise also extends to general corporate matters, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate advisory, where she has assisted foreign companies in successfully setting up their operations in India. With her keen eye for detail and thorough understanding of the legal landscape, she provides expert guidance on secretarial compliances required to be undertaken by corporates on a continuous retainership basis.

Mentors and Milestones

Divi Dutta’s career was shaped by a pivotal moment in 2006 when she joined M/s. Crawford Bayley & Co. under the guidance of Mr. Sanjay Asher. It was Mr. Asher who sparked her interest in the corporate legal industry and taught her the nuances of corporate law.

Later, under Mr Shardul Shroff’s tutelage, Divi helped developed the private client practice at M/s. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. She gained immense experience and recognition, including being featured in India Business Law Journal’s 2023-24 A-List and recognised by Legal 500 as a “Leading Individual” in the private client practice for 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Her foray in the field of private client further strengthened with move to Khaitan & Co. Khaitan & Co. has the largest private client practice in India among the Indian law firm and Divi is confident that her association with Khaitan & Co. will help her achieve even greater heights.

The Khaitan & Co Approach

Many people underestimate the importance of succession planning and creating a ‘Will’ once they acquire personal assets. However, this can lead to a difficult and lengthy process for their loved ones to transfer the assets in their name. With Divi’s extensive expertise in the

private client practice and customised solutions, they recognize the significance of succession planning and ensuring the security of one’s loved ones.

Divi’s vision and personal mission is to spread awareness about the private client practice including the importance of creating a ‘Will’ and planning for the future to avoid any unnecessary burden on our loved ones.

Forging a Legacy

Divi embarked on her legal journey in Mumbai in 2005 and subsequently relocated to Delhi NCR about 12 years ago. Her biggest challenge as she recalls has been establishing and gaining recognition in the private client practice, which was relatively unknown at the time. There were very few lawyers specialising in this field, but with the immense support and guidance of Mr Shardul Shroff, she practically set up the practice at M/s. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.

Despite the lack of precedents, she had to draft almost everything from scratch, but eventually, they became precedents and know-how of this practice.

Divi has created a name for herself in this emerging practice area and has since become a leading figure in this field, and her expertise is highly sought after by clients who value her knowledge and experience.

A Tradition of Excellence

Khaitan & Co. is one of the most renowned and experienced law firms in India, with offices across multiple jurisdictions. Besides having some of the most exceptional legal minds in the industry, what sets Khaitan & Co. apart is its exceptional leadership and culture.

Mr. Haigreve Khaitan, a celebrated industry leader, is a humble and approachable person who leads the firm like a family. The focus on teamwork and collaboration within the firm is incredible, and every lawyer is supportive and helpful towards one another. Divi’s experience at Khaitan & Co. has been remarkable, and she feels like a part of the family in a very short period.

Global Legal Shifts

The legal landscape is ever-changing, not just in India but globally, too, which can impact Indians residing abroad. Therefore, it is crucial to stay updated on recent developments and judgments that can affect one’s area of expertise and the legal profession overall.

Divi emphasises, “We as lawyers have dedicated knowledge management teams that keep track of all legal amendments and introduction of new laws and update the firm. We review the changes and make it a point to update our clients in general and also reach out to particular clients who might be affected by these updates with possible solutions.”

It is important for young lawyers to stay informed and updated about the latest legal developments. They can attend webinars organised by firms and other professional institutions, read blogs by various law firms, and go through articles/updates released by law firms on a regular basis. Khaitan & Co. also conducts guest lectures in various law schools, which can be helpful for young students who are interested in pursuing a career in law.

Enduring Connections with Clients

Divi is of the view that every family is different and their needs and wants cannot be compared to the dynamics of another family. There is a need for providing tailor made solutions to every client. While every transaction has been a learning experience and has been unique in its own way, Divi’s interest in private client practice was piqued in 2012 when she worked on her first family settlement transaction and has since then never looked back. The transaction was a fond memory for her, and the client even became a lifelong friend and supporter.

Legal Luminary

Divi has been widely recognised for her legal expertise and has received numerous accolades over the years. She has been:

1. Recognised and featured in India Business Law Journal’s 2023-24 A-List;

2. Recognised amongst Asia’s top 15 Private Wealth Lawyers by Asia Legal Business in January 2023;

3. Recognised as a ‘Leading Individual’ in the private client practice for the years 2024, 2023 and 2022 by Legal 500;

4. Recognised as ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in the private client practice in 2021 by Legal Era.

Her extensive knowledge and experience have made her a highly sought-after speaker, and she regularly conducts webinars and sessions for various forums. Her insights have also been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles, as well as other legal journals.

Empowering Other Women

Divi’s message for women aspiring to become lawyers is to never consider themselves inferior due to their gender. Women are great listeners and can often understand and connect better with clients than men. Success cannot be achieved without hard work and dedication, and there are no shortcuts. Women are excellent multi-taskers and can efficiently manage their homes and families while achieving success in the professional field.

“Never consider yourself not good enough for anything. Never be afraid to dream and to realise that dream. You CAN have it all,” she adds.

In a Pursuit of a Bright Future

Looking ahead, Divi is determined to continue her journey in the private clients practice and deliver exceptional results for her clients. Her vision is to elevate the private client practice to new heights and serve as a role model for her associates, offering them the same level of support and guidance that she received from her mentors.

Divi’s journey does not end here and in her own words “she has miles to go before she can sleep!”