India

Advaya Legal is a full-service firm with strengths in the aviation sector, IP, employment and corporate advisory and M&A work. This year the firms ascends in the ‘Highly Recommended’ tier for its aviation expertise. Managing partner Ramesh Vaidyanathan is the key contact and a former general counsel of the Mumbai International Airport. Partner Laxmi Joshi is the contact for corporate and M&A matters since the departure of Sharanya Ranga earlier this year. 

Based in New Delhi, KKL Partners is a full-service law firm with strengths in real estate, corporate and M&A and aviation work. The team routinely advises offshore and onshore clients looking to create business synergies through international tie-ups via equity or debt investments or technology alliances. The firm is led by founding partner Aashish Vats.

Client feedback

“Very prompt service and quick turnaround time on the entire transaction. Also, the negotiations on term sheets were superb.” – Private equity

Aashish Vats

“He takes the best interest of the client and has the ability to meticulously negotiate with reason in transactions.”

Work highlights

Advised Quantum Investments in leasing two aircrafts to VSR Corporation.

Acted for Quantum Investments in leasing three aircrafts to Heritage Aviation Private.

Formerly known as PDS Legal, Lumiere Law Partners is a full-service firm that specialises in helping international companies form joint ventures and make entries into India. Its aviation specialty is notable. Managing partner Probal Bhaduri helms the team alongside aviation partner Vihang Virkar. The firm has experienced an uptick in restructuring and insolvency, and labour and employment matters.  

MV Kini & Co is best known for its strong aviation offering. It works with carriers, MRO, ground handlers and assets owners on a range of operational matters, including financing and regulatory concerns related to aircraft and engine leases, sale and lease back of assets, specialised airline IT services, deregistration and export procedures of aircrafts and assets. It counts Air India and its subsidiaries, as well as AIX Connect, as regular clients. The firm also counts capital markets and securities law as among its core practice areas. Managing partner and aviation specialist Ravi Kini is the key contact. Senior adviser BD Bhandary covers the firm’s banking and finance work.  

Seraphic Advisors is a full-service firm with offices in Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Its strength and experience in the aviation sector is notable, with a key client being the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA). It works closely with the aviation ministry, its departments and the regulator, as well as with other stakeholders in this sector such as aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers, leasing companies, domestic and international airlines and private airports. The key contact is partner KPS Kohli.

Work highlights

Advised an airport regulator on tariff-related issues against the Airports Authority of India.  

Represented an airport regulator in an arbitration matter against Vidya Infrabuilt related to the completion of an airport infrastructure project.

Wadia Ghandy & Co is one of the oldest full-service law firms in India, established in 1883. The firm has offices in five cities and houses over 150 fee earners. The firm’s banking and finance offering is widely respected. The firm also boasts strengths in aviation, disputes and real estate. The key contacts include managing partners Shabnum Kajiji, Ashish Ahuja, Bindi Dave and Dhawal Mehta, aviation specialist Marylou Bilawala, and deputy managing partners Nihas Basheer and Denzil Arambhan. 

Work highlights 

Advised a global aircraft leasing company in the lease of six aircraft to the national India carrier, providing guidance on regulatory compliance and transaction documentation.  

Assisted a commercial aircraft leasing player in execution proceedings concerning a default by SpiceJet, successfully filing petitions in the Delhi High Court based on foreign decrees. 

IndusLaw is a modern full-service firm that is rapidly coming up the ranks as a challenger to the established order of top legacy firms. In total, the pan-India coverage includes offices in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Gurugram. The firm takes pride in its growing prominence among sophisticated clients for its dispute resolution, private equity and TMT work. It specialises in working with investors across the full funding lifecycle and on a variety of funds including sector-specific ones such as technology, life sciences, e-commerce, retail and infrastructure. The key contacts are founding partners Avimukt Dar, Gaurav Dani, Kartik Ganapathy, and Suneeth Katarki.  

The biggest news for the firm came in June, when global law firm CMS announced its alliance with IndusLaw. The latter has joined the CMS network, adopting the joint branding of CMS IndusLaw, while remaining an independent entity. This collaboration is set to be fully operational by the end of 2025 and does not constitute a merger, joint venture, or partnership. 

This alliance is significant for several reasons. For CMS, it establishes a substantial foothold in the rapidly expanding Indian legal landscape. Conversely, IndusLaw gains the advantage of offering world-class legal solutions that incorporate a global perspective, thereby enhancing its capacity to serve clients looking to scale internationally. Clients of both firms will benefit from an integrated approach to legal services, combining IndusLaw's deep understanding of Indian law with CMS's international expertise across various fields, including corporate transactions, regulatory matters, disputes, capital markets, technology and intellectual property. 

The alliance also heralds a new era of international collaboration within the Indian legal market, potentially stimulating further partnerships between Indian and foreign firms and fostering a more competitive and dynamic legal environment. Key benefits include the provision of seamless cross-border services, enabling CMS to deliver coordinated legal solutions for complex international matters. Additionally, IndusLaw's lawyers will support multinational clients of CMS looking to operate in India, while CMS's lawyers in over 45 countries will assist clients seeking to expand from India. This partnership facilitates knowledge sharing and expertise exchange, providing IndusLaw's lawyers with valuable international exposure. 

The alliance is driven by the ongoing liberalisation of the Indian legal market, which has become increasingly open to foreign law firms, and by India's robust economic growth, which positions it as a significant player in the global economy. As the fourth-largest economy, projected to become the third-largest by 2027, India presents a burgeoning need for international legal advisers equipped with local insights. Overall, this collaboration positions CMS to capitalise on emerging opportunities in India, enhancing its competitive advantage in the region.

Work highlights

Acted for Edelweiss in a landmark financing transaction, involving the restructuring of a term loan facility. 

Advised HDFC Bank in ongoing recovery proceedings against Amara Labs, seeking the recovery of approximately $1.5 million. 

Acted for Flower Asset Reconstruction Company in an application before the Bombay High Court, seeking to intervene in ongoing execution proceedings against Omkar Realtors & Developers.

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) continues its reign as one of the most recognised full-service law firms in India, a top-tier choice for its panoply of international and domestic clients, with a longstanding reputation for handling the country’s most complex, high-value and innovative transactions and disputes. CAM operates from offices across India’s major cities – Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Noida – as well as international locations in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and at the International Financial Services Centre in GIFT City. This broad presence enables the firm to serve a diverse client base, including large Indian conglomerates, multinationals, global investment funds, banks, financial institutions, and fast-growing technology and digital businesses. 

CAM is especially recognised for its bench strength in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, private equity, competition (antitrust), dispute resolution, technology and telecommunications, real estate, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and regulatory and financial services. The firm is regularly sought out to advise on market-defining deals and cases, and is known for being the first call for “first of their kind” transactions in India. Clients trust the firm not only to execute deals but to help create new legal and business structures that often become industry standards. 

The firm has been deepening its expertise in distressed asset M&A and bid-side insolvency resolution, and has established a specialised corporate governance practice. The firm houses elite partners and leaders in their fields like Cyril Shroff, L Viswanathan, Reeba Chacko, Avaantika Kakkar, Namrata Kolar and Yash Ashar. The firm also has a unique bench of retired senior bureaucrats from key Indian regulators, such as Reserve Bank of India and Securities and Exchange Board of India, to provide an extra layer of expertise.  

The firm’s banking and financial services team routinely advises both Indian and international lenders and borrowers on project finance, corporate finance, external commercial borrowings, debt restructurings, high-yield bonds, securitisation and derivatives. Notable clients include State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda, and major infrastructure and energy companies. CAM has recently advised on several of the largest refinancings and infrastructure financings in India, such as the Re110 billion ($1.26 billion) lease discounting facilities for Brookfield’s real estate group companies and a $1.59 billion cross-border financing for Adani Group’s acquisition of Ambuja Cements warrants. The firm also played a key role in complex transactions involving InvITs, renewable energy projects, and bond issuances, working with a mix of Indian and global financial institutions. 

The competition law team, led by Avaantika Kakkar, is widely recognised for handling high-profile merger control filings and antitrust investigations. CAM regularly advises on some of the most significant antitrust matters in India, including multi-jurisdictional deals for global funds like Warburg Pincus, Advent International and Blackstone, as well as large corporates such as Google, Reliance, Tata and Thyssenkrupp. The team handled over 30% of merger notifications filed in India last year, and has been instrumental in precedent-setting cases involving digital markets, pharmaceuticals, and new sectors like green hydrogen and AI. The practice is also involved in cutting-edge issues such as big tech platform investigations, and recently secured India’s first unconditional competition clearance for a genAI investment by Google in Flipkart. 

In dispute resolution, CAM is the go-to firm for large corporates and financial institutions facing high-stakes litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings. The disputes team, led by Indranil Deshmukh and international arbitration specialist Shaneen Parikh, regularly acts before the Supreme Court, High Courts, and key tribunals. They have recently advised on headline disputes such as the shareholder battle at Byju’s, restructuring and insolvency-related litigation for Blackstone and Max Estates, and regulatory investigations for the Adani and Jindal groups. CAM also represented clients in precedent-setting cases, including Supreme Court clarifications on certified copies for appeals, cross-border asset tracing and insolvency, and high-profile family and shareholder disputes. 

The technology, media and telecommunications practice, led by Arun Prabhu, is highly regarded for advising on transactions, regulatory compliance and strategic issues facing India’s digital economy. The firm is regularly engaged by global tech giants like Meta, Google, Amazon and Microsoft, as well as Indian unicorns and startups. Key work includes advising on data-protection compliance, cross-border tech investments, fintech platforms, and evolving issues in online marketplaces, AI and blockchain. The TMT team is also recognised for policy work, having advised the Government of India on drafting landmark digital and data privacy legislation. 

In real estate, CAM has a nationwide presence with specialists in every major office and an extensive track record in large commercial, residential and industrial projects. The team, led by Namrata Kolar, Rishiraj Bhatt and others, routinely handles title diligence, project development, transactions, and regulatory issues for both domestic and international clients. Recent transactions include multi-crore land and building acquisitions for global investors, India’s largest branded residential developments, and substantial warehousing deals with institutional investors such as Blackstone and Hillhouse. 

CAM’s pharmaceuticals and life sciences practice, headed by Ashwin Sapra and Biplab Lenin, is a standout for regulatory, transactional and litigation work in this specialised sector. The team advises on product approvals, clinical trials, pricing, compliance and major M&A deals, and is regularly engaged by leading global and Indian pharma companies. Recent highlights include advising on the $5.08 billion merger of Aster DM Healthcare with Blackstone-backed Quality Care, one of the largest hospital sector deals in India, and representing Johnson & Johnson in significant product liability litigation. 

Regulatory and financial services work is another core strength. The firm’s Financial Institutions Group, led by L. Viswanathan and Anu Tiwari, offers deep experience in regulatory strategy, M&A, enforcement, fintech and policy matters. CAM’s close connections with former regulators and policy experts allow it to advise on new market entry, licensing, compliance and regulatory challenges for banks, NBFCs, fintechs and payment system operators. 

Over the past year, CAM has expanded with key partner hires, notably strengthening its capital markets, disputes and real-estate teams with senior laterals from top rival firms. For example, the blockbuster addition of capital markets guru Manan Lahoty and his massive team of 48 from IndusLaw rattled the Indian legal space last summer. The firm has also deepened its coverage in regulatory and fintech, and opened new offices in India’s emerging business hubs.

Work highlights

Advised Power Finance Corporation in the refinancing of Hinduja National Power Corporation 's existing debt. 

Acted for the State Bank of India in financing facilities for Cube Highways Trust, facilitating a comprehensive refinancing plan. The transaction involved complex security structures and extensive documentation to ensure alignment with the concession agreements. 

Key clients

Adani Capital, HSBC, ICICI Bank, JPMorgan Chase, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Power Finance, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking

Full-service firm DSK Legal has a strong reputation in the market for quality work with pockets of top-tier offerings in several areas. With offices in key cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, the firm has established a strong national presence, serving a diverse client base that includes multinational corporations, financial institutions and startups. 

Under the guidance of top-flight real-estate partner Sajit Suvarna, the firm’s real-estate offering is regarded as one of the strongest in Mumbai. With an added capacity on the corporate side from recent additions, the firm posted a strong showing by closing over 50 sizable M&A deals. The firm’s specialised media and entertainment department is also well-received by the market. It boasts many A-list Bollywood film stars as clients, along with local and international media houses and platforms like Disney and Star India. 

The firm is reputed for its deep understanding of the Indian regulatory landscape and its ability to navigate complex transactions and disputes across a plethora of sectors. DSK Legal excels in providing tailored legal solutions that align with clients' strategic objectives, ensuring compliance while maximising business opportunities. Its strong reputation in the banking and financial services sector is complemented by a robust practice in competition. 

Key contact and managing partner Anand Desai is a venerable figure in the legal industry for banking and finance, corporate and M&A, disputes, and media and entertainment. Deputy managing partner Suvarna is a banking and real estate specialist. Other key names include corporate partners Anjan Dasgupta, Aparajit Bhattacharya and Ajay Shaw, and competition specialists Rishi Anand and Kanika Nayar. Srinivas BR, Harvinder Singh, Nakul Batra, Jayesh Kothari and Mayank Mehta are other names to note. 

In the past year, DSK Legal has made several noteworthy updates. The firm has strengthened its team by adding skilled partners and associates, enhancing its capabilities across various sectors. This includes the introduction of new initiatives aimed at expanding its service offerings, particularly in emerging sectors like renewable energy and technology. The firm has also secured several significant clients, reflecting its growing influence and reputation in the legal market. 

Client feedback

"DSK is prompt in their revert and they give practical and business-friendly solutions. They understand the commercial nuances involved in a transaction and are able to balance the legal and commercial aspects of funding." – Banking and finance 

"The firm was great." – Banking and finance 

"The team was full of experienced, solution-oriented professionals." – Banking and finance 

"The lawyers were responsive, attentive to details and understood our needs." – Banking and finance 

"They are good with advising and finding solutions to issues. They pay attention to details and are proactive." – Capital markets 

"DSK Legal has an extremely responsive set of lawyers who are not only always available but also provide quality advice which is to the point and commercially sound. We have interacted a lot with Kanika Nayar, who is very approachable, has a tremendous amount of knowledge of the subject and provides very sound and clear advice." – Competition/antitrust 

"Very customer oriented." – Construction 

"They are very diligent in what they do. I have had very positive experiences working with Siddharth [Suresh] in particular." – Corporate and M&A 

"Great sector knowledge, client attention and professional approach." – Corporate and M&A 

"They are responsive and provide practical advice." – Corporate and M&A 

"They are very approachable, have a good command of the subject, and provided valuable insights on our project and the overall data. " – Dispute resolution 

"Intelligent, approachable, sincere, and assertive team." – Dispute resolution 

"The lawyers advised not only on the legal analysis but also on negotiation strategy from a practical viewpoint." – Dispute resolution 

"They are very good." – Labour and employment 

"Great skill and experience across various sectors, the best media practice in the industry." – Media 

 and entertainment 

"Thorough work and in-depth knowledge." – Private client 

"Excellent feedback." – Real estate 

"Gave excellent advice from the financial aspect regarding debentures underwriting, advice on real estate business, contract negotiations, and negotiations for contract conclusion." – Real estate 

Rishi Anand

"Excellent relationship management." 

"We had excellent support and an amazing partner in Rishi Anand."

Abhishek Singh Baghel

"Good team building and speed of reaction." 

"Very responsible and practical." 

Aparajit Bhattacharya

"Great sector knowledge."

Anjan Dasgupta

"Great sector knowledge."

Parag Kabadi

"On the ball and knows what to do."

Sagar Kadam

"Very cooperative with problem-solving skills."

Roochi Loona

"She is great."

Chandrima Mitra

"Extremely experienced, very intelligent and great understanding of the law as well as media business."

Saloni Mody

"Accurate advice based on deep knowledge and experience, and executed contract negotiations that fully supported our company."

Kanika Nayar

"She is well read on antitrust laws and precedents on competition matters."

Ashish Pahariya

"Articulate and solution oriented." 

"Responsive, technically proficient and understands client’s needs."

Dinesh Pardasani

"Dinesh exemplifies excellence in the legal sphere through unparalleled expertise and a profound understanding of intricate legal frameworks. Known for his accessibility and approachability, he has cultivated a reputation for being a trusted advisor to us. His strategic brilliance is reflected in meticulously crafted legal approaches that anticipate challenges and leverage opportunities, ensuring the most favorable outcomes."

Ajay Shaw

"Sound advice and quick implementation."

Mahip Singh

"Good team leader."

Payal Sinha

"Payal is adept at what she does. She is also aware of all the latest updates in the field of RERA/finance laws. She has years of good experience with many deals and can provide quick solutions to any issues." 

Siddharth Suresh

"Transparent, diligent and consistent."

Akanksha Tiwary

"She is very good."

Pranav Vyas

"He is sharp, intelligent, hardworking and always approachable." 

Work highlights

Acted for a leading Indian finance company on the acquisition of certain loans against property, facilitating the restructuring of outstanding debts totalling Re45 billion ($515 million). 

Assisted a domestic renewable energy player in securing a $150 million ECB facility from BNP Paribas and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, ensuring compliance with Indian laws. 

Key clients

Arka Fincap, Axis Finance, Canara Bank, Chattargarh Renewable Energy, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Union Bank of India

Majmudar & Partners is a medium-sized, high-quality corporate and financial law firm that excels in corporate and M&A, private equity, and labour and employment areas. On the deal side, the firm is not a volume player as its clients engage the team for sophisticated and complex transactions. The firm and its managing partner Akil Hirani are well regarded in the Mumbai market. In the past 12 months, the firm has seen good growth in the NBFC sector on regulatory advice, fintech, finance deals and M&A transactions. In addition, the team’s banking litigation and IP practice continues to develop.

Client feedback

"Strong experience in litigation in India." – Construction 

"Exudes professionalism." – Dispute resolution 

"We received appropriate advice." – Dispute resolution 

Rukshad Davar

"He provided proactive support." 

Akil Hirani

"He always provides good solutions after carefully thinking through." 

"Highly competent and professional."

Work highlights

Assisted a domestic export promotion organisation on the evaluation of insurance proposals and the introduction of a new insurance product.  

Advised a global insurance player on various Indian legal requirements related to their health insurance joint venture with the Manipal Group.

Singhania & Partners is particularly noted by market insiders for its experience in infrastructure-related disputes, with its lawyers known for their roads, highways, railways, energy and infrastructure specialties. For example, the firm is empanelled by the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation, Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India, RailTel Corporation of India, and National Hydropower Corporation. Managing partner Ravi Singhania is a respected name in the market. Key contacts include Singhania, senior partners Dipak Rao and Shilpa Shah and disputes partner Vikas Goel.  

Work highlights 

Advised an Indian public sector power company in the refinancing of six special purpose vehicles under the Mytrah Group. 

Assisted a local development company in securing a rupee term loan of Re10 billion ($114 million) for the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project. 

Atlas Law Partners maintains a strong showing in our banking and finance, corporate and M&A, real estate and private equity rankings. It debuts in the dispute resolution table on the back of a significant addition to the group, prominent disputes specialist and senior partner Ritu Bhalla. She joined from Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co in late 2022. The firm won numerous mandates last year despite the pandemic impact, acting on no less than 20 debt-related and M&A transactions. In the private equity space, the team is particularly specialised in handling startup investments on behalf of both funds as well as target companies. Co-founders and senior partners Harry Chawla and Niti Paul are key contacts.

With offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, Bharucha & Partners is an established full-service firm that handles complex, high-level matters. The firm has a stellar reputation in the market for its disputes work, with partners MP Bharucha and DP Singh lauded by peers. In the wake of this consistent recognition, the firms climbs into the top tier for dispute resolution his year. Key partners of the transactions practice group are Alka Bharucha, Justin Bharucha, Vandana Pai, Vishnu Dutt, Swathi Girimaji and Rohit Sharma. The firm welcomed former JSA partner and transaction specialist Sindhu Nayak this year.  

Four-year-old Bombay Law Chambers has offices in Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi. The firm has steadily made inroads in banking and finance and private equity, offering clients high-calibre solutions from veteran lawyers. The private equity practice has a stellar roster of regional and international clients, with industry strengths in e-commerce, logistics, gaming, agritech and medical technology, among others. Peers have acknowledged the firm’s “good work” and rise in prominence. Key contacts and founding partners are Karan Kalra and Dipanshu Singhal. Other names to note are partners Abhinav Harlalka, Parag Srivastava and Poonam Sharma.

Work highlights

Acted for Vivifi India Finance on the issuance of secured, unlisted, non-convertible debentures to two FPIs incorporated in the US and registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

Advised Alteria Capital on its subscription to non-convertible debentures and CCPS issued by FPL Technologies.

Dhir & Dhir Associates is best known for its restructuring and insolvency, and capital markets practices. The firm was one of the first entrants into the stressed assets advisory space back in the early 1980s. Thus, its long-standing experience of nearly four decades in the insolvency realm makes it a go-to firm with clients appreciating its substantial, well-rounded contentious and non-contentious practice. The firm is currently handling more than a quarter of the non-performing assets insolvencies in the country. In the last year, the firm successfully handled the first completed case of the pre-pack insolvency resolution process, among other notable precedent-setting matters. The firm has steadily been growing its restructuring advisory and contentious practice. The in-depth and expansive legal knowledge the firm possesses has helped various clients resolve their financial stress without seeking intervention of any court proceedings.  

The banking and finance team has witnessed a lot of focus on project finance matters as improving infrastructure is a key government mandate. It is working with clients in foreign direct Investments, re-financing, conventional financing and ECBs, and offer guidelines to foster equity, especially in startups. The core practices of managing partners Alok Dhir and Maneesha Dhir are in restructuring and insolvency, and corporate and M&A. Alok Dhir is also known for his expertise in real estate and private equity, while Maneesha Dhir is active in telecommunications, media and technology as well as dispute resolution.

Work highlights

Represented a leading financial institution in structuring a multi-million-dollar loan facility for infrastructure development.

Founded in 2015 with offices in Delhi and Mumbai, Gravitas Legal offers bespoke, quality representation on projects, investments, M&A, disputes and real-estate matters. In recent years, the firm expanded its reach into the areas of insolvency, securities and white-collar crimes. It has niche experience advising private-equity funds and working on pure fund-structuring mandates. In addition to regular project finance and corporate finance documentation, the firm excels in novel and atypical transactions around the 5/25 flexible structuring scheme and strategic debt restructuring. Gravitas is empanelled with several banks and financial institutions including PTC India Financial Services, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India and L&T Infra Finance. Banking and insolvency partner Tanuj Sud is a key contact at the firm. Other notable personnel include corporate partner Varij Sharma and disputes specialists Rajeev Aggarwal and Rahul Gaikwad.

Work highlights

Acted for ALT Mobility on the issuance of non-convertible debentures amounting to $2.4 million, facilitating funding from Trifecta Venture Debt Fund III. 

Advised Juniper Hotels in securing a term loan and working capital financing from ICICI Bank.

Boutique law firm Hitesh Sanghvi Law Offices was founded in 2010 and is based in Mumbai. It is active in the banking and finance, general corporate, regulatory and construction areas. Its major clients include businesses from a range of sectors, including industrials, electrical equipment, healthcare, medical equipment, financial services, and regulatory bodies. Key contact and eponymous partner Hitesh Sanghvi counts the Reserve Bank of India as a loyal client for regulatory issues and he has rendered honorary advisory services to the World Bank Group on domestic law.

Work highlights

Advised Siemens Healthineers subsidiary on the applicability of Foreign Exchange Management Act Regulations concerning delayed foreign outward remittances.

Imperial Law Offices specialises in banking and finance, and corporate law. The firm is well-versed in structuring high-value financing deals and handling intricate legal matters across various sectors. It is particularly renowned for its ability to facilitate large-scale financing arrangements, often involving multiple stakeholders and jurisdictions. Key individuals at the firm include co-managing partner and project finance specialist Amit Prakash and co-managing partner, Vasudev Velga, a corporate specialist. Amit Shrivastava is another co-managing partner who brings expertise in dispute resolution.

Work highlights

Assisted an Indian bank in securing a $451 million multi-banking project finance facility for Uflex, a leading Indian multinational. 

Advised a leading domestic NBFC on extending $12 million in financial assistance to RJ Corp for the repayment of existing unsecured debt. 

Successfully advised an Indian bank on a $15 million financial assistance deal with Sudiva Spinners.

Jerome Merchant + Partners offers a full range of corporate law services, including banking and finance, and corporate and M&A. With a well-respected banking practice, the firm’s real estate offering is worth noting, as it debuts in the rankings this year. It has grown its presence for clients in financial services, media, technology, healthcare and consumer goods. In the M&A space, the firm has deep experience in the automotive and real estate sectors. Partners Sameer Sibal and Vishnu Jerome lead on key deals, while disputes partner Murtaza Somjee handles litigation and arbitration cases.

Work highlights

Advised Amica Financial Technologies in relation to a credit enhancement provided by it to certain debentures purchased by Stride.

Assisted Vardhman Textiles on the issuance of its privately placed non-convertible debentures.

Key clients

Good Fashion Fund CV, Jetapult, Ares SSG TML Smart City.

Juris Arena was founded in late 2020 by corporate and transactions partner Soumitra Banerjee. The firm specialises in corporate work, with niche focuses on corporate commercial and corporate finance. The team is particularly adept at working with clients in the banking and financial services sector, with offerings including advice on syndication and other loan arrangements, facility letters, security documentation, letter of credit and financial services regulations, project finance, guarantee arrangements, performance bonds and bonding facilities. The corporate department specialises in transactional work, contractual support, real estate and regulatory compliance. Its corporate client base spans various sectors such as FMCB, IT and ITES, AI, pharmaceuticals, R&D, manufacturing, agro-tourism and digital marketing, among others.

Full-service firm Juris Corp excels in banking and finance, and capital markets. It features a robust trade and commodity finance practice, a rarity in the market, and is well-regarded for its debt issuance offering. The firm remains steady in the top tier of the banking table for its prowess in this space. In the past 12 months, the banking practice experienced a number of intricate and highly structured cross-border trade and commodity and receivables financing deals. There was also an uptick in real estate and shipping financing work. The firm has worked on more than 150 financing transactions spread across a wide array of sectors and practice verticals, with deal values ranging from $50 million to $3.5 billion. Senior partner Jayesh H is known for his diverse expertise in banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, private equity, and restructuring and insolvency. The firm has offices located in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

Work highlights

Acted as lender's counsel for a domestic finance company, facilitating the largest syndicated multi-currency social loan transaction by a private sector non-banking finance company, amounting to $1.25 billion. 

Advised an Indian conglomerate in a significant external commercial borrowing facility of $3.1 billion, noted as the largest offshore loan since 2023. 

Key clients

Axis Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Bank of India, HSBC, Mizuho Bank Citibank, Rabobank, Reliance Industries, Scotiabank, Vedanta, Standard Chartered Bank

Kochhar & Co has a pan-India presence and excels in a multitude of practice areas, from dispute resolution to real estate. Its technology and telecommunications practice is lauded as one of the best in the country. Stephen Matthias is a leading technology lawyer who heads the firm’s first-rate team. Managing partner and litigation specialist, Rohit Kochhar is the main contact.

Work highlights

Acted for IndusInd Bank in a deal involving a $50 million bilateral working capital facility to a gems and jewellery business.

Advised multiple domestic banks where one of the banks, ICICI Bank intends to take over the existing facilities from Aditya Birla Finance.

Represented the State Bank of India in relation to the recovery of funds from a large healthcare organisation, NMC Healthcare.

Key clients

Aditya Birla Finance, Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank, Sterlite Group

Lex Favios is a full-service firm with a proven track record helping offshore companies with their investments into India. Its core pillars include M&A, private equity and FEMA work. The firm remains consistent in our banking and finance, and corporate and M&A rankings. The firm, the exclusive India member of Legal Netlink Alliance, brandishes industry strengths in financial services, hospitality, real estate, power, renewable energy, oil and gas, and defence. Managing partner Sumes Dewan is a corporate and finance specialist. Senior associate Yashita Gulati joined from the Singhania & Partners in January. 

MDP & Partners is recognised for its work in the banking and finance, and real estate spheres. It is empanelled with the Securities and Exchange Board of India and has offices in Mumbai and Delhi. Managing partners Nishit Dhruva and Ashok Paranjpe, and senior partner Ashok Mishra are all banking and finance specialists, with the former two also focusing on real estate and disputes. Last year the firm managed to conclude over 20 loan-related transactions. 

Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe is a recognisable name in the market for its curated and specialised shipping practice. Its banking and insurance prowess is also well regarded. The firm, which houses over 80 fee earners and has offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, has expanded into the areas of subsea, oil and gas exploration and pipeline replacement projects. HDFC Bank is a notable loyal client of the firm. Key partner Shardul Thacker is one of the country’s leading shipping experts.

Client feedback

“They respond fast, provide good legal arguments and reasonable prices.” – Oil and gas

“The lawyers are very professional in their operation and provide elaborate advice. They are knowledgeable concerning the regulations and they stay up-to-date and give fast responses.” – Regulatory

“Strong legal team and responsive.” – Shipping

Shardul Thacker

“Very responsive and an excellent legal strategist.”

“Very skilled, knowledgeable and professional.”

“Focused and attentive.”

Work highlights

Acted for HDFC Bank on its two loans advanced to Seven Islands Shipping.

Advised HDFC Bank on its loan to the Bank of Oceanic Dream.

Assisted Emirates NBD Bank in respect of a corporate guarantee to be issued by Sterling & Wilson Renewable Energy.

Key clients

Chailease International Financial Services, DVB Group Merchant Bank Asia, HSBC, Rabobank.

ZBA is a boutique firm best known for its banking, shipping, dispute resolution and debt capital markets capabilities. The firm specialises in complex commercial disputes, with a focus on maritime law. It works with owners, offshore contractors, banks, mortgagees, charterers, cargo underwriters, insurers and reinsurers, protection and indemnity clubs, shipyards, commodity traders and financial investors. Managing partner Zarir Bharucha is a respected figure for shipping disputes. He is often nominated as an arbitrator for shipping-related arbitrations in the London Court of International Arbitration and he is a member of the maritime sub-committee of the IBA. Partner Niloufer Lam leads the transactional practices.

Client feedback

“Provides timely responses.” – Insurance

“Very proactive and efficient.” – Shipping

Zarir Bharucha

“Intelligent and proactive.”

“Zarir is very experienced, not only in the law but also in a commercial sense, and understands what our member is looking to achieve.”

“Personable, articulate, professional and commercially minded.”

“Very positive and subject-specific knowledge.”

Work highlights

Advised REC on four external commercial borrowing transactions totalling $1.715 billion.

Acted for borrower Power Finance Corporation on its $600 million loan from a bank syndicate.

Key clients

ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, State Bank of India.

Resolut Partners was launched in 2022 by the Mumbai founders of Touchstone Partners, Ruchir Sinha and Shreyas Bhushan. The team is highly regarded in the market for its leading private equity, and banking and finance practices. Since the start of 2023, the firm has advised on over $4.6 billion and tackled the full spectrum of issues that arise for early and late-stage PE players. The banking practice is focused on advising global credit funds and special situation funds on primary and secondary credit investment opportunities in India. The lawyers are skilled and experienced in designing innovative products and structures for large institutional investors and global sponsors investing in structured credit products. The firm is a leader in infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) transactions.

Work highlights

Advised Roadis on $350 million financing.

SNG & Partners is known for its sophisticated and experienced handling of banking and finance matters. As a core area of the firm, banking and financial services clients are very comfortable turning to the firm for their legal needs. The firm counts a wide range of lenders and non-financial banking companies as loyal clients, and works on all types of finance-related transactions. It is active in acquisition finance, structured trade finance, leveraged transactions, real estate loans, debt securitisation, debt structuring, structured loans and project financing. The firm also offers advisory services in capital markets and real estate, with the market acknowledging its strength in debt capital markets issuances, particularly for rupee-denominated deals. Two years previously, the firm entered into an exclusive alliance with another full-service law firm, R&P Partners. Together, the two firms have broadened their professional bandwidth, as well as expanded their geographical foothold with offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Cochin, Madurai, and Singapore. Managing partners Sanjay Gupta and senior partner Amit Aggarwal are the key contacts.

Work highlights

Advised DBS Bank India on its loan facility to Pluto Business Parks.

Acted for Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC and Axis Bank as the lenders to Prahitha Constructions.

Key clients

Axis Bank, HDFC Capital, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company, IndusInd Bank, Piramal Enterprises.

Tatva Legal Hyderabad is a sizable, full-service firm with offices in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Its core pillars are banking and finance, dispute resolution, labour and employment, investment funds, private equity, R&I and real estate. Managing partner Shailendra Komatreddy is the key contact. The firm welcomed corporate specialist Kaushalya Guduru from Avendus Capital and disputes manager Palash Taing from S&A Law Offices in the past year.  

Wadia Ghandy & Co is one of the oldest full-service law firms in India, established in 1883. The firm has offices in five cities and houses over 150 fee earners. The firm’s banking and finance offering is widely respected. The firm also boasts strengths in aviation, disputes and real estate. The key contacts include managing partners Shabnum Kajiji, Ashish Ahuja, Bindi Dave and Dhawal Mehta, aviation specialist Marylou Bilawala, and deputy managing partners Nihas Basheer and Denzil Arambhan. 

Capital markets-focused Alliance Law Firm has carved out a niche offering seasoned advice on and defence against enforcement actions by financial regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India. It also has a lengthy track record working with clients on their IPOs, rights issues, buyback offers and de-listings. The firm is helmed by managing partner RS Loona and partner Ankur Loona. The former is a securities litigation expert. They were joined in April 2024 by associate partner Himanshi Khanna from Sterne India.

Work highlights

Advised Platinum industries on its $30 million IPO on the Main Board.

Acted for Valiant Laboratories on its $18 million IPO on the Main Board.

Key clients

Amal, Global Surfaces, Ratnaveer Precision Engineering, Saraswati Saree Depot.

With offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, Bharucha & Partners is an established full-service firm that handles complex, high-level matters. The firm has a stellar reputation in the market for its disputes work, with partners MP Bharucha and DP Singh lauded by peers. In the wake of this consistent recognition, the firms climbs into the top tier for dispute resolution his year. Key partners of the transactions practice group are Alka Bharucha, Justin Bharucha, Vandana Pai, Vishnu Dutt, Swathi Girimaji and Rohit Sharma. The firm welcomed former JSA partner and transaction specialist Sindhu Nayak this year.  

Kanga and Co is known for its expertise in banking and finance, capital markets, and real estate. The firm has built a reputation for its comprehensive legal services, particularly in high-stakes transactions and complex regulatory matters. It is particularly well-regarded for its deep expertise in real estate, where it provides legal support for large-scale property developments and financing. Senior partner Preeti Mehta is a key contact.

Work highlights

Advised Vraj Iron and Steel on its IPO. 

Assisted Akme Fintrade India with its IPO.

MV Kini & Co is best known for its strong aviation offering. It works with carriers, MRO, ground handlers and assets owners on a range of operational matters, including financing and regulatory concerns related to aircraft and engine leases, sale and lease back of assets, specialised airline IT services, deregistration and export procedures of aircrafts and assets. It counts Air India and its subsidiaries, as well as AIX Connect, as regular clients. The firm also counts capital markets and securities law as among its core practice areas. Managing partner and aviation specialist Ravi Kini is the key contact. Senior adviser BD Bhandary covers the firm’s banking and finance work.  

ZBA is a boutique firm best known for its banking, shipping, dispute resolution and debt capital markets capabilities. The firm specialises in complex commercial disputes, with a focus on maritime law. It works with owners, offshore contractors, banks, mortgagees, charterers, cargo underwriters, insurers and reinsurers, protection and indemnity clubs, shipyards, commodity traders and financial investors. Managing partner Zarir Bharucha is a respected figure for shipping disputes. He is often nominated as an arbitrator for shipping-related arbitrations in the London Court of International Arbitration and he is a member of the maritime sub-committee of the IBA. Partner Niloufer Lam leads the transactional practices.

Client feedback

“Provides timely responses.” – Insurance

“Very proactive and efficient.” – Shipping

Zarir Bharucha

“Intelligent and proactive.”

“Zarir is very experienced, not only in the law but also in a commercial sense, and understands what our member is looking to achieve.”

“Personable, articulate, professional and commercially minded.”

“Very positive and subject-specific knowledge.”

Work highlights

Represented issuer REC on an update of its $10 billion global medium term note programme.

Advised Bharat Petroleum Corporation on its issue of rated, listed, unsecured, redeemable, non-convertible debentures on a private placement basis.

Founded in 2020 by competition specialists Anu Monga and Rahul Goel, the firm is quickly ascending into the upper echelons as one of the top antirust legal offerings in the country. The team is at the forefront of competition jurisprudence-shaping cases, acting in numerous constitutional challenges to the Competition Act. The team is working towards settling the interpretation with respect to several procedural aspects relating to powers of the Directorate General and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) during investigation and adherence to due process. This involves interpretation of the Competition Act, Code of Civil Procedure and Constitution of India.

Client feedback

“Practical, ethical and efficient.” – Regulatory

“To the point, high quality and good pricing.” – Technology and telecommunications

Rahul Goel

“Ethical, hard-working and commercially aware.”

Anu Monga

“Cool and collected.”

Work highlights

Successfully represented Builders Association of India (BAI) before the Supreme Court and Madras High Court in petitions filed by India Cement and Dalmia Bharat Cement challenging the impleadment of BAI as an interested party in a cement cartel investigation by the CCI. This was the first judgment in competition law jurisprudence to deal with ‘comity of courts’ and ‘territorial jurisdiction’ of the High Court

Acted for the Federation of Indian Publishers as the informant in a cartel case against the courier express parcel industry, which includes DHL, FEDEX, UPS, ARAMEX and other courier companies.

Engaged by Sumitomo Chemical India to challenge the constitutionality of a regulation of the CCI before the High Court of Delhi.

Established in late 2019 by a founding partner of Trilegal, Anand Prasad, AP & Partners aims to service clients in sophisticated, high-stakes and high-value matters. Its corporate expertise rests in M&A, particularly those that are complex, distressed or contentious, and it has a growing expertise in technology matters. The department provides a full suite of services to clients that include domestic and international public and private companies, entrepreneurial startups, mature multinational corporations, as well as significant financial institutions, insurance companies, pension funds and venture capital funds. The team frequently acts for Indian companies, their founders and management in M&A deals as well as other corporate transactions such as joint ventures, equity and debt financing, mergers and business transfers. It is also kept busy advising a number of major corporations on their corporate governance matters. The New Delhi-based firm currently has seven partners and nearly 20 fee earners. Apart from Prasad, the key contacts at the firm are corporate and private equity partners Arjun Sinha, Dushyant Kumar and Moksha Bhat.

Work highlights

Assisted FRND in preparing a response to a Competition Commission of India (CCI) notice concerning an investigation against Google regarding service fees for application developers. 

Represented Mewt in responding to a CCI notice related to competition law compliance. 

Provided counsel to a domestic tech company in an ongoing CCI investigation into Google's conduct.

Chandhiok & Mahajan is recognised by the market for its competition and antitrust expertise and is growing in prominence in the restructuring and insolvency sphere. The firm is active for its big tech and e-commerce clients, for example representing Google before the competition regulator. Another highlight is the firm’s extensive experience in leniency mandates, powered by its win for a client in the first-ever decision by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in relation to leniency where 100% immunity was granted. The firm also has numerous seminal antitrust law achievements under its belt. It is at the forefront of competition policy development, with name partner Karan Chandhiok as the co-chair of the Assocham National Council on Competition Law. Chandhiok and co-founder Pooja Mahajan are key figures at the firm. Other names to note are antitrust partners Deeksha Manchanda and Avinash Amarnath.

In the past 12 months, the firm made a series a high-profile recruitments to bolster its M&A and disputes groups, including M&A partner Shafaq Uraizee Sapre and capital markets expert Niruphama Ramakrishnan from JSA, contentious insolvency partner Himanshu Vidhani from Khaitan & Co, new head of disputes and advocate-on-record Rahul Narayan, corporate counsel Mitesh Shah from Krishnamurthy & Co, and disputes counsel Zubin Poovathinkal from Karavadi & Co.

Client feedback

“The team is very good. Sujoy's always a phone call away to ideate and provide in-depth legal insight, commercial guidance or practical inputs. With Sujoy on board, you can rest assured that your international clients are in safe hands.” – Corporate and M&A

“Chandhiok & Mahajan consistently demonstrates several positive attributes that enhance our collaboration. Their legal team is known for providing thorough and strategic legal advice, which is crucial for navigating complex real estate transactions and disputes. They excel in offering timely and proactive solutions, which helps in making informed decisions efficiently. Additionally, the firm has shown a strong commitment to understanding the specifics of the real estate sector, tailoring their advice to fit not only legal requirements but also commercial realities. Their attentiveness to changes in regulations and their impact on our business is particularly noteworthy. This combination of industry knowledge, timely advice, and professional integrity makes them a valuable asset to any real estate business.” – Dispute resolution

Sujoy Bhatia

“He brings a wealth of experience, a lot of market knowledge, legal insights and practicality in deal making.”

Mehul Parti

“Mehul consistently exhibits several commendable attributes as a counsel at Chandhiok & Mahajan. Additionally, Mehul demonstrates excellent communication skills. He articulates legal strategies clearly and effectively, ensuring that all parties are well-informed and that there is a clear understanding of the course of action. This skill is particularly crucial in maintaining transparency and trust with clients. Mehul's dedication to his clients is evident in his thorough preparation and persistent approach to achieving the best possible outcomes for them. He is also known for his professionalism and integrity, maintaining high ethical standards in all his dealings, which fosters trust and respect from clients and colleagues alike.”

Work highlights

Acting for Google in an anonymous information filed against the GPay app and Google’s Play Store as well as two additional complaints filed regarding the client’s Play Store.

Representing Asianet in an abuse of dominance investigation by the CCI against Star India and its group companies.

Successfully represented Vifor Pharma and obtained a favourable order at the preliminary stage in an investigation related to alleged anti-competitive activity and abuse of dominance by the client.

Key clients

Bookmyshow, GBL, Goodyear, Honda, Hyundai, JCB, Intel, Panasonic, UFO.

IndusLaw is a modern full-service firm that is rapidly coming up the ranks as a challenger to the established order of top legacy firms. In total, the pan-India coverage includes offices in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Gurugram. The firm takes pride in its growing prominence among sophisticated clients for its dispute resolution, private equity and TMT work. It specialises in working with investors across the full funding lifecycle and on a variety of funds including sector-specific ones such as technology, life sciences, e-commerce, retail and infrastructure. The key contacts are founding partners Avimukt Dar, Gaurav Dani, Kartik Ganapathy, and Suneeth Katarki.  

The biggest news for the firm came in June, when global law firm CMS announced its alliance with IndusLaw. The latter has joined the CMS network, adopting the joint branding of CMS IndusLaw, while remaining an independent entity. This collaboration is set to be fully operational by the end of 2025 and does not constitute a merger, joint venture, or partnership. 

This alliance is significant for several reasons. For CMS, it establishes a substantial foothold in the rapidly expanding Indian legal landscape. Conversely, IndusLaw gains the advantage of offering world-class legal solutions that incorporate a global perspective, thereby enhancing its capacity to serve clients looking to scale internationally. Clients of both firms will benefit from an integrated approach to legal services, combining IndusLaw's deep understanding of Indian law with CMS's international expertise across various fields, including corporate transactions, regulatory matters, disputes, capital markets, technology and intellectual property. 

The alliance also heralds a new era of international collaboration within the Indian legal market, potentially stimulating further partnerships between Indian and foreign firms and fostering a more competitive and dynamic legal environment. Key benefits include the provision of seamless cross-border services, enabling CMS to deliver coordinated legal solutions for complex international matters. Additionally, IndusLaw's lawyers will support multinational clients of CMS looking to operate in India, while CMS's lawyers in over 45 countries will assist clients seeking to expand from India. This partnership facilitates knowledge sharing and expertise exchange, providing IndusLaw's lawyers with valuable international exposure. 

The alliance is driven by the ongoing liberalisation of the Indian legal market, which has become increasingly open to foreign law firms, and by India's robust economic growth, which positions it as a significant player in the global economy. As the fourth-largest economy, projected to become the third-largest by 2027, India presents a burgeoning need for international legal advisers equipped with local insights. Overall, this collaboration positions CMS to capitalise on emerging opportunities in India, enhancing its competitive advantage in the region.

Work highlights

Successfully represented Samara Capital in an indirect acquisition of a controlling stake in Agro Tech Foods. This involved filing a Form I notification before the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and securing an unconditional approval. 

Provided strategic advice to Penetron in formulating its strategy and filing a reply before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal against an appeal challenging a dismissal order by the CCI regarding allegations of cartelisation.

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) continues its reign as one of the most recognised full-service law firms in India, a top-tier choice for its panoply of international and domestic clients, with a longstanding reputation for handling the country’s most complex, high-value and innovative transactions and disputes. CAM operates from offices across India’s major cities – Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Noida – as well as international locations in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and at the International Financial Services Centre in GIFT City. This broad presence enables the firm to serve a diverse client base, including large Indian conglomerates, multinationals, global investment funds, banks, financial institutions, and fast-growing technology and digital businesses. 

CAM is especially recognised for its bench strength in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, private equity, competition (antitrust), dispute resolution, technology and telecommunications, real estate, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and regulatory and financial services. The firm is regularly sought out to advise on market-defining deals and cases, and is known for being the first call for “first of their kind” transactions in India. Clients trust the firm not only to execute deals but to help create new legal and business structures that often become industry standards. 

The firm has been deepening its expertise in distressed asset M&A and bid-side insolvency resolution, and has established a specialised corporate governance practice. The firm houses elite partners and leaders in their fields like Cyril Shroff, L Viswanathan, Reeba Chacko, Avaantika Kakkar, Namrata Kolar and Yash Ashar. The firm also has a unique bench of retired senior bureaucrats from key Indian regulators, such as Reserve Bank of India and Securities and Exchange Board of India, to provide an extra layer of expertise.  

The firm’s banking and financial services team routinely advises both Indian and international lenders and borrowers on project finance, corporate finance, external commercial borrowings, debt restructurings, high-yield bonds, securitisation and derivatives. Notable clients include State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda, and major infrastructure and energy companies. CAM has recently advised on several of the largest refinancings and infrastructure financings in India, such as the Re110 billion ($1.26 billion) lease discounting facilities for Brookfield’s real estate group companies and a $1.59 billion cross-border financing for Adani Group’s acquisition of Ambuja Cements warrants. The firm also played a key role in complex transactions involving InvITs, renewable energy projects, and bond issuances, working with a mix of Indian and global financial institutions. 

The competition law team, led by Avaantika Kakkar, is widely recognised for handling high-profile merger control filings and antitrust investigations. CAM regularly advises on some of the most significant antitrust matters in India, including multi-jurisdictional deals for global funds like Warburg Pincus, Advent International and Blackstone, as well as large corporates such as Google, Reliance, Tata and Thyssenkrupp. The team handled over 30% of merger notifications filed in India last year, and has been instrumental in precedent-setting cases involving digital markets, pharmaceuticals, and new sectors like green hydrogen and AI. The practice is also involved in cutting-edge issues such as big tech platform investigations, and recently secured India’s first unconditional competition clearance for a genAI investment by Google in Flipkart. 

In dispute resolution, CAM is the go-to firm for large corporates and financial institutions facing high-stakes litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings. The disputes team, led by Indranil Deshmukh and international arbitration specialist Shaneen Parikh, regularly acts before the Supreme Court, High Courts, and key tribunals. They have recently advised on headline disputes such as the shareholder battle at Byju’s, restructuring and insolvency-related litigation for Blackstone and Max Estates, and regulatory investigations for the Adani and Jindal groups. CAM also represented clients in precedent-setting cases, including Supreme Court clarifications on certified copies for appeals, cross-border asset tracing and insolvency, and high-profile family and shareholder disputes. 

The technology, media and telecommunications practice, led by Arun Prabhu, is highly regarded for advising on transactions, regulatory compliance and strategic issues facing India’s digital economy. The firm is regularly engaged by global tech giants like Meta, Google, Amazon and Microsoft, as well as Indian unicorns and startups. Key work includes advising on data-protection compliance, cross-border tech investments, fintech platforms, and evolving issues in online marketplaces, AI and blockchain. The TMT team is also recognised for policy work, having advised the Government of India on drafting landmark digital and data privacy legislation. 

In real estate, CAM has a nationwide presence with specialists in every major office and an extensive track record in large commercial, residential and industrial projects. The team, led by Namrata Kolar, Rishiraj Bhatt and others, routinely handles title diligence, project development, transactions, and regulatory issues for both domestic and international clients. Recent transactions include multi-crore land and building acquisitions for global investors, India’s largest branded residential developments, and substantial warehousing deals with institutional investors such as Blackstone and Hillhouse. 

CAM’s pharmaceuticals and life sciences practice, headed by Ashwin Sapra and Biplab Lenin, is a standout for regulatory, transactional and litigation work in this specialised sector. The team advises on product approvals, clinical trials, pricing, compliance and major M&A deals, and is regularly engaged by leading global and Indian pharma companies. Recent highlights include advising on the $5.08 billion merger of Aster DM Healthcare with Blackstone-backed Quality Care, one of the largest hospital sector deals in India, and representing Johnson & Johnson in significant product liability litigation. 

Regulatory and financial services work is another core strength. The firm’s Financial Institutions Group, led by L. Viswanathan and Anu Tiwari, offers deep experience in regulatory strategy, M&A, enforcement, fintech and policy matters. CAM’s close connections with former regulators and policy experts allow it to advise on new market entry, licensing, compliance and regulatory challenges for banks, NBFCs, fintechs and payment system operators. 

Over the past year, CAM has expanded with key partner hires, notably strengthening its capital markets, disputes and real-estate teams with senior laterals from top rival firms. For example, the blockbuster addition of capital markets guru Manan Lahoty and his massive team of 48 from IndusLaw rattled the Indian legal space last summer. The firm has also deepened its coverage in regulatory and fintech, and opened new offices in India’s emerging business hubs.

Work highlights

Represented Warburg Pincus on its investment in Shriram Housing Finance, managing the competition law aspects of the transaction. 

Advised Advent International on its acquisition of a stake in Apollo Healthco, successfully navigating the competition law landscape to secure Competition Commission of India approval.  

Key clients

Adani Group, Axis Bank, CDPQ, NTPC, Siemens, Blackstone Group, Warburg Pincus

DMD Advocates is a full-service firm that is heralded for its strong tax expertise. The other core areas of the firm are dispute resolution, corporate, regulatory, competition and IP rights. The pan-India firm houses more than 120 lawyers, including 26 partners, across its principal offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, and associate offices in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Kolkata and Bhubaneswar. Founders Anuradha Dutt, Fereshte Sethna and Vijayalakshmi Menon are the key contacts for transactional work. Other names to note in the tax department include senior director Rupak Saha, and partners Shashank Shekhar and Tushar Jarwal.

Work highlights

Advised a tractor manufacturer on competition law aspects during its transaction involving the sale of its railway equipment division, focusing on structuring clean-team arrangements to mitigate potential antitrust concerns. 

Acted for an Indian multinational tire maker before the Competition Commission of India, handling an investigation into alleged cartelisation, advising on depositions and cross-examinations.

Full-service firm DSK Legal has a strong reputation in the market for quality work with pockets of top-tier offerings in several areas. With offices in key cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, the firm has established a strong national presence, serving a diverse client base that includes multinational corporations, financial institutions and startups. 

Under the guidance of top-flight real-estate partner Sajit Suvarna, the firm’s real-estate offering is regarded as one of the strongest in Mumbai. With an added capacity on the corporate side from recent additions, the firm posted a strong showing by closing over 50 sizable M&A deals. The firm’s specialised media and entertainment department is also well-received by the market. It boasts many A-list Bollywood film stars as clients, along with local and international media houses and platforms like Disney and Star India. 

The firm is reputed for its deep understanding of the Indian regulatory landscape and its ability to navigate complex transactions and disputes across a plethora of sectors. DSK Legal excels in providing tailored legal solutions that align with clients' strategic objectives, ensuring compliance while maximising business opportunities. Its strong reputation in the banking and financial services sector is complemented by a robust practice in competition. 

Key contact and managing partner Anand Desai is a venerable figure in the legal industry for banking and finance, corporate and M&A, disputes, and media and entertainment. Deputy managing partner Suvarna is a banking and real estate specialist. Other key names include corporate partners Anjan Dasgupta, Aparajit Bhattacharya and Ajay Shaw, and competition specialists Rishi Anand and Kanika Nayar. Srinivas BR, Harvinder Singh, Nakul Batra, Jayesh Kothari and Mayank Mehta are other names to note. 

In the past year, DSK Legal has made several noteworthy updates. The firm has strengthened its team by adding skilled partners and associates, enhancing its capabilities across various sectors. This includes the introduction of new initiatives aimed at expanding its service offerings, particularly in emerging sectors like renewable energy and technology. The firm has also secured several significant clients, reflecting its growing influence and reputation in the legal market. 

Client feedback

"DSK is prompt in their revert and they give practical and business-friendly solutions. They understand the commercial nuances involved in a transaction and are able to balance the legal and commercial aspects of funding." – Banking and finance 

"The firm was great." – Banking and finance 

"The team was full of experienced, solution-oriented professionals." – Banking and finance 

"The lawyers were responsive, attentive to details and understood our needs." – Banking and finance 

"They are good with advising and finding solutions to issues. They pay attention to details and are proactive." – Capital markets 

"DSK Legal has an extremely responsive set of lawyers who are not only always available but also provide quality advice which is to the point and commercially sound. We have interacted a lot with Kanika Nayar, who is very approachable, has a tremendous amount of knowledge of the subject and provides very sound and clear advice." – Competition/antitrust 

"Very customer oriented." – Construction 

"They are very diligent in what they do. I have had very positive experiences working with Siddharth [Suresh] in particular." – Corporate and M&A 

"Great sector knowledge, client attention and professional approach." – Corporate and M&A 

"They are responsive and provide practical advice." – Corporate and M&A 

"They are very approachable, have a good command of the subject, and provided valuable insights on our project and the overall data. " – Dispute resolution 

"Intelligent, approachable, sincere, and assertive team." – Dispute resolution 

"The lawyers advised not only on the legal analysis but also on negotiation strategy from a practical viewpoint." – Dispute resolution 

"They are very good." – Labour and employment 

"Great skill and experience across various sectors, the best media practice in the industry." – Media 

 and entertainment 

"Thorough work and in-depth knowledge." – Private client 

"Excellent feedback." – Real estate 

"Gave excellent advice from the financial aspect regarding debentures underwriting, advice on real estate business, contract negotiations, and negotiations for contract conclusion." – Real estate 

Rishi Anand

"Excellent relationship management." 

"We had excellent support and an amazing partner in Rishi Anand."

Abhishek Singh Baghel

"Good team building and speed of reaction." 

"Very responsible and practical." 

Aparajit Bhattacharya

"Great sector knowledge."

Anjan Dasgupta

"Great sector knowledge."

Parag Kabadi

"On the ball and knows what to do."

Sagar Kadam

"Very cooperative with problem-solving skills."

Roochi Loona

"She is great."

Chandrima Mitra

"Extremely experienced, very intelligent and great understanding of the law as well as media business."

Saloni Mody

"Accurate advice based on deep knowledge and experience, and executed contract negotiations that fully supported our company."

Kanika Nayar

"She is well read on antitrust laws and precedents on competition matters."

Ashish Pahariya

"Articulate and solution oriented." 

"Responsive, technically proficient and understands client’s needs."

Dinesh Pardasani

"Dinesh exemplifies excellence in the legal sphere through unparalleled expertise and a profound understanding of intricate legal frameworks. Known for his accessibility and approachability, he has cultivated a reputation for being a trusted advisor to us. His strategic brilliance is reflected in meticulously crafted legal approaches that anticipate challenges and leverage opportunities, ensuring the most favorable outcomes."

Ajay Shaw

"Sound advice and quick implementation."

Mahip Singh

"Good team leader."

Payal Sinha

"Payal is adept at what she does. She is also aware of all the latest updates in the field of RERA/finance laws. She has years of good experience with many deals and can provide quick solutions to any issues." 

Siddharth Suresh

"Transparent, diligent and consistent."

Akanksha Tiwary

"She is very good."

Pranav Vyas

"He is sharp, intelligent, hardworking and always approachable." 

Work highlights

Advised global paint manufacturer in an appeal against the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) order related to alleged pressure from Asian Paints on dealers to avoid dealing with its products. This case is significant as it addresses market access restrictions in the paints sector. 

Assisted a global logistics company in an ongoing antitrust investigation by the CCI regarding alleged collusion in the courier, express, and parcel industry. This investigation is notable as it examines key competitive practices within the sector for the first time.

Full-service firm Dua Associates is best known for its litigation and arbitration offering, and its restructuring and insolvency practice is growing from strength to strength. The dispute resolution team has over 150 lawyers spread out across its offices in New Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune. Notably, the firm has a robust Supreme Court presence through its sister firm Dua Associates AoR, which is a firm registered with the top court and stacked with advocates-on-record that work in tandem with the Dua Associates partners. Dispute resolution specialist and senior partner Shiraz Patodia is a main contact, as is firm chairman and corporate expert Ranji Dua.

Client feedback

"Proactive, thorough knowledge of law, great team." – Corporate and M&A 

"Very accessible and quick turnaround time. There are personalized responses from the whole team, from the partners down to associates." – Corporate and M&A 

"Prompt response, good research work, team of competent attorneys, and good success rates in dispute resolution and litigation." – Dispute resolution 

Nityashjit Kaur

"Very accessible. Prompt. A pleasure to work with."

Shiraz Patodia

"Shows leadership, knowledge of law and empathy."

Vimla Pinto

"Diligent with good attention to detail, drafting skills, research skills and prompt advisory services."

Work highlights

Represented a global petroleum conglomerate in obtaining approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for its acquisition of Raj Petro.  

Successfully represented Balrampur Chini Mills before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal and the CCI in a cartel matter, leading to the annulment of a significant penalty imposed by the CCI.

JSA is a leading, pan-India full-service firm that excels in a number of areas including energy, infrastructure, technology and telecommunications, banking and finance, and construction. Its regulatory practice is well-regarded due to the firm’s strong credentials with telecoms, energy and infrastructure authorities. This year the firm made notable strides in the rankings, rising into the top tier for its competition and disputes offerings. It additionally ascended a notch in the aviation and media and entertainment rankings. The firm operates in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Gurugram.  

Last year the firm shored up its core practice areas to enhance its competitiveness among India’s premier full-service firms. In two blockbuster moves that shook the legal industry, the firm recruited competition doyenne Nisha Kaur Uberoi and her 25-strong team from Trilegal, as well as a sizable M&A team from Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. Today, the competition team remains at the top of its game, securing major merger approvals for clients like Apple and UltraTech Cement. The team has expanded its expertise to address competition issues arising from digital and tech sectors, reflecting the evolving regulatory environment. 

Other key moves to reflect the firm’s growth include its strategic hires late last year, including capital markets specialist Anuj Pethia, and projects, infrastructure and real-estate partners M Arun Kumar and Deepak Chowdhury. In April 2025, JSA further demonstrated its commitment to talent development by promoting 70 lawyers, including 12 to the position of retained partner. 

The firm has also been actively involved in major advisory roles, successfully guiding clients through critical transactions. Recent highlights include advising Truemeds on its Series C fundraising, facilitating the IPO of All Time Plastics, and supporting Steel Infra Solutions in their IPO. Additionally, JSA played a key role in advising Vertis Infrastructure Trust on a sustainability-linked bond issuance and acted on behalf of Schneider Electric in a significant stake acquisition in Schneider Electric India.

Work highlights

Advised a leading cement company in obtaining unconditional approval from the Competition Commission of India for its acquisition of a controlling stake in India Cements, involving a 32.72% stake acquisition and a subsequent open offer to public shareholders. This transaction marks a significant milestone in the cement industry.  

Represented Schneider Electric and Temasek in their $2.1 billion acquisition of Larsen & Toubro’s electric and automation business.

Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan (LKS) is a leading full-service law firm with over three decades of experience. It operates across 14 major cities and employs more than 500 professionals, including lawyers, economists, and technical experts. Known for its expertise in corporate and commercial law, taxation, dispute resolution, and intellectual property, the firm serves a diverse clientele, ranging from small businesses and startups to large Indian corporations and multinational companies. It has built a reputation for its in-depth knowledge across both traditional and emerging industries. The teams have worked with sectors like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and automobiles, as well as modern fields such as e-commerce, renewable energy, and big data. 

For IP, the firm remains in the top tier. It is famed for its contentious patent know-how, where the subject matter requires deep and detailed knowledge. The firm is a market leader in plant genomics and plant variety protection. The IP group has demonstrated expertise in handling complex patent litigation and advisory matters, particularly in cases involving pharmaceuticals and technological innovations. The firm’s robust and historical tax practice is particularly well-regarded for its work in taxation, including GST, customs, and direct tax matters. Its insights into tax reforms and compliance are frequently sought after, and the firm has developed practical tools like a GST Toolkit to assist businesses with implementation and compliance. The firm’s international trade and WTO practice has also positioned it as a preferred advisor for businesses navigating global trade regulations and disputes. 

Recently, LKS has been recognized for its commentary on critical legal developments, including changes in GST rate structures and procedural timelines under tax laws. It has also provided detailed analysis of rulings in areas such as process patent infringement and dual proceedings by state and central authorities under the CGST Act.  

The firm’s ability to blend technical expertise with practical application is a defining feature. For example, it has been actively involved in advising on the taxation of derivatives, intermediary services, and the implications of artificial intelligence on investment trends in healthcare. The team’s ability to connect legal frameworks with industry-specific challenges makes them trusted partners for businesses facing complex regulatory environments. 

Key firm contacts are IP practice head Malathi Lakshmikumaran, who is a specialist in the biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals sectors. Managing partner V Lakshmikumaran is a go-to name for tax matters. Notable clients in the arbitration arena occupy the steel, power, consumer goods, hospitality and tourism, and infrastructure sectors.

Work highlights

Successfully opposed a transfer petition filed by the Competition Commission of India, safeguarding its client’s rights during the inquiry into Amazon's conduct in smartphone sales.. 

Advised its client on an ongoing investigation into alleged anti-competitive vertical agreements by Amazon, representing the largest seller of mobile phones on the Amazon India platform. 

Represented a logistics supplier in an alleged cartel investigation in the express courier industry, providing counsel during the inquiry stage before the Competition Commission of India.

P&A Law Offices is a legacy corporate, commercial, financial and litigation law firm with an admirable list of market firsts. Founded in 1996, the firm has a stellar reputation among top Indian conglomerates, Fortune 500 companies, household-name multinationals, and government and multilateral organisations. This year, the firm scales up in the competition table for its market-leading work. The team is helmed by eight partners who advise on all types of transactions and disputes across the entire spectrum of industry sectors. Untethered to a particular niche, the lawyers are focused on assisting their renowned clients in all types of high-level, complex, and high-stakes matters. Its competition practice is well regarded in the market with the firm’s practitioners helping draft the current competition rules. An interesting statistic pegs its deals as having a combined value of more than $75 billion. Managing partner Anand Pathak has been the chairman of the task force on competition law of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, was a member of India’s government-appointed committee on national competition policy and investment, and he is currently the vice chair of the IPBA on Indian competition law. Other key partners include antitrust experts Shashank Gautam and Sreemoyee Deb, and dispute resolution experts Gaurav Mahajan and Vijay Purohit.

Established four years ago by a group of partners from Luthra and Luthra Law Offices, Saraf and Partners has established itself well as a highly-regarded full-service firm with core strengths in projects, corporate and M&A, private equity, and restructuring and insolvency. The team consists of no less than 34 partners and over 180 personnel. The firm has established a strong presence with offices in major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Its competitive edge lies in a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and a client-focused approach that integrates legal expertise with practical business solutions. Key contacts include founder Mohit Saraf, and senior partners Bikash Jhawar, Vaibhav Kakkar, Vikrant Kumar, Sanjeev Sharma and Saroj Jha. Disputes partner Manmeet Singh left for Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas at the beginning of 2025.

Client feedback

"Saraf and Partners is very sound when it comes to legal advice, and they combine it very well with vast experience and practical, solution-oriented insights." – Banking and finance 

"The law firm has specialized knowledge and expertise in specific areas of law, such as disputes resolution, corporate law, real estate work and intellectual property. They have a client-centered approach. The law firm is committed to providing tailored legal solutions that meet the unique needs of our company. The firm is super-responsive to our inquiries and concerns. They follow ethical practices and maintain standards of professionalism." – Dispute resolution 

"The domain knowledge and solution-oriented approach of the lawyers is very helpful." – Technology and telecommunications 

Sahil Arora

"Working with Sahil is an absolute pleasure and he exceeds all expectations. From the outset, Sahil demonstrated a profound understanding of the legal intricacies surrounding the matter with his sheer wealth of legal knowledge, commercial acumen, and top-notch legal and regulatory expertise being self-evident. It was apparent that he was invested in our journey with complete dedication to achieve the best possible outcome for us. What truly sets him apart is his innate ability to provide insightful guidance and strategic advice, keeping in mind commercial realities, especially in areas where the law is nebulous. The regulatory framework in India is complex and ever-changing, but his ability to feel the pulse of the regulator allows us to navigate the landscape with ease." 

Aroop Das

"Aroop is detail-oriented and strategic, with the foresight to anticipate issues and prepare effective alternatives. He leads his team well, communicates clearly, and balances legal knowledge with practical and commercial advice. He is very approachable and open to suggestions which further enhance his effectiveness."

Sanjeev Kumar Sharma

"Sanjeev is a highly skilled lawyer with specialized expertise in various areas of law, including dispute resolution and corporate law. His commitment to continuous learning ensures he stays updated with the latest legal developments, providing clients with the most informed advice. Sanjeev's strong communication skills enable him to explain complex legal concepts clearly, while his active listening ensures he fully understands his clients' concerns. Known for his dedication and work ethic, Sanjeev goes the extra mile to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients. He adheres to high ethical standards and maintains honesty and transparency in all his communications. Sanjeev's analytical skills and creative problem-solving abilities allow him to develop effective and innovative legal strategies. His client-centered approach, marked by personalized service and empathy, makes him a trusted advisor."

Work highlights

Successfully obtained approval from the Competition Commission of India for Viatris's divestment of its women's healthcare business in India. 

Represented an Indian cement manufacturers association in an ongoing investigation regarding alleged anti-competitive practices in the cement industry.

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co has a commanding presence in the market with top-tier practices across all practice areas and industry sectors. It is routinely considered one of the best firms in a highly competitive market for transactions and a first port of call for selective international clients. The firm offers the best of all worlds: large capacity, pan-India presence, depth of expertise and experience, and market-leading professionals. It regularly advises the largest multinationals, Indian conglomerates, and private-equity players and funds. The capital markets team continues to represent issuers in many of the country’s largest IPOs and the M&A group remains unmatched for its high-stakes, high-value transactions. Pallavi Shroff is well known for her extensive experience in dispute resolution, and Shardul Shroff is renowned for his expertise as a general corporate lawyer. There were multiple notable partner movements in the course of the last 12 months.

Work highlights

Advised an agriculture commodities-related conglomerate on its $18 billion acquisition of Viterra, successfully navigating the complexities of competition law and obtaining unconditional approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI).  

Represented an Indian multiplex chain before the CCI, successfully defending against allegations of abuse of dominance related to its merger with INOX. The CCI dismissed the complaint, affirming the autonomy of enterprises to choose their trading partners.

Touchstone Partners was formed as a splinter from Platinum Partners in late 2020. Corporate specialist Karam Daulet-Singh is the managing partner, and he helms a team of 35 lawyers including six partners. The firm and its senior leaders have always been highly-regarded in the market for high end, complex M&A and private equity work.

