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Litigation Update March 2024

April 5, 2024

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Pioneer Legal

In the case of Rhea Chakraborty v. Union of India, the Bombay High Court reiterated that Look Out Circulars (LOCs) cannot be issued as a matter of course, but only when there are valid reasons, such as when a person deliberately avoids arrest or fails to appear in court.

The recent ruling also clarifies that LOCs cannot be extended indefinitely without periodic review, as outlined in the LOC Guidelines.

Our Counsel Sohil Shah and Associate Nidhi Chaudhary, undertake a detailed analysis of this case in today’s litigation update.

PioneerLegal LawAtPL #LookOutCircular LOC LOCGuidelines Article21 RightToTravel fundamentalrights bombayhighcourt bhc

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Mahima Choudhary

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.) Institute of
    Law, Nirma University

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Rajasthan

Mahima
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Highlights

  • She has graduated from Institute of Law, Nirma University in 2022.
  • Previously, she worked at Chir Amrit Legal LLP based in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
  • She has joined Pioneer Legal as an Associate in October 2024 .

About

  • She has experience in advising on various aspects of corporate, commercial, employment and labour laws. She has significant experience in providing general corporate advisory and drafting and negotiating transaction documents like share purchase agreements, share subscription agreements and shareholders’ agreements.
  • She has assisted clients and worked on transactions involving private equity, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions. She has previously advised and assisted book running lead managers and companies proposing to raise funds through initial public offering, in various capital markets transactions. She has experience in conducting due diligence to highlight key legal and commercial issues.
  • She also has experience in contract review, negotiation and end to end closure of commercial contracts.

Ashmita Vinay

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.B.A LL.B. (Hons.) Symbiosis Law
    School, Pune

AshmitaVinay
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Symbiosis Law School, Pune in 2021.
  • Previously, she worked with the JSW Group as the Lead Legal for the mobility arm of the Group.
  • In October 2024 she joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • She has experience in advising on different aspects of corporate commercial issues. She has experience in conducting due diligence to highlight key legal and commercial issues; drafting and negotiating transaction documents; and provide general corporate advisory.
  • She has worked on transactions involving private equity, mergers and acquisitions and technology licensing.

Riya Punamiya

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.L.S. L.L.B., Government Law
    College, Mumbai

RiyaPunamiya
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Government Law College, Mumbai in 2023.
  • Previously, she worked at Wadia Ghandy & Co. based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • In October 2024, she joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • She has significant experience in media and entertainment law, handling legal production agreements; negotiating and finalizing different aspects of commercial contracts including distributions agreements, audio-visual collaboration agreements and brand endorsement agreements.
  • She has experience in drafting and negotiating transaction documents; and providing general corporate advisory.

Vishal Bang

Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.B.A LL.B. ( Business Law Hons.)
    National Law University, Jodhpur

VishalBang
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Highlights

  • Graduated from National Law University, Jodhpur in June 2024.
  • In October 2024 he joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • Vishal has experience across diverse range of practice areas, including general corporate, insolvency law, employment and labour law, white collar crime, and arbitration.

  • At Pioneer Legal, he has joined as an associate, where he handles matters related to general corporate, employment law, and forensic investigation in white collar crimes.

Mehu Mohan Singh

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.B.A LL.B. (Hons.) School of Law,
    University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun

MehuSingh
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Highlights

  • Graduated from School of law, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies in 2024.
  • In August 2024 he joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • Mehu is an associate at the firm, practicing in mergers & acquisition, private equity, employment laws and forensic investigation in white collar crimes.
  • He has couple of publications in the form of research papers and blogs

Sushmita Pandey

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

B.L.S LL.B. Government Law
College, University of Mumbai

SushmitaPandey
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Government Law College, Mumbai in 2024.
  • In July, 2022, she joined Pioneer Legal as a Paralegal wherein she assisted both the corporate team and dispute resolution team.
  •  In July 2024, she joined Pioneer Legal as an Associate in the Dispute Resolution team.

About

  • She has experience in arbitration and dispute resolution.
  • She has also represented clients in matters before the High Court of Bombay, National Law Company Tribunal, City Civil Court, and other Courts/Tribunals

Pranjal Mishra

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.A., LL.B. (Hons.), Maharashtra
    National Law University Mumbai

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra
    and Goa

Pranjal
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai, in 2022.
  • Previously, he worked at Khaitan & Co. and Anoma Legal based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • In July 2024, he joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • He has experience in advising and assisting various entities on private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters across diverse sectors, including information technology, agriculture,
    automobile battery manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and
    music and entertainment.
  • He has significant experience in key processes, such as due diligence exercises to highlight key legal and commercial issues and drafting and
    negotiating relevant documentation.

