Top 50 Lawyers in India

India’s legal landscape is steeped in vibrant talent-from traditional to modernism that has formed the country’s judicial framework.

This blog illuminates bright spots on these exalted lawyers in India, celebrating their remarkable contributions and landmark cases that have advanced law practice in not-so-ordinary ways, transforming industries and society equally.

From pioneering litigation strategies to landmark corporate deals, these attorneys have shown unmatched expertise and dedication creating huge ripples in a spectrum of legal jurisdictions.

As one reminisces about their successful cases and reported judgments, it stands as a testament to their relentless pursuit of justice as well as to the profound influence they exercise in shaping the future of law in India.

List of Top 50 Lawyers in India:

1. Asim Abbas

Asim Abbas is a leading lawyer in L&L Partners, New Delhi. He specializes in technology, media, and telecommunications law, which is part of his practice and service. His deep expertise in these sectors has placed him as a go-to advisor for companies navigating the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape in those industries.

Abbas’s strategic advice and thorough knowledge of local as well as international legal frameworks have enabled him to represent some of the biggest industry names on extremely complicated legal issues that ensure people remain compliant with requirements and resolve disputes in the ever-evolving TMT field.

Key Contributions of Asim Abbas:

• Specialized Experience in TMT Law
• Merger and Acquisition  Deal Navigation for Clients
• Legal Reform Advocacy

Asim Abbas Famous Cases

The famous TMT Arbitration Case: Asim Abbas acted for one of the leading technology companies in an arbitration which involved intellectual property disputes and issues of data privacy, settling a huge claim favourably for his clients and setting a precedent for future cases on TMT dispute.

Major Telecommunications Merger: Abbas played a leading role in a high-stakes merger between two major telecommunications companies. He ensured that the process accounted for all regulatory matters, crossed multiple borders with the complex cross-border legal challenges this entailed, and his expertise was crucial for gaining approval with several regulatory bodies.

Media House Acquisition: Represented an international media firm in a major acquisition. Had to do with quite intricate negotiations involving regulatory requirements and ensured the smooth transfer of assets. His work ensured compliance by both domestic and international law and set up a yardstick in the practice of media law.

2. Hiroo Advani

Hiroo Advani is the founder of Advani & Co, considered to be one of the major law firms of Mumbai and known for arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, as well as litigation.

In all the areas with special attention paid to infrastructure, power, and the energy sectors, Advani started building a distinguished career in such disputes by representing both home and foreign clients in high-stakes arguments.

Over the years, his wide experience in arbitration and litigation has made him one of the top practitioners in India in such fields of law. His strategic approaches and deep understanding of complex legal frameworks have posed him as a trusted advisor for resolving all kinds of intricate and complicated disputes in commercial and infrastructure-related matters.

Key contributions by Hiroo Advani:

• Arbitration and ADR Expertise
• Infrastructure Development Advocacy
• Litigation in the Power and Energy Sector 

Famous Cases by Hiroo Advani

High-Profile Arbitration Disputes: Advani has been acting for clients in several high-profile arbitration disputes involving international companies in areas such as construction and energy. He has successfully resolved intricate contractual disputes among others.

Infrastructure Project Litigation: He has dealt in landmark cases related to major infrastructure projects in India, with disputes including project delays, regulatory compliance, and contractual obligations.

Power Sector Litigation: Advani represented key players in the power and energy industry in arbitration and litigated cases concerning tariffs, regulatory issues, and breaches of contracts, and many of these have resulted in a sizable impact on the industry.

3. Mahesh Agarwal

Mahesh Agarwal is a managing partner of Agarwal Law Associates, one of the biggest full-service law firms in India. Mahesh is well-known for his expertise and niche involvement in dispute resolution and has brought rich experience into his practice.

He oversees a broad and substantive nationwide practice dealing with matters of litigation and international arbitration and is the head of one of the biggest filing offices before the Supreme Court of India.

He has great experience in areas such as regulatory disputes, insolvency, corporate-commercial arbitration, international investment arbitration, general commercial disputes, general civil disputes, and corporate crimes.

Agarwal has served some of India’s biggest clients from the infrastructure, energy, and telecommunication sectors, and he has also represented the Adani Group, Tata Group, and Reliance Group. 

Key contributions:

• Leadership in Dispute Resolution
• Expertise in Regulatory and Corporate Law
• Advocacy for Clients in Critical Sectors

Mahesh Agarwal Famous Cases

Major International Arbitration Cases: Agarwal has represented key clients in seminal international arbitration disputes, particularly infrastructure and energy sectors, which have often crystallized complicated contractual issues.

Regulatory Disputes: Agarwal has handled critical regulatory disputes concerning major corporates in both the telecom and energy sectors relating to issues of compliance and enforcement actions taken by government authorities.

Insolvency Cases: He has advised companies in high-stakes insolvency proceedings, resulting in cases under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code in which he has delivered outcomes that are favorable to creditors and debtors alike.

4. Amit Aggarwal

Amit Aggarwal leads the corporate practice at the firm, with experience in banking and finance, M&A, and capital markets.

His widespread of experience consists of structured finance transactions such as external commercial borrowings, G3 bonds, domestic bond issuances, project finance, acquisition finance, asset finance, trade finance, real estate financing, security creation, unlisted debt, private banking, and general banking products.

Key contributions:

• Leadership in Corporate Practice
• Government Disinvestment and IPOs
• Innovative Solutions for M&A Transactions

Amit Aggarwal Famous Cases

Significant acquisition and disposal deals: Some of the most prominent deals Aggarwal has been engaged in are the major M&A transactions, providing help with complicated structuring and negotiation strategy that has led to successful solutions.

Disinvestment Deals of Government: Aggarwal has worked on many government disinvestment deals, advising and assisting in the required legal and financial structuring that enables the successful sale of public sector assets.

Initial Public Offerings: Aggarwal has worked on a number of IPOs, guiding clients through the regulatory process and to secure various permits required to make an initial public offering.

5. Akila Agrawal

Akila Agrawal is one of the top legal minds from Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, New Delhi. She currently has her focus trained on all corporate governance issues, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions – she absolutely comes with the expertise in such subjects in practice.

Agrawal is appreciated for her strategic insight into complex legal frameworks and skillfully guiding clients through complex corporate transactions and governance issues. Commitment to excellence, coupled with a client-centric approach, has cemented her status as a trusted advisor in corporate law.

Key contributions:

• Expertise in Corporate Governance
• Facilitation of Joint Ventures
• Advising on Corporate Compliance

Famous Cases by Akila Agrawal

• High-Profile Mergers and Acquisitions: Agrawal has advised, on both buy and sell sides, clients in many high-profile M&A deals requiring intricate involvement of in-depth legal and regulatory expertise.
• Joint Venture Agreements: Agrawal has played a critical role in facilitating high-stakes joint ventures between multinational corporations and local entities, ensuring that the agreements live up to the best available international standards and strategic business objectives.
• Corporate governance matters: Akila has been associated with landmark cases on corporate governance, advising companies in compliance and governance structures that set precedents for the sector.

6. Ashish Ahuja

Ashish Ahuja is a leading lawyer in Wadia Ghandy and Co, one of the oldest law firms in Mumbai. He enjoys vast experience in various fields such as banking and finance; corporate and commercial law, restructuring, and insolvency; and white-collar crime.

His vast experience in these fields ensures that Ashish delivers the best possible legal advice to clients to tackle difficult financial and corporate cases. Ashish is well-skilled in restructuring and insolvency and has advised various businesses on recovery and compliance.

His capacity to handle white-collar crime cases further propels him toward becoming versatile and a trusted advisor in the field of law. 

Key contributions:

• Banking & Finance: Reducing the pain of compliance and risk for clients in complex financial transactions.
• Corporate & Commercial Law: Key roles in high-profile merger, acquisition, and corporate restructuring deals.
• Restructuring & Insolvency: Counselled distressed businesses and creditors on strategic plans of restructuring and recovery in cases of debt restructuring.
• White-Collar Crime: Defence and compliance advice to clients involved in high-profile fraud cases.

Famous cases:

Leader Banking Dispute Representation: Represented a major bank in the landmark complex loan restructuring and debt recovery dispute. The matter was settled in favor of the client.

Corporate Merger Deal: Aided on a multi-billion-dollar corporate merger between two of the largest corporations. Complied with regulatory requirements and successfully navigated antitrust challenges in connection with the merger.

Major Conglomerate Insolvency Process: Was involved in insolvency proceedings for a large conglomerate, developing and implementing a restructuring plan that ensured that the loss to creditors as well as stakeholders was minimized.

7. Ruby Singh Ahuja

Ruby Singh Ahuja is the Senior Partner and Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court of India. She has long been regarded as India’s leading Dispute Resolution lawyer. Over two decades of experience, she supervises commercial litigation at her firm representing large conglomerates in high-value disputes across various judicial and regulatory forums.

