DSK Legal opens Chennai Office with 25-member team

DSK Legal has expanded its presence in South India with the lateral hire of three partners, Sameena Chatrapathy, Kavita Pancholi and Anu D’rose Prabhu along with their team of 22 professionals, all joining from Chugh Universal Legal, to set up the firm’s Chennai office.

The three incoming partners bring complementary practices across corporate, private equity and real estate. The 25-person group comprises a 14-member corporate team and an 8-member real estate team, giving DSK Legal an immediate full-service capability in the city.

Anand Desai, Managing Partner, DSK Legal, said,

"Chennai is a natural step for us. It is a city of immense commercial significance. Our office there will complement and extend what we have built in other cities. Together with our office in Bengaluru, this will enable us to serve our clients in South India even better. I welcome our new colleagues and look forward to building a successful future together."

Sajit Suvarna, Deputy Managing Partner, DSK Legal, added,

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of DSK Legal's newest office in Chennai, marking an exciting milestone in our firm's continued growth across India. We extend a warm welcome to our Chennai team, whose dedication and expertise will be instrumental in shaping our firm's success and strengthening the firm's presence in Southern India. As we embark on this new chapter, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional client service and upholding the values of integrity, excellence, and collaboration that have defined DSK Legal since its inception.”

Chatrapathy, an alumna of Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University and the University of Aberdeen, has nearly two decades of experience advising domestic and foreign clients on private equity investments, acquisitions and healthcare, energy and IT sector transactions. She also advises startups on structuring and early-stage requirements.

Pancholi, an alumna of National Law University Jodhpur, brings over 15 years of experience in private equity, acquisitions and alternative investment fund structuring.

Prabhu, an alumna of Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College, specialises in real estate transactions, including title due diligence for large land parcels, joint development agreements and due diligence for banking and financial institutions.

Oncoming Partner Sameena Chatrapathy, Partner, DSK Legal, shared,

“After 20 years at a firm, and having worked with Anand for many years now, I firmly believe that this move to join DSK Legal will provide a great platform for my team and myself to expand our capabilities, experience and values. I thank my team for their unconditional trust and hard work, and our clients’ for their unwavering support. I look forward to this new chapter with gratitude, humility and a renewed commitment to excellence."

The Chennai office complements DSK Legal's existing Bengaluru presence, strengthening the firm's South India footprint.

DSK Legal's Chennai office is located at No. 5, 1st Street, Subbarao Avenue, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600 006.

If you would like your Deals, Columns, Press Releases to be published on Bar & Bench, please fill in the form available here.