Shivaansh Gulati

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  •  LL.B., Department of Laws, Panjab
    University, Chandigarh

  • Bachelors in Business
    Administration, Chitkara
    University, Punjab
Shivaansh Gulati
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Highlights

  • Shivaansh graduated from Department of Laws, Panjab University, Chandigarh in 2024.
  • Post his graduation, he started his professional career at Pioneer Legal in July 2024.

About

  • Shivaansh is an Associate with the General Corporate and M&A practice at Pioneer Legal.
  • Prior to joining Pioneer, Shivaansh interned at the Supreme Court of India, Aditya Birla Group and Saikrishna & Associates.
  • At Pioneer Legal, Shivaansh engages in matters concerning corporate, secretarial and foreign regulations compliances and assists in drafting and reviewing relevant transactional documents

Krishna Bhatia

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • LL.M (Corporate and Financial Laws) – Jindal Global Law School

  • BLS/LL.B – Pravin Gandhi College
    of Law

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra
    and Goa

KrishnaBhatia
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Highlights

  • Krishna graduated from Pravin Gandhi College of Law, Mumbai in 2022
  •  He started his professional career in August 2022 with Trilegal, Mumbai in the Real Estate Team.
  • In July 2023, he joined Jindal Global Law School to pursue his LL.M in Corporate and Financial Laws.
  • He joined Pioneer Legal in July 2024 as an Associate.

About

  • Krishna is an Associate in the General Corporate and M&A practice at Pioneer Legal. Prior to joining Pioneer Legal, he worked in the Real Estate and General Corporate department where his role included:
  • Conducting due diligence of companies to highlight key legal issues;
  • Drafting and negotiating various conveyancing documents; and
  • Conducting Title due-diligence exercise to highlight various legal issues.

Dhruv Jain

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.A LL.B. (Hons.), National Law
    School of India University, Bengaluru.

Dhruv Jain
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Highlights

  • Graduated from National Law School of India University, Bangalore in June 2024.
  • In July 2024 he joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • Dhruv has experience in working in different practice areas, which
    includes Banking and Finance, Data Protection and Technology Law, Capital Markets, Private Equity. Previously, he has also assisted in advising on ESG monitoring and compliances.
  •  At Pioneer Legal, he has joined as an associate in the General Corporate Team

Archit Shah

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail:  [email protected]

Education

  • B. Com (Financial Markets) and
    LL.B. (Hons.)

Professional Memberships

  •  The Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa

Archit Shah
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Government Law College, Mumbai in 2021.
  • Previously, he worked at Manilal Kher Ambalal & Co. and Khimani & Associates
  • In July 2024 he joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • He has extensive experience advising, strategizing, and representing clients before various legal bodies, including handling cases related to the Foreign Exchange Management Act, insolvency processes under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, and matters under the SARFAESI Act, 2002.
  • His legal practice includes drafting and pursuing various legal documents such as applications, petitions, suits, and writs before the Supreme Court, the High Court of Bombay, and district courts in Maharashtra. He has prepared replies, rejoinders, complaints, interim applications, and other pleadings, specializing in securing urgent interim reliefs.
  • Since joining Manilal Kher Ambalal & Co. and later Khimani & Associates, he has provided strategic counsel on commercial issues, negotiated settlements, managed complex legal battles, and appeared before the Hon’ble Bombay High Court, the Small Causes Court, and the Estate Officer. He has developed strategies to combat intellectual property infringement, particularly involving artificial intelligence

Shriya Belvi

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.A LL.B. (Hons.) Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Maharashtra.

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra
    and Goa

ShriyaJalvi
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Symbiosis Law School, Pune in 2019.
  • Started her professional career in April 2020 under a prominent commercial disputes and insolvency practitioner.
  • Previously, she worked at Stangen Pharmaceutical Inc. based in the
    Philippines and Halan & Co. based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • In June 2024, she joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • She has experience in advising clients on different aspects of corporate/ commercial laws. She has accumulated significant experience in advising domestic and foreign clients on legal and commercial issues in the pharmaceutical, life sciences and ITeS sectors
  • She has represented clients in disputes arising out of commercial transactions and insolvency matters at the pre litigation stage and has also assisted and appeared in matters before the National Law Company Tribunal, High Court of Bombay and other Courts/Tribunals/fora in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • She also has experience in contract review, negotiation and end to end closure of commercial contracts with clients across the globe.

