Cyril Shroff, Managing Partner, Amarchand

What was your first-ever job? (prior to becoming a lawyer)

I have been here forever!! I have never worked anywhere other than at Amarchand Mangaldas – Mumbai - and only as a “always will be a lawyer”. This has been my only job.

Where did you study? In India in Bombay as it was called then.

I did my schooling from Bombay Scottish and then onto an under grad degree in Economics and Commerce at Sydenham College and did my law from Government Law College, Mumbai. Qualified in 1982 and became a Solicitor in 1983.

Where did you train?

In the University of Deals!! I joined AMSS as a young intern and then an articled clerk with my father and worked upto where I am today.

Have you lived or worked outside your home jurisdiction?What did you learn from it?

I have always lived, worked and learnt in my home jurisdiction in India.

However as an M&A lawyer from India I have worked with Companies & lawyers from several jurisdictions from all over the world. I have learnt a lot in my interaction with various cultures. A tired cliché but very true – You learn nearly every day if your mind is open to it!! I travel nearly 15 to 20 days every month!

When did you become Partner?

1984.

What deal/case in your career stands out the most and why?

Over these 30 years I have been fortunate to work on many deals and cases involving complex issues, and the cases that stand out are always those that have involved promoter families and the issues that go on in their minds in an M&A/ restructuring, sale. Some of my fondest memories are of my early days as a young litigator. Today those cases are quoted often. I was fortunate to see corporate law jurisprudence developing in my country.

What have been your recent deals?

The recent deal that I did, a takeover of a major financial services company and the complexities surrounding not only the regulatory aspects but the human aspects, give me a lot of food for thought and a new perspective.

What is the biggest challenge facing your market at the moment?

I think the biggest challenge in my market I would say, is the regulatory uncertainty. It becomes difficult for advisers like myself to predict the outcome of a deal.

What has been the most significant development in your sector in recent years? (this can be legal/technical)

Changes in tax law and the new merger control regime.

If you hadn’t been a lawyer, what would you have been?

Teacher – Painter – Poet.

Which country do you travel to most frequently and which country do you like the best?

I have travelled widely on work and pleasure to USA, UK, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, Paris, Japan, Mexico, etc. I love India and would not want to be anywhere else. Its spirituality, mysticism and never say die attitude, keep it forever energized and a place to be in! London is my all time favourate after Mumbai.

What is your favourite book?

Over the years it has changed – from Grimm’s fairy tales to Elephants Can Dance to the Bhagwad Gita. I am not very fond of fiction – though I prefer to watch the movie!!!

What is your favourite restaurant?

InIndiaWasabi. Elsewhere - Quilon in London.