Directory of Indian Law Firms

Indias legal market
Intelligence report
India Business Law Journals
Legal Market Report & Directory of Indian Law Firms - 2011 Legal Market Report: page 36 Directory of Indian Law Firms: page 44
July/August 2011
India Business Law Journal
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Indias legal market
To accompany this years directory of Indian law firms, India Business Law Journal consulted widely with the countrys legal practitioners to reveal the current state of play in the legal market
Vandana Chatlani reports
shopkeeper in Assam hides behind a rickety wooden table covered in giant plastic jars of coconut-flavoured sweets and stacks of Sizzler biscuits. A curtain of small packets filled with Bingo crisps and sugar-coated fennel dangles above, framing his face as he waits eagerly for customers to make a purchase. But the sweet and savoury snacks on sale are not the shopkeepers only source of income. Firmly attached to one side of his wooden table is a row of more than 20 plug points. The humble kiosk transforms into a charging station for mobile phones, allowing the shopkeeper to profit from providing a reliable electricity supply in a village where that is a luxury. The shopkeepers innovative approach to business is a small yet telling example of the enterprising spirit that permeates many of Indias companies. Several, having flourished within India, are determined to explore new markets overseas. Others are partnering with international companies to bring new products, services and solutions to India. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) identified India as the third most favoured country for foreign investment, behind China and the US, in its 2009-2011 World Investment Prospectus Survey. But Indias prosperity continues to be limited and weighed down by slow improvements to infrastructure, regulatory spasms and policy paralysis. The country is run by a bunch of buffoons, says Jyoti Sagar the managing partner of J Sagar Associates. What message are we sending? Billions of dollars have been invested in 2G auctions and now theyre saying well cancel your contracts. Investors have nowhere else to go, theyre not here because they want to be, he adds. An unclear division of responsibility between Indian regulators is further cause for concern. We have a multiplicity of authority and that is a big challenge, says Ashish Razdan, a senior associate at Khaitan & Co.
While UNCTADs investment survey paints a relatively rosy picture of Indias attractiveness to investors, other reports such as Doing Business, highlight the difficulties associated with running a business in the country. According to statistics from June 2010, India was ranked a paltry 134 out of 183 countries on the ease of doing business, far below China and Pakistan and lower even than Bangladesh, Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Malawi. Foreign investment levels are also threatened by the rising cost of doing business. India used to be considered a low-cost manufacturing base, says ML Bhakta, the managing partner of Kanga & Co. That difference in price is now marginal.
India used to be considered a low-cost manufacturing base ML Bhakta Managing Partner Kanga & Co
Taxing times
Another factor that has forced caution upon foreign investors is the Vodafone tax controversy. The British telecoms company is appealing a September 2010 Bombay High Court decision that upheld the Indian tax departments right to collect US$2.5 billion as capital gains tax for Vodafones acquisition of Hutchison Essar in 2007. Tax authorities have stated that Vodafone failed to claim withholding tax when it made its acquisition and is thus liable to pay the hefty tax bill. Vodafone argues that it should not have to pay the Indian authorities since the acquisition was an offshore transaction, through its Dutch subsidiary, which purchased a Cayman Islands holding company controlled by Hutchison. The case is being closely watched by international investors who fear a shift in the Indian tax departments strategy to aggressively pursue cross-border transactions. Over 400 notices have been issued to foreign companies in situations similar to Vodafone. Nothing is more upsetting than the Vodafone case, says Alka Bharucha, a senior partner at Bharucha & Partners in Mumbai. Idea and Tata have been issued notices. Its something that continues to loom.
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The country is run by a bunch of buffoons Jyoti Sagar Managing Partner J Sagar Associates
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The GAAR has been worded in such a manner that tax avoidance wont be allowed. Its draconian Freddy Daruwala Partner Juris Corp
Another recent ruling involving AT&T and the Birla Group has raised more eyebrows and cast a doubt over the benefits of the India-Mauritius double tax avoidance agreement (DTAA). The DTAA is reportedly being renegotiated to eliminate exemptions on capital gains in order to be modelled more closely on the Singapore-India DTAA. The minimum size of a business or investment in Mauritius has changed to ensure it is a real company and to ensure investments are not coming from Mauritius entities that are shell companies, says Rajan Gupta, a partner at SRGR Law Offices. Other complications arise when lawyers take into account the possibility that the new Direct Tax Code (DTC) will override the DTAAs India shares with other countries. The general anti-avoidance rule (GAAR) to be included in the DTC could wipe out tax-friendly structures altogether. The GAAR has been worded in such a manner that tax avoidance wont be allowed, says Freddy Daruwala, a partner at Juris Corp. Its draconian. Nishith Desai, the managing partner at Nishith Desai Associates, says that far too many barriers have been put up at the tax and exchange control level. He adds: The DTC is more like the disaster tax code.
Nothing is more upsetting than the Vodafone case Alka Bharucha Senior Partner Bharucha & Partners
Both the DTC and the new goods and services tax (GST) regime are expected to be in force in 2012. The GST is coming up but not much is happening from the government standpoint, says Abhishek Datta, a partner at HSA Advocates who recently joined the firm from BMR Advisors. There has been a lot of contract vetting and drafting so clients can have their systems in place.
which has led to a brisk business-like approach. A culture of awarding damages has yet to emerge, but Rajneesh Chopra, the managing partner at C&C Associates, says this is something litigants can look forward to. More defamation suits have been filed and fines have been awarded so its just a matter of time, he says. Prateek Bagaria, an associate at Nishith Desai Associates, foresees a rise in international disputes targeting India, even though litigation in bilateral investments has been scarce thus far. India went ahead and signed a huge number of treaties without thinking of the repercussions, he says. We have 66 bilateral treaties and four CECAs [comprehensive economic cooperation agreements]. India will soon be stormed by claims from investors belonging to its treaty partners if regulators and lawmakers do not realize the implications of their constantly changing stands on existing laws and policy. Several firms have ramped up their litigation capabilities in anticipation of a rise in disputes. HSA hired Supreme Court litigator Meenakshi Arora in April; Phoenix Legal recruited Jyoti Singh from Dhir & Dhir; and SRGR Law Offices poached Vijay Kaundal from Dutt Menon Dunmorsett. Vijay Sondhi, a senior partner at Luthra & Luthra, says the firm has its hands full with litigation. Recognizing the need for proper training in the art of litigation, Sondhi says he asked the Delhi Bar Council, of which he is a member,
An explosion of disputes
Indias courts have been furiously busy, not only with tax disputes, but an explosion of commercial and company law disputes, project disputes and infringement litigation. With volatile market conditions, we expect more corporate litigation matters in the near future, says Ameet Naik, the managing partner of Naik Naik & Co. Raian Karanjawala, the managing partner of Karanjawala & Co notes an improvement in court efficiency and says the credit must go to a new generation of driven judges. At Delhi High Court, younger judges have taken on the brunt of work and are keen to dispose of matters, he says. Theres a certain desire to hear and dictate judgment
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The DTC is more like the disaster tax code Nishith Desai Managing Partner Nishith Desai Associates
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to organize a continuing education programme. Sadly, there was little interest. When you are arguing before a judge, you have to talk on your toes, he says. You need to know how the court will react. You need to know how a jurisdiction clause should be worded. Top of the pile when it comes to litigators are the countrys senior counsel. Many observers complain, however, that senior counsels flair for winning cases does not justify their exorbitant fees. Branded counsel can dictate any price, charging more than Queens Counsel in England, says Sumeet Kachwaha, the managing partner of Kachwaha & Partners. Although his firm handles most of its disputes work in-house, Kachwaha says there are times when you have no choice but to engage them. Sometimes the feeling is that if a senior isnt present, the matter just isnt important enough, he says. Anand Desai, the managing partner of DSK Legal, accuses senior counsel of unethical behaviour. Senior counsel need to get sued and a firm needs to get sued, he says, pointing to what he calls a drop in quality at larger law firms. Some of the advice is so blatantly wrong. There is no ethics and no
Indias legal market
responsibility. Senior counsel dont read. They appear once for you and the next day they appear for your opposition. Its chaotic. They think theyre above the law. For parties seeking to steer clear of Indias courts and dependence on senior counsel, arbitration is gaining traction as a popular method of resolving disputes. Although costly in some cases, arbitration is favoured for its confidentiality and relative speed. We see joint ventures getting sour and going into arbitration, says Shardul Thacker, a partner at Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe. Mid-cap companies want to put an end to their marriages. Another forum for dispute settlement is the specialized tribunal, of which a number, such as the Electricity Tribunal, the National Green Tribunal and the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), have been established. The challenge, according to some lawyers, will be to succinctly and coherently present a case in these niche areas. When you deal with a tribunal, far more specialized knowledge is required than what is presented to a
Opening the floodgates

The government frequently teases foreign investors with hints of liberalization in insurance, retail and defence. But will foreign investment caps ever be raised?
India may be a land of opportunity for some, but for many investors, the decision to invest is complicated by restrictive caps on foreign ownership. The retail sector is a case in point. International big fashion brands want to capitalize, says Ashish Razdan, a senior associate at Khaitan & Co. But they arent happy with the franchise model. This government must have the courage to liberalize retail, says Premnath Rai, the managing partner of PRA Law Offices. Im in favour, but it wont be easy. Smaller independent stores could suffer if India allows foreign retailers to exercise a greater degree of control and this could damage the Congress Partys image. How will they face the BJP states who favour merchants and mom-and-pop stores? asks Vikram Nankani, a partner at Economic Laws Practice. That is their vote bank. Those familiar with the governments mindset believe the private sector must be more sensitive to the circumstances faced by the administration. When dealing with the government, you have to understand the compulsions of law and policy from the governments perspective, explains Sharad Bhansali, the managing partner of APJSLG Law Offices in New Delhi. The private sector cannot quite understand the government. That ability is missing. Bhansali, who worked at the Ministry of Commerce for almost 20 years, adds that building synergy is the biggest challenge being friendly to the policy process and ensuring that industry is happy and comfortable. Foreign investors are certainly not comfortable with their offset obligations in the Indian defence sector. The country may have tantalized the global defence industry by increasing its defence budget to US$33 billion this
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year. However, foreign players are disappointed by the obligation to produce 30-40% of their products locally. International defence players are not able to find the right partner, says Kaviraj Singh, the managing partner of Trustman & Co. There are very few names that can make more than nuts and bolts. Insurance is another area foreign investors are watching carefully. The industry is pinning its hopes on the Insurance (Amendment) Bill, which, if passed, will increase the foreign investment limit in the insurance sector from 26% to 49%. There are over 40 private insurers in India most of them joint ventures between Indian and international companies. This proliferation of providers has widened the range of insurance products on offer in the Indian market, but in order to exercise greater strategic control, international companies want more than 26% of the pie. It will be a sea change if the bill comes about with M&A opportunities and IPOs in the offing as some insurers reach the 10-year mark, says Celia Jenkins, a partner at Tuli & Co. Those interested in capitalizing on new areas say investors should focus on research, technology and the environment. Space, biotech, nanotech, stem cells research, etc. ... These are critical areas, says Suman Khaitan, the managing partner at Suman Khaitan & Co. The future will be in hi-tech areas, in defence, waste disposal, water recycling, garbage disposal, hybrid cars and clean energy. KV Singh, a senior partner at Kochhar & Co, agrees: The environment is one area where India needs foreign direct investment, he says. Most states dont have common effluent treatment plants or hazardous waste disposal sites and we need these solutions.
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functions of the high courts in key areas pertaining to the adjudication/resolution of trademark and patent disputes, the independence of the IPAB from executive influence is under serious question. The norms for appointment of IPAB members, its current constitution and its mode of functioning are all in blatant violation of sacrosanct principles of an independent judiciary and separation of powers as enshrined in the constitution. The writ is pending in Madras High Court. Lawyers hope it will help rectify the inherent conflicts within the IPAB, improve its decision-making powers and raise its credibility. Some experts note that improvements are already evident. The IPAB has changed dramatically in the last few months, says Pravin Anand, the managing partner at Anand and Anand. There is a great judge, Justice Prabha Sridevan, retired from Madras High Court, who is the chairperson. They now sit daily and have started sitting mostly in the high court premises, at least in New Delhi. The approach is much more liberal and there are fewer inconsistencies. Delhi High Court has sealed its reputation as a respected forum for IP disputes. Yet poor staffing at the trademark and patent offices as well as unfamiliarity with new forms of trademarks has hampered progress. IP is at a pre-boom stage, says Pankaj Soni, a managing associate at Remfry & Sagar. Every decision from a case law point is precedential. Its important to create jurisprudence in new forms of IP. There is hesitation to create a precedent. Vishnumohan Rethinam, a partner at Remfry & Sagar, echoes this concern. Courts in India start with the presumption that something is invalid, whereas courts everywhere else assume validity, he says. Samta Mehra, another partner at Remfry & Sagar, points out that although the judiciary is becoming active in setting and interpreting case law, there is still a long way to go before non-traditional marks such as shapes, sound marks and motion marks are understood. The shape of a vodka bottle as a trademark has been accepted, says Mehra. But the trademark office still has far to go to comprehend the nitty-gritty on non-traditional marks. Despite the apparent challenges, IP owners have much to look forward to as India prepares to accede to the Madrid Protocol. In addition, smaller companies, keen to innovate, could profit from a new patent law system the utility model which may make it easier for them to obtain patent
When you are arguing before a judge, you have to talk on your toes Vijay Sondhi Senior Partner Luthra & Luthra
general court, says Karanjawala. It is a necessary burden to achieve that level of specialization, because even the judges will be experts in these areas. The TDSAT, the Electricity Tribunal and the Securities Appellate Tribunal are among those praised for their efficiency and effectiveness in disposing of cases. Other tribunals, however, have been neglected. The Appellate Tribunal for Foreign Exchange has not had a chairperson for six months. Tribunals havent been properly managed by the government, says Vikram Nankani, a partner at Economic Laws Practice. The government gives tribunals stepmotherly treatment. It fails to appoint commissioners on time and that has contributed to their downfall.
Innovation, interpretation and eligibility

