'The vision at NDM has been to create an awareness in the market that prevention is better than cure'

Nida Doon Malla

Founder, NDM Corporate Solutions

Membership Chair, CNIYEF 

Nida Doon Malla is a seasoned legal professional specialising in Legal Risk Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Having garnered over 11 years of practice at the Supreme Court of India, she currently heads NDM Corporate Solutions, with operations spanning Kathmandu and Delhi. Her expertise is widely recognized, and complementing her professional endeavours, Malla also holds the position of Membership Chair at the Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum.

Having transitioned from practicing at the Supreme Court of India to leading your own consultancy firm, NDM Corporate Solutions, what key leadership lessons have you learned?

For me, leadership is a constant learning process. At this stage in my career, one of my most formative lessons has been the identification of inter-sectional working patterns and analytical processes. This helps in creating cohesion in a team of individuals who operate with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Further, having experienced the work environments in both India and Nepal has taught me to perceive and think more contextually rather than just relying on gut feelings. This helps me guide the team in handling diverse domestic and international clients.

How have you used your expertise to influence CNIYEF’s approach to entrepreneurship support or policy engagement?

I feel my background in law was a key factor which led to my inclusion in the board. The value addition that my background has had is that we can look at the broader issues faced by our members from the standpoint of the law. This becomes important in advocating for a more business friendly environment that will propel the country towards self-reliance and help in reducing brain drain.

As an expert in Legal Risk Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution, how do you see the balance shifting between litigation and non-litigious solutions in Nepal’s corporate sector?

The post-pandemic trend in Nepal has been that of a lowered risk appetite. Since, right now corporations are more risk averse, they tend to lean towards corporate litigation only when it is absolutely necessary, such as large sum recovery matters. In relation to most other corporate matters, we have seen the growth of amicable resolution of civil disputes. There are certain other litigious issues that cannot be avoided, especially, when it comes to listed companies. Trends in relation to them usually remain stable.

What inspired you to start NDM Corporate Solutions and what gap did you aim to fill in Nepal’s legal or corporate advisory space?

The vision was to be solution oriented and insulate against the problem before it can arise. The legal advisory ecosystem in Nepal has largely been akin to fire fighting. This has been driven by the predisposition of the clients which is to seek out legal advice only when the problem arises. The vision at NDM has been to create an awareness in the market that prevention is better than cure. We aim to pre-empt issues and take precautionary measures by bringing the client’s corporate activities in line with the law. 

What does a ‘win’ look like for you in terms of team culture?

Any team member would be spending the larger part of their week day at the office. They do this to provide for their families and themselves, and to find a sense of dignified purpose. The ratio of this is obviously unique to each team member. It is very important to be mindful of this truth because this helps us in creating a respectful environment for everyone. Further, I come from an academic system that places equity in excellence and that is a part of my DNA. So, a win for me in terms of team culture, is an environment of respect and an obsession with excellence.