This week on Letters of Intent, Dilveer Vahali joins Pankaj and Sahil to discuss his remarkable legal journey from Wall Street to Web3. As a Sikh American professional, Dilveer shares how he transformed potential challenges into distinctive advantages throughout his career. Having worked at Citigroup during the 2008 financial crisis, made partner at Kirkland & Ellis, and now leading venture legal at a major crypto fund, Dilveer offers unique perspectives on navigating legal uncertainty in emerging markets.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing visible differences can become a professional strength
• Combining business and legal expertise creates a powerful skill set
• Traditional M&A principles can be applied to emerging technologies
• Career satisfaction often comes from pursuing multiple passions
• The importance of admitting what you don't know as a professional
• Deal-making should focus on expanding possibilities, not zero-sum thinking
• Being in physical proximity to mentors accelerates professional growth
• Risk-taking is essential for innovation in legal practice
• Finding joy in various pursuits creates a multidimensional identity

In this conversation, Dilveer explains how traditional M&A principles can be applied to blockchain technologies, and why his multifaceted approach to life—as an attorney, pilot, sailor, professor, and real estate developer—has shaped his professional philosophy. For lawyers considering career transitions or exploring startup legal services, this episode provides invaluable insights on balancing risk, opportunity, and personal fulfillment.

🔗 Learn More: Website: carbonlg.com
Connect with Pankaj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankaj-raval/
Connect with Sahil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahil-chaudry-6047305/