She is well known for the strategic counseling of multinationals and India’s largest conglomerates, where she advises on litigation strategy consistent with and in furtherance of clients’ business objectives Ruby is one of the top female lawyers. She has vast experience in the practice area and has contributed to landmark cases in many Supreme Court judgments.

Key Contributions:

• Dispute Resolution: More than two decades of representing the country’s largest conglomerates in high-value commercial disputes.
• Litigation Strategy: Counsels multinational and leading Indian companies on litigation strategy that suits business agendas.
• Supreme Court Advocacy: She has also appeared in some of the landmark matters that have resulted in several Supreme Court-reported judgments.

Famous Cases:

High-Value Commercial Dispute: This deals with successfully defending a case for a multinational company through commercial and contractual disputes. Thus, it was able to achieve a favorable judgment in compliance with the business interest of the client.

Landmark Real Estate Dispute: Represented one of the largest real estate conglomerates in this country in a land acquisition and compensation dispute wherein it won a case and established precedence in Supreme Court judgments.

Pharmaceutical Regulatory Challenge: Argued for a pharmaceutical company at the Supreme Court regulatory level in order to influence policy-making and establish a new legal precedent within the industry.

8. Bharat Anand

He is a senior partner and heads the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) practice at Khaitan & Co in New Delhi, Bharat Anand Having more than two decades of his career marked, well-positioned with merger and acquisitions, joint ventures, and private equity transactions, Bharat Anand has played a strategic advisory role in complex M&A transactions and corporate governance issues that have rendered him a go-to advisor for multinational corporations and other notable investors in India.

Key contributions:

• M & A Practice Leadership: Mr Jain heads the M & A practice in Khaitan & Co’s New Delhi office as well as sits on the firm’s National Executive Committee.
• Strategic Counsel: Mr Jain frequently advises landmark complex M&A transactions and sensitive corporate governance issues across India.
• Marquee Transactions: He has been leading significant deals like ReNew Power’s SPAC and Softbank’s multiple investments in India.

Famous Cases:

ReNew Power’s SPAC Deal: ReNew Power’s high-profile SPAC deal is one of the biggest deals in the Indian Renewable Energy sector.

Softbank Investments: Assisted Softbank in several high-value investments in India, advising on legal strategy and compliance.

Sale of Aakash Education to Byju’s: Advised Aakash Education on its landmark sale to Byju’s, one of the largest deals in the Indian edtech sector.

Manipal Hospitals’ Acquisition: Guided Manipal Hospitals in acquiring Columbia Asia’s portfolio of hospital sites in India. This deal greatly expanded its footprint in the healthcare sector.

9. Pravin Anand

Pravin Anand is the Managing Partner and Head of Litigation at one of the most prominent intellectual property law firms in India, Anand and Anand. With more than 42 years of experience, he has appeared in over 2,500 cases.

He received many prestigious awards and recognitions, including the AIPPI Award of Merit, and INTA President’s Award, and has been recognized as “Most Innovative Lawyer” for the Asia-Pacific Region by Financial Times.

The work in the field of IP law led to transformative decisions in pharmaceutical and biotech patent cases filed in India, as well as in software patent cases.

Key contributions:

• Transformation of IP Litigations– played a stellar role in transforming enforcement of pharmaceutical and biotech products in India through landmark patent injunctions and hearings.
• Innovative Anti-suit Injunctions: Won India’s first Anti-anti-suit injunction order (InterDigital v Xiaomi).
• Damage culture establishment: Toned in IP cases to award punitive, compensatory, and exemplary damages: Philips v AmazeStore.
• Novel Remedies: Introduced novel remedies like the “Tree Planting Order” in the case of Merck and orders for social causes, which came up for the first time in the case of Hermes.

Famous Cases:

Merck v Glenmark: Key patent case where the pharmaceutical enforcement in India got rewritten, increasing the insurance of the IP game with global players.

Roche v Cipla: Defended Roche is one of the mostprofiled patent cases. Its decisions presently have a vindicating effect on the enforcement mechanisms of the biotech sector.

InterDigital v Xiaomi: Advised on India’s first Anti-anti-suit injunction, marking an international body blow in the matter of resolving disputes, with a patent.

Philips v AmazeStore: Established a new culture of damages through rulings that contained punitive, compensatory, and aggravated damages.

10. Safir Anand

Safir Anand is one of India’s most highly accredited IP attorneys with over 25 years of experience. I’d say the strengths in his strategic approach are business models, marketing insights, and IP law combined to provide comprehensive solutions in IP protection, enforcement, agreements, licensing, franchising, monetization, and due diligence.

Today, Safir is reputed to be one of Asia-Pacific’s most innovative practitioners by the Financial Times, and his work has always led to benchmarks in the legal and business worlds. He has also advised leading brands and organizations, navigating them through the complexities of IP and brand development.

Key contributions of the firm:

• IP Monetization and Strategy: Developed methods of monetizing IP assets, enabling improved advertisement returns and industry-level specializations.
• Initiatives towards Social Cause: He created the Covid Fund along with all members to support artisans, giving an expression of his commitment to the welfare of society at large.
• Advisory Board Member: Serves as an advisory member to some of the most prominent organizations, which include the Fashion Design Council of India and the Event and Entertainment Management Association.
• INTA Involvement: Served as a member of INTA’s Presidential Task Force on Brand Valuation and various committees that contribute towards brand commercialization and innovation.

Famous Cases:

Trademark Protection for Global Brands: Successfully protected trademark rights for several well-known global and domestic brands for their IP assets to remain protected in India as well as abroad.

IP Agreements and Franchising: Drafted and negotiated high-profile licensing and franchising deals on behalf of flagship brands, helping advance the market presence and business models of leading brands.

Covid Relief Fund for Artisans: Co-founded the initiative that granted aid to artisans who have been battered by the pandemic, thus bringing social responsibility in direct alignment with his legal skills and expertise.

11. Jatin Aneja

Jatin Aneja is a Senior Equity Partner within his firm and sits on the management board, additionally leading the national practice for projects and project finance. With more than a decade of experience in projects, infrastructure, and investment across sectors which include airports, roads, ports, oil and gas, energy – both conventional and renewable – and urban infrastructure, Jatin has become a vital player on the infrastructure landscape in India.

He has handled the drafting, structuring, and negotiation of very complex agreements with the utmost expertise and has played a key role in many high-value and precedent-setting transactions. Chambers and Partners ranks him as a “Band 1” lawyer for Projects, Infrastructure & Energy, while Who’s Who Legal has designated him a “Global Leader” several years running.

Key contributions:

• Projects & Infrastructure: Heads the national projects and project finance practice. Provides strategic advice on major infrastructure and energy projects across India.
• Drafts and negotiates complex investments, joint ventures, concessions, and financing agreements for large infrastructure projects.
• Instructed in landmark transactions relating to the privatization and development of Delhi and Mumbai airports that have gone on to change the state of the Indian aviation sector.

Famous Cases:

Delhi & Mumbai Airports Privatization: Drafted concession agreements and handled privatization and development of India’s premier airports which has transformed the country’s aviation infrastructure.

Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Pipeline: Acted as the advisor on this large cross-border energy project to contribute to the energy security of the region

GMR Airports: Provided advice to GMR Infrastructure Ltd in divesting its significant shareholding (~USD 1.5 billion) in GMR Airports Ltd that adversely impacted the Group’s international airport operations

Private Container Train Concession, Indian Railways: Managed the concession agreement of Indian Railways’ private container train venture, to add to India’s logistics sector.

12. Vineet Aneja

Vineet Aneja is a principal in the Delhi office of Clasis Law. His experience spans corporate and commercial law, areas of practice including inbound investment, labor and employment, and mergers and acquisitions.

He has advised multinational and domestic clients over several years and focuses on strategic counseling for complex corporate matters, cross-border transactions, and regulatory compliance. His areas of practice of deal structuring and agreement negotiations, advising clients on mergers and acquisitions and other business transactions make him a go-to lawyer for India.

Key contributions:

• Corporate & Commercial Expertise: counsel for intricate corporate transactions such as mergers and acquisitions or joint ventures.
• Inbound Investment Advisory: he specializes in assisting international investors with inbound investments into India.
• Labour & Employment Matters: Provided consultations on labor and employment issues including compliance with relevant regulations and dispute resolution.

Famous Cases:

Major Cross-Border Merger: Consulted a multi-national company on a cross-border merger, ensuring compliance with Indian laws and regulatory requirements.

Inbound Investment for a Global Technology Firm: Assisted a leading technology company in setting up its operations in India through liaison with the regulatory apparatus on their investment.

Resolution of Labor Dispute for a Manufacturing Major: Appeared for a manufacturing giant in landmark labor litigation and helped them negotiate an out-of-court settlement.

13. Yash Ashar

Yash Ashar is a leading partner in the capital markets, corporate governance, and securities regulatory advisory group at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas in Mumbai.