One tribunal that has been fiercely criticized is the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB), which was set up primarily to deal with appeals against orders of the Trade Marks Registry, petitions against registered trademarks and orders of the registrar of geographical indications. One problem is simple operational inefficiency. It is a matter of public knowledge that most of the records which are summoned by the IPAB from the office of the registrar are seldom provided to the board, says Amarjit Singh, the managing partner of Amarjit & Associates. I have seen the parties to the litigation providing copies of the registrars records to the IPAB to avoid delays in the hearing and disposals of their appeals. Another issue revolves around how tribunals and boards are constituted. This is a question that Shamnad Basheer, a lawyer and professor at the National University of Juridical Sciences in Kolkata, is determined to answer. Basheer filed a writ petition in January stating that several members of the IPAB were unfit for their positions because they clearly lacked the qualifications and competence required to hear and decide patent and trademark matters. In his writ, Basheer writes: Over the last few decades, there has been a conscious move ... to tribunalize administration of justice ... While the Honble Supreme Court did initially permit limited tribunalization ... in order to ensure speedier justice, it has recently clamped down on the rapid dilution of judicial standards in these tribunals. With reference to the IPAB, Basheer says in the writ: Although the IPAB has been constituted to take over the
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Branded counsel can dictate any price, charging more than Queens Counsel in England Sumeet Kachwaha Managing Partner Kachwaha & Partners
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Senior counsel need to get sued Anand Desai Managing Partner DSK Legal
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grants through a more lenient system of registration. The utility model is all about grassroots innovation, says Abhai Pandey, a partner at Lex Orbis. Germany, Japan, Australia and Korea have similar pieces of legislation. It works well for innovations the patent office is unaware of, or those that arent worth patenting because it takes time.
to 26% a sensible rise according to most analysts. By accepting a minimum public offer norm of 26%, SEBI has removed the anomaly between its delisting regulations, which require a Swiss auction method, and the TRAC [Takeover Regulations Advisory Committee] recommendation of a fixed-price offer, says Shardul Shroff, the managing partner of Amarchand Mangaldas. This will encourage promoters to raise their stake to 50%+1 share to immunize themselves from a hostile takeover. Investments into and out of India appear resilient, despite the introduction of the new regulations. Theres been a lot of focus on Japan, says Charandeep Kaur, a partner at Trilegal. Theres a great deal of interest in food, auto, IT and IT-enabled services. Theres also interest in renewable energies from Europe. Hospitality, resources and fast-moving consumer goods are some sectors where activity continues to bubble.
Feeding India Inc

India Incs insatiable appetite for growth has meant long nights and little sleep for the countrys M&A lawyers. Companies are making purchases, forming partnerships, and on big-ticket deals, waiting in line for approval from the Competition Commission of India. The merger control provisions have been put in place, but the legislation has been drafted very badly, says Margaret DSouza, a partner at Udwadia & Udeshi. Competition law should be the biggest business. From an administrative standpoint, some of the provisions are considered inconvenient. Form I is very simple and Form II is so detailed that it can delay the entire deal process, says Atul Sharma, an advocate at Lakshmi Kumaran & Sridharan. New norms have also been introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for the Takeover Code. The size of the open offer has been increased from 20%
Theres big interest in pharmaceuticals, but there arent many targets left Rahul Mahajan Partner Wakhariya & Wakhariya
SEBI has removed the anomaly between its delisting regulations and the TRAC recommendation of a fixed-price offer Shardul Shroff Managing Partner Amarchand Mangaldas
In the hospitality sector, new international collaborations are coming in, says Lalit Bhasin, the managing partner of Bhasin & Co. Sheraton is trying to come in and Intercontinental is waiting to expand. Sunil Seth, a senior partner at Seth Dua & Associates, predicts a wave of consolidation and M&A activity in the telecom sector due to fierce competition, a strain on margins and the possible cancellation of some licences (see Crossed Wires, page 31). Other sectors likely to see significant M&A activity include energy, banking and finance, automotive ancilliaries, insurance, retail, real estate, media and technology, he says. Indian companies are also venturing into unfamiliar markets. In Africa, big players are investing in real estate, agriculture and telecoms, but not necessarily for big transactions, says Abhijit Joshi, a partner and the CEO of AZB & Partners in Mumbai. The political landscape is risky, but its the pricing and promise of the future that takes investors to Africa. Another industry that has witnessed rapid movement is pharmaceuticals. Theres big interest in pharmaceuticals, but there arent many targets left, says Rahul Mahajan, a partner at Wakhariya & Wakhariya. The market has consolidated a lot. Private equity players, meanwhile, are exploring the possibility of new avenues for Indian investment. Private equity
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The flurry of defaults and enforcement actions has also led to a rise in restructuring assignments. The RBI [Reserve Bank of India] is getting more strict in its approach and interpretation, says Gorthi. In particular, there seems to be a move to disallow synthetic structures that had become popular. Prem Rajani, the managing partner of Rajani & Associates, believes investors are facing a somewhat depressed market this year. A lot of restructuring is taking place among group companies, he says. No ones willing to call 2011 a depressed market. Its a mixed market. But in all three dips, in 2002, 2008 and this year, Ive seen a lot of restructuring taking place. Companies have started doing housekeeping, theyre hiving off non-core activities, closing down companies, engaging in debt restructuring, capital restructuring and consolidation. Many are also anticipating more mandates on the derivatives side, including related litigation. The RBI has heeded market comments and feedback on the draft credit default swap guidelines and opened a small part of the market, says Hoshedar Wadia, a partner at Juris Corp. Even though its small, its a very bold statement for the regulator to say Im going to allow more derivatives.
TPGs acquisition of Vishal Retail is an interesting trend that hasnt happened at all in India until now Sridhar Gorthi Partner Trilegal
funds are realigning their strategies from Europe to India, says Seema Jhingan, a partner at LexCounsel. TA Associates, Providence and Baering are all coming to India. The market is also buoyant with private equity interest in ancillary services related to education. There has been investment in coaching, training and tutorial services, says Akil Hirani, the managing partner at Majmudar & Co. Sridhar Gorthi, a partner at Trilegal, believes large private equity buyouts can be expected in the near future. iGates acquisition of Patni Computers was the first significant private equity-led buyout of a listed Indian company, he says. TPGs acquisition of Vishal Retail is also indicative of an interesting trend that hasnt happened at all in India until now. We will probably see similar buyouts occurring.
Real estate is booming Sameer Tapia Partner ALMT Legal
Restructuring and refinancing

Sandeep Parekh, the managing partner of Finsec Law Advisors, predicts that the securities market and private equity will be his busiest practice areas the coming year. Fundraising is likely to be done through the setup of domestic and offshore funds and the deployment of this money is likely to witness a larger number of private equity and PIPE deals, he says.
Full speed ahead

Infrastructure is poised to be one of Indias busiest sectors for the next five years. Roads, ports, highways, and power projects are not just the need of the hour, but also gold stars on political CVs. You get votes by telling people Ive built a road ... Ive set up a port, says Sawant Singh, a partner at Phoenix Legal. Clean energy and solar energy continue to have inclusive infrastructure development programmes and it augurs well for everyone. There is even evidence to suggest that green projects are easier to complete than regular ones. Regulatory requirements are less for wind projects, says Tushar Desai, a partner at India Law Services. Only one or two lenders are involved and the government doesnt interfere. Improving Indias crumbling infrastructure is vital for the survival of one of its most critical industries agriculture: 65% of the population lives in rural areas and 50% is involved in agriculture, says Sagar at J Sagar Associates. We need roads, storage systems, transport and cool chains to help farmers get their produce to market. Half of it rots because we dont have the infrastructure. The government hopes to attract greater private participation in infrastructure and replicate the success it has
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You get votes by telling people Ive built a road ... Ive set up a port Sawant Singh Partner Phoenix Legal
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experienced with the countrys highway projects. Railways are sitting on prime property, says Suchitra Chitale, a partner at Chitale & Chitale Partners. These are being developed on public-private partnership models. Equal enthusiasm is visible in the real estate sector, particularly in urban areas. Builders, developers and societies are going in for redevelopment work, says Sowjanya Menon, a partner at Vidhii Partners. Real estate is booming, says Sameer Tapia, a partner at ALMT Legal. Mall spaces are opening up in metros and tier two cities like Jaipur, Aurangabad and Nagpur. Prices have shot up astronomically but space is a constraint in tier one, so you dont have an option.
Indias legal market
According to Joyita Sabharwal, a partner at Law Point, the real challenge within the real estate sector will be to generate liquidity to remain afloat by encashing existing stock at realistic prices within the reach of buyers. He adds that overcoming the liquidity crunch and timely project completion will be crucial to winning back investor confidence in construction projects where people are wary of investing. Financing infrastructure projects, however, may become tougher, with rising interest rates and banks having exhausted their internal limits for infrastructure firms. Banks are finding a reason not to lend, even though they have the funds, says Kaviraj Singh, the
A changing legal landscape

A new breed of Indian lawyers may be more about guts than glory
Anyone observing the Indian legal market from afar may be shocked at the frequency with which new law firms emerge. Clasis Law, Indian Law Partners, RS & Co Law Offices and Prism Partners are just a handful of startups that have taken their place on the legal stage in recent months. What is driving this entrepreneurial spirit among lawyers? I wanted to work with a firm that wasnt founder-driven, says Ishtiaq Ali, a partner at Clasis Law, which is a breakaway from ALMT Legal. Ali was one of the founding partners at India Law Services and has over 20 years of legal practice under his belt. No one can pass on Clasis to their sons and daughters, says Ali. An associate should be able to aspire to become the managing partner of a firm. For the most part, large firms with established footprints and strong client portfolios appear unfazed by their new competitors. But others admit that they will ultimately have an impact on everyone in the countrys legal fraternity. Individually, the breakaways dont make a difference ... but cumulatively, they impact big firms, says Abhijit Joshi, a partner and the CEO of AZB & Partners. Its bad for the industry. A desire for ownership is one factor that has driven lawyers to launch their own practices, even if it means that entrepreneurial young lawyers miss out on the remuneration and perks they would receive working in one of the leading firms. As one of my batch mates said: Id rather drive my own Maruti than Zias Mercedes, says Abhishek Datta, a partner at HSA Advocates, referring in jest to Zia Mody, the founding partner of AZB & Partners. But, for small firms without a reputation, survival in the Indian legal market is far from assured. And the challenges are all the more acute for those who do not come from families of well-connected lawyers. Its hard for a first-generation lawyer to make a mark, says Bhumesh Verma, a partner at PKA Advocates (formerly Paras Kuhad & Associates). Still, there are some who succeed in breaking the mould, and many of the young lawyers who have ventured out alone are shunning traditional Indian models of law firm management and adopting international-style partnership
structures. There is no scope for personal glory at Zeus IP, the firms managing partner, Gunjan Paharia, says plainly. Ive sold my lawyers equity and it will have value if they can sell the firm You want leadership at every level. Firms are also keen to implement best-practice management standards. Lakshmi Kumaran & Sridharan recently received a gold award under the Legal and Courts category in the 2011 Global Awards for Excellence in Adaptive Case Management. Finalists came from the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. All of our document movement is now online, says Badri Narayanan, an advocate at the firm. Wherever you are, you see the document on the same page as when you last saw it. This has been implemented across six offices. We worked with Newgen for six months to create this software and we spent about US$1 million on the entire system. Were reducing bad debts and were able to predict a lot more accurately how much we can bill. Were also easily able to track individual efficiency. For international clients, this kind of operational efficiency is encouraging and a clear indication that Indian firms are capable of executing technological solutions without outside assistance. Still, some argue that Indian firms would benefit greatly if foreign firms were permitted to set up in India. Law is a service sector, says Manoj Singh, the managing partner of Singh & Associates. No other service sector prohibits foreign participation. They should be allowed. Why not have a legal sharing route? Client demands too, are changing. Client needs in India are tremendous, says Sameer Tapia, a partner at ALMT Legal. They need a lawyer like a doctor on call. If theres no quick turnaround it means youre too busy or you dont care. Indian companies that have had a flavour of legal service abroad, however, may become less needy of advice back home. Indian industries are now getting very savvy and may not want to come to Indian lawyers if theyre going to France, for example, says Joshi at AZB & Partners. We hold our clients hands ... but as business matures well have a smaller role to play in the Western world.
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Corruption is leading to a high level of conservatism in the market Hemant Sahai Managing Partner HSA Advocates
managing partner of Trustman & Co. Its easier for established players, but for new ones, its difficult to obtain funding. Others argue that this is an exaggeration. Higher interest rates and the exhaustion of internal limits of banks for infrastructure financing are only temporary stumbling blocks, says Ravi Singhania, the managing partner of Singhania & Partners. He adds that delays in land acquisition, environmental clearances, fuel linkages and the increasing cost of coal have invoked such reactions from certain banks. Accosted by delays in some projects, the banks arent able to disburse further funds, he says. As a result, these commitments of financing are eating up the banks limit for infrastructure financing. The government has taken proactive steps to resolve this issue, Singhania explains. The land acquisition act is being remodelled and environmental clearances are being granted, thereby boosting banks confidence in lending. Alternate sources of funding are also being worked out, says Singhania. Tax-free infrastructure bonds are in vogue; several infrastructure funds have come up; the government is proposing a greater role for the countrys biggest insurer, Life Insurance Corporation, in infrastructure financing; and remarkably, in the past two years, external commercial borrowings worth `600 billion (US$13 billion) have been approved for infrastructure projects.
Counting the cost of corruption

