In today’s time, organizations are starting to realize the value of securing business transactions through contracts. This is where Pune-based MinusDispute Legal Strategists have created a blue ocean in the market through watertight and futuristic contracts with no-litigation assurance, customized for each client’s specific requirements. Formerly known as Harshad Phansalkar & Associates, the law firm was re-branded as MinusDispute Legal Strategist in 2016. And, as the name suggests, it is a law firm dedicated to preventing disputes for businesses holistically. Unlike their contemporaries, they believe that a good lawyer should never see an opportunity when the client is in trouble. He/She should rather create opportunities for the client by ensuring that the client faces no trouble. In addition to being one of the few law firms in the world that assures no-litigation contracts, MinusDispute has also ventured into the domain of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It works with organizations in building AI-based customizable tools which help businesses and lawyers manage their contracts effectively.

In a recently held exclusive interaction between the WE Editorial team and Ananya Pani, Managing Partner at MinusDispute Legal Strategists, the passionate lawyer shared some detailed insights about the legal industry in India and her professional journey. She also delved us deeper into the niche approach taken by MinusDispute Legal Strategists.

Take Us Through Your Educational And Professional Journey. How Did The Journey Lead You Towards Being One Of The Leading Lawyers At Minusdispute Legal Strategists?

Well, I am a proud Odisha girl. I was educated in the topmost institutions in Bhubaneswar. After 12th, when I had to choose a career, I wanted to do something that would bring about a change. My tutor, Mr. Prasanta Dhal introduced me to the world of law. The more I explored it, the more I fell in love with it. I realized that as lawyers, we have something the law at our disposal to maintain balance and harmony. That’s when I knew I would be a lawyer and a real good one.

In 2011, I was selected into the reputed Symbiosis Law School; Pune. That’s where my journey in the field of Law began. During the first two years of Law School, I did internships in courts and other judiciary bodies, where I saw so many loopholes in implementing laws that justice is immensely delayed. And, we all know that justice delayed is justice denied.

That’s when I knew that if I want to help, as a lawyer, I must ensure that my clients never visit a courtroom. And, the way to do that was through contracts. During the next three years of Law School, I focused on perfecting my contract drafting skills through various internships, courses and programs. When I finally had my B.B.A, LL.B.degree, I was looking to work with an organization that shares the same vision as me. Through a professor, I met the Founder of MinusDispute Legal Strategists, Harshad Phansalkar – we instantly clicked. I became the first Trainee Associate at MinusDispute and just three years later, I became the Managing Partner with a team of 50 lawyers under me.

Tell Us About The Various Practice Areas That Minusdispute Specializes In. Also, Please Give Us A Glimpse Of Your Firm’s Clientele.

At MinusDispute, we have two verticals. The first is to draw up contracts and legal agreements in such a way that these contracts are not subject to lawsuits. These agreements are tailored to the individual characteristics of each customer. We are drafting property arrangements, employment contracts, joint-venture agreements, non-disclosure agreements, formal papers relating to company incorporation, shareholding agreements, service contracts, etc. Basically, you name the kind of business deal and with our contracts we will protect you. We have artificial intelligence in the law, the second vertical. Our law team supports the development of artificial intelligence training systems to help handle contractual data effectively and recognize different contractual provisions, risks and responsibilities.

Our customer base includes people, developers, new businesses and MNCs. We have customers from many markets worldwide. I enjoy boasting addresses, but I have to uphold customer confidentiality because of my ethical standards.

“I wanted to do something that would bring about a change. My tutor, mr. Prasanta dhal introduced me to the world of law. The more i explored it, the more i fell in love with it. I realized that as lawyers, we have something the law at our disposal to maintain balance and harmony. That’s when i knew i would be a lawyer and a real good one”

In Your Opinion, What Factors Set Minusdispute Apart From Its Contemporaries In The Industry?

Our value focused approach (which in the legal sector is very rare) to our customers and our non-contract insurance in all of our contracts is what makes MinusDispute a class special.

We do comprehensive client research, pain-point research, all applicable laws and any potential areas of contention before we draft a contract. We then provide our clients with legal plans and contracts for their security.

The integration of AI with law is another thing that we do differently. We think AI can help attorneys in resolving cases, errors of judgement and contractual records. It is the future of the law. Being the legal brain behind these AI tools is what makes MinusDispute unique. Working with organizations that build AI tools and being the legal brains that help build these tools is indeed a factor that makes Minus Dispute unique.

How Has Your Professional Growth Journey Been So Far? What Are The Different Facets Of Your Personality/ Leadership Style That Have Helped The Company Propel Further In Its Growth Journey?

I joined as a Trainee Associate when the Firm was called Harshad Phansalkar & Associates. During my first 6 months there, I was already handling clients single-handedly and acquiring clients for the Firm. Soon, I was confirmed as a Junior Associate and within three years, I became the Managing Partner.

The Founder of the Firm and my mentor, Mr. Harshad Phansalkar has a huge role in making me the leader I am today. His trust in me and his ability to identify and enhance my skills has helped me grow. We have always had a common vision of preventing disputes for our clients. So, together we re-branded the Firm to Minus Dispute Legal Strategists.

My professional growth is also because of my ever-supporting parents, Mr. Prasant Pani and Mrs. Jagnyaseni Pani, and my life partner, Dr. Debadutta Behera. They are my backbone, my inspiration and my guiding light.

MinusDispute is constantly on the move as any lawyer in the team makes a significant contribution to the company's growth and to the future of law. We work together every day to improve ourselves. Indeed, a fruitful year of work from home has been completed recently. My management has only been effective because it reflects the team's work, persistence and pro-activity. What takes MinusDispute ahead even during a global crisis is, “the trust of our clients in us; and the trust we have in our team.”

Please Give Us An Insight Into The Current State Of The Legal Advisory Industry In India.

The Legal industry in India stands divided on two sides of a seesaw today. On one side, there are legal Advisors who try to adhere to legal ethics and balance what is right for their clients as well as the society—the ones who consciously try to conduct their rightful duties as Lawyers. Unfortunately, on the other side, there are some legal advisors who take advantage of the system for their selfish interests and do not strive towards resolution of disputes.

What Is The Roadmap Ahead For Your Professional Journey And Company? Are You Looking To Focus On Any Specific Areas Or Niche Capabilities In The Days To Come?

In India, the general notion is that lawyers are troublemakers, and people pray that they never cross paths with a lawyer. The roadmap ahead for us is that we, at MinusDispute, want to change this perception of lawyers from troublemakers to troubleshooters and become the trusted legal partner for businesses across the globe. Our aim is to create a dispute free environment for our clients through our contracts and dispute resolution mechanisms.

What we do at MinusDispute is already so niche and unique, that we hope to reach more businesses and ensure a legally sound sleep for them so that they can focus on growth & expansion.

Ananya Pani, Managing Partner, Minusdispute Legal Strategists

Leads a team of 50lawyers in a technology driven law firm that aims to prevent disputes for businesses with the help of secure contracts and legal strategy building techniques.