Interviews “When we speak of white-collar crime and criminal law, I firmly believe that everyone deserves a chance to be represented vigorously and fairly”- Vaibhavi Sharma, Associate Partner, Prosoll Law

Can you share what inspired you to pursue a career in law, particularly focusing on criminal law and white-collar crime?

I would be honest to confess that law was not my first choice. Initially, I did not aspire to become a lawyer, considering the inherent expectations that come with being a second-generation lawyer. For all the years I was growing up, I had observed my Father from close quarters, putting his soul into the profession and it seemed overwhelming at that time. I also deeply admired all my teachers in school and realized the power of academics in shaping an individual’s life. Therefore, I was inclined towards being an educator and I started pursuing Bachelors in Commerce from Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, thinking that would be my path. The course got me deeper insights into the ecosystem of commerce, and some of the subjects including contracts, commercial law, and taxation piqued my interest. With this new-found interest, law as a subject started pulling me towards it and after a discussion at home, I finally took the plunge to pursue law. You can say it was a ‘what you seek is also seeking you’ moment for me!

During my tenure in law school, I developed a profound affinity for criminal law, a passion that led me to delve deeper into its various facets. The background in commerce had anyway sharpened my faculties in the field of economics and financial matters, which finally led to my focus gravitating towards white-collar crime. This was also the field where I could get the best mentor in my father who is renowned for his impeccable body of work in this area. I couldn’t have asked for more. So here I am, not where I thought I would be, but definitely where I am meant to be. Turns out, the unexpected detour into law was exactly what I needed.