This past year witnessed the birth of new law firms, strategic collaborations, and significant mergers. Here’s a roundup of the notable events that unfolded through the year.
New Beginnings
Legal Scriptures | Advocates & Solicitors
In January, Abhijit Mittal and Anukalp Jain merged their legal practices to form Legal Scriptures, Advocates & Solicitors. Jain and Mittal have worked under the guidance of Senior Advocate Sanjay Jain in the past.
In March 2023, Abhishek Sharma, former Partner and Co-Head of the Real Estate practice at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, embarked on a new journey with the establishment of Abhishek Sharma & Associates in Mumbai. The firm focuses on real estate deals.
The Valid Points Law Offices, India
March also saw Neeraj Dubey, former Partner at Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan – India, unveil The Valid Points Law Offices. The new entity touts itself as a new-generation business and commercial law firm.
In April 2023, former AZB & Partners Mumbai Partners Shameek Chaudhuri and Arvind Ramesh joined forces to establish Vritti Law Partners.
May witnessed the emergence of Emerald Law Offices in Gurugram, founded by former Saraf Partners Sachit Mathur Shashank Manish Ajay Bhadu and Astha Singh Trehan. This multi-service firm promises business-oriented legal solutions, particularly in the Corporate/Commercial, Real Estate, M&A, and Dispute Resolution practices.
Fountainhead Legal
In the same month, tax expert Rashmi Deshpande launched Fountainhead Legal, which will render personalized legal services in the realm of taxation.
Global law firm Dentons officially launched its collaboration with Indian law firm Link Legal on May 15, 2023. Dentons is the first global law firm to combine with a law firm in India.
A&O Shearman
International law firms Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling LLP announced a merger to create a global law firm named Allen Overy Shearman Sterling (A&O Shearman). With 250 years of combined experience, A&O Shearman boasts 3,900 lawyers and 800 Partners across 49 offices.
Counsel & Council
Former INOX Vice President Shilpa Sharma founded Counsel & Council in Mumbai in July. The firm prioritizes collaboration, technology and client-centricity, while offering a fair and flexible fee structure.
September witnessed the inception of Sarvagya Legal, specializing in corporate-commercial litigation and arbitration. The founders are Abhishek B., Reeta Mishra and Tanu Priya Gupta
In the same month, Anushka Shah Disha Sharma and Sidhant Kumar established Unum Law, focusing on dispute resolution with a commitment to delivering effective legal solutions.
After departing DSK Legal in July 2022, Bobby Chandhoke Sudhir Sharma Deepali Chandhoke Anant Garg, and Prashant Mishra Prashant Mishra joined forces to establish C&S Partners in October.
In the same month, Ashis Pyasi, former Partner at Dhir & Dhir Associates, launched Aendri Legal, a boutique firm in Mumbai specializing in dispute resolution, real estate, infrastructure and transaction advisory services.
October also saw the establishment of YVR Law Offices by Yashvardhan Rana Yashvardhan Rana in New Delhi. The firm covers a spectrum of legal matters, including Intellectual Property Rights, Contract Drafting, Corporate Advisory and more.
First Principles Advocates
In November, Anurag Soan and Shrey Bhardwaj founded First Principles Advocates, focusing on Tax, Customs, International Trade laws, and Regulatory and Criminal laws, with a specialization in dispute resolution.
In December, Rajendra Kumar launched RKR & Partners in Gurugram, specializing in Intellectual Property.
Collaborations
In January 2023, Vishnu Mehra & Co., Law Offices welcomed Kulbhushan Verma & Associates (KBV) in a collaboration aimed at providing services related to company and LLP incorporation, secretarial audits, and more.
In March, VMCO initiated a cross-border collaboration with SS Legal, based in Nepal. This partnership leverages the strengths of both firms, enhancing their presence and capabilities.
Saraf and Partners and SRGR Law Offices
In the same month, SRGR Law Offices combined forces with Saraf and Partners, with co-founders Saroj Kumar Jha and Ravi Bishnoi joining as Equity Partners, along with a team of 20 lawyers.
In April, Water and Shark Legal LLP collaborated with Egypt’s Solid Law Firm, marking an expansion into Africa and exploring newer avenues globally within the law sector.
In August, the entire team of Atlas Law Partners merged with Luthra & Luthra Law Offices, with Atlas’ Harry Chawla assuming the role of Managing Partner. The team from Atlas comprised 7 Partners including Ritu Bhalla and Niti Paul, as well as 26 Associates.
November witnessed the formation of a referral alliance between full-service Mumbai law firms Bar & Brief Attorneys and Desai Billimoria & Associates. Through this collaboration, the firms aim to expand in terms of practice areas and geographical reach, while maintaining their individual identities.