TT&A proves its leading firm status by standing strong in the top tier for banking and finance. It remains in the first tier of the banking and financial services table, and places highly for its insurance, private equity and regulatory offerings. Its capital markets practice is highly regarded for its quality, focused specialism in debt issuances, including masala bonds, and structured high-yield transactions. Partners Sonali Mahapatra, Rituparno Bhattacharya, Nidhi Rani and Rahul Gulati form one of the country’s most well-regarded teams for banking and finance, while joint managing partners Kunal Thakore and Gautam Saha maintain a respected high-end corporate M&A and private-equity practice.

Work highlights 

Advised a US-based internet and tech company in an antitrust complaint against Apple, focusing on the alleged anti-competitive payment policies for in-app payments on iOS devices. 

Acted for a prominent Indian family holdings group on obtaining CCI approval for a hostile takeover of Religare Enterprises, navigating complex regulatory hurdles to secure unconditional approval. 

Founded in 2015, Veritas Legal’s bread and butter are its corporate and M&A and private equity practices, with its dispute resolution offering rapidly rising in prominence. For its size, the firm punches above its weight, amassing an impressive deal flow and volume last year. It consistently placed in respected M&A and PE league tables within the top 10 of all Indian law firms. Sector-wise, it is deepening its footprint in pharmaceuticals and life sciences, real estate, and technology and telecommunications. Founder and managing partner Abhijit Joshi is a highly respected M&A and private equity lawyer, while partner Rahul Dwarkadas specialises in dispute resolution. Other key partners include Kunal Doshi, Tushar Raut and Manav Raheja.

Work highlights 

Provided comprehensive legal analysis for a capital investment advisory group regarding a significant minority investment in Zepto, assessing potential notification requirements with the Competition Commission of India. 

Acted for a multinational pharmaceuticals giant on a promotional initiative aimed at reducing the consumer cost of excema treatment Cibinqo, analysing its implications under competition law to safeguard against possible legal challenges. 

Clavius Legal stands out as a powerhouse in dispute resolution, particularly in construction and regulatory disputes across India. Led by partners Sooraj Sharma, Vipul Agrawal, Jatin Kochhar and Arjun Kant, the firm has quickly established itself as a go-to legal practice for complex, high-stakes litigation. The firm's approach combines deep industry knowledge with strategic legal insights, allowing it effectively to navigate complex legal landscapes. With a dedicated team of skilled professionals, Clavius Legal operates from its main office in New Delhi, serving clients across various sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, energy and financial services. The firm’s client roster includes major corporations like Citigroup, CBRE, Viridian RED, and various state-owned enterprises, demonstrating its ability to handle both private and public sector complex legal challenges. With a focused team of 30 lawyers and a strategic approach to dispute resolution, Clavius Legal has rapidly positioned itself as a leading legal practice in India.  

Key individuals at the firm include partners Sharma, who specialises in dispute resolution and regulatory matters; Agrawal, known for his construction expertise; Kochhar, who focuses on international arbitration; and Indresh Upadhyay, who brings significant experience in regulatory and public law. 

Over the past 12 months, the firm has made significant advancements, including the hiring of Gaurav Singh and Siddharth Sijoria as Of Counsels. Their addition enhances the firm's expertise in insolvency and public law. The firm has also expanded its practice areas to include more comprehensive services in construction and infrastructure. Additionally, the firm has established new client relationships with major players like Larsen & Toubro and Viridian RED, reflecting its increased influence in high-profile projects. These strategic moves position the firm effectively to address complex legal challenges and reinforce its reputation in the construction and dispute resolution sectors.

Client feedback

"Clavius Legal demonstrates outstanding expertise in providing tailored construction law solutions." – Construction 

"Clavius Legal impresses with sharp insight, dynamic expertise, and wide-reaching influence. They brilliantly tackled our construction arbitrations and litigations across arbitral tribunals, the Supreme Court of India, and High Courts, while expertly handling insolvency cases before the NCLT, NCLAT, and Supreme Court." – Construction 

"Clavius Legal excels at delivering legally sound, commercially sensible, and highly reliable contract support. It is backed by strong communication and an intuitive grasp of business priorities." – Corporate and M&A 

"Provides commercially sound advice and highly responsive." – Corporate and M&A 

"Professional, hardworking and client-centric approach to cases. Highly responsive and transparent." – Dispute resolution 

"Well-organized, transparent, responsive and client-focused." – Dispute resolution 

"Clavius Legal stands out for its sharp legal strategy, strong courtroom presence, client-centric mindset and multi-sector expertise. Overall, Clavius Legal delivers high-quality legal work without unnecessary posturing – just solid, dependable execution." – Dispute resolution 

"Collaborative, professional and focused." – Dispute resolution 

"Clavius Legal excels in delivering client-focused service with deep expertise in international arbitration and commercial disputes, crafting bespoke strategies, and managing high-stakes disputes across jurisdictions like India, Singapore, and the UK. Their use of technology and meticulous preparation ensure efficient, positive outcomes." – Dispute resolution 

Vipul Agrawal

"Vipul demonstrates strategic brilliance and exceptional problem-solving skills, excelling in handling complex arbitration cases with smart, practical solutions. His ability to unravel intricate disputes and present clear, winning arguments makes him a standout in commercial disputes." 

"Top-notch, master strategist, sharp intellect, and deep expertise with domain knowledge."

Arjun Kant

"Arjun brings a unique mix of legal acumen, entrepreneurial instinct, hands-on leadership and sharp execution to the table." 

"Arjun brings a rare combination of technical proficiency, business acumen, and collaborative professionalism, making working with him both effective and seamless." 

"Absolutely excellent, as he is great with clients and very hardworking." 

Sooraj Sharma

"Sooraj is fantastic, a true star, and the perfect lawyer to have by your side – his expert guidance during my complex case was invaluable." 

"He is a pleasure to work with." 

"Accessible, diligent and sees the bigger picture." 

"Sooraj is an absolute powerhouse in international disputes, blending razor-sharp expertise with an unwavering commitment to clients that blows the competition away. I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend his world-class dispute resolution expertise!"

Indresh Upadhyay

"Indresh is a terrific trial lawyer – strategic, eloquent, and exceptionally effective in the courtroom."

Work highlights

Represented the world's second-largest World Trade Centre (WTC) licence holder in complex litigations surrounding the WTC project in Faridabad, Haryana. 

Acted for an Indian conglomerate on the development of a Corporate Information Technology Park in Delhi NCR. It facilitated compliance with regulatory requirements and addressed contractual obligations, ensuring the successful progression of this significant infrastructure project. 

Full-service firm DSK Legal has a strong reputation in the market for quality work with pockets of top-tier offerings in several areas. With offices in key cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, the firm has established a strong national presence, serving a diverse client base that includes multinational corporations, financial institutions and startups. 

Under the guidance of top-flight real-estate partner Sajit Suvarna, the firm’s real-estate offering is regarded as one of the strongest in Mumbai. With an added capacity on the corporate side from recent additions, the firm posted a strong showing by closing over 50 sizable M&A deals. The firm’s specialised media and entertainment department is also well-received by the market. It boasts many A-list Bollywood film stars as clients, along with local and international media houses and platforms like Disney and Star India. 

The firm is reputed for its deep understanding of the Indian regulatory landscape and its ability to navigate complex transactions and disputes across a plethora of sectors. DSK Legal excels in providing tailored legal solutions that align with clients' strategic objectives, ensuring compliance while maximising business opportunities. Its strong reputation in the banking and financial services sector is complemented by a robust practice in competition. 

Key contact and managing partner Anand Desai is a venerable figure in the legal industry for banking and finance, corporate and M&A, disputes, and media and entertainment. Deputy managing partner Suvarna is a banking and real estate specialist. Other key names include corporate partners Anjan Dasgupta, Aparajit Bhattacharya and Ajay Shaw, and competition specialists Rishi Anand and Kanika Nayar. Srinivas BR, Harvinder Singh, Nakul Batra, Jayesh Kothari and Mayank Mehta are other names to note. 

In the past year, DSK Legal has made several noteworthy updates. The firm has strengthened its team by adding skilled partners and associates, enhancing its capabilities across various sectors. This includes the introduction of new initiatives aimed at expanding its service offerings, particularly in emerging sectors like renewable energy and technology. The firm has also secured several significant clients, reflecting its growing influence and reputation in the legal market. 

Client feedback

"DSK is prompt in their revert and they give practical and business-friendly solutions. They understand the commercial nuances involved in a transaction and are able to balance the legal and commercial aspects of funding." – Banking and finance 

"The firm was great." – Banking and finance 

"The team was full of experienced, solution-oriented professionals." – Banking and finance 

"The lawyers were responsive, attentive to details and understood our needs." – Banking and finance 

"They are good with advising and finding solutions to issues. They pay attention to details and are proactive." – Capital markets 

"DSK Legal has an extremely responsive set of lawyers who are not only always available but also provide quality advice which is to the point and commercially sound. We have interacted a lot with Kanika Nayar, who is very approachable, has a tremendous amount of knowledge of the subject and provides very sound and clear advice." – Competition/antitrust 

"Very customer oriented." – Construction 

"They are very diligent in what they do. I have had very positive experiences working with Siddharth [Suresh] in particular." – Corporate and M&A 

"Great sector knowledge, client attention and professional approach." – Corporate and M&A 

"They are responsive and provide practical advice." – Corporate and M&A 

"They are very approachable, have a good command of the subject, and provided valuable insights on our project and the overall data. " – Dispute resolution 

"Intelligent, approachable, sincere, and assertive team." – Dispute resolution 

"The lawyers advised not only on the legal analysis but also on negotiation strategy from a practical viewpoint." – Dispute resolution 

"They are very good." – Labour and employment 

"Great skill and experience across various sectors, the best media practice in the industry." – Media 

 and entertainment 

"Thorough work and in-depth knowledge." – Private client 

"Excellent feedback." – Real estate 

"Gave excellent advice from the financial aspect regarding debentures underwriting, advice on real estate business, contract negotiations, and negotiations for contract conclusion." – Real estate 

Rishi Anand

"Excellent relationship management." 

"We had excellent support and an amazing partner in Rishi Anand."

Abhishek Singh Baghel

"Good team building and speed of reaction." 

"Very responsible and practical." 

Aparajit Bhattacharya

"Great sector knowledge."

Anjan Dasgupta

"Great sector knowledge."

Parag Kabadi

"On the ball and knows what to do."

Sagar Kadam

"Very cooperative with problem-solving skills."

Roochi Loona

"She is great."

Chandrima Mitra

"Extremely experienced, very intelligent and great understanding of the law as well as media business."

Saloni Mody

"Accurate advice based on deep knowledge and experience, and executed contract negotiations that fully supported our company."

Kanika Nayar

"She is well read on antitrust laws and precedents on competition matters."

Ashish Pahariya

"Articulate and solution oriented." 

"Responsive, technically proficient and understands client’s needs."

Dinesh Pardasani

"Dinesh exemplifies excellence in the legal sphere through unparalleled expertise and a profound understanding of intricate legal frameworks. Known for his accessibility and approachability, he has cultivated a reputation for being a trusted advisor to us. His strategic brilliance is reflected in meticulously crafted legal approaches that anticipate challenges and leverage opportunities, ensuring the most favorable outcomes."

Ajay Shaw

"Sound advice and quick implementation."

Mahip Singh

"Good team leader."

Payal Sinha

"Payal is adept at what she does. She is also aware of all the latest updates in the field of RERA/finance laws. She has years of good experience with many deals and can provide quick solutions to any issues." 

Siddharth Suresh

"Transparent, diligent and consistent."

Akanksha Tiwary

"She is very good."

Pranav Vyas

"He is sharp, intelligent, hardworking and always approachable." 

Work highlights

Advised a domestic real estate developer in the sale of land at Vakola, Mumbai, to ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company. 

Guided an HDFC construction fund on its investment of Re11.5 billion in Provident Housing through secured, non-convertible debentures.

As one of the top law firms in India, Economic Laws Practice is highly ranked across the banking and finance, competition/antitrust, dispute resolution, regulatory and tax practices. This year it moves up in the pharmaceuticals and life sciences, real estate, and labour and employment categories. It has seven offices across India, in Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Gift City. The firm’s renowned tax group is acknowledged by peers as a market leader. This practice is led by tax specialists Rohit Jain, Nishant Shah, Harsh Shah, Kumar Visalaksh and Gopal Mundhra. Firm managing partner and main contact Suhail Nathani is often a lead partner in competition cases, as well as on private equity and M&A deals.

Work highlights

Successfully represented an Indian conglomerate in an ICC arbitration regarding the construction of a private railway line, achieving a favourable outcome for the contractor. 

Advised the DFCC in an arbitration proceeding against a joint venture concerning claims for additional costs incurred due to statutory changes and price variations.

Boutique firm Legacy Law Offices is a top choice for disputes in connection with infrastructure projects. Its leadership team of five are experienced counsels in construction arbitrations that have worked on numerous landmark mandates in the past. The firm has an enviable track record of arbitration success, winning 98% of cases on behalf of claimant clients. Managing partner Gagan Anand and senior partner Sadiqua Fatma are the key contacts. Other names to note for construction work are co-managing partner Shalini Munjal and partners Amarendra Gogoi and Eshjyot Walia. Disputes partners include Parveen Moudgil, Roopali Chaturvedi, Ishan Khanna and Ramanjit Singh.

Client feedback

"The quality of the work carried out by the law firm is impeccable. They are competent, diligent and precise with their work and can proficiently manage complex construction projects." – Construction 

"They have attained great expertise and experience especially in the general corporate sector with avid experience of developing PPP projects across different sectors and providing requisite and significant legal advisory for the same." – Construction 

"The key point is that Legacy is advising us correctly. Whether we choose to follow their advice depends on our own judgment. They have no concerns regarding our decisions, but they are guiding us properly and promptly." – Private equity 

Gagan Anand

"Gagan is known for his expertise and experience in the field of project development and has served as an indispensable part in the development of marque PPP projects both nationally and internationally." 

"Mr. Anand is an expert in the field of construction and can provide practical advice on contracts. Being the vice-chair of the FIDIC Committee, his knowledge of infrastructure contracts is unmatched, which is reflected in his work. We have availed his services in project advisory, arbitration, and contract management on many infrastructure projects and have always been appreciative of the value additions made by him." 

Naman Anand

"Naman is a very positive person who always listens to us carefully and provides the right feedback. He is not concerned about his own business or financial gain. Instead, he consistently makes decisions that prioritize the client's best interests."

Amarendra Gogoi

"Amarendra has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, marked by subject matter expertise, professionalism, and a solution-oriented mindset."

Work highlights

Advised a leading listed construction company for the European Investment Bank-funded Kanpur Mass Rapid Transit System project. 

Assisted CBRE South Asia on the development, operation and maintenance of a state-of-the-art film city in Chennai under a public-private partnership model.

Founded in 2015 through the restructuring of an 85-year-old commercial law chambers, RPV Legal is a boutique firm with a broad commercial and white-collar defence and investigations practice. The lawyers have long track records acting on commercial disputes across a number of sectors such as aviation, banking, construction, infrastructure, real estate, energy, life sciences and technology. They have acted as counsel in multiple landmark litigations and complex domestic and international arbitrations. In particular, the team specialises in high-value international and multi-jurisdictional arbitrations under ad hoc and institutional rules. The firm’s roster of clients comprises sovereign states and state corporations, business conglomerates, non-governmental organisations, trusts, banking and financial institutions and several high-net-worth individuals in India. The firm is headquartered in New Delhi and has a strong presence in the appellate courts and the Supreme Court. The key contacts are managing partner Kunal Verma, senior partner Yugan Jha and counsel Waheb Hussaini.

Work highlights

Represented a domestic construction company in an arbitration dispute with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) regarding delays and additional costs incurred due to DMRC's failure to provide an encumbrance-free site for construction. 

Acted for a joint venture of Spanish and Indian entities in complex arbitration proceedings related to the termination of an infrastructure electrification contract with Indian Railways.

Former JSA partner Vishnu Nair set up Aarambh Legal three years ago. The corporate and commercial boutique is based in Bangalore, and has a focus on fintech, data privacy and technology matters. Core practice areas of the firm include M&A, private equity, venture capital, advisory and employment. Since the firm’s inception, the team has been busy assisting companies across various stages of growth and industry sectors, as well as servicing social impact funds and private investors. Apart from Nair, partner Aishwarya H is a key contact.

Client feedback

“Aishwarya and Vishnu are quite seasoned lawyers who are able to quickly drill down to the essential issues, even when there are multiple moving pieces. They also do not lose track of the many issues and were completely on top of the whole transaction.” – Corporate and M&A

“Hard-working, firm, knowledgeable and accessible.” – Investment funds

“Mature and balanced outlook, thorough analysis and work. High responsiveness.” – Investment funds

“They are a small nimble outfit that is extremely responsive to client's needs.” – Regulatory

“Good professionalism, timeliness and proactive communication.” – Technology and telecommunications

Aishwarya H

“Able to stay completely on top of complex transactions. Knew the ins and outs of every single document, and was able to patiently work towards a consensus, and suggest potential solutions to bring together parties who had very different viewpoints.”

“Excellent knowledge and communication skills.”

“Puts the customer first. Communicates well. Understands legal intricacies.”

Vishnu Nair

“Very confident. Wins points on logic. Well-read and well-respected.”

Work highlights

Acted for Oikocredit in their investment in Avanti Finance.

Advised Tanglin Venture Partners on its investment into Trusource Technology.

Agama Law Associates has a well-rounded offering that provides legal and regulatory support to corporations that are setting up, operating and growing in India. Its two practice area pillars are corporate and M&A and dispute resolution, with a strong private client service ranging from business advisory to succession and estate planning. The M&A department has developed a strong focus on startup clients such as advising e-commerce entities, marketplace sellers, service delivery partners, and ISPs on online contracts, terms of use and privacy obligations. The team has utilised innovative deal structures for acquisitions in the healthtech and fintech startup sectors.

Two partners are the key contacts: corporate practitioner Archana Balasubramanian and disputes specialist Nitin Jain.

Client feedback

“Recommended for their clarity of legal advice, business orientation, and quick and personalised service.” – Corporate and M&A

“Always very professional and precise.” – Corporate and M&A

“Puts our interest at the centre with transparency while dealing with them.” – Privacy and data protection

“Experienced, responsive and quality work.” – Privacy and data protection

Archana Balasubramanian

“Her knowledge about corporate law as well as M&A is impeccable and her ability to understand business needs and connecting them with legal solutions is really good.”

“She is an active listener. Whenever we seek advice, she has interacted proactively and with excellent problem-solving ability. She looks at issues from a holistic point of view and then advises us on the course of action.”

“Good listener and problem-solver.”

Work highlights

Acted for Cellestial E-Mobility on its sale of a 30% controlling stake to Tube Investments.

Advised Sarla Performance Fibers to address manufacturing and export-related issues and navigating complexities in polyester and nylon textured yarn production.

Represented the State Bank of India in navigating legal matters within the banking and finance industry.

Assisted India Gateway Terminal on legal issues in the shipping and logistics sector.

Alaya Legal was established over two decades ago by Divjyot Singh and Suniti Kaur. The firm’s core areas are corporate transactions and advisory, and dispute resolution. Sectoral focuses include energy, infrastructure and oil and gas. Its boutique energy practice covers areas such as upstream, midstream and downstream, gas infrastructure, refineries, petrochemical operations and marketing, crude oil, gas, LNG and petroleum products sales, and aviation fuel farms. The litigators have a deep bench of experience in multiple Indian jurisdictions and at all levels of court, fora and tribunals.

Client feedback

“Quick response and quality assessment.” – Aviation

“Quick turnaround, domain knowledge and access to partners.” – Banking and finance

Suniti Kaur

“Knowledgeable, problem-solving approach and domain expertise.”

“Strong knowledge and attendance.”

Work highlights

Advised a VC-backed fintech startup on the deployment of its product, incorporating a hybrid model that merges private and public cloud functionalities.

Assisted a digital health platform for patients and caregivers on creating a comprehensive legal risk assessment protocol and framework for terms and conditions preparation for a caregiver-centric platform.

Founded in 2012, Alpha Rajan & Partners is a full-service law firm with offices in New Delhi and Bengaluru. It has a corporate and commercial focus, with much work centred on M&A, restructuring and insolvency, dispute resolution, real estate and private equity. The key contacts are managing partners and co-founders Rajan Gupta and Akshat Vikram Pande. The firm has friendly firm collaborations with European law firm Bajer and Bajerova Advokati and Vietnamese firm ALB & Partners.

Work highlights

Advised HT Media on a plethora of issues related to its acquisition of VCCircle shares.

Acted for the promoter of POPxo and its investors with respect to their exit from POPxo and acqsuition of a stake in MyGlamm.

Represented Oagri Farm on its acquisition of Dhara Foods.

Key clients

Geniemode Global, New Delhi Centre for Sight, Scholar Alley

Leading employment specialist Manishi Pathak founded Anhad Law in early 2021 after his departure from IndusLaw. The firm is one of the few law firms in the country to house a dedicated and standalone labour and employment practice. It covers the full spectrum of services for companies and employees, from advisory to mediation and litigation.  

In addition to its employment pillar, the firm has branched out into offering a full suite of services on all legal aspects of real estate and construction. The team covers non-contentious and contentious real-estate matters, ranging from litigation, large-scale real-estate project investments and financing, to purchase-sale, leasing and conducting detailed land title due diligence. The firm recently launched its IP practice, covering prosecution, transactional and contentious matters. Partners Ranjan Jha and Ruchika Tandon are also key contacts.

Client feedback

"The team demonstrates a strong understanding of the organisation's perspective and responds accordingly. They are quick to turn around responses, ensuring timely communication. Overall, their support is exceptional and greatly appreciated." – Corporate and M&A 

Manishi Pathak

"Quick responses and accurate guidance."

Work highlights

Advised a European auto company in reviewing commercial agreements related to termination options. 

Acted for a leading insurance broker on the acquisition of a brand from another entity, handling the entire transaction process, including drafting crucial agreements.

Full-service law firm Archer & Angel is headquartered in New Delhi with offices in Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune. It counts both domestic and international companies as clients and offers the full spectrum of commercial and corporate advice, including IP and real estate. Senior partner Sanjay Chhabra leads the team that includes partner Bharti Ahuja.  

Founded at the beginning of 2024, Areete Law Offices is a full-service firm known for its expertise in corporate and M&A transactions. Led by experienced partners Amit Singhania and Rupali Singhania, the firm has a strong track record of advising clients across diverse sectors, including renewable energy, fintech, information technology, infrastructure and manufacturing.

Work highlights 

Advised Hira Power & Steels on the formation of a joint venture in Bhutan for the manufacturing of Ferro-Silicon and Ferro-Manganese. 

Represented Kundan Green Energy on the acquisition of a 24.81MW hydropower plant in Himachal Pradesh, structuring the transaction as a tax-efficient slump sale. 

Acted for XSFinance and Investment on its acquisition of a majority stake in Dhanvikas Fiscal Services, a non-banking financial company, helping the client expand its footprint in the digital lending space.

Atlas Law Partners maintains a strong showing in our banking and finance, corporate and M&A, real estate and private equity rankings. It debuts in the dispute resolution table on the back of a significant addition to the group, prominent disputes specialist and senior partner Ritu Bhalla. She joined from Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co in late 2022. The firm won numerous mandates last year despite the pandemic impact, acting on no less than 20 debt-related and M&A transactions. In the private equity space, the team is particularly specialised in handling startup investments on behalf of both funds as well as target companies. Co-founders and senior partners Harry Chawla and Niti Paul are key contacts.

AZB & Partners is renowned as one of the top full-service law firms in India with leading practices across every category, including banking, capital markets, corporate and M&A, and private equity. With offices in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, the firm is strategically positioned to handle complex legal challenges that intersect multiple industries and jurisdictions. 

The firm’s sterling reputation for M&A and private equity makes it a first port of call for heavyweight international and domestic clients hoping to secure its services for big-ticket deals. The firm comprises over 90 partners across six pan-India locations. Founding partners Zia Mody, Ajay Bahl and Bahram Vakil are legends in the market for their corporate and finance specialties. Corporate partners Anil Kasturi and Ashwath Rau are two of the most prominent M&A and private equity lawyers in the country. In a notable change, former equity partner Aditya Vikram Bhat departed to establish AVB Chambers, while former Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas partner Juvraj Singh Bindra made a return to AZB & Partners, further strengthening the firm's expertise. 

Apart from its fame in corporate law, the firm has robust and dedicated practice areas across every niche. For example, the infrastructure practice is well-known for its work advising clients on significant projects and regulatory frameworks. In the energy sector, the group has established itself as a go-to firm for clients looking to invest in and develop energy projects. The insurance practice is another key strength, offering comprehensive legal advice on regulatory and transactional matters. In the media and entertainment space, its lawyers demonstrated its capability through high-profile transactions. The firm is recognised for its ability to provide tailored legal solutions that meet clients' business objectives while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. 

Over the past 12 months, AZB & Partners has seen several significant developments. Notably, Shagoofa Rashid Khan was promoted to senior partner, alongside the elevation of Dhruti Dholakia to partner in the Mumbai office and the promotion of four lawyers to partnership across the firm's corporate-M&A and tax practices. Additionally, nine lawyers were promoted to counsel, reflecting the firm’s commitment to professional growth and development. 

The firm has been actively involved in major transactions, advising on significant deals such as the sale of a controlling stake in VIP Industries to Multiples PE and its consortium members, as well as Peer Capital’s investment in House of Vaaree. The firm also represented Wave Beverages in a Re10 billion ($115 million) acquisition by Kandhari Global Beverages and provided counsel in various high-profile matters, including a case before the Delhi High Court and an internal reorganisation for Termomeccanica. 

The corporate team successfully advised Citigroup Global Markets India Private and Goldman Sachs Securities Private on the sale of a 2.5% stake in Tobacco Manufacturers, and represented the Wikimedia Foundation before the Supreme Court of India. They also acted on Schneider Electric's substantial $6.4 billion stake acquisition in Schneider Electric India from Temasek.

Work highlights 

Acted for Kotak Mahindra Bank on a major acquisition of a stake in Kotak General Insurance.  

Assisted Bharti Life Ventures in acquiring a controlling interest in Bharti AXA Life Insurance.  

Advised the Walt Disney Company on its merger with Viacom in India to create a joint venture.  

Represented Dharma Productions in selling a majority stake to Serene Productions, a first-of-its-kind in the Indian film industry.

With offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, Bharucha & Partners is an established full-service firm that handles complex, high-level matters. The firm has a stellar reputation in the market for its disputes work, with partners MP Bharucha and DP Singh lauded by peers. In the wake of this consistent recognition, the firms climbs into the top tier for dispute resolution his year. Key partners of the transactions practice group are Alka Bharucha, Justin Bharucha, Vandana Pai, Vishnu Dutt, Swathi Girimaji and Rohit Sharma. The firm welcomed former JSA partner and transaction specialist Sindhu Nayak this year.  

Based in Chennai, Calibre Legal is a full-service law firm founded by corporate specialist Mohammed Shadaan Saipillai. The firm covers a broad range of practice areas like M&A, real estate, general corporate advisory, dispute resolution and both direct and indirect tax. In addition to Saipillai, another key contact is partner Arun Kurian Joseph.

Client feedback

“Calibre Legal's professionalism and the ability to provide timely responses to client requirements stand out.” – Corporate and M&A

“Well-organised and efficient in providing service.” – Corporate and M&A

“Quick response time and quality work.” – Dispute resolution

“We appreciate their advisory, calmness, patience and ability to direct questions to scout for answers.” – Labour and employment

“They were able to advise us and bring to our notice clauses which were detrimental to us. They also provided us insights on what the various points in the contract. Most importantly they were able to provide us with additional points to safeguard our interests which we also didn’t think of. They helped us create a fair and watertight contract.” – Private client

Shadaan Saipillai

“He is intelligent, proactive and provides value for money.”

“All was good from him and he did well in all aspects of our requirements.”

“Accommodating to our ad-hoc schedule calls and patience in explaining the pros and cons.”

“Shadaan is highly professional and ensures timelines are met.”

“He thinks ahead and has the best in mind for the clients.”

Work highlights

Represented Intersea Maritime on its investment from Elan Maritime, by producing and finalising the share subscription and shareholders agreement, as well as providing regulatory advice.

Advised The Chennai Angels, Native Angel Network and Keiretsu on their investment in start-up Shriven Agritechs Private.

Chadha & Co is a dynamic law firm with a reputation for providing innovative and pragmatic legal solutions. Headquartered in New Delhi, the firm's expertise spans a diverse range of practice areas, including corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, labour and employment, and more. Its client base spans SMEs to international Fortune 500 companies from all business sectors, such as automotive, food and beverage, and hardware and electronics. The firm combines deep local knowledge with an international outlook, serving clients from diverse industries such as infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, technology, shipping and manufacturing. The partners are involved in every matter, working for the client in a hands-on manner to ensure high-quality delivery throughout. A unique offering is that the firm has several foreign desks with Japanese and European staff. 

At the helm of the firm is managing partner Rahul Chadha, who leads a talented team of lawyers. Chadha is widely respected for his strategic acumen in handling complex transactions, government policy matters, and regulatory challenges across various industry sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, BFSI and healthcare. 

The firm’s corporate and M&A practice is spearheaded by Chadha and Neeraj Prakash, who have successfully guided several high-profile joint venture formations and cross-border M&A deals. Thea team has a track record of advising prominent multinational clients, especially Japanese and European companies, on complex cross-border transactions and regulatory challenges. For instance, the firm played a key role in helping a Japanese industrial compressor manufacturer enter the Indian market through a joint venture, combining advanced technology with local expertise to produce and market products regionally and globally. Similarly, they are advising a Japanese pharmaceutical and synthetic resin manufacturer in a joint venture to expand manufacturing capabilities in India. 

In the dispute resolution arena, partner Savita Sarna has showcased her prowess in handling intricate commercial disputes and international arbitration cases. She represented the Japan International Cooperation Agency in a writ petition before the Madras High Court, successfully defending the legality of the eligibility criteria set forth in a loan agreement with the Indian government. Sarna also led the firm's efforts in contesting a declaratory suit filed to set aside a fraudulent transfer of immovable property, involving complex cross-border insolvency issues. 

Sarna additionally spearheads the firm's labour and employment practice. The team routinely offers comprehensive advice to multinational clients on a wide range of matters, including employee termination, gratuity payments, and compliance with Indian labour laws. Her team has also conducted training sessions for clients on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, ensuring their policies and practices adhere to the relevant regulations. 

Chadha & Co combines strategic legal insight with practical execution, supporting clients through cross-border deals, regulatory hurdles, litigation, and workforce management challenges. Its strong presence in New Delhi and expertise in handling complex, multi-jurisdictional matters makes the firm a trusted partner for both Indian and international businesses operating in India.

Work highlights

Advised a Japanese compressor manufacturer in establishing a joint venture with an Indian partner to manufacture and sell screw compressor packages. This strategic partnership aims to leverage both companies' strengths in the industrial refrigeration sector. 

Acted for an offshore chemical producer on a joint venture with an Indian partner to manufacture synthetic resin compounds. 

Conducted a comprehensive due diligence for Tinubu Square regarding its asset purchase agreement involving multi-jurisdictions, including India and the US.  

Key clients

Agardsdotter & Co., Ciena International, Denso, DFS Group, DIAB, DSM Nutritional Products, Electronic Arts, GE Industrial Systems, Hitachi, Honda, Italferr, JETRO, JICA, Kawasaki, Kiabi, Kobelco, L’Occitane, Long Arc Capital, BASF Group, Mitre, Mitsubishi Corporation, NSG, OPPO, Panasonic, Pinkerton, Roland, Sacyr, Savills, DB Schenker, SEB, Securitas, Shindengen, Skyworth, STMicroelectronics, Sumitomo Electric, Talgo, Toyota Material Handling, Vestergaard, William Grant & Sons

Chandhiok & Mahajan is recognised by the market for its competition and antitrust expertise and is growing in prominence in the restructuring and insolvency sphere. The firm is active for its big tech and e-commerce clients, for example representing Google before the competition regulator. Another highlight is the firm’s extensive experience in leniency mandates, powered by its win for a client in the first-ever decision by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in relation to leniency where 100% immunity was granted. The firm also has numerous seminal antitrust law achievements under its belt. It is at the forefront of competition policy development, with name partner Karan Chandhiok as the co-chair of the Assocham National Council on Competition Law. Chandhiok and co-founder Pooja Mahajan are key figures at the firm. Other names to note are antitrust partners Deeksha Manchanda and Avinash Amarnath.

In the past 12 months, the firm made a series a high-profile recruitments to bolster its M&A and disputes groups, including M&A partner Shafaq Uraizee Sapre and capital markets expert Niruphama Ramakrishnan from JSA, contentious insolvency partner Himanshu Vidhani from Khaitan & Co, new head of disputes and advocate-on-record Rahul Narayan, corporate counsel Mitesh Shah from Krishnamurthy & Co, and disputes counsel Zubin Poovathinkal from Karavadi & Co.

Client feedback

“The team is very good. Sujoy's always a phone call away to ideate and provide in-depth legal insight, commercial guidance or practical inputs. With Sujoy on board, you can rest assured that your international clients are in safe hands.” – Corporate and M&A

“Chandhiok & Mahajan consistently demonstrates several positive attributes that enhance our collaboration. Their legal team is known for providing thorough and strategic legal advice, which is crucial for navigating complex real estate transactions and disputes. They excel in offering timely and proactive solutions, which helps in making informed decisions efficiently. Additionally, the firm has shown a strong commitment to understanding the specifics of the real estate sector, tailoring their advice to fit not only legal requirements but also commercial realities. Their attentiveness to changes in regulations and their impact on our business is particularly noteworthy. This combination of industry knowledge, timely advice, and professional integrity makes them a valuable asset to any real estate business.” – Dispute resolution

Sujoy Bhatia

“He brings a wealth of experience, a lot of market knowledge, legal insights and practicality in deal making.”

Mehul Parti

“Mehul consistently exhibits several commendable attributes as a counsel at Chandhiok & Mahajan. Additionally, Mehul demonstrates excellent communication skills. He articulates legal strategies clearly and effectively, ensuring that all parties are well-informed and that there is a clear understanding of the course of action. This skill is particularly crucial in maintaining transparency and trust with clients. Mehul's dedication to his clients is evident in his thorough preparation and persistent approach to achieving the best possible outcomes for them. He is also known for his professionalism and integrity, maintaining high ethical standards in all his dealings, which fosters trust and respect from clients and colleagues alike.”

