Based on insights from in-house counsel and top business leaders, India Business Law Journal celebrates India’s most popular lawyers making the A-List. Katherine Abraham reports
In 2024, India’s corporate law landscape has undergone transformations, punctuated by significant IPOs and crucial regulatory shifts. While these developments underscore India’s economic dynamism and its growing global appeal as a key investment destination, they have also brought its facilitators into the spotlight.
A hallmark of 2024 has been an IPO boom that underscores the nation’s manufacturing and technology potential. Hyundai Motor India’s historic USD3.3 billion IPO set a benchmark as one of the largest in the country’s history, drawing investor attention to India’s automotive ambitions.
Vodafone Idea also made headlines with a USD2.3 billion offering, aiming to stabilise its finances in a demanding telecoms sector. Other noteworthy IPOs included Ola Electric, at USD730 million, and Waaree Energies, at USD522 million, each attracting investor interest by capitalising on India’s renewable-energy initiatives.
Lawyers advising on these high-stakes transactions have played a critical role in regulatory compliance, listing requirements and investor protections, showcasing their integral role in facilitating major market entries and ensuring smooth regulatory processes.
Law firms specialising in capital markets have been instrumental in interpreting these regulations, guiding emerging companies through the processes and fostering a supportive environment for India’s growing startup ecosystem.
Corporate legal advisers have played a significant role in helping businesses adapt to new timelines, advising on transaction structures and ensuring that companies are well-prepared to operate in an expedited trading environment.
The introduction and implementation of India’s Data Protection Act has imposed stringent standards on data management, especially for tech and finance sectors. Law firms with expertise in technology and data protection are guiding companies through the resulting changes, emphasising compliance and setting up data governance frameworks to address domestic and international expectations alike.
Against this backdrop, India Business Law Journal curated insights on these transformative developments, recognising the legal experts, the driving force who made these developments possible. From advising on high-profile IPOs to structuring and guiding companies, Indian law firms have been at the forefront, demonstrating expertise and foresight.
This year’s legal developments signal a promising future for India as a global investment destination, and they highlight the critical role of India’s top legal minds in driving the country’s economic success.
Legal icons
The legal profession in India has been shaped for years by titans who embody versatility, expertise and an unwavering commitment to advancing the profession’s highest standards. These icons emerge as beacons of legal expertise with their sharp intellect and acumen coupled with a commitment to building a collaborative legal community.
Abhijit Joshi, the founding and managing partner of Veritas Legal, is a dual-qualified solicitor with nearly three decades of expertise in M&A, private equity and private client practice. Pallavi Damor, senior legal counsel at Pfizer, shares her experience of working with Joshi: “Abhijit comes in with exceptional legal acumen and has consistently delivered outstanding results for his clients.
“He is extremely committed, solution-focused and ensures proactive legal support to his clients, earning the reputation of [being] the go-to expert for complex commercial and transactional matters.”
Rishiraj Khajanchi, the managing director at Kedaara Capital in Mumbai, adds that Joshi brings a “mixture of practical expertise and dedication to the table”.
“His proficiency in navigating intricate regulatory environments and his strategic acumen have consistently delivered outstanding results for our company,” says Khajanchi, emphasising that Joshi’s “proactive involvement” was a key reason behind Kedaara’s overall success.
AZB & Partners‘ managing partner, Zia Mody, has received universal appreciation down the years for her commitment to legal excellence. Mody has been a part of landmark cases and transactions.
In one instance, she played a key role advising the Godrej family, one of the country’s oldest and largest business houses, on a settlement arrangement and ownership realignment. Shraddha Mor Agrawal, the legal head at Mizuho Bank in Mumbai, believes that there is “no one better than [Mody] to give a holistic view on any mandate”.
“[She] guides and provides sound advice with due respect to regulations and law, legislative intent, regulators’ viewpoint and, of course, excellent market awareness and relationships across the board.”
Matrix co-founder Vivek Kamath of Mumbai calls Mody, “a true veteran”.
Another female icon who deserves recognition is Poornima Hatti, co-founder of Samvad Partners. She is praised by Sarath Naru, the managing partner at Ventureast Investment Advisors in Chennai, as “consistently responsive, providing balanced, actionable counsel in complex situations that has the foundation of both a deep understanding of the law and a practical empirical feel”.
Commenting further on Hatti’s expertise is Amol Datt, India resident director at Thorogood Associates in Bengaluru, who has witnessed Hatti’s decision making on a broad spectrum of matters. “Poornima has been our legal adviser for over a decade, and her extensive knowledge and professionalism have been invaluable to us,” he says.
