In India, pursuing social justice is fraught with challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, caste discrimination, and gender inequality. Lawyers play a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles by providing legal remedies to marginalised communities, advocating for fair laws, and ensuring justice is accessible to the poor and disadvantaged.
Many lawyers offer pro bono services to bridge the gap for those who cannot afford legal representation. They challenge discriminatory laws, file public interest litigations (PILs), and work to uphold the constitutional right to equality. By holding the state accountable and championing human rights, lawyers act as agents of social change.
Vishal Vijayrao Kale, Founding & Managing Partner at Kale & Shinde Associates is a distinguished second-generation Digambar Jain lawyer with a dynamic 25-year career specialising in litigation and arbitration. For years, Vishal Kale has championed the rights of the underprivileged, dedicating himself to pro bono work that has profoundly impacted many lives. Through his free legal services, he has bridged the gap between the judiciary and economically disadvantaged individuals, ensuring they have access to justice.
Creating a Legacy of Arbitration and Litigation
Vishal Kale exemplifies the best of the legal profession, combining his professional expertise with a deep commitment to social good.He has been appointed as a government arbitrator for multi-state cooperative societies in the banking sector and as an arbitrator for numerous commercial disputes by the Honourable Bombay High Court.
Vishal Kale Advocate as a Counsel played a key role in arguing the Public Interest Litigation along with other Counsels which resulted into creation of rules for the Maharashtra (urban areas) Prevention of Trees Act, 1975, and his efforts in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) 93 of 2005 were appreciated by Honourable Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, then a Judge at the Bombay High Court.
A Pillar of the Legal Community
In the high-profile EVM hacking case, Vishal successfully represented a Bhartiya Janta Party candidate, bolstering confidence in EVM machines—this case was a landmark judgement and his role in this complicated EVM case was well acknowledged by her Ladyship Justice Mrudula Bhatkar.
Currently, as a Partner at Kale and Shinde Associates, a leading law firm with a PAN India presence, Vishal advises prominent clients such as the Poonawalla Group, Mahindra and Mahindra, Adani Group, Shapoorji Pallonji, Bank of Maharashtra, Deutsche Bank and many other business tycoons. He also represented the Pune Police in High courts and Tribunals.
Beyond the Courtroom
Vishal is dedicated to social causes, serving as a trustee at SAMPARC orphanage and actively participating in environmental conservation through various Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in the National Green Tribunal. Though not affiliated with any political party, he works on social initiatives like rainwater conservation and river pollution prevention.
He continues the legacy of his father, Prof. Vijayrao J. Kale, and is a disciple of Dr. Sudhakar E. Avhad. Vishal’s wife, Pallavi Kale, is a notary public, appointed by the Central Government and practising family law. His father-in-law is a retired judge who now practises criminal law, and his maternal uncle is also in the judiciary, highlighting a family deeply involved in legal and judicial service.
Knowledge is Power
Vishal’s efforts extend far beyond providing legal representation. He educates impoverished communities about their rights, empowering them to seek justice actively. This educational approach ensures that the beneficiaries are not just passive recipients but engaged participants in the legal process. In a society where ignorance of rights can lead to exploitation and injustice, this proactive educational element is crucial. He regularly takes lectures and public awareness about the rights of the parties.
In addition to his legal advocacy and environmental initiatives, Vishal is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of legal professionals. He lectures at multiple colleges and institutions, sharing his extensive knowledge and practical experience with aspiring lawyers. Through hands-on training sessions and comprehensive modules, he prepares students to navigate the intricacies of the legal field. Every year more than 50 interns and 40 juniors are trained under him.
Commitment to Education
Vishal Kale’s educational efforts extend beyond theory. He has crafted numerous training modules that incorporate real-world scenarios, ensuring practical and meaningful learning experiences. Impressively, he holds copyrights for 16 of these training materials, underscoring his innovative approach to legal education. He has provided these notes free of cost to all learners and new in-law subjects as a training module.
Despite his substantial academic contributions, Vishal Kale maintains a low profile, avoiding media attention and public praise. His decision to stay out of the spotlight reflects a sincere dedication to the legal profession and its progress, driven more by service than by seeking recognition and hence we have taken a note of this gentleman and decided to give him a token of appreciation.
Planting the Seeds of Change
While Vishal Kale’s commendable legal and educational endeavours deserve recognition, what truly distinguishes him is his simultaneous dedication to environmental sustainability. For the past five years, Vishal Kale has been a staunch advocate for tree planting, making substantial contributions to ecological harmony. Without seeking publicity, he has personally planted over 1500 trees across diverse locations such as schools, hospitals, and public parks in last five years.
This dual commitment to social and environmental causes highlights a comprehensive approach to justice. By promoting environmental stewardship, Vishal Kale acknowledges that justice encompasses more than just human interactions.
Excellence in Legal Service
Kale and Shinde Associates is a registered full-service law firm located near the District Court in Shivaji Nagar, Pune, having its branch in Mumbai and Delhi committed to providing personalised and high-quality legal support and effective advocacy. The Law Firm handles litigation matters with dedication and expertise.
Renowned for their swift and top-notch service, Kale and Shinde Associates uphold high standards of efficiency and quality output. They specialise in litigation, ensuring quick resolutions and flexibility in scheduling, and offer comprehensive legal advice across various domains of law.
Champions of Change
In every society, the legal profession bears a profound responsibility for maintaining peace, order, and justice. In India, where social complexities and inequalities are pronounced, the role of lawyers transcends mere courtroom advocacy. They serve as guardians of justice, champions for the underprivileged, and defenders of the rule of law. Vishal Kale stands as a notable example of such dedicated service, embodying a dual commitment to advancing social justice and promoting environmental conservation. And hence we decided to confer upon him the title of “Most Successful Lawyers to Watch in 2024 (APAC).”