A string of high-profile corruption cases has become a noose around the neck of India Inc, hardening regulators attitudes, sharpening scrutiny and scaring away potential business. Corruption is leading to a high level of conservatism in the market, says Hemant Sahai, the managing partner of HSA Advocates. Offices in various ministries are getting conservative with larger deals. The country needs to get over this very quickly otherwise investments will slow down. Lawyers worry about the extent to which corrupt practices have crept into judicial proceedings. We have a very efficient executive and a good reliable judiciary, says S Venkiteswaran, an advocate and shipping expert. But theyre dancing to the tune of the politicians. The governments only solution to target corruption is the Lokpal Bill, which seeks to establish an ombudsman
Tax-free infrastructure bonds are in vogue Ravi Singhania Managing Partner Singhania & Partners
that will investigate and prosecute corrupt government officials and politicians. The Lokpal Bill is a game changer, says Gautam Khurana, the managing partner of India Law Offices. If we do a good job of this bill, we could ward away a lot of negative publicity. Thousands across India have pledged their support for Indian activist Anna Hazares version of the new law the Jan Lokpal Bill. Hazare and his team have underscored the importance of holding senior officers including the prime minister accountable, something which is missing from the governments version of the bill. There has been a concerted effort to disengage civil society from the Lokpal process, says sole practitioner Ramni Taneja. As India fights on two fronts to defeat corruption and improve efficiency, the internet is emerging as a key ally. Online processes offer a strong degree of comfort, not only because they save time, but because they do away with middlemen those who often require bribes when applications are submitted in person. Incorporating a company used to take 35-40 days, now its very quick and can be done from home, explains Arihant Jain, a senior associate at OP Khaitan & Co. Another useful tool is access to data on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs website. For `50, you can get one-time access for three hours to director information. You can find out which companies a director is involved with, his tax payments, [and other information]. Its a simplified way of keeping compliant. The stain of corruption coupled with systemic inefficiencies and uncertainties surrounding the introduction of new laws are certainly hampering Indias growth. Yet such problems may be necessary to fuel debate on policy-making and boost efforts towards achieving best practices in corporate practice and governance. Getting to grips with such vast changes to an alreadycomplex legal regime will not be easy. But lawyers are typically well-accustomed to the constant fluctuations, modifications and transformations that characterize Indias legal landscape. Law firms of this generation are so used to changes, says Gorthi at Trilegal. Change isnt a challenge. Structures that worked two months ago dont work today. Weve had to reinvent ourselves year on year. The shopkeeper in Assam may have no choice but to do the same. g
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Directory of Indian Law Firms
ALMT Legal
Established in 2000
Number of partners: 15 Number of associates: 120 Principal offices: Mumbai, Bangalore Other offices: London, New Delhi
Contact us Mumbai 4th Floor, Express Towers Nariman Point Mumbai - 400 021, India Tel: +91 22 4001 0000 Fax: +91 22 4001 0001 Email: stapia@almtlegal.com Contact: Sameer Tapia Bangalore 2 Lavelle Road Bangalore - 560 001, India Tel: +91 80 4016 0000 Fax: +91 80 4016 0001 Email: ppopat@almtlegal.com Contact: Prashant Popat London Dowgate Hill House 14-16 Dowgate Hill London, EC4R 2SU United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7332 2367 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7428 0633 Email: gbasu@almtlegal.com Contact: Garima Basu New Delhi 506 DLF Courtyard, Saket New Delhi - 110 017, India Tel: +91 11 4944 5566 Fax: +91 11 4944 5567 Email: skothari@almtlegal.com Contact: Seema Kothari Website www.almtlegal.com
Key practice areas: Aviation, banking & finance, capital markets, corporate & commercial, dispute resolution, hospitality, immigration, infrastructure & project finance, insurance, information technology & intellectual property, labour & employment, media, entertainment & sports, oil & gas, private clients, private equity & fund structure, property, shipping, tax. Our services: ALMT Legal was set up in London as the only Indian law firm to be established in the UK. The firm has offices in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and London. The firm now has 15 partners through its four offices and is a full-service Indian law firm with partners specializing in various areas of law. The firm advises clients from Europe, the US and throughout Asia on aspects of Indian law. Having expertise in dealing with clients from developed markets and domestic clients in India, the firm provides specialized legal advice on a range of issues, providing standards of legal service on a par with international law firms around the world. ALMT Legal acts as corporate/commercial, tax and employment law adviser to entrepreneurial, medium and blue-chip companies, aiming to provide business-oriented legal advice and support to in-house legal counsel. The mainstream corporate and commercial practice handles joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions and issues relating to company formation, foreign direct investment and exchange control matters. ALMT Legal has a flourishing property law practice as well as all aspects of litigation and dispute resolution and assisting clients with pragmatic and strategic decision-making in respect of claims. Through a network of associated offices, the firm is able to assist in resolving disputes efficiently and cost-effectively. The firm also deals with major aspects of airline liability, aircraft finance and leasing, general aviation liabilities, airline contracts, aero-political and regulatory advice. The firm is actively involved in the maritime and insurance sectors, working on both contentious and noncontentious matters. ALMT Legal also has a successful technology, media and sports practice focusing on intellectual property protection, licensing and distribution, and regulatory issues.
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Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co

Established in 1917
Contact us Number of partners: 49 Number of associates: 456 Principal office: New Delhi Other offices: Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad New Delhi Amarchand Towers 216, Okhla Industrial Estate Phase III New Delhi - 110 020 India Telephone +91 11 2692 0500 Fax +91 11 2692 4900
Key practice areas: Banking & finance, capital markets (debt & equity), competition & policy, corporate, M&A, PE, funds, finance regulatory practice & other practices, dispute resolution & arbitration, environment law, insurance law, intellectual property, labour law, media & entertainment, policy & regulatory, projects & project finance, real estate, securitization, taxation. Our services: Amarchand Mangaldas is part of major headline transactions and litigations in all segments of industry & services, besides representing almost every major transnational corporation on their India entry & business strategy. The firm has been in the unique position of being an adviser on public policy formation in India. Distinguished partners of the firm have been members of many legislative panels to assist the Government of India with a legal perspective on policy related matters. Such pre-eminent counselling by Amarchand Mangaldas has earned the firm the enviable reputation of being a leader among its peers. Some of corporate Indias most influential entrepreneurs turn to Amarchand Mangaldas for innovative legal solutions and strategies. Everything considered, the firm is at the cutting-edge of new issues in law and areas of economic activity, guiding the creation of legal precedents and expanding its services and skills to meet the challenges of change. Amarchand Mangaldas is the exclusive Indian member firm of Lex Mundi, the worlds leading association of independent law firms. Awards: National Law Firm India at Chambers Asia Pacific Awards, 2011. Won 6 awards, including Indian Law Firm of the Year, at IFLR Asia Awards 2011. Firm of the Year India at Whos Who Legal - Country and State Awards 2011. ILO Client Choice Awards 2011. Best Indian Law Firm Award at International Legal Alliance Summit & Awards 2011. India Deal Firm of the Year at ALB SE Asia Law Awards 2011. Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Award 2010. Law firm of the Year at India Business Law Journals 2010 Indian Law Firm Awards.
Kolkata Anand Lok, 227, AJC Bose Road Kolkata - 700 020 India Telephone +91 33 2865 0268 Fax +91 33 2247 2349
Contact Mr Shardul S Shroff Email shardul.shroff@amarchand.com
July/August 2011
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Intelligence report
Anand and Anand

Established in 1979
Number of partners: 8 Number of associates: 80 Principal offices: New Delhi, Noida Other offices: Chennai, Mumbai
Contact us New Delhi Tel: +91 11 4335 3000 email@anandandanand.com Noida Telephone: +91 120 405 9300 email@anandandanand.com Chennai Telephone: +91 44 4344 3777 chennai@anandandanand.com Mumbai Telephone: +91 22 2263 1488 mumbai@anandandanand.com Contact: Mr Pravin Anand www.anandandanand.com
Key practice area: Intellectual property protection and enforcement. Our services: Anand and Anand acts for Fortune 500 companies, among others, and serves a broad spectrum of industries. The firm is at the forefront of contentious IP litigation and trademark and patent prosecution. It advises on all aspects of core intellectual property laws as well as geographical indications; contractual and commercial IP; conveyancing, franchising and licensing; character merchandising; personality rights; libel and privacy laws; brand acquisitions; advertising laws; packaging laws; competition and consumer laws; border control measures, including recordal of IP rights with customs; domain names; internet laws; technology transfers; IP audits and valuation; IP leveraging, including manpower; IP mortgage/pledging; venture capital and idea incubation and funding; pre-IPO audits of IP rights and compliances; advice on doing business in India; partner searches and IP due diligences; advising on business models, incorporation of companies and obtaining government approvals.
ARA LAW
Established in 1996
Number of partners: 2 Number of associates: 16 Principal office: Mumbai Other office: Bengaluru
Contact us Mumbai 3/F, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Bldg 7 Netaji Subhash Road Charni Road (W) Mumbai - 400 002, India Tel: +91 22 6619 9800 Fax: +91 22 6619 9899 Bengaluru G/F, The Hulkul, #81/37 Lavelle Road Bengaluru - 560 001, India Tel: +91 80 2222 9800 Telefax: +91 80 2222 9801 Contact Rajesh Begur Email: rajesh@aralaw.com www.aralaw.com
Key practice areas: Banking & finance, capital markets, infrastructure, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, real estate, TMT. Our services: ARA LAW is a first-generation boutique law firm established in 1996 in Mumbai. The firm has focused on its core practice areas and has over time built the desired experience, knowledge and skill-set to deliver high quality, consistent, cost-effective advice to its clients. The firm has grown quickly into one of the respectable law firms in India with offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru. ARA LAW believes that traveling the extra mile in achieving business-critical goals is the right way to assist its clients. ARA LAW promptly mobilizes its human resources to achieve quick turnarounds, which is one of the critical challenges of modern business transactions. The firm enjoys an excellent reputation among its domestic and international clients which include commercial banks, financial institutions, Fortune 500 companies, equity, private equity/venture capital funds, government authorities, and industrial and commercial companies.
July/August 2011
Intelligence report
Argus Partners
Established in 2009
Key practice areas: General corporate, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, projects, project finance, banking & finance, real estate, mining, education, succession planning & family business restructuring. Our services: Established in 2009 and having offices in Mumbai and Kolkata, Argus Partners is a leading corporate law firm with a diverse practice portfolio. Within a short span of time, the firm has built a formidable reputation for its work and has been acknowledged and appreciated by its clients and peers for providing quality services. The firm won the Best Newcomer award in India Business Law Journals 2010 Indian Law Firm Awards and the award for the New Law Firm of the Year India at the ACQ Global Awards, 2010. Mergermarket, the financial intelligence arm of the Financial Times, ranked Argus Partners among the top five Indian law firms in the M&A space during the first quarter of 2010. International Financial Law Review and AsiaLaw have recognized Argus Partners as one of the notable Indian law firms in the corporate and M&A space. Founded by lawyers who have more than 20 years combined experience in handling domestic and cross-border transactions, the firm has grown considerably. Its clientele includes industry and business leaders in all segments of the market and at various stages in the growth of their businesses.
Contact us Mumbai 109, Nav Neelam Building 108, RG Thadani Marg Worli Sea Face Mumbai - 400 018, India Tel: +91 22 2498 5900/01 Fax: +91 22 2498 5902 Kolkata 238B AJC Bose Road, 1st Floor Kolkata - 700 020, India Tel: +91 33 4065 0155/56 Fax: +91 33 4065 0157 Contact person Mr Krishnava Dutt Managing Partner krishnava.dutt@arguspartners.in
AZB & Partners

