Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

“Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co is the top firm in the country, and its dispute resolution practice is accordingly top notch quality as well,” says a peer. Clients also recommend the firm’s ability in this area, with partner Pallavi Shroff singled out as a “highly qualified and experienced litigator who is always involved in the top cases”. The firm represented Dharampal Satyapal Group on several matters this year. One involved a dispute regarding exemption of payment of central excise duty in relation to pan masala and tobacco products. The appeal has been filed already, with INR6 billion at stake. Another case was a dispute relating to a report by the Central Empowered Committee recommending the complete ban of sandalwood products. With the trade of all sandalwood products at stake, this matter is pending final disposal before the Supreme Court.

Karanjawala & Co continues its dominance at the top of the rankings this year. “The firm is simply the best in dispute resolution in the country,” says a competitor. Clients applaud the firm’s devotion to litigation and high standards of quality, with one saying: “I have used this firm regularly over the years, and have never been disappointed.” The firm is looking to expand its services into corporate advisory work, but dispute resolution remains its core focus. A high profile case last year was the firm’s representation of Tata Industries in a dispute against Grasim Industries. This related to a shareholders agreement for a joint venture with Idea Cellular. Partners Manik Karanjawala, Ruby Singh Ahuja, Manu Aggarwal and Jatin Mongia led the firm’s team on this dispute.

“PH Parekh & Co should be in the very top tier of dispute resolution rankings in this country,” asserts one competitor. The firm is a regular fixture in the Supreme Court, and peers are in agreement over the firm’s prominence with one saying: “The firm has a lot of work in the Supreme Court, and is one of the biggest names for litigation in Delhi and in the country.” Founding partner PH Parekh won the Supreme Court Bar Association presidency for the fifth time in May 2011. A competitor recommends Parekh: “He’s an astute lawyer, and a tough opponent. He’s nothing short of top class.”

Bharucha & Partners continues its scorching rise up the rankings, with both peers and clients heavily advocating the firm’s dispute resolution prowess. One client says: “The lawyers at the firm are innovative. They provide very good, pragmatic advice.” The firm advised Godrej Consumer Products on a matter regarding outstanding payments of INR250 million. Competitors are also quick to concede the firm’s capability in this area. One partner at a rival firm says: “The partners at the firm are senior counsel at a top tier firm, and have consolidated a strong position in Mumbai. I would rate them highly.” Clients recommend the firm for the high level of service on offer. “My experience with the firm has been great,” says one. “The partner we have worked with is responsive and he’s been there whenever he’s required.”

“Federal & Rashmikant has great experience in the litigation sphere, and I’d say belongs in the top segment of the market,” says one peer. The firm is regularly involved in the top cases in the country, with partner C Rashmikant rated by one rival as “a vastly experienced lawyer with understanding unmatched by the rest of the field”. The firm’s dispute resolution team is well versed in traditional litigation, as well as arbitration and alternate dispute resolution. The firm’s strong construction and real estate practice, combined with its litigation prowess, complement and augment the reputation and experience of the firm. With both international and domestic clients, the firm has developed a reputation that extends far beyond its native Mumbai.

J Sagar Associates possesses a “versatile and diverse range of expertise”, says peers. The dispute resolution practice at the firm has been the subject of much praise from the market, with one client noting: “The dispute resolution lawyers are absolutely great.” One high profile matter in the last year was the firm’s representation of Subhkam Ventures before the Securities Appellate Tribunal. This was a matter with far reaching implications as it involved the interpretation of takeover regulations relating to the issue of positive and negative control and conventional protective rights in listed companies.

Kachwaha & Co consolidated its position this year, with one competitor saying: “The firm has a sizeable presence in the dispute resolution market, and it looks set to only get better.” The firm is the preferred legal adviser for many clients as well as foreign firms looking for domestic advice. Benefiting from offices in both Delhi and Mumbai, the dispute resolution practice is well equipped to “handle most dispute resolution matters with ease”, says a peer. A high profile matter for the firm was acting for Metco Export International in arbitration in the UK. This is an example of the firm’s international capability.

