FAQ's

About us, our work philosophy, our team, and a lot more...

 

1. Tell us about yourself, your law firm, and what else we need to know, now that we are here.

My name is Nithianandan Balagopalan, and I am the Founder of this Law Firm (I am also the designer and developer of this website). I started this Law Firm in the year 2008 in Navi Mumbai, after completing my Law Degree from Mumbai University, and I have been at the helm ever since.

 

2. What field of law do you specialize in?

None, and all. Law is a specialized field unto itself. Please allow me, I would like to take this opportunity to share my outlook with regards to Law, and the practice of Law (and this is a long answer, so feel free to skip over to the next question). Law, unlike popular notions, is not a staid and rigorous profession. It is lively, it is exciting, and it is full of possibilities and allows the pursuit of creativity and expression- particularly for the devout practitioner. In fact, it is not a profession at all. Like music, like painting, like writing, it is a ‘calling’. It is either that or indeed whatever popular notion portrays it to be. Be that as it may, when it comes to specialization in a particular field of law or the so-called chosen area of practice within the profession, it is something else altogether. It stands diametrically opposite to music, painting, and other forms of art. Here, Law bears a striking resemblance to the sciences- particularly computer-related sciences. For instance, a seasoned violinist who has ingrained her skills at the altar of music may not be able to render the same tune on a flute. The flute will only answer to the commands of one who has dedicated her life to that particular instrument- although both may be beneficiaries of the mercy of the music gods. In Law, as in Computer Science, a tight grasp of the ‘language of fundamentals’ allows the practitioner to adopt, and adapt to its multifarious branches. A great programmer is one who speaks and understands the very basic language of software programming, for instance, C and C++. Anyone that is proficient in C and C++ will find herself at ease with SAP, Siebel, Oracle, Python, or one of the other numerous platforms for software coding. Much the same way, anyone that has paid close attention to certain fundamental aspects of Law while studying it will take to any aspect or field of law as a fish takes to water. To the one who carries within him the essence of concepts like ‘Rule of Law’, principles of natural justice, the doctrine of separation of powers, federalism, the concept of ultra vires, and the ‘doctrine of shadows’ to name a few and to the one who understands the ‘ratio’ behind the sections of the IPC, Cr. PC or the articles of our Constitution, any field of law is fair game.

 

3. It is great to read about your philosophy, but I have a question- Can you guarantee or promise success in my matter?

NO.

 

4. Why Not?

Because I should not, I cannot, and I will not.

 

5. Oh, in that case, can you agree to an arrangement whereby I pay you your Professional Fees ONLY after my case is successful? Or maybe you keep a percentage of whatever I stand to gain?

NO.

 

6. Why Not?

Because I should not, I cannot, and I will not.

 

7. So what do I pay you for, why should I pay you, when you cannot even guarantee success, and would not even agree to be paid after the case?

You pay for my efforts, not for results. It is as simple as that. Just like it is when you go to a Doctor or a Hospital. Just like you pay school fees, regardless of the exam results! I am a professional, not a businessman or a trader.

 

8. Do you have 'special' connections or contacts that can help me win my case?

NO.

 

9. Do you have any, or enough, or a lot of experience in my particular matter/situation?

Please scroll up and read question no. 2, and my answer thereof.

 

10. Where is your office located?

Presently, I have an office in Mumbai, Kochi, and New Delhi. This situation changes when Advocates who have joined me either leave or are terminated by me. When that happens it becomes difficult to sustain an office.

 

11. So are you a big firm since you have presence in so many cities?

No. We are a very small team.

 

12. How can you help me with my matters in Mumbai, or Delhi, or someplace else?

I can. Leave it to me. Of course, you will have to pay for my travel, boarding, and lodging.

 

13. How can I take your word for it?

Don't.

 

14. It looks like you don't want to be practicing law, you make it so difficult to work with you?

Yes, that is correct. Most of the time I don't want to practice law, I prefer teaching instead (You can watch my Law Lectures on my YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/beyourownlawyer). You will be very pleased to know that the Law Channel is 100% Free. And again yes, it is very difficult to work with me.

 

15. Can you give me past references for successful cases and/or clients?

Maybe. It depends on your case and the matter you want me to deal with. It is more than likely that my existing or past clients will not want to waive their attorney-client privilege and/or need for privacy just for me to be able to get a new client. I will myself not like it.

 

16. What if I want to work with you, what are the things I need to know or should know?

Lots. And you will find all the information pertaining to 'lots' right on this website. Yet, let me summarize:

 

a. I do not work for free, and the only exception is if the prospective client is very poor (which you are not, considering you are on this website and have read thus far),

 

b. Not only do I not work for free, but I will also do nothing for you for free,

 

c. I will bill you for everything- my time (even if it is a minute), my advice (whether or not you take it, whether or not you like it, whether or not you benefit from it),

 

d. I will bill you higher if you call me at night or on weekends or on holidays,

 

e. And I will bill multiple times for my time and advise if you engage me over the phone or in person multiple times and ask me the same questions over and over again,

 

f. I will give you updates ONLY when there are new or relevant updates to be given,

 

g. I will stop representing you or working for you if you are rude, abusive, aggressive, or generally bad with me or my team, or my associates, or with anyone from the Court or Authority with whom you have engaged me.

 

h. I will stop working with you if you do not ensure that monies have been arranged to meet the number of expenses that will invariably need to be incurred in your case or matter. In other words, do not expect me to spend money from my pocket towards expenses to be incurred in your case or matter.

 

i. I will stop working with you if you lie to me, or have lied to me, and if you have manipulated me or try to manipulate me.

 

17. I still want to work with you, what next?

I will still advise you to read through our Letter of Engagement, and Annexure A, which talks about our Professional Fees.

 

18. Can I get a copy of your Letter of Engagement?

Yes. But right after your Initial Consultation, which will help both of us determine if we are suitable for each other or not.

 

19. When and How Can I schedule my Initial Consultation? Is it free?

Let me answer the second part of the question first. It is not free. You will be charged Rs.7500/ per hour or its equivalent in any currency. You will get an Invoice. You will need to pay in advance.

 

20. Why do you charge for Initial Consultation?

Please scroll up to Question No. 16, and please read point a, b, c, d and e.

 

21. Anything else I need to know to schedule an Initial Consultation?

Yes, You will have to sign an Initial Consultation Agreement, and you will also have to take time out to fill out our Initial Consultation Questionnaire. Once we get the filled questionnaire, the signed Initial Consultation Agreement, and the payment for Initial Consultation in advance, we will schedule an appointment with you. Our preferred mode for Initial Consultation is through a video call.

 

22. Who should I contact, and how, if I have further questions?

Once you have gone through the FAQs here, and if you still have further questions, please feel free to mail your queries to advocatenithia@gmail.com

 

23. Can I call someone over the phone if I need more information, instead of writing an e-mail?

No. We prefer to receive all queries, questions, and requests for further information in writing, and almost always we reply in writing as well.

 

24. Is there anything that you can give me for free?

Yes, I do a lot of teaching and writing, and you are invited to explore the 'blog' section of this website. It is free for all. And chances are that you will find something, or a lot, of significant value, and you may even find it useful and I hope that someday it may save you a lot of money or trouble, or both.

The Blog Section starts right below this. It is not regularly updated.