Divya Hazra: The global Corporate Lawyer advocating for Indian MNCs in China. As the global economy increasingly intertwines, the need for experienced international lawyers is more critical than ever. Divya Hazra, an international corporate lawyer, has made a name for herself representing Indian multinational corporations (MNCs) in China. In an exclusive interview with The Western Connect magazine, Divya shared her experiences as a cross-border attorney and discussed her motivation for becoming an entrepreneur.
As the global economy increasingly intertwines, the need for experienced international lawyers is more critical than ever. Divya Hazra, an international corporate lawyer, has made a name for herself representing Indian multinational corporations (MNCs) in China. In an exclusive interview with The Western Connect magazine, Divya shared her experiences as a cross-border attorney and discussed her motivation for becoming an entrepreneur.
What motivated you to establish Esplora Consulting Law Firm? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the firm and some of its most unique features.
My primary focus in India and the United States was mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the private equity sector. When I relocated to China, I realized that being a successful lawyer requires more than just writing briefs. It also entails networking and developing your clientele to rise to the top of your field. I decided to take the leap and give myself the responsibility of running my practice. For this purpose, a Kazakh lawyer friend and I established Esplora Consulting Law Firm. My experiences dealing with the laws of many jurisdictions have undoubtedly been formative. I credit that experience with giving me the self-assurance and visibility to pursue my current line of work.
What are some of the most pressing challenges you encounter as a corporate lawyer? How do you successfully mitigate these challenges?
Because China is a civil law country, the language barrier and the varied perspectives of its citizens are particularly challenging. Individuals adhere to whatever is stated in the legislation and do not look outside the box. One of the difficulties in doing business in China was learning how the Chinese legal system and market functioned independently. But I’ve overcome them by practising law in China and gaining ground knowledge by working on various projects and transactions.
How do you foresee the global corporate law landscape evolving shortly? Which industry trends will be the most impactful going forward?
I see a shift in the legal sector with the advent of AI and several other software that is helping to lighten the load of practising attorneys. Although I agree that this is the way of the future, lawyers will always be necessary due to their unique insight into their clients’ situations. Incorporating that knowledge into the deeds we prepare for our clients or how we handle their other legal matters is invaluable. I see a clear trend toward including technological advancements in the future as valuable tools for lawyers. Data privacy and technology, such as regulations about information technology, are other areas that will grow in importance as our more digitalized world continues to transform every aspect of society.
As businesses expand globally, the need for experienced cross-border attorneys such as Divya Hazra will only increase. With her expertise in representing Indian MNCs in China and entrepreneurial spirit, she is well-positioned to navigate the complex legal landscape of the global economy.