Vakil Search to launch Lawyer Affiliate programme Conversation with Hrishikesh Datar

Vakil Search, online legal services provider was founded in 2011 by Chennai-based law graduate, Hrishikesh Datar. It is about to launch a lawyer affiliate programme across the country, and hopes to create the country’s first “end-to-end legal ecosystem” connecting prospective litigants across the country with lawyers. The idea behind this programme is to create a mutually beneficial scheme where the client is provided affordable legal services while at the same time, a lawyer has the opportunity to expand his/her client base..Vakil Search, online legal services provider was founded in 2011 by Chennai-based law graduate, Hrishikesh Datar. It is about to launch a lawyer affiliate programme across the country, and hopes to create the country’s first “end-to-end legal ecosystem” connecting prospective litigants across the country with lawyers..The idea behind this programme is to create a mutually beneficial scheme where the client is provided affordable legal services while at the same time, a lawyer has the opportunity to expand his/her client base..Bar & Bench spoke to Hrishikesh Datar about this new venture. Excerpts from the conversation:.Bar & Bench: What prompted you to start this affiliate programme?.Hrishikesh Datar: The average Indian finds it very difficult to handle property transactions, land disputes, cheque bounce hassles, corporate advisory and dispute resolution, consumer trouble and matrimonial discord, to name a few pain points. While we have become segment leaders in some of our business related services like Company Incorporation and Trademark Application, we wish to widen the umbrella of services we provide on our platform. India has a large number of dynamic, young professionals who are looking for career growth. Our affiliate program will give them a chance to reach out to new clients..Simultaneously, our affiliates can use our assistance to offer their clients with basic documentation, corporate secretarial services, incorporation of companies and registration of trademarks and lots more. We also have a nation-wide network to procure Stamp Paper and handle routine transactions like TDS Numbers, Digital Signatures and DIN Numbers, so they can rely on us for that as well..B & B: How will this be different from other lawyer networks that already exist?.HD: Vakil Search network is not meant for networking between lawyers. It is meant to create an ecosystem for clients to access the best professionals. So the first difference is that it is created with the client in mind. Specifically, we want to preserve the reputation for quality, customer – friendliness and affordability that vakilsearch.com has come to be associated with. Adding to the first point, the second difference is that lawyers will be selected carefully, since we want to work with only a few like-minded professionals who understand our vision and values and want to build a long term relationship..B & B: What are the challenges that you face in setting up this project? .HD: This is an ambitious project, and certainly will not be without challenges. Obviously, one challenge is to make our interface seamless and smooth for the benefit of any common person. We would also like our partners to offer a transparent, reasonable price for their services so that the average consumer has peace of mind with regard to legal services. Convincing some of our colleagues to adopt a clear pricing structure may also be a challenge..B & B: What prompted you to start Vakil Search? Did you ever consider practising? .HD: The primary inspiration to start Vakil Search after graduating from NLSIU was to bring transparency and clarity within our professional system, especially from a client’s perspective. Practise brings a different set of challenges, but I personally felt that my calling lay elsewhere..B & B: Where do you see Vakil Search ten years down the line?.HD: In 10 years, we see Vakil Search standing at the forefront of a paradigm shift in the delivery of legal services..Specifically, we want to have achieved:.[a] Easy access to professional support for individuals and businesses.[b] Transparent and clear pricing, AND.[c] An assurance of quality.If you’re a lawyer / firm and would like to explore the possibility of working with Vakil Search and being part of this network, send in a mail stating your areas of practice, location (city and locality) and contact details to affiliations@vakilsearch.com.