Q&A with Mani Gupta
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Q&A
Q&A with Mani Gupta
Mani Gupta is a partner with Sarthak Advocates and Solicitors in New Delhi, India and heads the firm’s litigation practice. She also heads the firm’s insolvency litigation practice. She advises several clients on their corporate/commercial disputes before various courts, tribunals, and in arbitrations. Gupta has been extensively involved in advising clients in financial distress in managing their litigation, and in advising on the Corporate Debt Restructuring and Strategic Debt Restructuring process of the Reserve Bank of India. Mani also has an expertise in handling commercial arbitrations in construction contracts, and power and infrastructure projects. She also manages the firm’s practice in the education sector and in policy intervention. Gupta is an alumna of the National Law School of India University, Bangalore.
Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
A: This is my first job. Culturally, in India, we don’t pursue a job as teen-agers or young adults and then decide our chosen career paths.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
A: I wanted to be financially independent for various reasons, and I thought that a legal career would be both meaningful and financially rewarding.
Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
A: I would say one of my chief/early mentors was Mr. H.S. Chandhoke. He entrusted a complex transaction to me at a nascent stage in my career that not only helped me to learn the intricacies of various laws, but also interact closely with an important client and see the deal through. That trust and stewardship boosted my self-confidence and morale, which I think are assets worth having in this profession.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: Don’t try to change others/situations, change only yourself or your attitude.
Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
A: I’d like to learn to swim and overcome my fear of water.
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: Being appointed as an arbitrator by the Delhi International Arbitration Centre.
Q: What other career path might you have chosen?
A: I might have become a psychologist/life-coach.
Q: What is your most treasured material possession?
A: My current house and two original works of art by Thota Vaikuntam. Please see attached pictures.
Mani Gupta
Q: What is your happiest childhood memory?
A: The first time my brother and I were allowed to go watch a movie by ourselves in the theatre. The movie was “Titanic.”
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: “To Kill a Mockingbird “– both movie and book. But, a favorite book is “A Suitable Boy” by Vikram Seth.
Q: What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
A: Pyramids at Giza, Egypt and the Valley of Kings, Egypt.
Q: What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
A: Reading non-law, fiction books, hosting people at my place.
Q: What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: “I helped a man climb a mountain and found that I too had reached the top.” -Unknown
Q: Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
A: (Late) Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jay Gatsby, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Q: What are the top three items on your bucket list?
A: Pursue an LL.M. Live in another country for a few years. Visit Machu Picchu.
