International - South Asia (India)
 
Kelley Drye's India Practice dates back to the early 1960s. Since the late 1980s it is comprised of experienced Indian lawyers who have practiced in India for a number of years. Before India's economic liberalization that began in 1991, the India Practice focused on servicing Indian clients that needed representation in the United States. Since 1991, the India Practice has primarily focused on two categories of representations – advising U.S. and other international clients in their Indian business relationships; and advising Indian businesses in the United States. To more effectively represent its clients in India and in the United States, in 1998 Kelley Drye established a formal affiliation with a Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) based law firm, Wakhariya & Wakhariya, which is headed by Shabbir S. Wakhariya, who has been with the Firm in New York since 1992. Given this arrangement, Kelley Drye is in the position to provide quality legal advice round-the-clock, removing all obstacles of time difference, travel and language.

Kelley Drye has been highlighted in India Business Law Journal's list of "Top-10 Law Firms" of 2008. The publication identified 100 law firms throughout the world as leaders in major India-related matters, from large transcontinental firms to small emerging-market firms, listing Kelley Drye as one of the best. Ten firms were equally recognized as the year's top international law firms for India-related work, citing our India practice's involvement in major corporate acquisitions, and our firm's unique ability to manage India's challenging regulatory environment, particularly with regards to the establishment of joint ventures.

The Mumbai Office

The Mumbai office was established in 1998 as an affiliate office of the Firm, to service our clients doing business in India. It was co-founded by Shabbir S. Wakhariya, who is the managing partner of the Mumbai office and has been at Kelley Drye in New York since 1992, after he obtained his LL.M. degree from Duke University School of Law. Mr. Wakhariya manages and supervises the associates in the Mumbai office. The lawyers in the Mumbai office speak multiple Indian languages and are exposed to periodic training by the Firm in the New York office.

Knowledge Base and Technology

The Firm maintains a full up-to-date Indian law library in print and, where available, in electronic form. Our library collection includes the latest laws and amendments, the latest rules and regulations, government notifications, circulars and press-releases, the latest forms prescribed by the relevant government department or regulatory authority and the latest decisions of the Supreme Court of India.

Back to: International

For further information about Kelley Drye's International - South Asia (India) Practice Group, please contact:

Talat M. Ansari
(212) 808-7605
tansari@kelleydrye.com

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