Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance (CC), has decided to increase the Indian representation in its firm by electing English and Indian qualified lawyer Sumesh Sawhney to partnership at its London office.

Sumesh who was previously a Corporate M&A Partner at Amarchand Mangaldas, specializes in cross-border matters involving India. He was in Amarchand till September 2006 after which he moved to CC. He has over 18 years of experience in advising blue-chip Indian corporate houses and foreign investors.

On the occasion of the promotion, Chris Wyman, head of Clifford Chance's India Group said, “Sumesh's election is a further demonstration of our commitment to enhance our service to clients around the world on India related transactions. Sumesh's understanding of the global and Indian markets and his reputation in India are significant strengths for our India corporate practice and his international role complement AZB's market-leading expertise in India".

Speaking to Bar & Bench, Sumesh said, “Having spent quite a number of years in India, it is quite natural that I will be focusing on the Indian market. India is an important market and a key part of our strategy." CC has been beefing up India practice teams at Singapore and London and has expanded through lateral hires. In August 2008, Rahul Guptan, another Amarchand Partner joined the Singapore office of CC.