Meet Vidhi Marwaha, a corporate and real estate lawyer with hands-on experience at leading law firms like Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, IndusLaw, and currently, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.
A graduate of Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad, Vidhi has carved a niche for herself in contract drafting, land due diligence, and regulatory compliance. From advising on complex transactions to working closely with startups and real estate clients, her journey reflects both depth and versatility.
In this conversation, she shares insights on corporate law, building skills, work culture, and what young lawyers should really focus on.
What inspired you to pursue corporate law? Was it something you discovered in law school or later?
I discovered my interest in corporate law during law school, but it truly came into focus during my early internships. I realised I was drawn to the structure, negotiation, and strategy involved in transactions. The way corporate law intersects with business decisions excited me. Over time, I found my niche in real estate and infrastructure projects, where law meets land, compliance, and impact.
What was your first big learning when you joined a Tier-1 firm like IndusLaw or SAM?
My biggest learning was that attention to detail isn’t just a skill. It’s a discipline. At firms like IndusLaw and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, you’re expected to be precise, reliable, and think three steps ahead. I also learnt that ownership over your work and clarity in communication go a long way in earning trust, even as a junior.
Many law students fear corporate law is too technical. Is it really that hard to learn on the job?
Not at all. Like any new language, the technicality of corporate law becomes easier with context and practice. The key is to break down documents, ask why each clause exists, and connect the legal with the commercial. Yes, there’s a learning curve, but if you’re curious and consistent, you’ll catch on faster than you think.
What’s a day like in a top law firm? Do you really work crazy hours every day?
Every day is different, depending on the deal cycle. There are intense days, especially when you’re racing toward a deadline, but there are also quieter days. It’s not about clocking 18 hours daily. It’s about being available and responsive when your team needs you. Over time, you learn how to manage time, communicate proactively, and protect your bandwidth.
How is working in-house different from working at a firm? Would you recommend it to freshers?
In-house roles focus more on business alignment, risk management, and day-to-day operations. While firms expose you to technical depth and diverse matters, in-house roles build your commercial thinking. For freshers, I usually recommend starting at a firm – the training is rigorous and lays a solid foundation. But if you know your industry well and have strong mentorship in-house, it can work too.
You’ve done a lot of contract drafting. Can you break down what that actually means for a beginner?
Contract drafting is about translating expectations into enforceable language. At its simplest, it’s writing out the “what, who, when, and what if” in a structured way. For beginners, start by reading contracts clause by clause and understand their purpose. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for balance, protecting your client without over-lawyering the deal.
What are 3 skills every law student should learn before graduating?
- Writing clear, structured emails and documents – You’ll spend more time writing than you think.
- Reading contracts and spotting risks – Even basic exposure builds confidence.
- Time management and follow-ups – Lawyering is 50% legal knowledge, 50% task management.
How can students build a strong CV if they haven’t interned at big firms?
Focus on depth over brand names. If you interned with a solo lawyer or NGO, explain what you did (drafting, research, court visits. Build a personal project) write an article, summarise a law, or create a compliance checklist. It shows initiative and curiosity, which firms value more than logos.
Any tips for writing better CVs or LinkedIn bios for law jobs?
Keep it clean, concise, and action-oriented. Start bullet points with strong verbs like “drafted,” “advised,” or “reviewed.” On LinkedIn, go beyond titles, talk about what problems you solve. Use your summary to show personality, not just your qualifications, but also what kind of lawyer you’re growing into.
One piece of advice you’d give your law school self?
Stop trying to have it all figured out. It’s okay to not know where you’re headed. Clarity comes with action, not overthinking. Ask questions, even the ones that feel silly, because most people are just pretending they know. What matters more is staying curious, being consistent, and not letting imposter syndrome slow you down. You’re allowed to grow at your own pace.