Piyasree Dasgupta profiles the corporate lawyer who tossed aside her job to become her own boss

Radhika Singh
As you wend your way to Nicco House amid the mundane buzz of the Dalhousie office para to meet an advocate, you probably conjure up the image of some austere women you remember from the court scenes of Bollywood potboilers. So, you’re probably not prepared for Radhika Singh. Effervescent, articulate and friendly, Singh breaks all the stereotypes you associate with stern lawyers. The 35-year-old Symbiosis Society’s Law College graduate deals mainly in real-estate law and runs a firm of legal practitioners — Radhika Singh and Company. Singh started practising law way back in 1998, and decided to go independent in 2006.

“It’s important to learn the tricks of the trade under a senior before you decide to go on your own,” says Singh. “The best thing about going independent is, of course, calling the shots. And then doing things you want to do,” laughs Singh. Another good part of her work as the head of her firm is also sharing her experiences with her juniors. “When I see them fumble and trip, I am reminded of my days as a rookie. And it’s great helping them back to their feet and sharing my experiences with them,” says Singh with a smile.

An avid literature fan, becoming a lawyer was not Singh’s first career option. “I did my graduation in English literature before I went on to study law,” recollects Singh. In fact, she used to be an integral part of her school debates, quizzes etc.

... contd.