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Sonal Verma

Dr. Sonal is a well-acclaimed professional known for his work in regulatory and compliance programs over the past decade. He has worked with over 1800 clients in India and 61 globally, including the top three unicorns and numerous Fortune 500 companies. His clientele spans across a wide range of industries, including: Automotive and OEMs Pharma and Life Sciences Manufacturing Chemical Industry BFSI Infrastructure and Utilities (including state-owned PSUs) e-Commerce and Fintech Diversified Conglomerates Dr. Sonal has led multi-million-dollar mandates for pan-global accounts, offering clients deep insights into legal intricacies, potential risks, compliance impact, and proactive de-risking strategies. He began his career in-house at Barclaycard HQ in Northampton, UK, and later held a senior position at a leading Big 4 firm, specializing in legal risk transformation projects. Enrolled with the Bar of Maharashtra & Goa since 2007, Dr. Sonal holds a Doctorate in Law and has pursued several advanced certifications, including: Harvard Mentor Program Strategy & Sustainability – IIM Bangalore Regulatory Compliance Specialization – University of Pennsylvania Data Ethics, AI & Responsible Innovation – University of Edinburgh He currently leads India’s first ESG Practice at Dhir & Dhir Associates. At the intersection of business and law, he integrates legal counsel with technology to drive effective change management in the ESG transformation journey. Dr. Sonal, along with Ms. Maneesha Dhir, co-authored “AI FOR GOOD – INDIA AND BEYOND”, a best-seller on Amazon India. He has also authored five other books, including: A Legal Guide to Capital Raising in the European Union (2009, available on Amazon-Mobipocket until 2016) Four academic law books for University of Mumbai (Mannan Prakashan) between 2000 and 2005 He serves on the Board of Studies for NMIMS School of Law (since 2014) and continues to contribute actively to academia. Dr. Sonal frequently writes on ESG and his articles have been published by leading legal publications. A regular panellist and speaker, he often appears on various platforms, including the prestigious TED Talk, engaging in insightful discussions on law, compliance, ESG, and AI. · Dhir & Dhir Associates

IndiaESG Advisory, Regulatory and ComplianceEnglish, Hindi, Marathi

About

Leads India's first ESG Practice at Dhir & Dhir Associates. Over a decade of experience in regulatory and compliance programs, working with over 1800 clients in India and 61 globally, including Fortune 500 companies and top unicorns. Holds a Doctorate in Law and advanced certifications from Harvard, IIM Bangalore, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Edinburgh. Co-author of the Amazon best-seller 'AI FOR GOOD – INDIA AND BEYOND' and author of five other books. Serves on the Board of Studies for NMIMS School of Law since 2014. Regular panellist and speaker including TED Talk, writing on ESG for leading legal publications.

Practice areas

ESG AdvisoryRegulatory and ComplianceLegal Risk Transformation

Office

India

Dhir & Dhir Associates · Dr. Sonal is a well-acclaimed professional known for his work in regulatory and compliance programs over the past decade. He has worked with over 1800 clients in India and 61 globally, including the top three unicorns and numerous Fortune 500 companies. His clientele spans across a wide range of industries, including: Automotive and OEMs Pharma and Life Sciences Manufacturing Chemical Industry BFSI Infrastructure and Utilities (including state-owned PSUs) e-Commerce and Fintech Diversified Conglomerates Dr. Sonal has led multi-million-dollar mandates for pan-global accounts, offering clients deep insights into legal intricacies, potential risks, compliance impact, and proactive de-risking strategies. He began his career in-house at Barclaycard HQ in Northampton, UK, and later held a senior position at a leading Big 4 firm, specializing in legal risk transformation projects. Enrolled with the Bar of Maharashtra & Goa since 2007, Dr. Sonal holds a Doctorate in Law and has pursued several advanced certifications, including: Harvard Mentor Program Strategy & Sustainability – IIM Bangalore Regulatory Compliance Specialization – University of Pennsylvania Data Ethics, AI & Responsible Innovation – University of Edinburgh He currently leads India’s first ESG Practice at Dhir & Dhir Associates. At the intersection of business and law, he integrates legal counsel with technology to drive effective change management in the ESG transformation journey. Dr. Sonal, along with Ms. Maneesha Dhir, co-authored “AI FOR GOOD – INDIA AND BEYOND”, a best-seller on Amazon India. He has also authored five other books, including: A Legal Guide to Capital Raising in the European Union (2009, available on Amazon-Mobipocket until 2016) Four academic law books for University of Mumbai (Mannan Prakashan) between 2000 and 2005 He serves on the Board of Studies for NMIMS School of Law (since 2014) and continues to contribute actively to academia. Dr. Sonal frequently writes on ESG and his articles have been published by leading legal publications. A regular panellist and speaker, he often appears on various platforms, including the prestigious TED Talk, engaging in insightful discussions on law, compliance, ESG, and AI.

India

Expertise

Legal Risk TransformationESG TransformationCompliance and Regulatory Programs

Education

  • Doctorate in Law
  • Harvard Mentor Program
  • Strategy & Sustainability – IIM Bangalore
  • Regulatory Compliance Specialization – University of Pennsylvania
  • Data Ethics, AI & Responsible Innovation – University of Edinburgh

Admissions

  • Bar of Maharashtra & Goa (2007)

Languages

EnglishHindiMarathi