When we look around, women today are more empowered than ever before and are grabbing positions of power in several verticals. Despite a gender-stereotyped society, women are excelling at leadership. In this special edition of women’s day, we identify some of the outstanding women who are UNSTOPPABLE—who have made a mark in their domain with sheer grit and determination. Subathra Mylsamy is one such exemplary woman to look at. She is a successful lawyer, a caring mother, and a social icon to many. Female aspirants who want to pursue their careers in the legal vertical can drive some source of inspiration from her.

Subathra Mylsamy, Partner at AK Mylsamy and Associates LLP holds a Master’s in International Business Law from the University of Manchester, UK, and has been instrumental in the corporatization of the Firm and its management.  Subathra Mylsamy has addressed organizations and educational institutions on women-centric legislation and POSH.  She is the pioneer to launch the monthly newsletter – ‘The Law Tree’ capturing the legal updates in a creative manner. She has a keen interest in research and legal writing. She has an array of articles published to her credit. Subathra’s success story has also been featured in a host of newspapers and magazines.

About A K Mylsamy & Associates LLP

A K Mylsamy & Associates LLP is a full-service corporate law firm, that provides unmatched litigation and advisory services to its clients. AKM is reputed for offering customized legal services and strategic advice to its clients that suit their legal needs and purposes.

Areas of Expertise

The areas of expertise for AKM LLP include Corporate, Commercial, and Civil law with a complete focus on mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, recoveries, insolvency and bankruptcy, litigation, arbitration and contracts, and real estate. The firm is powered by a senior advisory board constituting a former Judge of the Madras High Court, Company Law Board, senior tax, finance and hospitality experts. Mr. A.K. Mylsamy is the founder and managing partner of the firm with over 56 years of standing at the Bar, Mr. V. Nallasenapathy, a Former Member (Technical) of the National Company Law Tribunal, Mr. P Muthusamy is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Mr. P S Suman is a corporate lawyer who apart from his Degree in Law also holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Corporate Secretaryship.

Recently Entrepreneur Insights is highlighting those women who have been the backbone of their organization. And Subathra Mylsamy is one of the strongest pillars of A K Mylsamy & Associates LLP, who has worked hard to reach this leading position

We had a one-one session with Subathra Mylsamy and got to know more about her entrepreneurial journey.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It is always challenging to come into one’s own when they have an illustrious parent! The expectations are sky-high and only keep getting bigger. The education and training abroad widened my horizon and gave me exposure to working in the west. Like in any other profession, it was challenging to establish my individuality and be heard in a male-dominated industry. Nothing came to me on a platter, I started out as a junior associate and slowly climbed my way up to becoming a partner. My “never say die” attitude shaped my career choice for the better.    It would be easy to assume that since I was practicing in my father’s firm that things would be smooth, but I had to voice my opinions and make myself heard and that has made a difference. I am a firm believer in gender equality, and alongside proving and establishing my credibility, I ensure there is gender parity in our organization.

What does revolution mean to you?

Revolution for me is ‘Change’. Change is constant and I believe that the change that comes from within, and out of one’s deepest convictions is the biggest revolution for a human being. Expanding knowledge and expertise into varied areas of practice is something I strive to work for individually and also as a partner of the firm. I strive for excellence by putting my best foot forward to overcome all odds and achieve the current and long terms goals. With the advent of globalization, there have been a lot of changes in the legal environment, customers seek out firms that are fast and efficient and provide a quick response, one has to step up and deliver.

How has the industry changed over the years?

In the era of digitization, there has been a change in also the way the legal industry is functioning. Technology has helped people access legal resources more efficiently. The transition from physical working to virtual working has also been a major switch over the last few years.

Tell us about the client base

The firm has been in the business since 1964 and has become the preferred choice for legal services across companies, in many cases, we continue to provide legal services to the third generation in many family-run businesses. The firm serves a wide range of industries from commercial, real estate, hospitality, healthcare, education to finance and related activities. AKM is devoted to providing exceptional legal services to its clients.

When it comes to the company, what are you most proud of?

