Overview of the Event

The 2nd Edition of the Economic Times Global Legal Convention and Awards took place at the Four Seasons in Mumbai, bringing together leading legal professionals and policymakers. This prestigious event aimed to honor excellence and foresight in the legal sector over two days of enriching discussions and recognitions.

Keynote Address by Ashwani Bhatia

During the convention’s opening, Ashwani Bhatia, Whole Time Member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), delivered a compelling keynote address. He emphasized the essential role of quasi-judicial orders in maintaining investor trust within India’s capital markets, celebrating the notable statistic that 92% of SEBI’s decisions were upheld in appeals from the previous year.

Bhatia reflected on his extensive career in the banking sector, spanning 37 years, before transitioning to regulatory roles. He described his journey as rewarding, particularly in terms of investor protection, stating, “It’s been an interesting journey where protecting investors through quasi-judicial orders has become one of the most meaningful aspects of my work.”

Highlights of the Discussions

The first day of the convention featured various panel discussions covering significant themes impacting the legal framework and the future landscape in India:

• The anticipated developments in the Indian legal sector by 2030.
• A comprehensive examination of mergers and acquisitions amidst current economic uncertainties.
• Addressing cross-border white-collar crime and India’s legal strategies in response.
• Insights into how intelligent automation is transforming legal research, analysis, and drafting processes.
• Strategies for enhancing efficiency in commercial dispute resolution, incorporating artificial intelligence into legal operations, and aligning corporate ESG goals.

Interview with Ashish Shelar

The day concluded with “The BIG Interview” featuring Ashish Shelar, Minister for Information Technology of Maharashtra. Shelar discussed the government’s initiative to revise the IT Policy for 2025 to align with modern advancements and the planned AI Policy framework aimed at fostering innovation and supporting startups in their R&D endeavors.

Awards Ceremony Ahead

The event will culminate with the Global Legal Awards 2025 on the second day, set to honor outstanding contributions across multiple categories, from “Law Firm of the Year” to “Innovative Legal Technology Solutions.” These awards aim to celebrate the legal field’s exceptional performers and innovators.