Work highlights

Advised Phasorz Technologies on its 100% acquisition of the Indian Health Organization from the existing shareholders.

Acted for Refex Group on its acquisition of KS Oils.

Clasis Law, with offices in Delhi and Mumbai, is a full-service Indian law firm that works with domestic and international clients on various aspects of law across industry sectors and practice areas. The firm has recently been active in corporate, labour, disputes and restructuring and insolvency matters. It moves up a tier in the corporate and M&A table. Managing partner Vineet Aneja and litigation partner Mustafa Motiwala are key contacts.  

Dhir & Dhir Associates is best known for its restructuring and insolvency, and capital markets practices. The firm was one of the first entrants into the stressed assets advisory space back in the early 1980s. Thus, its long-standing experience of nearly four decades in the insolvency realm makes it a go-to firm with clients appreciating its substantial, well-rounded contentious and non-contentious practice. The firm is currently handling more than a quarter of the non-performing assets insolvencies in the country. In the last year, the firm successfully handled the first completed case of the pre-pack insolvency resolution process, among other notable precedent-setting matters. The firm has steadily been growing its restructuring advisory and contentious practice. The in-depth and expansive legal knowledge the firm possesses has helped various clients resolve their financial stress without seeking intervention of any court proceedings.  

The banking and finance team has witnessed a lot of focus on project finance matters as improving infrastructure is a key government mandate. It is working with clients in foreign direct Investments, re-financing, conventional financing and ECBs, and offer guidelines to foster equity, especially in startups. The core practices of managing partners Alok Dhir and Maneesha Dhir are in restructuring and insolvency, and corporate and M&A. Alok Dhir is also known for his expertise in real estate and private equity, while Maneesha Dhir is active in telecommunications, media and technology as well as dispute resolution.

Work highlights

Assisted a multinational technology firm in its acquisition of a local startup, navigating regulatory approvals and ensuring compliance with local laws.

Fox Mandal has a full-service offering and is best known for its real estate and IP practices. It is a well-known and trusted law firm with an established history and strong name recognition among multinational corporates and domestic players. Recently, the firm has been busy building up its client portfolio in the healthcare, retail, IT and real-estate sectors.  

In real estate, the firm offers comprehensive legal services that cover all aspects of property transactions, development and management. Its expertise spans residential, commercial and industrial properties, making it a go-to firm for clients involved in real-estate investment, development and leasing. The firm assists clients with land acquisition, title verification and due diligence, ensuring that all legal requirements are met before any transaction is finalised. 

Fox Mandal’s real-estate practice is particularly noted for its work in public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects, where it provides legal support for the development of significant facilities such as highways, airports and urban infrastructure. The firm effectively navigates complex regulatory environments, helping clients comply with local and national laws. Its ability to draft and negotiate contracts, including joint development agreements and lease agreements, is highly regarded. 

In the realm of intellectual property, the firm is recognised for its comprehensive approach to protecting clients’ IP rights. The firm handles a wide range of IP matters, including trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. Its services include registration, enforcement and litigation related to various forms of IP, making it an essential partner for businesses looking to safeguard their innovations and brand identities. The IP group has been honing its focus on startup players, even offering pro bono advice as their clients work their way up.  

The firm’s IP practice is particularly strong in providing strategic advice on IP portfolio management, helping clients maximise the value of their intellectual assets. It conducts thorough IP audits and assessments, identifying areas for improvement and advising on the best practices for IP protection. This proactive approach is crucial for clients in competitive industries, where intellectual property can be a significant business asset. 

IP litigation is another core strength, with the firm’s lawyers representing clients in disputes over infringement, misappropriation and licensing issues. Its team is adept at navigating the complexities of IP law, ensuring that clients receive effective representation in court or arbitration settings. The firm’s experience in handling high-profile cases enhances its reputation and attracts clients seeking robust legal support. 

The firm boasts a team of highly experienced lawyers, each specialising in different practice areas. Key individuals include Shuva Mandal, who leads the corporate and M&A practice, and Rajesh Vellakkat, noted for his expertise in dispute resolution. Purnima Kamble specialises in corporate law as well, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, while Ramanathan Chandrasekaran is recognised for his work in infrastructure projects. Their collective experience allows the firm to provide well-rounded legal solutions that meet client needs across various sectors. 

Recently, Fox Mandal has made significant strides in expanding its capabilities. The firm has welcomed new partners with extensive experience in corporate law and dispute resolution, strengthening its position in the market. The firm has also been proactive in adapting to industry demands, particularly in technology and renewable energy sectors. Its involvement in high-profile projects, such as the establishment of renewable energy plants and negotiations for technology transfers, positions it as a leader in these emerging fields.

Ramanathan Chandrasekaran

"Understands the facts and the client's requirements. Does proper study and research and gives the best advice to the client."

Work highlights

Advised a domestic pharmaceuticals company in a strategic acquisition of shares in a Belgium-based company.  

Acted for Softcrylic Group in the acquisition of a majority stake by Hexaware Technologies, successfully navigating the complexities of cross-border regulations and ensuring a smooth transition for the involved entities.  

Key clients

Demopolis Equity Partners, Kaar Technologies India, NCL Buildtek, Northern Tools & Equipment Global

JSA is a leading, pan-India full-service firm that excels in a number of areas including energy, infrastructure, technology and telecommunications, banking and finance, and construction. Its regulatory practice is well-regarded due to the firm’s strong credentials with telecoms, energy and infrastructure authorities. This year the firm made notable strides in the rankings, rising into the top tier for its competition and disputes offerings. It additionally ascended a notch in the aviation and media and entertainment rankings. The firm operates in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Gurugram.  

Last year the firm shored up its core practice areas to enhance its competitiveness among India’s premier full-service firms. In two blockbuster moves that shook the legal industry, the firm recruited competition doyenne Nisha Kaur Uberoi and her 25-strong team from Trilegal, as well as a sizable M&A team from Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. Today, the competition team remains at the top of its game, securing major merger approvals for clients like Apple and UltraTech Cement. The team has expanded its expertise to address competition issues arising from digital and tech sectors, reflecting the evolving regulatory environment. 

Other key moves to reflect the firm’s growth include its strategic hires late last year, including capital markets specialist Anuj Pethia, and projects, infrastructure and real-estate partners M Arun Kumar and Deepak Chowdhury. In April 2025, JSA further demonstrated its commitment to talent development by promoting 70 lawyers, including 12 to the position of retained partner. 

The firm has also been actively involved in major advisory roles, successfully guiding clients through critical transactions. Recent highlights include advising Truemeds on its Series C fundraising, facilitating the IPO of All Time Plastics, and supporting Steel Infra Solutions in their IPO. Additionally, JSA played a key role in advising Vertis Infrastructure Trust on a sustainability-linked bond issuance and acted on behalf of Schneider Electric in a significant stake acquisition in Schneider Electric India.

Work highlights

Advised Xylem on the Indian aspects of its acquisition of Evoqua Water Technologies Corp. 

Acted for Coforge in its acquisition of a controlling stake in Cigniti Technologies, which included a tender offer under the Indian Takeover Regulations. 

Key clients

Clearlake Capital Group, DuPont, Ford Motors, Google, Microsoft, Mobiv Acquisition, Pepsico India, Singapore Telecommunications

Juris Arena was founded in late 2020 by corporate and transactions partner Soumitra Banerjee. The firm specialises in corporate work, with niche focuses on corporate commercial and corporate finance. The team is particularly adept at working with clients in the banking and financial services sector, with offerings including advice on syndication and other loan arrangements, facility letters, security documentation, letter of credit and financial services regulations, project finance, guarantee arrangements, performance bonds and bonding facilities. The corporate department specialises in transactional work, contractual support, real estate and regulatory compliance. Its corporate client base spans various sectors such as FMCB, IT and ITES, AI, pharmaceuticals, R&D, manufacturing, agro-tourism and digital marketing, among others.

Work highlights

Advised a publicly listed company on a structured investment involving inter-corporate deposits and shareholding consolidation. 

Represented a stock exchange in India in raising a financing facility of $14.25 million, ensuring compliance with SEBI regulations and foreign exchange laws.

Based in New Delhi, KKL Partners is a full-service law firm with strengths in real estate, corporate and M&A and aviation work. The team routinely advises offshore and onshore clients looking to create business synergies through international tie-ups via equity or debt investments or technology alliances. The firm is led by founding partner Aashish Vats.

Client feedback

“Very prompt service and quick turnaround time on the entire transaction. Also, the negotiations on term sheets were superb.” – Private equity

Aashish Vats

“He takes the best interest of the client and has the ability to meticulously negotiate with reason in transactions.”

Work highlights

Advised Agio Image, an investment entity holding investments across sectors, on its $21 million sale of equity stake in Medanta Group of Hospitals.

Acted for Daryaganj, a chain of restaurants in India, in acquiring an equal stake in setting up its outlet in Pacific Mall, New Delhi.

Kochhar & Co has a pan-India presence and excels in a multitude of practice areas, from dispute resolution to real estate. Its technology and telecommunications practice is lauded as one of the best in the country. Stephen Matthias is a leading technology lawyer who heads the firm’s first-rate team. Managing partner and litigation specialist, Rohit Kochhar is the main contact.

Work highlights

Assisted Finicity Technologies on the Indian elements of its global complete sale to Mastercard for $825 million.

Advised state-run energy firm Gas Authority of India on swapping its shares in Ratnagiri Gas and Power with NTPC.

Acted for technology giant, Tech Mahindra on its acquisition of the assets of TransSys Group, a global consulting and technology services company with presence in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Key clients

Aspire Systems, Cardinal Healthcare, Eze Castle, FEdex, FGVT Holdings, Maruthi Technologies, Oracle, Xpitax, Zebra Technologies

Mid-sized firm Krishnamurthy & Co offers full corporate and commercial transactional services. It is best known for its intellectual property practice, but has corporate and M&A and private equity practices that are growing in prominence. This year the firm advances up the infrastructure and dispute resolution ranking tables. The firm boasts a roster of elite clients. Senior partner Nikhil Krishnamurthy chairs the intellectual property department and he is a key contact. Other leaders at the firm include founding partner Naina Krishnamurthy, managing partner Shwetambari Rao, senior partners Ayush Agarwala and Rashmi Deshpande, and partner Rukmini Roychowdhury. Dispute specialist Aditi Mittal departed for Kochhar & Co in December.

Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan (LKS) is a leading full-service law firm with over three decades of experience. It operates across 14 major cities and employs more than 500 professionals, including lawyers, economists, and technical experts. Known for its expertise in corporate and commercial law, taxation, dispute resolution, and intellectual property, the firm serves a diverse clientele, ranging from small businesses and startups to large Indian corporations and multinational companies. It has built a reputation for its in-depth knowledge across both traditional and emerging industries. The teams have worked with sectors like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and automobiles, as well as modern fields such as e-commerce, renewable energy, and big data. 

For IP, the firm remains in the top tier. It is famed for its contentious patent know-how, where the subject matter requires deep and detailed knowledge. The firm is a market leader in plant genomics and plant variety protection. The IP group has demonstrated expertise in handling complex patent litigation and advisory matters, particularly in cases involving pharmaceuticals and technological innovations. The firm’s robust and historical tax practice is particularly well-regarded for its work in taxation, including GST, customs, and direct tax matters. Its insights into tax reforms and compliance are frequently sought after, and the firm has developed practical tools like a GST Toolkit to assist businesses with implementation and compliance. The firm’s international trade and WTO practice has also positioned it as a preferred advisor for businesses navigating global trade regulations and disputes. 

Recently, LKS has been recognized for its commentary on critical legal developments, including changes in GST rate structures and procedural timelines under tax laws. It has also provided detailed analysis of rulings in areas such as process patent infringement and dual proceedings by state and central authorities under the CGST Act.  

The firm’s ability to blend technical expertise with practical application is a defining feature. For example, it has been actively involved in advising on the taxation of derivatives, intermediary services, and the implications of artificial intelligence on investment trends in healthcare. The team’s ability to connect legal frameworks with industry-specific challenges makes them trusted partners for businesses facing complex regulatory environments. 

Key firm contacts are IP practice head Malathi Lakshmikumaran, who is a specialist in the biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals sectors. Managing partner V Lakshmikumaran is a go-to name for tax matters. Notable clients in the arbitration arena occupy the steel, power, consumer goods, hospitality and tourism, and infrastructure sectors.

Work highlights

Acted for Pacific Avenue Capital Partners in the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Kidde-Fenwal. 

Represented Regal Rexnord in the India leg of a global transaction involving the acquisition of its industrial electric motors and generators business by WEG. 

Advised IndiQus Technologies on the legal and regulatory aspects of its acquisition by Yotta Data Services.

Formerly known as PDS Legal, Lumiere Law Partners is a full-service firm that specialises in helping international companies form joint ventures and make entries into India. Its aviation specialty is notable. Managing partner Probal Bhaduri helms the team alongside aviation partner Vihang Virkar. The firm has experienced an uptick in restructuring and insolvency, and labour and employment matters.  

Luthra and Luthra Law Offices is a well-rounded full-service firm that has been a market leader in multiple practice areas over the past two decades. Since the passing of founder Rajiv Luthra, the firm has been rebuilding its ranks over the past year. The firm is proud of its market-leading clean energy practice, prioritising niche deals that have a positive environmental or social impact. Key contacts for the corporate side include managing partner Harry Chawla and partner Niti Paul. Both joined in the summer of 2023 from Atlas Law Partners. The firm’s famed projects and infrastructure team is led by partners Deepak Kumar Thakur, Girish Rawat and Karan Mitroo. Partner Avirup Nag departed for Saraf and Partners at the end of 2023.

Client feedback

“Recommend the firm for its knowledge base and the quality of partners leading the firm.” – Banking and finance

“Great commercial sense.” – Corporate and M&A

“Provides solutions within the legal framework.” – Dispute resolution

“They provide amazing support and have deep legal knowledge. They think from the client's perspective, and not just to maximise their fees.” – Private equity

“The lawyers are very prompt and thorough, have excellent strategy and deliver quality legal advice.” – Tax

Karan Mitroo

“Excellent industrial knowledge and vast experience.”

Anshul Sehgal

“Provides excellent support.”

Work highlights

Advised Novo Holdings on its acquisition of a majority stake in Manipal Health Enterprises for $3.6 billion alongside Temasek, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and TPG Asia.

Represented Pocket Aces Pictures in relation to its acquisition by Saregama India.

Key clients

Rath AG, Shriram Pistons & Rings, Silveredge Technologies, Upwards Fintech.

Tax specialist firm Nangia Andersen has recently diversified its offering beyond tax and transfer pricing to include other verticals such as ESG and advisory in the IT, defence, power, cybersecurity and forensics sectors. The team boasts over 800 professionals in India alone, and it is a member firm of Andersen Global in India. It has eight offices in Noida, New Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Dehradun, and Pune. The team is led by chairman and founder Rakesh Nangia. He is an international tax and litigation specialist. Five new partners joined last year from various firms including Capgemini, KPMG and Grant Thornton.  

Boutique law firm NovoJuris Legal specialises in private equity work, while its intellectual property and M&A offerings continue to gain momentum. In the past seven years, the team – led by two partners – has executed more than 270 private equity-related transactions for both investor and company clients. According to Venture Intelligence reports, the firm is India’s 15th most active legal counsellor in the M&A space. The firm has four mainstays of expertise: Indian startups going the IPO route, alternative investment funds, externalisations and internalisations of entities, and business digital transformations. The firm recently hired IP specialist Varalakshmi Makyam to bolster its IP offering. Founder Sharda Balaji and partner Ashwin Bhat are the key contacts.

Client feedback

“Solution-driven, high involvement from the founder, client-friendly and delivers on time. The team helped us in networking with various other companies.” – Corporate and M&A

“NovoJuris Legal has been very prompt in answering all my queries. Their solution-oriented approach consistently provides strategic and pragmatic guidance tailored to my business needs.” – Intellectual property

Sharda Balaji

“Client-focused, solution-focused and timely delivery of projects.”

“She is a seasoned expert and has always been available whenever I needed guidance from her.”

Work highlights

Advised Aurum Softwares and Solutions on its acquisition of Myre Tech.

Acted for Nordic Kolektive on its acquisition of Koovs Marketing Consulting.

Key clients

CIEL, Cyllid Technologies, NAB Ventures, SWC Global Fund.

P&A Law Offices is a legacy corporate, commercial, financial and litigation law firm with an admirable list of market firsts. Founded in 1996, the firm has a stellar reputation among top Indian conglomerates, Fortune 500 companies, household-name multinationals, and government and multilateral organisations. This year, the firm scales up in the competition table for its market-leading work. The team is helmed by eight partners who advise on all types of transactions and disputes across the entire spectrum of industry sectors. Untethered to a particular niche, the lawyers are focused on assisting their renowned clients in all types of high-level, complex, and high-stakes matters. Its competition practice is well regarded in the market with the firm’s practitioners helping draft the current competition rules. An interesting statistic pegs its deals as having a combined value of more than $75 billion. Managing partner Anand Pathak has been the chairman of the task force on competition law of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, was a member of India’s government-appointed committee on national competition policy and investment, and he is currently the vice chair of the IPBA on Indian competition law. Other key partners include antitrust experts Shashank Gautam and Sreemoyee Deb, and dispute resolution experts Gaurav Mahajan and Vijay Purohit.

Formerly known as Singh & Associates, S&A Law Offices was established in 2002 by Manoj Singh. The full-service law firm is recognised for its corporate and M&A and dispute resolution offerings. The firm now houses over 300 legal professionals across its four offices in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bangalore. Sector experience includes infrastructure, real estate, green energy, power, oil and gas, shipping, mining, manufacturing and transportation. Transportation government authorities are loyal clients. Key contacts are disputes specialist Singh, joint managing partners Daizy Chawla and Gunita Pahwa, and senior partners Vijay Singh and Nilava Bandyopadhyay.

Client feedback

“Their legal knowledge and process-oriented arbitration process stand out among several other qualities they possess.” – Infrastructure

“Nimble, good understanding of the business of infra and excellent knowledge of legal matters. The lawyers have good experience.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Daizy Chawla

“Accessible, responsive and trustworthy.”

Manoj Singh

“Proactive and tops in legal knowledge.”

Work highlights

Advised India Coke and Power throughout IMR Group’s diverse acquisition endeavours spanning different sectors domestically in India and internationally.

Engaged by BN Group for comprehensive legal due diligence on all companies within its group.

Key clients

Ingeteam Power Technology, Centific Global Technologies India, Gupshup Technology, Unifii Global Holdings.

Sagus Legal was founded in early 2020 by ex-Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co corporate partner, Shruti Kanodia. The firm’s core strengths are corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, and energy and infrastructure work. It has offices in New Delhi, Odisha and Gurugram. The key partners are Kanodia and disputes expert Anand Kumar Shrivastava.

Work highlights

Assisted a supplements company in securing equity funding through the issuance of convertible preference shares for its Series A investment round. 

Provided strategic advisory services to a leading car dealership group on a composite scheme of arrangement involving the merger and demerger of specific business undertakings.

Singh & Associates was established in 2002 by Manoj Singh. The full-service law firm is recognised for its corporate and M&A and dispute resolution offerings. Sector experience includes infrastructure, real estate, green energy, power, oil and gas, shipping, mining, manufacturing and transportation. Key contacts are disputes specialist Singh and managing partner Daizy Chawla. The firm moves up in corporate and M&A this year and welcomed corporate partner Neeraj Dubey from Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan. The disputes group experienced an influx of senior level talent from leading peers. Partners Reeta Mishra, Neeraj Dubey, Smita Singh, Jyoti Kumar Chaudhary and Apporve Vashistha joined from Kochhar & Co, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Ashok Dhingra Associates, Hammurabi & Solomon and L&L Partners, respectively.  

Mumbai-headquartered Solomon & Co is a full-service law firm that was founded in 1909. The team has a reputed real estate practice, with its senior specialist Jonathan Solomon active for over 55 years in this space. Its practice has deep roots in the state of Maharashtra, where it has long-forged relationships with several of the largest real estate developers in and around Mumbai. Over half of the real estate group speak the local language of Marathi and they cover all manners of real estate law and advisory. Solomon and managing partner Aaron Solomon are the key contacts.

Work highlights

Acted for Shapoorji Pallonji Infrastructure Capital Company on the sale of its solar photovoltaic power project located in Karnataka, by way of a 100% stake sale in Radiance Solar Private.

Advised an Indian rail electrical manufacturing company on its bidding for a project with a global rolling stock manufacturer and transfer of technology arrangement.

Represented a domestic sustainable sanitisation company on its acquisition of a water treatment and recycling solutions company.

Tag & Bench is the newest iteration of Ray Menon Law that is helmed by corporate specialist Shraddha Ray Menon, who has over two decades of legal practice. The firm is primarily focused on dispute resolution, and corporate and commercial matters. It has experienced an uptick of growth recently on advising its corporate clients on retrenchment laws pan India, and working on food and beverage regulatory matters. The firm was empanelled by the NCDEX, a national commodities exchange that interfaces with farmers and bulk commodity purchasers. The firm has also expanded its offering to cover policy and legal risk, and specifically hired principal associate Neil Dawes Bhutani from Airbus earlier this year to dedicate his time to this growing area.

Touchstone Partners was formed as a splinter from Platinum Partners in late 2020. Corporate specialist Karam Daulet-Singh is the managing partner, and he helms a team of 35 lawyers including six partners. The firm and its senior leaders have always been highly-regarded in the market for high end, complex M&A and private equity work.

Aekom Legal is a corporate law firm that has a strong track record working on general corporate matters, dispute resolution, M&A and restructuring and insolvency transactions. The key contacts are managing partner Satwinder Singh, and partners Kalpit Khandelwal and Lokesh Dhyani.

Work highlights

Acted for a leading fast-moving consumer goods company in a writ petition challenging ongoing proceedings before the Debt Recovery Tribunal, arguing that these proceedings contravened a compromise scheme sanctioned by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. 

Represented a leading stockbroker in an appeal against the Securities and Exchange Board of India that raised crucial questions about the imposition of retrospective interest on regulatory fees. 

Agama Law Associates has a well-rounded offering that provides legal and regulatory support to corporations that are setting up, operating and growing in India. Its two practice area pillars are corporate and M&A and dispute resolution, with a strong private client service ranging from business advisory to succession and estate planning. The M&A department has developed a strong focus on startup clients such as advising e-commerce entities, marketplace sellers, service delivery partners, and ISPs on online contracts, terms of use and privacy obligations. The team has utilised innovative deal structures for acquisitions in the healthtech and fintech startup sectors.

Two partners are the key contacts: corporate practitioner Archana Balasubramanian and disputes specialist Nitin Jain.

Client feedback

“Recommended for their clarity of legal advice, business orientation, and quick and personalised service.” – Corporate and M&A

“Always very professional and precise.” – Corporate and M&A

“Puts our interest at the centre with transparency while dealing with them.” – Privacy and data protection

“Experienced, responsive and quality work.” – Privacy and data protection

Archana Balasubramanian

“Her knowledge about corporate law as well as M&A is impeccable and her ability to understand business needs and connecting them with legal solutions is really good.”

“She is an active listener. Whenever we seek advice, she has interacted proactively and with excellent problem-solving ability. She looks at issues from a holistic point of view and then advises us on the course of action.”

“Good listener and problem-solver.”

Work highlights

Represented a group of real estate shareholders in disputes related to the removal of directors, handling operation and mismanagement cases within the real estate company.

Agrud Partners is a commercial firm with a core disputes practice helmed by managing partner Sajid Mohamed, and partners Sumit Raghani and Meghna Talwar. It was formerly known as PDS & Associates. On the corporate advisory side, the firm works with public and private companies in structuring, documenting and negotiating on a wide variety of corporate finance, capital raising, recapitalisations and corporate debt restructuring transactions. On the litigation front, the team is experienced at all levels of courts in the country. Agrud’s client base encompasses a diverse range of clients, including development and investment financial institutions, ultra-high net-worth individuals, non-banking financial companies, public sector banks, brokerage firms, technology and outsourcing businesses, as well as biotech and manufacturing companies.

Work highlights

Defended an individual for alleged fraudulent transfer of shares of Juhu Hotels.

Acted for Zee Entertainment Enterprises in an arbitration proceeding. This case is significant as it raises fundamental questions about the interpretation and enforcement of third-party rights within such agreements, which are essential in a complex industry where multiple stakeholders collaborate. Furthermore, it has potential to set a benchmark for the handling of similar disputes and contractual practices within the industry. The legal determination of the contractual obligations and entitlements of third parties within this context can have far-reaching implications.

Representing Dabur India in a suit filed for seeking declaration that certain provisions of “the code for self-regulation of advertising content in India” are illegal, null and void.

Key clients

Bank of Baroda, Hindustan Oil Exploration Company, Reckitt Benckiser India, Vihaan Direct Selling.

AKS Partners is a leading firm known for its robust dispute resolution practice. The firm has an impressive track record in handling complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and regulatory matters across a diverse range of sectors, including infrastructure, automotive, aviation, and consumer goods. The firm excels at navigating intricate legal challenges, often involving government entities and high-stakes contractual disputes. For instance, the firm successfully challenged an arbitral award on behalf of the Airports Authority of India, raising critical questions around arbitrator impartiality and the finality of awards. At the helm of the firm's dispute resolution practice is Sonal Kumar Singh, the managing partner. He leads a team of talented lawyers, including associate partners Ratik Sharma and Sukanya Lal.

Work highlights

Represented Engineering Projects India in a dispute over the construction of a road project. The firm successfully challenged an arbitral award in the client's favour, arguing that the arbitrator's mandate was terminated before the award was rendered, and no extension was sought by the parties. 

Acted for a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in several contentious matters spanning procurement, maintenance and performance.

Leading employment specialist Manishi Pathak founded Anhad Law in early 2021 after his departure from IndusLaw. The firm is one of the few law firms in the country to house a dedicated and standalone labour and employment practice. It covers the full spectrum of services for companies and employees, from advisory to mediation and litigation.  

In addition to its employment pillar, the firm has branched out into offering a full suite of services on all legal aspects of real estate and construction. The team covers non-contentious and contentious real-estate matters, ranging from litigation, large-scale real-estate project investments and financing, to purchase-sale, leasing and conducting detailed land title due diligence. The firm recently launched its IP practice, covering prosecution, transactional and contentious matters. Partners Ranjan Jha and Ruchika Tandon are also key contacts.

Client feedback

"The team demonstrates a strong understanding of the organisation's perspective and responds accordingly. They are quick to turn around responses, ensuring timely communication. Overall, their support is exceptional and greatly appreciated." – Corporate and M&A 

Manishi Pathak

"Quick responses and accurate guidance."

Work highlights

Represented Outline Systems India in an ongoing dispute at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, arising from a subcontracting agreement. 

Assisted a client in a trademark infringement case concerning unauthorised use of their brand name.

Aretha Legal is a full-service law firm headquartered in New Delhi with an associate office in Bengaluru. The firm was founded in 2022 by veteran lawyers Ray Vikram Nath, Prashant Kumar, and Nitin Gera, bringing decades of collective experience in the legal industry. 

Aretha Legal's litigation practice is renowned for its expertise across a wide range of sectors and industries. The firm's seasoned litigators specialise in commercial disputes, intellectual property, real estate, and labour matters, developing tailored strategies to address each client's unique challenges.

Work highlights

Advised Yatharatha Foundation in a Supreme Court writ petition to expedite the adoption process for orphaned, abandoned, and begging children, a matter of national significance. 

Filed a review petition challenging a Supreme Court judgment that overruled a landmark ruling on the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes, which could have a nationwide impact. 

Represented a logistics company in a commercial suit for recovery of over $1.4 million and return of containers, addressing key contractual issues impacting the industry.

Atlas Law Partners maintains a strong showing in our banking and finance, corporate and M&A, real estate and private equity rankings. It debuts in the dispute resolution table on the back of a significant addition to the group, prominent disputes specialist and senior partner Ritu Bhalla. She joined from Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co in late 2022. The firm won numerous mandates last year despite the pandemic impact, acting on no less than 20 debt-related and M&A transactions. In the private equity space, the team is particularly specialised in handling startup investments on behalf of both funds as well as target companies. Co-founders and senior partners Harry Chawla and Niti Paul are key contacts.

With offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, Bharucha & Partners is an established full-service firm that handles complex, high-level matters. The firm has a stellar reputation in the market for its disputes work, with partners MP Bharucha and DP Singh lauded by peers. In the wake of this consistent recognition, the firms climbs into the top tier for dispute resolution his year. Key partners of the transactions practice group are Alka Bharucha, Justin Bharucha, Vandana Pai, Vishnu Dutt, Swathi Girimaji and Rohit Sharma. The firm welcomed former JSA partner and transaction specialist Sindhu Nayak this year.  

Burgeon Law stands out as a dynamic legal practice with a multifaceted approach to corporate and commercial law across India. Led by key partners Ketan Mukhija and Abhinav Agnihotri, the firm has demonstrated particular strength in infrastructure, labour and employment, and dispute resolution practices. The firm's client roster includes a diverse range of companies from technology startups to established infrastructure and energy firms, reflecting their adaptability and depth of expertise.

Work highlights 

Represented an Indian oil and gas exploration company on complex, cross-border disputes.

Chadha & Co is a dynamic law firm with a reputation for providing innovative and pragmatic legal solutions. Headquartered in New Delhi, the firm's expertise spans a diverse range of practice areas, including corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, labour and employment, and more. Its client base spans SMEs to international Fortune 500 companies from all business sectors, such as automotive, food and beverage, and hardware and electronics. The firm combines deep local knowledge with an international outlook, serving clients from diverse industries such as infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, technology, shipping and manufacturing. The partners are involved in every matter, working for the client in a hands-on manner to ensure high-quality delivery throughout. A unique offering is that the firm has several foreign desks with Japanese and European staff. 

At the helm of the firm is managing partner Rahul Chadha, who leads a talented team of lawyers. Chadha is widely respected for his strategic acumen in handling complex transactions, government policy matters, and regulatory challenges across various industry sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, BFSI and healthcare. 

The firm’s corporate and M&A practice is spearheaded by Chadha and Neeraj Prakash, who have successfully guided several high-profile joint venture formations and cross-border M&A deals. Thea team has a track record of advising prominent multinational clients, especially Japanese and European companies, on complex cross-border transactions and regulatory challenges. For instance, the firm played a key role in helping a Japanese industrial compressor manufacturer enter the Indian market through a joint venture, combining advanced technology with local expertise to produce and market products regionally and globally. Similarly, they are advising a Japanese pharmaceutical and synthetic resin manufacturer in a joint venture to expand manufacturing capabilities in India. 

In the dispute resolution arena, partner Savita Sarna has showcased her prowess in handling intricate commercial disputes and international arbitration cases. She represented the Japan International Cooperation Agency in a writ petition before the Madras High Court, successfully defending the legality of the eligibility criteria set forth in a loan agreement with the Indian government. Sarna also led the firm's efforts in contesting a declaratory suit filed to set aside a fraudulent transfer of immovable property, involving complex cross-border insolvency issues. 

Sarna additionally spearheads the firm's labour and employment practice. The team routinely offers comprehensive advice to multinational clients on a wide range of matters, including employee termination, gratuity payments, and compliance with Indian labour laws. Her team has also conducted training sessions for clients on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, ensuring their policies and practices adhere to the relevant regulations. 

Chadha & Co combines strategic legal insight with practical execution, supporting clients through cross-border deals, regulatory hurdles, litigation, and workforce management challenges. Its strong presence in New Delhi and expertise in handling complex, multi-jurisdictional matters makes the firm a trusted partner for both Indian and international businesses operating in India.

Work highlights

Representing the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in a writ of certiorari filed before the Madras High Court, challenging the legality of certain clauses in the JICA Loan Agreement.  

Acting for an individual client to contest a declaratory suit involving a fraudulent transfer of immovable property under the Transfer of Property Act. This case aims to secure the rights of creditors in a bankruptcy context, showcasing the firm's expertise in complex legal matters. 

Advised a ship management company in a dispute raised by a former employee, claiming service dues before an Indian court.

Clasis Law, with offices in Delhi and Mumbai, is a full-service Indian law firm that works with domestic and international clients on various aspects of law across industry sectors and practice areas. The firm has recently been active in corporate, labour, disputes and restructuring and insolvency matters. It moves up a tier in the corporate and M&A table. Managing partner Vineet Aneja and litigation partner Mustafa Motiwala are key contacts.  

Clavius Legal stands out as a powerhouse in dispute resolution, particularly in construction and regulatory disputes across India. Led by partners Sooraj Sharma, Vipul Agrawal, Jatin Kochhar and Arjun Kant, the firm has quickly established itself as a go-to legal practice for complex, high-stakes litigation. The firm's approach combines deep industry knowledge with strategic legal insights, allowing it effectively to navigate complex legal landscapes. With a dedicated team of skilled professionals, Clavius Legal operates from its main office in New Delhi, serving clients across various sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, energy and financial services. The firm’s client roster includes major corporations like Citigroup, CBRE, Viridian RED, and various state-owned enterprises, demonstrating its ability to handle both private and public sector complex legal challenges. With a focused team of 30 lawyers and a strategic approach to dispute resolution, Clavius Legal has rapidly positioned itself as a leading legal practice in India.  

Key individuals at the firm include partners Sharma, who specialises in dispute resolution and regulatory matters; Agrawal, known for his construction expertise; Kochhar, who focuses on international arbitration; and Indresh Upadhyay, who brings significant experience in regulatory and public law. 

Over the past 12 months, the firm has made significant advancements, including the hiring of Gaurav Singh and Siddharth Sijoria as Of Counsels. Their addition enhances the firm's expertise in insolvency and public law. The firm has also expanded its practice areas to include more comprehensive services in construction and infrastructure. Additionally, the firm has established new client relationships with major players like Larsen & Toubro and Viridian RED, reflecting its increased influence in high-profile projects. These strategic moves position the firm effectively to address complex legal challenges and reinforce its reputation in the construction and dispute resolution sectors.

