Actionable Insights

• Develop a Comprehensive Skill Set: Achal emphasizes the importance of understanding both legal principles and business operations. Aspiring contract managers should focus on acquiring a solid foundation in law while also gaining insights into how businesses operate to align contracts with organizational goals effectively.
• Gain Practical Experience: Internships and entry-level positions provide invaluable practical experience. Achal’s diverse roles across different organizations highlight the importance of hands-on learning in contract management and legal compliance.
• Build Strong Internal Relationships: Maintaining clear and open communication with internal stakeholders like finance, sales, and operations teams is crucial. Achal underscores the importance of building strong relationships to ensure all concerns are addressed and contractual objectives are met.
• Stay Updated and Continuously Learn: The legal and business landscape is constantly evolving. Achal advises staying updated with industry trends and continuously honing negotiation and contract management skills to remain effective and competitive in the field.
• Leverage Diverse Experiences for Growth: Each role in Achal’s career contributed to his professional growth. Embracing diverse experiences and taking on various responsibilities can provide a comprehensive understanding of contract management, making one more adept at navigating complex legal scenarios.

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of legal contracts and compliance, few professionals stand out as much as Achal Agarwal. With a rich and diverse background in contract management, legal consulting, and negotiation, Achal has carved a niche for himself in the legal industry. Currently serving as a Senior Analyst at Accenture, he brings a wealth of experience from various high-stakes roles, including Assistant Manager Legal at Securitas India and Co-Founder of QCLI Learnings Pvt. Ltd. In this interview, Achal shares his journey, key insights, and advice for aspiring legal professionals. This discussion is brought to you by Startup Advisors, your go-to platform for legal and business advisory services.

Interview

Sayantani: Can you tell us about your current role at Accenture and what it entails?

Achal Agarwal: Absolutely! As a Senior Analyst at Accenture, I provide support for pre-award sales activities. This includes developing responses to client RFPs, drafting contract schedules, and participating in negotiations. My role also involves assisting with the drafting and review of various contractual documents like Statements of Work, Change Requests, and Non-Disclosure Agreements. Additionally, I work closely with delivery and finance leads to implement contract management processes and apply appropriate contract levers affecting revenue, cost, and profit.

Sayantani: What motivated you to pursue a career in contract management and legal compliance?

Achal Agarwal: My journey began with a strong interest in law and economics, which I pursued academically at Fergusson College and Deshbandhu College. The dynamic nature of legal contracts and the critical role they play in business operations fascinated me. Over time, this interest evolved into a passion for contract management and legal compliance, driving me to explore various roles and gain diverse experience in this field.

Sayantani: You’ve held several positions in different companies. How has each role contributed to your professional growth?

Achal Agarwal: Each role has been a significant stepping stone in my career. At Securitas India, as an Assistant Manager Legal, I managed end-to-end contract processes, which honed my skills in standardizing, drafting, and negotiating agreements. My tenure at MinusDispute Legal Strategists and QCLI Learnings Pvt. Ltd. further expanded my expertise in contract lifecycle management and legal consulting. These experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of contract management from various perspectives, enhancing my ability to navigate complex legal landscapes effectively.

Sayantani: What challenges do you commonly face in your role, and how do you overcome them?

Achal Agarwal: One of the primary challenges is ensuring that all contractual documents align with both company policies and client requirements. This often involves extensive negotiations and redlining. To overcome these challenges, I maintain clear and open communication with all stakeholders, including finance, sales, and operations teams. Building strong relationships with these internal stakeholders ensures that their concerns are met, and we can collectively achieve our contractual objectives.

Sayantani: Can you share a significant achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

Achal Agarwal: One significant achievement was successfully leading and delivering over three projects as a Team Lead at MinusDispute Legal Strategists. Managing a team of 20+ associates and navigating complex contract negotiations was a tremendous learning experience. It was particularly rewarding to see the positive impact of our work on the clients and the organization.

Sayantani: What advice would you give to law students and aspiring legal professionals looking to specialize in contract management?

Achal Agarwal: My advice would be to gain a solid understanding of both legal principles and business operations. Specializing in contract management requires not just legal acumen but also the ability to align contracts with business goals. Practical experience through internships and entry-level positions is invaluable. Additionally, staying updated with industry trends and continuously honing negotiation skills can significantly enhance one’s effectiveness in this field.

Conclusion

Achal Agarwal’s journey is a testament to the power of diverse experiences and continuous learning in achieving professional excellence. His insights into contract management and legal compliance provide valuable guidance for aspiring legal professionals.

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