Established 2013
Tel: +91-11-33232700
Fax: +91-11-33232800
Contact: Sudipta Bhattacharjee (sudiptab@advaitalegal.com), Shailendra Singh (shailendraks@advaitalegal.com)
Number of partners: 2
Number of lawyers: 30
Languages: English, Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi
Practice Areas: Tax, Corporate, Projects & Energy, Technology, Media & Telecommunication (TMT), International Trade/WTO, Contractual/commercial dispute resolution (including arbitration/mediation), Restructuring and Insolvency, Employment and labour laws, Banking and Finance, Aviation (including Aerospace and Defence) and Real Estate and Construction
Taking a cue from the Sanskrit word ‘Advaita’ (meaning singular, unique), Advaita Legal was set up with a vision to provide workable legal solutions attuned to the requirements of its clientele. While originally set up predominantly as a ‘Tax’ firm, over the last years the Firm has expanded its practices ranging from projects and energy, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, employment/labour to international trade and TMT.
Even though the Firm was set up only in 2013, the leadership of the Firm have decades of work experience in the tax and legal practice (both litigation and advisory) across jurisdictions.
The teams in Advaita combine their substantive legal expertise in a diverse array of disciplines, issues and industries with an in-depth understanding of administrative, regulatory and legislative processes to provide the clients with a 360° experience. As a growing firm, the lawyers at Advaita are staunch believers of going beyond the call of duty. The Firm consists of young, passionate and driven team of lawyers mentored by well-established leaders in their domain practice areas.
Aviation (including Aerospace and Defence): AL has developed a significant practice area in the Aviation practice. In aerospace, AL has advised infrastructure airport developers to ground handling/cargo entities besides advising airlines on issues ranging from aircraft financing to MRO etc. AL has also been advising many international defence companies on prestigious projects on various legal issues ranging from defence procurement to the DPP, offset, FDI policy and technology licensing etc.
Dispute Resolution & Litigation: AL represents clients in arbitration (domestic and international) extending to execution and enforcement of arbitral awards. The litigation experience spans the original, appellate, revisional and writ jurisdiction of various judicial fora.
Infrastructure, Energy & Projects: AL has established itself in the league of top law firms in the Infrastructure, Energy and Projects space. The expertise transcends and includes power (gas, coal, hydro, wind, solar), water, roads, airports, mining, ports etc. The team specializes in PPP projects, drafting of project contracts and in regulatory representation.
International Trade and WTO: The team in Advaita are pioneers in the field of international trade and WTO laws having represented clients before various adjudicating authorities and advising clients on various issues arising out of protectionist levies, customs duty, foreign trade policy matters and other international trade facilitation matters.
M&A and Joint Ventures: AL provides investment advisory services including due diligence, transaction structuring and legal documentation services in relation to M&A, JV and other in-bound investments.
Real Estate & Construction: The Firm has advised its clients on various aspects including agreements pertaining to lease, sale and purchase, development agreements for land, builder buyer agreements and transactions pertaining to flats and apartments.
Tax: Advaita is one of the few tax teams in India who (by dint of its litigation experience) can marry cutting-edge tax advice with actual court- room experience in handling very high-stake tax litigations to create transformational value for the clients. The team has been able to create a niche for itself amongst its peers and the industry alike as the “Go to” Firm so far as complex, high-stake tax issues are involved; be it for transfer pricing or corporate tax or across the spectrum of indirect taxes ranging from GST, Customs/internal trade laws to State Excise laws applicable on alcoholic beverages to pre-GST taxes like service tax, CST/VAT or central excise.
India
Advaita Legal
Advaita Legal has particular expertise in handling PPP projects, bid advisory, regulatory advisory, and disputes relevant to the energy sector. Its disputes practice continues to gain traction in the rankings and moves up this year, alongside the debuts of the firm’s presence in the aviation and corporate and M&A tables. The firm is well-versed in aerospace and aviation matters, with consistent government-side representation. Firm principal Monali Dutta has diverse experience in dispute resolution, labour and employment, energy, and aviation. Partner Shailendra Singh is an energy and regulatory specialist.
Aviation
Work highlights
Advised the Airport Authority of India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation in preparation of a model concession agreement for greenfield airports.
Representing the Airport Authority of India in preparation and vetting of bid documents for the purpose of selecting new ground handling service agency at various airports across India.
Construction
Work highlights
Represented Ranchi Smart City Corporation on its bid to develop a smart city project during an auction process on an EPC basis.
Key clients
Belectric Group, Shapoorji Group, Vestas
Dispute resolution
Work highlights
Advising Siemens Gasema in relation to the petition filed by PGCIL seeking preferential allotment of connectivity to the selected bidders in the Solar Energy Corporation of India auction.
Key clients
Belectric Group, GMR Warora Energy, ONGC, Petronet, Shapoorji Pallonji Group
Energy
Work highlights
Successfully represented GMR Power Corporation in a high stakes regulatory litigation against Tamil Nadu General and Distribution Corporation, first in front of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission and then from the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity.
