{"id":277241,"date":"2025-06-06T13:39:56","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T13:39:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/som2nypost.com\/uncategorized\/that-habit-of-consciously-engaging-with-the-law-not-just-reacting-to-it-helps-me-filter-noise-from-relevance-arrpita-k-bhatt-senior-legal-counsel-at-jiostar-and-founder-of-basic-law-understand\/"},"modified":"2025-06-06T13:39:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T13:39:56","slug":"that-habit-of-consciously-engaging-with-the-law-not-just-reacting-to-it-helps-me-filter-noise-from-relevance-arrpita-k-bhatt-senior-legal-counsel-at-jiostar-and-founder-of-basic-law-understand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/som2nypost.com\/?p=277241","title":{"rendered":"“That habit of consciously engaging with the law, not just reacting to it, helps me filter noise from relevance.” – Arrpita K Bhatt, Senior Legal Counsel at JioStar and Founder of Basic Law Understanding (BLU). – SuperLawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"


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This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0The SuperLawyer Team<\/a><\/p>\n

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Coming from a commerce background, what inspired you to pursue a career in law? In what ways has your academic foundation in commerce complemented your legal journey, particularly in corporate or commercial legal matters?<\/strong><\/p>\n

While I began my journey in commerce, my deeper purpose was always rooted in empowerment\u2014especially through education. I saw law as a transformative tool, not just to resolve disputes but to elevate people\u2019s understanding of their own rights. That vision pushed me to transition into the legal field.\ufeff<\/p>\n

During my B.Com, I worked as an Internal Stock Auditor and Stock Researcher. That experience grounded me in the practical workings of the corporate world\u2014from compliance intricacies to financial accountability. It didn\u2019t just teach me numbers; it taught me how businesses breathe. So when I entered law, especially corporate and commercial law, I wasn\u2019t looking at statutes in isolation\u2014I understood the business realities behind them. This dual perspective has helped me serve clients with both strategic insight and legal precision.\ufeff
At every step, law has enabled me to blend purpose with profession\u2014using my legal acumen to educate, empower, and break barriers, whether it\u2019s through my professional practice or through initiatives like BLU.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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How was your experience pursuing an LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights and Information Technology? What drew you to this specialization over others, and how has it shaped your perspective on law and innovation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ufeffGrowing up as a millennial, I witnessed the Internet evolve from dial-up modems to streaming platforms, memes, and digital marketplaces. That transformation fascinated me. I was always curious about how technology shaped communication, expression, and even identity. At the same time, I was a budding writer\u2014scribbling short stories, blogging, and researching how books get published. That\u2019s when I stumbled upon the concept of Intellectual Property. It felt like unlocking a new superpower\u2014realizing that ideas, like inventions or writings, had legal lives of their own.\ufeff
Back when I was in law school, IP wasn\u2019t yet the buzzword it is today. But I could see its future relevance\u2014how creativity and innovation would increasingly become the currency of our generation. That foresight, combined with my natural curiosity for tech and content, made IPR and IT Law a very intuitive choice for my LL.M.\ufeff
Pursuing this specialization gave me a profound appreciation of the balance between innovation and regulation. It shaped my ability to not only advise creators and tech companies but also advocate for ethical, accessible, and inclusive innovation. Today, whether I\u2019m working on a deal, mentoring students through BLU, or speaking on digital rights, my perspective is shaped by that early blend of passion, foresight, and learning.\ufeff<\/p>\n

In the early phase of your career, you were drawn to academics. What were some of the key experiences during that time that deepened your understanding of law and the subjects you taught? What eventually motivated your transition from academia to law firm practice?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve always had the heart of an academician. Even while pursuing my Master\u2019s, I found myself teaching, mentoring, and constantly questioning the \u201cwhy\u201d behind every legal principle. That dual role\u2014as both a student and a lecturer\u2014helped me look at law from both sides of the lens: as a learner and a guide.\ufeff<\/p>\n