Dhruval Sheth

Senior Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.


Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: : [email protected]

Education

  • B.A LL.B., Kishinchand Chellaram Law College, Mumbai

  • Company Secretary, Institute of Company Secretary of India

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra
    and Goa
Dhruval
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Kishinchand Chellaram Law College, Mumbai.
  • Previously, he worked at JSA and Lumiere Law Partners based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • In May 2024, joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • Dhruval has extensive experience in advising and assisting on various listed and unlisted entities and private equity funds in the field of corporate and commercial laws, securities law and other related laws.
  • He has worked on various domestic and cross-border transactions and providing his assistance in key processes including: (i) due diligence exercise to highlight key legal and commercial issues; (ii) drafting and negotiating relevant documentations.

Andre Jaggi

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.


Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: :[email protected]

Education

  • BA LLB from the West Bengal

  • National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS)

ANDRE JAGGI
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Highlights

  • Graduated from the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) in 2020.
  • Previously, worked at Desai & Diwanji based in Mumbai.
  • In December 2023, joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • Andre has worked in the Corporate practice and has advised a wide range of clients including global long-term investors, private equity funds, private/public companies and high net worth individuals.
  • Andre has considerable experience on conducting due diligence on entities across different sectors and assisting on private equity transactions from both the sell-side and the buy-side.
  • Additionally, Andre has expertise in the electric vehicle and pharmaceutical sectors and their related regulatory/contractual aspects.

Vedanta Kishanchandani

Associate

Mumbai Office

901 / 9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan,227, Backbay Reclamation,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021.

Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: :[email protected]

Education

  • B.B.A LL.B., D. Y. Patil

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra 

WhatsApp Image 2024-01-23 at 17.45.45 (1)
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Kingston University and D.Y Patil
  •  Previously, he worked at Numen Law based in Mumbai.
  • In January 2024 he joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • He has experience in advising on different aspects of criminal litigation, and understanding of the court structures and the functioning.
  • He has also represented clients in matters before the High Court of Bombay, Sessions Court and lower courts

Rishab Jain

Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.LS LL.B. from Government Law College, Mumbai

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa

RishabJain
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Government Law College, Mumbai in 2020.
  • Previously, he worked at MDP & Partners and Mansukhlal Hiralal & Co., based in Mumbai.
  • In December 2023 he joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • Rishab is experienced in arbitration, dispute resolution and matters pertaining to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

  • He has also represented clients in matters before the High Court of Bombay, National Law Company Tribunal, City Civil Court, and other Courts/Tribunals.

YASH BHALE

Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • LL.B., I.L.S Law College, Pune
  • Chartered Wealth Manager (CWM®)
  • M.com., Pune University
WhatsApp Image 2023-09-26 at 12.35.07
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Highlights

  • Graduated from I.L.S Law College, Pune in
    2021,
  • Started his professional career in a leading listed IT company – Persistent Systems Limited,
  • Joined Pioneer Legal in September 2023

About

  • Yash is an associate in the M&A team and
    brings extensive expertise in playing a key role in assisting the various end-to-end transactions which include carrying out the legal due diligence exercises, drafting various transactional documents, assessing legal risks, and dispensing strategic advice to clients hailing from diverse sectors such as aviation, cybersecurity, information technology, logistics, healthcare, media, etc.
    ▪ Additionally, Yash has reviewed, drafted and negotiated diverse commercial agreements, overseeing the complete lifecycle of commercial contracts to facilitate the smooth functioning of client businesses.

SHREYA MASALIA

Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected] 

Education

  • LL.B., Government Law College, University of Mumbai
  • Company Secretary, ICSI
  • Bachelor of Management Studies, HR College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai

Memberships

  • Associate Member of ICSI
Shreya
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Government Law College, Mumbai in 2023
  • In July, 2022, she joined Pioneer Legal as a Paralegal wherein she assisted the corporate and commercial team.
  • She went on to become an associate with Pioneer Legal in July 2023 post her graduation.

About

  • Shreya is an associate in the Corporate & Commercial and M&A practices in Pioneer Legal and has experience in advising and assisting various listed and unlisted entities, and private equity and venture capital funds in the field of corporate and commercial laws, securities laws and other
    related laws.
    At Pioneer Legal, Shreya advises and assists various listed and unlisted
    companies in relation to:
  • (i) conducting due diligence exercise to highlight key legal and commercial issues;
    (ii) compliance and secretarial compliances;
    (iii) drafting and negotiating relevant transaction documentations; and
    (iv) corporate and regulatory approvals and foreign regulations
    compliances.

