Dr. Sonal is a well-acclaimed professional for his work in regulatory and, compliance programs over the last decade. He had in the past worked with over 1800 clients in India and 61 globally. He has worked with the top 3 unicorns and many Fortune 500 companies.
His clients have been across different industries, viz. Automotive and OEMs, Pharma and Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Chemical Industry, BFSI, Infrastructure and Utilities (including state-owned PSUs), e-Commerce and Fintech Companies, Diversified Conglomerates, etc.
Dr. Sonal has worked on multi-million-dollar mandates for pan-global accounts. He brings insights to clients on the intricate detailing of different laws, their impact, pre-emptive measures, and ways to de-risk the organization.
He spent his initial years in-house at Barclaycard HQ in Northampton, UK. He has also worked in a senior position with a leading Big 4 firm in the legal risk transformation projects.
He is enrolled with the Bar of Maharashtra & Goa in 2007. He has completed his doctorate in Law, & has pursued numerous courses like “Harvard Mentor Program, Strategy & Sustainability (IIM Bangalore), Regulatory Compliance Specialization (University of Pennsylvania), and Data Ethics, AI, and Responsible Innovation (University of Edinburgh).”
He leads the first ESG Practice in India under the banner of Dhir & Dhir Associates. With his crossroad working with business & law, he brings advice & technology for effective change management in the journey of ESG.
Dr. Sonal, along with Ms. Maneesha Dhir, has authored AI FOR GOOD-INDIA AND BEYOND” one of the best sellers on Amazon India.
Previously, he has also authored five books, the last one was in 2009, which was available online till 2016 at Amazon-Mobipocket – A Legal Guide to Capital Raising in the European Union. Besides have penned four other books for the University of Mumbai (Mannan Prakashan) between 2000 & 2005.
Dr. Sonal is also on the Board of Studies for the premier law college of NMIMS since 2014 and continues.
Further, under his leadership the “Executive Development” program has been launched on “ESG, Carbon Markets & Sustainability” by Dhirubhai Ambani University; and an MOU has been entered with BITS Law School to enhance knowledge sharing.
Dr. Sonal has authored many articles in the area of “ESG”, which have been published by many leading legal publications. He has been a frequent contributor to Global Law Insights, India Capital Markets chapter since 2024.
He is frequently credited by Mondaq, a leading online publication, by “Thought Leader Award.”
He is also a regular panellist & appears on various platforms, engaging in insightful discussions on legal issues. He is frequently seen on the prestigious TED Talk.