Established in 2004
Number of partners: 19 Number of associates: 221 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: New Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai
Contact us Mumbai 23rd Floor Express Towers Nariman Point Mumbai - 400 021, India Telephone: +91 22 6639 6880 Fax: +91 22 6639 6888 Email: mumbai@azbpartners.com Contact: Ms Zia Mody New Delhi Plot No A-8, Sector 4 Noida - 201 301, India Telephone: +91 120 417 9999 Fax: +91 120 417 9900 Email: delhi@azbpartners.com Contact: Mr Ajay Bahl
Key practice areas: M&A, joint ventures & general corporate, regulatory practice & securities laws, private equity, capital markets, funds practice, banking & finance, microfinance, derivatives, infrastructure & project finance, real estate, media & entertainment, IT & business process outsourcing, employment, insurance, intellectual property, pharmaceuticals & biotechnology, taxation, aviation, competition law, litigation & arbitration. Our services: AZB & Partners is one of the prominent law firms in India. Our aim is to provide clear, concise and practical advice based on our in-depth knowledge of the legal, regulatory and commercial environment within which our clients operate, as well as our understanding of their business objectives. The firm has received wide national and international acclaim for its work. Recent awards include Private Equity and Venture Capital India Team of the Year, 2011, Mergers & Acquisitions India Team of the Year, 2011, and the Firm of the Year Mumbai, 2011, at the IFLR Asian Awards. The firm was also named one of Indias Best Overall Law Firms, 2010, by India Business Law Journal in February 2011 and received the award for Law Firm of the Year at the ACQ Law Awards, 2011.
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Intelligence report
Bharucha & Partners

Established in 2008
Number of partners: 5 Number of associates: 35 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: New Delhi
Contact us Mumbai Cecil Court, 4th Floor MK Bhushan Marg Colaba Mumbai - 400 039, India Telephone: +91 22 2289 9300 Fax: +91 22 2282 3900 Email: sr.partner@bharucha.in Contact person: Alka Bharucha New Delhi Enkay House 4/48, Malcha Marg SC Diplomatic Enclave New Delhi - 110 021, India Telephone: +91 11 4593 9300 Fax: +91 11 4593 9399 Email: kumkum.sen@bharucha.in Contact person: Kumkum Sen
Key practice areas: Mergers & acquisitions, corporate restructuring, joint ventures, private equity, banking, structured finance, project and project finance, capital markets, litigation, international and domestic arbitration, intellectual property, financial regulation. Our services: Established in March 2008 in Mumbai with four partners and nine associates, Bharucha & Partners has now expanded to three offices in two cities with 40 lawyers. Bharucha & Partners is dedicated to excellence, bringing to you a blend of rich experience, creativity and energy of youth. Each of the partners has a proven track record of handling commercial transactions or disputes. Each associate has been individually groomed or selected as sharing the qualities and vision of the partners. With five partners and 35 associates we work across practice areas and count leading international and corporate houses, banks, financial institutions and funds among our clients.
Chitale & Chitale Partners

Established in 1993 as A Y Chitale & Associates and in 2008 as Chitale & Chitale Partners
Number of partners: 3 Number of associates: 28 Principal office: New Delhi
Contact us
Key practice areas: Litigation, arbitration, corporate & commercial laws, mergers & acquisitions, competition law & antitrust, trade laws, infrastructure projects, disinvestments, restructuring, banking & finance, intellectual property, construction, media & internet, employment law. Our services: Chitale & Chitale Partners is a full-service law firm providing quality legal advice to its clients in matters relating to commercial laws. The approach is result-oriented while maintaining the highest standards. The main areas in which the firm has expertise are litigation, arbitration, competition law, anti-trust and trade law, corporate and commercial laws, regulatory advice, mergers and acquisitions, project documentation for infrastructure projects, aviation and defence, disinvestments, restructuring, banking and finance, construction, media, employment and intellectual property.
C-83 Neeti Bagh New Delhi India Telephone +91 11 4164 2965 +91 11 4164 2966 +91 11 4164 2967 Fax +91 11 41642964 Email suchitra@chitales.com Contact Mrs Suchitra Chitale
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Clasis Law
Established in 2010
Number of partners: 9 Number of associates: 35 Principal offices: London, Mumbai, New Delhi Other offices: Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune
Contact us Mumbai Tel: +91 22 4332 7536 Fax: +91 22 4332 7600 Email: mumbai@clasislaw.com Mr Ishtiaq Ali, Ms Renu Parekh New Delhi Tel: +91 11 4662 9000 Fax: +91 11 4662 9001 Email: delhi@clasislaw.com Mr Vineet Aneja Mr Sidanth Rajagopal London Tel: +44 20 7876 4848 Fax: +44 20 7876 5132 Email: london@clasislaw.com Ms Shalini Agarwal Mr Sakate Khaitan
Key practice areas: Corporate & commercial, banking & project finance, private equity & venture capital, real estate, tax, private client, employment & immigration, intellectual property, capital markets, foreign direct investment, infrastructure & construction, litigation, aviation, arbitration & alternate dispute resolution. Our services: Clasis Law is a full-service Indian law firm that is truly international in vision, scope, experience and capability. The hallmarks of the firm include a high degree of legal expertise, commitment to excellence, efficiency, integrity, focus and client care. Our partners have a well established track record in personally assisting and guiding foreign companies and international clients on the legal and regulatory ramifications of doing business in India. Having an office in London, which is fully staffed with Indian lawyers that provide advice on matters relating to Indian law and jurisdiction, benefits Clasis Law in operating across different time zones. We are able to meet tight deadlines and provide clients with access to legal advisers in different continents, to suit their business requirements.
Dave & Girish & Co

Established in 1978
Number of partners: 2 Number of associates: 17 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: Bangalore (associate office in New Delhi)
Contact us Mumbai 1st Floor, Sethna Building 55 Maharshi Karve Rd, Marine Lines, Mumbai - 400 002, India Tel: +91 22 2206 2132, 2206 2192 Fax: +91 22 2208 5620 Email: gdave@davegirish.com mona@davegirish.com Bangalore 609, 6th Floor, A Wing Mittal Tower, MG Road Bangalore - 560 001, India Tel: +91 80 6631 0096/97 Email: mona_bgl@davegirish.com Contacts Mr Girish Dave, Managing Partner Ms Mona Bhide, Partner
Key practice areas: Banking, mutual funds, securities laws, project finance, structuring & security documentation, securitization, derivatives, mergers & acquisitions (including corporate restructuring), external commercial borrowings, structured financing, computer software & hardware contracts, company formations, joint ventures, litigations, arbitration, conciliation & mediations, due diligence, property conveyancing & leasing. Our services: Dave & Girish & Co has the advantage of having very dedicated, hardworking and experienced partners and a team of energetic and enthusiastic lawyers. The firm has been in existence for more than 30 years and it enjoys a sound reputation. Please visit our website at www.davegirish.com.
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DH Law Associates
Established in 1997
Number of partners: 5 Number of associates: 25 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: Goa, Patna
Contact us 87, Jolly Maker Chamber II 225, Nariman Point Mumbai - 400 021, India Telephone +91 22 6625 2222 Fax +91 22 2256 5821 Email nusrat@dhlawassociates.com Contact person Mr Nusrat Hassan Website www.dhlawassociates.com
Key practice areas: Foreign direct investment, dispute resolution (litigation & arbitration), M&A & private equity, corporate & commercial, real estate, media & entertainment, banking & finance, intellectual property rights, labour & employment, securities & capital markets, information technology, hospitality & leisure, renewable energy, art law, will & trusts, project infrastructure. Our services: At DH Law Associates, we seek to deliver effective legal solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients within the complex Indian legal environment. Our Lawyers possess extensive experience in their respective practice areas both in India and abroad. Our illustrious list of clients and the recognition we have received within the legal fraternity bear ample testimony. Our domestic clients include some of the leading corporate houses in India from a wide spectrum of industry segments, including manufacturing, telecom, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, banking, media, financial services, entertainment, mining and energy. Foreign clients from several counties treat us as their trusted advisors in India.
Dua Associates
Established in 1986
Number of partners: 50 Number of associates: 200+ Principal office: New Delhi Other offices: Bangalore, Chennai, Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Singapore
Contact us 202- 206, Tolstoy House 15 Tolstoy Marg New Delhi - 110 001, India Telephone +91 11 2371 4408 Fax +91 11 2331 7746 +91 11 2335 7097 Email balinder@duaassociates.com Website www.duaassociates.com Contact Balinder Singh
Key practice areas: Mergers & acquisitions, finance & banking, corporate & commercial, capital markets, dispute resolution including litigation and arbitration, labour & employment, antitrust & competition law, real estate, infrastructure, insurance. Our services: Dua Associates is one of Indias prominent national law firms with full-fledged offices across eight metropolitan cities in India and one in Singapore. For more than a quarter century, on the significant experience of its partners and associates, Dua Associates has provided a wide range of legal services to a diverse domestic and international clientele, which include Fortune 500 companies, listed companies, public-sector enterprises, privately-owned businesses, financial institutions, banks, private equity firms, venture capitalists, multilateral organizations and eminent corporations from the US, Europe, Japan and the Asia Pacific.
July/August 2011
Intelligence report
Economic Laws Practice

Established in 2001
Number of partners: 18 Number of associates: 85 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune
Contact us 1502, Dalamal Towers Free Press Journal Marg Nariman Point Mumbai - 400 021 India Telephone +91 22 6636 7000 Fax 91 22 6636 7172 Email mumbai@elp-in.com Website www.elplaw.in
Key practice areas: Tax, international trade & WTO, infrastructure & project finance, corporate & commercial, dispute resolution & arbitration, private equity & venture capital, real estate, hospitality & leisure, media & entertainment, anti-trust & competition, corporate finance, securitization. Our services: Economic Laws Practice (ELP), established in 2001, stands as a premium law firm that is made up of values through which we endeavor deliver the best results to our clients. Our approach towards the clients is backed through experience, research, in-depth understanding of the industry and a foresight that enables us to look at possibilities where others find none. At ELP, we stand as an ensemble of experience and expertise that is shaped by partnering our Indian clients on their domestic and international needs in our areas of expertise; and international clients in matters concerning their India-related businesses and transactions. We have, time and again, earned our clients appreciation for our timely and qualitative responses that are benchmarked to global standards. At ELP, several of our partners and associates have qualified and/or worked abroad and hence, hold a skill set that is built through an international exposure that houses both, diversity and competence. In its eight year of existence, the firm has established four offices, throughout India and built a diverse team which offers our clients local support and offers specializations where they are required. By way of example, our Delhi office offers litigation services in the Supreme Court as well as the gambit of the apex appellate bodies located there. The suite of services offered at ELP meets the needs of our clients from entry (structuring) to any eventual exit (dispute resolution). Our partners hold both global experience and local expertise that certify them to excel in international jurisdictions. With an assembly of solicitors who have been in practice, with esteemed organizations for over 16 years, we at ELP regularly assists several leading corporate from legal advisory services which have an impact on key business decisions. Our lawyers have been called upon to represent the Government of India at the WTO before the panel and appellate body.
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Intelligence report
Gagrats
Established in 2005
Number of partners and associates: 55+ Principal office: Mumbai Associate offices: New Delhi, Dubai
Contact us Nirmal, Nariman Point Mumbai 400 021, India Telephone +91 22 6752 9037-52 (Mumbai) +91 11 2332 2311 (New Delhi) +971 472 5164 (Dubai) Fax +91 22 6752 9053 (Mumbai) +91 11 2371 3657 (New Delhi) +971 472 5049 (Dubai) Email: gagrats@gagrats.com Contacts Mr RJ Gagrat (Mumbai) Mr UA Rana (New Delhi) Mr HD Gardi (Dubai)
Key practice areas: Arbitration, assetbased finance, aviation, banking & finance, capital markets, competition law, corporate, dispute resolution, infrastructure, projects & energy, insurance, intellectual property, investment funds, M&A, oil & gas, private equity, project finance, real estate, securities law, shipping, TMT and tax. Our services: Gagrats has a broad-based practice covering a wide range of legal disciplines. Most of the members of the firm have attended prestigious universities in England, the US and India. Some of the partners of the firm have qualified as solicitors of the Supreme Court of England. The firm has represented clients on significant transactions, including cross-border financings, large acquisitions and disposals in India and overseas, private equity deals, power projects and securities offerings, including initial public offerings and offerings of American depositary receipts, global depository receipts and foreign-currency convertible bonds. The firm has been a recipient of India Business Law Journals 2008, 2009 and 2010 Indian Law Firm Awards and of the 2011 Global Awards of Corporate International magazine.
Gopakumar Nair Associates