SAI SMRITHI BALASUBRAMANIAN

Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.B.A. LL.B., (Hons.), Symbiosis Law
    School, Pune
Sai Smrithi Balasubramanian
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Symbiosis Law School,
    Pune in 2023
  • Started her professional career in June 2023 with Pioneer Legal, Mumbai
  • Prior to joining Pioneer Legal, Smrithi interned with law firms like
    IndusLaw, Keystone Partners, and Samvad Partners and undertook
    assignments in both contentious and transactional spheres of law.

About

  • Smrithi is an Associate with the general corporate practice at Pioneer Legal.

  • She advises and assists companies on various aspects of corporate law. She regularly assists in due diligence exercises and also in the drafting of various transaction documents like share purchase agreements, shareholders’ agreements, and investment agreements.

  • She has assisted clients in fundraise rounds, acquisitions, and in availing loan facilities.

  • She is also experienced in reviewing commercial contracts for companies
    in the technology, media, and telecommunications sector. She has regularly researched for and drafted commercial agreements, advocacy material for courts and tribunals, and other legal documents for high-value matters.

Jinal Shah

Senior Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation,
Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • LLM in Intellectual Property from Boston School of Law
    in 2020
  • Graduated from Rizvi Law College, Mumbai (affiliated to University of Mumbai) in 2017.
1 JS - Picture
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Highlights

  • LLM in Intellectual Property from Boston School of Law in 2020
  • Started her career in June 2017, with DSK Legal.
  • Joined Veritas Legal in September 2018.
  • In June 2021, she joined the General Corporate team at Khimani & Associates.
  • Joined Pioneer Legal in December 2022.  

About

  • At Khimani & Associates, she worked as an associate in the Corporate & Commercial and Media and Entertainment practices of the firm, where her role included advising and assisting various entities in the field of corporate and commercial laws. She also advised and represented various acting talent in their brand endorsement cum investment deals.

  • In her stint at Veritas Legal, she worked in the M&A practice area of the firm, where she advised various listed and unlisted companies in the areas of corporate laws and commercial laws as well as advised private equity funds in relation to their investments.

  • At DSK Legal, she advised and assisted various listed and unlisted companies in conducting due diligence exercise to highlight key legal and commercial issues; drafted and negotiated relevant transaction documentations and advised on corporate and regulatory approvals and foreign regulations compliances.

  • Jinal is a Senior Associate in the M&A and General Corporate practices at Pioneer Legal. Her role includes conducting due diligence on target entities to highlight key legal and commercial issues and advising clients on such identified risks and drafting, negotiating various transaction documents.

Some Name

Partner

Mumbai Office:

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • Master’s in Business Law, NLS Bangalore
  • LL.B., K.C. Law College, Mumbai
  • Company Secretary, ICSI
  • B.MOS, University of Western Ontario, Canada
  • B.Com, Jai Hind College, Mumbai
  • New Education

Professional Memberships

  • Bar Council of India
  • Associate Member of ICSI
Download Profile

Highlights

  • Sanket has almost a decade of experience as a corporate transactional lawyer. His areas of practice include mergers and acquisitions and forensic investigation in white collar crimes.
  • He has advised on various complex national and cross-border M&A transactions and conducted forensic investigations of suspected fraud, bribery and misappropriation of funds; advised on preventive action and building robust mechanisms/policies to counter such crime, etc.
  • He is a member of the Bar Council of India, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Rugwed Dhage

Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.A.L.L.B, ILS Law College, Pune
Rugwed Dhage
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Highlights

  • Graduated from ILS Law College, Pune in 2022
  • Joined Pioneer Legal as an Associate in 2022.

About

  • Rugwed is an associate in the Corporate, Commercial and M&A practices of the firm. He has experience in varied fields of law including corporate laws, insolvency and bankruptcy laws and SEBI regulations. He has extensively assisted in matters before the NCLT, NCLAT, and Bombay High Court, in varied corporate and commercial matters. He has also assisted in multiple Joint Venture transactions including, conducting due diligences, along with drafting, and amending of various transaction documents.