Heavily armed with insight into the most intricate possibilities in securities law and corporate governance, Yash provides strategic legal counsel to his domestic and international clients on a wide range of capital market transactions, regulatory compliance, and governance issues.

His sharp insight has made him a much-in-demand advisor in the Indian financial ambit, which has helped clients navigate complex regulatory systems and securities laws.

Key Contributions:

• Capital Markets Expertise: Ability to advise on the full range of capital market transactions, including IPOs, rights issues, as well as private placements.
• Corporate Governance Counsel: Strategic guidance on corporate governance practices, ensuring such practices are against all relevant regulations and to continue bestowing best practices upon clients.
• Securities Regulatory Advice: General advice concerning compliance with the securities law, guiding Indian regulatory authority to clients.

Famous Cases:

High Profile IPO: Successfully guided a large corporation through its IPO, with dealing of SEBI so that it could be listed as smooth as possible.

Revamping the Corporate Governance Framework of a Listed Company: Assisted the company in completely revamping its corporate governance framework to ensure strict compliance with the current regulations.

Advisory Role in Securities Investigation: Acted as an advisory role in a securities investigation by regulatory authorities and managed to ensure that the potential penalty was well avoided.

14. Sanjay Asher

Sanjay Asher is a respected partner of Crawford Bayley & Company in Mumbai, he specializes in areas including capital markets, joint ventures, and mergers and acquisitions.

He enjoys extensive exposure in working corporate law and provides strategic legal advice to both domestic and international clients engaged in complex transactions in India’s dynamic business environment.

He possesses profound knowledge of capital markets and corporate structures, which positions him as a trusted advisor to clients seeking to optimize their investment strategies and operations.

Key contributions:

• Capital Markets Know-how: Providing advisory services to clients on different forms of capital markets deals ranging from public offerings, private placements, and securities regulation
• Joint Ventures and Collaborations: Client tie-ups with joint venture agreements and strategic collaborations between domestic and international companies for growth and innovation
• Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory: Providing advice on M&A transactions from due diligence to negotiation to regulatory compliance.

Famous cases:

Launch of an IPO: Assisted one of the leading conglomerate houses to launch its IPO with a pure compliance advisory relating to SEBI regulations that successfully entered it into the markets.

High-Valued Joint Venture: Structured a joint venture between a leading Indian firm and an international company which enhanced marketplace access and operational synergies.

Strategic Acquisition: Assisted multinationals in acquisition through substantial due diligence compliances that followed regulatory compliance.

15. Ajay Bahl

Ajay Bahl is a senior partner in the New Delhi office of AZB & Partners, specializing in corporate and commercial law, civil litigation, mergers and acquisitions, and taxation.

With more than two decades of experience, Ajay has emerged as one of the most prominent figures on the Indian legal landscape, with strategic advice on matters of a widely divergent range of clients, including multinational corporations and domestic enterprises.

A trusted advisor for many high-stakes transactions and disputes, he has the ability to inductively reason through complex legal issues and understand the objectives at the heart of commercial transactions.

Key Contributions:

• Corporate & Commercial Advisory: He offers substantial legal advice to clients on corporate transactions, such as contract drafting and negotiation, joint ventures, and business structures.
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Represent various clients in significant litigation matters, with an effective strategy to resolve disputes and protect the interests of his clients.
• Advise in M&A transactions: making sure that adequate due diligence is done and compliance with relevant regulatory requirements is achieved.
• Strategic guidance on tax implications relating to corporate transactions, mergers, and other business-related activities.

Famous Cases:

High-Profile M&A Transaction: Advice for a multibillion-dollar acquisition by a high company involved with complex regulatory approvals and negotiations.

Notable Litigation Practice: A senior member of the firm was retained for a litigation matter with a very significant corporation and represented them in litigations dealing with a high-stakes and precedent setting corporate law judgment.

Structuring of Joint Venture Led: structuring of a joint venture between an Indian and a foreign entity and aligned the joint venture to the business objectives of both parties.

Tax advisory for a large corporate client: Provided critical tax planning and compliance advice when the multinational company made a massive restructuring to minimize its total tax liability.

16. Rajendra Barot

Rajendra Barot, Senior partner of AZB & Partners in Mumbai specializes in anti-corruption and anti-bribery law, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, corporate and commercial law, and white-collar crime.

With such vast experience in these important spheres, Rajendra is well-positioned as the first choice for authorities on corporate governance and compliance, advising clients on high-level strategic legal solutions for complex dilemmas in regulatory matters.

His dedication to principles of doing sound business practices as well as efficiently resolving disputes has established him as a go-to adviser to various international and domestic clients.

Key Contributions:

• Anti-Corruption & Anti-Bribery Advocacy: The firm is well-placed to offer advice on compliance programs and risk assessments that help organizations implement effective anti-corruption measures.
• Arbitration and ADR Expertise: The firm’s areas of expertise include alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including representation of clients in critical arbitration proceedings and settlements.
• Corporate & Commercial Advisory: Assists clients to keep up-to-date with all requirements for corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial transactions.

Famous cases:

High-Profile Arbitration Case: Assisted a multi-national firm in an arbitration matter. The case resulted in an award in favor of the firm while setting the posture for the client.

Implementation of Anti-Corruption Compliance: Assisted a large multinational company in designing and implementing an overarching anti-corruption compliance program to reduce legal risks.

Corporate Governance Restructure: Assumed the leading role in assisting an exchange-listed company to restructure its corporate governance practices that, among other things, made the corporation more transparent and accountable.

17. Sumanto Basu

Sumanto Basu is the founder of Sumanto Basu & Associates in New Delhi. His practices involve compliance, corporate and commercial law, power and energy, and project finance.

Sumanto Basu has significant experience within these fields and provides strategic legal services to multiple clients, corporations, and government enterprises, in dealing with the regulatory compliance and the problem posed by project financing.

His aim to offer productive legal solutions has earned him a place as a trusted advisor in the arena of corporate law and projects related to energy.

Key Contributions:

• Compliance Expertise: His insight on issues concerning regulatory compliance can be relied upon so that he offers insightful advice on maintaining the highest level of legal standards and thereby minimizing risks associated with clients’ operations.
• Corporate & Commercial Advisory: He provides comprehensive legal support for corporate transactions that include contract negotiation and structuring, as well as due diligence.
• Power & Energy Sector Specialist: Offers strategic input in the Power & Energy Sectors where the consultant advises the client on how to navigate the regulatory framework and then move along project development.

Famous Cases:

Power Project Development: Helped a consortium advise for legal and regulatory concepts of taking a major power project development with fair smoothness in approvals and financing.

Corporate Compliance Initiative Led a group-wide compliance audit for a large corporation, which was the entry point to effective implementation of governance practices and risk management.

Project Financing for Renewable Energy Based on the request of a renewable energy company, assisted one in securing financing for a large solar project with complex regulatory requirements.

18. Rajesh N Begur

Rajesh N. Begur, the co-founder of Begur & Partners in Mumbai, has been dealing with practice areas such as banking and finance, inbound investment, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital. Having developed extensive expertise in these areas, Rajesh has built himself up as one of the premier legal advisors to clients from India and abroad looking for solutions to untangle the complexity of financial deals and investment planning in India. His deep understanding of market dynamics and regime prowess affords him his authority as a one-stop partner in big-ticket deals and corporate transactions.

Key contributions:

• Banking & Finance Advisory: Provides strategic legal advisory services to the banking and finance transactions, with full compliance with regulatory standards so that banks can ensure smooth operations.
• Expertise in Inbound Investment: Assists international clients in navigating the issues and concerns involved within the inbound investments concerning entry into the Indian market, providing adequate legal and regulatory consideration.
• Mergers & Acquisitions: Offers holistic support in the context of M&A deals, including due diligence, negotiation, and documentation, to the successful closing of a deal.

Famous Cases:

Major Merger Transaction: Was engaged to assist in negotiating a major corporation’s merger with a lead competitor, involving complex regulatory approvals and satisfaction of all relevant regulations.

High-value private equity investment: Partnered with high-value private equity for a growth tech startup. Helped all parties structure to ensure smooth support

High-value Inbound investment for a Global Firm: Assisted a Multinational Corporation in ensuring that all legal requirements of entry into India were met with any hassle regarding investment.

19. Probal Bhaduri

Probal Bhaduri is a partner at Lumiere Law Partners in New Delhi. He primarily deals with corporate and commercial law, labor and employment, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital.

With a very strong background in all these areas, Probal offers strategic legal counsel to a diversified clientele, from multinational corporations to startups, guided through various complex landscapes to successful business transactions.

His dedication to knowing what clients require and delivering tailored solutions has made him a more influential corporate advisor in the legal world.

Key contributions:

Corporate & Commercial Law Advice: The consultant advises clients on all aspects of corporate governance as well as providing adequate compliance with regulatory requirements and commercial transactions that align with business goals.