Advising Essar Power Transmission Company to counter a challenge on the client’s grant of an inter-state transmission licence.
Key clients
ONGC, Petronet, Tata Power Delhi Distribution
Infrastructure
Work highlights
Advising Access Health International in relation to development, operation and maintenance of primary and community health care centres in Uttar Pradesh.
Acted for the Inland Waterways Authority of India to develop an asset management and operational framework for the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system from Haldia to Allahabad, National Waterway-1.
Key clients
Gwalior Smart City Development, Indian Port Rail Corporation, Nashik Municipal Corporation
Regulatory
Work highlights
Advised Renew Power Ventures on the applicability of extant laws in relation to the issue of accounting for depreciation.
Acting for the National Skill Development Corporation, a unique PPP in India to facilitate skills development, in reviewing loan agreements entered into with a borrower, and drafting and reviewing policy guidelines for the implementation of various skilling programmes.
Provided Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company with regulatory and legal advice on revised framework regulations in power purchase agreements.
Key clients
Central Electricity Regulatory Commissions, Essar Power, GMR Group, Kudgi Transmission
Tax
Work highlights
Representing the Indian Bank Association, Kotak Bank and 12 other banks in a case against the Union of India relating to GST on the commitment to maintain minimum average bank account balances.
Acting for India Coke and Power against the government challenging the constitutional validity of GST on ocean freight services rendered by a foreign entity to another foreign entity located outside of India. Gujarat’s high court, in a landmark ruling, held the GST on these freight services as unconstitutional.
Key clients
Alstom Transport India, Beam Suntory, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Diageo, KPMG, Softbank Energy, Vedanta, Uber, United Spirits
Client feedback
“They have a hands-on approach to the power sector legacy issues and valuable insight into the generation and distribution business.” – Energy
“Good knowledge about local regulations and processes.” – Labour and employment
Monali Dutta
“She has integrity and will to do the best for the client.”
Alok Shankar
“He has developed the basic nuances for an energy sector lawyer. He is always updated on various sectoral developments and renders practical advice.”
India
Aviation
Highly recommended |
---|
Gagrats |
Link Legal India Law Services |
RNClegal |
Recommended |
---|
Advaya Legal |
Bhasin & Co |
Kochhar & Co |
Tyabji Dayabhai |
Wadia Ghandy & Co |
Other notable |
---|
Advaita Legal |
AZB & Partners |
J Sagar Associates |
Khaitan & Co |
MVKini |
PDS Legal |
Energy
Outstanding |
---|
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
HSA Advocates |
J Sagar Associates |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
Trilegal |
Highly recommended |
---|
Advaita Legal |
Economic Laws Practice |
IndusLaw |
Khaitan & Co |
L&L Partners |
Link Legal India Law Services |
Recommended |
---|
ALMT Legal |
AZB & Partners |
Dhir & Dhir Associates |
DSK Legal |
Gagrats |
Phoenix Legal |
Singhania & Partners |
Recognised |
---|
Kochhar & Co |
Rajani Associates |
Other notable |
---|
Bharucha & Partners |
Desai & Diwanji |
Gravitas Legal |
S&R Associates |
Sarthak Advocates & Solicitors |
Wadia Ghandy & Co |
Infrastructure
Outstanding |
---|
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
J Sagar Associates |
L&L Partners |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
Highly recommended |
---|
Economic Laws Practice |
HSA Advocates |
Link Legal India Law Services |
Recommended |
---|
Advaita Legal |
ALMT Legal |
AZB & Partners |
Dhir & Dhir Associates |
Gagrats |
IndusLaw |
Khaitan & Co |
Phoenix Legal |
Trilegal |
Wadia Ghandy & Co |
Other notable |
---|
Advaya Legal |
DSK Legal |
Gravitas Legal |
Kochhar & Co |
Sarthak Advocates & Solicitors |
The Law Point |
Real estate
Outstanding |
---|
AZB & Partners |
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
Kanga & Co |
Khaitan & Co |
Highly recommended |
---|
Federal & Company |
J Sagar Associates |
L&L Partners |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
Recommended |
---|
ALMT Legal |
DSK Legal |
Hariani & Co |
IndusLaw |
Majmudar & Partners |
Phoenix Legal |
Trilegal |
Wadia Ghandy & Co |
Recognised |
---|
Economic Laws Practice |
Fox Mandal |
Kochhar & Co |
MDP & Partners |
Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe |
Poovayya & Co |
Other notable |
---|
Advaita Legal |
Anup S Shah Law Firm |
Atlas Law Partners |
Dhaval Vussonji & Associates |
Juris Corp |
Link Legal India Law Services |
Singhania & Partners |
UKCA and Partners |
Veritas Legal |
Technology and telecommunications
Outstanding |
---|
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