AASHNA JAIN

Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • LL.B., New Law College, Mumbai
  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Commerce, Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai

Professional Memberships

  • Th Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa
Aashna Jain
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Highlights

  • She began her career in the year 2018 when she joined the dispute resolution team at Aquilaw, Mumbai as an associate.
  • In 2019, she joined Tuli & Co.’s dispute resolution team.
  • In July 2022, she joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • Her practice focuses on handling commercial arbitration, consumer disputes as well as legal advisory.
  • She has an extensive experience in arbitrations and handles civil as well as criminal matters.
  • She regularly appears before the Bombay High Court, City Civil Court at Mumbai, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Maharashtra, and Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court. She has also appeared before the Delhi High Court, Allahabad High Court, Telangana High Court and the Supreme Court of India.

VIJAY KUMAR CHAWLA

Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • B.A.L.L.B (Hons.), Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur
  • Accreditation in Mediation Advocacy from the Standards and Competencies in Mediation Advocacy.
Vijay Chawla
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur in 2022.
  • Joined Pioneer Legal as an Associate in 2022.
  • Advised and assisted the Havas group on multiple acquisitions in India.
  • Advised and assisted DEPT Agency on their acquisition of Teknopoint.
  • Advised and assisted PFSWeb on their proposed merger with GXO Logistics with respect to the India leg of the transaction.
  • Advised Jashvik Capital in their investment in Jabsons Foods.

About

  • Vijay is an associate in the Corporate & Commercial and M&A practices in Pioneer Legal and has experience in advising and assisting various listed and unlisted entities, and private equity and venture capital funds in the field of corporate and commercial laws, securities laws and other related laws; and his experience spans across various sectors such as
    manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceutical, healthcare, e-commerce and logistics.

  • At Pioneer Legal, Vijay advises and assists various listed and unlisted companies in relation to: (i) conducting due diligence exercise to highlight key legal and commercial issues; (ii) drafting and negotiating relevant transaction documentations; and (iv) corporate and regulatory approvals and foreign regulations compliances.

VEDIKA SHAH

Senior Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • B.L.S. LL.B., Government Law College, University of Mumbai
  • Solicitor, Bombay Incorporated Law Society

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa
  • The Bombay Incorporated Law Society
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Highlights

  • She started her career as an article clerk with the corporate and commercial practice team at DSK Legal in 2018.
  • In April 2019, she joined Pioneer Legal as an article clerk wherein she assisted the corporate and commercial team and subsequently assisted the litigation team.
  • She went on to become an associate with Pioneer Legal in the month of September 2020 post her graduation. She was promoted to the position of senior associate in April, 2023.
  • She cleared the solicitor’s examination conducted by the Bombay Incorporated Law Society in 2023.

About

  • Vedika is an associate in the Corporate & Commercial and M&A practices of the firm. She has experience in advising and assisting various entities in the field of corporate and commercial laws, securities laws and other related laws.
  • She advises and assists various listed and unlisted companies in relation to: (i) conducting due diligence exercise to highlight key legal and commercial issues; (ii) drafting and negotiating relevant transaction documentations; and (iv) corporate and regulatory approvals and foreign regulations compliances.
  • She also advises and assists various prominent promoters of businesses on issues relating to succession planning and preparation of testamentary documents.

SHWETA VERMA

Associate Trainee

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • B.COM(H), LLB

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Delhi
  • Associate Member at ICSI
Shweta Verma
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Highlights

  • Started her career at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas in the year 2019 in General Corporate Practice.
  • In July 2021, she joined Pioneer Legal

About

  • Shweta is an associate trainee in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate practices in the firm. She has experience on advising the clients in private equity, M&A Transactions and general corporate matters. Conducting due diligence on target entities and advising clients on such identified risks.

MANAS MAHESHWARI

Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • LLM in Banking and Finance Laws, Queen Mary University of London
  • LL.B, Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
  • B.Com (Hons.), Ramjas College, University of Delhi 

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa

Service Lines and sectors

  • Private Equity
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Forensic Practice
Manas Maheshwari
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Highlights

  • He started his working career in April 2022 as an assessment intern at Pioneer Legal.
  • From June 2022, he started out as an Associate at Pioneer Legal.

About

  • Manas has extensive knowledge in banking and financial laws.
  • His area of interest includes private equity, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance laws.

ANANT S. TRIPATHI

Senior Associate

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
E-mail: [email protected]

Education

  • B.L.S. LL.B., Pravin Gandhi College of Law, University of Mumbai

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa
Anant
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Highlights

  • Started his working career in the year 2016, after graduating from Pravin Gandhi College of law (Mumbai University)
  • Previously, he has worked in the Dispute Resolution Team of Naik Naik & Co. and Clasis Law.
  • In February 2022 he joined Pioneer Legal.