Client feedback

"Clavius Legal demonstrates outstanding expertise in providing tailored construction law solutions." – Construction 

"Clavius Legal impresses with sharp insight, dynamic expertise, and wide-reaching influence. They brilliantly tackled our construction arbitrations and litigations across arbitral tribunals, the Supreme Court of India, and High Courts, while expertly handling insolvency cases before the NCLT, NCLAT, and Supreme Court." – Construction 

"Clavius Legal excels at delivering legally sound, commercially sensible, and highly reliable contract support. It is backed by strong communication and an intuitive grasp of business priorities." – Corporate and M&A 

"Provides commercially sound advice and highly responsive." – Corporate and M&A 

"Professional, hardworking and client-centric approach to cases. Highly responsive and transparent." – Dispute resolution 

"Well-organized, transparent, responsive and client-focused." – Dispute resolution 

"Clavius Legal stands out for its sharp legal strategy, strong courtroom presence, client-centric mindset and multi-sector expertise. Overall, Clavius Legal delivers high-quality legal work without unnecessary posturing – just solid, dependable execution." – Dispute resolution 

"Collaborative, professional and focused." – Dispute resolution 

"Clavius Legal excels in delivering client-focused service with deep expertise in international arbitration and commercial disputes, crafting bespoke strategies, and managing high-stakes disputes across jurisdictions like India, Singapore, and the UK. Their use of technology and meticulous preparation ensure efficient, positive outcomes." – Dispute resolution 

Vipul Agrawal

"Vipul demonstrates strategic brilliance and exceptional problem-solving skills, excelling in handling complex arbitration cases with smart, practical solutions. His ability to unravel intricate disputes and present clear, winning arguments makes him a standout in commercial disputes." 

"Top-notch, master strategist, sharp intellect, and deep expertise with domain knowledge."

Arjun Kant

"Arjun brings a unique mix of legal acumen, entrepreneurial instinct, hands-on leadership and sharp execution to the table." 

"Arjun brings a rare combination of technical proficiency, business acumen, and collaborative professionalism, making working with him both effective and seamless." 

"Absolutely excellent, as he is great with clients and very hardworking." 

Sooraj Sharma

"Sooraj is fantastic, a true star, and the perfect lawyer to have by your side – his expert guidance during my complex case was invaluable." 

"He is a pleasure to work with." 

"Accessible, diligent and sees the bigger picture." 

"Sooraj is an absolute powerhouse in international disputes, blending razor-sharp expertise with an unwavering commitment to clients that blows the competition away. I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend his world-class dispute resolution expertise!"

Indresh Upadhyay

"Indresh is a terrific trial lawyer – strategic, eloquent, and exceptionally effective in the courtroom."

Work highlights

Successfully defended a global consultancy in an SIAC arbitration against Tanjung Bersinar Cemerlang regarding a breach of contract for coal shipments valued at $26 million.  

Represented A US bank in debt-recovery proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal to enforce a decree valued at $85 million.

IndusLaw is a modern full-service firm that is rapidly coming up the ranks as a challenger to the established order of top legacy firms. In total, the pan-India coverage includes offices in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Gurugram. The firm takes pride in its growing prominence among sophisticated clients for its dispute resolution, private equity and TMT work. It specialises in working with investors across the full funding lifecycle and on a variety of funds including sector-specific ones such as technology, life sciences, e-commerce, retail and infrastructure. The key contacts are founding partners Avimukt Dar, Gaurav Dani, Kartik Ganapathy, and Suneeth Katarki.  

The biggest news for the firm came in June, when global law firm CMS announced its alliance with IndusLaw. The latter has joined the CMS network, adopting the joint branding of CMS IndusLaw, while remaining an independent entity. This collaboration is set to be fully operational by the end of 2025 and does not constitute a merger, joint venture, or partnership. 

This alliance is significant for several reasons. For CMS, it establishes a substantial foothold in the rapidly expanding Indian legal landscape. Conversely, IndusLaw gains the advantage of offering world-class legal solutions that incorporate a global perspective, thereby enhancing its capacity to serve clients looking to scale internationally. Clients of both firms will benefit from an integrated approach to legal services, combining IndusLaw's deep understanding of Indian law with CMS's international expertise across various fields, including corporate transactions, regulatory matters, disputes, capital markets, technology and intellectual property. 

The alliance also heralds a new era of international collaboration within the Indian legal market, potentially stimulating further partnerships between Indian and foreign firms and fostering a more competitive and dynamic legal environment. Key benefits include the provision of seamless cross-border services, enabling CMS to deliver coordinated legal solutions for complex international matters. Additionally, IndusLaw's lawyers will support multinational clients of CMS looking to operate in India, while CMS's lawyers in over 45 countries will assist clients seeking to expand from India. This partnership facilitates knowledge sharing and expertise exchange, providing IndusLaw's lawyers with valuable international exposure. 

The alliance is driven by the ongoing liberalisation of the Indian legal market, which has become increasingly open to foreign law firms, and by India's robust economic growth, which positions it as a significant player in the global economy. As the fourth-largest economy, projected to become the third-largest by 2027, India presents a burgeoning need for international legal advisers equipped with local insights. Overall, this collaboration positions CMS to capitalise on emerging opportunities in India, enhancing its competitive advantage in the region.

Work highlights

Represented HDFC Bank in ongoing recovery proceedings against Amara Labs Private. The proceedings focus on enforcing creditor rights under the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act. 

Acted for Edelweiss in recovery proceedings against Silver Land Development Corporation and its guarantors. 

Key clients

Ambra Impex, BGR Energy Systems, DBS Bank, Pune Solapur Expressways

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) continues its reign as one of the most recognised full-service law firms in India, a top-tier choice for its panoply of international and domestic clients, with a longstanding reputation for handling the country’s most complex, high-value and innovative transactions and disputes. CAM operates from offices across India’s major cities – Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Noida – as well as international locations in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and at the International Financial Services Centre in GIFT City. This broad presence enables the firm to serve a diverse client base, including large Indian conglomerates, multinationals, global investment funds, banks, financial institutions, and fast-growing technology and digital businesses. 

CAM is especially recognised for its bench strength in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, private equity, competition (antitrust), dispute resolution, technology and telecommunications, real estate, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and regulatory and financial services. The firm is regularly sought out to advise on market-defining deals and cases, and is known for being the first call for “first of their kind” transactions in India. Clients trust the firm not only to execute deals but to help create new legal and business structures that often become industry standards. 

The firm has been deepening its expertise in distressed asset M&A and bid-side insolvency resolution, and has established a specialised corporate governance practice. The firm houses elite partners and leaders in their fields like Cyril Shroff, L Viswanathan, Reeba Chacko, Avaantika Kakkar, Namrata Kolar and Yash Ashar. The firm also has a unique bench of retired senior bureaucrats from key Indian regulators, such as Reserve Bank of India and Securities and Exchange Board of India, to provide an extra layer of expertise.  

The firm’s banking and financial services team routinely advises both Indian and international lenders and borrowers on project finance, corporate finance, external commercial borrowings, debt restructurings, high-yield bonds, securitisation and derivatives. Notable clients include State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda, and major infrastructure and energy companies. CAM has recently advised on several of the largest refinancings and infrastructure financings in India, such as the Re110 billion ($1.26 billion) lease discounting facilities for Brookfield’s real estate group companies and a $1.59 billion cross-border financing for Adani Group’s acquisition of Ambuja Cements warrants. The firm also played a key role in complex transactions involving InvITs, renewable energy projects, and bond issuances, working with a mix of Indian and global financial institutions. 

The competition law team, led by Avaantika Kakkar, is widely recognised for handling high-profile merger control filings and antitrust investigations. CAM regularly advises on some of the most significant antitrust matters in India, including multi-jurisdictional deals for global funds like Warburg Pincus, Advent International and Blackstone, as well as large corporates such as Google, Reliance, Tata and Thyssenkrupp. The team handled over 30% of merger notifications filed in India last year, and has been instrumental in precedent-setting cases involving digital markets, pharmaceuticals, and new sectors like green hydrogen and AI. The practice is also involved in cutting-edge issues such as big tech platform investigations, and recently secured India’s first unconditional competition clearance for a genAI investment by Google in Flipkart. 

In dispute resolution, CAM is the go-to firm for large corporates and financial institutions facing high-stakes litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings. The disputes team, led by Indranil Deshmukh and international arbitration specialist Shaneen Parikh, regularly acts before the Supreme Court, High Courts, and key tribunals. They have recently advised on headline disputes such as the shareholder battle at Byju’s, restructuring and insolvency-related litigation for Blackstone and Max Estates, and regulatory investigations for the Adani and Jindal groups. CAM also represented clients in precedent-setting cases, including Supreme Court clarifications on certified copies for appeals, cross-border asset tracing and insolvency, and high-profile family and shareholder disputes. 

The technology, media and telecommunications practice, led by Arun Prabhu, is highly regarded for advising on transactions, regulatory compliance and strategic issues facing India’s digital economy. The firm is regularly engaged by global tech giants like Meta, Google, Amazon and Microsoft, as well as Indian unicorns and startups. Key work includes advising on data-protection compliance, cross-border tech investments, fintech platforms, and evolving issues in online marketplaces, AI and blockchain. The TMT team is also recognised for policy work, having advised the Government of India on drafting landmark digital and data privacy legislation. 

In real estate, CAM has a nationwide presence with specialists in every major office and an extensive track record in large commercial, residential and industrial projects. The team, led by Namrata Kolar, Rishiraj Bhatt and others, routinely handles title diligence, project development, transactions, and regulatory issues for both domestic and international clients. Recent transactions include multi-crore land and building acquisitions for global investors, India’s largest branded residential developments, and substantial warehousing deals with institutional investors such as Blackstone and Hillhouse. 

CAM’s pharmaceuticals and life sciences practice, headed by Ashwin Sapra and Biplab Lenin, is a standout for regulatory, transactional and litigation work in this specialised sector. The team advises on product approvals, clinical trials, pricing, compliance and major M&A deals, and is regularly engaged by leading global and Indian pharma companies. Recent highlights include advising on the $5.08 billion merger of Aster DM Healthcare with Blackstone-backed Quality Care, one of the largest hospital sector deals in India, and representing Johnson & Johnson in significant product liability litigation. 

Regulatory and financial services work is another core strength. The firm’s Financial Institutions Group, led by L. Viswanathan and Anu Tiwari, offers deep experience in regulatory strategy, M&A, enforcement, fintech and policy matters. CAM’s close connections with former regulators and policy experts allow it to advise on new market entry, licensing, compliance and regulatory challenges for banks, NBFCs, fintechs and payment system operators. 

Over the past year, CAM has expanded with key partner hires, notably strengthening its capital markets, disputes and real-estate teams with senior laterals from top rival firms. For example, the blockbuster addition of capital markets guru Manan Lahoty and his massive team of 48 from IndusLaw rattled the Indian legal space last summer. The firm has also deepened its coverage in regulatory and fintech, and opened new offices in India’s emerging business hubs.

Work highlights

Represented L&T in two writ petitions challenging amendments to tender documents issued by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority for major infrastructure projects. 

Successfully represented JPMorgan Services India in a dispute regarding the leasing of built-to-suit premises in Bengaluru. 

Key clients

Essar Bulk Terminal, Navi Technology, Saura International, Zomato

Established in 2018, D&T Juris is a full-service law firm that offers clients an expansive range of services that encompasses legal advisory, business formation, corporate compliance, intellectual property, real estate, and dispute resolution. The team prioritises rapid responsiveness, ensuring its senior partners are actively involved in the majority of client matters. Managing partner Nishant Datta is the key contact. His primary focus is on real estate and private client disputes.

Client feedback

“The firm is highly recommended for these reasons:

Diligence – they studied my case well and helped me to compile all documents that were needed to build and file the case.
Clarity – at the outset, they discussed how the overall case was going to proceed and what the certainties and the uncertainties are. That helped me set the expectations for myself.

Documentation – all the documentation for the filing of the case and other follow-ups were of the highest standard. They gave me ample time and opportunity for my review and incorporated necessary changes in time before submission.
Communication – they sent me formal communications of the proceedings after every court date and what needs to be done for the next one. That helped me in effectively preparing for the next action.
Counselling – they guided me through the progress and helped me when I was losing my patience and was becoming restless because of slow progress of the case. They gave me clarity on some dos and don'ts which helped me to hold on to my case with care and patience.

Effective remote working management – I am remote and do not have in-person interactions with them or with the court. They ensured me that I could trust them and was comforted to know that despite all the limitations of remoteness, my case was handled carefully.
Personal touch – they always kept a personal touch beyond the normal course of transactions. I regularly receive pleasantries on local festivals and other events of social relevance.
Guiding beyond the contract – when I wanted help from them for supporting me in the Supreme Court of India because the defendant had taken the case there, they supported me by introducing me to a senior lawyer and helped in fees negotiations etc., which helped me to get a favourable verdict in that court. Similarly, they helped me in putting up a police case in my local police authorities to bolster my ongoing case. I did that and got a formal police complaint, and a suit filed against the builder.

Fees – their fee structure is simple with no ambiguity and that helped me in planning my cash outflow over a period of time.” – Dispute resolution

Nishant Datta

“Knowledge on the subject-matter, clarity in communications, quality of documentation, personal touch with his clients, non-ambiguous fee structure and responsiveness.”

Work highlights

Successfully won an appeal filed by the client appellant under a section of the insolvency code.

Successfully obtained a desired order for the housing company client on the very first date in a contempt petition filed for violation of order of the Delhi High Court.

Dhaval Vussonji & Associates celebrates its 12th anniversary this year. The real estate-focused boutique law firm houses over 60 lawyers in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi. Four of its six partners are real-estate specialists, with managing partner Dhaval Vussonji also being a chartered accountant. The firm has helped many offshore real-estate clients enter the Indian market, providing regulatory counsel and working on funding requirements. Vussonji’s accountancy background adds the extra dimension of tax advice and implications for clients. In addition to Vussonji, the key contacts are managing partner Prachi Dave, banking specialist Manisha Paranjape, real estate partner Minal Sampat and litigation specialist Sonam Mhatre.

Work highlights

Advised a realty company in successfully opposing an amendment application to implead them in an ongoing securitisation dispute before the Debt Recovery Tribunal, highlighting key precedents and statutory interpretations. 

Represented a global real estate PE firm in the implementation of a comprehensive enforcement and recovery strategy against multiple entities within the Nirmal Group under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

Full-service firm DSK Legal has a strong reputation in the market for quality work with pockets of top-tier offerings in several areas. With offices in key cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, the firm has established a strong national presence, serving a diverse client base that includes multinational corporations, financial institutions and startups. 

Under the guidance of top-flight real-estate partner Sajit Suvarna, the firm’s real-estate offering is regarded as one of the strongest in Mumbai. With an added capacity on the corporate side from recent additions, the firm posted a strong showing by closing over 50 sizable M&A deals. The firm’s specialised media and entertainment department is also well-received by the market. It boasts many A-list Bollywood film stars as clients, along with local and international media houses and platforms like Disney and Star India. 

The firm is reputed for its deep understanding of the Indian regulatory landscape and its ability to navigate complex transactions and disputes across a plethora of sectors. DSK Legal excels in providing tailored legal solutions that align with clients' strategic objectives, ensuring compliance while maximising business opportunities. Its strong reputation in the banking and financial services sector is complemented by a robust practice in competition. 

Key contact and managing partner Anand Desai is a venerable figure in the legal industry for banking and finance, corporate and M&A, disputes, and media and entertainment. Deputy managing partner Suvarna is a banking and real estate specialist. Other key names include corporate partners Anjan Dasgupta, Aparajit Bhattacharya and Ajay Shaw, and competition specialists Rishi Anand and Kanika Nayar. Srinivas BR, Harvinder Singh, Nakul Batra, Jayesh Kothari and Mayank Mehta are other names to note. 

In the past year, DSK Legal has made several noteworthy updates. The firm has strengthened its team by adding skilled partners and associates, enhancing its capabilities across various sectors. This includes the introduction of new initiatives aimed at expanding its service offerings, particularly in emerging sectors like renewable energy and technology. The firm has also secured several significant clients, reflecting its growing influence and reputation in the legal market. 

Client feedback

"DSK is prompt in their revert and they give practical and business-friendly solutions. They understand the commercial nuances involved in a transaction and are able to balance the legal and commercial aspects of funding." – Banking and finance 

"The firm was great." – Banking and finance 

"The team was full of experienced, solution-oriented professionals." – Banking and finance 

"The lawyers were responsive, attentive to details and understood our needs." – Banking and finance 

"They are good with advising and finding solutions to issues. They pay attention to details and are proactive." – Capital markets 

"DSK Legal has an extremely responsive set of lawyers who are not only always available but also provide quality advice which is to the point and commercially sound. We have interacted a lot with Kanika Nayar, who is very approachable, has a tremendous amount of knowledge of the subject and provides very sound and clear advice." – Competition/antitrust 

"Very customer oriented." – Construction 

"They are very diligent in what they do. I have had very positive experiences working with Siddharth [Suresh] in particular." – Corporate and M&A 

"Great sector knowledge, client attention and professional approach." – Corporate and M&A 

"They are responsive and provide practical advice." – Corporate and M&A 

"They are very approachable, have a good command of the subject, and provided valuable insights on our project and the overall data. " – Dispute resolution 

"Intelligent, approachable, sincere, and assertive team." – Dispute resolution 

"The lawyers advised not only on the legal analysis but also on negotiation strategy from a practical viewpoint." – Dispute resolution 

"They are very good." – Labour and employment 

"Great skill and experience across various sectors, the best media practice in the industry." – Media 

 and entertainment 

"Thorough work and in-depth knowledge." – Private client 

"Excellent feedback." – Real estate 

"Gave excellent advice from the financial aspect regarding debentures underwriting, advice on real estate business, contract negotiations, and negotiations for contract conclusion." – Real estate 

Rishi Anand

"Excellent relationship management." 

"We had excellent support and an amazing partner in Rishi Anand."

Abhishek Singh Baghel

"Good team building and speed of reaction." 

"Very responsible and practical." 

Aparajit Bhattacharya

"Great sector knowledge."

Anjan Dasgupta

"Great sector knowledge."

Parag Kabadi

"On the ball and knows what to do."

Sagar Kadam

"Very cooperative with problem-solving skills."

Roochi Loona

"She is great."

Chandrima Mitra

"Extremely experienced, very intelligent and great understanding of the law as well as media business."

Saloni Mody

"Accurate advice based on deep knowledge and experience, and executed contract negotiations that fully supported our company."

Kanika Nayar

"She is well read on antitrust laws and precedents on competition matters."

Ashish Pahariya

"Articulate and solution oriented." 

"Responsive, technically proficient and understands client’s needs."

Dinesh Pardasani

"Dinesh exemplifies excellence in the legal sphere through unparalleled expertise and a profound understanding of intricate legal frameworks. Known for his accessibility and approachability, he has cultivated a reputation for being a trusted advisor to us. His strategic brilliance is reflected in meticulously crafted legal approaches that anticipate challenges and leverage opportunities, ensuring the most favorable outcomes."

Ajay Shaw

"Sound advice and quick implementation."

Mahip Singh

"Good team leader."

Payal Sinha

"Payal is adept at what she does. She is also aware of all the latest updates in the field of RERA/finance laws. She has years of good experience with many deals and can provide quick solutions to any issues." 

Siddharth Suresh

"Transparent, diligent and consistent."

Akanksha Tiwary

"She is very good."

Pranav Vyas

"He is sharp, intelligent, hardworking and always approachable." 

Work highlights

Represented an HDFC construction fund in arbitration proceedings concerning a substantial investment in a development project. 

Acted for a local developer in filing arbitration proceedings related to a development agreement.

Launched two years ago, multi-service firm Emerald Law Offices has offices in Delhi and Bengaluru. Its leadership comprises partners who have years of experience at other top-tier domestic law firms. The firm has exponentially grown over its short existence, expanding its practice area offerings and its client base, along with the deal sizes and complexities. The firm has advised clients in deals worth more than Re40 billion ($458 million). In particular, the team’s real estate strength is noted. Managing partner and real estate specialist Sachit Mathur is the key contact

Work highlights

Advised an Indian MNC motorcycle maker in an arbitration concerning a dealership termination dispute.  

Acted for an Indian MNC motorcycle maker in a statutory arbitration initiated against the National Highways Authority of India regarding land acquisition and compensation enhancement. This case addresses critical issues surrounding fair compensation and the legal complexities involved in land disputes.

Eshwars is a boutique firm based in Chennai that focuses on IP, corporate and commercial advisory, and dispute resolution. On the IP side, its specialties include trademark, copyright, industrial design, patent, semiconductor layout, domain name protection, and distribution and franchising. It has also assisted domestic businesses in their outbound ventures into the US, Middle East and China, for example. It has offices in Bangalore, Hosur and Kerala. Managing partner Eshwar Sabapathy and partner NV Saisunder lead the firm.  

Foresight Law Offices is a New Delhi-based full-service law firm with a robust dispute resolution practice. Led by managing partner and founder Varun Singh, the firm has built a strong practice across various sectors, including real estate, IT and fintech, consumer goods and FMCG, and financial services. He has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in high-stakes litigation and arbitration matters.

Work highlights

Representing an advertising company in an arbitration dispute. 

Successfully acted for a government official in a dispute before the Central Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court.

Fox Mandal has a full-service offering and is best known for its real estate and IP practices. It is a well-known and trusted law firm with an established history and strong name recognition among multinational corporates and domestic players. Recently, the firm has been busy building up its client portfolio in the healthcare, retail, IT and real-estate sectors.  

In real estate, the firm offers comprehensive legal services that cover all aspects of property transactions, development and management. Its expertise spans residential, commercial and industrial properties, making it a go-to firm for clients involved in real-estate investment, development and leasing. The firm assists clients with land acquisition, title verification and due diligence, ensuring that all legal requirements are met before any transaction is finalised. 

Fox Mandal’s real-estate practice is particularly noted for its work in public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects, where it provides legal support for the development of significant facilities such as highways, airports and urban infrastructure. The firm effectively navigates complex regulatory environments, helping clients comply with local and national laws. Its ability to draft and negotiate contracts, including joint development agreements and lease agreements, is highly regarded. 

In the realm of intellectual property, the firm is recognised for its comprehensive approach to protecting clients’ IP rights. The firm handles a wide range of IP matters, including trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. Its services include registration, enforcement and litigation related to various forms of IP, making it an essential partner for businesses looking to safeguard their innovations and brand identities. The IP group has been honing its focus on startup players, even offering pro bono advice as their clients work their way up.  

The firm’s IP practice is particularly strong in providing strategic advice on IP portfolio management, helping clients maximise the value of their intellectual assets. It conducts thorough IP audits and assessments, identifying areas for improvement and advising on the best practices for IP protection. This proactive approach is crucial for clients in competitive industries, where intellectual property can be a significant business asset. 

IP litigation is another core strength, with the firm’s lawyers representing clients in disputes over infringement, misappropriation and licensing issues. Its team is adept at navigating the complexities of IP law, ensuring that clients receive effective representation in court or arbitration settings. The firm’s experience in handling high-profile cases enhances its reputation and attracts clients seeking robust legal support. 

The firm boasts a team of highly experienced lawyers, each specialising in different practice areas. Key individuals include Shuva Mandal, who leads the corporate and M&A practice, and Rajesh Vellakkat, noted for his expertise in dispute resolution. Purnima Kamble specialises in corporate law as well, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, while Ramanathan Chandrasekaran is recognised for his work in infrastructure projects. Their collective experience allows the firm to provide well-rounded legal solutions that meet client needs across various sectors. 

Recently, Fox Mandal has made significant strides in expanding its capabilities. The firm has welcomed new partners with extensive experience in corporate law and dispute resolution, strengthening its position in the market. The firm has also been proactive in adapting to industry demands, particularly in technology and renewable energy sectors. Its involvement in high-profile projects, such as the establishment of renewable energy plants and negotiations for technology transfers, positions it as a leader in these emerging fields.

Ramanathan Chandrasekaran

"Understands the facts and the client's requirements. Does proper study and research and gives the best advice to the client."

Work highlights

Represented a domestic building materials supplier in an ongoing arbitration against a German company regarding the exercise of exit rights in the shareholders' agreement, with claims amounting to Re2.6 billion ($30 million). 

Defended the Kolkata metro railway against a claim from Transtonnelstroy Afcons JV, focusing on the delays attributed to the client in a contract for the construction of Metro Railways in West Bengal. 

Acted for Financial Software and Systems in an international commercial arbitration case, addressing a claim for damages. 

Key clients

Mphasis, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, Reserve Bank of India, Valentino Garavani

Founded in 2015 with offices in Delhi and Mumbai, Gravitas Legal offers bespoke, quality representation on projects, investments, M&A, disputes and real-estate matters. In recent years, the firm expanded its reach into the areas of insolvency, securities and white-collar crimes. It has niche experience advising private-equity funds and working on pure fund-structuring mandates. In addition to regular project finance and corporate finance documentation, the firm excels in novel and atypical transactions around the 5/25 flexible structuring scheme and strategic debt restructuring. Gravitas is empanelled with several banks and financial institutions including PTC India Financial Services, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India and L&T Infra Finance. Banking and insolvency partner Tanuj Sud is a key contact at the firm. Other notable personnel include corporate partner Varij Sharma and disputes specialists Rajeev Aggarwal and Rahul Gaikwad.

Work highlights

Successfully advised a private client in securing permission from the Supreme Court of India to travel abroad, which was previously restricted by Look Out Circulars issued by banks. 

Acted for a steel product manufacturer in quashing a fraud declaration at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, emphasising the failure to follow principles of natural justice in the initial proceedings.

GSL Chambers is dispute resolution boutique with a strong reputation for handling complex legal challenges across various industries. The firm is particularly recognised for its expertise in contentious banking and financial services, infrastructure, and technology law. Its key partners include Abhinav Shrivastava and Arjun Garg, both of whom are co-founding partners with extensive experience in dispute resolution. Shrivastava focuses on high-stakes litigation and regulatory matters, while Garg brings a wealth of knowledge in financial services and infrastructure-related disputes.

Work highlights

Successfully advised an individual in a landmark case involving Franklin Templeton Trustee Services. The firm successfully challenged the winding-up of a mutual fund scheme, raising substantial constitutional issues. 

Represented the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation in a Supreme Court case addressing the arbitrability of disputes in works contracts. This case set important precedents regarding the jurisdiction of arbitration under state-specific laws.

India Law Offices is a full-service law firm that was founded in 2003. Headquartered in New Delhi, the firm is present across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Goa, and Pune. It has deep experience in a variety of industry sectors, including aviation, automobile, healthcare, IT, real estate, food and beverage, banking, energy, infrastructure, insurance, media and telecommunications. Corporate specialist and managing partner Gautam Khurana is the main contact at the firm.

Client feedback

“Efficient and provide excellent service.” – Corporate and M&A

“Efficient and professional.” – Corporate and M&A

“They know their job very well.” – Dispute resolution

Abishek Han

“He is responsive and professional.”

Gautam Khurana

“Always gives prompt attention and advice.”

“He is an extremely knowledgeable person.”

JSA is a leading, pan-India full-service firm that excels in a number of areas including energy, infrastructure, technology and telecommunications, banking and finance, and construction. Its regulatory practice is well-regarded due to the firm’s strong credentials with telecoms, energy and infrastructure authorities. This year the firm made notable strides in the rankings, rising into the top tier for its competition and disputes offerings. It additionally ascended a notch in the aviation and media and entertainment rankings. The firm operates in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Gurugram.  

Last year the firm shored up its core practice areas to enhance its competitiveness among India’s premier full-service firms. In two blockbuster moves that shook the legal industry, the firm recruited competition doyenne Nisha Kaur Uberoi and her 25-strong team from Trilegal, as well as a sizable M&A team from Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. Today, the competition team remains at the top of its game, securing major merger approvals for clients like Apple and UltraTech Cement. The team has expanded its expertise to address competition issues arising from digital and tech sectors, reflecting the evolving regulatory environment. 

Other key moves to reflect the firm’s growth include its strategic hires late last year, including capital markets specialist Anuj Pethia, and projects, infrastructure and real-estate partners M Arun Kumar and Deepak Chowdhury. In April 2025, JSA further demonstrated its commitment to talent development by promoting 70 lawyers, including 12 to the position of retained partner. 

The firm has also been actively involved in major advisory roles, successfully guiding clients through critical transactions. Recent highlights include advising Truemeds on its Series C fundraising, facilitating the IPO of All Time Plastics, and supporting Steel Infra Solutions in their IPO. Additionally, JSA played a key role in advising Vertis Infrastructure Trust on a sustainability-linked bond issuance and acted on behalf of Schneider Electric in a significant stake acquisition in Schneider Electric India.

Work highlights

Acted for a domestic industrial development corporation an arbitration initiated by Tata Motors regarding a claim. The Arbitral Tribunal granted a partial award, which is currently pending appeal before the High Court of Calcutta. 

Represented a machinery conglomerate in ongoing arbitral proceedings initiated by Dipon Gulf General Contracting, concerning outstanding payments related to additional work performed under several contracts. The case involves complex cross-jurisdictional elements and significant financial implications.

K Singhania & Co is a boutique law firm that has been active in the Mumbai market for over 25 years. It provides a wide array of legal services, but is best known for its shipping, IP and dispute resolution work. It specialises in the aviation, maritime, logistics, infrastructure, telecoms, and oil and gas sectors. The key contacts are founder and managing partner Krrishan Gopal Singhania, litigation head Archana Deshmukh and senior partner and corporate head SN Verma.

Client feedback

“I recommend their team and experience.” – Corporate and M&A

“Their commitment to client service is evidenced by the industry goodwill enjoyed by Mr. Krishan Singhania, the firm's managing partner. His decades-long experience in the field of dispute resolution helps bring a new perspective to seemingly difficult problems.” – Dispute resolution

“They handle legal problems with a compassionate touch and believe in dispute resolution.” – Dispute resolution

“K Singhania & Co are easy to deal with and give practical advice. I have usually dealt with Srishti Singhania, and she is highly competent and knowledgeable about commercial litigation in general, as well as intellectual property rights.” – Intellectual property

“Appreciate their opinion about trademarks matters.” – Intellectual property

“They have in-depth knowledge of intellectual property, they are easily accessible, and hand-hold their clients throughout the process.” – Intellectual property

“The firm has consistently been approachable and highly responsive to all our queries. They offer comprehensive feedback and suggestions, always guiding us toward the best course of action.” – Intellectual property

“The firm has experienced and skilled lawyers, who have a very client-centric approach and provide innovative solutions to every issue. I have observed that they have a track record of successful cases, and a global network for handling cross-border issues.” – Intellectual property

“They have a very positive attitude towards every issue and provide top-notch advice on any issue. They are very understanding and provide tailored solutions depending on the circumstances and the query raised.” – Intellectual property

“They have clear and consistent communication regarding the matters. They always provide personal attention to client needs.” – Intellectual property

“They have a talented and dedicated team of legal professionals who are well versed in the intricacies of law and extend guidance and hand-holding support to the client up to the final resolution through the relevant court.” – Private client

“Very professional.” – Shipping

“K Singhania & Co is filled with competent lawyers that are always ready to connect over a phone call to address our smallest queries. They are solution-oriented and extremely helpful throughout the process.” – Shipping

Archana Deshmukh

“Well-versed in law and ability to present the case forcefully.”

Omair Khan

“Followed the cases until the end and well-prepared the documents involved.”

Avni Singhania

“She is empathetic towards her clients and can handle pressure situations calmly.”

Krrishan Singhania

“He is prompt in responding and has a strong knowledge of the IP sector.”

“Very soft-spoken and knowledgeable.”

Srishti Singhania

“Srishti is a keen learner of the law. Her inquisitive approach coupled with her problem-solving skills help deliver great results for the client.”

“She has a very good depth of knowledge. She is solution-oriented and always meets deadlines.”

“She is very professionally driven and knowledgeable with respect to IP laws.”

“She is attentive and tries to explain complex legal procedures in as lucid language as possible. She has an eye for detail and tries to find solutions.”

“Great accessibility and client management skills.”

“Most importantly, she gives time to hear one out and makes suggestions that are relevant. This is very important as many lawyers jump to the conclusion without fully listening to the client.”

“She is very approachable and is an expert in the field. She has in-depth knowledge about IPR and always guides us in innovative ways.”

“She is very approachable and can comprehend her clients’ issues very well. She is results-oriented and has always delivered more than what we expect at the given time. She also advises us on the next steps.”

“She is very understanding and calmly understands the queries and provides immediate solutions to them. She is very hard-working and always makes sure to meet the deadline.”

Work highlights

Represented Swiggy in a public interest litigation initiated by the Maharashtra Transport app against the state of Maharashtra. This case seeks to establish regulations governing food delivery aggregators, a matter of considerable significance in shaping the regulatory landscape for this sector.

Successfully assisted Axis Bank on dismissing an arbitration petition at the Bombay High Court.

Key clients

Alsina, Aer Lingus, Bobst, Hindustan Logistics, Jindal Stainless Steel, Shipping Corporation of India, Vertiv Energy.

Kapil Sapra & Associates is a prominent law firm with offices in New Delhi and Bangalore. The firm specialises in dispute resolution. Known for its robust legal expertise and strategic approach, the firm has cultivated a reputation for effectively handling complex disputes across various sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals and media. The firm’s disputes practice is led by key partners, Kapil Dev Sapra and Vikas Dutta. Sapra is a seasoned attorney who excels in arbitration and litigation, particularly in high-stakes cases involving contractual disputes and regulatory challenges. Dutta specialises in commercial disputes and has a proven track record in representing clients in arbitration proceedings and court litigations.

Work highlights

Successfully represented a leading global technology consulting firm in an arbitration case against a ministry of the Government of India. The dispute involved complex contractual issues. 

Represented a pharmaceutical company in a critical dispute against a prominent API manufacturer. The firm helped secure a favourable outcome for the client in a Section 11 petition.

