Advocate Pragya Parijat is a first-generation lawyer, legal entrepreneur, and academic whose journey from the classrooms of Cambridge to founding her own firm, Pranutan Legal. With a decade in litigation, experience as a law professor, and a commitment to empowering women and first-generation professionals, she brings a rare blend of courtroom advocacy, academic insight, and visionary leadership to India’s evolving legal landscape.
- To begin with, could you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I come from a family with no prior background in law, so becoming a first-generation lawyer was both a challenging and deeply rewarding journey. My academic interests and passion for justice drew me to the legal field. Early exposure to issues of fairness and equity inspired me to use legal education as a tool to create impact. Pursuing an LL.M. at Cambridge gave me a global perspective, and my experiences as a law professor and entrepreneur have continued to fuel my commitment to mentorship and advocacy,especially for women and first-generation professionals in law.
2. You hold an LL.M. in International Law from the University of Cambridge — an institution known for its academic excellence. Could you share what that experience was like, and what advice you would give to Indian students aspiring to pursue postgraduate legal studies abroad?
I was honoured to receive an offer to join the prestigious LL.M program at the University of Cambridge in 2019. The experience was truly humbling. The academic environment pushed me to new heights, both because of the world-renowned faculty and the incredible diversity in my cohort—175 students representing over 70 jurisdictions. Engaging with such a global community offered invaluable perspectives and fostered lifelong connections.
For Indian students considering a postgraduate course abroad, my key advice is to carefully reflect on your intent, financial readiness, and the specific field you wish to pursue. Always apply for scholarships, regardless of your background, they provide not only financial support but also a sense of security and independence when living in another country. Personally, I have always prioritized the course content over the institution, but this is a matter of individual preference. Most importantly, conduct thorough research before committing your finances to such a significant investment in your education.
3. Being a first-generation lawyer often comes with unique challenges. What obstacles did you encounter when you started your practice, and how did you navigate them?
Being a first-generation lawyer and a woman at that is a double whammy! Though New Delhi is not my hometown, earning my law degree from CLC, Faculty of law, Delhi University proved invaluable, as I was familiar with both seniors and juniors there. I had no formal mentorship under a senior advocate, no chamber practice to rely on, no influential connections, and barely any panel or retainer at the outset. Initially, I had very few files, but since this profession thrives on word of mouth, opportunities gradually began to come my way and things started falling into place.
As a sole private practitioner, I take great pride in the fact that building my practice was a slow and steady process never discouraging or uncomfortable. I never doubted my skills, dedication, or merit. With a leap of faith, I plunged into this field and never looked back. I firmly believe that merit will always prevail over privilege. After a decade in litigation, I am certain that this is my true calling and the path I am meant to pursue.
4. In addition to your practice, you’ve made notable contributions to legal academia. How has your experience as a law professor shaped your perspective on the legal profession, and what role did Jindal Global Law School play in shaping your journey?
It is a rare privilege to experience the best of both worlds : the courtroom and the classroom. I had the opportunity to serve as an Assistant Professor of Legal Practices at O.P. Jindal Global Law School, where I taught a broad array of subjects including the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), Administrative Law, and Environmental Law.
Jindal Global Law School, with its outstanding position in the QS World University Rankings, delivers legal education that meets truly international standards. It was a rewarding experience to contribute to an institution that stands at the forefront of global legal academia.Although I eventually returned to full-time litigation — a pursuit that has always been my true professional calling .I have continued to remain associated with Jindal Law School as an Adjunct Professor. It has been a one-of-a-kind journey — balancing the intellectual rigour of academia with the dynamic challenges of legal practice.”
5. If you were to mentor aspiring advocates in India, what key lessons would you impart about courtroom advocacy and building a resilient legal practice?
First, be extremely patient and persistent. Trust me, this is a demanding field that tests your resolve daily.Couple of take-aways : Stay mindful, alert, and consistent in reading. Make it a habit to study the law every day and be thorough with every brief you handle. Always be respectful to the court, but don’t shy away from being assertive when the moment calls for it. Balance humility with confidence.Be regular in court as it builds discipline, credibility, and familiarity with the system. Most importantly, uphold the highest ethical standards. The profession has long carried a reputation for dishonesty; it is the responsibility of the next generation to change that perception through integrity and virtue.
6. You founded your own law firm — Pranutan Legal — in 2021. What were some of the key challenges you faced as a first-generation woman entrepreneur in law, and how did you overcome them?
Justice Ruth Badger Ginsberg said “I ask no favour for my sex. All I ask of my brethren is that they take their feet off our necks”.
