In Conversation with Srinivas Kotni
Founder & Managing Partner, Lexport
Q1. You have decades of experience across trade laws, indirect taxation, intellectual property, and several other practice areas. Could you take us through your journey from being a law student to founding Lexport?
Srinivas Kotni:
My journey into law was quite unconventional. Before entering the legal profession, I worked as an IT professional. In 1993, after completing a two-year course in computer applications, I began teaching computer science while simultaneously pursuing a diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations.
During this period, I reflected on my interests and realised that commercial law and economics fascinated me the most. Since I also had financial responsibilities, I chose to pursue the Company Secretary course instead of Chartered Accountancy. Around the same time, I joined a listed company while securing admission to the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi.
Soon after joining, I realised that pursuing an evening law programme would allow me to gain practical experience alongside my studies. I therefore migrated to the evening programme and joined a law firm. During those years, I simultaneously completed my law degree, Company Secretary qualification, a postgraduate diploma in Information Technology Management, and practical training with Pepsi.
After spending several years in practice, I established Lexport in January 2000. Since then, my practice has expanded across commercial and corporate law, taxation, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, litigation, intellectual property, and several other practice areas. Looking back, it has been an immensely fulfilling journey spanning over twenty-five years.
Q2. You often advocate for a "resolution-oriented" approach to legal practice. How has this philosophy shaped your work, and why do you believe it is particularly relevant in today's legal landscape?
Srinivas Kotni:
Law is certainly a profession that provides us with a livelihood, but it must also be practised with a sense of responsibility and conscience.
Over the years, I have realised that many disputes arise not merely because of legal issues but because of misunderstandings, emotions, and ego. Lawyers therefore have an opportunity to become problem-solvers rather than merely dispute managers.
Whenever possible, our approach is to explore settlement before encouraging prolonged litigation. This is why I strongly believe in alternative dispute resolution, particularly mediation. It enables parties to understand each other's perspectives and often resolves conflicts more effectively than adversarial proceedings.
As the legal profession evolves, I believe lawyers who focus on solutions rather than conflicts will create greater value for both clients and society.
Srinivas Kotni:
Technology has always transformed society, and Artificial Intelligence is simply the latest milestone in that journey. Just as personal computers and the internet revolutionised professional practice, AI is now creating another paradigm shift.
Resistance to technological change is natural, but history has shown that professionals who fail to adapt often become irrelevant. Lawyers must therefore embrace AI, understand its capabilities, and integrate it into their daily practice.
AI will significantly enhance research, drafting, document review, and numerous routine legal tasks. However, technology cannot replace qualities such as judgment, ethics, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence.
I do feel that young professionals today face unique challenges because AI reduces many traditional learning opportunities. Therefore, they must consciously develop strong analytical skills while simultaneously mastering emerging technologies. Those who successfully combine human intelligence with artificial intelligence will be best positioned for the future.
Q4. Your book Adventures of the GST Man presents tax law through an engaging storytelling format. What inspired this initiative, and how does it simplify learning complex tax concepts?
Srinivas Kotni:
When the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in 2017, professionals were suddenly faced with an entirely new legal framework. There was an abundance of legislation, rules, notifications, and literature, making it overwhelming even for experienced practitioners.
I wanted to simplify these concepts so that anyone, even a school student could understand the fundamentals. That led to the idea of presenting GST through a comic-book format.
We created an engaging character, incorporated illustrations, humour, and simple explanations, and worked extensively with illustrators to make the subject approachable. The response was extremely encouraging because people generally associate tax law with lengthy and difficult reading. By using storytelling and visual learning, we made the subject enjoyable while preserving legal accuracy.
Q5. Having mentored students and professionals at institutions such as ICSI, ICAI, IIFT, and Amity University, what advice would you give to young lawyers aspiring to build a career marked by both professional excellence and meaningful impact?
Srinivas Kotni:
The first requirement is passion. Whatever field you choose, pursue it wholeheartedly.
Technology is important, but your attitude towards learning is even more important. Work hard, remain curious, observe experienced professionals, and continuously improve your communication and analytical abilities.
Today's students have unprecedented access to learning opportunities. Court proceedings, lectures, and legal discussions are available online, allowing them to learn much faster than previous generations.
My advice is to embrace technology without neglecting the fundamentals. Develop deep subject knowledge, strengthen your writing and speaking skills, and remain committed to lifelong learning. Success naturally follows those who consistently improve themselves.
Q6. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Lexport, how do you help businesses navigate legal and commercial challenges?
Srinivas Kotni:
Businesses must recognise that compliance is not an obstacle but an investment in long-term sustainability. While compliance may initially appear costly or time-consuming, non-compliance eventually results in far greater financial and reputational risks.
My advice to businesses is to seek competent legal and financial advisors, design compliant business structures from the outset, and avoid shortcuts.
Similarly, legal professionals should adopt a solution-oriented mindset. Instead of merely identifying problems, lawyers should help clients navigate challenges, identify lawful alternatives, and guide them towards sustainable solutions. Where legal provisions create practical difficulties, professionals should also assist clients in using available legal remedies and regulatory mechanisms effectively.
Ultimately, the role of a lawyer is not merely to interpret the law but to help clients achieve practical and legally sound outcomes.
Q7. Finally, is there any message you would like to share with aspiring lawyers and young professionals?
Srinivas Kotni:
Life is much larger than our profession. While work is important, it should not become the sole measure of success or happiness.
Avoid comparing yourself with others. Every individual has a unique journey and strengths. Instead, pursue what genuinely interests you and strive to become the best version of yourself.
I also encourage young professionals to prioritise their physical and mental well-being through practices such as meditation, yoga, or any activity that promotes balance and mindfulness.
Finally, build meaningful relationships. Networking, collaboration, kindness, and a positive attitude create opportunities that technical knowledge alone cannot. Continue learning, contribute positively to society, and enjoy every stage of your journey.