About

  • Anant has extensive experience in civil Litigation and Arbitration. He regularly advises and represents clients in matters before the High Court at Bombay, National Law Company Tribunal, City Civil Court and other Courts/Tribunals/forumsa across Mumbai.

  • He is actively involved in strategizing and handling arbitration matters, insolvency proceedings and other matters involving complex commercial and/or civil disputes.

Shivek Sharma

Associate

Mumbai Office:

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • B.A. LL.B., Institute of Law Nirma University, Ahmedabad

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Delhi

Areas Of Practice

  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Private Equity
  • Debt Capital
  • Insolvency and Restructuring
Shivek
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Highlights

  • Shivek started his career in 2018 and joined Agram Legal Consultants, Mumbai as an Associate and joined Pioneer Legal as an Associate in 2019.
  • He is a part of the Corporate & Commercial, Debt Capital and M&A practices of the firm.

About

  • He has experience in carrying out due diligence pertaining to e-commerce, NBFCs, defence, infrastructure, electronics and transportation sector; and has been involved in drafting of various transactional documents including Term Sheet, Investment Agreement, Share Purchase Agreement and Shareholders’ Agreement.
  • He has advised several companies in raising of debt capital through issuance and allotment of non-convertible debentures.
  • He has also advised the resolution professional on the various aspects of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 and has been involved in the drafting of various applications and replies including application for approval of resolution plan.

Shreya Gokhale

Associate

Mumbai Office:

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • B.L.S. LL.B., Government Law College, University of Mumbai

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa
Shreya Gokhale 2
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Highlights

  • Graduated from Government Law College, Mumbai in 2021
  • Started her professional career in August 2021 with Bharucha & Partners, Mumbai
  • Joined Pioneer Legal in September 2022

About

  • At Bharucha & Partners, she worked in the Capital Markets team of the firm where her role included advising companies and book running lead managers, and conducting due diligence on entities proposing to raise funds through initial public offerings and rights issues; drafting of draft red herring prospectuses/ red herring prospectuses etc.
  • Shreya is an associate in the General Corporate practice at Pioneer Legal. She has experience in providing advise on different aspects of corporate and commercial laws; conducting due diligence to highlight key legal and commercial issues; and drafting and negotiating transaction documents.

Rushad Irani

Principal Associate

Mumbai Office:

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • LL.B., Kishinchand Chellaram College of Law, University of Mumbai.
  • B. Com., Jai Hind College, University of Mumbai.

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa
Rushad
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Highlights

  • He started practice under an eminent technology law practitioner from late 2015 to early 2017 earning a basic grounding in technology law.
  • From February, 2017, he joined a prominent commercial dispute resolution and insolvency law practitioner whom he worked under and took up independent assignments as well. He joined Pioneer Legal in February, 2021.

About

  • His practice revolves around dispute resolution including commercial litigation and arbitration.
  • He has experience in advising and appearing for clients on varied disputes arising out of commercial transactions, insolvency, corporate disputes and partnership disputes.
  • He has extensive experience in commercial disputes and civil disputes before various courts and tribunals. He also has experience in handling arbitrations spanning a wide range of disputes. He has appeared in matters relating to insolvency proceedings.
  • He regularly appears before the High Court at Bombay, the National Company Law Tribunal at Mumbai, the City Civil Court at Mumbai and Dindoshi and the Small Causes Court at Mumbai. He has also appeared before the Sessions Court, various Magistrate’s Courts, Consumer Fora, Family Court, Charity Commissioner, Registrar of Co-operative Societies and SEBI.
  • He additionally advises clients during pre-dispute/pre-litigation stage in finalizing strategy including the appropriate mode of dispute resolution to ensure the most favorable outcome for the Client.

Pavana Padmakumar

Principal Associate

Mumbai Office:

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • B.L.S./L.L.B., SVKMs Pravin Gandhi College of Law University of Mumbai
Pavana
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Highlights

  • Graduated from SVKMs Pravin Gandhi College of Law, Mumbai (affiliated to University of Mumbai) in 2019.
  • She started her career as an ‘Associate’ in Pioneer Legal since the firm’s inception in 2019.

About

  • Pavana is a Principal Associate in the Corporate & Commercial and M&A practices of the firm. She has experience in advising and assisting various entities in the field of corporate and commercial laws, securities laws and other related laws. She has assisted in advising various listed and unlisted companies in the areas of corporate laws, commercial laws and securities laws as well as in advising private equity funds in relation to their investments and exits. She also advises clients on employment and labour laws and the related compliances.

