Leaders

The modern corporate legal landscape is no longer what it once was - and neither are the professionals shaping it. Women corporate lawyers today are redefining the profession through a combination of sharp legal intelligence, resilience, and strategic leadership. In a space historically dominated by men, they are not just participating - they are influencing outcomes, shaping policy, and bringing a more nuanced, business-aligned perspective to legal practice.

Among these trailblazers is Esha Singh, a corporate lawyer whose journey reflects both conviction and continuous evolution. Her career is not just a story of professional growth, but of consciously building expertise while balancing personal milestones and navigating complex global legal ecosystems.

Esha entered the legal profession in 2008, following an initial inclination toward uniformed government services. It was during her academic years that she discovered a deeper resonance with the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity - values that ultimately guided her career choice. Early exposure under senior practitioners in trust and company law laid a strong foundation, even as she managed significant life transitions such as marriage and motherhood. Her later association with an international organization expanded her capabilities in contract structuring and regulatory compliance. Today, through ESB Global Law Advisory, she works at the intersection of law and business, advising clients on cross-border transactions and complex regulatory challenges.

How did your professional journey shape your expertise in this industry, and what key areas have you developed over the years?

Over the years, my journey has evolved into a comprehensive understanding of corporate law, international regulatory frameworks, and risk mitigation. I have developed core expertise in areas such as commercial trade, mergers and acquisitions, global compliance strategies, and dispute resolution - particularly in arbitration and cross-border matters.

Building my own firm has added another dimension to my role. Beyond legal advisory, I now engage closely with clients on business strategy. My work often extends to advising on market entry, deal structuring, brand positioning, and regulatory navigation. This dual perspective - legal and commercial - allows me to offer more holistic guidance to businesses operating in a global environment.

primary roles and responsibilities as the Corporate Lawyer of the organization?

Founded in 2018, ESB Global Law Advisory represents a deeply personal and professional commitment to independent practice. While opportunities to collaborate with larger firms were available, I chose to build a specialized, agile team focused on delivering high-value legal solutions. The firm primarily operates across international law, corporate law, regulatory compliance, and cross-border transactions, facilitating business engagements between Indian and global markets.

My role as a corporate lawyer is inherently dynamic. It involves advising on strategic business decisions, structuring transactions, managing tenders, and closing contracts - all while ensuring adherence to both domestic and international legal frameworks. In addition, I oversee contract drafting, lead due diligence processes for M&A deals, support joint ventures, represent clients in litigation when required, and actively mentor women entrepreneurs navigating their own business journeys.

What have been some of the most pressing challenges you have faced in your current role? How did you navigate them successfully?

One of the most persistent challenges in my role is the need to constantly align global regulatory expectations with India’s evolving legal framework. This requires not only continuous learning but also the ability to anticipate and adapt to change. Another complexity lies in managing cross-border transactions involving multiple jurisdictions, diverse stakeholders, and strict timelines. These situations demand precision, coordination, and clarity in execution.

I navigate these challenges by staying consistently informed about international legal developments, maintaining strong professional networks, and adopting a highly client-focused approach. Clear communication, flexibility, and disciplined execution are central to ensuring successful outcomes.

Looking back at your journey, what key milestones or achievements stand out for you? What is your personal success mantra?

For me, milestones are not defined by scale alone - every case carries significance because it reflects the trust a client places in me. Whether it is securing a favorable judgment or structuring a contract that protects long-term interests, each outcome contributes to that sense of responsibility. One case that remains particularly meaningful involved a student who had filed a consumer complaint against a private institution during a difficult phase in his life. Despite the opposition being represented by a leading law firm, I stood by him throughout the process. The eventual judgment awarded a full refund along with damages, interest, and legal costs. More importantly, it restored his confidence in the justice system - a result that was far more impactful than the legal victory itself.

My success mantra is simple: persistence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to delivering the best possible outcome.

What advice would you share with aspiring women legal leaders in India?

Aspiring women leaders in law must remain deeply invested in continuous learning and professional development. Building strong legal awareness and maintaining a commitment to excellence in every assignment is essential.

Equally important is the ecosystem one builds around themselves. Being surrounded by knowledgeable, forward-thinking professionals fosters growth and expands perspective.

Women today have immense potential to lead and influence. Recognition, however, comes from consistent effort, credibility, and the quality of work delivered. In the long run, it is integrity that defines a professional’s identity.

Easha Singh, Founder & Director, ESB Global

Esha Singh is a corporate lawyer and the founder of ESB Global Law Advisory. Her expertise spans corporate law, cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and strategic advisory for businesses expanding into global markets.