Kennedys has launched its first India desk, becoming the latest firm to increase its focus in the country ahead of a possible market liberalisation.
London partner Adosh Chatrath and associate Rima Sengupta have launched the firm’s India desk, which operates from the UK, India and Dubai.
The desk consists of an 11-strong team and will advise international clients on aviation, commercial, corporate, employment and HR, intellectual property, pharmaceutical, and real estate.
Chatrath said: “It became clear that a number of us were acting for some significant businesses that have a strong Indian focus and had built up considerable experience. Together with the extensive contacts and connections we have in India and Dubai, and the sudden increase in interest from Indians wanting to invest in the UK, it is the perfect time for us to launch an India-focused group.”
Kennedys has carried out work for Indian clients through its association with local firm Tuli & Co for around 16 years. Tuli originally opened its doors in New Dehli in 2000 before launching in Mumbai the following year. The local firm specialises in commercial, insurance, litigation and arbitration work.
Its new desk will provide advice to international and Indian clients investing in other countries around the world.
India’s legal market has been rumoured to be on the brink of liberalisation for the last ten years but so far little progress has been made. In July it finally looked like the market would open up after the Bar Council of India (BCI) completed its long-awaited proposed rules to allow foreign lawyers to practice in India.
But the BCI has since backtracked on its plans after it withdrew its draft policies last in the end of September. It is understood that BCI has rescinded its support due to strong opposition from the state bar councils and private organisations.
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