Karanjawala & Co is a leading exclusive boutique litigation firm based in New Delhi, where it has three offices. It was founded in 1983 and now comprises about 100 lawyers. It has a stellar reputation in the market as a go-to for precedent-setting, landmark matters. The firm features in more than 625 reported judgments of the Supreme Court and has filed and dealt with more than 25,000 matters to date. Though historically the firm began its practice with a predominantly Supreme Court and High Court emphasis, it has now expanded to have a presence in all the subordinate courts and tribunals in the National Capital Region and routinely handles litigations on a pan-India basis. The leadership team comprises 10 partners who are all respected and seasoned litigators. 

Karanjawala’s criminal practice has grown substantially in the past six years, and its teams appear in a number of high-stakes and high-profile matters. Recently, the firm has also carved out a niche practice for itself in the fields of consumer protection and real estate regulatory authority litigation. The group’s practice focuses not only on general consumer litigation but also on medical negligence and real estate, with the firm representing a wide range of clients before various tribunals, ranging from the district forums to the National Commission. There is also a consumer team that has filed more than 1,000 cases in the National Commission, with a high success rate. The firm’s insolvency group has extensive experience in dealing with high-profile matters while appearing for corporations and financial institutions. 

Managing partner Raian Karanjawala serves as the head of the 13-partner-strong disputes department. Other key figures are co-founding partner Manik Karanjawala and senior partners Nandini Gore, Ruby Singh Ahuja, Sandeep Kapur, and Debmalya Banerjee. 

The firm counts domestic powerhouse corporates and multinational banks and companies as loyal clients. It has recently worked with Adani Group, Ambuja Cement, Astro, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Disney Broadcasting, Morgan Stanley, Procter & Gamble, Star TV, Tata Steel, Twitter, Unilever, Vodafone and Wadia Group.

Work highlights

Acted for a leading domestic power company in a significant case involving the corporate insolvency resolution process of Essar Power MP, successfully obtaining approval for its resolution plan, which was upheld by the Supreme Court. The case involved complex legal issues surrounding the treatment of operational creditors. 

Represented an Indian conglomerate in a major civil appeal concerning the cancellation of an exemption under the Employees Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, successfully challenging the order passed by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. This case raised important questions regarding employee rights and corporate compliance. 

Acted for the Public Health Foundation of India in multiple cases against several banks regarding large-scale fraud, securing a favourable outcome in the Supreme Court. The matters involved intricate legal challenges pertaining to consumer complaints and regulatory compliance. 

Successfully defended the interests of DLF in a dispute regarding the enforcement of an arbitral award expressed in foreign currency, achieving a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court. This decision clarified key issues related to currency conversion and the enforceability of foreign arbitral awards in India.

Dispute resolution boutique Keystone Partners was formed by a group of first-generation lawyers who specialise in commercial litigation, international arbitration, construction disputes and contentious regulatory matters. Each partner has a particular focus, allowing the team to cover a varied suite of disputes practice areas, and one partner is an Advocate on Record of the Supreme Court. The firm also routinely handles contentious energy, technology and trade sector matters. Keystone has offices in Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi. Senior partner Pradeep Nayak leads a strong disputes group that includes notable names such as Sita Kapadia, Pritha Srikumar Iyer, Arun Sri Kumar, Sulabh Rewari, Anupama Hebbar and Vikas Mahendra.

Work highlights 

Represented a ride-hailing service against a writ petition filed by a trade union of taxi drivers, seeking recognition of drivers as gig workers to benefit from various social security laws.  

Acted for a gaming technology player in a commercial suit against various websites hosting infringing content, successfully obtaining an ex-parte injunction against identified defendants.

Khaitan Legal Associates is a highly regarded law firm in India, recognised for its expertise in multiple practice areas, including dispute resolution, restructuring and insolvency, insurance, and banking and finance. The firm is led by prominent individuals such as Sakate Khaitan, an expert in insurance and banking and finance; Smiti Tewari, specialising in dispute resolution and insolvency; Dhiraj Mhetre, known for his work in commercial litigation and corporate matters; and Varsha Jalan, who focuses on banking and finance. Together, they helm a team of experienced lawyers who bring specialised insights to sectors like infrastructure, energy, financial services, technology and manufacturing.

Work highlights

Successfully represented an asset reconstruction company in initiating corporate insolvency resolution proceedings against various companies in the financially stressed Arshiya group. 

Advised a client in ongoing arbitration proceedings against a hotel company concerning breach of contractual obligations related to a letter of intent. The dispute involves complex legal questions regarding commercial contracts and bank guarantees.

King Stubb & Kasiva is a well-regarded law firm with offices in New Delhi and Bengaluru. The firm is full-service but has notably robust dispute resolution and intellectual property practices. The firm is best known for its expertise in arbitration and litigation, where it has successfully represented high-profile clients across diverse industries. Key individuals include disputes partner Smita Paliwal and IP specialist Sukrit Kapoor.

Work highlights

Represented a European healthcare company in a complex arbitration claim against SMS Jaipur for violating tender conditions. The firm successfully argued on behalf of Siemens, resulting in a favourable award that reinforced the accountability of tendering entities.

KNM & Partners has offices in Delhi, Gurugram and Mumbai. It is recognised for its expertise in dispute resolution and real-estate law. The firm has built a strong reputation for handling high-stakes litigation and arbitration, offering clients a strategic approach to complex legal challenges. Key individuals at the firm include senior disputes partners Mukesh Kumar. The firm’s lawyers possess sharp litigation instincts, strategic thinking, and thorough understanding of regulatory frameworks. They are particularly well-regarded for their capabilities in commercial litigation, arbitration, regulatory disputes and insolvency proceedings. The team has effectively represented clients across various industries, including real estate, healthcare and manufacturing.

Work highlights

Successfully represented a domestic real estate developer in a significant case involving special leave petitions before the Supreme Court, resulting in the release of their promoters from custody. This case clarified the procedural safeguards under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, setting a crucial precedent for future cases. 

Acted for a client in a case concerning the enforcement of a Mareva injunction issued by a foreign court. This matter is pivotal as it raises important questions about the enforceability of foreign injunctions in India.

Kochhar & Co has a pan-India presence and excels in a multitude of practice areas, from dispute resolution to real estate. Its technology and telecommunications practice is lauded as one of the best in the country. Stephen Matthias is a leading technology lawyer who heads the firm’s first-rate team. Managing partner and litigation specialist, Rohit Kochhar is the main contact.

Mid-sized firm Krishnamurthy & Co offers full corporate and commercial transactional services. It is best known for its intellectual property practice, but has corporate and M&A and private equity practices that are growing in prominence. This year the firm advances up the infrastructure and dispute resolution ranking tables. The firm boasts a roster of elite clients. Senior partner Nikhil Krishnamurthy chairs the intellectual property department and he is a key contact. Other leaders at the firm include founding partner Naina Krishnamurthy, managing partner Shwetambari Rao, senior partners Ayush Agarwala and Rashmi Deshpande, and partner Rukmini Roychowdhury. Dispute specialist Aditi Mittal departed for Kochhar & Co in December.

Established in 2017, the Law Offices of Panag & Babu has roots in white-collar crime, compliance and investigations. It has a notable regulatory practice as well, tackling issues in data privacy, technology and telecommunications, corporate advisory and structure transactions. The team provides advice on a broad array of transactions related to technology, licensing arrangements, data transfers, digital solutions and services, including software, a variety of “as-a-service solutions”, distributed ledger and blockchain, cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens, and other digital assets, the metaverse, artificial intelligence and open-source software. The key contact for this non-contentious work is partner Akash Karmakar.

Client feedback

"Very clear and sound advice provided and transparent in their working." – Privacy and data protection 

"Listens to our problems and provides bespoke solutions rather than templated answers which other law firms do." – Regulatory 

"The firm understands technology and the internet of things. Their advice is thus not merely legal but strategic and commercial as well. Akash Karmakar is a true thought-leader, and we are very grateful to have his counsel, as he is a true partner and strategic advisor. Unfortunately, most Indian law firms restrict themselves to only privacy law which is not the need of the hour for organizations like us." – Technology and telecommunications 

Akash Karmakar

"He listens well, demonstrates empathy, comes prepared, proposes solutions that offer long-term benefits, and explains concepts clearly." 

"Very knowledgeable and clear on the law and the aspects affecting the industry. Very reliable and trustworthy." 

"Akash Karmakar is a true thought leader in the TMT space and is probably the best lawyer I have worked with. He gets into the weeds of the matter, has exceptional experience and becomes a sounding board during deals in a way nobody else in India can."

Work highlights

Represented a leading defence equipment manufacturer in connection with a high-profile legacy investigation initiated by the India’s Central Bureau of Investigation. This ongoing matter involves complex legal considerations related to the procurement of trainer jets by the Indian Government. 

Assisted a China-headquartered cloud service regarding various product offerings, assisting them in navigating the regulatory landscape surrounding gaming and cloud services in India.

Bengaluru-based Law Square Advocates & Solicitors is recognised for its expertise in dispute resolution and intellectual property rights. Known for its prompt and effective solutions, the firm has built a strong reputation among clients in various sectors, including consumer goods, technology, real estate and pharmaceuticals. Key individuals at the firm include founding partner Sanjay Sethiya, who focuses on disputes and real estate, and IP partner Sheetal Sethiya.

Work highlights

Advised an Indian software company on a repayment plan dispute with Union Bank of India.

Boutique firm Legacy Law Offices is a top choice for disputes in connection with infrastructure projects. Its leadership team of five are experienced counsels in construction arbitrations that have worked on numerous landmark mandates in the past. The firm has an enviable track record of arbitration success, winning 98% of cases on behalf of claimant clients. Managing partner Gagan Anand and senior partner Sadiqua Fatma are the key contacts. Other names to note for construction work are co-managing partner Shalini Munjal and partners Amarendra Gogoi and Eshjyot Walia. Disputes partners include Parveen Moudgil, Roopali Chaturvedi, Ishan Khanna and Ramanjit Singh.

Client feedback

"The quality of the work carried out by the law firm is impeccable. They are competent, diligent and precise with their work and can proficiently manage complex construction projects." – Construction 

"They have attained great expertise and experience especially in the general corporate sector with avid experience of developing PPP projects across different sectors and providing requisite and significant legal advisory for the same." – Construction 

"The key point is that Legacy is advising us correctly. Whether we choose to follow their advice depends on our own judgment. They have no concerns regarding our decisions, but they are guiding us properly and promptly." – Private equity 

Gagan Anand

"Gagan is known for his expertise and experience in the field of project development and has served as an indispensable part in the development of marque PPP projects both nationally and internationally." 

"Mr. Anand is an expert in the field of construction and can provide practical advice on contracts. Being the vice-chair of the FIDIC Committee, his knowledge of infrastructure contracts is unmatched, which is reflected in his work. We have availed his services in project advisory, arbitration, and contract management on many infrastructure projects and have always been appreciative of the value additions made by him." 

Naman Anand

"Naman is a very positive person who always listens to us carefully and provides the right feedback. He is not concerned about his own business or financial gain. Instead, he consistently makes decisions that prioritize the client's best interests."

Amarendra Gogoi

"Amarendra has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, marked by subject matter expertise, professionalism, and a solution-oriented mindset."

Work highlights

Advised a major Indian road infrastructure developer in a complex arbitration related to infrastructure disputes. 

Represented a government regulator in a public interest litigation before the High Court of Delhi, effectively defending against allegations regarding the integrity of advertising standards.

Legal Scriptures Advocates was founded in 2017, with dispute resolution as a core pillar of its offering. Its coverage includes commercial litigation, arbitration, white-collar crimes and criminal litigation, among others. With regards to civil, commercial and corporate litigation, the firm specialises in writ petitions, money recovery suits, consumer complaints, real-estate litigation, company and insolvency petitions, and matters related to MSME and negotiable instruments cases. Its caseload reflects a high volume of government representation. The team is led by partners Abhijit Mittal and Anukalp Jain.

Key clients

American Express, Procter & Gamble, Western Union, Itron, Orion Group, Samsung Data Systems India, Galaxy Group, Punjab National Bank, LG Chem Life Sciences

Work highlights

Represented a local exporter and a housing developer in a significant money-laundering case against the Union of India, which is ongoing in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act tribunal.  

Effectively challenged a summons issued to a Swiss National client, ensuring compliance with Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty procedures.

Maheshwari & Co offers the full range of commercial legal services to onshore and offshore clients. In particular, its strengths are in the banking and finance, manufacturing, telecommunications, infrastructure and energy sectors. The firm operates three core offices in New Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow and has network offices in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Goa, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Pune, Surat, and Shimla. Managing partner Vipul Maheshwari is a corporate specialist and he heads the leadership team of six partners that includes head of corporate Jyotsna Chaturvedi.

Work highlights

Represented a government-linked infrastructure company in ongoing litigation concerning a $1.7 million contract dispute for the construction of a staff hostel in Ladakh.  

Acted for a US-based client in a recovery matter involving an Indian entity that unlawfully withheld funds. 

Assisted a Turkish company in the manufacturing sector with an ongoing arbitration matter against an Indian entity regarding contractual disputes.

MZM Legal is a prominent firm with offices in Mumbai and Delhi. It has a market-leading white-collar crime practice group, and robust dispute resolution and labour and employment practices. The firm is known for its strategic approach to complex legal challenges and its commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for clients. Part of the firm’s strength lies in its deep understanding of the legal landscape and its ability to navigate and offer innovative solutions to intricate cases involving high stakes. Key individuals include Waseem Pangarkar and Nadiya Sarguroh, both senior partners specialising in dispute resolution, and Parvez Memon, a senior partner focusing on employment issues. Their extensive experience and tactical insights enable the firm to address multifaceted legal issues effectively.

Work highlights

Represented a Qatar-based holding company in an ongoing arbitration case against BYJU’S, where the firm is advocating for a claim of over $235 million related to alleged loan defaults. 

Advised a key individual in the KM Dastur Reinsurance Brokers v Deinon Insurance Brokers Dubai case that involves complex legal issues surrounding the arbitration process. The outcome of this case holds implications for the broader interpretation of arbitration agreements, especially concerning non-signatories, reinforcing the principle that individuals should not be compelled to arbitrate unless they have explicitly agreed to do so.

Naik Naik & Co basks in its reputation as one of the foremost specialist firms for media and entertainment matters. It homes one of the largest dedicated teams in the country to this growing industry and is well-regarded for the range of services it offers, such as media convergence, Internet of Things and content-related issues for digital and OTT broadcasting platforms. It formed a unique alliance with IP behemoth Anand and Anand to cover IP litigation in Western India. Founder and managing partner Ameet Naik is recognised by the market as one of the premier experts in the media and entertainment space. He is supported by notable partners Abhishek Kale and Madhu Gadodia.

Work highlights

Represented Eros International Media in a significant case where they challenged a Show Cause Notice issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India. 

Acted for a high-profile individual who faced allegations of money laundering. The firm successfully secured medical bail for the client from the Bombay High Court, emphasising the importance of his health condition in the legal arguments presented. 

Successfully represented a film company in a case concerning unauthorised exploitation of its television show formats. The Bombay High Court granted an ex-parte injunction, preventing further unauthorised streaming and exploitation of the show.

Nishith Desai Associates prides itself on being a domestic firm with an international presence, with offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Singapore. It has market-leading practices covering labour and employment, media and entertainment, private equity, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, regulatory, tax, and technology and telecommunications. In the frontier space of technology, the firm has been a pioneer and cultivated a leading presence in privacy and data protection, crypto-assets and blockchain, payments, media, education, life sciences, and gaming and gambling. Key individuals include Ashish Kabra and Shweta Sahu. Dispute resolution leaders Vyapak Desai and Alipak Banerjee departed in August to set up their own advocate practices.

Work highlights

Successfully represented a client in a significant dispute involving a large Malaysian investor against the Republic of India. 

Acted for a cryptocurrency exchange to resolve a multi-million-dollar arbitration, navigating complex regulatory challenges and securing favourable outcomes.

Emerging disputes-focused firm Numen Law Offices continues to feature in our construction, dispute resolution and restructuring tables this year on account of its portfolio of interesting work for numerous sophisticated clients. It debuts in the real estate ranking. The firm is currently handling over 45 disputes of renowned real estate developers such as the Lotus Group and Ansal API. Four partners steer the firm: Arush Khanna, George Thomas, Lakshmi Raman and Chaitanyaa Bhandarkar.

Work highlights

Represented Technip Energies India against Numaligarh Refinery after the latter rejected an initial bid during a tender for commission of a renewable energy plant.

Acted for TGI Fridays Bar and Restaurants through its managing company, Bistro Hospitality before the City Civil Court in Hyderabad, where a civil suit has been filed seeking recovery of money in relation to a drink driving case.

Represented the Delhi State Legal Services Authority in a pro bono matter, where the petitioner, who is the family member of a deceased individual, has filed a claim for compensation under the Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme.

Acted for Modern India in a case pertaining to the enhancement of rent on a piece of leased out land before the apex court.

Key clients

Emaar India, Hiranandani Properties, Lotus Green Constructions, Zenal Construction.

P&A Law Offices is a legacy corporate, commercial, financial and litigation law firm with an admirable list of market firsts. Founded in 1996, the firm has a stellar reputation among top Indian conglomerates, Fortune 500 companies, household-name multinationals, and government and multilateral organisations. This year, the firm scales up in the competition table for its market-leading work. The team is helmed by eight partners who advise on all types of transactions and disputes across the entire spectrum of industry sectors. Untethered to a particular niche, the lawyers are focused on assisting their renowned clients in all types of high-level, complex, and high-stakes matters. Its competition practice is well regarded in the market with the firm’s practitioners helping draft the current competition rules. An interesting statistic pegs its deals as having a combined value of more than $75 billion. Managing partner Anand Pathak has been the chairman of the task force on competition law of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, was a member of India’s government-appointed committee on national competition policy and investment, and he is currently the vice chair of the IPBA on Indian competition law. Other key partners include antitrust experts Shashank Gautam and Sreemoyee Deb, and dispute resolution experts Gaurav Mahajan and Vijay Purohit.

Pioneer Legal was established in 2019 by Satish Kishanchandani, Narendra Dingankar and Pritha Jha. The firm houses over 50 fee-earners, with the firm rapidly gaining recognition for its high-quality corporate and private-equity work. The Pioneer team works across a swathe of sectors including education, advertising, healthcare, pharma, financial services and logistics. Apart from the corporate focus, the firm is also active in employment, insurance, IP, infrastructure, project finance and TMT matters. The firm has carved out a niche in handling complex commercial disputes, corporate frauds, and white-collar crime cases, making it a go-to choice for clients facing serious legal challenges. Its reputation for providing tailored, effective solutions quickly and cost-efficiently sets it apart in the competitive legal landscape. Other key partners and corporate specialists to note are Shoubhik Dasgupta, Anupam Shukla and Sanket Jain.  

The firm recently launched several new initiatives and expanded its focus on specific practice areas to adapt to evolving market demands and enhance client service. One key initiative is the integration of technology into its legal services. The firm is investing in legal tech solutions to streamline processes, improve efficiency and enhance client communication. This includes the adoption of project-management tools and case-management software, allowing for better tracking of cases and ensuring timely responses to client inquiries. 

In addition to technological advancements, the firm is placing a stronger emphasis on sectors such as technology, healthcare and renewable energy. The firm recognises the rapid growth and regulatory complexities in these industries and is bolstering its expertise to provide tailored legal support. This includes advising clients on compliance with emerging regulations, intellectual property issues, and employment matters specific to these sectors. 

Pioneer Legal is also focusing on expanding its capabilities in international arbitration and cross-border transactions, recognising the increasing globalisation of business. It is also actively developing its environmental, social and governance practice, assisting clients in navigating the regulatory landscape related to sustainability and corporate responsibility. This includes advising on compliance with environmental laws and helping businesses implement best practices for sustainable operations.

Work highlights

Successfully represented a domestic iron foundries group in its resolution plan for acquiring One Oliver Engineering, which was undergoing corporate insolvency resolution. 

Represented an India-based commodity management company in a writ petition challenging its inclusion in the IBA Caution List, successfully obtaining a stay on the listing. The court recognised the public duty involved in the reporting process, allowing the client to continue its operations without hindrance.

Delhi-based Prosoll Law is a respected criminal law boutique, featuring three experienced advocates. The key contact is founder Harsh Sharma, a seasoned criminal lawyer with several landmark judgments under his belt. Within the criminal law space, the firm handles all practices ranging from anti-corruption matters, money-laundering issues, regulatory disputes, white-collar crimes, fraud and economic offence-related litigation, constitutional challenge disputes and civil litigation. Recent clients include company directors, medical professionals and government officials. Last year the firm welcomed associate partner and contentious IP specialist Arjit Benjamin from Law Offices of Panag & Babu. With his joining, the firm has taken on caseloads and commercial work related to IP.

Work highlights

Representing the co-founder of Micromax Informatics in a bribery-related matter.

Engaged by a former Delhi High Court Judge in relation to a case concerning the client’s alleged misuse of his official capacity as a judge, by accepting illegal gratification to pass a judgment.

Assisting two dentists in the “Delhi Dental Council scam” matter.

PSL Advocates and Solicitors is a New Delhi-based boutique with a focus on commercial arbitration, insolvency, tax, corporate advisory and commercial litigation. The firm sits on multiple government panels, such as State Bank of India, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and the Airports Authority of India, and it uniquely has specialist Russia, Israel, Japan, Dubai and Turkey desks. The firm recently expanded and opened up in Bengaluru to add to its roster of offices in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. Founder and managing partner Sameer Jain and partners Suvigya Awasthy and Soayib Qureshi are key contacts. Sandeep Bajaj departed in the summer of 2023 to start his own counsel practice.

Work highlights

Acted for a domestic telecoms giant in a high-stakes litigation concerning allegations of misclassification of imported goods under the customs tariff heading, leading to a significant tax demand. The case raised critical questions regarding the authority's ability to retrospectively impose higher duties based on prior classifications. 

Advised a local energy group in securing a stay against the decision of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal regarding the private sale of assets under liquidation.

Regius Legal was established in its current form in 2018 after firm founder Kiran Jain, who began his legal practice in 1991 as a sole proprietary concern, structured the business as a partnership. The firm is now led by two equity partners, Jain and senior partner Ish Jain, and they head up a team of 40 lawyers. The firm’s main pillar remains dispute resolution, but it has also branched out into other areas such as corporate advisory, real estate, aviation and space law, art and sports law, maritime law and project financing. Ish Jain is particularly noted for his expertise in white-collar crime litigation.

Work highlights

Successfully represented local developers in defending against criminal proceedings initiated pursuant to allegations of fraud and forgery related to a property tender awarded by a public trust. 

Acted for an individual at Shubh Enterprises in a redevelopment dispute concerning the transfer of project rights and obligations to a new developer following financial difficulties.

Founded in 2015 through the restructuring of an 85-year-old commercial law chambers, RPV Legal is a boutique firm with a broad commercial and white-collar defence and investigations practice. The lawyers have long track records acting on commercial disputes across a number of sectors such as aviation, banking, construction, infrastructure, real estate, energy, life sciences and technology. They have acted as counsel in multiple landmark litigations and complex domestic and international arbitrations. In particular, the team specialises in high-value international and multi-jurisdictional arbitrations under ad hoc and institutional rules. The firm’s roster of clients comprises sovereign states and state corporations, business conglomerates, non-governmental organisations, trusts, banking and financial institutions and several high-net-worth individuals in India. The firm is headquartered in New Delhi and has a strong presence in the appellate courts and the Supreme Court. The key contacts are managing partner Kunal Verma, senior partner Yugan Jha and counsel Waheb Hussaini.

Work highlights

Acted for a joint venture led by an Indian conglomerate in arbitration proceedings against a government entity regarding the execution of a critical thermal power project, addressing significant delays and contractual obligations. 

Represented an international resources group in a high-stakes arbitration concerning a contractual dispute over the cross-border sale of Indonesian steam coal.

Formerly known as Singh & Associates, S&A Law Offices was established in 2002 by Manoj Singh. The full-service law firm is recognised for its corporate and M&A and dispute resolution offerings. The firm now houses over 300 legal professionals across its four offices in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bangalore. Sector experience includes infrastructure, real estate, green energy, power, oil and gas, shipping, mining, manufacturing and transportation. Transportation government authorities are loyal clients. Key contacts are disputes specialist Singh, joint managing partners Daizy Chawla and Gunita Pahwa, and senior partners Vijay Singh and Nilava Bandyopadhyay.

Client feedback

“Their legal knowledge and process-oriented arbitration process stand out among several other qualities they possess.” – Infrastructure

“Nimble, good understanding of the business of infra and excellent knowledge of legal matters. The lawyers have good experience.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Daizy Chawla

“Accessible, responsive and trustworthy.”

Manoj Singh

“Proactive and tops in legal knowledge.”

Work highlights

Represented Delhi International Airport against the Airports Authority of India in the arbitration proceeding. This arbitration's roots trace back to the India government's Open Air Policy, which encouraged private sector involvement in the development and modernisation of airports through the private partnership model.

Acted for Mumbai International Airport against the airport regulator in arbitration proceedings related to fees paid during the Covid-19 period.

Key clients

Adani Enterprises, Jindal ITF.

Bengaluru-headquartered Saakshya Law is recognised for its expertise in dispute resolution across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure and real estate. With its headquarters in Bengaluru, the firm has established a strong presence in the legal landscape, particularly in the south Asian region. The firm employs a strategic approach to complex legal challenges, providing tailored solutions that meet client needs effectively. The key contact is managing partner Aditya Narayan, a dispute resolution practitioner with sectoral expertise in energy and infrastructure.

Work highlights

Acted for a renewable energy storage solutions group in Supreme Court appeals challenging Electricity Distribution Companies' attempts to reopen concluded power purchase agreements. This case is pivotal as it addresses fundamental questions regarding the authority of regulatory bodies and the sanctity of contractual obligations in the energy market. 

Represented a leading steel manufacturer in a challenge to acquisition proceedings in the High Court of Karnataka.

Nine-year-old firm Saga Legal offers legal services across the full scope of practice areas. One of its core areas is dispute resolution, where is represents domestic and international clients in arbitration and litigation. Its strong relationships with briefing counsels in Delhi have made it a trusted partner to several other domestic firms that don’t have a presence in the national capital region. Saga teams up with them and provides assistance in briefing counsels and jointly representing their clients in Delhi forums and the Supreme Court. Managing partner and disputes practitioner Gaurav Nair, alongside co-managing partner and corporate partner Sanika Mehra, are the key contacts.

Work highlights

Successfully represented a domestic media business in a Supreme Court litigation regarding a concession agreement with the National Highway Authority of India, addressing disputes over construction and maintenance operations. 

Acted for an independent media group in a Supreme Court case, challenging the constitutional validity of multiple provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

Sagus Legal was founded in early 2020 by ex-Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co corporate partner, Shruti Kanodia. The firm’s core strengths are corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, and energy and infrastructure work. It has offices in New Delhi, Odisha and Gurugram. The key partners are Kanodia and disputes expert Anand Kumar Shrivastava.

Work highlights

Acted for an electric power distribution company in an appeal before the Supreme Court of India, representing multiple distribution companies against Indian Railways. The case, involving claims of deemed distribution licensee status, is significant for its potential impact on long-term power contracts across India.  

Represented a renewable energy group in its strategic negotiations surrounding a joint venture agreement to enhance operational efficiency in the renewable energy sector.

Samvad Partners is a multi-specialist law firm with market-approved corporate and dispute resolution offerings. The firm’s core litigation areas encompass commercial, employment, competition, intellectual property and financial disputes. The team regularly appears in high-stakes cases before the High Courts, Supreme Court and all relevant tribunals. The litigation and arbitration team comprises four partners and nearly 20 associates spread across the firm’s five offices in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. The corporate M&A and private equity teams are helmed by 10 partners, including Vineetha MG, Ashwini Vittalachar, Natasha Mahajan and Ekta Bahl. The dispute resolution group includes top litigators Poornima Hatti and Ankur Singh. Arjun Krishnan departed to open up his own advocate practice, while Rohan George moved on to establish a legal technology company.

Work highlights

Representing a domestic cable manufacturer and its promoters in an international commercial arbitration against a competitor group regarding a contractual dispute over the future transfer of business assets. 

Successfully represented an offshore pension provider in a writ petition before the Madras High Court, obtaining an interim stay against ex-parte recovery proceedings initiated by the Income Tax Department for capital gains tax. This case is significant as it addresses the rights of offshore trusts in tax matters in India. 

Represented a domestic food delivery technology group in arbitration proceedings concerning payment obligations for logistics services provided to a leading furniture manufacturer.

Sarthak Advocates & Solicitors has extensive experience working on energy and infrastructure projects and is noted for its corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, and restructuring and insolvency practices. This year the firm moves up a tier for its energy work. The firm is empanelled with public sector undertakings Bharat Heavy Electricals, Engineers India and Shipping Corporation India. Managing partner Abhishek Nath Tripathi leads the firm’s corporate and M&A, projects, infrastructure and project finance, and bankruptcy and insolvency practices, while senior partner Mani Gupta oversees the dispute resolution team.

Client feedback

"The firm understands the requirements very well and are open to multiple rounds of discussion and iterations as and when requested" – Corporate and M&A 

"We appreciate the accessibility of the team, their understanding of legal winnability scenarios and getting the client’s interest achieved." – Corporate and M&A 

"Sarthak Advocates & Solicitors excel in delivering precise and practical legal solutions, particularly in due diligence and transactional work. Their key strengths include deep expertise in Indian real estate and regulatory frameworks, as demonstrated in their thorough land due diligence. The team, led by partner Anubhav Tiwari, is highly responsive, client-focused, and adept at simplifying complex legal issues, ensuring timely and cost-effective outcomes." – Real estate 

Mani Gupta

"He argues aggressively and shows effective litigation management, paying close attention to detail.”

Anil Khanna

"Anil, a key member of Sarthak Advocates & Solicitors, exhibits exceptional professionalism, responsiveness, and expertise in real estate law. His ability to navigate complex legal frameworks with clarity and precision, as demonstrated in the meticulous land due diligence, ensures robust risk mitigation and project success. Anil excels in client communication, providing timely updates and practical solutions tailored to our needs. His collaborative approach fosters trust and strengthens client relationships. Additionally, Anubhav’s deep understanding of regulatory requirements and his proactive problem-solving skills make his team a standout in delivering efficient and high-quality legal services." 

Utkarsh Mishra

"He is understanding, accessible, problem-solving and responds to urgent matters as expected."

Abhishek Tripathi

"Patience to listen to client's requirements and advising team on ‘to go’ and ‘no go’ parameters and ensuring deal closure."

Work highlights

Represented a client in arbitration proceedings against the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation, focusing on the rehabilitation and upgradation of essential road infrastructure. 

Acted for an Indian regulatory authority in a high-stakes arbitration case challenging an award under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act.

Seraphic Advisors is a full-service firm with offices in Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Its strength and experience in the aviation sector is notable, with a key client being the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA). It works closely with the aviation ministry, its departments and the regulator, as well as with other stakeholders in this sector such as aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers, leasing companies, domestic and international airlines and private airports. The key contact is partner KPS Kohli.

Work highlights

Acted for a domestic telecoms company against Kalinga Construction Company in an arbitration matter regarding alleged claims arising out of a telecoms infrastructure project in the state of Uttarakhand.  

Represented the former CFO of a domestic software provider in a challenge against respondents who allegedly made fraudulent transactions while the company was under application for insolvency.

Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co has a commanding presence in the market with top-tier practices across all practice areas and industry sectors. It is routinely considered one of the best firms in a highly competitive market for transactions and a first port of call for selective international clients. The firm offers the best of all worlds: large capacity, pan-India presence, depth of expertise and experience, and market-leading professionals. It regularly advises the largest multinationals, Indian conglomerates, and private-equity players and funds. The capital markets team continues to represent issuers in many of the country’s largest IPOs and the M&A group remains unmatched for its high-stakes, high-value transactions. Pallavi Shroff is well known for her extensive experience in dispute resolution, and Shardul Shroff is renowned for his expertise as a general corporate lawyer. There were multiple notable partner movements in the course of the last 12 months.

Work highlights

Advised an individual in a case where the US Court set aside an arbitral award against him, ruling that there was no evidence to hold him liable for damages. This landmark decision underscores the high standard for setting aside arbitration awards.  

Represented two holding group clients in a significant arbitration case concerning a failed $10 billion merger, achieving a landmark settlement that resolved a $90 million dispute.

Singh & Associates was established in 2002 by Manoj Singh. The full-service law firm is recognised for its corporate and M&A and dispute resolution offerings. Sector experience includes infrastructure, real estate, green energy, power, oil and gas, shipping, mining, manufacturing and transportation. Key contacts are disputes specialist Singh and managing partner Daizy Chawla. The firm moves up in corporate and M&A this year and welcomed corporate partner Neeraj Dubey from Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan. The disputes group experienced an influx of senior level talent from leading peers. Partners Reeta Mishra, Neeraj Dubey, Smita Singh, Jyoti Kumar Chaudhary and Apporve Vashistha joined from Kochhar & Co, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Ashok Dhingra Associates, Hammurabi & Solomon and L&L Partners, respectively.  

Singhania & Co brings a well-rounded offering to the table, its team covering disputes and transactional work such as corporate and M&A, investment funds, private equity, and restructuring and insolvency. Helming the teams are managing partners Rohit Jain and Pradeep Kumar Jain. The M&A team has seen an uptick of work due to an expansion two years ago.  

Singhania & Partners is particularly noted by market insiders for its experience in infrastructure-related disputes, with its lawyers known for their roads, highways, railways, energy and infrastructure specialties. For example, the firm is empanelled by the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation, Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India, RailTel Corporation of India, and National Hydropower Corporation. Managing partner Ravi Singhania is a respected name in the market. Key contacts include Singhania, senior partners Dipak Rao and Shilpa Shah and disputes partner Vikas Goel.  

Kolkata-headquartered SK Singhi & Co was established in 2009 by SK Singhi. It also has offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bhubhaneshwar and Gurugram. The firm has anactive dispute practice handling litigations and arbitrations cross various courts, appellate tribunals and arbitration centres. In particular, the firm’s lawyers are specialised in corporate frauds and white-collar crimes and have been busy representing and advising clients on investigations, criminal proceedings and various compliance-related issues. The team of over 30 associates is led by managing partner Singhi and senior partner Ankur Singhi. The firm boosted its supporting ranks with the recent hiring of 11 litigation-focused associates, which brings the firm’s total numbers to 63.