“Quality” has been the core of AKM’s services from inception. At the workplace, we onboard and retain young talented professionals. The energy of the young coupled with the experience of the senior members ensures that the LLP offers quality legal solutions.  The firm’s reputation is guided by its core values:

• Integrity
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Communication

AKM’s biggest strength is their rich and unique blend of experience and expertise of their partners and advisory board. The partners are ably supported by an illustrious advisory board comprising luminaries from the legal fraternity and banking, taxation, and hospitality sectors of the industry. The Firm draws from the nearly six decades of experience and expertise of its advisory board members. This law firm has enjoyed a cordial relationship with its competitors and clients alike.

“Innovation has been the backbone of AKM. Quality has been the hallmark of services rendered by the Firm.”

What do you see as the most difficult task in being in your Industry?

As a woman in this male-dominated industry one’s efforts is often undermined. I believe one should be valued for the person they are and the quality of work they do. Litigation in courts involves carrying heavy bundles of files and walking around with them, but it is all part of learning and one must be able to handle these stress points. Attracting and retaining the right pool of talent and providing a growing environment is also a difficult task. Maintaining a work-life balance is a challenge with the long hours that this profession demands. One must learn to wear different hats and remain calm and composed.

What do you do when you are not at work?

I am an avid reader and a passionate painter. I also spend quality time with my daughter in my leisure time. I am a firm believer in physical fitness and I make time for my daily exercise

What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your organization?

I have the responsibility to ensure the growth of our firm and the decisions I make are in line with this goal. I believe in creating an environment of learning and knowledge up-gradation in the workplace. Having said that, the welfare of our employees and their growth also influences many of my decisions. I believe in taking inputs from all concerned irrespective of age or experience. Be it senior members of the advisory board, partners, or interns, giving them the opportunity to express their opinions is of utmost importance. I believe in the principle that a good leader is one who encourages democracy.

How do you encourage creative thinking within your organization?

Innovation has been the backbone of AKM. The Firm has been keeping pace with the changing times by familiarizing and aligning its services with new technologies. AKM LLP powered by AKM Research and Analytics Private Limited (AKMRA) was the first to launch an exclusive knowledge-based portal on the law of insolvency and bankruptcy laws. The portal www.ibccases.com is a one-stop shop repository for laws, rules, regulations, amendments, precedents, and analysis of all provisions related to insolvency and bankruptcy code, available to all. Besides IBC portal, the firm has been publishing an online monthly newsletter – “Law Tree”. It is an initiative where Art meets Law by leveraging technology and graphics. AKM has also been one of the earliest firms in South India to successfully tap Artificial intelligence (AI) in its legal services. Be it client servicing or research, AKM has been successful in streamlining processes and ensuring uniformity in quality and services to clients.

What are some of your future endeavors?

At AKM LLP, we always lookout for new avenues and opportunities. We are a corporate law firm and have begun foraying into areas such as taxation, customs, immigration, aviation, and labor laws. The Firm is giving back to the legal fraternity by initiating training programs for young lawyers in the future AKM offers a regular online and offline internship program.

AKM has launched its office in Mumbai, we already have offices in Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore. I believe soon AKM will spread its wings internationally.

What is the best advice you can give to our readers?

The best advice I want to give our readers and especially to all the women of our society is to believe in yourself. Speak your opinions with conviction and you will be heard. It is a fact that women contribute significantly to the economy whether directly or indirectly.  It is important therefore that women pay attention to their physical health and wellbeing. Having a support system in place and a close-knit circle of friends plays an important part in this. Be resilient in the face of adversity, and be the master of your destiny.

Is there anything we’re leaving out here that needs to be addressed?

Knowledge is key. Every woman should have basic legal knowledge, it is a must for all sections of society. It is worthy to invest some time and resources in knowing and understanding the laws of the country and how it affects all walks of life.   It is of crucial importance to focus on Women’s empowerment and to promote a woman’s sense of self-worth. This can only happen if every woman uplifts other women as is rightly said “Amazing things happen when women help other women”.