1. You have been consistent in the kind of niche you wanted to work in since law school, can you tell me more about that? How can a student really square down on something they would want to do?
While I would love to say my journey into tech policy was meticulously planned, the truth is I stumbled into it. After law school, I pursued a master’s in public international law, envisioning a career in international organisations. I spent some time working with an international climate change think tank and with the UN on prosecuting war crimes. Upon returning to India, I learned about a law firm considering a public policy practice. That serendipitous meeting marked the beginning of my journey into tech policy—a field I quickly grew passionate about and have never looked back.
For students figuring out their path, there are two approaches that I might recommend. First, identify the subjects you naturally enjoy studying and explore internships or projects in those areas. Second, expose yourself to diverse experiences and use them to narrow down what excites you the most. Speaking to professionals in your areas of interest can also provide valuable insights.
In essence, follow your curiosity, stay open to opportunities, and find joy in the variety. The right path often reveals itself along the way.
I have found this approach helpful, and I hope it helps others as well.
2. Is there some particular experience that you would credit with pushing you more towards this direction than others?
I have always been a bit of a tech enthusiast. Growing up, my dad and I would eagerly watch Apple product launches together, excited about the innovations. That fascination with technology carried through to my work, where I began tackling real-world legal and policy questions: Can traditional phone calls interconnect with internet-based calls? When is it permissible for a camera to record in public spaces like malls? These challenges merged my love for technology with its practical applications in society.
Another key influence was the incredible mentors I had early in my career—brilliant, empathetic professionals whose passion for their work was infectious. Their guidance and enthusiasm played a significant role in shaping my commitment to this field.
Ultimately, this combination of personal interest and professional inspiration pushed me firmly into tech law and policy, a space I have grown to love deeply.
3. Congratulations on heading your own tech law and public policy consultancy firm. What kind of work does one do in a firm that advises on both law and consultancy? Is the work at a law and consultancy firm very different from your previous experiences?
Thank you. I would not say that the consultancy is vastly different from the work I have done in the past. Running Data & Co. blends my past experiences while adding new dimensions to the work, and encompasses a broader perspective.
In my earlier roles, I focused on advising clients on how technology laws impacted their product launches, service operations, and long-term strategies. Transitioning to an in-house role allowed me to delve deeper into public policy—analysing global regulatory developments, understanding their market impacts, and fostering collaboration between businesses and governments for shared goals.
At Data & Co., we bring these aspects together—helping businesses and regulators around the world navigate policy changes, prepare for regulatory shifts, and build resilient ecosystems. The work combines in-depth research into evolving regulations, their origins, and global trends, alongside creative thinking to reimagine legal frameworks for the future.
For those interested in this space, the work involves rigorous research, analytical thinking, and crafting innovative strategies that benefit both clients and the broader policy landscape. It is an exciting mix of law, strategy, and innovation.
4. Your professional interests and pursuits are many; you have researched for a women’s rights organisation, participated in the international discourse on climate change and worked with the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia. What pushed you to pursue such experiences and how has that contributed to what you do now?
I believe every individual is a culmination of their experiences, and I am no exception. Each opportunity I pursued was driven by passion, and exploring diverse fields allowed me to engage with issues I cared deeply about.
Researching women’s rights, for instance, gave me a nuanced understanding of equity and justice. My exposure to climate change policy and law made me more thoughtful and informed about global challenges. Working at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia offered a front-row seat to some of the most complex, emotional, and demanding legal work—an experience that taught me resilience, empathy, and the critical balance of law and humanity.
While I ultimately decided not to pursue some of these fields professionally, each experience enriched my perspective and honed my skills. Today, the work I do in tech law and public policy excites me the most, but I remain deeply grateful for the varied paths I have explored. They have shaped not just the professional I have become but also the person I am.
5. How was your experience pursuing your Master of Laws from the London School of Economics? What must a student’s motivation be behind pursuing a master’s and how does one choose a University in India/abroad for the same?
My experience pursuing an LLM at the London School of Economics was incredibly enriching. Studying under luminaries who have authored seminal works in the field, and engaging deeply with subjects I was passionate about, made it a transformative journey.
For students considering a master’s in law, I believe there are three valid motivations: (1) academic pursuit — if you aim to delve into research, academia, or a doctoral path, an LLM is indispensable; (2) a passion for learning — if you deeply enjoy a subject and wish to study it further, a master’s is a fulfilling endeavour; and (3) career advancement in specific circumstances — in some markets, an LLM can enhance employability, especially if you aim to work abroad. However, it is worth noting that alternative routes like conversion courses or local bar exams can also facilitate international opportunities.