Eishan Agnihotri

Principal Associate

Mumbai Office:

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • B.A – LL.B (Business Law Hons.), Institute of Law, Nirma University (Ahmedabad)

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Delhi
Eishan
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Highlights

  • He started his working career in the year 2018, after graduating from Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmedabad.
  • He joined DSK Legal, (a leading law firm) at their Mumbai office as an Associate with the general corporate and M&As team.
  • In April 2019, he joined the newly founded ‘Pioneer Legal’ as an Associate. Currently, there are more than 25 lawyers with 6 partners working in Pioneer Legal.

About

  • He has experience in advising various listed and unlisted companies in the areas of corporate laws, commercial laws as well as in advising private equity funds in relation to their investments and exits.

Sohil Shah

Counsel, Pioneer Legal

Mumbai Office:

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • LL.B., Kishinchand Chellaram College of Law, Mumbai
  • B. Com., Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics, University of Mumbai
  • Company Secretary, Institute of Company Secretaries of India

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa
Sohil
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Highlights

  • He started his career when he joined the dispute resolution team at DSK Legal in the year 2013 as an Article Clerk and then went on to become an Associate when he graduated as an Advocate in 2014.
  • In February, 2019, he briefly joined the International Arbitration team at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. and then joined Pioneer Legal in December, 2019.

About

  • His practice focuses on commercial arbitration and litigation.
  • He has experience in advising clients on varied disputes arising out of commercial transactions, private equity transactions, media, consumer and insolvency.
  • He has extensive experience in arbitrations and has represented clients for obtaining interim reliefs, appointment of arbitrators, representation before tribunals and appeals. He also has vast experience in handling civil and commercial litigations before various Courts.
  • He regularly appears before the High Court of Bombay, National Company Law Tribunal at Mumbai, City Civil Court at Mumbai and Dindoshi. He has also appeared before the Supreme Court of India, High Court of Delhi, District Court at Pune, Magistrate Courts, Family Court, Labour Court, Registrar of Co-operative Societies and SEBI.
  • He also advises clients during pre-disputes/pre-litigation stage in finalizing strategy and adopting the most appropriate mode of dispute resolution to ensure the most favorable outcome for the client.

Shoubhik Dasgupta

Partner

Mumbai Office:

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • LL.B., Symbiosis Law,
  • MBA in Business Administration, ICFAI

Professional Membership

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa
Shoubhik Dasgupta
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Highlights

  • Shoubhik is a Partner in the firm and specializes in private equity funds, corporate and commercial transactions, mergers & acquisitions and joint ventures.
  • He was recognized as a “Rising Star” for Private Equity by Asialaw 2023 and “Rising Star” Partner for Private Equity by IFLR1000 2022-23
  • After a decade-long stint at DSK Legal, Shoubhik has been a part of Pioneer Legal since its inception. Shoubhik has over 14 years of experience in general corporate and commercial laws.
  • He is a regular speaker for the Institute of Company Secretaries on matters pertaining to mergers and acquisitions and private equity.
  • Shoubhik advises various clients on a wide array of general corporate matters, employment laws, foreign exchange and security regulations and sector specific regulations. He has a focus on emerging sectors such as gaming, automobiles, chemicals and Insurance.

Pritha Jha

Partner

Mumbai Office:

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • BSL. LL.B, ILS Law College, University of Pune

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa
Pritha Jha
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Highlights

  • Pritha is a co-founder of Pioneer Legal and a distinguished expert in the realms of private equity, strategic mergers & acquisitions, and corporate advisory.
  • Beyond her core areas of specialization, Pritha provides crucial counsel to advertising agencies and media houses on their day-to-day operations and commercial contracts.
  • Her exceptional achievements have earned her prestigious recognitions, including being named one of ‘Asia’s Top 15 Female Dealmakers, India and Middle East’ and being listed among Asia’s 40 under 40 lawyers.
  • Asialaw has ranked her as a rising star in Private Equity, and India Business Law Journal identified her as one of India’s Future Legal Leaders.
  • She was featured as one of the Top 20 emerging leaders for the Indian Legal Market in the RSG Emerging Leaders Report of 2019.
  • After a successful tenure of 9 years at DSK Legal, Pritha co founded Pioneer Legal with three partners, further solidifying her position as a leading legal professional. Her primary focus centers on advertising, media, and entertainment sectors, where her exceptional knowledge and experience have earned her a trusted reputation among clients.
  • With an impressive career spanning over 16 years, Pritha has played a pivotal role in numerous domestic acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity investments, and intricate cross border transactions, making her a sought-after advisor for complex multijurisdictional deals.
  • She has been instrumental in successfully navigating through sector-specific regulatory challenges, contributing significantly to her client’ success and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Narendra Dingankar

