Dipa Dutta

Transforming Legal Complexities into Business Strengths

Dipa Dutta

Head of Department of Legal Matters

UTI Infrastructure Technology And Service

Leadership within legal teams has transformed, evolving beyond traditional roles to meet the demands of modern business. Today’s legal leaders, like Dipa Dutta, Head of Legal Matters at UTIITSL, are not just legal experts or business partners—they’re visionaries shaping the future. Starting her career at the prestigious Sandersons & Morgans in 1999, Dipa quickly earned recognition for her ability to handle diverse and high-stakes cases, often arguing against some of India’s most renowned legal minds. Her early years sharpened her courtroom skills and laid the foundation for her transition into corporate law, where she led legal strategies at Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd for over 14 years. Her work there encompassed dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, and pioneering legal frameworks for some of the bank’s most critical cases. In her current role at UTIITSL, Dipa has brought a transformative vision to legal leadership. Her ability to master new domains like IT law while ensuring impeccable compliance and risk management highlights her unparalleled commitment to organisational goals. Whether presenting matters before the board and DIPAM or steering cross-functional teams to navigate legal complexities, Dipa’s strategic foresight and expertise have been critical to UTIITSL’s success. In an exclusive conversation with TradeFlock, Dipa shares her remarkable journey and vision for the future.

What inspired your move to corporate law, and what achievements shaped your path?

Early in my career at Sandersons & Morgans, I sharpened my skills as an arguing counsel, handling 20-25 cases daily and facing stalwarts like Mr. Bimal Chatterjee, late Mr. Pratap Chatterjee and now-Justice Soumen Sen, Arijit Banerjee, Debangsu Basak. These experiences taught me the nuances of law that no textbook could. As a first-generation litigation lawyer, I learned a few new phrases, voice modulation and court craft, which were additional useful keys in presenting cases successfully.

ARGUING AGAINST THE BEST TAUGHT ME THE LAW; CORPORATE TAUGHT ME ACCOUNTABILITY.

What inspired my shift to the corporate world was the realisation that legal expertise alone isn’t enough—gaining a sense of ownership, aligning departmental goals with organisational goals, decision-making power, strategic thinking and instructing Advocates, the ability to communicate precisely, and managing and revamping the spirit of internal and external legal teams are critical. At Kotak Mahindra Bank, I had to transform myself from a hardcore lawyer to a litigant. Organisational training helped to shape this transformation. There, I got exposure nationwide and had the opportunity to brief senior counsels of the Supreme Court, such as L. Nageshwara Rao, who later became a judge of the Supreme Court. Corporate litigation turned challenges into opportunities, shaping me into a more wellrounded legal professional. As the head of the legal department at UTIITSL, I had the opportunity to present before the Board and the secretary to DIPAM, Ministry of Finance. Chairing a few Internal Committees formed by HR gave new dimensions to my professional journey.

Can you share details about some of the significant matters or transactions you've handled?

The saying is, “A good lawyer knows the law, but a great one knows how to think on their feet.” One of my biggest moments was facing Mr. Bimal Chatterjee in court—a senior lawyer at the Calcutta High Court. With little time to prepare, I crafted a sharp, concise argument that earned not just success but praise from the judge. Later, at Kotak Mahindra Bank, a judge who knew me as a litigator admired my growth as a corporate legal officer in open Court. These moments of recognition remind me that ownership, imbibed with challenges and decisions, completes my journey as a lawyer and perhaps truly defines overall success in law.

Leadership in law is not just about knowing the rules; it's about shaping them to build a better future.

At UTIITSL, we evicted an ex-employee for overstaying in the official accommodation for 15 years with the intervention of the Bombay High Court under the PPE ACT. Recently, we obtained a John Doe Order from the Bombay High Court against fake websites for infringing the IPR and Cyber security of UTIITSL and thereby making wrongful gain against UTIITSL.

What do you do to maintain a work-life balance in a demanding career?

“A goal without a plan is just a wish,” and I’ve taken this to heart. Balancing a demanding career is all about staying intentional. I prioritise my tasks every day to stay focused and clear-headed. As a legal head, the workload is significant, but my secret weapon is maintaining my to-do List in advance in my diary—it’s been my trusted guide and keeping myself calm and contended, help me to stay organised and aligned with my goals since day one.