Pranutan Legal was more than just a professional ambition—it was a promise I made to myself when I entered the legal field. As a first-generation lawyer, establishing a woman-led law firm came with its share of challenges, but it was a decision made with clear intent and careful preparation.I didn’t take the leap blindly. Before launching the firm, I did my homework. I ensured I had enough savings to sustain operations for at least three months covering office rentals and the modest salary of one junior associate I could afford at the time. It was a calculated risk, but one I was willing to take for a dream I deeply believed in. I won’t say the journey has been easy—it’s been nothing short of a roller coaster. But with each twist and turn, Pranutan Legal has grown stronger. From modest beginnings, we now handle substantial filings not only in Delhi but across various courts and tribunals throughout India. This firm is like a plant I water every day with commitment, consistency, and care. There are undoubtedly tough days, but the progress has been encouraging. I carry immense gratitude for divine grace and for the incredible team that works tirelessly, day in and day out, to keep us grounded and moving forward.We’re still growing, still learning, but the foundation is strong and the purpose even stronger.
7. Balancing roles as a legal educator, entrepreneur, and practitioner requires determination and discipline. What advice would you offer to young lawyers who are trying to establish themselves while pursuing a larger vision?
Gandhi’s Talisman has often served as my moral compass. As advocates society’s social doctors, we must remember that every action we take directly impacts the rights and lives of the marginalized. I am committed to remaining virtuous and ethical, ensuring my efforts as a lawyer are always guided by constitutional morality and compassion towards the downtrodden. Debunk the myth of lawyers being called as “liars”.
8. How do you see the evolving role of women in litigation and legal leadership in India today, and what systemic changes would you like to see?
Work-life balance & safety, perception bias, patriarchal networks have infested litigation since times immemorial. While designating seniors, gender auditing has never been taken into consideration leading to abysmally low percentage of woman in litigation or that in judiciary. Thankfully, the number of female representatives at SCBA and SCAORA have profoundly increased over years and hence as a elected representative at the SC bar, we are no more to give scroll of honours or present bouquet to dignitaries. We decide, we command and we execute. Creche facilities, secure transports, elaborate gender sensitive court infrastructure have impacted the decision making power of early-career woman advocates. While substantial changes have taken place in the past but still a lot remains impending. Watching significant number of woman getting designated as seniors every year to 2/11 female ASG’s at Supreme Court,we are yet to see a female as a Solicitor General of India or president of SCBA or SCAORA in 75 years of Supreme Courts history.
Yet, I am hopeful that time will change for good ahead.
9. Your practice spans both international and domestic legal systems. How do you balance the two, and what value does international legal training add to your work in India?
I approach every case with a cross-jurisdictional perspective. Balancing domestic and international practice is about harmonizing the deep-rooted nuances of Indian law with the global standards and precedents I’ve acquired through my Cambridge education and registration as a foreign lawyer in England and Wales. I stay anchored in Indian legal realities remaining up-to-date on evolving statutes and judicial trends while drawing on international methodologies, especially in areas like arbitration, cross-border transactions, and comparative constitutional law. This enables me to provide pragmatic, holistic solutions that are locally enforceable yet globally informed.
10. Legal entrepreneurship is still emerging in India. What does it mean to be a legal entrepreneur, and what gaps in the legal services ecosystem is Pranutan Legal trying to bridge?
Being a legal entrepreneur is to dig water from the well daily. We have no pre-existing files or a legacy to carry forward but this also gives us a chance to be innovative, think out-of-the-box and operate in a creative manner while catching up with tech in law. Pranutan Legal focuses on following:
- Gender diversity: We are proud to shatter the glass ceiling with a majority-women workforce, establishing an inclusive environment where every voice contributes to legal strategy and client service.
- Pro bono to high-end international work: We handle matters ranging from community pro bono initiatives to complex cases for major international clients, making quality legal advice accessible across demographics.
- Boutique, client-centered approach: As a boutique law firm, we tailor strategies for each client, combining the agility of a small practice with the expertise of an international team.Under one roof we deal with matters pertaining to civil,criminal,white collared crimes,constitutional matters etc.
By focusing on innovation, inclusivity, and full-service litigation, Pranutan Legal is helping bridge the gap between the traditional workings of Indian legal practice and the demands of a modern, globally connected, and socially conscious society. This approach not only sets us apart but also helps redefine what legal entrepreneurship means in India today.
11. What are the most important values that guide your work whether in court, classroom, or as a firm founder?
Being true and honest with myself in every task that I partake and with a clear conscience, the path may or may not be tumultuous, may or may not lead to attainment but it is meaningful and keeps my heart at the right place. I prefer simplifications over complexities as in as much in my hand.
12. Can you share a moment in your journey whether as a litigator or academic that was especially defining or transformative for you?
Each victory in the courtroom brings me a profound sense of euphoria, but there are certain moments that stand out as especially transformative. Successfully obtaining a stay order to prevent the demolition of slums, securing compensation for acid attack survivors, and advancing arguments for greater gender neutrality in sensitive cases such as marital rape have all been deeply meaningful. These experiences underscore why litigation sets my soul on fire—every day is a fresh opportunity to learn and to make a real difference.