Name: Darshani Devi Parsuramen Angot
Position: Legal Counsel, Africa
Company: International SOS
Sector Medical Services
Worked in the current position for: 1 year
Years in-house: 5.5 years
PQE: 9 years
An overview of my role is:
As Legal Counsel for International SOS covering East, West and Southern Africa, my role requires me to provide legal advice, conduct contract negotiations and help craft business solutions which are in line with international and Group standards. Some key aspects include handling commercial law, data privacy and compliance matters and working with fellow counsel (whether in-house or external) for client or regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction.
The best thing about my current job is:
Working alongside talented and passionate colleagues, contributing to strategic decisions to accompany the Company’s operations. As our business strategy evolves, I also thoroughly enjoy navigating through uncharted territory as a business enabler and feeling part of the team.
The most challenging thing about my current job is:
Tailoring my advice to meet the requirements of both the regulatory framework (the theory) and each jurisdiction’s customary practice and finding the right balance to align the interests of all stakeholders and the business’ appetite to risk.
My most pivotal career move:
Deciding to stay in Mauritius after being called to the Bar, as I believed there would be interesting opportunities and from there, moving in house to work for international companies working on the African continent.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Focus on building strong and authentic relationships with people who show genuine interest and don’t be afraid to be yourself!
The key influencers that have shaped my journey?
My father is definitely my key influencer as he set the example by instilling the love of learning through his passion, genuine interest and thirst for knowledge in every aspect of his life. And I think it’s about time I give some give credit to my eldest sister, who is also a lawyer and whom I tagged along with at Court from a very young age. I think in some ways the traditional route she chose inspired me to make my own career choices and find my own path.
My favourite pro bono or volunteer activity is:
Chairing the Young Lawyers Committee of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, meeting fellow young lawyers from far and wide and helping shape the future of the profession.
If I were not practising law, I would probably be:
Working in a start-up incubator to help entrepreneurs develop a sustainable strategy and/or lecturing.
What (singular) achievement are you most proud of?
My ability to refocus my energy to tackle challenges and set new objectives to achieve my ultimate goal, an international career.
What’s something you love doing that you’re terrible at?
Running, I’m definitely not a born athlete, but every step helps me clear my mind and gives me a sense of achievement.
What’s something you really do not like doing that you’re great at?
Regulatory compliance: auditing insurances, licenses, tax certificates, health and safety requirements and drafting the reports…