J Sagar Associates |
Kochhar & Co |
Nishith Desai Associates |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
Trilegal |
Highly recommended |
---|
AZB & Partners |
DSK Legal |
IndusLaw |
Recommended |
---|
Advaita Legal |
Khaitan & Co |
L&L Partners |
S&R Associates |
Spice Route Legal |
Recognised |
---|
ALMT Legal |
Dhir & Dhir Associates |
HSA Advocates |
Majmudar & Partners |
Phoenix Legal |
Samvad Partners |
Other notable |
---|
Algo Legal |
BTG Legal |
Economic Laws Practice |
Juris Corp |
Link Legal India Law Services |
Poovayya & Co |
Rajaram Legal |
Veritas Legal |
Banking and finance
Outstanding |
---|
AZB & Partners |
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
J Sagar Associates |
Khaitan & Co |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
TT&A |
Highly Recommended |
---|
Economic Laws Practice |
HSA Advocates |
Juris Corp |
L&L Partners |
SNG & Partners |
Trilegal |
Recommended |
---|
Bharucha & Partners |
Dave & Girish & Co |
Dhir & Dhir Associates |
DSK Legal |
IndusLaw |
Link Legal India Law Services |
Majmudar & Partners |
Phoenix Legal |
Wadia Ghandy & Co |
Recognised |
---|
Advaita Legal |
ALMT Legal |
Argus Partners |
Atlas Law Partners |
Gagrats |
Jerome Merchant + Partners |
Kochhar & Co |
Nishith Desai Associates |
Other notable |
---|
Chadha & Co |
Desai & Diwanji |
Gravitas Legal |
India Law Offices |
Khaitan & Khaitan |
Lex Favios |
MDP & Partners |
ZBA |
Competition/antitrust
Outstanding |
---|
AZB & Partners |
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
Khaitan & Co |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
Highly recommended |
---|
Economic Laws Practice |
L&L Partners |
Trilegal |
Recommended |
---|
Chandhiok & Mahajan |
Gaggar & Partners |
J Sagar Associates |
Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan |
S&R Associates |
TT&A |
Other notable |
---|
Advaita Legal |
IndusLaw |
Link Legal India Law Services |
Majmudar & Partners |
Construction
Outstanding |
---|
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
HSA Advocates |
J Sagar Associates |
L&L Partners |
Link Legal India Law Services |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
Highly recommended |
---|
DSK Legal |
Kanga & Co |
Khaitan & Co |
Other notable |
---|
Dhir & Dhir Associates |
Corporate and M&A
Outstanding |
---|
AZB & Partners |
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
Khaitan & Co |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
Trilegal |
Highly recommended |
---|
DSK Legal |
IndusLaw |
J Sagar Associates |
L&L Partners |
S&R Associates |
TT&A |
Dispute resolution
Outstanding |
---|
Agarwal Law Associates |
AZB & Partners |
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
Karanjawala & Co |
Khaitan & Co |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
Highly Recommended |
---|
DSK Legal |
Economic Laws Practice |
IndusLaw |
J Sagar Associates |
L&L Partners |
Nishith Desai Associates |
Trilegal |
Wadia Ghandy & Co |
Recommended |
---|
Bharucha & Partners |
Dhir & Dhir Associates |
Dua Associates |
Federal & Company |
Juris Corp |
Majmudar & Partners |
Phoenix Legal |
Rashmikant and Partners |
S&R Associates |
Singhania & Partners |
Labour and employment
Outstanding |
---|
Nishith Desai Associates |
Trilegal |
Highly recommended |
---|
Bhasin and Bhasin Associates |
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
IndusLaw |
J Sagar Associates |
Khaitan & Co |
Kochhar & Co |
Majmudar & Partners |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
Recommended |
---|
ALMT Legal |
AZB & Partners |
L&L Partners |
Phoenix Legal |
Singhania & Partners |
Other notable |
---|
Advaita Legal |
Chadha & Co |
Clasis Law |
Dhir & Dhir Associates |
Poovayya & Co |
Regulatory
Outstanding |
---|
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
Khaitan & Co |
Nishith Desai Associates |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
Highly recommended |
---|
AZB & Partners |
Economic Laws Practice |
Finsec Law Advisors |
J Sagar Associates |
L&L Partners |
Recommended |
---|
Chadha & Co |
Dhir & Dhir Associates |
Hammurabi & Solomon Partners |
HSA Advocates |
Trilegal |
Other notable |
---|
Advaita Legal |
Keystone Partners |
Majmudar & Partners |
TT&A |
Tax
Outstanding |
---|
Economic Laws Practice |
Khaitan & Co |
Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan |
Nishith Desai Associates |
Vaish Associates Advocates |
Highly Recommended |
---|
AZB & Partners |
BMR Legal |
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas |
Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co |
Trilegal |
Recommended |
---|
Advaita Legal |
ALMT Legal |
L&L Partners |
Majmudar & Partners |
TLC Legal |
Other notable |
---|
Amicus |
HSA Advocates |
Phoenix Legal |
Lawyer | Ranking | Practice Area |
---|---|---|
Dutta, Monali | Notable practitioner | Corporate and M&A, Labour and employment |
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