Interview with Harteji Bhartesh | Expert in Legal Tech and Contract Lifecycle Management

Harteji Bhartesh is a lawyer with 9 years of experience specializing in Contract Lifecycle Management, Document Review, and Real Estate Leases. An accomplished professional in legal technology, Harteji holds an integrated law degree and a Diploma in Drafting, Negotiation, and Enforcement of Contracts from NALSAR University of Law.

Harteji Bhartesh: My life has been a roller coaster ride since the last year of my law. I was diagnosed with the last stage of cancer and I started my career after 3 years of completing my graduation. I had cancer in year 2013 and I started working in year 2017. During this time I made sure to get my health back and recover from chemotherapies. I also got interviewed at a few places in 2016 but they rejected me saying that it will not be easy for a cancer survivor in the legal field. However, since 2017 I got my first break and then there has been no looking back. I am fitter than most of the people of my age.

Legal Bites: How do you navigate ethical dilemmas in the legal field, ensuring that your personal morals align with professional responsibilities and the sometimes conflicting demands of the legal system?

Harteji Bhartesh: I have always maintained transparency in my career. I believe it has its own pros and cons. At times being blunt and truthful might burn your hands but in the long run, if someone is sticking to the right morals and ethical practice, apparently it pays off in all possible ways.

Whenever I have conflicts in the team or in my career, I make it a point to stand up for the right cause even if it may have adverse effects initially. I believe as a lawyer we all know from day one what is right and wrong. It's just a matter of time and Acceptance.

Legal Bites: How did you manage the challenges of choosing the corporate sector over your family practice while prioritizing work-life balance?"

Harteji Bhartesh: I am a second-generation lawyer. However, I didn't join my father and I chose the corporate sector to work. Initially choosing the corporate sector seemed to me a tough choice as I had to live away from my parents. But now over a while, I have learnt to manage my work-life balance. Family remains my first priority and my work revolves around my priorities rather than the other way around.

Legal Bites: What core values are key to advancing in any career?

Harteji Bhartesh: Speaking the truth. Standing up for my rights. Being ethical. These are some core components of my life which have been taught to me by my parents and I live by them.

Legal Bites: What qualities make a successful lawyer, in terms of legal expertise and personal attributes?

Harteji Bhartesh: The ability to put themselves in other's shoes. As a lawyer, we need to understand in and out of the matter. The first priority is to see that our client feels comfortable sharing their problems and concerns with us.

Legal Bites: If you could change one aspect of the legal system to make it more just or effective, what would it be, and why?

Harteji Bhartesh: The delay. I think there are many fast-track courts which hear cases on priority at times but I still believe a few cases should always be categorised into fast-track so that plaintiff gets the justice as soon as possible.

Legal Bites: How do you find common ground with clients who have differing values or perspectives, especially when their interests may conflict with your own beliefs?

Harteji Bhartesh: For me, my clients are the priority. When they come to me, I hear them without any judgment towards them. If I think that their belief conflicts with me I try to explain the situation and let them understand that the approach needs to be different and one has to come to a common decision to move ahead.

Legal Bites: To what extent do you believe platforms such as Legal Bites are beneficial for students and contribute to their learning and development?

Harteji Bhartesh: I think platforms like Legal Bites are great add-ons to the legal fraternity. It helps people connect with like-minded people and brings information in a way that is easily accessible to people at large.

Legal Bites: Would you recommend platforms like Legal Bites to both law students and professionals, considering the valuable services they offer?

Harteji Bhartesh: Surely. I think one should give it a try once and then make a decision. This is helpful to aspiring lawyers and professionals.