Established in 2002
Number of associates: 20 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: Chennai, Pune
Contact us 3rd Floor, Shivmangal Next to Big Bazaar, Akurli Road Kandivli (East) Mumbai - 400 101, India Telephone +91 22 4089 5454 +91 22 2887 2058 Fax +91 22 2846 2455 Email gopanair@gnaipr.net Website www.gnaipr.com Contact: Dr Gopakumar G Nair
Key practice areas: IPR, patent, trademarks, copyright, design, licensing & technology transfer, regulatory affairs, representation in India for pharma, chemical-related & clinical operations, Indian patent status, infringement analysis & FTO certifications, legal opinions & support services. Our services: Gopakumar Nair Associates (GNAs) is a premier intellectual property consultancy and legal advisory firm providing high-quality legal and technological solutions for companies in the biotechnology, biomedical, chemical, health care, pharmaceutical, and other knowledge based industries. We specialize in patent drafting, filing and prosecution with a high rate of success. Founded by Dr Gopakumar G Nair, GNAs helps its clients to identify and seize opportunities as well as to defuse threats to their intellectual prosperity. Though GNAs is only nine years old, it has unrivalled ability and experience and is geared to the latest IP/patent practices in India.
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India Law Services

Established in 1997
Number of partners: 5 Number of associates: 12 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore
Contact us Mumbai Mr AG Karkhanis, Mr TR Desai, Ms V Bhagvat Tel: +91 22 6633 6791-94 Fax: +91 22 6633 6790 karkhanisag@indialawservices.net tushardesai@indialawservice.net vb@indialawservices.net New Delhi Mr KA Najmi Tel: +91 11 4652 7181 najmi@indialawservices.net Chennai Mr K Ravindran Tel: +91 44 3251 9399 ravindran@indialawservice.net
Key practice areas: Project finance, banking & finance, real estate, corporate advisory. Our services: Over the years the firm has acted as lenders counsel in a large number of infrastructure deals such as mega power projects, road projects, ports, airports, to name a few. In addition, the firm has advised in setting up a large number of projects in fields such as cement, steel, hotels and other industrial projects. The firm is well known in the specialized area of project finance and has been repeatedly rated in the top three firms in this field by Dealogic. Mr AG Karkhanis and Ms V Bhagwat look after the project finance work from Mumbai. Mr Karkhanis is accepted as the preferred choice of lenders in the field of project finance and banking. Mr TR Desai looks after the banking, real estate and corporate advisory unit. Mr K Najmi and Mr K Ravindran head the New Delhi and the Chennai offices respectively. Mr PL Vijaykumar will be heading the Bangalore office, which is scheduled to open on 1 September 2011. The panoply of experience of each partner in his/her respective fields of operations gives the firm a unique blend of experience and knowledge.
IPR International Services

Established in 2003
Contact us Block No. 8, Building No. 2 Rajinder Nagar New Delhi -110 060, India Telephone +91 11 2586 1168/2576 1755 Fax +91 11 4243 6540/258 64213 Email ipris@vsnl.net, ipris@rediffmail.com Websites www.ipr.in www.iprindia.org Contact person Neha Chugh
Key practice areas: Patents, trademarks, designs, copyright, domain names, plant varieties, geographical indications. Our services: IPR International Services is a specialist intellectual property-focused law firm which provides services in the fields of patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs, geographical indications, plant varieties, etc., and works to safeguard the IP rights of its clients. The firm has acquired broad professional expertise in all aspects of IPR and has a team of well-qualified experts in the fields of science, engineering and law. The firm has manpower qualified in the legal and technical fields of science and technology. Our prime concern is to provide a service of quality and professionalism. We aim to work closely with clients to gain a genuine insight into their commercial situation. This helps us find the most cost-effective way to provide the required level of protection to meet the particular needs of an individual client. We understand the varied needs of IP owners and recognize that, to be successful, IP lawyers we must be actively involved in a clients business development.
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Intelligence report
J Sagar Associates
Established in 1991
Number of partners: 48 Number of associates: 180+ Principal offices: Gurgaon, Mumbai Other offices: New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad
Contact us Gurgaon Sandstone Crest Opp. Park Plaza Hotel Sushant Lok - 1, Gurgaon - 122 009 National Capital Region, India Tel: +91 124 4390 600 Fax: +91 124 4390 617 Email: gurgaon@jsalaw.com New Delhi 27, Community Centre East of Kailash New Delhi - 110 065, India Tel: +91 11 4311 0600 Fax: +91 11 4311 0617 Email: newdelhi@jsalaw.com Mumbai Vakils House, 18 Sprott Road Ballard Estate Mumbai - 400 001, India Tel: +91 22 4341 8600 Fax: +91 22 4341 8617 Email: mumbai@jsalaw.com Bangalore 2 Frontline Grandeur 14 Walton Road Bangalore - 560 001, India Tel: +91 80 4350 3600 Fax: +91 80 4350 3617 Email: bangalore@jsalaw.com Hyderabad Plot No 106, Road No 1 Jubilee Hills Hyderabad - 500 033, India Tel: +91 40 4036 0600 Fax: +91 40 4036 0617 Email: hyderabad@jsalaw.com Contacts Jyoti Sagar, Founder Partner jyoti@jsalaw.com Berjis Desai, Managing Partner berjis@jsalaw.com
Key practice areas: General corporate commercial, M&A, private equity, projects, banking & finance, capital markets & securities, regulatory & policy, dispute resolution, taxation. Key sectors: Energy, mining, hospitality & leisure, education, asset management & financial institutions, transportation, real estate, knowledgebased industries (IT/ITES/life sciences), media & entertainment, sports, communications (telecom & broadcasting), urban infrastructure, retail & franchising, construction & engineering, insurance, defence & internal security, manufacturing, consumer products, industrial products & durables, services, agriculture & plantations, NGOs. Our services: J Sagar Associates (JSA) is a leading national law firm comprising over 200 lawyers and consultants, including 48 partners based in New Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. For almost two decades our experienced lawyers have provided legal advice and services of the highest possible standard to international and domestic clients. JSAs mission is to provide outstanding legal solutions in its chosen practice areas with a strong emphasis on ethics. Our clients benefit from the expertise and experience of a large firm, while still enjoying the privilege of personal attention and responsiveness that is typical of smaller firms. JSAs practice extends across diverse sectors of industry and services such as consumer & industrial products, consumer durables, financial services & banking, and energy & transportation. Our lawyers understand and appreciate the different challenges that clients face in the current business environment as a result of technological changes, evolving government regulations and competitive pressures in the marketplace. JSA provides a diverse set of legal services to its clients and assists them to meet these challenges successfully. Awards and accolades: JSA has been ranked among the Top Three Indian Law Firms for two years in a row by the annual Rainmaker Law Firm Survey (2008 & 2009). JSA has been ranked number one in Quality and overall among the Top Three Indian Law Firms by the RSG-India Top 40 surveys of 2009 & 2010. India Business Law Journal named JSA one of Indias Best Overall Law Firms in its annual Indian Law Firm Awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
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Juris Corp
Established in 2000
Number of partners: 11 Number of of counsel: 3 Number of associates: 44 Principal office: Mumbai Other office: New Delhi
Contact us Mumbai 1104A, Raheja Chambers Free Press Journal Marg Nariman Point Mumbai - 400 021, India Tel: +91 22 4057 5555 Fax: +91 22 2204 3579 New Delhi H-17, Lower Ground Floor Kailash Colony New Delhi - 110 048, India Tel: +91 11 4175 1889 Fax: +91 11 4108 4175 Contact person: Ms Detty Davis Partner Email: d.davis@jclex.com
Key practice areas: Bankruptcy & corporate restructuring, banking & finance, competition law, corporate & commercial, direct taxation, dispute resolution, energy & infrastructure, information technology, intellectual property rights, insurance, international arbitration, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, project finance, property & real estate. Our services: The objective of the firm is to provide unbiased and unmatched legal services in all areas of practice. We aim to be the preferred law firm of all of our clients and to be deserving enough to become their strategic business partner rather than simply advising them on individual deals. The firm believes in being innovative rather than just following archaical modes of working and set patterns in India. For a firm of our size, we are humbled by the fact that year-on-year some of the best names in the world have chosen us to act on the largest and most complex transactions. We thrive on quality and winning clients trust.
Kanga & Company

Established in 1890
Number of partners: 12 Number of associates: 31 Principal office: Mumbai
Contact us Readymoney Mansion 43, Veer Nariman Road, Fort Mumbai - 400 001, India Telephone +91 22 6623 0000, 6633 2288 Fax +91 22 6633 9656, 6633 9657 Email mail@kangacompany.com Website www.kangacompany.com Contact Mr ML Bhakta Managing Partner
Key practice areas: Mergers & acquisitions, private equity, capital markets, corporate law, banking & finance, real estate, infrastructure projects, litigation & dispute resolution, franchising, intellectual property and taxation. Our services: Established in 1890, Kanga & Co is one of Indias oldest law firms. The firm is known for its sound advice and swift turnaround time, which has been highly appreciated and acknowledged by its clients worldwide. Kanga & Co was awarded India Business Law Journals 2008 Indian Law Firm Award in the construction & real estate category. In 2009 it won India Business Law Journals awards for construction & real estate and labour & employment, and it won an award for construction & real estate again in 2010. Mr ML Bhakta and Ms Preeti Mehta have been named Leading Lawyers by Asialaw. Ms Preeti Mehta has been recognized as one of the Leading Lawyers by The International Whos Who of Merger & Acquisition Lawyers and The International Whos Who of Franchise Lawyers.
July/August 2011
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Intelligence report
Karanjawala & Company

Established in 1983
Contact us 12th Floor, Hindustan Times House 18-20. Kasturba Gandhi Marg New Delhi - 110 001 Telephone +91 11 4358 8888 +91 11 4358 8801-8899 Fax +91 11 4155 1910 +91 11 4358 8800 Email karanjawala@karanjawala.in Contact person Mr Raian Karanjawala
Key practice areas: Litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution and corporate and commercial practice. Our services: Karanjawala & Company is a law firm based out of New Delhi, having been in existence and active practice since 1983. It is regarded as one of the most prominent law firms in India in litigation and dispute resolution, with a burgeoning corporate/commercial practice. Karanjawala & Company has an overall strength of over 55 professionals with diverse experience in different areas of law. The firm has been conferred numerous awards, such as the prestigious European CEO Best Dispute Resolution Team, India, 2009 Award and India Business Law Journals prestigious Indian Law Firm Awards, 2009 and 2010, and has been listed among the top-tier firms for dispute resolution in Asialaw Profiles. Karanjawala & Company also has the distinction of being listed in Asia Pacific Legal 500 as a top-tier firm in New Delhi for dispute resolution and in Chambers and Partners (Asia) as a Band 1 firm for both Dispute Resolution: Litigation, New Delhi, and Dispute Resolution, National. Mr Raian Karanjawala was also named in the list of the 50 most influential people in India by India Today magazine in 2004.
Khaitan & Co
Established in 1911
Number of partners: 53 Number of associates: 237 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: New Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata
Contact us Mumbai One Indiabulls Centre Tower 1, 13th Floor 841 Senapati Bapat Marg Elphinstone Road Mumbai - 400 013, India Tel: +91 22 6636 5000 Fax: +91 22 6636 5050 Email: mumbai@khaitanco.com New Delhi Email: delhi@khaitanco.com Kolkata Email: kolkata@khaitanco.com Bangalore Email: bangalore@khaitanco.com
Key practice areas: Banking & finance; capital markets; competition law & policy; corporate/commercial; cross-border investments (inward & overseas); dispute resolution; ecology, environment & wildlife laws; estates, trusts & personal client work; funds; information technology; infrastructure projects & project finance; intellectual property; labour laws; mining & mineral exploration; real estate; taxation (direct and indirect); trade laws. Our services: Khaitan & Co is an Indian law firm which combines a rich heritage of a hundred years with modern, cutting-edge legal practices and offers full-service legal solutions under one roof to its clients in India and overseas. Founded in 1911, the firm today has offices in Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. The firm blends close to a centurys worth of experience with a solution-oriented approach for its clients. It advises a wide array of clients on complex domestic and cross-border transactions and issues requiring an understanding of corporate finance and strategy, sectoral expertise, international and domestic taxation, employment, regulatory and other relevant aspects.
July/August 2011
Intelligence report
Krishna & Saurastri Associates