SKR & Partners will celebrate its 20^th anniversary next year. The full-service firm was established by Santosh Kumar Ray and it has offices in Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. The firm has offerings in regulatory, advisory and dispute resolution, and makes its debut in the rankings for restructuring and insolvency, and dispute resolution. The firm has been very active on contentious insolvency matters in the past year. Other key contacts at the firm include partners Chetana Lal, Rituparna Sanyal and Akash Tandon.

Work highlights

Assisted the State Bank of India on the maintainability of the CIRP against the main corporate debtor.

Represented the Bank of Baroda in matter against the legal heir of a personal guarantor. This case saw the NCLT considering the issue of whether an application under Section 95 of IBC is maintainable against legal heirs of personal guarantor for the first time and gave clarity to this issue.

Advised the Central Bank of India, UCO Bank and Textile Solutions, in their separate applications against corporate debtors.

Mumbai-headquartered Stratage Law Partners set up shop in August 2020 and it specialises primarily in private equity, venture capital, corporate and M&A, and real-estate matters. Its dispute resolution offering has grown steadily in the past few years. Managing partner Darshan Upadhyay and senior partners Shyam Pandya and Bhavin Gada are the key contacts.  

Work highlights 

Advised a Chinese construction group in challenging a Look Out Circular issued by the Bureau of Immigration, successfully enabling the client's director to leave India after over two years of restrictions. 

Acted for a family trust in seeking exemption from an open offer under Regulation 11 of the Takeover Code.  

Represented a developer company in a writ petition before the Bombay High Court, challenging two concurrent orders from lower courts that restricted the client from dealing with their property. After extensive arguments, the court issued notice in favour of the client, allowing the case to proceed. 

Based in Hyderabad, Tempus Law Associates is a multi-service law firm that was established by lawyers who are qualified in both India and New York. Its core offerings include corporate and M&A, private equity and dispute resolution. It has a robust venture capital practice in particular. Sectoral expertise includes technology, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure. Founding partners Sundari R Pisupati and P Raviprasad are the main contacts. 

Work highlights 

Represented Kirloskar Industries and its promoters in a company petition before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), successfully arguing that the petitioners demonstrated oppression and mismanagement by Kirloskar Brothers. The NCLT's ruling has significant implications for corporate governance and shareholder rights. 

Acted for a water transport company in proceedings against port authorities regarding wrongful charges and levies, securing interim orders that ensured continuity of service. 

Thiru & Thiru is a full-service law firm with a noted presence for high-stakes litigation matters. Its team comprises veteran disputes lawyers who have handled several landmark Indian cases. Sectoral specialties include science, technology, finance, export and commerce. The key contacts are managing partner Manik BT and founding partner Revathi S. Both are disputes and real estate specialists.

Client feedback

“Their domain expertise is excellent, and they can present the facts and law in a lucid and simple manner. They are quite good in strategising the actionable items.” – Dispute resolution

Manik BT

“His insights and analytical skills are very good.”

Work highlights

Successfully represented a domestic public sector bank in an arbitration against a large global technology firm.

Acted for EnerSys in defending insolvency proceedings, and by challenging the constitutional validity of the IBC, won a stay in the proceedings.

Represented the petitioner in a seminal matter where the court held in favour to the client, stating that all civil disputes should be compulsorily referred to mediation, irrespective of the litigant’s initial consent, and that courts should impose cost on litigants who refuse to participate.

Tatva Legal Hyderabad is a sizable, full-service firm with offices in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Its core pillars are banking and finance, dispute resolution, labour and employment, investment funds, private equity, R&I and real estate. Managing partner Shailendra Komatreddy is the key contact. The firm welcomed corporate specialist Kaushalya Guduru from Avendus Capital and disputes manager Palash Taing from S&A Law Offices in the past year.  

Triumvir Law was established in 2018 and has offices in Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata. Its full-service offering spans corporate M&A, disputes, employment, private equity, real estate and TMT laws. It routinely works with a range of clients from multinational corporations to early-stage startups. Managing partner Anubhab Sarkar is the key contact. The firm recently welcomed arbitration specialist and partner Ajay Kumar, enhancing the firm’s contentious capabilities.  

UKCA and Partners is a full-service law firm with historical roots going back 35 years. It has three partners, one Of Counsel and 15 associates. The firm is noted for its strengths in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, restructuring and insolvency, and real estate. Notably, the firm’s R&I practice is one of its core pillars. In this space, it handles corporate restructuring, debt restructuring and negotiations, representing clients in insolvency-related litigation before various judicial forums and advisory and compliance services. Managing partner Manisha Chaudhary has experience in all practice areas, notably corporate and M&A, and restructuring and insolvency.  

Work highlights 

Advised a leading Indian real estate developer in ongoing proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Chandigarh Bench, facilitating the preparation of a scheme of amalgamation and demerger. 

Acting for a domestic real estate developer in a significant cross-border dispute before the NCLT, concerning the implementation of a scheme sanctioned in 2018. 

Vaish Associates Advocates is a well-regarded law firm in India with offices in New Delhi and Mumbai. The firm is reputed in the market for its top-tier tax practice and strengths in dispute resolution, intellectual property, and corporate law. With a robust team of experienced lawyers, the firm has established a reputation for effectively handling complex legal matters across multiple sectors. The tax group has made significant strides in its tax practice over the past 12 months, establishing itself as a leader in navigating complex tax regulations and providing strategic advisory services. The firm has successfully represented clients in high-stakes tax disputes and has been involved in several landmark cases that underscore its expertise. Key individuals at Vaish Associates include joint managing partner Vinay Vaish, senior partners Sandhya Iyer and Vijay Pal Dalmia, and associate partners Rajesh Jain and Aditya Dhar. 

Work highlights 

Successfully represented an Indian conglomerate in a significant arbitration case against Ultratech Cement regarding asset return claims. 

Acting for a domestic real estate developer in a significant cross-border dispute before the National Company Law Tribunal, concerning the implementation of a scheme sanctioned in 2018. 

Founded in 2015, Veritas Legal’s bread and butter are its corporate and M&A and private equity practices, with its dispute resolution offering rapidly rising in prominence. For its size, the firm punches above its weight, amassing an impressive deal flow and volume last year. It consistently placed in respected M&A and PE league tables within the top 10 of all Indian law firms. Sector-wise, it is deepening its footprint in pharmaceuticals and life sciences, real estate, and technology and telecommunications. Founder and managing partner Abhijit Joshi is a highly respected M&A and private equity lawyer, while partner Rahul Dwarkadas specialises in dispute resolution. Other key partners include Kunal Doshi, Tushar Raut and Manav Raheja.

Work highlights 

Advised a global accounting firm on various legal proceedings related to its audit for IL&FS Financial Services, focusing on compliance with judicial requirements and potential penalties.  

Represented a domestic internet company in filing a suit before the Bombay High Court to restrain defendants from publishing defamatory content, achieving a court order to take down the harmful material. 

White & Brief is a full-service firm with offices in Mumbai and Delhi. Its team comprises seasoned professionals with varied specialties, ensuring a comprehensive approach to client needs. The firm is best known for its litigation capabilities, particularly in commercial disputes, regulatory challenges and corporate matters. It has a proven track record in handling complex cases across sectors such as real estate, technology and healthcare. Key individuals include managing partner Nilesh Tribhuvann, Mohit Bakshi, who specialises in healthcare law and regulatory compliance, and Prateek Bansal, noted for his work in taxation and trade.  

Work highlights 

Advised a Korean construction manufacturer in a commercial suit against an international dealer, successfully recovering $3.1 million and dismantling unfounded counterclaims.  

Defended an Indian health insurance company during a sophisticated cyberattack, securing an injunction from the Delhi High Court and preventing further damage to the client’s reputation and sensitive data. 

Mumbai-based WS Kane & Co is recognised for its expertise in intellectual property and dispute resolution. It has built a strong reputation for its strategic legal services in these areas. Key individuals include managing partner and disputes specialist Himanshu Kane, and partners Manvendra Kane and Rahul Kadam. The firm routinely handles high-stakes litigation and arbitration, particularly in the pharmaceutical, energy and manufacturing sectors.  

Work highlights 

Advised an Indian MNC pharma company in challenging an unfavourable arbitral award, where the firm successfully obtained a stay on the award before the Bombay High Court.  

Assisted an energy company in a labour case against a former employee for substantial fraud.  

Alaya Legal was established over two decades ago by Divjyot Singh and Suniti Kaur. The firm’s core areas are corporate transactions and advisory, and dispute resolution. Sectoral focuses include energy, infrastructure and oil and gas. Its boutique energy practice covers areas such as upstream, midstream and downstream, gas infrastructure, refineries, petrochemical operations and marketing, crude oil, gas, LNG and petroleum products sales, and aviation fuel farms. The litigators have a deep bench of experience in multiple Indian jurisdictions and at all levels of court, fora and tribunals.

Client feedback

“Quick response and quality assessment.” – Aviation

“Quick turnaround, domain knowledge and access to partners.” – Banking and finance

Suniti Kaur

“Knowledgeable, problem-solving approach and domain expertise.”

“Strong knowledge and attendance.”

Work highlights

Advised IndianOil in negotiating and finalising terms for licensing alcohol-to-jet technology from LanzaJet, facilitating IndianOil's venture into sustainable aviation fuel production.

Provided regulatory and legal counsel to the client, which provides cutting-edge services to businesses in the energy and new energy space, on studying policy statements in new energy spaces, identifying areas of laws requiring modification, and proactively assisting the client in aligning business goals with policy objectives.

AZB & Partners is renowned as one of the top full-service law firms in India with leading practices across every category, including banking, capital markets, corporate and M&A, and private equity. With offices in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, the firm is strategically positioned to handle complex legal challenges that intersect multiple industries and jurisdictions. 

The firm’s sterling reputation for M&A and private equity makes it a first port of call for heavyweight international and domestic clients hoping to secure its services for big-ticket deals. The firm comprises over 90 partners across six pan-India locations. Founding partners Zia Mody, Ajay Bahl and Bahram Vakil are legends in the market for their corporate and finance specialties. Corporate partners Anil Kasturi and Ashwath Rau are two of the most prominent M&A and private equity lawyers in the country. In a notable change, former equity partner Aditya Vikram Bhat departed to establish AVB Chambers, while former Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas partner Juvraj Singh Bindra made a return to AZB & Partners, further strengthening the firm's expertise. 

Apart from its fame in corporate law, the firm has robust and dedicated practice areas across every niche. For example, the infrastructure practice is well-known for its work advising clients on significant projects and regulatory frameworks. In the energy sector, the group has established itself as a go-to firm for clients looking to invest in and develop energy projects. The insurance practice is another key strength, offering comprehensive legal advice on regulatory and transactional matters. In the media and entertainment space, its lawyers demonstrated its capability through high-profile transactions. The firm is recognised for its ability to provide tailored legal solutions that meet clients' business objectives while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. 

Over the past 12 months, AZB & Partners has seen several significant developments. Notably, Shagoofa Rashid Khan was promoted to senior partner, alongside the elevation of Dhruti Dholakia to partner in the Mumbai office and the promotion of four lawyers to partnership across the firm's corporate-M&A and tax practices. Additionally, nine lawyers were promoted to counsel, reflecting the firm’s commitment to professional growth and development. 

The firm has been actively involved in major transactions, advising on significant deals such as the sale of a controlling stake in VIP Industries to Multiples PE and its consortium members, as well as Peer Capital’s investment in House of Vaaree. The firm also represented Wave Beverages in a Re10 billion ($115 million) acquisition by Kandhari Global Beverages and provided counsel in various high-profile matters, including a case before the Delhi High Court and an internal reorganisation for Termomeccanica. 

The corporate team successfully advised Citigroup Global Markets India Private and Goldman Sachs Securities Private on the sale of a 2.5% stake in Tobacco Manufacturers, and represented the Wikimedia Foundation before the Supreme Court of India. They also acted on Schneider Electric's substantial $6.4 billion stake acquisition in Schneider Electric India from Temasek.

Work highlights

Advised ONGC Videsh on its acquisition of an operating interest in an oil field in Azerbaijan.  

Acted for Cube Highways in acquiring a portfolio of solar projects. 

Guided TotalEnergies on its joint venture with Adani Green Energy.

BTG Legal offers transactional and dispute resolution services from its offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore. Its core sector strengths include aerospace and defence, energy and infrastructure, financial services, life sciences, industrials, real estate and transport. Its projects team is regularly engaged by various domestic and international companies to assist them through the whole life cycle of energy generation projects in India. Corporate partners Parveen Arora and Juhi Mehta are the key contacts. The latter joined from Samvad Partners last year.  

HSA Advocates has a commanding reputation in the market as a preferred firm for energy, construction and infrastructure work. Sophisticated clients know this is the firm for complex, multi-party, long-term infrastructure projects, as it has decades of experience working with all stakeholders from the beginning to the end of a project life-cycle. The firm provides a complete suite of solutions for development, financing, transactions, restructuring and dispute resolution support. The firm is routinely found advising on power, road, port, airport, oil, gas, clean energy and special economic zone projects. Founding partner Hemant Sahai is a key contact.

Work highlights

Advised an Indian MNC on the legal implications of the Safeguard Duty Notifications, ensuring compliance with the Electricity Act and facilitating the recovery of costs incurred due to regulatory changes. The firm successfully argued for compensation for financial impacts arising from these changes. 

Successfully represented a domestic conglomerate in the development of a 150MW grid connection point project, providing comprehensive legal support throughout various stages of the project.

Established in 1911, Khaitan & Co remains in the ‘Outstanding’ tier for nearly all the core practice areas, such as banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and private equity. Its IP and labour and employment teams are also renowned in the market for their depth, breadth and size. The firm is a reliable top-tier choice for its many international and domestic clients, part of the fraternity of the country’s largest, most famous corporations. It has a pan-India presence with offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Kolkata. In particular, the firm’s investment funds practice is extolled by peers as a true pioneer for fund formation and structuring work. The corporate practice features luminaries such as Haigreve Khaitan, Bharat Anand and Rabindra Jhunjhunwala.

Work highlights

Represented a refinery in drafting and finalising tender documents for a Green Hydrogen Generation Unit.  

Advised an energy client on its acquisition of Beempow Power, which operates a 350MW solar project in Madhya Pradesh.

Kochhar & Co has a pan-India presence and excels in a multitude of practice areas, from dispute resolution to real estate. Its technology and telecommunications practice is lauded as one of the best in the country. Stephen Matthias is a leading technology lawyer who heads the firm’s first-rate team. Managing partner and litigation specialist, Rohit Kochhar is the main contact.

Neeti Niyaman is a mid-sized firm based in New Delhi that specialises in dispute resolution and regulatory advice, particularly in the energy sector. The firm is best known for its deep expertise in regulatory matters, offering strategic counsel to effectively navigate the intricate landscape of energy law, including renewable energy, power purchase agreements, and regulatory compliance. Key individuals at Neeti Niyaman include Sakya Singha Chaudhuri, Avijeet Lala and Astha Sharma.

Work highlights

Successfully represented Magadh Sugar and Energy and Harinagar Sugar Mills before the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission. 

Represented an environmental resource management company in securing the adoption of the Green Energy Open Access Rules, significantly benefiting waste-to-energy plants by reducing financial burdens.

Established four years ago by a group of partners from Luthra and Luthra Law Offices, Saraf and Partners has established itself well as a highly-regarded full-service firm with core strengths in projects, corporate and M&A, private equity, and restructuring and insolvency. The team consists of no less than 34 partners and over 180 personnel. The firm has established a strong presence with offices in major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Its competitive edge lies in a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and a client-focused approach that integrates legal expertise with practical business solutions. Key contacts include founder Mohit Saraf, and senior partners Bikash Jhawar, Vaibhav Kakkar, Vikrant Kumar, Sanjeev Sharma and Saroj Jha. Disputes partner Manmeet Singh left for Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas at the beginning of 2025.

Client feedback

"Saraf and Partners is very sound when it comes to legal advice, and they combine it very well with vast experience and practical, solution-oriented insights." – Banking and finance 

"The law firm has specialized knowledge and expertise in specific areas of law, such as disputes resolution, corporate law, real estate work and intellectual property. They have a client-centered approach. The law firm is committed to providing tailored legal solutions that meet the unique needs of our company. The firm is super-responsive to our inquiries and concerns. They follow ethical practices and maintain standards of professionalism." – Dispute resolution 

"The domain knowledge and solution-oriented approach of the lawyers is very helpful." – Technology and telecommunications 

Sahil Arora

"Working with Sahil is an absolute pleasure and he exceeds all expectations. From the outset, Sahil demonstrated a profound understanding of the legal intricacies surrounding the matter with his sheer wealth of legal knowledge, commercial acumen, and top-notch legal and regulatory expertise being self-evident. It was apparent that he was invested in our journey with complete dedication to achieve the best possible outcome for us. What truly sets him apart is his innate ability to provide insightful guidance and strategic advice, keeping in mind commercial realities, especially in areas where the law is nebulous. The regulatory framework in India is complex and ever-changing, but his ability to feel the pulse of the regulator allows us to navigate the landscape with ease." 

Aroop Das

"Aroop is detail-oriented and strategic, with the foresight to anticipate issues and prepare effective alternatives. He leads his team well, communicates clearly, and balances legal knowledge with practical and commercial advice. He is very approachable and open to suggestions which further enhance his effectiveness."

Sanjeev Kumar Sharma

"Sanjeev is a highly skilled lawyer with specialized expertise in various areas of law, including dispute resolution and corporate law. His commitment to continuous learning ensures he stays updated with the latest legal developments, providing clients with the most informed advice. Sanjeev's strong communication skills enable him to explain complex legal concepts clearly, while his active listening ensures he fully understands his clients' concerns. Known for his dedication and work ethic, Sanjeev goes the extra mile to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients. He adheres to high ethical standards and maintains honesty and transparency in all his communications. Sanjeev's analytical skills and creative problem-solving abilities allow him to develop effective and innovative legal strategies. His client-centered approach, marked by personalized service and empathy, makes him a trusted advisor."

Work highlights

Assisted an energy company on its partnership with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, facilitating a joint investment of $300 million to develop renewable energy projects across India. 

Represented an India-based renewables conglomerate in the acquisition of a 350MW solar power project in Gujarat, enhancing its renewable energy portfolio.

Sarthak Advocates & Solicitors has extensive experience working on energy and infrastructure projects and is noted for its corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, and restructuring and insolvency practices. This year the firm moves up a tier for its energy work. The firm is empanelled with public sector undertakings Bharat Heavy Electricals, Engineers India and Shipping Corporation India. Managing partner Abhishek Nath Tripathi leads the firm’s corporate and M&A, projects, infrastructure and project finance, and bankruptcy and insolvency practices, while senior partner Mani Gupta oversees the dispute resolution team.

Client feedback

"The firm understands the requirements very well and are open to multiple rounds of discussion and iterations as and when requested" – Corporate and M&A 

"We appreciate the accessibility of the team, their understanding of legal winnability scenarios and getting the client’s interest achieved." – Corporate and M&A 

"Sarthak Advocates & Solicitors excel in delivering precise and practical legal solutions, particularly in due diligence and transactional work. Their key strengths include deep expertise in Indian real estate and regulatory frameworks, as demonstrated in their thorough land due diligence. The team, led by partner Anubhav Tiwari, is highly responsive, client-focused, and adept at simplifying complex legal issues, ensuring timely and cost-effective outcomes." – Real estate 

Mani Gupta

"He argues aggressively and shows effective litigation management, paying close attention to detail.”

Anil Khanna

"Anil, a key member of Sarthak Advocates & Solicitors, exhibits exceptional professionalism, responsiveness, and expertise in real estate law. His ability to navigate complex legal frameworks with clarity and precision, as demonstrated in the meticulous land due diligence, ensures robust risk mitigation and project success. Anil excels in client communication, providing timely updates and practical solutions tailored to our needs. His collaborative approach fosters trust and strengthens client relationships. Additionally, Anubhav’s deep understanding of regulatory requirements and his proactive problem-solving skills make his team a standout in delivering efficient and high-quality legal services." 

Utkarsh Mishra

"He is understanding, accessible, problem-solving and responds to urgent matters as expected."

Abhishek Tripathi

"Patience to listen to client's requirements and advising team on ‘to go’ and ‘no go’ parameters and ensuring deal closure."

Work highlights

Advised Indian solar module maker in its strategic acquisition of Enel Green Power India, facilitating a significant entry into the renewable energy sector. 

Acted for an energy project developer throughout the development of a waste-to-energy project, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Burgeon Law stands out as a dynamic legal practice with a multifaceted approach to corporate and commercial law across India. Led by key partners Ketan Mukhija and Abhinav Agnihotri, the firm has demonstrated particular strength in infrastructure, labour and employment, and dispute resolution practices. The firm's client roster includes a diverse range of companies from technology startups to established infrastructure and energy firms, reflecting their adaptability and depth of expertise.

Work highlights

Advised Global Network on a $192.70 million equity acquisition in Malaysia and supporting Victor Buildwel's $63.26 million investment in NetAxcess Communication.

JSA is a leading, pan-India full-service firm that excels in a number of areas including energy, infrastructure, technology and telecommunications, banking and finance, and construction. Its regulatory practice is well-regarded due to the firm’s strong credentials with telecoms, energy and infrastructure authorities. This year the firm made notable strides in the rankings, rising into the top tier for its competition and disputes offerings. It additionally ascended a notch in the aviation and media and entertainment rankings. The firm operates in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Gurugram.  

Last year the firm shored up its core practice areas to enhance its competitiveness among India’s premier full-service firms. In two blockbuster moves that shook the legal industry, the firm recruited competition doyenne Nisha Kaur Uberoi and her 25-strong team from Trilegal, as well as a sizable M&A team from Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. Today, the competition team remains at the top of its game, securing major merger approvals for clients like Apple and UltraTech Cement. The team has expanded its expertise to address competition issues arising from digital and tech sectors, reflecting the evolving regulatory environment. 

Other key moves to reflect the firm’s growth include its strategic hires late last year, including capital markets specialist Anuj Pethia, and projects, infrastructure and real-estate partners M Arun Kumar and Deepak Chowdhury. In April 2025, JSA further demonstrated its commitment to talent development by promoting 70 lawyers, including 12 to the position of retained partner. 

The firm has also been actively involved in major advisory roles, successfully guiding clients through critical transactions. Recent highlights include advising Truemeds on its Series C fundraising, facilitating the IPO of All Time Plastics, and supporting Steel Infra Solutions in their IPO. Additionally, JSA played a key role in advising Vertis Infrastructure Trust on a sustainability-linked bond issuance and acted on behalf of Schneider Electric in a significant stake acquisition in Schneider Electric India.

Work highlights

Assisted a construction company in connection with the sale of a 26% stake in three road special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to various parties. This transaction involved complex legal considerations surrounding the acquisition and operation of the SPVs. 

Acted for the National Highways Authority of India in successfully awarding concessions for round 3 of its InVIT monetisation initiative. The assignment involved preparing concession agreements for multiple project bundles.

Luthra and Luthra Law Offices is a well-rounded full-service firm that has been a market leader in multiple practice areas over the past two decades. Since the passing of founder Rajiv Luthra, the firm has been rebuilding its ranks over the past year. The firm is proud of its market-leading clean energy practice, prioritising niche deals that have a positive environmental or social impact. Key contacts for the corporate side include managing partner Harry Chawla and partner Niti Paul. Both joined in the summer of 2023 from Atlas Law Partners. The firm’s famed projects and infrastructure team is led by partners Deepak Kumar Thakur, Girish Rawat and Karan Mitroo. Partner Avirup Nag departed for Saraf and Partners at the end of 2023.

Client feedback

“Recommend the firm for its knowledge base and the quality of partners leading the firm.” – Banking and finance

“Great commercial sense.” – Corporate and M&A

“Provides solutions within the legal framework.” – Dispute resolution

“They provide amazing support and have deep legal knowledge. They think from the client's perspective, and not just to maximise their fees.” – Private equity

“The lawyers are very prompt and thorough, have excellent strategy and deliver quality legal advice.” – Tax

Karan Mitroo

“Excellent industrial knowledge and vast experience.”

Anshul Sehgal

“Provides excellent support.”

Work highlights

Advised ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel on its steel manufacturing business.

Represented the SPV of HG Infra Engineering on the sale of its entire shareholding in its four wholly owned subsidiaries to Highways Infrastructure Trust.

Key clients

GAIL, Hinduja Renewables Energy, Radiance Group, Torrent Power.

Phoenix Legal is a full-service firm that is recognised for its banking and finance, infrastructure, insurance, dispute resolution, labour and employment, and restructuring and insolvency practices. Specifically, the group has honed its experience in syndicate lending, structured finance and debt capital markets. It boasts an impressive client roster of domestic and offshore banks, financial institutions, multilateral and international financial institutions, export credit agencies, non-banking financial companies, micro financers, small finance banks, universal banks, development finance institutions, foreign portfolio investors, mutual funds, private-equity funds, alternative investment funds, and government bodies. The four co-founding partners are the main contacts: Manjula Chawla, Saket Shukla, Abhishek Saxena and Sawant Singh. Other kay partners include Aditya Bhargava, Gautam Bhatikar and Harsh Arora.

Work highlights

Advised a Japanese heavy industries company on its staggered investment in a green hydrogen/ammonia project in Odisha, encompassing due diligence and regulatory compliance.  

Acted for a terminals developer on a multi-entity joint venture for the LNG import regasification terminal project in Gujarat, including due diligence and investment structuring.

Trilegal is a preferred choice for heavyweight clients, an alternative to the famous family firms that inhabit the top echelon of legal services providers. Its TMT practice continues to gain traction as a market leader, and its private equity and investment funds offering is growing from strength to strength. The firm’s seven-year-old asset management and fund formation practice has rapidly risen to be a power player. The dispute resolution team, led by Shankh Sengupta, has proven its worth with an elite group of litigators acting in high-stakes matters for premier clients

Work highlights 

Represented a local highway developer on its 100% investment in four roadway portfolios constructed and operated by HG Infra Engineering. 

Advised an Indian conglomerate in drafting and negotiating the fiscal support agreement with the India Semiconductor Mission for its semiconductor fab facility in Gujarat.

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) continues its reign as one of the most recognised full-service law firms in India, a top-tier choice for its panoply of international and domestic clients, with a longstanding reputation for handling the country’s most complex, high-value and innovative transactions and disputes. CAM operates from offices across India’s major cities – Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Noida – as well as international locations in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and at the International Financial Services Centre in GIFT City. This broad presence enables the firm to serve a diverse client base, including large Indian conglomerates, multinationals, global investment funds, banks, financial institutions, and fast-growing technology and digital businesses. 

CAM is especially recognised for its bench strength in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, private equity, competition (antitrust), dispute resolution, technology and telecommunications, real estate, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and regulatory and financial services. The firm is regularly sought out to advise on market-defining deals and cases, and is known for being the first call for “first of their kind” transactions in India. Clients trust the firm not only to execute deals but to help create new legal and business structures that often become industry standards. 

The firm has been deepening its expertise in distressed asset M&A and bid-side insolvency resolution, and has established a specialised corporate governance practice. The firm houses elite partners and leaders in their fields like Cyril Shroff, L Viswanathan, Reeba Chacko, Avaantika Kakkar, Namrata Kolar and Yash Ashar. The firm also has a unique bench of retired senior bureaucrats from key Indian regulators, such as Reserve Bank of India and Securities and Exchange Board of India, to provide an extra layer of expertise.  

The firm’s banking and financial services team routinely advises both Indian and international lenders and borrowers on project finance, corporate finance, external commercial borrowings, debt restructurings, high-yield bonds, securitisation and derivatives. Notable clients include State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda, and major infrastructure and energy companies. CAM has recently advised on several of the largest refinancings and infrastructure financings in India, such as the Re110 billion ($1.26 billion) lease discounting facilities for Brookfield’s real estate group companies and a $1.59 billion cross-border financing for Adani Group’s acquisition of Ambuja Cements warrants. The firm also played a key role in complex transactions involving InvITs, renewable energy projects, and bond issuances, working with a mix of Indian and global financial institutions. 

The competition law team, led by Avaantika Kakkar, is widely recognised for handling high-profile merger control filings and antitrust investigations. CAM regularly advises on some of the most significant antitrust matters in India, including multi-jurisdictional deals for global funds like Warburg Pincus, Advent International and Blackstone, as well as large corporates such as Google, Reliance, Tata and Thyssenkrupp. The team handled over 30% of merger notifications filed in India last year, and has been instrumental in precedent-setting cases involving digital markets, pharmaceuticals, and new sectors like green hydrogen and AI. The practice is also involved in cutting-edge issues such as big tech platform investigations, and recently secured India’s first unconditional competition clearance for a genAI investment by Google in Flipkart. 

In dispute resolution, CAM is the go-to firm for large corporates and financial institutions facing high-stakes litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings. The disputes team, led by Indranil Deshmukh and international arbitration specialist Shaneen Parikh, regularly acts before the Supreme Court, High Courts, and key tribunals. They have recently advised on headline disputes such as the shareholder battle at Byju’s, restructuring and insolvency-related litigation for Blackstone and Max Estates, and regulatory investigations for the Adani and Jindal groups. CAM also represented clients in precedent-setting cases, including Supreme Court clarifications on certified copies for appeals, cross-border asset tracing and insolvency, and high-profile family and shareholder disputes. 

The technology, media and telecommunications practice, led by Arun Prabhu, is highly regarded for advising on transactions, regulatory compliance and strategic issues facing India’s digital economy. The firm is regularly engaged by global tech giants like Meta, Google, Amazon and Microsoft, as well as Indian unicorns and startups. Key work includes advising on data-protection compliance, cross-border tech investments, fintech platforms, and evolving issues in online marketplaces, AI and blockchain. The TMT team is also recognised for policy work, having advised the Government of India on drafting landmark digital and data privacy legislation. 

In real estate, CAM has a nationwide presence with specialists in every major office and an extensive track record in large commercial, residential and industrial projects. The team, led by Namrata Kolar, Rishiraj Bhatt and others, routinely handles title diligence, project development, transactions, and regulatory issues for both domestic and international clients. Recent transactions include multi-crore land and building acquisitions for global investors, India’s largest branded residential developments, and substantial warehousing deals with institutional investors such as Blackstone and Hillhouse. 

CAM’s pharmaceuticals and life sciences practice, headed by Ashwin Sapra and Biplab Lenin, is a standout for regulatory, transactional and litigation work in this specialised sector. The team advises on product approvals, clinical trials, pricing, compliance and major M&A deals, and is regularly engaged by leading global and Indian pharma companies. Recent highlights include advising on the $5.08 billion merger of Aster DM Healthcare with Blackstone-backed Quality Care, one of the largest hospital sector deals in India, and representing Johnson & Johnson in significant product liability litigation. 

Regulatory and financial services work is another core strength. The firm’s Financial Institutions Group, led by L. Viswanathan and Anu Tiwari, offers deep experience in regulatory strategy, M&A, enforcement, fintech and policy matters. CAM’s close connections with former regulators and policy experts allow it to advise on new market entry, licensing, compliance and regulatory challenges for banks, NBFCs, fintechs and payment system operators. 

Over the past year, CAM has expanded with key partner hires, notably strengthening its capital markets, disputes and real-estate teams with senior laterals from top rival firms. For example, the blockbuster addition of capital markets guru Manan Lahoty and his massive team of 48 from IndusLaw rattled the Indian legal space last summer. The firm has also deepened its coverage in regulatory and fintech, and opened new offices in India’s emerging business hubs.

Work highlights

Advised Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company in its IPO, providing critical regulatory advisory and drafting necessary documentation. The successful IPO marked a significant milestone in the Indian insurance sector under the new regulatory framework. 

Represented Bima Sugam India Federation in establishing a digital platform for insurance services, guiding the organisation through the complexities of regulatory compliance.

Founded over a decade ago, Ediplis Counsels has its roots in intellectual property. Since then, it has slowly added multiple verticals including general corporate and M&A, insurance, private equity and dispute resolution. Five senior partners lead the firm: IP specialists Nishant Kewalramani, Ashima Chalia, Aditi Verma Thakur, and insurance expert Vishal Jain. The firm has four offices in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur.

Work highlights

Advised Navi General Insurance on compliance with Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) regulations while vetting approximately 40 advertisements.  

Assisted ECL Finance in obtaining its registration as a corporate agent from IRDAI, providing ongoing legal support in drafting internal policies and compliance checklists. 

Acted for ECL Finance in obtaining its registration as a corporate agent from IRDAI, providing ongoing legal support in drafting internal policies and compliance checklists.

Khaitan Legal Associates is a highly regarded law firm in India, recognised for its expertise in multiple practice areas, including dispute resolution, restructuring and insolvency, insurance, and banking and finance. The firm is led by prominent individuals such as Sakate Khaitan, an expert in insurance and banking and finance; Smiti Tewari, specialising in dispute resolution and insolvency; Dhiraj Mhetre, known for his work in commercial litigation and corporate matters; and Varsha Jalan, who focuses on banking and finance. Together, they helm a team of experienced lawyers who bring specialised insights to sectors like infrastructure, energy, financial services, technology and manufacturing.

Work highlights

Represented an India-based chemicals company in an insurance dispute involving an industrial all risks policy, successfully obtaining an arbitrator's appointment for adjudicating material damage and business interruption claims. This matter addressed key issues of arbitrability and the interconnection of claims in light of evolving arbitration laws in India. 

Advised a large Indian manufacturer of agro-chemicals in disputes with a public sector insurance company related to material damage and business interruption claims exceeding Re2.5 billion ($29 million). The firm secured a favourable outcome before the Madras High Court, leading to the appointment of a sole arbitrator for the case.

TT&A proves its leading firm status by standing strong in the top tier for banking and finance. It remains in the first tier of the banking and financial services table, and places highly for its insurance, private equity and regulatory offerings. Its capital markets practice is highly regarded for its quality, focused specialism in debt issuances, including masala bonds, and structured high-yield transactions. Partners Sonali Mahapatra, Rituparno Bhattacharya, Nidhi Rani and Rahul Gulati form one of the country’s most well-regarded teams for banking and finance, while joint managing partners Kunal Thakore and Gautam Saha maintain a respected high-end corporate M&A and private-equity practice.