“Kanga & Co is a professional outfit and to the point in its dealings with us,” says one client. The firm has continued its trend of excellence over the years, and peers note the firm’s staying power in the legal market. One competitor says: “The firm is maybe one of the older firms, but its expertise and experience, especially in dispute resolution, has remained of a high quality.” Kanga & Co advises clients such as Citibank and Bharati Shipyard on a regular basis. “The firm seems to be in constant contact with the proper domestic parties, and gets the job done,” says one client.

“Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe is a historic power in the Indian legal industry,” says one peer. The firm retains its rankings in dispute resolution with market feedback suggesting it remains a highly relevant force. Competitors note the firm’s longevity, with one saying: “The firm is an ever present, from the early days of the legal profession in the country until now. It’s still going strong after all these years.” One high profile matter this year for the firm was acting for Reliance Natural Resources, part of the Anil Ambani Group, in its litigation before the Bombay High Court against Reliance Industries, part of the Mukesh Ambani Group.

“Dhir & Dhir Associates is a well established name in litigation circles,” says a peer. Clients also adore the firm, with one saying: “The firm has capable man power under the able guidance of management with a solid legal background. The services are meaningful and up to the mark for a given assignment.” A notable transaction for the firm was its representation of JK Cement in its dispute with the Steel Authority of India (Sail) on a tender for a proposed joint venture that was unilaterally withdrawn by Sail. This matter was resolved in January 2011.

Khaitan & Co advised Open Media Network in a case involving constitutional rights raised by Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata. Tata contends that the publication of his recorded conversations with Niira Radia by certain sections of the media is illegal and amounts to infringement of his fundamental rights. At the time of writing, the firm is representing the client in the Supreme Court on this matter.

Luthra & Luthra represented Etisalat DB Telecom in the 2G spectrum allocation case, which has received widespread media attention in the last year in India. The firm is acting for the client in continuing investigations and related concerns before multiple authorities. The transaction has been valued at US$1 billion with the firm’s team consisting of HS (Bobby) Chandhoke, Siddhartha Datta, Tarun Dua and Divyakant Lahoti.

Chitale & Chitale Partners

Chitale & Chitale is guided by partner Suchitra Chitale, who can call on over two decades of experience in dispute resolution. The firm advises clients across various sectors, including banking, construction, funds, media and entertainment, oil and gas, power, and telecoms. Some high profile clients in the past year include Colgate Palmolive and Morgan Stanley.

International Law Affiliates Pasrich & Company

International Law Affiliates Pasrich & Company works closely with international corporates and has accumulated an enviable collection of blue chip clients over the years. A high profile matter for the firm was its successful representation of Delta Airlines, as appellant, against a National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission judgment of October 2004. This matter was completed in 2010 and was a rare judgment from the Supreme Court in the aviation field.

OP Khaitan & Co

OP Khaitan & Co represents a range of international clients and one of its strengths is in dispute resolution and arbitration. The firm advised Ansaldo Energia in the past year in its arbitration with Neyveli Lignite and the Madya Pradesh State Electricity Board. A notable transaction this year was its representation of Bharat Explosives in arbitration against Biazzi.

Singhania & Partners

Singhania & Partners represented National Highways Authority of India in a dispute with UEM-Essar relating to an escalation in exchange rates. The claim has been valued at over INR2 billion. The firm is also advising prominent South African defence equipment manufacturer Denel in international commercial arbitrations regarding the cancellation of defence procurement contracts by the Indian government.

Titus & Co

Titus & Co acted for Real Networks India in its dispute with IMI Mobile India, and successfully obtained a favourable order from the City Civil Court, Hyderabad regarding a Section 9 Petition under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. The firm also acted for Knorr-Bremse in continuing arbitration proceedings against Escorts Limited India for breach of patent rights and a licence agreement.