Neel Sachdev Offers Insight into Life Beyond the Law at Paul Weiss
Neel Sachdev, a prominent figure in City law and a partner at Paul Weiss, recently shared insights into his personal life in an interview. The discussion highlighted his interests outside of the legal profession, including luxury cars, property investment, and sports.
In a profile published in the Financial Times, Sachdev, who made headlines in 2023 for his lateral move from Kirkland & Ellis to Paul Weiss, was interviewed in Portugal. There, he has invested in a luxury property development on a former orange grove in the Algarve.
Sachdev made a memorable entrance to the interview, arriving in a vintage red 1977 Mercedes 450 SL, dressed in a matching red outfit. He expressed that the car was inspired by his childhood memories of American television shows, showcasing his unique personal style.
His sporting life is equally noteworthy, as he revealed that he regularly plays tennis with television chef Ainsley Harriott, who is not a client. This reflects a growing trend of celebrity culture among top City lawyers, which Sachdev acknowledges in his commentary on client relations.
Astrology also plays a significant role in Sachdev's decision making process. He mentioned consulting an astrologer in India prior to his investment in the Algarve property, claiming that the same astrologer advises Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This aspect of his decision making has raised eyebrows within the legal community.
The Algarve development project, named Laranjeiras, involves the acquisition of the former orange grove for €1.5 million, with plans to build 11 luxury homes. Each property is estimated to be valued at over €3 million, and Sachdev's personal residence within the development features high end amenities.
Sachdev's legal career has been marked by significant achievements, particularly his recent transition to Paul Weiss, which is part of the firm's broader expansion strategy in London. His reported annual compensation of approximately £15 million underscores his status in the legal market.
Looking to the future, Sachdev hinted at a potential career shift, expressing a long standing ambition to run for the position of Mayor of London after his legal career concludes.