In an interview with author Gurcharan Das for Bloomberg- UTV’s show “The Dharma of Capitalism,” Zia Mody allowed viewers a glimpse of the ethics that makes one of the finest lawyers of our times. In the first part of the interview, the founder partner of one of India’s biggest law firms, AZB & Partners, puts forth her views on the quandaries faced by lawyers.

The management guru essentially paints scenarios, and seeks Zia Mody’s reaction. The brief 10 minute interview, which is more like a conversation, is peppered with anecdotes to elaborate a point. Particularly memorable one is where she was hired to represent one of three siblings. Having foreseen the futility of litigation, she advised her client to ‘settle’ the dispute. The client, however, responded that she was hired to fight on his side, but not offer advice on settlement.

The first half of the interview ends with Zia Mody saying that her father, former Attorney General, Soli Sorabjee saying, “Clients normally are necessary evils,” but she begs to differ. “They are not even necessary,” she says. 

For those who cannot view the video, the YouTube link can be found here.