Interview Transcript: Manuj Bhardwaj, administrative secretary, National Association of Indian Legal Professionals
The Indian National Association of Legal Professionals (INALP) is a dynamic organisation that has been instrumental in connecting Indian legal professionals to the global stage. With a strong focus on institutional arbitration, INALP recognises the importance of sophisticated laws, international exposure, and world-class expertise in the evolution of arbitration in India.
INALP's dedication to upskilling in rapidly evolving domains is evident through its committees on data privacy, AI, and cyber law. These committees are addressing the need for continuous learning and adaptation in these fast-paced fields.
To foster global engagement, INALP regularly hosts roundtables and expert-led discussions for Indian legal professionals. These events provide opportunities for Indian professionals to engage with thought leaders shaping global regulatory trends.
Each training programme offered by INALP includes an international component, helping participants understand cross-border intersections of modern legal work. These programmes are typically free for members and offered at a nominal cost for non-members.
INALP's international initiatives have seen significant success, particularly in empowering women in law. The Women in Law Initiative, for instance, promotes young legal professionals internationally, with notable figures like Pooja Tiwari, Co-Convenor of this initiative, playing significant roles in fostering India-Europe legal ties.
Beyond women-focused leadership initiatives, INALP's involvement in international legal conclaves and awards indicates a commitment to building professional networks and knowledge exchange across borders. The organisation serves as a platform for legal professionals in India to gain recognition and collaborate internationally.
INALP has also been a strong proponent of making India an international arbitration hub. In response to the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, INALP has held stakeholder consultations, roundtables, and capacity-building programmes to equip legal professionals to navigate the upcoming changes.
The organisation's commitment to continuous legal education and peer-to-peer learning is evident in its response to the rapid pace of technological change. INALP drives cross-border engagement through structured collaborations and outreach hubs.
Manuj Bhardwaj, executive secretary of INALP, actively involves himself in mentoring young lawyers and law students through INALP's platform. With 10 international divisions spanning key jurisdictions, INALP has delivered over 60 training programmes across various practice areas, including technology law, data protection, international trade and investment, ESG, IP, international arbitration, taxation, aviation, media, and human rights.
INALP's committees collaborate with global experts, academics, and practitioners to develop policy papers, research initiatives, and position documents. This collaboration helps INALP stay at the forefront of legal developments, ensuring its programmes and initiatives remain relevant and effective.
In summary, INALP's international initiatives and successes mainly involve empowering Indian legal professionals, particularly women, through global networking, leadership recognition, and collaboration with international legal councils. The organisation's commitment to continuous learning, cross-border engagement, and the development of a modern arbitration framework positions it as a key player in integrating Indian legal services into the global market.
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- The Indian National Association of Legal Professionals (INALP) has demonstrated a commitment to dispute resolution in the context of rapidly evolving domains such as data privacy, AI, and cyber law.
- INALP's international initiatives extend to the realm of policy-and-legislation, as evidenced by its active participation in stakeholder consultations regarding the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
- Law firms and businesses seek collaboration with INALP due to its focus on finance, business, and general-news law, as well as its role in fostering a conducive environment for arbitration in India.
- INALP's dedication to continuous learning and cross-border engagement encompasses areas like technology law, data protection, and international trade, ensuring its members are equipped with world-class expertise in these fields.