Labour & Employment Advice: Strategic advice on all matters of labor law to guide organizations in navigating employment regulations and employee relations.

Mergers & Acquisitions: Advises on M&A transactions, including due diligence, negotiations and documentation, to ensure flawless execution of a deal.

Famous Cases:

Big M&A Transaction: Assisted clients in a high-profile merger between several leaders in the technology industry where all applicable regulatory requirements were complied with.

Private Equity Investment for a New Venture: Played a decisive role in raising private equity investment for an innovative start-up, structuring the investment to extract maximum value for investors and founders alike.

Labor Law Compliance for a Multinational: Assists a multinational company in structuring compliant labour practices, ensuring minimum legal risks and improvements in employee relations.

20. Sandip Bhagat

Sandip Bhagat is a partner with S&R Associates in Mumbai, specializing in capital markets, corporate and commercial law, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions.

With great experience in these areas of practice, Sandip has built a solid reputation for the strategic legal advice provided to the clients ranging from startups to established corporations.

His deep market dynamics and regulatory framework knowledge enables him to navigate complex transactions, making him a very trusted advisor in the corporate legal landscape, and keeps him abreast of the latest developments in the corporate legal landscape.

Key contributions:

• Capital Markets Expertise Advises clients relating to initial public offerings, rights issues, and generally other capital market transactions, ensuring proper observance of regulatory requirements and successful transaction execution.
• Corporate & Commercial Advisory: This is where one seeks the services of handling comprehensive legal advice for corporate deals such as drafting and negotiating agreements for contracts, joint ventures, and other business agreements.
• Corporate Governance: This involves advising on best practices of corporate governance to enable organizations to establish effective compliance frameworks and to increase transparency

Famous Cases:

Massive IPO Deal: Counseled the management of a prominent company in its successful IPO, all within the framework set by the applicable regulatory frameworks while catching the attention of potential investors.

Major Corporation Merger: Counseled the client on the merger of two major corporations for which regulatory approvals were sought on their behalf. Ensured that the process of the merger was seamless.

Capital Markets Advisory to the Technology Company: Helped a technology firm develop a rights issue structure with an aim of effectively raising capital while complying with the appropriate regulatory requirements.

21. Ajay Bhargava

Ajay Bhargava is a partner at Khaitan & Co with considerable experience in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, intellectual property litigation, white-collar crimes, and general litigation.

With a unique understanding of both domestic and international legal structures, Ajay can avail clients of all industries through the protection of their respective interests in complex legal disputes.

His prowess in arbitration and IP law, and combined with strategic litigation, has made him one of the most important figures in the legal arena.

Key Contributions:

• Arbitration & ADR: He counsels clients through arbitration procedures, and mediations; thus, there is the efficient resolution of disputes at lower costs of litigations.
• Intellectual Property Advisory: His service provides legal information pertaining to IP protection and enforcement. His legal advice helps clients ensure that their innovations and integrity of their brand are protected.
• Litigation Experience: Represents clients involved in high-stakes litigation through the development of strong strategies designed to navigate court processes towards achieving desired outcomes.

Famous Cases:

Successful Arbitration Dispute involving a Multinational Corporation: Represented a multination corporation in a multi-million arbitration dispute. Favorable Award – The award was particularly favorable in that the client’s interests were vindicated. 

Rights Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights: Helped enforce intellectual property rights for a renowned technology company in the landmark judgment that enhanced their market share .

Complex Litigation Dispute: Successfully handled a complex commercial litigation case, and the significant client had a successful settlement without losing business ties with the said client.

22. Shweta Bharti

Shweta Bharti is an experienced litigator with nearly two decades of experience in corporate commercial arbitration and dispute resolutions. Major practice for her includes cases significant in the insolvency and bankruptcy framework, including reverse insolvency.

Her areas of specialization include real estate, environmental law, corporate governance, and compliance advisory.

For contributions to the legal profession, she has received numerous awards and recognitions, including Thought Leader of the Year for India and the Middle East by Asian Legal Business Women in Law Awards.

Key Contributions:

• Dispute Resolution & Arbitration: Focuses on effective arbitration strategies, which enable handling a large scale of complex corporate commercial disputes. Has experience ensuring favorable outcomes for clients.
• Insolvency & Bankruptcy Practice: He is working on innovative directions in insolvency & bankruptcy law and led its reversal practice.
• Environmental Law Advocate: Chairs the IPBA Environmental Law Committee, promoting awareness and good practices of compliance with environmental legislation

Famous Cases:

Featured Reverse Insolvency Case: Led through a complex reverse insolvency case, of which set an important precedence in corporate restructuring.

Complex Dispute Resolution: Safely led an arbitration dispute involving a big corporation and protected its interest by settling at a favorable value.

International Contributions : Major contributions have been made through published works, dealing primarily with India’s compliance laws and hence to the global discussion on ethics and integrity in business.

23. Alka Bharucha

Alka Bharucha is a senior partner in Bharucha & Partners, Mumbai. Her areas of expertise include banking and finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisition, private equity, and venture capital.

Alka is a multi-specialist advisor to a broad spectrum of clients which encompasses financial institutions, corporations, and investment funds.

She has strategic insights into the regulatory landscape and deep knowledge of the environment, enabling her to navigate complex transactions and deliver tailored solutions that align with her clients’ business goals.

Key Contributions:

• Banking & Finance Advisory: The firm delivers comprehensive legal counsel on a range of banking and finance matters, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing risk.
• Capital Markets Expertise: Provides clients with access to new sources of capital such as IPOs, rights issues, and all other capital market transactions, advising them on how best to raise the necessary capital.
• Mergers & Acquisitions: Guides clients through high-stakes M&A transactions, conducts in-depth due diligence, and negotiates favorable terms of agreements for successful deal closure.

Famous Cases:

Key IPO Advised the leading company through its successful IPO ensuring compliance with the regulators and smooth execution of the offering and all the regulatory compliances to get through the process

Major M and A Transaction Assisted the successful completion of a large merger between two multinational companies as is required by extreme negotiations and regulatory approvals

Private Equity Investment Advised a private equity firm regarding a multi-million-dollar investment in a promising technology start-up with structuring a deal that would ensure a maximum return for investors.

24. MP Bharucha

MP Bharucha is an acknowledged partner of the international law firm Bharucha & Partners in Mumbai, where he has specific specializations in anti-corruption and anti-bribery law and practice, arbitration and ADR, corporate and commercial law, and corporate governance.

In these fields, he has greatly helped domestic and international clients through the complex legal labyrinth by keeping alive regulatory standards.

Key Contributions:

• Anti-Corruption & Anti-Bribery Expertise: His Assistance comes through strategic legal advice on compliance with anti-corruption laws and regulation, doing full risk assessments, and effective compliance programs.
• Arbitration & ADR Advocate: He represents clients in arbitration and ADR cases. Cases are resolved in the most efficient way possible without huge litigation costs.
• Corporate Governance Advisor: He advises corporations on best practices on governance towards compliance with the law as well as rules and regulations.

Famous Cases:

High-Profile Anti-Bribery Case: Actively provided advice on a multinational corporation for a very high level of detail on an anti-bribery investigation wherein significant risks were isolated, and the company’s reputation was protected.

Consequential Arbitration: Acted for one of the most renowned companies in a landmark arbitration dispute which rendered a very favorable award that equated all the interest of the client as well as set market precedence.

Corporate Governance Initiative: Established corporate governance restructuring of a leading firm that involved enhancing compliance and transparency in operations.

25. Zarir Bharucha

Zarir Bharucha is a senior partner with the Indian law firm ZBA, in Mumbai, who practices arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), insurance, and reinsurance law, litigation, and shipping law.

Using such knowledge garnered from experience over two decades, Zarir has demonstrated himself as an acute advocate and adviser, acutely able to steer those clients through complex legal and technical conundrums in shipping, insurance, and trade, commercial companies.

Key Contributions:

• Arbitration & ADR Expertise: Strategic arbitration representation, ADR. Emphasis on effective resolution of a dispute to save time and costs.
• Insurance & Reinsurance Counselor: Insurance industry client advisor regarding compliance with regulations, drafting policy as well as dispute resolution regarding claims under an insurance policy.
• Shipping Law Authority: Help shipping firms with legal queries with the application of maritime law. This included contracts, liability, and more.

Famous Cases:

Landmark Arbitration : There is one landmark arbitration. One of the most notable cases was the defense of a leading shipping company on a landmark arbitration matter wherein the case was successfully concluded in favor of the client, which became a landmark in the market as well.

Complicated Disputes of Insurance: Helped an insurance company in a critical case of litigation with complicated claims and received an out-court settlement for the client.

High Value Shipping Litigation: Represented client in a high-profile litigation matter involving shipping contracts, where plaintiff was awarded a highly favorable judgment that significantly advanced the interests of the client’s business.

26. Lalit Bhasin

Lalit Bhasin is a senior partner at Bhasin and Company Advocates in New Delhi, with a robust practice in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and aviation law, corporate and commercial law, and labour and employment law.