Established in 1992
Contact us Number of partners: 5 Number of associates: 25 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Pune, New Delhi New Excelsior Building, 7th Floor AK Nayak Marg, Fort Mumbai - 400 001, India Telephone +91 22 2200 6322 Fax +91 22 2200 6326 Email info@krishnaandsaurastri.com Website www.krishnaandsaurastri.com Contact Mr Manish Saurastri Partner
Key practice areas: Trademarks, patents, designs, copyrights, technology law, entertainment & media law, licensing, franchising, agreement & commercial law. Our services: Krishna & Saurastri Associates is a well-established patent and trademark law firm with a practice that offers a complete range of intellectual property services. The firm is also well-entrenched and equipped to render an extensive array of legal services through its associate companies. In a short span of time, the firm has built a solid reputation based on its legal finesse and cost efficient solutions. Today, numerous multinationals, Indian corporate giants, entrepreneurs and individuals have made Krishna & Saurastri Associates their preferred choice.
Krishnamurthy and Co
Established in 1999
Number of partners: 4 Number of associates: 60 Principal offices: Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi
Contact us Mumbai No.704, 7th Floor, Raheja Centre 214, Nariman Point Mumbai - 400 021, India Tel: + 91 22 2282 9575/2282 9576 Fax: + 91 22 2282 9577 Bangalore No.715 1st Main Indiranagar 1st Stage Bangalore - 560 038, India Tel: +91 80 2528 3685 Contact Ms Naina Krishna Murthy Managing Partner Email naina@klaw.in
Key practice areas: Corporate, intellectual property, real estate, litigation, information technology, entertainment & media, oil & gas, power, telecommunications, banking & insurance, life sciences, biotechnology. Our services: Krishnamurthy and Co (K Law), established in 1999, is a full-service law firm providing a wide spectrum of sophisticated legal services in various business sectors. The primary focus of the firm is on corporate, intellectual property, real estate laws and litigation, where it has niche expertise and skills. Sensitive to client needs, K Law works closely with clients and believes each client is important, deserving equal, meticulous and professional attention. K Law provides unfailing top-quality work, short turnaround time and easy accessibility to clients with a focus on attention to detail. K Law takes pride in its winning combination of professional, experienced, dedicated and dynamic team. K Law presently has a team of 64 attorneys across four offices in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Chennai.
July/August 2011
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Intelligence report
Lall Lahiri & Salhotra

Established in 1983
Number of partners: 4 Number of associates: 40 Principal office: Gurgaon (National Capital Region)
Contact us LLS House Plot No. B-28, Sector 32 Institutional Area Gurgaon - 122 001 National Capital Region, India Telephone +91 124 238 2202 +91 124 238 2203 +91 124 403 6823 +91 124 238 4898 Email gpo@lls.in Rahul@lls.in Contact person Mr Rahul Chaudhry Partner Website www.lls.in
Key practice areas: Lall Lahiri & Salhotra (LLS) is engaged in providing IP services to clients across all industries in relation to all forms of IP, be it trademarks, patents, copyrights, domain names or IP litigation. LLS has a flourishing and among the leading trademark prosecution and patent prosecution practices in the country and is also involved in some of the most high-profile litigations in the country. In addition, LLS assists its clients in developing strategies and roadmaps for IP development, management and protection. Our services: Lall Lahiri & Salhotra is one of the first and most successful IP practices in India, with over 28 years of experience. LLS provides the full range of advisory services on all matters relating to intellectual property including IP management strategies, alternative dispute resolution, IP prosecution and litigation. Our litigation, opposition and prosecution teams, with excellent track records, are regarded as leaders in the field. Our partners and associates have successfully litigated all over the country in diverse jurisdictions, from lowest to the highest courts in India. We have also, on behalf of our clients, carried out trademark, patent, design and copyright filings worldwide. LLS focuses on each clients individual requirements and has, in the last 28 years, provided client-specific services across all industry segments. LLS has been a partner to some of the biggest names in IP by enabling corporate houses and individuals to manage the most complex and diverse portfolios and providing consultation on the most fruitful exploitation of IP rights, keeping in mind the business goals of each of its clients. We have been instrumental in providing enforcement strategies to our clients that meet their specific business needs, ranging from civil or criminal action to customs and border actions. The firm operates on the principle of specialized teams for each manner of work that the firm undertakes to ensure that every matter of a client is serviced by experienced professionals. At the same time we maintain flexibility between teams to ensure collaboration between various professionals for matters involving complex and overlapping actions. We believe that in a clients interests, our own interests lie and therefore work towards ensuring that regular feedback and update is provided to clients along with short turnaround times. The firms clients include the biggest corporate names in fields as diverse as pharmaceuticals, FMCG, consumer goods, IT, fashion, telecom, electronics, etc. Relying on long experience and a sound grasp of legal concepts and IP knowledge has ensured the firms formidable reputation and leadership position.
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Law Point
Established in 2002
Number of partners: 2 Number of associates: 23 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: Navi Mumbai, Pune
Contact us Telephone +91 22 4248 4248 Fax +91 22 4248 4249 Email lawpoint@lawpointindia.com Mumbai (head office) 301, Vaibhav Chambers Opp. Income Tax Office Bandra-Kurla Complex Bandra (E), Mumbai 400 051 India Mumbai (Fort) Office No 43 & 46-B, 4th floor Bombay Mutual Chambers 19/21, Ambalal Doshi Marg, Fort Mumbai 400 023, India Navi Mumbai 2, Neel Atharva Opp. Durga Mata Temple Telephone Exchange Road Panvel, Navi Mumbai 410 206 India Pune 245, Sohrab Hall 21, Sasoon Road Pune 411 001, India Contacts Joyita Sabharwal joyita@lawpointindia.com Samir Sanghavi samir@lawpointindia.com
Key practice areas: Real estate, corporate real estate, project finance, direct & indirect taxes, Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The firm: Law Point is a boutique real estate law firm offering comprehensive legal and financial services covering all facets of real estate ranging from commercial, residential and infrastructure development to joint venture projects. The guiding philosophy of Law Point has been that legal advisory services or taxation/financial advisory services individually and standalone cannot provide a comprehensive solution to any real estate project. The firm has therefore developed the expertise to provide a suite of all-encompassing real estate solutions comprising legal, tax and financial services. The combined talent of the legal professionals and associated chartered accountants, which is still unusual in the current legal scenario in India, ensures that every project benefits from the expertise of a well balanced team, bringing in the requisite expertise in all aspects of the client brief. Law Points niche lies in catering to the pre as well as post requirements of a client participating in a real estate project, with the objective of providing end-to-end solutions from due diligence to tax structuring, thus providing a one-stop solution for the entire project. While providing the entire range of services pertaining to real estate, the firms distinctiveness lies in its expert advice/solutions in the areas of regulatory guidelines, valuation and allied tax laws which ensure a tax-efficient proposal and solution to the client. Moreover, the firms proficiency in proactively exploring all options pertaining to a project has enabled it to establish a unique identity as it is able to diagnose inherent lacunae and detect potential hurdles and roadblocks at the inception of any deal and is therefore able to design a workable solution addressing the income tax, capital gain tax, FEMA laws, Reserve Bank guidelines, service tax, VAT and stamp duty implications. This capability also translates into successful and speedy conclusion of contracts. Our services: Services offered include legal, technical, secretarial, financial due diligence, investment/transaction structuring, advisory services on land-use and zoning regulations, debt structuring for real estate venture capital funds, financial structuring, stamp duty and registration procedures and all related documentation for concluding of simple as well as complex contracts. The breadth of transactions includes setting up of information technology parks, industrial parks, special economic zones, integrated special townships and malls, mhada/society redevelopments, slum rehabilitation developments, the acquisition of agricultural land and commercial contracts in real estate, where the firm extends its legal, financial advisory and documentation capabilities. The firm has also extensively advised FDI compliant domestic/foreign funds investing in real estate projects.
July/August 2011
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Intelligence report
Majmudar & Co
Established in 1943
Number of partners: 7 Number of associates: 50 Principal offices: Mumbai, Bangalore Other offices: New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai
Contact us Mr Akil Hirani Managing Partner 601/ 604, Naman Centre A Wing C-31 G-Block Bandra-Kurla Complex Bandra (East) Mumbai - 400 051, India Telephone +91 22 6123 7272 Fax +91 22 6123 7252 Email akil@majmudarindia.com Mr Neerav Merchant Partner 21/4, Ismail Building 381, Dr DN Road, Flora Fountain Mumbai - 400 001, India Telephone +91 22 6610 1131 Fax +91 22 6610 1135 Email nmerchant@majmudarindia.com Mr N Raja Sujith Partner 202, Pride Elite 10, Museum Road Bangalore 560 001, India Telephone +91 80 4147 0000 Fax +91 80 4147 0010 Email nraja@majmudarindia.com Website www.majmudarindia.com
Key practice areas: Corporate, M&A, joint ventures, antitrust/competition, corporate finance and securities, tax, investment funds, banking and finance, restructuring and insolvency, IP, technology, licensing, outsourcing, telecommunications, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, employment, real property law, litigation and arbitration. Our services: Majmudar & Co has evolved into one of Indias premier law firms representing the whos who of banks, companies and financial institutions. The firm specializes in corporate, M&A, joint ventures, antitrust/competition, corporate finance and securities, tax, investment funds, banking and finance, restructuring and insolvency, IP, technology, licensing, outsourcing, telecommunication, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, employment, and real property law. It also has an active litigation and arbitration practice that cuts across all of the firms practice areas. Our people: The best-known personalities of the firm are its managing partner, Mr Akil Hirani; senior advisor and partner, Mr AK Hirani; partner, Mr Rukshad Davar; partner, Mr Neerav Merchant; tax of-counsel, Mr Anil Asher; and Bangalore office partner, Mr N Raja Sujith. Mr. Akil Hirani, who has been in practice for over 19 years, is admitted in England & Wales and California (currently inactive) and India. He oversees the firms transactional, regulatory, and finance practice groups. Mr AK Hirani, who has been in practice for over 40 years, is a specialist in banking and real property law. Mr Rukshad Davar is a corporate/M&A partner and Mr Neerav Merchant heads the company/commercial and dispute resolution teams. Mr Anil Asher co-heads the tax practice and Mr N Raja Sujith is a foreign investment, corporate, technology, and employment law specialist in the Bangalore office. Accolades: Chambers Asia describes Majmudar & Co as a full-service outfit and lauds the firm for its responsiveness. In the 2011 edition of Chambers Asia, the firms clients have praised the firm for its knowledgeable and experienced team with strong and effective professional networks throughout India. The firms clients have described Majmudar & Cos turnaround time as phenomenal and have praised the lawyers as being practical and creative. Additionally, the firms clients have conveyed to Chambers Asia that Majmudar & Co offers expertise on big-ticket matters, and ensures that its advice is simple such that the clients follow the lawyers thinking. Clients interviewed by the Asia Pacific Legal 500 have acclaimed the firm for its exceptional team, high level of service, top-quality advice, responsiveness, and timely and clearly stated legal advice demonstrating high level of technical ability. In addition, the firms clients have stated that the firms lawyers are clear in their communications, practical, and work hard to meet tight deadlines, understand both the US and Indian side of transactions and present matters in a clear and accessible way.
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Intelligence report
Malvi Ranchoddas & Co

Established in 1896
Contact us III Floor, Yusuf Building Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort Mumbai - 400 001, India Telephone +91 22 6611 4800 Fax +91 22 6633 1802 Email prakashmehta@malvirco.com Contact person Mr Prakash Mehta Managing Partner
Key practice areas: Corporate, real estate, litigation, commercial contracts, public trust laws. Our services: The firm, a member of Mackrell International, a network of independent law firms in 42 countries, maintains a pan-India presence with working associations with mid-sized law firms in major metros across India. Corporate practice includes incorporation of companies, due diligence, structuring, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, preferential allotments, qualified institutions placement, foreign investment, securities and foreign exchange laws. Real estate practice includes due diligence, title certification, structuring, documentation, advice on societies, condominiums and related statutes. Litigation practice includes civil, commercial, corporate litigation, arbitration, writs, debt recovery, testamentary, contract enforcement, indirect taxation, drafting and conducting matters in courts and tribunals. Public trust law practice includes preparation of constitutional documents, formation/registration of trusts/societies, statutory compliances/filings, representing before the competent authorities. The firm also advises clients on partnership-related matters.
Manilal Kher Ambalal & Co

Established in 1918
Number of partners: 7 Number of associates: 30+ Principal office: Mumbai
Contact us MKA Chambers British Hotel Lane Off Mumbai Samachar Marg Fort, Mumbai - 400 001 India Telephone +91 22 6637 0406 Fax +91 22 2269 0293 Email mka@mkaco.com Contact Mr Vikram Trivedi Managing Partner
Key practice areas: Asset acquisitions, admiralty, banking & finance, capital markets & securities, anti-trust & competition law, criminal litigation, corporate & commercial, cyber law, dispute resolution, domestic/foreign arbitration, due diligence, guidance to overseas clients in legal and regulatory aspects, insurance, IP, infrastructure, media & entertainment, mergers and de-mergers, takeovers and acquisitions, real estate, telecommunications (in contentious and non-contentious areas). Our services: The firm, inaugurated in 1918, is one of the few firms to be inaugurated by a high court judge, Justice Sir FCO Beaman. The firm acts for a spectrum of clients across a wide continuum of industry sectors, including banking, realty, multinationals, corporate bodies, infrastructure, trading and manufacturing companies including the insurance sector. The firm has consistently featured in the Asia Pacific Legal 500 as Preferred Lawyers in the areas of corporate: M&A and dispute resolution. The firm offers a rich blend of experience, creativity topped with the vigour of youth.
July/August 2011
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Intelligence report
Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe

