Founded in 2000, Trilegal
is one of the most well-known law firms in India, with more than 300 lawyers spread across offices in Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi and Gurgaon.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strongest in its banking and finance and project finance practices. It is also known for its high-quality work in capital markets, corporate and M&A, and project development.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Rabobank, REC, Power Finance Corporation, Actis, ADB, Aditya Birla Finance, Apollo, Ares SSG, Axis Bank, Bain, Barclays Bank, Blackstone, Baring Private Equity Asia, Carlyle Group, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, HDFC Bank, HSBC and ICICI Bank.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was active in its banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, private equity, project development, and restructuring and insolvency practices.
The firm’s banking team was occupied with domestic and cross-border financing, including structured finance, syndicated loans, private placements of bonds and debentures, acquisition finance, project finance, securitization and restructuring, including distressed investments. The firm was also providing services in relation to regulatory matters.
In the capital markets, the firm routinely acts for Indian and foreign companies, underwriters, foreign portfolio investors, banks, venture capitalists, private equity houses, and asset management companies. Counsel Ronak Chawla joined the firm’s capital markets team in 2022.
During the research period, the corporate team was particularly active in advising acquirers in high-value public acquisitions. It is worth mentioning that the firm bolstered its corporate team by welcoming 12 new partners, including Pallabi Ghosal, Pranav Atit, Sai Krishna Bharathan, Vivek Bajaj, Shivani Kabra, Deep Choudhuri, Kabeer Mathur, Sneha Vardhan, Samira Lalani, Karishma Dodeja, Sanjam Arora and Apeksha Mattoo.
In the project development sector, the firm has been active in renewable energy transactions. Other active sectors include energy storage, e-mobility, infrastructure, water, sanitation and waste management.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Issuance of bonds by Aavas Financiers.
HCC’s debt restructuring
Shriram Transport Finance Company’s update of the $3.5 billion GMTN programme.
Sula Vineyards’ IPO.
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India's acquisition of assets under Essar.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking
“Partner is very hands-on. The team is thorough and knowledgeable. The team is proactive. They are sector experts.”
“Trilegal are pragmatic, responsive and proactive. They look out for their client’s interests but understand there’s a deal to be done so don’t make a big deal out of minor issues.”
Capital markets
“They have been available to answer all queries as and when raised, even at midnight, to help a speedy IPO for us.”
“Represented multiple selling shareholders and coordinated well with the company's as well as the underwriters' counsels.”
“Solutions-oriented with speed of execution.”
M&A
“Attention to detail, commercial-minded, speed and sector knowledge.”
“Agility, good depth of knowledge and also expertise in the M&A space.”
Private equity
“Efficient, capable and knowledgeable.”
“Trilegal's USP is their availability to get the transaction closed and a 360-degree view on not only legal aspects but also a commercial viewpoint, which helps alignment between parties.”
Project development
“Timely responses and a nice team.”
Project finance
“They are extremely professional and astute.”
Restructuring
“A detail-oriented team.”
Delano Furtado
“Amazing to work with, very personable and knowledgeable. Gives great, practical advice.”
Ankush
Goyal
“He strives to grow and improve.”
“Driven, detail-oriented, with the ability to balance commercial and legal aspects.”
Aniruddha Sen
“Great communication skills, attitude, solution-oriented approach, accessibility.”
Brajendu Bhaskar
“He is very much to the point on whatever query is asked, and he never puts us in a state of confusion.”
Joseph Jimmy
“Client service oriented.”
Nayantara Nag
“She is extremely responsive and provides hands-on solutions.”
Kannan
Rahul
“He is very thorough, knowledgeable and extremely hands-on. He understands commercials very well. He makes himself available whenever required.”
Varun Kumar
“Availability, knowledge of law, attention to detail and overall support on closing the transaction.”
Upasana Rao
“Responsive, good communication and domain knowledge.”
Richa Choudhary
“Very positive mindset. Solutions oriented. A risk taker.”
Sneha Vardhan
“Sneha is everything I appreciate about Trilegal – sharp, commercial, practical and extremely responsive. She’s also very positive and builds relationships with all stakeholders in a deal.”