With decades of experience behind him, Lalit is appreciated for his expertise in navigating complex legal frameworks and providing strategic counsel to the diversified portfolio ranging from multinational companies, government entities, to private clients.

Key Contributions:

• Arbitration & ADR Specialist: Such arbitration cases where I have been an advocate has enabled me to present efficient dispute resolution strategies to the clients that reduce not only litigation costs but time too.
• Aviation Lawyer Expert: Arbdu offers expertise on aviation regulations and compliance discrepancies and disputes. Arbdu has specialized on liability issues, safety, and regulatory compliance for its clients in the aviation domain
• Labour & Employment Counsel: Guide organizations on matters related to employment contract, workplace policies and compliance with labour laws to help them navigate the complex issues of employee relations.

Famous Cases:

Major Arbitration Case: Represented a flag-carrier airline in an arbitration case, involving contractual obligations as an issue at stake. Was able to get a favorable ruling upholding the client’s interests.

Landmark Aviation Litigation: Represented a major aviation business on major regulatory compliance issues and received landmark judgments that brought light to evolving legal precedents.

Employment case: Represented client in major labor dispute on this case and received excellent settlement that protected the client’s interest and established important precedents in employment law.

27. Abhimanyu Bhattacharya 

Abhimanyu Bhattacharya is a recognized partner in the capital markets group of Khaitan & Co, based in the Mumbai office.

He has wide-ranging expertise in many capital markets transactions including strategic advice and guidance in navigating complex financial instruments and regulatory requirements.

His expertise covers not only public offerings and qualified institutional placements but also most other forms of capital-raising mechanisms for his clients in the financial sector.

Key contributions: 

• Capital Markets Specialist: The legal advice offered will be complete and ranging, from IPOs, rights issues, and institutional placements to ensuring all aspects of transactions fully comply with relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Financial Instruments Expert: Has significant experience regarding issuance and structuring of FCCBs and high-yield notes, which facilitates their clients in optimizing their capital structure.
• Academic Contributor: Actively associated with legal education as the member of the academic council of the Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai, fostering legal scholarship and education.

Famous Cases:

High-Profile IPOs: Counsels advised on IPOs of some of India’s prominent companies, including One97 Communications Limited (Paytm), Bandhan Bank, and SBI Life Insurance Company Limited, with exemplary capital market entry success.

Placement of Indigo in Institutions: Facilitated placement of indigo in institutions for InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. It allowed full compliance with legal requirements and provided a very smooth fund raising process.

Qualified Placement: Bajaj Finance and many others were suggested qualified placements. Hence, large amounts of capital went into those companies and helped provide healthy stability in finance.

28. Aparajit Bhattacharya

Aparajit Bhattacharya is a prominent partner in the New Delhi office of DSK Legal, focusing primarily on corporate and commercial law, particularly on joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital.

His practice is laced with strategic acumen and negotiation dexterity, making his opinion being sought after by his clients. He has tremendous experience that enables him to guide clients through the most intricate transactions correctly.

Key Contributions:

• Corporate Law Advisor: Heavily involved in the provision of high strategic legal advisory services on all aspects of corporate and commercial matters to clients, ensuring compliance and protection of their interests in a variety of transactions. 
• Facilitate joint ventures and partnerships successfully and help clients forge strategic alliances in a quest to enhance their presence in the marketplace as well as their operational capabilities.
• M&A Private Equity Advisor: Assists clients in handling mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions with secure and smooth delivery and in step with relevant regulatory environments.

Famous Cases:

High-Value Mergers: Assisted in advising on a number of highly profiled mergers and acquisitions to guide clients through dealing with regulatory approvals and successful accomplishment of their strategic objective.

Important Joint Ventures: Participated in the formation of domestic and international joint ventures that served beneficial to collaboration and plans for market access.

Private Equity Transactions: Discussed multiple private equity investments in which it provided them with a very all-inclusive legal service through negotiation to closing, ensuring to stay the course with the interests of the client.

29. Marylou Bilawala

Marylou Bilawala is a leading partner at Wadia Ghandy & Co in Mumbai, specializing in aviation law, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning for family offices, and more.

With her wide experience, she delivers strategic legal advice that combines commercial acumen with a profound understanding of the regulatory framework; hence, she is one of the most sought-after advisers for clients who are both local as well as international.

Key contributions:

• Aviation Law Specialist: She provides clients with wide legal solutions in the aviation range, including securing full compliance with regulations, managing aircraft leasing, and executing transactions, and thus enable them to enter the aviation sector.
• Intellectual Property Advocate: She provides intellectual property law advice regarding various topics that require protection of innovative ideas and brand identities through effective IP strategies.
• Succession Planning Consultant: Assists family offices in designing effective succession plans involving all the legal and financial considerations for the eventual security of family-owned businesses.

Famous Cases:

Aviation Transactions: In numerous high-stake aviation transactions, including aircraft acquisition and financing, ensured the observance of various regulations pertaining to aviation.

Intellectual Property Litigation: Success defense of clients’ intellectual property disputes cases that led to favorable outcomes protecting the rights and business interests of those clients.

Family Office Succession Plans: Gave innovative succession strategies to family offices; helped clients effectively manage wealth transfer and business continuity.

30. Vinayak Burman

Vinayak Burman is one of the major partners of Vertices Partners in Mumbai. Vinayak possesses in-depth awareness about the legal framework and also the overall market dynamics.

He accordingly helps the clients identify strategic locations for expanding their business operations and facilitates clients while navigating complex regulatory requirements and guiding successful transactions on behalf of his clients.

Key Contributions:

• Inbound Investment Expert: Provides consultancy to foreign investors on the legal framework governing Indian investment opportunities, ensuring compliance and optimizing structure.
• JV/Collaboration: Assists a client in setting up joint ventures through the establishment of strategic alliances with his target business.
• M&A Advisor: Provides overall legal counseling regarding M&A transactions from the due diligence stage and negotiation up to closing, effecting the smooth execution with compliance with related laws.

Famous Cases:

Going-in-investment Issues: We have counselled some of the world’s greatest international corporations to make large-scale inbound investments in India, solve its associated regulatory intricacies and obtain the requisite approvals.

Strategic Joint Ventures: Created several successful joint ventures between Indian and foreign companies so that the clients increase their market presence and other operational capabilities .

High-Value M&A Transactions: Helped a large number of clients to achieve their growth strategies by planning high-value mergers and acquisitions and expanding the market reaches .

31. Mukesh Butani

Mukesh Butani is a managing partner at BMR Legal in New Delhi. His work spans the dimensions of corporate governance, litigation, restructuring and insolvency, and taxation.

He has more than two decades of experience as an advisor to clients who navigate very complex legal landscapes, particularly in matters that require deep legal knowledge with strategic insights.

Key Contributions:

• Corporate Governance Advisor: He advises companies on governance practices, ensuring full compliance with law and facilitating ethical business conduct .
• Litigation Expert: He serves as a Litigation Attorney for his clients in many big-ticket cases; he specializes in corporate disputes and regulatory issues, allowing them to come out victorious in every case through effective legal strategies .
• Restructuring and Insolvency Adviser: He assists the companies to achieve optimal solutions within the space of restructuring procedures and subsequent insolvency procedures by minimizing disturbance.

Famous Cases:

Corporate Governance: Had a very crucial role to advise different corporations to ensure the above practice in their governance, which ensured better compliance and operational efficiency.

Landmark Litigation Cases: Was able to defend clients in the landmark corporate litigation cases. The cases secured precedents relating to regulatory compliance and corporate law.

Complex Restructuring Projects: Led a company under distress through large-scale restructuring projects and helped those companies cross the bankruptcy hurdles and then re-emerge victorious.

32. Rashmikant C

Rashmikant C is a partner in the Mumbai-based law firm Rashmikant and Partners. His practices span arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), litigation, white-collar crime, and contract negotiation and finalization of high-stakes contracts.

He enjoys an enviable reputation for his superb expertise and strategic acumen and is a trusted advisor for clients across complex legal challenges and high-stakes negotiations.

Key contributions:

• Ardent arbitration and ADR Advocate: He represents various clients in arbitration proceedings actively, and through deep understanding of ADR mechanisms, he is able to achieve a more favorable outcome and settle disputes efficiently.
• Litigation Expert: The expert handles wide-ranging litigation matters, including high-powered representation on civil and commercial disputes. Through zealously protecting the clients in courts, thus ensuring successful outcomes for them.
• White Collar Crime Expert: Counsels clients on white-collar crime matters such as regulatory compliance, investigations, and defense measures to enable them to effectively navigate legal risks.

Famous Cases:

High-Profile Arbitration Cases: Cusculously represented clients before arbitration courts in celebrated cases, with a proven history of obtaining awards and settlements in their favor.

