Sushila Ram Varma is an Advocate and the Co-Founder and Chief Consultant at The Indian Lawyer & Allied Services, a multi-city full-service boutique law firm specializing in business and commercial laws. With over 30 years of experience in the legal profession, she has built a reputation for providing expert legal advice in cross-border transactional and corporate litigation matters. Her work spans multiple courts, including the Supreme Court of India, and she has successfully handled both domestic and international arbitrations for several years. The firm caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from start-ups to billion-dollar companies, across various sectors.
Starting out as a first-generation lawyer, Sushila Ram Varma entered the legal profession at a time when there were very few women in the field. With no support system and in a male-dominated industry, she had to carve her own space through sheer dedication and hard work. Despite the challenges, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of building a credible and successful career. Her unwavering commitment to her profession has earned her firm several prestigious awards, including the Best Boutique Business Law Firm by APAC Insider in 2021 and 2023. Today, the firm operates PAN-India with offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, offering legal services to both domestic and international clients with a result-oriented approach. The decision to pursue a career in law was driven by her desire to help people and make a real-time difference. She saw the legal profession as a medium to empower individuals and bring justice in countless ways. Her passion lies in providing effective legal solutions and resolving disputes through negotiation whenever possible. Sushila Ram Varma firmly believes that out-of-court settlements are the most practical and cost-effective way to resolve disputes, especially in a legal system where litigation can take years. However, when negotiations fail, she is prepared to pursue litigation or arbitration to secure justice for her clients. The satisfaction of helping clients navigate complex legal situations and achieving favorable outcomes has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation throughout her career.
The journey of establishing herself in the legal field came with its fair share of challenges. As a first-generation professional lawyer, the absence of a support system made the initial years particularly difficult. Women lawyers were rare at that time, and societal biases often made it difficult to be taken seriously. She had to prove her competence through her work, building a reputation based on honesty, hard work, integrity, and expertise. The legal landscape was vastly different back then, requiring her to navigate uncertainties and pitfalls independently. Staying focused on her goals, constantly upgrading her knowledge, and adapting to technological advancements helped her overcome these challenges. Embracing digital platforms broadened her network and clientele, enabling her to grow both personally and professionally.
While the initial years were largely a solo endeavor, she acknowledges the unwavering support of her husband, parents, in-laws, and dedicated team members. Her husband, Dr. Shrikanth Varma, has been a pillar of support, encouraging her to carve out a space for herself despite all odds. His sacrifices and constant motivation have played a crucial role in her success. The saying that behind every successful man is a woman holds true in reverse as well, highlighting the importance of having a supportive spouse in a woman’s journey toward success. The team at The Indian Lawyer & Allied Services shares her vision of providing reliable, responsible, and resourceful legal services, contributing significantly to the firm’s growth and success. Success, for Sushila Ram Varma, is not merely about professional achievements but also about making a positive impact on people’s lives. It is about building long-lasting relationships with clients, resolving their issues with integrity, and inspiring young professionals, especially women, to pursue their dreams. Success means continuously learning, evolving, and staying committed to one’s values. Earning the trust and respect of clients has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. The firm’s recognition as the Best Boutique Business Law Firm and its PAN-India and international presence validate her vision of providing holistic legal services to clients globally.
There have been many moments of pride in her career, making it difficult to pinpoint just one. The awards and accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication that she and her team put into their practice. However, the greatest validation comes from clients who express their trust and confidence in her, especially those who have never met her in person but rely on her entirely based on virtual interactions. Such expressions of trust reaffirm her commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. While accolades are pleasing, they come with the responsibility of maintaining those standards consistently. Balancing personal and professional life in a demanding career like law has always been a challenge. Setting clear boundaries, planning schedules effectively, and delegating tasks to the team have helped her manage both aspects of life. Staying connected with family and friends and offering support whenever possible has been essential. However, there are times when one part of life inevitably takes over the other, disrupting even the best-laid plans. Accepting life’s challenges as they come and finding solutions has been key to navigating such situations.
