From Emergency to Eminence: Rajiv Nayar on 46 Years in Indian Law | The Legacy Series

What happens when a journalist’s son, deeply affected by censorship during the Emergency, stumbles into law - only to become one of the country’s most respected legal voices?

In this unforgettable episode of The Daily Lawyer Legacy Series, Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar of the Delhi High Court reflects on:

His accidental entry into the legal profession after the Emergency

Representing marquee clients in landmark cases and navigating 100+ cross-jurisdictional corporate disputes

Observing the evolution of India’s legal system post-liberalisation

The art of reading a judge and mastering courtroom advocacy

His strong opposition to tribunalization and the transfer of judges

And why honesty, not hustle, is the real key to longevity in law

He also shares his early struggles from working out of a 10x10 office in Connaught Place to building a 46-year career arguing before India’s top benches and the personal philosophies that carried him through.

This episode is a masterclass in restraint, rigour, and the quiet power of building a legal career on integrity and insight - not just ambition.

Watch the full episode now on YouTube

Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & Amazon Music.

The Legacy Series is presented in collaboration with Solomon & Co., Advocates & Solicitors, one of India’s oldest law firms with over 115 years of heritage.

Together, we’re preserving the minds and milestones of India’s legal greats - for the generations to come.

Learn more about Solomon & Co:

Email: [email protected]

website: https://solomonco.in/

Hi 🙋🏻‍♀️

Through 'The Daily Lawyer' podcast, I aim to demystify not just the law, but the legal profession as well.

I'm excited to have more such guests on my podcast and inspire more people in the future.

Email me if you're interested to [email protected]

Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedailylaw...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Website: https://thedailylawyer.in/

Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Disclaimer: The content of this video is in the nature of personal views, and NOT legal advice. Kindly consult a lawyer, with the specifics of your issue to get appropriate legal advice.


Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the Art of Advocacy
00:46 - Rajiv Nayar's Entry into the Legal Profession
02:10 - Early Career and Pivotal Moments
06:31 - Memorable Cases: Union Oil Company of California
10:07 - Memorable Cases: Shaw Wallace Litigation (Chabria Brothers)
11:57 - Evolution of the Indian Legal Profession
14:24 - Access to Justice: A Critical View
15:02 - Against Tribunalization
15:51 - Improving the Justice System: Vacancies and Collegium
17:09 - Views on Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Judicial Transfers
18:23 - Strengths of the Delhi High Court: Listing and Computerization
20:00 - The Future of Lawyering: Digitization and AI
21:37 - Advice for Young Lawyers: Patience and Hard Work
22:59 - Law as a Profession: Not a Money-Making Machine
23:19 - Patterns of Success in Legal Professionals
24:45 - Cases Argued Differently and Judge-Centric Law
25:31 - Judicial Reform and Pendency
26:24 - Desired Legacy: Honesty and Detachment from Results
27:21 - 5-4-3-2-1 Segment: Productivity Tips
27:47 - 5-4-3-2-1 Segment: Recommended Books
28:35 - 5-4-3-2-1 Segment: Tips for Young Lawyers (Art of Advocacy, Hard Work, Integrity)
31:48 - 5-4-3-2-1 Segment: Two Life Lessons
32:59 - 5-4-3-2-1 Segment: Best Piece of Advice
33:30 - Parting Notes and Conclusion

#RajivNayar #IndianLegalSystem #SeniorAdvocate #TheDailyLawyer #LegacySeries #JudiciaryIndia #LegalCareers #CourtroomAdvocacy #AccessToJustice #SolomonAndCo #LitigationIndia #LegalHistory #EmergencyIndia #CollegiumSystem