Complex Litigation Cases: Represented high-profile litigations involving large corporations that eventually resulted in landmark judgments establishing industry practices and standards for which precedents were set.

White Collar Crime Defense: His ability in the defense of his clients was fundamental in fighting against white-collar crime charges by also obtaining acquittals and favorable settlements for such complex cases.

33. Mathew Chacko

Mathew Chacko is a key partner with Spice Route Legal in Bengaluru and specializes in data protection, e-commerce, fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, private equity, venture capital, and technology, media, and telecommunications.

On emerging technologies and their regulatory frameworks, he has a good track record as regards experience with complex legal landscapes due to the constantly changing digital economy.

Key Contributions:

• Data Protection Lawyers: These lawyers can offer strategic legal advice on the scope of data protection compliance and privacy regulation to enable clients to have a robust framework for managing data.
• E-commerce and Fintech Specialist: These lawyers will offer businesses dealing with e-commerce and fintech regulatory advice on compliance, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution to encourage innovation and the rule of law.
• Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Lawyer: These lawyers can advise clients on the legal and practical implications of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency transactions, thereby enabling clients to make responsible use of these technologies.

Famous cases:

Headline Data Privacy Advisory: Led the advice to a leader in technology regarding compliance with data privacy requirements arising from amendments to the relevant regulation, thus preventing the company from falling into legal quagmires.

Fintech Regulatory Compliance: Successfully helped a fintech startup tackle the regulatory aspect so that they could start their services in the country with full legal compliance.

Blockchain Legal Frameworks: Availed consultancy for a major cryptocurrency exchange for all kinds of Indian regulatory compliance requirements. Consequently, they were able to carry out their operations and scale up through expansion.

34. Reeba Chacko

Reeba Chacko is a distinguished partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas in Bengaluru. She focuses on corporate and commercial law, inbound investment, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital.

With a solid track record of advising clients across multiple sectors, Reeba is recognized for expertise in complex transactions as well as strategic investments in India.

Key Contributions:

• Corporate Advisory: Provides comprehensive legal consultancy advice on corporate governance and compliance to ensure that the client reaches regulatory standards while looking to achieve his business objectives.
• Inbound Investment Specialist: Aids international clients with the model for structuring and executing inbound investments in India through entry into the market and the expansion of business.
• M&A Expert: Works with companies on complex M&A transactions, starting right from due diligence negotiation till closing so that the ultimate integration and compliance is made a success.

Famous cases:

High-Profile M&A Transaction: Project managed a cross-border, large-scale deal for two big-galactic companies; same scope of work from due diligence through negotiation and regulatory approvals up to successful integration.

Inbound Investment Advisory: This advisory led the lead multinational to structure a deal for entry into the Indian market, considering regulatory compliance as well as business efficacy.

Private Equity Funding: Represents a technology start-up wherein it has secured substantial investment from one of the prominent private equity firms and helped to further scale businesses through their growth and expansion plans.

35. Karan Chandhiok

Karan Chandhiok is a senior partner with New Delhi-based Chandhiok & Mahajan, Advocates and Solicitors. His areas of practice include arbitration and ADR, competition and antitrust law, litigation, and white-collar crime.

With a rich experience coupled with rigorous legal acumen, Karan is mainly known for his sharp strategic approach in handling complex legal issues and achieving success for his clients.

Key Contributions:

• Arbitration and ADR Specialist: Provides seasoned counsel to clients in arbitration practice, ensuring the disputes of the clients could be resolved well, primarily through effective negotiation and alternative dispute resolution procedures.
• Competition and Antitrust Lawyer: Advised corporations on the compliance needed with competition laws, allowing clear navigation through the maze of regulation while pursuing fair business practices.
• Litigation Attorney: Presented significant litigation on behalf of the client with a sharp eye on creating a cogent legal argument and strategy suitable for the facts of the case.

Famous Cases:

Landmark Arbitration Case: He represented a major corporation in an arbitration proceeding in which the respondent claimed that a multi-million dollar contract was breached; the case helped to achieve a favorable award for the client.

Antitrust Compliance Advisory: In one case, he played the difference in advising a multi-national company on its way out of a complex antitrust investigation, and the co-operation helped a multinational company obtain compliance and the prevention of possible penalties.

High-Profile Litigation: Represented a high-profile client in a major litigation matter in which allegations of fraud had been made. The matter was settled in a way in which the client’s interests were protected.

36. Bobby Chandhoke

Bobby Chandhoke is a partner at DSK Legal in New Delhi, with specialist expertise in arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, competition and antitrust law, and litigation.

With years of experience, Bobby is known for his ability to smartly navigate through intricate cases and his strategic acumen in competition-related matters, making him the go-to consultant for clients who want to tackle the intricacies of the Indian legal system.

Key Contributions:

• Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution: He represents his clients in arbitration matters as well as resolves out-of-court disputes which are generally more expeditious for the client.
• Competition and Antitrust: Bobby advises businesses on compliance with competition laws, navigates his way through the regulatory framework, and mitigates risks that spring from antitrust issues.
• Dispute Resolution: He approaches dispute resolution with an integral approach, where emphasis is placed on litigation as well as negotiation strategy towards optimization of the outcome for the clients involved

Famous Cases:

High-Profile Arbitration Case: Led a big construction company to successful arbitration on execution of contracts. The award was substantial in client’s favor.

Competition Law Advisory: Successfully lead a multinational corporation to guide through a detailed competition law investigation. The investigation led to compliance and avoided penalties for the client.

Landmark Dispute Resolution: Represented one of the leading technology companies in a highly complex intellectual property rights battle spanning very complex issues that had sewn together several markets, that settled extremely favorably with market leadership preserved.

37. Varoon Chandra

Varoon Chandra is one of the leading partners of AZB & Partners, practicing in Mumbai in capital markets. Working this experience, Varoon has been a trusted adviser who guides clients into hazy financial transactions and regulations while observing compliance but maximizes market potential.

Key Contributions:

• Capital Markets Expertise: Varoon advises on most capital market transactions of the client including IPOs, private placements, and regulatory compliance.
• Transaction Structuring: Varoon offers critical structuring advice on complex financial transactions with a view to maximize the clients’ capital-raising strategies and manage associated risks.
• Client Education: Holds seminars and workshops educating the clients on best practice in capital markets and the effects of changing regulation

Famous Cases:

Headed IPO Representation: Acted as lead counsel to a leading technology company in its IPO. Helped the client navigate the regulatory approval process to win the leadership to a successful launch.

Private Placement Advice: Advised a major financial institution on a very important private placement, which is structured to attract institutional investors and complies with all the regulatory requirements.

SEBI Compliance: Advise and assist several clients in obtaining clearances from SEBI for capital market transactions; simplified the approval process and ensured timely implementation.

38. Vivek Chandy

Vivek Chandy is a leading partner at JSA in Bengaluru. His specialized practice and interests include corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital, and real estate.

For many years, Vivek Chandy has been perceived as a strategic business builder with experience in the structuring of complicated deals, offering full legal services tailored to requirements.

Key Contributions:

Corporate Advisory: Vivek provides in-depth legal advice on corporate governance, compliance, and risk management to various businesses, guiding them through regulatory intricacies.

Private Equity and Venture Capital: On private equity and venture capital, Vivek advises investors as well as startups through structuring investments and protecting stakeholders’ interests.

Real Estate Transactions: He has extensive experience in real estate law, having represented clients through property acquisition, agreement on development, and obtaining regulatory approvals.

Famous Cases:

High-Profile M&A Deals: He was involved in a number of high-profile mergers, where he advised the clients about strategic integration and transition with diligent legal compliance.

Private Equity Deals: Advised a leading private equity firm on a significant investment into an upscaling technology start-up, structuring the deal for maximum returns with risks.

Real Estate Developments: Advocated for a multinational corporation in a high-value acquisition of real estate across several locations, dealing with a myriad of regulatory complications and ensuring full compliance with all local laws.

39. Manjula Chawla

Manjula Chawla is one of the highly acclaimed founding partners of full-service law firm Phoenix Legal, with offices in both Delhi and Mumbai.

Concentrating particularly on strategic corporate investments, mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investments, and corporate finance, Manjula carved out a name as one of the top corporate lawyers practicing in India.

She has since played a key role in facilitating cross-border transactions and advising multinational corporations on their set-up in India since the liberalization of the Indian economy in 1991.

Key Contributions:

• She is one of the first lawyers to focus strictly on corporate law post- liberalization. Manjula has assisted foreign entities entering the Indian market across different sectors.
• Cross Border Transactions: Manjula has an experience of years and has advised Fortune 500 companies as regards their setup in India, including automobile, aviation, biotech, energy, financial services, healthcare, IT and Telecommunications.
• Diverse Legal Expertise: She advises clients regarding anti-corruption, competition law, corporate governance, data privacy, and real estate, which are Indian regulation-compliant.