Established in 1895
Contact us Number of partners: 14 Number of associates: 100+ Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: New Delhi, Bangalore Mumbai Mulla House, 51 MG Road Fort, Mumbai - 400 001, India Telephone +91 22 2204 4960 +91 22 2262 3191 Fax +91 22 2204 0246 +91 22 6634 5497 Email info@mullaandmulla.com Contact Mr Shardul Thacker Partner
Key practice areas: Admiralty, arbitration (domestic & international), aviation, banking & securities, broadcasting, capital markets, construction, commodities, company/commercial law, customs & tariff, employment & industrial relations, energy (oil & gas), media and entertainment, environmental, finance (aircraft, ship & project), foreign investment, IT, infrastructure projects (power & ports), intellectual property, insurance, litigation, logistics, maritime & shipping, M&A, offshore investment & securities, privatization, real estate & property, tax, trade & transport, telecommunications. Our services: Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe is one of Indias largest law full-service law firms today and has a broad-based practice with diversified clientele including MNCs and Fortune 500 companies as well as several of the largest 50 Indian corporate houses. It maintains excellent relationships with regulatory bodies and is able to arrange dialogues between them and clients. Several partners and lawyers are qualified solicitors of the Supreme Court of England & Wales and Hong Kong. The firm has a very strong practice in areas of corporate & commercial law, and banking & finance laws. It also has enormous experience in corporate M&As and joint venture-related work and acts for various MNCs for structuring their presence in India. The firm has a very strong trademark practice and IP litigation department and has acted in various passing off/infringement actions. It also has an extensive litigation and arbitration practice. The firms admiralty practice has a worldwide reputation as specialists in all aspects of the shipping laws. The firms aviation experience includes acquisitions, investment, transfers of aircrafts, lease of aircrafts licences/ registration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, etc. The firm has extensive experience in litigation and arbitration (ICC, LCIA, SIAC). The firms dispute resolution practice encompasses international arbitration, antitrust, securities, etc. For 40 years it has been the annual reviser of the India Law Digest for Martindale Hubbell. It contributes to Euromoneys banking yearbooks and is the Indian correspondent for Lloyds Maritime and Commercial Quarterly. Partners travel widely for their work in India and overseas and speak at many international conferences. The firm has a wide referral network and has built close relations with law firms globally. Awards and accolades: 2011 Ranked in the first band for Dispute Resolution by Chambers Asia 2011 Trade Marks Law Firm of the Year by Finance Monthly Law Awards 2011 Shipping Law Firm of the Year in India by Corporate INTL 2011 Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year, India, by ACQ Law Awards 2010 India Business Law Journal award for Dispute Resolution 2010 IP Litigation Law Firm of the Year in India by Corporate INTL 2010 India Business Law Journal award for Construction and Real Estate 2010 India Business Law Journal award for Shipping, Maritime & Aviation 2010 Transport Law Firm of the Year, India, by Corporate INTL
Bangalore 209, Regency Enclave 4 Magrath Road Bangalore - 560 025, India Telephone +91 80 2555 0370 +91 802559 7704 Fax +91 80 2559 8549 Email info@mullaandmulla.com
New Delhi 502, Nilgiri Apartments 5th floor, 9 Barakhamba Road New Delhi -110 001, India Telephone +91 11 2332 1501 +91 11 2332 1513 Fax +91 11 2332 1520 Email info@mullaandmulla.com
July/August 2011
Intelligence report
Naik Naik & Company

Established in 2004
Contact us Head office 116-B, Mittal Towers, Nariman Point Mumbai 400 021, India Tel: +91 22 2285 4658/4659 Fax: +91 22 2285 4660 Email: ameetnaik@nnico.com Contact: Ameet Naik Andheri (West), Mumbai Office No.4, 3rd Floor, Woodrow Veera Desai Road, Andheri (West) Mumbai - 400 053, India Tel: +91 22 2285 4658/4659 Fax: +91 22 2285 4660 Email: madhuchaudhary@nnico.com Contact: Madhu Chaudhary Website www.naiknaik.com
Key practice areas: TMT, corporate/commercial transactions, dispute resolution, real estate, banking & finance, project finance, capital markets. Our services: We started our practice in 2004 with a focus on the emerging sector of media and entertainment. Within a short span of time, our firm achieved remarkable success in the TMT space: Rated a leading law firm by Chambers in 2007; Ranked a band 1 firm by Chambers & Partners in 2009; and A winner of India Business Law Journals 2010 Indian Law Firm Award for IT, media & telecommunications
We have now successfully established ourselves as a transactional and advisory firm with some great experience in mergers & acquisitions and cross-border transactions in sectors like entertainment, real estate, retail and technology. The firm has also developed a successful, pan-India litigation practice, having handled some of the top-end and high-stake litigation matters before the Supreme Court, high courts, forums and tribunals, including the CCI, CLB, TDSAT, APTEL and others.
Phoenix Legal
Established in 2008
Number of partners: 6 Number of associates: 26 Principal offices: Mumbai, New Delhi
Contact us Mumbai CS-242, 1st Floor Mathuradas Mill Compound NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel Mumbai - 400 013, India Telephone: +91 22 4340 8500 Fax: +91 22 4340 8501 Email: sawant.singh@phoenixlegal.in Contact: Sawant Singh New Delhi 2nd Floor, 254 Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase III New Delhi - 110 020, India Telephone: +91 11 4983 0000 Fax: +91 11 4983 0099 Email: abhishek.saxena@ phoenixlegal.in Contact: Abhishek Saxena
Key practice areas: Antitrust & competition, banking & finance, CMT, commercial contracts, corporate & securities laws, arbitration & litigation, energy, oil & gas, environment, employment & industrial relations, foreign investment & exchange control, infrastructure & project finance, insurance, intellectual property, international trade, information technology & outsourcing, joint ventures, foreign & technical collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, mining & resources, private equity & funds, real estate, regulatory affairs, taxation. Our services: Phoenix Legal is a full-service law firm offering an extensive range of transactional, regulatory, advisory and dispute resolution services. The firm advises a diverse clientele, including domestic and international companies, banks and financial institutions, funds, promoter groups and public sector undertakings. Our offices are located in New Delhi and Mumbai.
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Intelligence report
Rajani Associates
Established in 1999
Contact us 204-207 Krishna Chambers 59 New Marine Lines Mumbai 400020, India Telephone +91 22 4096 1000 Fax +91 22 4096 1010 Email contactus@rajaniassocaites.net Website www.rajaniassociates.net
Key practice areas: Mergers & acquisitions, private equity, capital markets, corporate litigation & arbitration, intellectual property rights, corporate & commercial, banking & finance, setting up & advising mutual funds/ VCF/FIIs & other NBFCs, projects, real estate & trust. Our services: Rajani Associates has been involved in domestic and international practice in nearly all fields of corporate law as well as commercial litigation and property laws. We offer clients a tailored set of services across a wide range of legal disciplines and in a growing number of sectors. Several factors set us apart in the marketplace and have allowed us to build long-standing, value-driven relationships with clients We provide simple solutions to complex problems We have the resources to respond quickly to business needs We deliver a high quality service We work efficiently and transparently to keep fees to a minimum
Credentials: Market analyst Bloomberg rated Rajani Associates the number one firm in Asia (ex-Japan) in its list of depository receipts issuer advisers consistently for the year 2008. Rajani Associates is continuously sharing space in PE & M&A league tables issued by Venture Intelligence from time to time (www.ventureintelligence.in). Chambers & Partners said This firm is making great headway in the market, thanks largely to its amazing client service & efficiency. Clients affirmed: It is always available for us and, because of its deep experience in investment matters, it can find creative & non-conversional solutions that we like. Client recommends Rajani Associates: In general I would recommend Rajani Associates which has very good service delivery to their clients. They are more efficient in terms of service than some of the larger law firms & believe in good customer service.
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Intelligence report
RK Dewan & Co
Established in 1942
Sole proprietorship Number of associates: 85 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: New Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata
Contact us Mumbai Podar Chambers, SA Brelvi Road Fort, Mumbai - 400 001, India, Tel: +91 22 6177 5300, 2266 1662 Fax: +91 22 2265 0159 Contact: Dr Mohan Dewan dewan@rkdewanmail.com Pune Contact: Dr Niti Dewan niti_dewan@rkdewanmail.com New Delhi Contact: Adv Nirbhay Bhardwaj nkbhardwaj@rkdewanmail.com Chennai Contact: Adv Nithya S chennai@rkdewan.com
Key practice areas: The firm actively advises its clients on all IPRs, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and designs. The firms services include selecting brands, identifying inventions and potential designs for protection. It is involved in activities aimed at protecting, maintaining and managing IPRs of its clients. Additionally, the firm is involved in IPR litigation at the IPR offices, the Intellectual Property Appellate Board and through various tiers of courts in India. Our services: RK Dewan & Co is an IPR boutique firm currently representing over 3,000 clients worldwide and has an extensive practice which includes IPR prosecution, consultation, conveyance, management and litigation. The firms clientele comprises associates from world over, corporate clients, academic institutions, scientific and research organizations and individuals who are from diverse fields such as software, electronics and telecommunication, automobile, mechanical engineering, power sector, pharmaceuticals, food packaging technology, biotechnology, process equipment, etc.
RS & Co Law Offices

Established in 2011
Number of partners: 5 Number of associates: 9 Principal office: Delhi (Noida) Associate offices: Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and a domestic network with local counsel at more than 40 other locations throughout India
Contact us RS House G-91, Golf Links, Sector 41 Noida 201 303, (Delhi NCR), India Telephone +91 120 454 2138 Mobile +91 98 11213428 Email rsco@rslegal.co.in Contact person Rai S Mittal (rsmittal@rslegal.co.in) Website www.rslegal.co.in
Key practice areas: Corporate & commercial laws, M&As, FDI, JVs, formation of businesses and their reorganization, cross-border transactions, corporate compliances and regulatory, government relations, banking & finance, private equity, capital markets, Infrastructure, technology transfers, licensing and franchise, real estate, media, secretarial services, contracts, negotiations, anti-trust and competition, investigations, white collar crimes, employment, operations audits and due diligence, legal risks management, tax controversies and planning, trademark, copyright, patent and design law, IP litigation, breach of confidentiality/trade secrets, litigation in district courts, high courts, the Supreme Court and tribunals and commercial arbitration. Our services: The firm is recommended for personalized services and the direct involvement and availability of its senior and experienced professionals. The firm appreciates the value of clients resources and rigidly adopts a commercial and problem-solving approach, adding value to clients businesses and decision-making processes.
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Intelligence report
Seth Associates
Established in 2003
Number of partners: 2 Number of associates: 10 Principal office: New Delhi Other office: Noida
Contact us Noida B-10 Sector 40 Noida - 201 301, India Tel: +91 120 435 2846, 250 0052 Fax: + 91 120 433 1304 Email: karnika@sethassociates.com Contact: Karnika Seth, Partner New Delhi C-1/16 Daryaganj New Delhi - 110 002, India Tel: +91 11 6535 2272 Email: aseth@sethassociates.com Contact: Amit Seth, Partner
Key practice areas: Cyberlaws, corporate laws, international trade, food and drugs laws, franchising laws, intellectual property law, employment laws, family laws, real estate laws, general civil litigation, anti-dumping laws, international commercial arbitration. Our services: Seth Associates has unmatched expertise in specialized areas of law, including cyberlaws, food and drugs laws, intellectual property, anti-dumping laws, employment laws and other areas. The firm deals in both contentious and non-contentious work. The firm set up the first Cyberlaws Consulting centre in India in 2009 and advises clients on cybercrime issues, cyberstalking, hacking, domain name disputes, data thefts and other cyberlaw issues. The firm undertakes drafting of cybercontracts and IT-related legal work and actively handles cyber-litigation. The firm has actively trained police personnel, members of the judiciary, IT professionals and chartered accountants in cybercrime law and enforcement.
Seth Dua & Associates

Established in 1998
Number of partners: 9 Number of associates: 32 Principal office: New Delhi Languages spoken: English, German, Hindi, vernacular Indian languages (Punjabi, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Bangla).
Contact us 601,602, 603, 607 & 608 DLF South Court, Saket New Delhi - 110 017, India Tel: + 91 11 416 444 00 Fax: + 91 11 416 44 500 Contacts Sunil Seth, Senior Partner sunil.seth@sethdua.com Tel: +91 98 10055100 Atul Dua, Senior Partner atul.dua@sethdua.com Tel: +91 98 10162645 Website: www.sethdua.com
Key practice areas: Aviation, aerospace & defence, automotive, banking & finance, capital markets/securities, corporate & commercial (M&A), crossborder investments and transactions, competition law, dispute resolution & litigation, hospitality & leisure, infrastructure projects, energy & natural resources, intellectual property, PPP, procurement, private equity & venture capital, real estate & construction, direct taxes/indirect taxes, international trade & WTO, telecom, media and technology (TMT). Our services: Seth Dua & Associates is a leading full-service Indian law firm headquartered in New Delhi. The firm specializes in corporate, commercial and tax laws relevant to M&A, joint ventures, foreign investments and cross-border transactions. The firm has established a leading position in the practice areas of TMT, infrastructure and energy projects, real estate and construction, international trade and tax services. Seth Dua & Associates advises leading multinational and domestic clients. The professional strength of the firm is derived from a unique combination of legal, tax and dispute resolution services that can be offered to clients.
July/August 2011
Intelligence report
Singhania & Partners

