Gautam Bhatidar, former partner at law firm ALMT Legal has joined Delhi-based Kochhar & Co to co-head its Mumbai operations as well as to oversee the firm’s international commercial arbitration and dispute resolution practice at its Dubai office.
“His (Gautam’s) robust experience in the areas of shipping, arbitration and insurance will add fillip to our practice in these domains,†said Rohit Kochhar, founder and chairman of Kochar & Co in a release. “We are enthused about greater opportunities that we can pursue in these areas leveraging our pan-Indian presence along with overseas footprint in Dubai.â€
Kochhar & Co is among the few Indian law firms that have multiple overseas operations including in Tokyo (Japan), Atlanta (US), Singapore and Dubai along with national presence.
An alumnus of Parwatibai Chowgule College of Arts & Science and Ramnath Damodar Khare College of Law from Goa, Batidar started his career with Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe in Mumbai. He later moved to Paras Kuhad & Associates before joining ALMT Legal as partner.
“His in-depth knowledge and level of detail on the subject of law has been a comforting factor when dealing with him,†said one of the in-house counsel of a Mumbai-based logistics company who has worked with him in the past. “His knowledge about marine and admiralty laws makes him standout in the advisory.â€
The release further states that Gautam regularly advises on disputes pertaining to mortgage claims, bills of landing, charter parties, ship building & ship repair, collision & limitation of liability, salvage, general average and marine pollution. He has acted for several MNCs and large Indian clients on complex maritime and off-shore projects.
According to RSG Legal, a UK-based law and consulting firm, Kochhar & Co has currently around 45 partners and over 190 lawyers. The firm primarily advises on regulatory and dispute resolution but off late it has expanded its advisory into corporate finance and transactions as well.
Many law firms are strengthening their litigation and dispute resolution practice in anticipation of greater disputes and litigation due to constantly changing regulatory and legal fabric of the country. Recently, AZB & Partners hired Deepak Chopra in its New Delhi office to take care of tax litigations. While, Trilegal has also beefed up its competition practice by bringing former JSA lawyer Gautam Shahi on board.
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