British strategy firm expands in India with launch of 52 Gates Legal

52 Gates Legal LLP, a legal division of England-based 52 Gates Strategy Consulting, was formally inaugurated on Sunday, August 24, at Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

52 Gates Legal is a boutique law firm specialising in Corporate Advisory, Litigation, Arbitration, NRI Legal Services, Immigration, Real Estate Law, Regulatory and Compliance. The firm brings together a network of seasoned legal experts, including arbitrators and practitioners with cross-border and sector-specific expertise.

The firm’s leadership team consists of Barrister Umar Kamaal Farooqui (Joint Managing Partner), Syed Wajahat Ali (Joint Managing Partner), N Janardhan Reddy, UN Murthy and Venkatram Reddy.

Hyderabad was chosen as the firm’s South Asia base for its strategic position at the heart of India’s technology and innovation ecosystem, its growing prominence as a centre for corporate investment and its vibrant legal and business networks.

The launch event was graced by Telangana’s Minister for Industries and Commerce D Sridhar Babu, along with Members of the Legislative Assembly Madan Mohan Rao, Rakesh Reddy, Anil Eravarthy, senior bureaucrats like Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for Tourism and Youth Advancement and prominent figures from the legal fraternity and business community.

Speaking at the inauguration, Babu welcomed the arrival of 52 Gates Legal in Hyderabad and noted that the decision of international law firms to establish themselves in the city reflects its rising strength as a preferred destination for investment and professional services. He further emphasised that while such firms play a crucial role in supporting businesses and investors, it is equally important that the benefits of legal expertise extend to all sections of society ensuring that not only the “haves” but also the “have-nots” have access to justice.

Barrister Farooqui emphasised the firm’s commitment to bridging international legal standards with the commercial realities of South Asian markets.

“Our London roots give us a strategic, global outlook, while our Hyderabad base anchors us in the realities of South Asian business and legal practice,” he said.

The occasion also marked the announcement of the 52 Gates Legal – The Knowledge Centre, to be led by Barrister Nigel Booth and Janardhan Reddy, aimed at advancing legal research, professional training and client education.

Booth is a seasoned barrister, trainer and author in England and leading various initiatives on skill development and legal training. He has over two decades of experience in Bar practice in England in various courts and also trains students becoming barristers at the University of Law, Manchester & Liverpool Campus.

The office premises is located at Second Floor, 201, Plot No. 13/A/B, above ICICI Bank, Lane No. 12, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The new office will serve as a hub for the firm’s expanding practice across India, the Gulf and the UK–India business corridor.

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