Karunya Raghunath: Advancing Legal Practice In A Technology-Driven Era
Karunya Raghunath
Partner
During her time at Melbourne Law School, she was particularly influenced by the humility and openness of her professors. She also values the strong sense of community at the university, both within the law school and among the wider Indian and international student networks.
This sense of belonging and professional support extended beyond graduation, with the Melbourne alumni network continuing to play an important role in her journey. Today, as a partner at Primacy Legal, Karunya continues to carry forward these values in her legal practice.
Engaging in an immersive interaction with CEO Insights magazine, Karunya shares her leadership approach, future roadmap, and much more. Let's read about it.
What is the most memorable experience you had at the University of Melbourne?
One of my most memorable experiences at the University of Melbourne was participating in a unique ‘Disrupting Law National 2019’ organized by the Legal Forecast and co-sponsored by the global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills and the University of Melbourne. It was the first time I collaborated with tech students, and together, we developed a mobile tax filing app ‘Taxsavi’ designed to simplify tax return processes for everyday users.
The experience opened my eyes to the potential of combining law and technology to drive innovation and make legal processes more accessible to lawyers and non-lawyers alike.
I have been determined
ever since to explore how we can continue disrupting and improving the legal field through new ideas and tech-forward solutions.
Another unforgettable experience was being part of the Global Students Association, where I had the opportunity to represent my intake, July 2019, alongside a close friend. It was a cross-university cultural initiative that brought together students from various disciplines such as law, science, tech, arts, and more.
Through this, I formed friendships with people from around the world including Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Azerbaijan, and many more. It allowed me to develop a global network through which I have formed a deeper appreciation for diversity and collaboration.
In what ways have you benefited from the University of Melbourne's alumni network during or after your studies?
The University of Melbourne’s alumni network has been a meaningful part of my journey, even after graduation. Most recently, I participated in an alumni event in December, where we met with prospective students and their parents. I was part of a panel representing the university, answering questions and sharing insights about life and study in Melbourne.
It was a rewarding experience, not only because I could help others make informed decisions, but also because it reinforced my connection with the university community. Events like these make you feel close to home, even when you are miles away.
How do you stay updated with the latest laws and regulations?
I like to think of myself as a bit old school when it comes to staying updated with the latest laws and regulations. I dedicate time each week, usually Saturdays, specifically to reading recent judgments and updates from official sources such as the website of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India and other legal subscriptions I follow.
For me, it's not just about reading the bare decisions. I believe it's equally important to understand the varying perspectives people bring to interpreting the law. Legal commentary, analysis, and articles often reveal how different minds engage with the same provision in unique ways, which is incredibly insightful for someone working in such a dynamic field.
ever since to explore how we can continue disrupting and improving the legal field through new ideas and tech-forward solutions.
Another unforgettable experience was being part of the Global Students Association, where I had the opportunity to represent my intake, July 2019, alongside a close friend. It was a cross-university cultural initiative that brought together students from various disciplines such as law, science, tech, arts, and more.
Through this, I formed friendships with people from around the world including Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Azerbaijan, and many more. It allowed me to develop a global network through which I have formed a deeper appreciation for diversity and collaboration.
In what ways have you benefited from the University of Melbourne's alumni network during or after your studies?
The University of Melbourne’s alumni network has been a meaningful part of my journey, even after graduation. Most recently, I participated in an alumni event in December, where we met with prospective students and their parents. I was part of a panel representing the university, answering questions and sharing insights about life and study in Melbourne.
It was a rewarding experience, not only because I could help others make informed decisions, but also because it reinforced my connection with the university community. Events like these make you feel close to home, even when you are miles away.
How do you stay updated with the latest laws and regulations?
I like to think of myself as a bit old school when it comes to staying updated with the latest laws and regulations. I dedicate time each week, usually Saturdays, specifically to reading recent judgments and updates from official sources such as the website of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India and other legal subscriptions I follow.
For me, it's not just about reading the bare decisions. I believe it's equally important to understand the varying perspectives people bring to interpreting the law. Legal commentary, analysis, and articles often reveal how different minds engage with the same provision in unique ways, which is incredibly insightful for someone working in such a dynamic field.
Laws evolve constantly, and so does the way we apply them. I prefer to take the time to read thoroughly, reflect, and form a deeper understanding, rather than relying on quick summaries, because the nuances often lie in the details.
How would you describe your leadership style and the principles you follow as a leader?
My leadership style is rooted in a simple question I often ask myself which is, 'How would I like to be led?’ I don’t see leadership as a top-down role, but more as working alongside my team. I believe in creating a space that allows for growth, flexibility, and understanding. As a millennial, I value empathy, open communication, and giving people room to learn from mistakes.
One of the changes I introduced after returning from Melbourne was adjusting our work hours, from the traditional 10 to 6 to an 8 to 4 schedule, so that people have time for both their professional and personal lives. I constantly reflect on what kind of support I would appreciate if I were in their shoes.
What are your future goals or career aspirations?
I see myself moving toward a more specialized role in technology and law, with a strong focus on data privacy and artificial intelligence. I am keen to explore how legal frameworks can adapt to and support the fast-paced growth of emerging technologies.
Karunya Raghunath, Partner, Primacy Legal
Karunya Raghunath, Partner at Primacy Legal has a B.A. L.L.B from Gujarat National Law University and an LLM from the University of Melbourne. She began her career as a Senior Associate at Dhruva Advisors LLP, specializing in tax advisory and litigation support for clients in the finance, manufacturing and services industry.
Hobbies: Powerlifting, Reading
Favorite Cuisine: Indian, Korean
Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
How would you describe your leadership style and the principles you follow as a leader?
My leadership style is rooted in a simple question I often ask myself which is, 'How would I like to be led?’ I don’t see leadership as a top-down role, but more as working alongside my team. I believe in creating a space that allows for growth, flexibility, and understanding. As a millennial, I value empathy, open communication, and giving people room to learn from mistakes.
One of the changes I introduced after returning from Melbourne was adjusting our work hours, from the traditional 10 to 6 to an 8 to 4 schedule, so that people have time for both their professional and personal lives. I constantly reflect on what kind of support I would appreciate if I were in their shoes.
What are your future goals or career aspirations?
I see myself moving toward a more specialized role in technology and law, with a strong focus on data privacy and artificial intelligence. I am keen to explore how legal frameworks can adapt to and support the fast-paced growth of emerging technologies.
I am keen to explore how emerging technology can be channeled to support the growth of the legal field and contribute to the building of legal acumen in the Indian Legal Industry
Karunya Raghunath, Partner, Primacy Legal
Karunya Raghunath, Partner at Primacy Legal has a B.A. L.L.B from Gujarat National Law University and an LLM from the University of Melbourne. She began her career as a Senior Associate at Dhruva Advisors LLP, specializing in tax advisory and litigation support for clients in the finance, manufacturing and services industry.
Hobbies: Powerlifting, Reading
Favorite Cuisine: Indian, Korean
Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome