BW Legal World focuses on law firms built to outlast individuals

BW Legal World today released its latest issue on the philosophy behind building legal institutions that endure, as India's legal profession moves from a period of rapid expansion into one defined by governance, strategic depth, and institutional maturity.

At the centre of this edition is an exclusive cover conversation with Dr. Shardul S. Shroff, Executive Chairman of Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. (SAM & Co.), one of India's foremost full-service law firms. In 2015, Dr. Shroff found himself at the helm of what he describes as "a startup with a century-old legacy" — 300 people, four offices, no Mumbai presence, and everything to prove. Eleven years later, the firm stands at nearly 1,000 lawyers, with a presence across India's major commercial centres and a reputation as one of the country's most prominent law firms. The cover story traces the principles, pivots, and philosophy behind that journey. "Institutions are not built on processes alone," Dr. Shroff reflects. "They require a culture of genuine collaboration."

What distinguishes this moment in India's legal landscape is not scale alone, but a fundamental shift in how the profession thinks about itself. A growing cohort of law firms and in-house legal departments are making deliberate investments in governance frameworks, specialisation, technology infrastructure, and leadership development — not because immediate returns are guaranteed, but because sustainable institutions demand it. The General Counsel is no longer a compliance officer. The law firm is no longer a personality-driven practice. Both sides have witnessed the transition.

The issue tackles one of the most crucial questions facing India's legal profession today: can law keep up with the machine? Top legal leaders suggest AI as a strategic enabler and not a substitute for legal judgment. On the regulatory front, the issue provides detailed analysis of the DPDP Rules 2025, alongside coverage of GST 2.0, the Budget 2026 and new tax regime, the Labour Codes rollout, treaty taxation through the lens of the Tiger Global ruling, and the evolving landscape of IP enforcement and brand protection.

"A decade is not merely the passage of time, it is a measure of vision, resilience, and the ability to build institutions that endure. The strength of the legal profession lies not just in its institutions, but in its people. From legacy reflections to emerging leadership, from global corridors to domestic transformation, this issue captures a profession that is both introspective and forward-looking. The question before us is clear: how will the next phase of reform shape the speed, credibility, and purpose of India's legal system?" said Dr. Annurag Batra, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld Group.

The recent issue of BW Legal World is now available in both digital and print formats. Read BW Legal World's latest digital edition at www.bwlegalworld.com for more insights and the full stories.