Among all the subjects I engaged with, Contract Law left a lasting imprint. It\u2019s one of those timeless areas of law\u2014centuries old yet constantly evolving. No matter how advanced technology becomes or how industries pivot, contracts remain the language through which businesses and individuals build trust. Teaching contracts made me realize how theory and practice often diverge, and that\u2019s when the spark was lit\u2014I wanted to experience how these doctrines come alive in boardrooms, negotiations, and deal-making.
That desire to move beyond the black-letter law and engage with the real-world intricacies of business is what eventually drew me to law firm practice. I wanted to see how contracts function under pressure, in dynamic sectors, across jurisdictions\u2014and how I, as a lawyer, could bring both legal integrity and commercial sensibility to the table.
Even today, that academic lens hasn\u2019t left me. Whether through social work or mentorship, I continue to teach\u2014but now with the added richness of my experience and applied insight.<\/p>\n

Transitioning to an in-house counsel role marks a significant shift in a legal career. You\u2019ve worked with some of the biggest names in the media and entertainment sector. How have these roles differed from one another, and could you share one of the most challenging cases you encountered along the way?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ufeffHaving worked both at a law firm and as in-house counsel, I\u2019ve come to realize that the shift isn\u2019t so much about a change in career\u2014it\u2019s a shift in perspective. In a firm, you operate as a specialist\u2014often brought in to solve a specific legal problem. But as an in-house counsel, you\u2019re a strategic partner. The role demands that you understand the pulse of the business, anticipate risks before they arise, and offer solutions that don\u2019t just check the legal box, but help the business move forward with confidence.\ufeff
What\u2019s unique about the media and entertainment sector is that it may appear as one unified industry, but it\u2019s actually a convergence of many touchpoints\u2014IP, contracts, advertising laws, digital platforms, privacy, broadcasting compliance, and more. Each company I\u2019ve worked with has had its own rhythm\u2014some with a strong content-first approach, others more tech-driven or distribution-led. Understanding the nuance of each business model has been essential, because legal advice isn\u2019t one-size-fits-all; it needs to be context-aware and commercially sound.\ufeff
As an in-house lawyer, I see my role as that of an enabler\u2014ensuring the legal function supports innovation, protects creative vision, and helps the business build sustainable value while staying compliant. That blend of law and business strategy is what makes this role both challenging and deeply fulfilling.\ufeff<\/p>\n

As in-house counsel, how do you navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape especially with regard to content licensing, intellectual property, and digital media regulation in a fast-paced, highly regulated industry?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ufeffLaw, by its very nature, is in a constant state of evolution. Even as we speak, it\u2019s shifting\u2014adapting to new technologies, redefining old principles, and responding to societal and business needs. As a legal professional, evolving alongside it isn\u2019t optional\u2014it\u2019s essential.\ufeff
In an industry like media and digital content, where disruption is the norm, my approach has been to be informed. I don\u2019t believe in simply forwarding the latest update or echoing headlines. For me, it\u2019s about pausing, reading deeply and asking\u2014what does this mean for our business?\ufeff
That habit of consciously engaging with the law, not just reacting to it, helps me filter noise from relevance. It ensures that when I advise on licensing structures, IP risks, or platform regulations, the counsel is not only current but also considered. The joy is in doing the work, not just knowing the jargon.\ufeff<\/p>\n

Ultimately, being an in-house counsel is about bridging change with clarity\u2014guiding your team through uncertainty, while staying rooted in both principle and practicality.\ufeff
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Your expertise spans IPR, media, and technology laws, with a focused interest in data privacy. In your view, what steps can India take to strengthen its data protection regime and bring it closer in alignment with global frameworks such as the GDPR?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ufeff<\/strong>India\u2019s journey toward a comprehensive data protection framework is both necessary and timely. As the world\u2019s largest democracy with a rapidly digitizing population, our approach must be inclusive, scalable, and rooted in our constitutional values.\ufeff
Frameworks like the GDPR have certainly set global benchmarks, and there is much we can be inspired by\u2014particularly in areas like user consent, accountability, and transparency. But our legal and societal landscape is distinct, and that calls for a framework that is uniquely Indian in its design and delivery.\ufeff
One key difference lies in the scope of government exemptions. Our law, in its current form, allows certain leeways for the State in matters of data processing. While this reflects the need for governance flexibility, it also places a greater onus on transparent implementation and robust oversight. As citizens, we must remain aware of our rights and engage in the legal process, so the law can evolve to reflect the democratic ideals it\u2019s built upon.\ufeff
Ultimately, the goal isn\u2019t to replicate GDPR\u2014it\u2019s to build a framework that works for India, encourages digital trust, and empowers every citizen in this data-driven age. And I believe we are well on our way to achieving that.\ufeff<\/p>\n

