Legal Associate at Vaish Associates Advocates [Indirect Tax]
Overview of Vaish Associates Advocates
Vaish Associates Advocates is a leading full-service Indian law firm, well-regarded for its tax practice. The firm has offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and is known for its expertise in taxation (both direct and indirect), corporate law, litigation, and regulatory advisory.
The Indirect Tax team at Vaish Associates handles complex tax issues such as GST, customs, service tax (pre-GST legacy cases), excise, VAT, and anti-dumping laws.
Role of a Legal Associate [Indirect Tax]
As a Legal Associate specializing in Indirect Tax at Vaish Associates, your responsibilities can be divided into four major areas:
1. Advisory Work
GST Opinions: Provide legal opinions on the applicability of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on various transactions, classification of goods/services, and tax treatment of business models.
Transactional Advisory: Advise clients on the indirect tax implications of mergers, acquisitions, or cross-border transactions.
Customs & FTP Advisory: Interpret customs laws, duty structures, import-export incentives, and Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) benefits.
Advance Rulings: Assist clients in filing and defending Advance Ruling applications before GST authorities.
2. Litigation & Representation
Drafting & Filing:
Draft appeals, writ petitions, replies to show cause notices, and submissions before GST authorities, Tribunals (CESTAT), and High Courts.
Handle legacy litigation under Service Tax, Excise, and VAT laws.
Court/Tribunal Appearances:
Represent clients before adjudicating authorities, appellate forums, and occasionally assist senior advocates before High Courts/Supreme Court.
Prepare case briefs, conduct legal research, and coordinate with counsels.
Compliance with Procedural Law:
Ensure adherence to timelines for appeals, refund applications, and other filings.
Liaise with government departments (GST Commissionerate, DGFT, Customs, etc.).
3. Client Management & Advisory Support
Client Queries: Address day-to-day indirect tax queries from clients, especially concerning GST input tax credit (ITC), place of supply, export of services, and e-invoicing.
Training Sessions: Sometimes participate in client training programs or internal knowledge-sharing sessions.
Updates & Compliance Alerts: Track regulatory changes and circulate legal updates to clients.
4. Research & Drafting
Statutory Interpretation: Analyze and interpret tax statutes, circulars, and notifications.
Knowledge Management: Contribute to internal databases, publications, or newsletters on indirect tax issues.
Legal Articles: Draft articles or thought leadership pieces for publication in journals or on the firm’s platform.
Skills Required
Strong knowledge of GST law, customs law, and pre-GST indirect tax laws.
Excellent drafting and legal research skills.
Analytical ability to interpret complex tax provisions and judicial precedents.
Understanding of procedural laws (CPC, Limitation Act, etc.) relevant to tax litigation.
Effective communication and client handling skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stakes legal environment.
Typical Day of an Associate
A day might include:
Reviewing a client’s GST structure and advising on ITC eligibility.
Drafting a reply to a show cause notice.
Preparing case notes for a CESTAT hearing.
Researching a Supreme Court ruling on classification disputes.
Discussing a compliance update with a senior associate or partner.
Career Progression
At Vaish Associates:
You begin as an Associate, and with experience, move to Senior Associate, then Principal Associate, and eventually to Partner (subject to performance and business development).
Associates in indirect tax often become subject-matter experts, and may also participate in public policy discussions or contribute to tax reform dialogue in India.
Conclusion
A Legal Associate in the Indirect Tax team at Vaish Associates Advocates plays a critical role in navigating India’s complex tax framework, offering both litigation and advisory services. This position demands sharp legal acumen, strong interpretive skills, and the ability to manage multiple legal and client-facing responsibilities.
RELATED Blog
0 comments