ASR & Co.

The legal world is going through a profound transformation. Today, clients want more than just legal expertise; they seek partners who understand their business, anticipate challenges, and provide a complete set of legal solutions. Law firms, such as ASR & Co., are redefining legal services in this ecosystem.

Founded over two decades ago by Mr. Ravishankar Srinivasan, ASR & Co. is a firm, providing Legal & Company Secretarial services. It is driven by a vision to create a firm built on values, comprehensive client service, innovation, and giving back to the community. With a team of highly qualified lawyers, company secretaries, and chartered accountants, they provide a complete suite of services, including regulatory compliance, contract drafting, transaction advisory, and audit and assurance to their clients. This approach of providing a basket of service gives them an edge over other firms in the legal industry.

Mr. Ravishankar Srinivasan, has over 30 years of rich experience and is a fellow member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, and a Bachelor of Laws from Bangalore University and a member in the Indian Internal Auditors Association and Indian Management Association, these have equipped him to build a law firm that provided the best legal solutions recognized as a firm that goes beyond traditional legal services, and provides timely & accurate legal solutions to clients.

He is firmly joined by his partner, Mr. Sarvotham P., a seasoned legal professional with over a decade of experience, a fellow member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Commerce graduate, Associate member of Indian Management Association and Indian Internal Auditors Association.

Mr. Srinivasan’s leadership and Mr. Sarvotham’s strategic expertise have been influential in ASR & Co.’s success. They are also recognized as a Top 10 Transaction Advisory Firm, Peer reviewed by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. ASR & Co. has achieved tremendous success through sheer dedication and a genuine passion for helping businesses succeed.

In the following interview with “The 10 Leading Law Firms to Watch in 2024,” Mr. Srinivasan shares his journey, insights, and valuable lessons learned as a legal firm entrepreneur. Discover the secrets behind building a best-in-class legal services firm.

Prime Insights: Can you share the history and background of your law firm?

My partner and I envisioned a firm built on values, not just legal expertise. We wanted to prioritize excellent client service, embrace innovation, and give back to the community. So, over two decades ago, I established this firm. to provide comprehensive legal support for businesses in India. We comply with the professional principles, standards and regulations, codes of conduct, and all other requirements set out by the regulatory framework the ICSI, Bar Council Rules etc.

Prime Insights: What inspired the founding partners to establish this law firm?

Well, we shared a vision of a law firm that wasn’t just about legal expertise but one built with strong moral values. We wanted to build a place of work, where we could apply our skills with passion, provide exceptional client service, and make a positive impact on the community. This vision was the cornerstone of ASR & Co and its subsequent success.

Prime Insights: What were the initial challenges your law firm faced when starting?

Initially, we had to work that much harder to prove our skills as law firms and get clients, as legal work is complex, and we can succeed only with good work and a happy client. This happens only with word of mouth, and once we did some good work, there was no looking back. We take client engagements seriously and make regular role checks to avoid any conflict.

Prime Insights: How does your firm define and uphold trust within the legal market? What sets you apart from other firms?

We offer a basket of services like valuations, Legal structuring of transactions, Health checks for corporate on compliances, preliminary preparation of a client who is planning to go public, and other secretarial work coupled with legal work, We therefore have an edge over other firms as we offer a basket of services under one roof, as we have professionals from different back grounds.

Prime Insights: What are the primary legal services and solutions your firm offers clients?

At ASR & Co., we go beyond just legal work. We offer a comprehensive suite of services to support businesses in India, especially the startups. This includes navigating regulatory compliance, from registrations to approvals. Our team also drafts and executes commercial contracts to safeguard client interests. We handle corporate litigation and offer transaction advisory services, from corporate restructuring and mergers and acquisitions to employee stock options and due diligence & audits. We even assist with audits and financial closure and also Employee related work including advice on employment Laws and organisational re-structuring.

Prime Insights: In an era where legal credibility is paramount, how do you perceive the evolving trust of clients towards law firms?

There’s a shift in how clients view law firms. They expect more than just legal expertise; they want transparency, open communication, and a genuine understanding of their business goals. At ASR & Co., we address this by building strong relationships and aligning our services with their specific needs. It’s about earning trust, not just assuming. We act with integrity, honesty, independence, and in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the profession and in legal services

Prime Insights: How does your firm define a “client” and what principles guide your client relationships?

Building a strong relationship with our business clients earns their trust and re-engages them, which will save them time and money. Communication is key to building strong relationships, so we make it clear from the beginning that we will work with the client to develop value statements that align with their business goals. and that will evaluate progress. To build strong and lasting client relationships, they must be able to trust and rely on us as experts. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain a policy of openness when it comes to professional opinions and points of view regarding the best interests of the client. We avoid acting where there is a conflict, or significant risk of conflict, between our client and our own interests and it is our duty to act in the best interests of each client.

Prime Insights: How connected do you feel your clients are with your law firm’s brand and values?

Our clients feel a strong connection to our firm’s brand and values. All our clients know us by our name and brand. This is evident in our high client retention rate, with most of our initial clients continuing to work with us for decades. It’s a testament to the trust and relationships we’ve built over the years with our clients. We strive to maintain the level of competence and legal knowledge needed to practise effectively by engaging in continuing competence activities, planning and completing relevant learning activities, evaluating the learning, and applying the learning to improve the practice and better service to clients

Prime Insights: What is the future vision your firm has in store for its brand development?

Our vision for ASR & Co. is to increase our presence as a leading legal resource, build a strong team with diverse expertise, and become the go-to legal advisors for entrepreneurs. We are working to strengthen our position as one of the Legal Firms who offer the best in class service to industry leaders while guiding young, new-age entrepreneurs, professionals with the right knowledge they need to succeed.

Prime Insights: As a legal entrepreneur, what have been some of the most rewarding aspects and challenges?

Building ASR & Co. has been a rewarding journey in itself. We love to witness our clients grow and succeed. Seeing them achieve their goals, knowing we played a part, fills our hearts and is satisfying. Our biggest challenge is building trust in this competitive industry. It took years of dedication and meeting client needs to build the strong reputation we have today. We refrain from making unsolicited approaches to members of public and we take appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk when processing clients data.

Prime Insights: What advice would you give to aspiring lawyers or entrepreneurs looking to enter the legal services industry?

“Work hard and work smart, as there is no substitute for hard work.” Aspiring lawyers and entrepreneurs need a blend of dedication, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Understand the evolving legal landscape, build strong relationships, and always strive to deliver exceptional value.