Rimali Batra completed her schooling from Montfort Senior Secondary School, New Delhi. Certain about her choice of practising law since Class X, she pursued her graduation in law at ILS Law College, Pune. After college, she secured a placement with ICICI Bank’s Corporate Regulation and Litigation team based in New Delhi. A year later, she enrolled at the University of Oxford to study law, where her chosen subjects included Regulations and Common Law Jurisprudence, among others. After completing her bachelor’s in civil law, she taught for three semesters at Jindal Law School, Sonipat. In the second half of 2014, she moved to J Sagar Associate’s Regulatory and Dispute Resolution team, where her journey in the energy sector began under the guidance of Mr Amit Kapur. Due to policy reasons, she moved to Trilegal’s regulatory team a year and a half later. After almost a year-long stint at Trilegal, she joined DSK Legal as an associate in 2015 and has been with the firm ever since. She is currently a partner in the firm’s Projects, Regulatory, and Policy practice, with a key focus on energy, renewable energy, and oil and gas.
“As a partner at the law firm, my role is both exciting and challenging, encompassing a diverse array of responsibilities. I work on challenging assignments that range from assisting in the development of policy frameworks to appearing before various tribunals and dispute resolution forums. This dynamic role also involves providing advisory services and managing complex transactions, all under one umbrella. The variety in my work ensures that no two days are the same, keeping me constantly engaged and motivated”, says Batra. This multifaceted approach not only allows her to leverage her expertise across different areas but also continuously hones her skills, making her role at the firm both rewarding and stimulating.
Batra shares that litigations in the renewable energy sector are primarily driven by regulatory shifts and movements, which are frequent and necessary to align with new technologies, international standards, etc. This is also sometimes viewed as uncertainty in the sector, leading to a shift in the pre-bargained risks between parties, leading to disputes/litigations. Policy changes and shifting incentives create a challenging landscape for all stakeholders. In addition to contractual disputes and environmental impact concerns, intellectual property issues significantly contribute to litigation in the sector. The complexity of energy transactions/contracts where high stakes are balanced, for a long period, with risk allocation being almost definite, leads to disagreements and disputes. In addition, there is a significant amount of litigation concerning the integration of renewable energy projects into the grid, open access rights, fees/charges payable, performance and warranty claims, state-specific policy disputes etc. These collectively contribute to a complex and evolving landscape of legal challenges in the renewable energy sector.
Regarding her approach to leadership, she says “My management style combines modern approaches with classic principles. I believe in a hybrid style of working that embraces flexibility, allowing team members to balance remote and in-office work. I avoid micromanaging, trusting my team to take ownership of their tasks and encouraging autonomy. At the same time, I emphasise the timeless values of hard work, perseverance and patience. I set clear expectations and provide the necessary support to help my team succeed, fostering an environment where everyone is motivated to achieve their best”.
By blending contemporary management practices with these enduring qualities, Batra aims to create a productive, supportive and resilient team. This approach aligns with her firm’s values that prioritise work, people and clients’ success. She credits DSK Legal for playing a crucial role in helping her nurture this work ethic.
“In my spare time, I enjoy a variety of activities that keep me both mentally and physically engaged. I love reading timeless classics, which provide endless inspiration and perspective. Writing is another passion of mine, allowing me to express my thoughts creatively”, says Batra.
Travelling to new places excites her, and she has had the incredible experience of trekking to the Everest Base Camp. She also enjoys driving and has navigated some of the most beautiful and treacherous roads in India and abroad.
Additionally, she volunteers with Make a Difference, teaching English to underprivileged children on Sunday mornings. This diverse range of interests and activities helps her maintain a well-rounded and fulfilling life outside of work.
“In the future, I aspire to further integrate my legal expertise with my passion for sustainable development, aiming to contribute significantly to renewable energy policy and advocacy. Additionally, I aim to publish a book that synthesises my experiences and insights from both legal practice and personal adventures”, she says.