As an author and a mentor deeply engaged with the next generation of legal minds, what gaps do you observe in contemporary legal education? How does your initiative, Basic Law Understanding(BLU), aim to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical legal application?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We often say that the next generation is tech-driven\u2014and that\u2019s a wonderful strength. But in a world shaped by AI and automation, we need to ensure that not just GenAI is well-trained, but also that Gen Next of professionals are trained to think independently, apply critical reasoning beyond just algorithms.\ufeff<\/p>\n

BLU is not just a knowledge exchange\u2014it\u2019s a purpose-driven initiative to empower. It is designed for the masses\u2014to bridge the gap not only between classroom and courtroom, but between citizens and their rights. Whether it\u2019s a student understanding broadcasting rights or a citizen decoding consumer rights. The aim is to be \u2018Aware\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Having actively contributed to grassroots activism, corporate legal affairs, academic publishing, and mentoring while also leading social initiatives, how do you maintain a balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being?<\/p>\n

For me, the idea isn\u2019t to chase balance\u2014it\u2019s to create blend. I don\u2019t see my life as separate compartments of \u201cwork,\u201d \u201cpassion,\u201d and \u201cpersonal time.\u201d Instead, I try to design my day\u2014and my purpose\u2014in a way that all these facets flow into one another. But at the core of it all is one intention: to use law as a tool to empower.\ufeff<\/p>\n

This blend helps me stay connected to what I do and why I do it. I\u2019ve learned that personal well-being doesn\u2019t come from disconnecting from work\u2014it comes from doing work that is aligned with your values, surrounded by people who believe in impact over optics.
Of course, I have my \u201cDND\u201d moments too\u2014where I switch off, read something that has nothing to do with the law, or spend time with the people who keep me grounded. But I don\u2019t put pressure on myself to perform a balance like a checklist. Instead, I remind myself: if what you do fuels you, then you\u2019re already living in alignment.
Whether it\u2019s Gen Z finding their calling or seasoned professionals reinventing their role, I believe the future of law lies where empathy, and empowerment coexist naturally.<\/p>\n

What advice would you give to aspiring lawyers at the beginning of their careers? Are there any key habits, mindsets, or resources that you found particularly helpful in shaping your own path in law?<\/strong><\/p>\n

My biggest advice? It\u2019s that idiom\ufeff<\/p>\n

\u201cJack of all trades, master of none, but better than being stuck mastering just one.\u201d\ufeff<\/p>\n

Law is a vast and layered field, and the more you expose yourself to its different shades\u2014be it contracts, litigation, dispute resolution \u2014the clearer your own voice and direction will become.\ufeff<\/p>\n

In the early years, don\u2019t rush to define your niche. Explore, assist, volunteer, write, question. \u201cThe legal profession isn\u2019t a linear path\u2014it\u2019s more like a mosaic. Each experience, even the smallest one, adds depth to your understanding.\u201d It\u2019s okay to not have all the answers at the start\u2014curiosity will take you further than certainty ever can.\ufeff<\/p>\n

What helped me most was following what intrigued me. \ufeff<\/p>\n

And finally, stay rooted in empathy and purpose. Read beyond the law, fuel your hobbies. Listen to voices outside your echo chamber. Do something that connects you to yourself the most. \ufeff<\/p>\n

Your journey is your own, so don\u2019t fear the unconventional. Walk it with awareness, and you\u2019ll find not just success, but meaning.<\/p>\n

*All views and responses mentioned here are personal.*<\/p>\n

Get in touch with Arrpita K Bhatt \u2013 <\/p>\n

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