Work highlights 

Advised a Dutch financial holding company in connection with the corporate insolvency resolution process of its joint venture partners in India, facilitating the acquisition by Central Bank of India of the stake held by Future Enterprises.  

Represented a global insurance group on its investment in non-convertible debentures issued by Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company.  

Ahlawat & Associates is a well-rounded firm that has core strengths in its corporate and M&A, private equity, and technology and telco offerings. The firm advises middle-market clients as well as multinational corporations on their cross-border investment and acquisition transactions. Its TMT practice has steadily gained footing with a loyal client base seeking the team’s counsel on various regulatory matters over the years. The team additionally deals with nuanced issues pertaining to blockchain, the internet of things, the cloud, and artificial intelligence, among others. Key contacts include corporate specialists Uday Singh Ahlawat and Sheena Ogra, disputes experts Avnish Ahlawat and Apoorv Misra, employment specialist Tania Ahlawat, and IP and TMT expert Gaurav Bhalla.

Work highlights

Acted for Switching Technologies Gunther in securing trademark registrations for various brands in India. 

Defended Motors India Private in relation to a copyright infringement lawsuit filed against the client.

Anand and Anand stands tall as one of the most highly esteemed IP law firms in India. It is widely regarded as a trailblazer in the field, with exceptional litigation capabilities across the full spectrum of IP. Managing partner Pravin Anand is the go-to name for high-stakes IP litigations, particularly on the patent side. The firm offers the entire spectrum of IP services, from trademark and patent prosecution to its famed litigations. A notable evolution was the collaboration between its Western India practice and Naik Naik & Co to form “Anand and Naik” as a market-leading media and entertainment practice.  

The recent overall filing of patents at the firm is up by 25% compared to the national average of 8%. The firm won over 120 lawsuits last year. Along with Pravind Anand, key partners at the firm are Safir Anand, Dhruv Anand, Archana Shanker and Vaishali Mittal. A coup for the firm’s launch of its new digital group was its recent hiring of Ajai Garg, a former senior director in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. In addition to the digital group offering, the firm also launched its end-to-end branding practice. This group focuses on creation, brand identity, risk mitigation, brand extension by product or geography or category, protection, monetisation, commercialisation to legal tools and advisory for brand valuation and protecting its value. 

The firm is heralded for its landmark victories in high-stakes patent cases. In one notable matter, Anand and Anand represented Vifor Pharma and successfully secured a "product by process" order for its iron deficiency treatment drug, Ferric carboxymaltose. The Delhi High Court's Division Bench overturned a previous decision, establishing key principles for product-by-process claims in India for the first time. This ruling aligned Indian patent law with global standards and enhanced protection for innovative products. 

In another significant case, the firm represented popular actor Jackie Shroff and obtained an interim injunction from the Delhi High Court to safeguard his personality and publicity rights. The court restrained various entities from misappropriating Shroff's name, image and voice without his consent, recognising the need to balance legitimate interests of creative expression and freedom of speech. 

Anand and Anand's commitment to innovation is further exemplified by the launch of its digital group, focusing on cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence, data protection and blockchain. This strategic move positions Anand and Anand as a leader in the digital space, reflecting the firm's proactive approach to evolving legal landscapes.

Work highlights

Represented represented filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt's production company, Vishesh Films, and secured a significant victory against Super Cassettes Industries (T-Series). The Delhi High Court granted an interim injunction, restraining T-Series from using the titles "Tu Hi Aashiqui", "Tu Hi Aashiqui Hai", or any variations of the "Aashiqui" mark for their upcoming film, recognising Vishesh Films' longstanding trademark rights. 

Acted for Colgate Palmolive resulting in the Delhi High Court ordering the immediate blocking of the fraudulent domain www.colgatepalmolive.work.  

Represented Tata Sons in a landmark ruling where the Delhi High Court granted a permanent injunction against UK-based Tatabeauty Cosmetics for infringing on the iconic "TATA" trademark owned by the client.

Intellectual property specialist firm Ashwathh Legal was founded in late 2020 by a group of seasoned IP experts. The offering spans trademarks, copyright, patents, designs and customs to investigations, enforcement and dispute resolution. The firm also advises on data privacy and protection, content protection and anti-piracy, white-collar crime and trade regulatory. Managing partner Prabhu Tandon leads a group of veteran professionals, including partners Lalima Tandon, Kripa Pandit and Kanika Aeri. The firm enjoyed a number of new client wins, including Adani Cements, Novartis, HT Media, Dalmia Bharat, Bajaj Electricals and Quess Corp.

Work highlights

Represented Shree Cement against products in the market that were using the client’s well-recognised brand markings and packaging without licence.

Advised Zee Entertainment Enterprises on the unauthorised use and exploitation of its sound recordings and underlying works on the defendant’s platforms, ShareChat.com and Mojapp.in.

Founded over a decade ago, Ediplis Counsels has its roots in intellectual property. Since then, it has slowly added multiple verticals including general corporate and M&A, insurance, private equity and dispute resolution. Five senior partners lead the firm: IP specialists Nishant Kewalramani, Ashima Chalia, Aditi Verma Thakur, and insurance expert Vishal Jain. The firm has four offices in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur.

Work highlights

Represented a domestic technology giant in a copyright infringement case against a local film company, successfully mitigating potential claims. 

Successfully defended Bplugd IOT in a trademark infringement case initiated by Ultraviolette Automotive. Successful arguments led to the dismissal of claims and the establishment of a favourable settlement.

Eshwars is a boutique firm based in Chennai that focuses on IP, corporate and commercial advisory, and dispute resolution. On the IP side, its specialties include trademark, copyright, industrial design, patent, semiconductor layout, domain name protection, and distribution and franchising. It has also assisted domestic businesses in their outbound ventures into the US, Middle East and China, for example. It has offices in Bangalore, Hosur and Kerala. Managing partner Eshwar Sabapathy and partner NV Saisunder lead the firm.  

IP boutique Fidus Law Chambers is led by five partners, including managing partner Shwetasree Majumder. All leaders are IP litigation specialists and peers have recognised its growing prominence in the contentious space. Its litigation prowess pertains to trademarks, designs, copyright, patent, trade secrets and geographical indication. It assists clients in civil as well as criminal proceedings in courts across the country. In addition to handling court matters, the firm offers the full range of IP prosecution and commercial services. The GSK Group has consolidated much of its India IP work with the firm. In the past few years, the firm featured in several landmark cases such as Snapdeal v. Amway India, GSK Consumer Healthcare v. EG Pharmaceuticals and Steelbird Hi-tech India v. Asia Fibre Glass Products. The firm launched a pro bono arm in 2020 named ProFidus.

Client feedback

“Quick, efficient and cost-effective.” – Intellectual property

Shwetasree Majumder

“She is smart, innovative and honest.”

Fox Mandal has a full-service offering and is best known for its real estate and IP practices. It is a well-known and trusted law firm with an established history and strong name recognition among multinational corporates and domestic players. Recently, the firm has been busy building up its client portfolio in the healthcare, retail, IT and real-estate sectors.  

In real estate, the firm offers comprehensive legal services that cover all aspects of property transactions, development and management. Its expertise spans residential, commercial and industrial properties, making it a go-to firm for clients involved in real-estate investment, development and leasing. The firm assists clients with land acquisition, title verification and due diligence, ensuring that all legal requirements are met before any transaction is finalised. 

Fox Mandal’s real-estate practice is particularly noted for its work in public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects, where it provides legal support for the development of significant facilities such as highways, airports and urban infrastructure. The firm effectively navigates complex regulatory environments, helping clients comply with local and national laws. Its ability to draft and negotiate contracts, including joint development agreements and lease agreements, is highly regarded. 

In the realm of intellectual property, the firm is recognised for its comprehensive approach to protecting clients’ IP rights. The firm handles a wide range of IP matters, including trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. Its services include registration, enforcement and litigation related to various forms of IP, making it an essential partner for businesses looking to safeguard their innovations and brand identities. The IP group has been honing its focus on startup players, even offering pro bono advice as their clients work their way up.  

The firm’s IP practice is particularly strong in providing strategic advice on IP portfolio management, helping clients maximise the value of their intellectual assets. It conducts thorough IP audits and assessments, identifying areas for improvement and advising on the best practices for IP protection. This proactive approach is crucial for clients in competitive industries, where intellectual property can be a significant business asset. 

IP litigation is another core strength, with the firm’s lawyers representing clients in disputes over infringement, misappropriation and licensing issues. Its team is adept at navigating the complexities of IP law, ensuring that clients receive effective representation in court or arbitration settings. The firm’s experience in handling high-profile cases enhances its reputation and attracts clients seeking robust legal support. 

The firm boasts a team of highly experienced lawyers, each specialising in different practice areas. Key individuals include Shuva Mandal, who leads the corporate and M&A practice, and Rajesh Vellakkat, noted for his expertise in dispute resolution. Purnima Kamble specialises in corporate law as well, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, while Ramanathan Chandrasekaran is recognised for his work in infrastructure projects. Their collective experience allows the firm to provide well-rounded legal solutions that meet client needs across various sectors. 

Recently, Fox Mandal has made significant strides in expanding its capabilities. The firm has welcomed new partners with extensive experience in corporate law and dispute resolution, strengthening its position in the market. The firm has also been proactive in adapting to industry demands, particularly in technology and renewable energy sectors. Its involvement in high-profile projects, such as the establishment of renewable energy plants and negotiations for technology transfers, positions it as a leader in these emerging fields.

Ramanathan Chandrasekaran

"Understands the facts and the client's requirements. Does proper study and research and gives the best advice to the client."

Work highlights

Advised an Indian technology company on trademark-related matters, providing extensive support in filing requests and managing their intellectual property rights across multiple jurisdictions. 

Key clients

Balaji Wafers, KPIT Technologies, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories, Urbanclap Technologies

Goswami and Nigam is a boutique law firm based in Gurgaon. It is known for its expertise across a range of practice areas, including real estate, labour and employment, and intellectual property. Led by experienced partners Himanshu Goswami and Nishant Nigam, the firm has built a reputation for delivering strategic legal solutions and effectively navigating complex regulatory landscapes. The firm’s real-estate practice spans comprehensive legal services, including conducting thorough due diligence, structuring agreements, and mitigating risks associated with leasing, licensing and property acquisitions. The firm's employment practice is renowned for its expertise in developing comprehensive HR policies, handling workplace disputes, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Work highlights 

Advised Panasonic Life Solutions India, providing research and advisory services related to IP protection.

Intellectual property boutique Inttl Advocare is a well-known name among peers and clients for its heavyweight litigation practice. It is headquartered in New Delhi with a branch office in Mumbai. Eminent IP litigator Hemant Singh runs the firm and has handled more than 2,000 cases over his three decades of experience in all elements of IP – from trademarks and patents to copyrights and industrial designs. He has worn multiple different leadership hats at prestigious India IP associations and committees over the years and he played a pivotal role in the matter where the Supreme Court extended the term of Justice Manmohan Singh as the chairman of Intellectual Property Appellate Board for another year. The firm has featured in several landmark IP judgments delivered by the Indian courts. Managing partner Singh and senior partner Mamta Rani Jha are the firm’s key intellectual property litigators.

Client feedback

“Great price, responsive and easy to deal with. All-round good service.” – Intellectual property

Yashwant Grover

“Very personable and easy to deal with.”

Work highlights

Represented Novartis in securing a patent for an invention which relates to a blockbuster drug for hypertension and heart failure. The judgment is of great significance as it clarifies the scope of rights of a pre-grant opponent and the procedure to be followed by the controller in handling pre-grant oppositions and examination of patent applications.

Engaged by Société des Produits Nestlé for an appeal against the order of the Controller of Patents after it refused its patent application on the ground of non-patentability and non-compliance of amendments made to the claim under a section of the Patent Act.

Defended Radiant Indus Chem in a case relating to a suit for infringement of and passing off of a trademark.

IP boutique InventIP Legal Services is led by partners Rahul Parmar and Ankush Bedi, and it specialises in IP strategy and performing IP audits. It also provides core IP prosecution handling of trademarks, patents and designs. Its client base straddles multinational corporations, startups, SMEs, individual inventors, and universities and research institutes. Three of the top five IT company patent filers are clients and the team drafted more than 500 patents over the last five years, prosecuting over 1,000.

Work highlights

Advised Cloudphysician Healthcare on their technology intellectual property rights (IPR) work.

Assisted Mughal Gaudry & Franklin PC with their tech IPR-related matters.

Represented GreyB Research, which involved drafting and filing applications for inventions related to computer program products for retrieving documents and artificial intelligence.

Key clients

MeraPashu360, Phyntelligence India.

Jupiter Law Partners is a full-service law firm with a specialty in intellectual property law. The lawyers forming the IP and IT team cumulatively have over 80 years of experience and are highly adept at all issues pertaining to trademarks, patents, designs and copyright. The firm specialises in banking, retail, automobile, heavy vehicle industry, real estate, sporting goods, and fashion and luxury sectors. Co-founding partner Meera Chature is the main contact.

Work highlights

Advised a beverage company on extending trademark protection to the UK following a corporate M&A transaction.  

Represented T. Choithram International Sa Bvi in filing 64 trademark applications for its house brand, overcoming objections in show cause hearings to ensure robust brand protection in a competitive market.

K&S Partners remains strong in the ‘Outstanding’ tier for IP. The IP specialist firm excels on all fronts of the industry, from trademark and patent prosecution to trademark and copyright contentious. Founded in 1994, the firm has niche specialties in engineering, chemical, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and biosciences. It is also a leader in geographical indications and border enforcement of IP rights. The firm employs more than 120 fee earners – including 26 partners – spread across offices in Gurgaon, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Delhi. The firm has handled multiple landmark cases over the years, including successfully challenging and cancelling the turmeric and Basmati rice patents in the US on behalf of the government of India, representing the winning parties in the ground-breaking judgments of Myspace v. Super Cassettes India and Microfibers v. Girdhar. Legal industry giant Jyoti Sagar, while retired from JSA, remains an active chairman of K&S Partners as one of the firm’s founders. Other notable names include managing partner Ravi Bhola, Anupam Trivedi, Sanjeev Tiwari and Latha Nair.

Work highlights

Represented a global pharmaceutical company in securing a patent which relates to a stable formulation showing enhanced efficacy for glycaemic control. 

Successfully defended a Japanese company against opposition patent claims, securing patent rights for an innovative antibody that has significant therapeutic potential.

Kan and Krishme is a prominent IP law firm in India. The firm is renowned for its expertise in patent and trademark matters, offering comprehensive legal services to clients across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, technology and telecommunications. Its strength lies in its deep understanding of complex IP issues and its ability to navigate the intricacies of the Indian legal landscape. The firm is led by key individuals such as Sharad Vadehra, the managing partner, who focuses on chemical and pharmaceutical IP, and senior partner Kshitij Saxena, who focuses on electrical and electronics IP. The firm has celebrated numerous successes in high-stakes IP disputes, setting precedents in local IP law for some, and is credited for its strategic approach to patent prosecution.

Work highlights

Successfully appealed against the Indian Trademark Registry’s refusal of a client’s trademark application, where the firm demonstrated the uniqueness of the mark and secured a favourable ruling from the Delhi High Court. 

Represented a major pharmaceutical company in a patent dispute. The firm successfully challenged the rejection of a patent application based on alleged non-patentability, arguing the innovative aspects of the invention.

Khurana & Khurana has offices located in key cities across India, including Delhi, Greater Noida, Gurgaon and Chandigarh. The firm stands out for its strong focus on IP rights, corporate legal services and financial regulations. One of its key strengths lies in its intellectual property practice, led by Tarun Khurana, who specialises in patents and commercial litigation. The team effectively safeguards clients' IP rights, handling complex trademark disputes and patent litigations.

Work highlights

Represented Rachna Sagar in a trademark litigation before the Delhi High Court, successfully preventing consumer confusion and protecting its brand integrity. 

Represented a major client in a landmark case involving patent revocation before the Delhi High Court. The firm successfully argued that the patent in question was granted in violation of established legal standards, resulting in the revocation of the patent and safeguarding the client's interests. 

Advised an exim bank on improving its lending protocols against IP portfolios, a pioneering effort that opened new avenues for IP-backed financing in India.

King Stubb & Kasiva is a well-regarded law firm with offices in New Delhi and Bengaluru. The firm is full-service but has notably robust dispute resolution and intellectual property practices. The firm is best known for its expertise in arbitration and litigation, where it has successfully represented high-profile clients across diverse industries. Key individuals include disputes partner Smita Paliwal and IP specialist Sukrit Kapoor.

Work highlights

Secured an ex-parte ad-interim injunction for an engineering company in a trademark infringement case, successfully halting unauthorised use of its intellectual property.

Krishna & Saurastri is a respected intellectual property firm. It is known for its extensive experience in IP litigation, transactions and protection, making it a go-to firm for clients navigating complex legal landscapes in these areas. Additionally, it boasts a successful track record in IP litigation, having filed and represented over 80 new commercial suits across various courts in India, including significant cases in trademark and patent law.The firm’s strengths extend to trademark protection, where it filed over 3,000 new applications and managed more than 7,000 prosecutions, ensuring robust protection for clients’ brands. In patent law, it has filed over 2,000 new applications and handled significant prosecution work, including pre-grant oppositions, demonstrating their proactive approach to safeguarding intellectual property rights. Key individuals at the firm include managing partner Anshul Sunil Saurastri, and senior partners Sunil Krishna and Manish Saurastri.

Work highlights

Represented a major client in a trademark infringement case, securing a favourable decision from the Bombay High Court that clarified significant issues regarding trademark rights and enforcement. 

Acted as the sole adviser for a large cross-border technology transaction, ensuring all intellectual property aspects were thoroughly vetted and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Mid-sized firm Krishnamurthy & Co offers full corporate and commercial transactional services. It is best known for its intellectual property practice, but has corporate and M&A and private equity practices that are growing in prominence. This year the firm advances up the infrastructure and dispute resolution ranking tables. The firm boasts a roster of elite clients. Senior partner Nikhil Krishnamurthy chairs the intellectual property department and he is a key contact. Other leaders at the firm include founding partner Naina Krishnamurthy, managing partner Shwetambari Rao, senior partners Ayush Agarwala and Rashmi Deshpande, and partner Rukmini Roychowdhury. Dispute specialist Aditi Mittal departed for Kochhar & Co in December.

Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan (LKS) is a leading full-service law firm with over three decades of experience. It operates across 14 major cities and employs more than 500 professionals, including lawyers, economists, and technical experts. Known for its expertise in corporate and commercial law, taxation, dispute resolution, and intellectual property, the firm serves a diverse clientele, ranging from small businesses and startups to large Indian corporations and multinational companies. It has built a reputation for its in-depth knowledge across both traditional and emerging industries. The teams have worked with sectors like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and automobiles, as well as modern fields such as e-commerce, renewable energy, and big data. 

For IP, the firm remains in the top tier. It is famed for its contentious patent know-how, where the subject matter requires deep and detailed knowledge. The firm is a market leader in plant genomics and plant variety protection. The IP group has demonstrated expertise in handling complex patent litigation and advisory matters, particularly in cases involving pharmaceuticals and technological innovations. The firm’s robust and historical tax practice is particularly well-regarded for its work in taxation, including GST, customs, and direct tax matters. Its insights into tax reforms and compliance are frequently sought after, and the firm has developed practical tools like a GST Toolkit to assist businesses with implementation and compliance. The firm’s international trade and WTO practice has also positioned it as a preferred advisor for businesses navigating global trade regulations and disputes. 

Recently, LKS has been recognized for its commentary on critical legal developments, including changes in GST rate structures and procedural timelines under tax laws. It has also provided detailed analysis of rulings in areas such as process patent infringement and dual proceedings by state and central authorities under the CGST Act.  

The firm’s ability to blend technical expertise with practical application is a defining feature. For example, it has been actively involved in advising on the taxation of derivatives, intermediary services, and the implications of artificial intelligence on investment trends in healthcare. The team’s ability to connect legal frameworks with industry-specific challenges makes them trusted partners for businesses facing complex regulatory environments. 

Key firm contacts are IP practice head Malathi Lakshmikumaran, who is a specialist in the biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals sectors. Managing partner V Lakshmikumaran is a go-to name for tax matters. Notable clients in the arbitration arena occupy the steel, power, consumer goods, hospitality and tourism, and infrastructure sectors.

Work highlights

Represented Novozymes in an appeal against the rejection of a patent application for enzyme stabilization technology, leading to a favourable ruling from the Madras High Court. 

Successfully navigated a legal challenge for its domestic food company client regarding the Indian Patent Office’s order, ensuring the patent application for a key product was maintained. 

Collaborated with a research institution to draft and file multiple patent applications, successfully prosecuting six patents across major jurisdictions, including the US and Europe.

Bengaluru-based Law Square Advocates & Solicitors is recognised for its expertise in dispute resolution and intellectual property rights. Known for its prompt and effective solutions, the firm has built a strong reputation among clients in various sectors, including consumer goods, technology, real estate and pharmaceuticals. Key individuals at the firm include founding partner Sanjay Sethiya, who focuses on disputes and real estate, and IP partner Sheetal Sethiya.

Work highlights

Acted for a leading domestic FMCG company in a trademark dispute against Marico. 

Represented a local tea company in a trademark infringement case, resulting in a court order that reinforced the client's rights and secured its brand identity against unauthorised use.

LexOrbis is a specialised IP firm with offices in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. It houses nine partners, 85 lawyers and over 60 patent attorneys. Its team of highly experienced lawyers focus exclusively on IP rights and cover the full spectrum of services: IP clearances; procurement of patent, design, trademark, copyright, domain names, geographical rights, and registrations; maintenance and renewal of IP assets, transactional and commercial IP matters; IP litigation and enforcement; domain names; and contentious IP, such as oppositions and cancellations.  

The firm is well-placed as a ‘Highly Recommended’ firm in our table, a testament of its consistent activity for top-notch clients in significant prosecution and contentious matters, including technology companies, research institutions, universities, broadcasters, content developers and content owners. Industry stalwart and managing partner Manisha Singh is the key contact. Other core partners and IP specialists include Abhai Pandey, Joginder Singh and Rajeev Kumar.

Work highlights

Successfully represented a technology player in a patent case concerning the refusal of a patent application related to mobile finance solutions. 

Represented a pharmaceuticals client in a trademark infringement suit, where the Delhi High Court dismissed the plaintiff's case based on the principle of res judicata.

Literati Juris is a full-service intellectual property boutique firm. With four offices across India, Mumbai, Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi, the firm has a team comprising lawyers, patent agents, investigators, data analysts and forensic experts. Its coverage includes TMT, sports & gaming law, cyberlaws, data protection & privacy, and IPR investigations and raids. The key partners and firm founders are TMT specialist Rahul Dhote, and technology and health sciences specialist Ragini Shah.

Dispute resolution firm Mansukhlal Hiralal & Co was established over 110 years ago and has offices in Mumbai and Delhi. In addition to a full array of transactional practices, the firm is known for handling the complete spectrum of contentious work from civil and criminal litigations up to the Supreme Court to international arbitrations. The Securities and Exchange Board of India is a key client, trusting the firm for many of its litigations. Managing partner Rajendra Shah, commercial disputes partner Bhushan Shah and real-estate disputes specialist Purvi Asher are the firm’s key contacts.

Work highlights

Successfully secured an ex-parte ad-interim injunction for a travel company against Setner and Orka Home Solutions, preventing the sale of infringing neck pillows.

Assisted an eyecare business in navigating trademark opposition proceedings, leading to the successful registration of its mark in the ophthalmology sector. 

IP-focused firm Mason & Associates was established in 2006 and is recognised in the market for its copyright expertise. It has branched out to specialise in IT and internet law as well, and this year it scales up a notch in the technology and telecommunications ranking. The firm has offices in Delhi and Hyderabad and is acknowledged for its innovative work in cyber issues such as those relating to e-commerce platforms, search engines, internet-based platforms and applications. Founder and managing partner Neel Mason is the main contact. He is the vice president of the India chapter of the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property.

Work highlights

Represented Google in various trademark matters, successfully defending its rights in key cases concerning the use of trademarks as keywords in advertising. 

Acted for an international healthcare player in patent infringement disputes, achieving favourable outcomes that protected the client's proprietary formulations.

Boutique law firm NovoJuris Legal specialises in private equity work, while its intellectual property and M&A offerings continue to gain momentum. In the past seven years, the team – led by two partners – has executed more than 270 private equity-related transactions for both investor and company clients. According to Venture Intelligence reports, the firm is India’s 15th most active legal counsellor in the M&A space. The firm has four mainstays of expertise: Indian startups going the IPO route, alternative investment funds, externalisations and internalisations of entities, and business digital transformations. The firm recently hired IP specialist Varalakshmi Makyam to bolster its IP offering. Founder Sharda Balaji and partner Ashwin Bhat are the key contacts.

Client feedback

“Solution-driven, high involvement from the founder, client-friendly and delivers on time. The team helped us in networking with various other companies.” – Corporate and M&A

“NovoJuris Legal has been very prompt in answering all my queries. Their solution-oriented approach consistently provides strategic and pragmatic guidance tailored to my business needs.” – Intellectual property

Sharda Balaji

“Client-focused, solution-focused and timely delivery of projects.”

“She is a seasoned expert and has always been available whenever I needed guidance from her.”

Work highlights

Managing the entire trademark portfolio for Myelin Foundry.

Engaged by Chatpay, Azalp Technologies, Hypernova Interactive Technology and Poshmark India, among others, to manage its trademark portfolio.

Key clients

Datri Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry, RMVM Solutions, Signeasy Technologies.

Obhan & Associates is a five-partner firm with strengths in corporate and M&A, IP, and media and entertainment. The corporate practice specialises in joint ventures, acquisitions, foreign direct investment, regulatory compliance and contracts, among other areas, and its private-equity workflow is steadily increasing. The firm provides end-to-end legal services to a diverse clientele that includes both domestic businesses and international corporations. It has built a strong reputation for handling complex legal issues across industries such as technology, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, consumer goods, fashion, media, and manufacturing. It has an impressive client roster of international publishers and media houses. As data protection and GDPR compliance take centre stage for many corporates, the firm has been active advising clients on this front.  

The firm is particularly well-regarded for its work in intellectual property laws. Its services include patent drafting, prosecution, litigation, and portfolio management. It handles trademarks, copyrights, design laws, and plant variety protection, making it a one-stop shop for companies aiming to protect and monetize their IP assets. The team has also gained recognition for advising on licensing transactions and providing strategic counsel on intellectual property commercialization. The litigation team is experienced in resolving disputes related to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and designs, representing clients in courts across India. A marquee example of the team’s prowess was in its representation of Nuziveedu Seeds in a landmark patent dispute with Monsanto Technology, which has had significant implications for IP law in India. 

On the corporate side, the firm’s services include mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity, regulatory compliance, and general corporate advisories. It is known for structuring investments, facilitating divestments, and drafting commercial contracts. The firm also assists with employment law, real estate matters, data privacy, and banking and finance, demonstrating its ability to handle a variety of legal needs for businesses.  

The firm has also been at the forefront of advising on regulatory developments, including recent changes in India’s gaming laws and evolving standards for contracts and force majeure clauses. Its blog serves as a resource for businesses to navigate these legal shifts, offering insights into matters like shareholder agreements, patent hearings, and IP litigation strategies. 

Obhan & Associates has made significant strides in client engagement and legal representation. The firm has advised on various technology and telecommunications agreements, including SaaS and platform development contracts for clients such as Mountain Valley Springs and International Carbon Exchange. In the realm of investment transactions, the firm assisted Homage Ventures with substantial investments aimed at enhancing India's position in the electric mobility sector. Additionally, the firm successfully represented clients in high-stakes disputes, including patent challenges and negotiations with major corporations like Honeywell and Tata Chemicals. 

The firm is led by a team of distinguished professionals, each bringing a wealth of expertise across various practice areas. Managing partner Essenese Obhan specialises in intellectual property, dispute resolution, technology and telecommunications, and corporate law. He is also a well-known patent attorney with a mechanical engineering background, making him a leading expert in patent-related matters, particularly in the fields of mechanical, chemical, software, and telecommunications. Senior partner Ashima Obhan focuses on corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, media and entertainment, and TMT.

Work highlights

Successfully represented clients in their post-grant opposition against a patent which was granted to Innoviti Payment Solutions. This matter focused on the validity of the patent related to Unified Payment Interface (UPI) technology. 

Represented a US-based advertising agency in enforcing its copyright against Jindal Steel & Power. The case involved an ad campaign that the client’s copyrighted works without permission. The firm achieved favourable outcomes in the Delhi High Court, reinforcing the importance of protecting creative rights.

Priya Rao & Associates is a specialised IP rights and IT law firm. Founded in January 2021, the firm has quickly established itself as a leading boutique practice, leveraging extensive experience to provide tailored legal solutions. The firm operates from its office in Gurgaon, where a team of dedicated professionals collaborates to navigate complex legal challenges. Founding partner Priya Rao brings over 26 years of diverse experience in IP and technology law. She is well-regarded in her field and has received numerous accolades. The firm is best known for its expertise in trademark registration, copyright issues and technology-related legal matters. The firm has a unique capability in handling high-stakes cases involving counterfeit products, helping clients protect their brands through effective enforcement strategies.

Work highlights

Successfully represented an industry-leading heavy equipment manufacturer in multiple enforcement actions. 

Advised a baby care business on multiple copyright applications, successfully registering their innovative product designs.

Delhi-based Prosoll Law is a respected criminal law boutique, featuring three experienced advocates. The key contact is founder Harsh Sharma, a seasoned criminal lawyer with several landmark judgments under his belt. Within the criminal law space, the firm handles all practices ranging from anti-corruption matters, money-laundering issues, regulatory disputes, white-collar crimes, fraud and economic offence-related litigation, constitutional challenge disputes and civil litigation. Recent clients include company directors, medical professionals and government officials. Last year the firm welcomed associate partner and contentious IP specialist Arjit Benjamin from Law Offices of Panag & Babu. With his joining, the firm has taken on caseloads and commercial work related to IP.

Work highlights

Acted for Baramasa Media in relation to contested proceedings filed by an opponent who is seeking to file registrations in all classes without having any use whatsoever in order to intentionally block the register and prevent genuine applicants from filing trademark applications.

Represented Zelleyen Lifescience in two highly contested opposition proceedings that were filed by two different opponents for the same mark.

Rahul Chaudhry & Partners (RCP) is an IP specialist firm and its experience stretches back four decades – it was first known as Lall Lahiri & Salhotra. The team spans three offices in Delhi, Gurugram and Mumbai, and comprises no less than 57 lawyers and 16 partners. RCP is particularly well-known for its strategic approach to protecting and managing IP rights, ensuring that clients' innovations and brands are safeguarded against infringement. 

RCP services a diverse and large set of domestic and global clients on contentious and non-contentious matters relating to various IP assets such as trademarks, copyrights, patents, geographical indications and design, and plant varieties and biodiversity. Its offering includes IP analytics, strategy, innovation management and protection, IP and non-IP litigation, operational strategies and data protection, domain name disputes, third-party negotiations and investigations, due diligence for acquisitions and divestitures, anti-counterfeiting and anti-infringement actions, global filing strategies and corporate IP transactional agreements. 

The firm boasts extensive network of international associates further enhances its capability to protect IP rights beyond Indian borders. Apart from Indian IP laws, the firm also assists its clients on the protection of their IP rights in other neighbouring jurisdictions such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Myanmar.   

Key individuals at the firm include managing partner Rahul Chaudhry, who specializes in trademark prosecution and management, with extensive experience across multiple industry sectors like FMCG and pharmaceuticals. Founding partner Anuradha Salhotra focuses on both IP and non-IP litigation, bringing her expertise to high-stakes disputes, particularly in the life sciences and technology sectors. IP litigation partner Ekta Sarin is recognized for her work in enforcing IP rights and navigating complex legal landscapes, while partner Ravi Chadha specialises in trademarks and has significant experience advising clients in the fashion and luxury goods sectors. 

The firm is notable for its extensive library, the Blanco White Library, which houses a vast collection of intellectual property resources, making it a valuable asset for both attorneys and clients alike. This repository supports the firm’s analytical capabilities and strengthens its consultative approach to IP management. Recent updates from the firm include the strategic hiring of several senior lawyers, enhancing its depth of expertise. The firm has also expanded its practice areas to include more comprehensive services related to technology and telecommunications, reflecting the growing importance of these sectors in the current legal landscape. 

Work highlights

Successfully represented Novartis in a patent infringement lawsuit concerning its well-known pharmaceutical products, securing an ex-parte injunction against competitors using similar branding. 

Obtained an interim injunction to protect a global healthcare company’s trademark rights against unauthorized use by a competitor, ensuring the integrity of its brand in the marketplace. 

Represented a domestic vehicle manufacturer in a case against multiple defendants using similar marks. The High Court granted an interim injunction, reinforcing the protection of the client's established trademarks. 

Assisted a global brands owner with the due diligence process for acquiring a well-known athletic brand, focusing on trademark portfolio consolidation in India. 

Successfully argued for the grant of a patent for a wheeled carrying apparatus after overcoming objections related to inventive steps, highlighting the technical advancements of the invention. 

Advised a UK-based water systems provider in drafting and negotiating licensing agreements for their intellectual property in India and South Africa, ensuring effective protection of their innovations.

Remfry & Sagar has been a leading IP firm for nearly two centuries, having been established in 1827. It consistently ranks in the top tier for both non-contentious and contentious trademark and patent work. With over 115 experienced lawyers and 150 professional staff, it’s no surprise the firm wins nearly 20% of all inbound IP work from clients of the highest calibre. It has more than 8000 active clients spread out across more than 70 countries. The firm opened its fourth office in Mumbai in April 2021 to complement its existing locations in Gurugram, Bengaluru and Chennai. Managing partner Ashwin Julka and partners Brijesh CA, Shukadey Khuraijam, Swarup Kumar, Samta Mehra, and Mohini V are just a few to note from the 18-strong leadership team.