CEO Insights Magazine

Embarking on a journey as a practicing lawyer lays a foundational bedrock for every legal officer's career. Through court room experiences and hands-on exposure to legal proceedings, aspiring legal professionals gain invaluable insights into procedural intricacies, advocacy skills, and the practical application of legal principles. This immersive training equips them with a nuanced understanding of the legal landscape, enabling them to navigate complexities with confidence and efficacy. Manuj Sharma shares the view that starting as a practicing lawyer nurtures a well rounded skill set vital for thriving in any legal position. He, too, commenced his career as a lawyer, gaining valuable courtroom experience that propelled his journey to success. Today, he is recognized as a leading figure in multinational companies as an in-house counsel, with his initial experience as a lawyer contributing significantly to his professional ascent.

Manuj Sharma, a luminary in the legal realm, stands as the epitome of excellence and innovation as the Head of Legal at Cushman & Wakefield. With a career spanning over 17 years, Manuj has carved an illustrious path marked by profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and a visionary approach to legal leadership. As the steward of legal affairs for one of the world's foremost commercial real estate services firms, Manuj brings a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of the dynamic intricacies of the legal landscape.

Below is an excerpt of Manuj Sharma’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights magazine.

Could you give a brief account of your professional journey and what inspired you to take a career path in the legal services domain?

My professional journey in the legal services domain has been nothing short of a rewarding odyssey. As the head of legal for Cushman and Wakefield in India, my trajectory commenced in the halls of the Courts, navigating the intricate labyrinth of legal proceedings in Delhi and NCR. Early on, I got an opportunity to glimpse into the apex

of our judicial system at the Supreme Court, laying the foundation for my aspirations. However, my true calling beckoned from the realm of corporate jurisprudence. Transitioning from a practicing lawyer to an in-house counsel was a pivotal move, catalyzed by my innate affinity for commerce and the intricate dance between law and business. Embarking on this path over 15 years ago, I've been fueled by the intersection of legal acumen and commercial prowess, continually inspired by the dynamic challenges and opportunities inherent in the corporate legal landscape.

Cushman & Wakefield boasts a legacy of being a leading global real estate services firm since its inception in 1917. What are the unique strategies it follows to maintain the decades-old reputation?

Cushman & Wakefield's legacy as a leading global real estate services firm since 1917 is built on a foundation of our steadfast commitment to excellence. Our extensive global network of over 400 offices in 60+ countries allows us to seamlessly navigate diverse markets and offer localized expertise to our clients. This ensures we deliver relevant and effective solutions regardless of location. We recognize the value of diversity and actively cultivate an inclusive environment for our 53,000 employees. This allows us to tap into a wider pool of talent, perspectives, and ideas, fueling innovation and staying ahead of the curve. Our consecutive recognition as one of the best places for women to work is a testament to this commitment. We go beyond simply offering transactions. We provide comprehensive commercial real estate solutions tailored to our clients' specific needs, encom-passing strategy, investment, and advisory services. These inter woven strategies, combined with our unmatched brand value, allows us to consistently deliver compre-hensive commercial real estate solutions and maintain our reputation as a trusted advisor to clients worldwide.

How do you utilize your extensive industry expertise to drive daily operations and functions at Cushman & Wakefield?

At Cushman & Wakefield, harnessing my extensive industry expertise is not just a strategy, it's a necessity in navigating the complex tapestry of regulatory shifts and market dynamics. With the real estate landscape undergoing profound changes, such as the Real Estate (Regulation and Develop-ment) Act, 2016 (RERA), the In solvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, GST implementations, Digitization of Property Documen-tation and Registration, enhanced regulatory and statutory compli-ances, my role as an in-house counsel demands agility and foresight. Drawing from my background, gained through years of practice and corporate engage-ments, I offer strategic counsel that goes beyond legal technicalities. Understanding the nuances of litigation, transactional intricacies, and business imperatives enables me to provide invaluable guidance to our teams across various service lines, from brokerage to Project Management, Facility Management, Valuations, Consulting, and others. By leveraging my past experiences, I facilitate informed decision-making, ensuring Cushman & Wakefield remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving real estate sector.

What essential traits do you believe every legal professional should possess, and what guidance do you offer aspiring lawyers?

Every legal professional must embody a thirst for knowledge and an insatiable curiosity about the ever-evolving legal landscape. My advice to aspiring lawyers is to begin their journey in the trenches of the courtroom, immersing themselves in the intricacies of procedural law and the art of advocacy. Understanding the nuances of legal practice lays a robust foundation for future endeavours, whether in-house or in private practice. Furthermore, staying abreast of regulatory changes and industry trends is paramount. On-the-job training is invaluable; it sharpens analytical skills and hones drafting abilities, essential for providing sound counsel to clients or internal stakeholders. Adapt ability, diligence, and a proactive approach are the hallmarks of a successful legal career.

Manuj Sharma, Head of Legal, Cushman & Wakefield

Manuj Sharma, Head of Legal at Cushman & Wakefield, is a seasoned legal professional with more than 17 years of experience. Renowned for his strategic legal counsel, he navigates the legal complexities of the real estate sector adeptly. Manuj's visionary leadership and commitment to excellence have solidified his position as a distinguished figure in corporate law.