Partner

Mumbai Office:

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0040
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • Solicitor, Supreme Court of India
  • Solicitor London and Wales
  • Advocate, High Court of Bombay
  • B.Com., University of Mumbai

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa
  • The Bombay Incorporated Law Society
  • International Bar Association (presently inactive)
  • Law Society of London and Wales (inactive)
Narendra Dingankar
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Highlights

  • Narendra is the co-founding partner of Pioneer Legal. Narendra advises multinational and domestic companies and private equity funds in the areas of debt and equity funding transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, joint ventures, infra projects and corporate laws.
  • Narendra has over 28 years of work experience as an Advocate and Solicitor. Narendra worked with Arthur Andersen, an international accounting firm, Dua Associates and DSK Legal, formed as part of the Andersen Legal Network.
  • Narendra assists clients in litigation matters, dispute resolution and formulating strategy for disputes. Narendra also assists in succession planning, family settlement, creation of family trust structures, preparation of Wills, and related documents

Sanket Jain

Partner

Mumbai Office:

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • Master’s in Business Law, NLS Bangalore
  • LL.B., K.C. Law College, Mumbai
  • Company Secretary, ICSI
  • B.MOS, University of Western Ontario, Canada
  • B.Com, Jai Hind College, Mumbai

Professional Memberships

  • Bar Council of India
  • Associate Member of ICSI
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Highlights

  • Sanket has more than a decade of experience as a transactional and investigative lawyer. His areas of practice include mergers and acquisitions, private equity, employment laws and forensic investigation in white collar crimes. He has advised on various complex national and cross-border M&A transactions and conducted forensic investigations of suspected fraud, bribery and misappropriation of funds; advising on fraud and anti-bribery laws in India and reporting requirements; advising on strategy and implementation of action against perpetrators of such crime; advising on preventive action and building robust mechanisms/ policies to counter such crime, etc.
  • Prior to joining Pioneer Legal, Sanket has worked for Haresh Jagtiani and Associates, ARA Law and DSK Legal as part of the corporate and M&A team.
  • He is a member of the Bar Council of India, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He is presently, a member of the Advisory Board of RMLNLU Law Review as well. He has been recently recognised by Asian Legal Business as one of INDIA’S SUPER 50 LAWYERS 2023

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Satish Kishanchandani

Managing Partner

Mumbai Office

901/9th Floor, Nariman Bhavan, 227, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Tel: +91 22 6862 0000
Fax: +91 22 6862 0001
Email: [email protected]

Education

  • Solicitor, Supreme Court of India
  • Advocate, High Court of Bombay
  • B.Com., University of Mumbai

Professional Memberships

  • The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa
  • The Bombay Incorporated Law Society
  • International Bar Association
Satish Kishanchandani
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Highlights

  • Satish is the founding Partner of Pioneer Legal. Satish has more than three decades of experience advising various multinational and domestic companies across sectors on corporate issues, large M&A and PE transactions and strategy for various complex disputes.
  • Throughout his eventful career, Satish has won numerous awards & recognitions such as: 
  1. ‘Distinguished Practitioner’ for Private Equity and Corporate/M&A (India) by Asialaw Leading Lawyers
  2. Distinguished Practitioner’ for Private Equity and Corporate/M&A (India) by IFLR1000
  3. Rankedfor Private Equity and Corporate/ M&A by Chambers and Partners Asia Pacific 2020 to 2023
  4. Ranked for Corporate/M&A by Chambers and Partners Global 2021 to 2023
  5. Recognised in the ‘A-List’ of lawyers by India BusinessLaw Journal 2022
  • An advocate and Solicitor from 1989-90. In 1992, Satish joined Arthur Andersen, a leading international accounting firm in its tax and business advisory practice to set up its corporate business advisory team.
  • In 1997, he joined Dua Associates as a Partner and set up its legal practice in Mumbai and Pune. In 2001, he co-founded DSK Legal, and built it into a 130-lawyer firm over 18 years. In April 2019, he along with 2 other partners founded Pioneer Legal
  • Satish has more than three decades of significant experience in advising on large M&A and PE transactions, and he also specializes in crafting strategies for complex disputes to minimize litigation risks.