“Throughout our continuous engagement, Poornima’s approach has been aligned with our company culture, values and ways of working. Her excellent advice and sound judgement have consistently supported our needs and contributed significantly to our success,” Datt adds.
Shobitha Mani, the general counsel at WestBridge Capital in Bengaluru, says that Hatti “combines a very sound knowledge of the law with excellent strategic and commercial insights, and is a very capable adviser and partner to business teams”.
Another capable stalwart who receives high praise for his expertise is Ravi Singhania, the managing partner at Singhania & Partners. Matthew Purcell, senior counsel at Simplot in Boise, Idaho, says: “Simplot relies on Mr Singhania and his fellow partners for all of its legal needs in India. His practical advice has been critical to Simplot’s success in expanding its food production business in India.”
In Dubai, Faezah Omar, assistant general counsel at the American Bureau of Shipping, says: “Ravi is extremely knowledgeable in numerous fields of law.
“He is always ready with a business-friendly solution and helps multinational organisations understand the complexities of Indian laws in a relatable manner. He is always available for a call to discuss any matter, even on short notice, and can always be counted upon to have an answer to any issue.”
Christian Hjort, a partner at Hjort Law Offices in Oslo, who has worked with Singhania on a cross-border case, says that he received “complete and thought-through analysis and advice” in a timely manner, and emphasises that he intends to use Singhania’s expertise again.
Rajesh Gupta, the founder and chairman of SNG & Partners “commands the respect of peers, clients and everyone associated with him, by his sheer legal prowess, his humility and his statesmanlike approach in work and life,” says Vaibhav Manek, co-founder and partner at the KNAV tax and accounting services firm in Mumbai, who has worked with Gupta on mutual client matters.
Rabindra Jhunjhunwala, a legal icon and partner in the corporate and commercial practice at the Mumbai office of Khaitan & Co, leads the firm’s IBA, France and Germany desk initiatives. Renowned for his expertise in M&A, PE investment and cross-border transactions, he advises global and Indian corporations on high-value deals.
Jhunjhunwala is known to be “extremely knowledgeable” and “is able to provide sophisticated advice within tight timeframes”, according to Alexander Zharskiy, a partner at Alrud Law Firm in Moscow.
“He is proactive and practical, always striving to give efficient advice and reach solutions. In addition to this, Rabindra is an excellent team leader. He is pragmatic, dedicated and has diverse experience,” says Zharskiy.
Laurent Schoenstein, a partner at Clifford Chance in Paris who has worked with Jhunjhunwala on major cross-border transactions, says: “He has always been giving the best support with a deep strategic vision in addition to outstanding legal skills. He is a go-to person for us on India aspects of cross-border deals.”
The A-List
In a field that has been defined by precision, our A-Listers infuse the legal profession with a human touch. Through visionary leadership, mentorship and innovation, they shape the future of the legal industry and inspire all those who work with them.
Earlier this year, a big move by Manan Lahoty commanded media attention when he shifted from IndusLaw to join Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas as a partner and head of capital markets. Speaking of his abilities, Jamie Benson, director at Duane Morris & Selvam in Singapore, says: “Manan is a very experienced capital markets lawyer. He gives very practical advice and keeps a calm head, no matter the legal issues that need to be addressed. He is also a pleasure to work with.”
Manoj Bhargava, a capital markets partner and co-head of the India practice at Sidley Austin in Singapore, adds: “[Manan] advises on many of the most complicated and largest offerings in India.”
Ajay Bhargava is a senior partner at Khaitan & Co who specialises in complex dispute resolution cases including commercial arbitration, litigation and regulatory matters. He is recognised for his expertise in representing multinational corporations, state-owned companies and private entities in high-profile arbitration and court proceedings.
Speaking of the dispute resolution partner is Rajendra Ingale, the business head for Indian coal mining at Adani Enterprises in Ahmedabad, who says: “With his excellent knowledge of Indian mining acts and rules, he often provided perfect opinion on legal disputes and contractual issues.”
Gourab Bora, the senior manager for legal at Glaxo SmithKline Asia in Noida, says Bhargava is an “exemplary” lawyer. “The best part of our engagement is that he strikes a great balance of law and our business needs,” says Bora.
Nikhil Naredi, a partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, earns high praise from general counsel Arun Madhu at Nexus Ventures in Mumbai for his “responsiveness” and “pragmatism”.
Nithya Balasubramanian, the CFO at IKS Health in Mumbai, adds: “[Nikhil has provided] extensive support for our public offering and DRHP [draft red herring prospectus] filing, [with a] diligent push on RBI contraventions and other business issues.”
