Whalesbook
Global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has appointed Siddhartha Shukla and Dhananjaya Chak as co-heads of its India practice. This leadership transition signals the firm's strategic focus on the growing demand for cross-border M&A and energy finance, as global law firms continue to strengthen their India-related operations.
What Happened
Global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has announced a leadership change for its India practice, effective May 1, 2026. Partners Siddhartha Shukla and Dhananjaya Chak have been appointed as the new co-heads of the practice. Additionally, Alan Montgomery, who previously served as a co-head, has transitioned to the role of Chair of the India practice. The new team takes over from Chris Parsons, who has retired, and Roddy Martin, who remains a key member of the team.
This leadership shuffle comes at a time when major global law firms are increasingly focusing on their India-related business. Shukla and Chak, both dual-qualified lawyers, have risen through the firm’s ranks, with Shukla notably becoming the first lawyer from the firm’s Indian internship programme to reach the partnership and now hold a leadership role.
Why This Matters for the Business Landscape
For businesses and clients, this move signals a broader shift in how international law firms manage their India-related mandates. The demand for cross-border expertise has increased as Indian conglomerates expand globally and international investors deepen their commitments to India. The firm’s India practice is particularly active in high-profile areas such as energy transition, infrastructure finance, and complex M&A deals.
Historically, the focus of many international law firms on India was heavily skewed toward outbound work—assisting Indian companies in their global expansion. However, current trends show a more balanced approach, with a roughly 50/50 split between inbound and outbound activity. This balance reflects a more mature investment environment, where foreign capital is entering India with the same frequency that Indian capital is moving abroad.
Strategic Focus on Energy and Infrastructure
The appointment of Chak, who has deep expertise in energy transition, natural resources, and infrastructure, highlights the firm’s focus on these capital-intensive sectors. As India continues to ramp up its electrification and renewable energy efforts, the legal complexities surrounding these projects require specialized financing and regulatory knowledge. The firm acts for both international lenders and Indian corporates on large-scale projects, making this leadership change a move to align with the country's current economic growth drivers.
Talent and Integration Strategy
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has built its practice not just by hiring experienced lateral partners, but by integrating talent through an internship programme specifically targeting top Indian law schools. By funneling graduates into its international trainee programmes, the firm creates a pipeline of dual-qualified lawyers who are comfortable navigating both the Indian business context and international regulatory regimes. This helps the firm bridge the gap between global standards and local market nuances.
The Regulatory Context
Investors and corporate observers should note the specific regulatory framework governing foreign law firms in India. Under current regulations, foreign law firms are permitted to provide advisory services on foreign and international law, as well as participate in international commercial arbitration. However, they are restricted from opening offices on the ground in India to practice Indian law or engage in litigation.
Consequently, firms like HSF Kramer operate what is effectively an "India Desk" model, coordinating with local Indian law firms to deliver a seamless service to clients. This regulatory boundary remains a key factor that influences the growth strategy of international legal services providers in the region.
What Investors and Clients May Track
Future developments to monitor include how this new leadership team manages the firm's evolving cross-border deal pipeline, especially in the infrastructure and energy sectors. Additionally, market participants will watch for any shifts in how international firms adapt to India's regulatory environment, particularly as discussions regarding further liberalization of the legal services market continue to surface in industry policy circles.