Testimonials
Media, Entertainment and Arts practice
type designer
The design world is infamous for what can only be called a 'soft-exploitation' of its designers. Contracts are often one-sided and employers unyielding. However, Pankhuri not only assisted me through a tenuous legal process, but also educated me to be vigilant against the perils of bad contracts in the future. Love a lawyer who can explain the law with simplicity and care.
Founder, Memesys Culture Lab and filmmaker
Pankhuri is one of the finest and sharpest Indian lawyers I have had the pleasure of working with for many years. It is clear from her manner of working that she has deep understanding of not only the philosophy of law but also the various nuances and commercial layers in a transaction. From negotiating complex contracts to rigorous diligence practices, Pankhuri and the firm consistently pre-empt and ensure our best interests.
Founder, Casting Bay and actor
While I do run an organisation as its founder, as a purely creative person, legal paperwork was always a nightmare. However, in the early stages when Casting Bay was being founded, Pankhuri and her team's hand-holding made the process much smoother. She explained to me with great patience all the risks, hidden contingencies and helped in charting out a long term roadmap for our business. Working with them has always been extremely professional, with never any undue delays in responses or compromise in priority. Now, even in my personal acting career, Pankhuri handles all my contracts with various production houses and media platforms. The professional trust and comfort has only increased over the years, with Pankhuri advising beyond legal issues and saving various transactions at critical stages. It has been an enlightening journey to work with Maker's Legal for myself and various colleagues in the film industry.
director, 3 Storeys, Criminal Justice (behind closed doors)
Contracts are tedious minefields that I dread, and I am grateful to have found a legal eagle like Pankhuri, who has helped me negotiate them for a few years now. Her experience in the world of media has proved invaluable on multiple occasions, and her patient, friendly style of working is perfect for someone like me who does not understand the law. Most importantly, I know that she always has my back, so I can rest easy.
design studio
As a boutique illustration-design firm with a limited team, we would often find the process of going through and negotiating contracts to be extremely tiresome and time consuming. When we began to work with Pankhuri a few years ago, we realised that there was a lot more between the lines in these contracts. Pankhuri helped us break down complex concepts and legal language into the simplest words and at times even helped us negotiate a higher design fee by simple tweaking of terms in the contracts. She really understands how creative people think, feel and function and goes out of her way to back you and your work.
- Founders, Zeenat Kulavoor & Sameer Kulavoor
Talent agency
It’s always fun working with Maker's Legal. It’s efficient, quick and always collaborative. They're always looking out for our best interests. Pankhuri understands very well what we do and the range of services we provide which helps greatly while negotiating contracts across commercial, editorial and placement.
artist
In the practice of art, rights related issues often find little to no headspace. These conversations surface when there are 'problems' that stem from not ever having discussed an artist's 'rights' - which is most typically quite late. I was introduced to Pankhuri through TARQ and Hena during a weekend of Artists rights talks and have since worked with her on a personal basis. It is true that not all lawyers will get artists, just like not all general physicians will understand the complexities of the brain or kidneys. I believe she understands the process and contingencies of making art and can therefore foresee a lot more than others lawyers can. I only wish I'd met her sooner!
gallery director, Tarq
At TARQ, we end up working with several artists, clients and collaborators. As a result we end up looking at a range of contracts, and working with Pankhuri has enabled us to empower our artists to seek the relevant legal advice from someone who understands the complexities of their work. It has been an incredible experience working with her guidance over the last year, and I look forward to continuing the same.
actor
I froze when I saw a contract for the first time in life. I have signed it without reading a single page. I knew I would want to always sign my contracts without taking the pain of reading it. For that I need a trustworthy lawyer who completely understands what I need now and also in the future. Pankhuri and her team have been exactly that. They are effortless to work with and always take care of all my concerns in a project. This saves me a lot of time and mental stress, and I am able to concentrate on my work.
Production and Media House
Pankhuri has made our life so much easier ! We get into agreements for most of our jobs and it’s so essential to have a lawyer who knows the business on our side. She is sharp and unrelenting with the big clients and their lawyers which is so imperative in this industry where the big clients are used to getting their own way.
Cinematographer
I never had a lawyer to help me with my contracts or negotiations before Pankhuri came into my life and made me truly understand the value of one. Pankhuri has made things that much easier and taken a huge burden off of my shoulders when it comes to dealing with Producers, Production Houses, Studios, etc. She really understands our business which is key to the whole working relationship. She’s always got my back which is a blessing in this cutthroat industry. A true ally!
Testimonials for the year 2024 are currently being updated