What are the Tier 1 law firms in India?

Tier 1 law firms in India are the most well-known and powerful firms in a given market. They are often called upon to represent large companies and government entities in high-profile legal matters.

The Tier 1 law firms in India are consistently recognised by various legal directories and publications. 

Here’s a summary of the firms based on their rankings in different sources:

It’s important to note that the exact ranking of Tier 1 law firms in India can vary slightly depending on the specific directory or publication. However, the firms listed above consistently rank among the best in India across various practice areas.

Tier 1 Banking Law Firms

Banking law encompasses regulations and legal aspects related to financial institutions. It involves advising clients on compliance, transactions and dispute resolution within the banking sector, ensuring adherence to financial regulations and protecting the interests of both financial institutions and clients.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• AZB & Partners
• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• JSA
• Juris Corp
• Khaitan & Co
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
• Trilegal
• TT&A

Tier 1 Capital Markets: Equity Law Firms

Capital Markets lawyers facilitate transactions involving the issuance and trading of securities. Equity deals with stocks, while Debt involves bonds and other fixed-income securities. Attorneys in this field navigate regulatory requirements, ensuring transparent and lawful capital market activities and assisting clients in raising capital through public offerings.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• IndusLaw
• Khaitan & Co
• S&R Associates
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

Tier 1 M&A Law Firms

M&A lawyers facilitate the buying, selling and combining of companies. They handle due diligence, negotiations and documentation to ensure a smooth transition, addressing legal, financial and operational considerations for clients involved in mergers, acquisitions or divestitures.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• AsB & Partners
• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• JSA
• Khaitan & Co
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
• Trilegal

Tier 1 Project Development: Energy Law Firms

Law firms specialising in Project Development: Energy focus on legal aspects of energy projects. They navigate regulatory approvals, negotiate contracts and address environmental considerations, ensuring the successful planning and implementation of energy-related ventures, such as power plants, renewable energy projects and oil and gas developments.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• JSA
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
• Trilegal

Tier 1 Project Development: Telecommunications Networks Law Firms

Legal practitioners in this field specialise in Project Development: Telecommunications Networks. They assist clients in navigating regulatory frameworks, negotiating contracts and addressing legal challenges specific to the telecommunications industry, ensuring the successful development and deployment of network infrastructure.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• JSA
• Trilegal

Tier 1 Project Finance Law Firms

Project Finance law firms concentrate on structuring and facilitating financing for large-scale projects. They negotiate financial agreements, manage risks and ensure the efficient allocation of funds, playing a crucial role in attracting investment and supporting the successful execution of various projects.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• JSA
• Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
• Trilegal

Tier 1 Capital Markets: Debt Law Firms

Capital Markets: Debt law firms specialise in transactions involving debt securities. They assist clients in issuing and trading bonds and other fixed-income instruments, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and safeguarding the interests of both issuers and investors in debt capital markets.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

Tier 1 Financial Services Regulatory Law Firms

Firms in Financial Services Regulatory law navigate the intricate regulatory landscape governing financial institutions. They provide counsel on compliance, risk management and regulatory changes, representing clients in interactions with regulatory bodies to ensure adherence to financial laws and regulations.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• AZB & Partners
• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• Finsec Law Advisors
• HSA Advocates
• IndusLaw
• JoyceLaw
• JSA
• Juris Corp
• Mansukhlal Hiralal and Co
• Seraphic Advisors
• Spice Route Legal
• Trilegal

Tier 1 Private Equity Law Firms

Private Equity law firms focus on the legal aspects of private investment funds. They assist in fund formation, negotiate investment deals and manage legal considerations throughout the life cycle of private equity investments, protecting the interests of both investors and fund managers.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• AZB & Partners
• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• JSA
• Khaitan & Co
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
• Trilegal

Tier 1 Project Development: Infrastructure Law Firms

Law firms specialising in Project Development: Infrastructure focus on legal aspects related to infrastructure projects. They handle regulatory approvals, negotiate contracts and address legal challenges specific to the development of infrastructure such as roads, bridges and public facilities, contributing to the successful execution of these projects.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• JSA
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
• Trilegal

Tier 1 Project Development: Transport Law Firms

Project Development: Transport law firms specialise in legal aspects related to transportation projects. They navigate regulatory requirements, negotiate agreements and address legal challenges specific to the transport industry, ensuring the successful planning and execution of projects such as airports, railways and ports.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• JSA
• Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

Tier 1 Restructuring and Insolvency Law Firms

Restructuring and Insolvency law firms assist clients facing financial distress. They navigate bankruptcy proceedings, debt restructuring and insolvency-related litigation, aiming to maximise recovery for creditors and guide companies through the challenging process of financial restructuring.

The tier 1 law firms in India in this category are:

• AZB & Partners
• Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
• Khaitan & Co
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co