Famous Cases:

Mergers and Acquisitions of High-Profile Transactions: The firm has advised on several high-profile M&A transactions with multinational companies involved in relations with the regulatory framework and crossing over to close a few deals.

Foreign Direct Investments: The firm has given very comprehensive advice to clients regarding foreign direct investments in India, which helped various corporations come in and abide by the country with much less hassle.

Corporate Restructuring: Assisted various corporations with complex restructuring initiatives, offering strategic advice that could be relevant to their long-term business goals.

40. Akshay Chudasama

Akshay Chudasama is a co-managing partner of Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. He has been important to the growth of the firm, which started with 60 partners in 2015 and reached 144 by December 2021.

Strong focus on mergers and acquisitions, specifically cross-border and multijurisdictional, has established him as very prominent in the Indian legal landscape.

Key Contributions:

• Strategic Leadership: Co-managing partner, Akshay has led the firm through phenomenal growth and catapulted its reputation and scope in the legal market.
• Cross-Border M&A Specialist: Expertise in cross-border M&A makes him the one-stop shop for all-around legal advice on big-ticket, complex transactions across industry sectors such as real estate, IT, telecoms, media, etc.
• Practical and Tactical Advice: The pragmatic approach makes Akshay well qualified to advise multinational companies, private equity funds, and investment banks on navigating intricate legal frameworks to finalize deals.

Famous Cases:

Marquee Transactions: Here, included as counsel on a number of high-profile M&A deals; represented multinational corporations across a variety of industries and advised them on investments and exits.

Private Equity Deals: Played a crucial role in organizing large private equity investments, thereby reflecting his exposure to matters involving complexity in regulatory environments.

41. Gaurav Dani 

Gaurav Dani is a co-founder of IndusLaw, one of the largest and most recognized law firms in India, practicing from the New Delhi office.

An attorney qualified in both the US (New York) and India, he’s primarily working on domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, including stressed assets, joint ventures, private equity, and venture capital transactions.

Key Contributions:

• M&A Specialist: Gaurav is well-experienced in managing both domestic and international M&A transactions focused on sectors which include the automobile, e-commerce, healthcare, and technology.
• Trend-setting Investment Structures: He has introduced pathbreaking investment structures for private equity investments in the e-commerce and digital media segment, evident from his capability to operate within intricately strict regulatory sets.
• He represents a wide array of clients, ranging from public and private companies to private equity funds and venture capital investors, ensuring a precise legal solution for the specific needs of each.

Famous Cases:

E-commerce and Digital Media: Led and spearheaded several large private equity deals into major e-commerce platforms in India, whereupon growth and innovation were garnered for the digital landscape.

Stressed Assets Transactions: Legal advisor who served on high-stakes stressed asset transactions while guiding clients through such deal complexities.

Strategic Partnerships: Several joint ventures and corporate partnerships of a like nature have been done with companies across various industries that helped them operate and be present in the market.

42. Avimukt Dar

Avimukt Dar is a founder and senior partner of IndusLaw. He works on advising clients over the widest range of business laws and regulations that exist in India.

His key competency areas consist of digital regulations, across the spectrum-from data protection to e-commerce, payments, and foreign direct investments in every walk of life.

Key Contributions:

• Avimukt works with clients both domestically and globally on the complex digital landscape of India, ensuring that clients stay abreast of changing standards in data protection and e-commerce.
• Strategic Advisory: Avimukt has extensive experience of negotiating entry and exit strategies for the benefit of investors and joint-venture partners, making the transition smoother and businesses successful.
• Rated Legal Practitioner: He has been ranked continuously for his expertise in Corporate/M&A, Investment funds, and Dispute Resolution, thereby solidifying his position as a leading figure in these fields.

Famous Cases:

FinTech Advisory: he has provided insightful advisory services to several fintech companies regarding compliance with the digital regulations to drive growth and stability in this competitive market.

High-Stakes Negotiation: he has successfully negotiated entry and exit strategies at a high level on behalf of major joint ventures. Such strategies have acted as a critical tool for clients to establish and sustain market presence.

b he has served with numerous clients by advising them on significant high-profile competition law cases and successfully navigated challenges from getting regulatory, among others.

43. Bomi Daruwala

Bomi Daruwala is a partner at Vaish Associates, with his office in Mumbai. He has expertise in corporate and commercial law. His suite of services ranges from inbound investments, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, to venture capital.

With his wealth of experience and strategic approach, Bomi Daruwala has served as an advisor to clients who found their way through the maze of corporate law in India with a major impact on the landscape of inbound investment and M&A.

Key contributions:

• Corporate & Commercial: Bomi’s core focus area remains corporate and commercial transactions where he advises clients concerning structuring complex deals and negotiations.
• Inbound Investment: He advises foreign clients on the nuances of investing in India, following local regulations, and easing entry into the Indian market.
• Mergers & Acquisitions: Bomi has been instrumental in several high-profile M&A deals, helping guide clients through the legal maze of such deals.

Famous Cases:

Cross-Border M&A Transactions: He consulted on a multi-national acquisition of its Indian subsidiary, meeting all regulatory requirements, while post-acquisition integration happened without any hitch.

Private Equity Funding: Involved critical structuring of a sizeable investment transaction between a leading private equity firm and a new technology startup, negotiating and structuring complex negotiations and regulatory frameworks.

Joint Ventures: Collaborated in the development of a joint venture between an international retail brand and an Indian partner, whereby they access the rapidly-growing retail market in India.

44. Anjan Dasgupta

Anjan Dasgupta is a seasoned partner of DSK Legal in Mumbai with a strong focus on banking and finance law. His strengths include infrastructure, power and energy, as well as project finance, and he has played key roles in developing legal practice and bringing on client success.

Anjan’s extensive experience and strategic insight into banking and finance law, particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors, have made him a leading name in India in shaping legal frameworks for making major projects a success.

Key Contributions:

• Banking & Finance: Anjan advises clients on complex legal matters relating to several banking and finance transactions, keeping in mind the relevant regulatory frameworks while making financing easier for clients.
• Infrastructure Development: He advises his clients on infrastructure projects by simplifying legal complexities related to public-private partnerships and obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.
• Power & Energy: In the power & energy sector, Anjan has vast experience and has advised clients on several matters of the law surrounding project finance, compliance, and regulatory matters.

Famous Cases:

Power Project Financing: An assisted banking consortium in funding a major renewable energy project, ensuring full conformity with environmental requirements and securing corresponding regulatory approvals.

Infrastructure Development: The project considered infrastructure development through a public-private partnership structure for a major infrastructure project.

45. Ameet Datta

Ameet Datta has more than 20 years of experience in law practice. He is the senior partner at Saikrishna & Associates, a premier law firm specializing in Intellectual Property and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications law.

His rich experience includes IP litigation, regulatory compliance, and technology law in copyright, trademark, and design matters as well as in other diversified sectors.

Key Contributions:

• IP Litigation: Ameet has deep litigation expertise in copyright, trademark, and design disputes. He has represented a large number of both Indian and international clients through complex legal disputes.
• Regulatory Compliance: His prowess also lies in trade and regulatory compliance on e-waste regulations, consumer law, and advertising compliance.
• Data Protection Expertise: He consults on privacy issues, laws regarding personal data protection, and data security. He guides clients through the complexities of online liability and trade secrecy.

Famous Cases:

Telecom and Media Disputes: The law firm helped a key telecom firm in India to successfully advise on landmark trademark infringement case, which consequently set an industry precedent.

Copyright Reform Advocacy: The firm has appeared as an expert witness before several parliamentary committees on copyright reform and hence significantly contributed to drafting modern copyright legislation in India.

Data Personal Protection: He played a critical role in developing protection policies for personal data, the protection of which was in the interests of big technological companies to align with changes in regulations.

46. Karam Daulet-Singh

Karam Daulet-Singh is a partner in Touchstone Partners, a New Delhi-based firm focused on inbound investment, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, and venture capital.

He has been able to develop, over the years, an excellent understanding of the intricate issues and complexities surrounding cross-border transactions, with much of his work being in serving domestic and international clients wishing to take advantage of India’s opportunities.

Key Contributions:

• Expert in Inbound Investment: Karam has rich experience advising foreign clients to enter the Indian market and helping them find their way through such legal and regulatory frameworks.
• M&A Specialist: He is essentially the go-to person for highly complex mergers and acquisitions, where on many occasions, high stakes have been involved, and his client gets the best possible terms while strictly adhering to local laws.
• Private Equity and Venture Capital: He advises private equity and venture capital firms on investment policy, due diligence, structuring transactions, among others.

Famous Cases:

Cross-Border M&A Transaction: Assist acquisition of one of the Indian majors by a multinational company against relevant Indian regulations.

Assisted Formation of Joint Venture: Assisted a global leader in the tech industry on a joint venture with an Indian startup and eventually launched a product in the Indian market successfully.

Sector-specific transactions: He worked on many deals specific to healthcare and technology as well as consumer-goods industries. His advice was specifically molded according to the challenges and specificities of each industry.

