The concept of secondment dates back at least a couple of
centuries. The term is rooted in 18th-century military terminology,
where it described the act of supporting a higher officer or taking
on a temporary role. Since then, secondment has found its way into
the corporate world.
Despite its long history, the adoption of secondment in the
Indian legal sector is relatively recent, gaining traction in the
1990s when law firms began seconding their lawyers to key corporate
clients. This practice has since spread, yet carries associations
of uncertainty. In a country where job stability is revered,
prejudice comes from deep-rooted anxiety.
"Am I an employee or a free
agent?"
The ambiguity around employment status can lead to a sense of
corporate identity crisis, compounded by the need to explain their
position to curious colleagues and acquaintances.