Sachin Shah, the CEO of Equinox India based in Mumbai, describes Naredi as “extremely competent, business-friendly, and efficient”, highlighting his efficiency and expertise in M&A and investment transactions.
Atul Gupta, of Trilegal in Bengaluru, is a trusted labour and employment counsellor to major global companies like Accenture, Wells Fargo and X (formerly Twitter), offering expertise on critical employment and union matters, including India’s first three-way bank merger involving the Bank of Baroda.
Himanshu Mathur, associate director at Accenture in Dublin, banks on Gupta’s strategic insights, modern outlook and team to address his labour law issues. “Labour law in India is complex, and regulations vary from state to state,” says Mathur. “There is a need to interpret the law to apply in multiple locations.”
He continues: “Atul has helped through on those assignments not just by interpreting laws, but also understanding how it can be applied to modern organisations. He comes with strategic insights that are very helpful to apply in a modern organisation of today, as we are not a manufacturing entity. [He] has helped us in so many unique assignments.”
Biplab Lenin, a biotechnology engineer turned lawyer, garners high praise from his clients. The partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas in New Delhi is a specialist in pharma and healthcare law who is known for his “high integrity and zeal to learn”, says Shreenivas Joshi, assistant vice president for legal at Kalyani Powertrain in Pune, who considers Lenin his go-to person for all things healthcare.
“A thought leader, intuitive business partner and superb technical brain – Biplab is the trifecta of tech lawyering,” says Joshi.
Poorva Kumari, the lead legal counsel at Tatvartha Health in Noida, says: “Biplab consistently approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset and a commitment to delivering results.
“I highly recommend him for his ability to navigate complex legal issues while maintaining a client-first approach. His collaborative nature and keen insights make him an invaluable partner in any legal matter.”
Mansi Birla, a crypto product counsel at Coinswitch in Mumbai, adds: “Biplab is a leader who cultivates a culture of mentorship and collaboration. He has played a pivotal role in developing junior talent, ensuring that the next generation of lawyers at CAM is well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing legal environment.”
Burgeon Law founder Roma Priya is commended by Sri Peddu, the managing director at California-based Powerhouse Ventures, who says: “Working with Roma Priya and Burgeon Law over the past decade has been a game changer for Powerhouse.”
Priya’s team has “a practical, business-minded approach that ensures deals get done efficiently without compromising on quality”, adds Peddu, who is impressed by Priya’s deal structuring, negotiating and keen eye for detail.
Ashish Kashyap, of INDmoney, was the first unicorn founder to work with Burgeon Law, and says: “Roma Priya and her team at Burgeon Law excel in integrating business insights with legal expertise to deliver practical, actionable solutions. Roma is not just a lawyer, she’s a true partner in our growth.”
In Gurugram, Vishal Jindal, the CEO of popular food brand Biryani by Kilo, values his relationship with Priya’s company, saying: “Our partnership with Burgeon Law has been instrumental in the growth of Biryani by Kilo.
“Beyond offering exceptional legal guidance, Roma Priya and her team have provided not just outstanding legal advice, but also a profound understanding of the specific challenges we face in the industry. From our modest beginnings to our current expansive presence, Roma’s support has been invaluable. Her team has expertly handled our scaling efforts and investment rounds, making them a vital partner in our success.”
Debanjan Mandal, the managing partner at Fox & Mandal, impresses clients with his “expeditious and proactive” solutions crafted with an eye on future contingencies. “Debanjan Mandal is recognised for his ability to comprehend and assuage critical concerns while proactively mitigating any potential risks,” says Mayank Jalan, the chairman and managing director at KeventerAgro in Kolkata.
“His unique perspective and zealous dedication are his strengths. His judicial legal advice has always been astute, guaranteeing optimum results,” adds Jalan, who has engaged the firm for guidance in handling several business disputes.
Partha Chakravarthy, adviser – legal and liaison at Ambuja Housing and Urban Infrastructure, says Mandal’s “skill, prompt response, understanding client needs and strategy” keep him ahead of the crowd.
A third-generation lawyer and IIT Kharagpur alumnus, Rohit Jain combines his engineering background with his legal expertise at Singhania & Co, a leading full-service firm established in 1969 with offices worldwide.
Jain, who is managing partner at Singhania & Co, earns high praise for his work from Paurvi Kedia, director at Assistaid Healthcare in Bengaluru. “Rohit was approachable and took the time to understand our needs. His clear communication was very helpful,” she says.