To young women aspiring to succeed in law or any field, Sushila Ram Varma’s advice is to believe in themselves and never give up, no matter how tough the journey gets. Staying focused, working hard, and being resilient in the face of setbacks are essential. Surrounding oneself with supportive people and continuously upgrading skills is crucial for personal and professional growth. Most importantly, embracing individuality and not allowing societal expectations to define one’s dreams or limit one’s potential is the key to success. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of self-belief, dedication, and unwavering commitment to one’s goals.
Sushila Ram Varma has always believed in staying true to her values and trusting her instincts. One of the most impactful pieces of advice she received was from her father, who taught her to step into another’s shoes when addressing their problems and to find a solution as if it were her own. This philosophy has guided her throughout her career, helping her build strong professional relationships and earn immense respect. As a legal professional, she emphasizes integrity and believes in taking a solution-oriented approach, whether in negotiations, disputes, or career decisions. She firmly believes that finding effective, practical solutions leads to better outcomes than reactive measures.
During challenging times, she finds motivation by reminding herself of her purpose—helping clients and making a difference in their lives. Reflecting on the challenges she has already overcome and the progress she has made keeps her driven. As a naturally positive person, she believes that even the darkest times will pass. Meditation, reading, and staying connected with her team and professional network help her stay grounded. One of the most powerful sources of motivation for her comes from her work with The Child Foundation (www.thechildfoundation.in), an NGO dedicated to supporting underprivileged children. She recalls a particularly inspiring experience when three blind children from an institute supported by the foundation secured admission into the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM). Witnessing such achievements reinforces her commitment to making a meaningful impact.
She strongly believes that women play a crucial role in shaping the future across all industries. Their unique perspectives, empathy, and innovation contribute significantly to problem-solving and decision-making. In the legal field, women continue to break barriers, set new standards, and redefine leadership. She draws inspiration from several women in India and around the world who lead by example. She envisions a future where women are given equal opportunities, recognized for their contributions, and celebrated for their achievements. One of the key changes she hopes to see in the legal industry is a greater representation of women in leadership positions. She advocates for more mentorship opportunities and professional development programs tailored to support women’s careers. She also believes that India should offer the same level of recognition to its female professionals as advanced nations do. Creating an inclusive work culture where women’s contributions are valued equally is something she actively works toward.
Criticism and setbacks are inevitable in any profession, but she views them as opportunities to learn and grow. She firmly believes that failures and challenges often provide greater strength than success. Rather than taking criticism personally, she focuses on constructive feedback and identifies areas for improvement. Maintaining a positive mindset and staying solution-oriented has helped her overcome many obstacles. She attributes much of her resilience to the supportive people around her who believe in her vision and continue to encourage her journey.
Looking ahead, her primary goal is to take The Indian Lawyer & Allied Services to a global level, expanding both its physical and digital presence. She is committed to growing the firm’s practice areas, strengthening its global network, and continuing to deliver high-quality legal services. Beyond her legal work, she is passionate about educating people about their legal rights. To achieve this, she has launched a YouTube channel called The Indian Lawyer Legal Tips, where she shares insights and guidance on various legal topics. Additionally, her firm runs The Indian Lawyer Blog, which provides readers with the latest important judgments and legal updates on a weekly basis.
She firmly believes in the power of dreams and relentless hard work. Inspired by the words of APJ Abdul Kalam, who said, “Dream is not that what you see in sleep; it is something that does not let you sleep,” she encourages the younger generation to dream big and pursue their goals with unwavering determination. She emphasizes that success does not happen overnight and requires patience, resilience, and dedication. With her inspiring journey and unwavering commitment to excellence, she continues to break barriers and empower women in the legal profession and beyond.
Sushila Ram Varma is an inspiring leader in the legal field, with an unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and empowerment. Her dedication to excellence, coupled with her passion for helping others, has not only shaped her remarkable career but also made a profound impact on society. By breaking barriers and paving the way for women in the legal profession, Sushila continues to redefine success and advocate for a more inclusive future. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with resilience, compassion, and determination, anything is possible.
“Integrity is everything – whether in negotiations, disputes, or career decisions, a solution-oriented approach always leads to better outcomes.”