Choosing a university requires balancing academic interests, financial considerations, and career goals. It is a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time, and should align with your long-term objectives.
Ultimately, the decision should start with clarity about why you want to pursue a master’s. If your motivation is strong and your circumstances allow, it can be a profoundly rewarding experience.
6. From being Partner at Panag and Babu to leading the India tech policy teams at Netflix and Amazon — what motivated you to make the jump and what kind of change did that entail?
When I reflect on my career, the transition from law firms to in-house roles feels like the most logical progression. At Panag & Babu, I loved advising clients, but I realised that as an external counsel, my visibility into the deeper decision-making processes of businesses was limited.
Moving in-house with Netflix and Amazon allowed me to bridge that gap. I wanted to understand what truly drives businesses—how decisions are shaped not just by legal teams, but through collaboration across functions like policy, communications, finance, tax, engineering, and business strategy. This exposure gave me insights into how organisations operate holistically and what they expect from external advisors.
Those experiences have been invaluable in preparing me for leading Data & Co. While it is still early days, I am incredibly excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to bring this integrated perspective to the clients we work with. I am looking forward to what the future holds for us.
7. What would be your advice to law students or practitioners interested in tech law and internet freedom — how do they structure internships, how often is one required to publish to signal interest in this field, etc? How important do you think research skills are for young law students in the present public policy space?
My advice to law students and practitioners interested in these areas would be to focus on three key areas:
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Honing Research Skills: Writing papers is invaluable—not primarily for visibility but to deeply understand the subject. Researching and writing forces you to explore different perspectives and develop the instincts necessary to predict how policy discussions might evolve over time. Strong research skills are crucial for public policy advisors, as they enable well-founded predictions and a deeper grasp of stakeholder dynamics.
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Structuring internships: Explore internships with public policy teams at law firms, think tanks, or academic institutions that focus on public policy. These experiences will not only help you build expertise but also allow you to determine if this field aligns with your interests.
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Engaging with the policy ecosystem: Attend conferences, seminars, and open discussions to cross-pollinate ideas and build connections. Policy work thrives on collaboration, and engaging with the community helps refine your understanding.
In addition, staying informed about current events—beyond your niche—is essential. A well-rounded awareness of political, economic, and social trends enhances your ability to contextualise and contribute to policy discussions.
Ultimately, the journey in tech law and policy is unique to each individual, but starting with research, practical exposure, and active engagement with the field will set a strong foundation. I would love to hear what paths others take and what we can all learn from their experiences.
8. What are the challenges in the public policy field and is it sustainable as a career choice for law students?
Public policy is as sustainable a career choice as any other legal or professional field. The work is constant, driven by regulatory changes and the need for businesses, governments, NGOs, think tanks and other stakeholders to navigate them. There is no shortage of work in this space, especially with the dynamic evolution of regulations across sectors.
Interestingly public policy was not historically dominated by lawyers. One would not be able to imagine that given how many folks with legal backgrounds are now policy professionals. But as a field, public policy is attractive to individuals from diverse backgrounds—communications, political science, sociology, and more. This diversity enriches the space and allows anyone with the right skills to contribute meaningfully.
The key challenges lie in developing transferable skill sets — cultivating both a depth and breadth of understanding of the subject-matter and being able to effectively communicate it to a variety of stakeholders; building relationships, networking, and fostering an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas; and adaptability to navigate different regulatory areas while redesigning approaches as necessary.
The exciting aspect of public policy is that it is ever-evolving and welcoming of new ideas and practitioners. For law students interested in this space, it is a field with boundless opportunities for growth, impact, and learning. With the right skills and mindset, public policy is not only sustainable but deeply rewarding.
9. Do you have any parting advice for students looking to join this space?
Of course, first and foremost, please ping me whenever you want to chat, I am always up for a conversation. I have a link that is up on my LinkedIn page for people to set up time with me.
Beyond that, to students looking to join the world of tech policy — dive in, stay curious, and actively participate. Tech policy is an exciting and constantly evolving field with new challenges emerging regularly. Despite the novelty, many underlying issues revolve around recurring regulatory themes, so engaging deeply with these foundational problems is key.
Have informed opinions, share your thoughts, and do not hesitate to join discussions or debates. This field thrives on collaboration and fresh perspectives.
Tech policy is a dynamic and rewarding space, and we are always looking for more enthusiastic minds to join us. Let us work together to grow and shape this field.
