Crafting Success in the IT Procurement Universe
Kapil Singh
Vice President(Legal),
ISGEC
Corporate law is a very wide and challenging field. Survival and success need sagas of dedication, expertise, and success, and hence, only a few stories stand out vividly. Kapil Singh, the Vice President of Legal at ISGEC, is one such luminary. His journey through the complex legal landscape is a tale of unwavering dedication, astute expertise, and a string of remarkable successes.
Kapil’s legal journey began in 1982 with LL.B. degree from KGK College, Moradabad. This marked the start of a remarkable four-decade career. Early on, he showed a thirst for knowledge and commitment to excellence, complemented by a diploma in tax law from the Indian Law Institute in New Delhi. He has participated in uncounted workshops/seminars organised by various institutions/faculties. In 2009, Kapil took on the role of General ManagerLegal at ISGEC Group of Industries, overseeing their diverse operations, from sugar mills to power plants. His dedication remained unwavering and presently he is in the role of Vice President-Corporate Legal even after his official retirement in October 2020, a testament to ISGEC’s trust in his legal expertise.
Before ISGEC, Kapil made significant contributions to the corporate legal departments of renowned corporate houses. From 2004 to 2009, he played a pivotal role at Ballarpur Industries Ltd., part of the Avantha Group, known for its diverse interests. Earlier, at Apollo Tyres Ltd., over 16 years, he rose from a law officer to manager-legal, where he honed his skills in contract creation, vetting, and litigation management. Kapil’s expertise extends globally; he engages in international law and arbitration and negotiates with lawyers and corporations worldwide, from Singapore to the US.
As a lifelong member of the Delhi Management Association, Kapil promotes knowledge sharing and professional growth. His reputation as a trustworthy, diligent, and results-driven legal professional stems from his commitment to minimising risks, ensuring legal compliance, and offering practical solutions.
TradeFlock interviewed Kapil to understand more about his journey, success mantra, and strategies.Â
How do you balance compliance with industry-specific regulations in heavy engineering with supporting ISGEC's objectives?
Navigating complex regulatory requirements in heavy engineering is indeed challenging. To ensure compliance while supporting ISGEC’s objectives, I adopt a vigilant approach. During legal documentation, I proactively assess and address the array of regulatory obligations linked to our project locations those are spread over worldwide. This involves considering technological, commercial, financial, and legal risks. My focus is to keep ISGEC fully compliant with the applicable laws, and I provide timely advice to our management on compliance matters and associated considerations, contributing to our status as a law-abiding company.
What are the key legal challenges and emerging trends that companies should proactively tackle in the near future, from your perspective?
In the evolving business landscape, companies face a growing array of challenges, particularly in the realms of finance, technology, intellectual property rights (IPRs), and compliance with everchanging regulations aimed at enhancing competitiveness and aligning with global standards. Maintaining a deep understanding of these legal dynamics poses a perpetual challenge for professionals.
Without a comprehensive grasp of evolving laws and associated risks, one may struggle to anticipate potential liabilities or formulate effective risk mitigation strategies. Therefore, continuous and thorough study and updates are imperative. Insufficient knowledge in this context can expose businesses not only to financial perils but also to legal complexities. The legal field, akin to an expansive ocean, demands perpetual vigilance and education to remain proficient. Through my methodical and consistent studies, I am equipped to meet the demands of my current role at ISGEC by staying well-informed and prepared.Â
As a VP of Corp. Legal in your current position, what are your main responsibilities and duties?
My role revolves around safeguarding the company’s interests in legal matters, including project contracts. I assess legal risks, draft and review contracts, and provide guidance on legislative changes. My focus also extends to enforcing the company’s legal rights and protecting them in litigation, contributing to our successful track record.
What advice do you have for young legal professionals aspiring to attain leadership roles in the field?
The legal profession demands rigorous study and interpretation, not only of laws but also of the underlying facts and circumstances necessary for crafting essential legal documents, forming legal arguments, identifying legal risks, and ultimately ensuring effective mitigation of both legal and commercial liabilities. There are no shortcuts in this pursuit.
I consistently advocate for and mentor my colleagues and emerging legal professionals to maintain a keen and comprehensive perspective when dealing with every facet of legal documents, legal proceedings, and strategic approaches. It is an undeniable truth that focused diligence and the pragmatic execution of responsibilities are the cornerstones of achieving successful outcomes in the legal field.Â
Does technology have the potential to advance the legal sector, considering its comparatively lower integration compared to other industries?
Undoubtedly, technology has witnessed remarkable growth and development across various sectors, greatly simplifying and enhancing human life. Technology, in its essence, involves the process of achieving complex tasks in a more efficient and predictable manner. In the realm of the legal profession, technology has indeed assumed a pivotal role. It has facilitated easier access to information, global legal knowledge, real-time legal events, interactive platforms, and the compilation of extensive legal studies. However, it is important to acknowledge that there is still substantial untapped potential for technology to further transform the legal sector.
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