47. Rukshad Davar

Rukshad Davar is a partner at Majmudar & Partners, Mumbai. Rukshad’s main focus areas have been corporate and commercial law, inbound investment, joint ventures, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

Having strong legal foundations and significant experience in dealing with transactional law, Rukshad has led both domestic and international clients through the complex legal framework of India.

Rukshad Davar is considered to be an acolyte in the Indian legal arena, being deeply knowledgeable about corporate law, as well as strategically approaching matters involving M&A and joint ventures, making him a valued counsel for those who want to achieve success in India.

Key Contributions:

• Corporate and Commercial Expertise: Rukshad can thoroughly advise on most corporate matters in keeping with Indian regulations and best practice.
• Inbound Investment Specialist: He is vital in advising foreign clients about legal requirements relating to entering the Indian market by establishing business operations.
• Joint Ventures and Collaborations: Rukshad facilitates strategic partnerships between Indian companies and foreign entities to guide the clients through negotiation and contractual agreement.

Famous cases:

Major High-Profile M&A Deal: He advised a leading multinational corporation in acquiring an Indian company which involved complex regulatory approvals, so that the business transition did not take much of a beating.

Forming a Joint Venture: He proved instrumental when a foreign investor collaborated with an Indian firm to form a joint venture which exponentially increased the market share and products.

Inbound Investment Advisory: Supported a well-known leading technology company in setting up its operations in India by providing strategic inputs and providing both legal as well as adequate support on local laws and regulations.

48. Anand Desai

Anand Desai is a senior partner at DSK Legal, based out of Mumbai. He has diverse practices that include a degree of litigation, M&A, TMT, and white-collar crime.

In over two decades of experience as a lawyer, Anand has established himself as a go-to lawyer who can grapple even the most complex legal issues that cross his path, especially in high-stakes environments.

With significant experience and strategic cases of litigation as well corporate law practice, Anand Desai has earned a substantial reputation in the legal community cut across many industries for clients.

Key contributions:

• Litigation Skills: He handled and represented several clients in various litigations including commercial disputes, regulatory issues, and civil suits.
• M&A Transactions: He advises on all matters relating to M&A deals, including helping clients through the corporate law maze of due diligence and compliance.
• TMT Sector Advisor: His specialty is in providing legal counseling with companies from the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors and addressing regulatory challenges and compliances.

Famous Cases:

High-Stakes Litigation: He successfully represented a multinational corporation in a major commercial dispute where the favourable judgment was given that saved the interest as well as the reputation of the client.

Major M&A Deal: Assisted in the acquisition of one of the prominent technology companies by a leading multinational, encompassing complex legal aspects of the deal and regulatory approvals.

TMT Sector Representation: Assisted the major media company in maintaining the compliance issues regarding broadcasting regulation and other legal matters in the rapidly changing digital landscape.

49. Nishith Desai

Nishith Desai is the founder of the highly regarded Mumbai-based firm, Nishith Desai Associates. Known for his expertise in corporate and commercial law, intellectual property, international tax, and private equity, venture capital, and funds, Nishith has defined the Indian and global legal landscape.

Nishith has provided legal advisory input on many landmark transactions that have created his reputation as one of the leading lawyers in those areas of complex law.

Nishith Desai’s extensive experience and know-how in multiple fields of law make him the go-to advisor for clients looking to navigate India’s and the world’s complex legal landscape.

Key contributions:

• Intellectual Property Expertise: He has engaged in various activities that assist clients to protect intellectual property rights, especially in areas such as technology and media, where intellectual property is significant to competitive advantage.
• International Tax Advisory: Nishith specializes in international tax advice, and his work involves assisting multinational corporations to optimize their tax strategies while ensuring their compliance with local laws.
• Private Equity and Venture Capital: He has advised start-ups and established companies on fundraising strategies, investment structures, and deal negotiations in the context of private equity and venture capital.

Famous Cases:

IP Protection: Represented a leading technology firm in a landmark case involving patent infringement and the case was ruled in favor. The judgement served to re-iterate the importance of IP rights in the industry.

Private Equity Investment: Firm structured high-profile investment deal for a venture capital fund with strong regulatory framework and safeguarding investor interests.

Tax Structuring: We helped a multinational company create an innovative tax structure that helps minimize liabilities while ensuring compliance within multiple jurisdictions.

50. Alok Dhir

Alok Dhir is the founder and managing partner of Dhir & Dhir Associates, which is the most prominent full-service law firm in India.

With over four decades of career experience, he has carved out for himself a pre-eminent position as lawyer in the corporate-commercial and civil law, and particularly in practicing corporate and financial restructuring, insolvency, M&A, and banking law.

Alok comes with a dual qualification as a chartered accountant and a lawyer, setting him apart to be easy to move across financial and legal complexities.

With experience spanning widely, Alok Dhir has very actively engaged with the legal and regulatory frameworks so that he is one of the leading figures in Indian corporate law, restructuring, and insolvency.

Key Contributions:

• Corporate and Financial Restructuring: Alok has advised numerous corporations on restructuring to achieve better financial and operational efficiency in a scenario of an adverse economic environment.
• Insolvency and Takeovers: Mr. Kumar is a specialist in insolvency and takeovers. He is also advising clients on the legal complexities around acquiring distressed assets and is assisting them in navigating through the maze of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
• Regulatory Engagement: Alok is greatly involved with regulators and governments in coming up with and developing cross-border insolvency, group insolvency, and personal insolvency legislation in efforts to develop a one-stop shop legal framework within India.

Famous Cases:

Corporate Restructuring: Counselled a major corporation in restructuring the business plan-inclusive of creditor negotiations and compliance with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and achieved a conclusive positive outcome for stakeholders.

High-Profile Takeover: Counselled one of the country’s significant private equity players on a landmark acquisition of a distressed entity, guiding the team through complex regulatory requirements into an eventual successful resultant outcome.

Insolvency Proceedings: Assist a major bank in a high-profile insolvency case, defending the rights of creditors and ensuring a fair resolution process during the asset distribution.

Trends in Indian Law

Corporate Governance and Compliance:

More emphasis on transparency and compliance with legal norms, lawyers should frame some framework for corporate governance and risk management.

Dispute Resolution and Arbitration:

The increasing backlog in courts and assuming that alternative dispute resolution (ADR) will suffice as an appropriate medium to resolve disputes. Indian lawyers are highly in international arbitration.

Technology and Law:

Technolaw has emerged, which includes data protection cybersecurity, and intellectual property. This is based on the premise of digital transformation and, most importantly the FinTech and e-commerce boom.

Environmental Law and Sustainability:

Environmental issues take centre stage as lawyers work towards ESG compliance and sustainability practices to check global warming and climate change. 

Criminal Law and White-Collar Crime:

White-collar crimes and cybercrimes receive a greater thrust, which require special legal expertise in financial fraud and technology-based crimes. 

Human Rights and Social Justice:

Human rights and social justice take centre stage with lawyers resorting to public interest litigation (PIL) to press upon the community issues of importance. 

Cross-Border Transactions and Globalization:

Cross border M&A and investment advisory as Indian businesses expand globally, with specialization in international trade law

Insolvency and Bankruptcy:

Recharacterization of corporate insolvency under the IBC; lawyers advise on debt restructuring and turnaround strategies. 

Impact of Lawyers on These Trends

1. Thought Leadership: Through publications and seminars contribute to shaping legal discourse.
2. Policy Advocacy: Influence of policymakers shapes legislative reform.
3. Mentorship and Training: Senior lawyers train younger ones in new areas.
4. Innovating solutions: Development of legal tech platforms actually increased the efficiency of legal processes.

Conclusion 

The coming-of-age of Indian law is therefore an influence of the top lawyers to bring in a completely new change in the legal landscape. It goes beyond case-by-case to trends that alter the way things are done in law across various sectors, from championing corporate governance and navigating extremely complex regulatory frameworks to social justice and technology-enablement in legal processes.

As this Indian legal regime continues to evolve, it goes without saying that the discussions, insights, and innovations brought forth by these lawyers will continue to be an important contribution in addressing these emerging challenges and helping shape the future of law in this country.

Even recognition of achievements calls attention not only to individual contributions but also inspires the next generation of legal professionals to uphold excellence, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law in the pursuit of building a just and equitable society.

FAQs 

1. What are the types of lawyers in India?

Types of lawyers in India include criminal lawyers, civil lawyers, corporate lawyers, intellectual property lawyers, family lawyers, etc.

2. What are the major areas of laws practiced in India?

The major areas of laws practiced in India include criminal law, civil law, corporate law, constitutional law, family law, and tax law.

3. Are foreign lawyers permitted to practice in India?

Foreign lawyers can advise on law in India, though not appear in the courts of India.

4. What is the Bar Council of India?

The Bar Council of India regulates legal practice in India. It determines the standards for legal education and regulates the conduct of lawyers.