Established in 1999
Number of partners: 14 Number of associates: 56 Principal office: Noida (NCR of Delhi) Other offices: New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai
Contact us B 92, 9th Floor, Himalaya House 23, Kasturba Gandhi Marg New Delhi - 110 001 India Contact Mr Ravi Singhania Senior Partner rs@singhania.in Noida (NCR of Delhi) Telephone: +91 120 463 1000 Fax: +91 120 463 1001 Email: ncr@singhania.in New Delhi Telephone: +91 11 4153 1000 Fax: +91 11 4153 1001 Email: del@singhania.in Bangalore Telephone: +91 80 4113 1900 Fax: +91 80 4113 1901 Email: blr@singhania.in Hyderabad Telephone: +91 40 6581 0662 Fax: +91 40 2322 6219 Email: hyd@singhania.in Mumbai Telephone: +91 22 2288 5550 Fax: +91 22 2288 5560 Email: mum@singhania.in Website www.singhania.in
Key practice areas: Anti-dumping, aviation, bid process management, banking & project finance, capital markets, corporate & commercial, crossborder transactions, employment , foreign direct investment, infrastructure, insurance, intellectual property, international trade, litigation & arbitrations, mergers & acquisitions, public-private partnership, private equity, regulatory & compliance, taxation. Our firm: Singhania & Partners is a full-service national law firm with a successful international law practice out of its offices in New Delhi, Noida, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Mumbai. The firm is empanelled with the Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs, for providing legal services in public-private partnership transactions for both central and state agencies. Sectors: The firm offers advice relating to a wide range of sectors, including: aviation, automotive, construction, banking, defence, education, food, franchise, real estate, technology, telecom, infrastructure and mining. Clients: Our clients include blue-chip majors such as ABS Group, AOL, Altera Corporation, AVI-OIL, Brightpoint, Boortmalt, Choice Hotels, CTCI, Denel, Dorma, Egis International, Flagstone, General Electric, Greenpoint, GMR Hyderabad International Airport, Herbalife, IJM Infrastructure, Indian Minerals Corporation, Jones Lang-LaSalle, Louis Berger, McGraw-Hill Companies, Mentor Graphics, New Holland Fiat, National Instruments, Network Solution Inc, Powerwave, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ricoh India, Raytheon, Resort Condominiums International, Sharp, Standard & Poors, Scott Wilson, Technopak, Telenor, Telent (formerly Marconi) and Verizon. They also include PSUs and ministries such as Power Finance Corporation, Security Printing & Minting Corporation, IFCI, Infrastructure Development Finance Company, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Surface Transport, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Ministry of Power, etc.
July/August 2011
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Intelligence report
Solomon & Co
Established in 1909
Contact us Calcot House, 3rd Floor 8/10 MP Shetty Marg Tamarind Street Fort, Mumbai - 400 023, India Tel: +91 22 6627 3900 Fax: +91 22 2281 6192 Email: solomonco@slmnco.in Contact person Mr Aaron Solomon Partner Website www.slmnco.in
Key practice areas: Corporate, business & trade law, banking & finance, capital markets, real estate, litigation & arbitration, insurance, intellectual property. Our services: Solomon & Co is an independent Indian law firm that was founded in 1909. Solomon & Co has three offices in the city of Mumbai, the commercial and financial capital of India. Solomon & Co is a full-service law firm which advises Indian and international companies and high-net-worth individuals on all aspects of Indian law. Solomon & Co distinguishes itself through excellence in service via a focused and personal approach. The corporate, commercial, banking & finance, real estate, litigation, arbitration and intellectual property practices are especially reputed. Solomon & Co brings the skills and expertise of a larger law firm in a leaner, mid-sized, efficient and more approachable legal package. Our lawyers have in-depth legal and sector expertise and commercial awareness with a can-do service attitude and experience in cross-border assignments.
SRGR Law Offices

Established in 2009
Number of partners: 4 Number of associates: 12 Principal office: Noida (NCR of Delhi)
Contact us A-3, 3rd Floor Sector-4 Noida (UP) - 201 301 (NCR of Delhi), India Telephone +91 120 433 3884-87 Fax +91 120 433 3889 Email ravi.bishnoi@srgrlaw.com Contact person Ravi Bishnoi Partner
Our services: SRGR Law Offices is a full-service law firm representing a diverse range of clients, both domestic and international. The firm enjoys excellent working relationships with several international law firms and, hence, is capable in handling requirements of cross-border transactions in a cost-effective and efficient manner. SRGR is especially adept in handling large-sized complex corporate transactions like mergers & acquisitions, corporate restructuring, joint ventures, inbound & outbound investments, private equity and venture capital investment transactions, real estate, infrastructure projects, project finance, litigation and dispute resolution. SRGRs strength is its team of experienced professionals who treasure the value of diligence and knowledge as well as creativity and innovation in addressing clients needs. The firm aims to offer legal solutions that exceed clients expectations.
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Intelligence report
SS Rana & Co
Established in 1989
Contact us Registered Office 317, Lawyers Chambers High Court of Delhi New Delhi - 110 003, India Telephone +91 11 3056 2000 Fax +91 11 3056 2010 Email sohan@ssrana.com Contact Mr Sohan Singh Rana
Key practice areas: Trademarks, patents, industrial designs, copyright, domain names, geographical indications, semiconductor IC design, IP licensing, IP audits, IP management strategies, IP enforcement, IP litigation, IT law, corporate and commercial laws, technology transfer-specific services. Our services: SS Rana & Co is one of the reputed law firms of India specializing in all aspects of intellectual property law. Founded in 1989, the firm provides impeccable services in respect of contentious and non-contentious intellectual property-related matters, business and commercial laws. It provides effective and proactive services to its clients, ensuring that their intellectual property rights are secured, protected, defended and enforced. Senior partners of the firm have more than four decades experience in the field of law and under their aegis and immaculate leadership the young, dynamic and professionally qualified team toil hard to ensure that every client receives their undivided attention and benefits from the firms broad expertise. The firm makes constant endeavours for maximum utilization of time, resources and legal knowledge to provide effective and efficient services to its clients. Our team: The firms IP practice is spearheaded by Mr Vikrant Rana, who has over 15 years experience in intellectual property laws, including all aspects of trademarks, patents, designs, copyrights and IP litigation. He has been advising some of the worlds most esteemed corporations from disparate fields including food and beverages, IT, e-commerce, and health and fitness, on a range of contentious and non-contentious IP matters. The firm comprises professionally qualified lawyers, legal associates, patent agents and technical experts from multifarious streams such as information technology, biotechnology, chemistry, pharmacy, applied science and business administration. The firms clientele comprises many Fortune 500 companies and several esteemed and reputed international and national corporations. Its longstanding relationship with its clients speaks laurels of its diligent and strategic legal services provided over the years. The accretion in number of clients bears testimony to the world-class proactive legal services and close personal attention provided by the firm. The firm has invested in information technology systems for efficient file management and the retrieval of client information and data, while maintaining the highest degree of data security and confidentiality. The firm understands its corporate social responsibility and actively participates in IP sensitization programmes for raising IP awareness organized by government and nongovernment bodies, namely: TIFAC, PFC, PIC, FICCI, TERI and MSSI. The firm also offers pro bono services to support the cause of grassroots innovators to enable them to monetize their innovations and benefit from the burgeoning rural industries in India. The firm is always willing to offer help to deserving and needy artisans, creators and innovators.
July/August 2011
New Delhi 81/2, 2nd Floor, Aurobindo Marg New Delhi - 110 016, India Telephone +91 11 3056 2000 (10 lines) Fax +91 11 3056 2010 Email vikrant@ssrana.com lucy@ssrana.com Contacts Mr Vikrant Rana Mrs Lucy Rana
Website www.ssrana.com
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Intelligence report
Swarup & Company

Established in 1980
Contact us 6th Floor, JK Building, Vipps Centre No 2 Masjid Moth, LSC Greater Kailash-II New Delhi 110048, India Telephone +91 11 2922 1435, 2922 5875 Fax +91 11 2922 8625, 2921 2904 Email swarupco@swarupco.com sswarup@swarupco.com bsaxena@swarupco.com Contacts Mr Shailendra Swarup Ms Bindu Saxena
Key practice areas: Acquisitions, joint ventures, reconstruction of companies, mergers & liquidations, conveyancing, investments, foreign investments & public offers, corporate & commercial law, banking, insurance, construction, entertainment & media, aviation & airports, power generation & distribution, oil, gas & petrochemical, telecom, chemicals & fertilizers, infrastructure & highways, finance & banking, mining, information technology, automobiles, FMCG, health & allied services, multidomain mega corporations. Our services: Swarup & Company has been in service for over three decades and has carved a niche for itself as a versatile law firm with an ability to meet the exacting and changing demands of its clients. The firm has been representing and advising national and multinational majors, public sector companies, institutional lenders, investment bankers, financial institutions and a host of other corporations in all areas of law. Its associated firm, Swarup & Associates, is a leading litigation firm involved with many high-profile corporate litigations and commercial disputes.
Trilegal
Established in 2000
Number of partners: 19 Number of associates: 150+ Principal offices: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad
Contact us
Bangalore Telephone: +91 80 4343 4646 Fax: +91 80 4343 4699 Contact: Rahul Matthan New Delhi Telephone: +91 11 4163 9393 Fax: +91 11 4163 9292 Contacts: Anand Prasad, Akshay Jaitly Mumbai Telephone: +91 22 4079 1000 Fax: +91 22 4079 1098 Contacts: Karan Singh, Sridhar Gorthi Hyderabad Telephone: +91 40 2355 6781 Fax: +91 40 2355 6779 Contact: Pavan Kumar
Key practice areas: Corporate, mergers & acquisitions, private equity & venture capital, banking & finance, capital markets, projects, energy & infrastructure, real estate, dispute resolution, competition law, TMT and labour & employment. Our services: Trilegal is a full-service law firm with over 150 lawyers across offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Operating at the forefront of the Indian market, Trilegal advises on some of the largest, most complex and cutting-edge domestic and cross-border transactions across the range of practice areas. Rated as one of Indias magic circle law firms by India Business Law Journal, Trilegals strength lies in the combination of its international experience and its intimate knowledge of issues unique to the Indian market.
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Intelligence report
Vidhii Partners
Established in 2009
Number of partners: 5 Number of associates: 25 Principal office: Mumbai Other offices: New Delhi, Kolkata, Bandra (Mumbai)
Contact us Mumbai Tel: +91 22 4355 8555 vidhii.mumbai@vidhiipartners.com Contact person: Mr Manish Desai Media Law Office (Mumbai) Tel: +91 22 2643 7326 medialaw@vidhiipartners.com Contact person: Ms Nandini Mehta New Delhi Tel: +91 11 4575 6742 vidhii.delhi@vidhiipartners.com Contact person: Mr Ajay Kumar Kolkata Tel: +91 33 4001 4224 vidhii.kolkata@vidhiipartners.com Contact person: Ms Deepti Mohan
Key practice areas: Litigation, arbitration & ADR, banking & finance, capital markets, criminal law, due diligence, employment laws, media laws, M&A, private equity, real estate, SEBI laws, securitization & asset reconstruction. Our services: The team constitutes a unique combination of litigation and non-litigation lawyers enabling us to cater to our clients as a full-service law firm. Our direct litigation experience enables us to innovatively strategize and advise our clients on corporate issues. We have handled hard-core civil and criminal litigation on the one hand and advised clients on complex real estate and corporate issues on the other. We believe in putting in our best effort to assist our clients in achieving their objectives and that the key word to success is delivery. This philosophy has enabled us to forge strong ties with our clients and encouraged us to open new offices. We derive a distinct advantage from the geographical locations of our offices as well as those of our alliance partners in Chennai, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Pune, Kolhapur and Nagpur.
YJ Trivedi & Co
Established in 1970
Number of associates: 21 Principal office: Ahmedabad (Gujarat) Other offices: Surat (Gujarat), Rajasthan, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune & Canada (liaison office) Memberships: INTA, AIPLA, APAA, ECTA, AIPPI, IPLPA & MARQUES
Contact us City Square, 2nd floor Nr. Regional Passport Office Polytechnic, Ahmedabad - 380 015 India Telephone +91 79 2630 3777 +91 79 2630 5040 Fax +91 79 2630 2223 Email info@yjtrivedi.com Website www.yjtrivedi.com Contact: Mr Jatin Trivedi
Key practice areas: Patent drafting, filing and prosecution, patent litigation, trademark practice, copyright, IP management & strategic counseling, IP licensing, due diligence, audit & valuation. Our services: Since 1970, YJ Trivedi & Co has been at the forefront of the IP arena, assisting companies, institutions and individuals by providing them the full range of IP services from prosecution to litigation. The firm is backed by an experienced and efficient in-house team of strategically selected legal and paralegal associates and counsel. The firm has also put in place a wide network of associates across India and abroad, thus providing exemplary, cost-effective and efficient legal service to our clients around the world. The firm prides itself on a culture of commitment to one another and its clients.
July/August 2011
71

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