You assume that they want to compete with foreign law firms. You compete when you have the vision to do something bigger than your existence, not when your entire existence is contingent on rent-seeking behaviour, nepotism and syncopancy. I am very young in this profession but I can tell you one thing for sure; competency and merit are certainly not virtues in law. It is one profession in which incompetent people find it easier to surge ahead. Also, India generally is not a meritocratic country- The mediocre rule the roost everywhere. Exceptions exist, but those are just that pretty much- exceptions.

Why do law firms find it so hard to do anything good for the people working there? Other than the money being paid (which is not something anyone could be applauded for), there is hardly anything meaningful done for the employees. Firms make it very hard for normal people (especially without any support - either professional or personal) to survive. Stringent expectations from employees to make work their life and workplace their family are rubbish, demeaning and absolutely contrary to productivity. Case in point - a law firm planning to stop its 1 (ONE) day wfh policy and make it mandatory for employees to come 5 days a week. No lawyer should be at their partner’s mercy or (even worse) law firm’s mercy to be able to work from home just because they want to. If an individual wants to work 5 day from office as a matter of choice, they are more than welcome to. On the contrary, if an individual wishes to work 3 days from office, it should be their right to do so as an option without any guilt or shame. Policies being drafted by uneducated HRs and toxic partners to please their maaliks and make themselves relevant are truly unprofessional and backward. There is no forum where anyone could afford to raise a voice without any backlash, consequences or fear of consequences.

Indian law firms cannot compete with their foreign counterparts due to the sheer lack of trust on the employees and toxic positivity. Clearly not having a union for law firm lawyers does not help. Indian law firms are broken with no respect for their associates and with no positive REAL change being undertaken for the workforce.

Something small needs to change at all levels to make the work environment better. What are some meaningful real changes that you would like to see in your workplace (which are not just a hogwash) and how do we raise it?