Known to be “efficient”, “experienced” and with considerable “expertise”, Jain commands the attention of clients in various fields and industries. Karan Arora, the chief strategist for the Dabur group in Delhi, is impressed with Jain’s legal skills and says: “The team’s expertise and hard work were evident throughout.”
Prakaash Silvam, a partner at Oon & Bazul in Singapore, says: “Rohit Jain’s professionalism and dedication stood out throughout my case. He took the time to understand my needs and provided clear, thoughtful advice. His commitment to achieving the best result was impressive, and I’m very happy with his service.”
Adarsh G, a partner at Wadhwa Law Offices, is popular for his diligence and fair play.
He has successfully represented a diverse portfolio of clients including prominent names such as Wakefit Innovations, TrusTrace, Plum Goodness, GMR Group, Kirin Holdings, Rebright Partners and Uravu Labs. His expertise extends to advising cutting-edge ventures like AuthMind and Numocity, as well as global leaders like Schneider Electric and Tech Mahindra.
Chaitanya Ramalingegowda, the founder of Indian furniture company Wakefit in Bengaluru, describes Adarsh G’s strengths: “Adarsh has been an important part of Wakefit’s legal strategy almost since inception, and throughout the nearly decade-long journey.
“Being in a competitive market, Wakefit needs legal strategy and support on myriad issues, from fundraising to brand protection. Adarsh has partnered with us for five fundraises as part of series A, series B, series C and series D rounds, numerous brand protection issues (IP, trademark, patent) in India and outside, and general corporate matters.”
Ravikiran Annaswamy, the CEO of Numocity, says: “Adarsh has been our go-to legal expert and adviser handling our company Numocity’s journey over the past three years.
“He was instrumental in negotiating key terms in our company’s strategic acquisition by Fortune 500 company ABB E-Mobility from Zurich. He brought in concepts to ensure founder and company protection in key scenarios, which came in very handy as he helped founders buy back the stake from ABB. He was instrumental in making a smooth buyback process that was well appreciated by all.”
All our A-Listers are distinguished by their command over complex legal issues, dedication to their clients, and ability to drive significant results. They deftly navigate high-stakes cases, regulatory hurdles and transformative transactions while displaying resilience, innovative thinking and adaptability within a rapidly shifting landscape.
Beyond the boardroom or courtroom, their influence extends to mentoring future generations and shaping policy, advancing and broadening the legal horizon.
METHODOLOGY
To determine India’s most recommended lawyers, India Business Law Journal turned to thousands of in-house counsel in India and around the world – as well as India-focused partners at international law firms – and asked them to tell us which lawyers should make the cut.
Lawyers working at Indian law firms were not permitted to make nominations.
Respondents were invited to nominate lawyers to appear on the A-List, and provide a justification as to why each one should be included. They were invited to make nominations in the categories of A-List Lawyers and Legal Icons.
A-List Lawyers were defined on the nomination form as “Lawyers who are currently the star performers of India’s legal profession; the lawyers who are personally undertaking the country’s top legal work, crafting the most cutting-edge legal solutions to complex problems, and setting the highest standards in terms of quality, innovation and the ability to handle complex matters”.
Legal Icons were defined as “Lawyers who are the luminaries of India’s legal profession; the titans who command the respect of clients and juniors alike; the mentors who lead India’s most admired law firms and/or legal teams, and the country’s most prolific rainmakers”.
Almost 4,000 nominations and testimonials were received from professionals at a wide range of Indian and international companies, international law firms and other organisations, including: GIC, Goldman Sachs, Government of Republic of Maurtius, Gowling WLG (Canada), Grant Thornton UK, Herbert Smith Freehills, HEUKING, Hill Dickinson, IKEA, Johnson & Johnson, Jones Day, JPMorgan, JSW Infrastructure, JSW Steel, Kedaara Capital, Kroll, Larsen & Toubro, Latham & Watkins, Levis Strauss India, LG Electronics India, L&T Realty, Mastercard, Mahindra & Mahindra, Mankind Pharma, Maruti Suzuki India, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, McGraw Hill India, Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors, Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, Nippon India, Nokia, ONGC, Oon & Bazul, OYO Hotels & Homes, Patanjali Foods, PayPal, PWC India, Procter & Gamble, Reliance Industries, Saregama India, Schneider Electric, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, Standard Chartered Bank, Shree Cement, Swiss Reinsurance, Tata Power, Tata Realty & Infrastructure, Tata Steel, United Spirits, Urban Company, Vedanta, Welspun Corp, Western Union Services India, WestBridge Capital, WeWork and thousands more Indian and international companies and international law firms.
As always, the A-List reflects the nominations and testimonials received, combined with thorough background research by India Business Law Journal’s editorial team.
