MOST INTRIGUING PEOPLE
Going Above and Beyond BY BILL BEENE
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dvocating for others and giving back is something that Arindam Kar has always valued. And going into law, he said, has helped him to develop the skills and tools necessary to be effective at those passions.
Kar and his wife have five children and credits his wife with great management of her work and home life while supporting him in his endeavors. Every day, he says, brings new joys, challenges and managed chaos.
I try to be more than an attorney for my clients; I want to be a trusted adviser and counselor, said Kar who doesn’t mind spending extra time and effort going above and beyond in order to provide global, strategic advice.
Kar admits that for him, juggling work and home life is extremely difficult and a daily challenge, with some successful days and some not so successful.
It’s a small order for Kar: he likes interacting with clients and getting to know them, one of the most likable aspects of his practice as a Partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Kar’s corporate work involves antitrust and competition law compliance, counseling and investigations. As such, he counsels companies on complying with antitrust and competition laws. He also counsels clients on mergers and acquisitions, and represent them before the U.S antitrust agencies: Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission, not to mention, State attorneys general. As if those representations don’t keep him busy enough, Kar takes on clients in antitrust investigations. Still, the community and humanity-driven attorney finds time take on pro bono cases, representing refugees, asylum petitioners and immigrants in immigration proceedings. “My parents (who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970’s) instilled in me very early how to be grateful for everything our community did to support us in making a new home in this country,” he said. In accordance, his parents also instilled in him the value of giving back and helping others in the community. In fact, if Kar wasn’t practicing law, he would still be doing something in support of the community. That is between eatery outings with his wife: they both are foodies, who also like to try new recipes at home.
“My success is dependent on constant communication and coordination with my family,” Kar said. Kar gives this advice to professionals: “If you are a leader in your organization, it is important to be inclusive and to actively listen to your team,” he said. “Every team member, no matter how junior, may have insight that will help provide better service to clients.” Further, he said, “always remember to always be respectful and to your team and everyone with whom you interact.” Kar is also big on diversity, something he says is critical for any organization that wants to thrive in the global environment, because it is a prerequisite for acquiring the best talent and insight to move an organization forward. However, Kar says, that equity and inclusion are even more important because having a diverse workforce will not advance an organization unless diverse talent is meaningfully engaged in all levels of the organization. He concludes his diversity, equity and inclusion insight, saying, everyone must be actively and equitably part of the strategic conversation and direction of an organization. “That is when an organization truly gains the benefit of diversity.” Kar is a native of Ames, Iowa, He completed his undergrad at St. Louis University and studied law at the University of Iowa College of Law. who’s who diversity in color
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