Stratage Law Partners

About the Firm

A portmanteau of Strategy & Vantage.

We are unique in our ability to partner and serve in an uncertain and changing world.

Stratage Law Partners, Advocates & Solicitors, is a leading Indian law firm known for its specialized, solution-oriented and value-driven approach. “Stratage”—a portmanteau of “Strategy” and “Vantage”—embodies the qualities clients consistently experience in the Firm’s approach.

We are not a firm that grows headcount and diversifies broadly. We are deliberately focused — built around partners who lead, and advisors who understand your industry, not just your legal question.

The Firm is recognized by Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IFLR1000, Asian Legal Business, Asialaw, Indian Business Law Journal, Venture Intelligence and Benchmark Litigation. Our clientele includes leading Indian and multinational companies, business groups, investment bankers, banks and financial institutions, public sector undertakings, Fortune 500 companies and high-net-worth individuals.

Each partner has over 15 years of individual experience, leading an accomplished team known for sector expertise, proactiveness and pragmatism. The team comprises practitioners with cross-sector and domain expertise who guide clients with simple and practical legal advice.

The Firm is built on strong values and collective experience, and has created a niche in complex transactions through its ability to navigate challenges and find solutions.

Our Values

01

Focus

We take matters and give each one our complete, undivided attention.

02

Excellence

Uncompromising standards in every brief, every negotiation, every submission.

03

Collaboration

Our partners work together across practice areas — your matter never lives in a silo.

04

Trust

New approaches, commercial understanding and a long-term partnership approach.

The People

Our Partners

Each partner brings over 15 years of individual experience, leading an accomplished team known for sector expertise, proactiveness and pragmatism.

darshanupadhyay@stratage.in +91 98216 79391 LinkedIn
Private Equity & Venture CapitalMergers & AcquisitionsCorporate GovernanceShareholder DisputesPrivate Client Practice

Darshan is a Founding and Managing Partner of the firm. He is a top-ranked Indian lawyer with over two decades of experience spanning diverse areas of practice. He is renowned for his ability to navigate complex, high-profile transactions and deliver practical solutions.

He has extensive experience in foreign investments, fund formation, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory advisory—particularly in exchange control regulations, company law, and SEBI regulations. Darshan is also adept at handling contentious shareholder arrangements and understanding family dynamics for effective succession planning.

He has advised companies across a wide range of sectors, including financial services, chemicals, hospitals, QSRs, e-commerce, fintech, hospitality, and retail. Over the years, he has contributed to policy initiatives, assisted NGOs, mentored promoters, served on company boards, and participated in the committee of the Indian Law Association.

Darshan holds a commerce degree and a law degree from the University of Mumbai. He is also a qualified Company Secretary from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

Work Highlights

  • Represented JCI Inc. on its global joint venture with Hitachi Appliances Limited resulting in triggering indirect open offer in India and consequent negotiations, regulatory disclosures and compliances. The joint venture is said to be world's largest commercial air conditioner provider. The deal was recognised as one of the Deals of the Year by Inhouse Community's Asian Mena Counsel in its Deals of the Year award.
  • Acted as co-counsel to Jet Airways on the acquisition of 24% stake by Etihad Airways. This deal was awarded M&A and Joint Venture Deal of the Year by IBLJ.
  • Represented Ispat Limited and its Promoters on takeover and joint venture with JSW involving restructuring and also public offer. The deal was awarded the Capital Markets Deal of the Year by IBLJ.
  • Represented SAMHI Hotels Limited and its promoters on multiple rounds of investments from Goldman Sachs, Equity International, GTI and IFC.
  • Represented Edelweiss Crossover Fund in many of their investments including National Stock Exchange, Future Lifestyle Limited, CAMs, Sapphire Foods.
  • Represented Samara Capital in many of their investments, including SMT, Blue Heaven, SMS and others.
  • * Also includes experience prior to establishing Stratage Law Partners.

Education & Bar Admissions

  • B.Com and L.L.B. from Mumbai University and a Company Secretary from Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
  • Member of Bar Council for Maharashtra & Goa.

Honors & Distinction

  • “Leading Partner” – Commercial, Corporate and M&A (Mumbai) and “Recommended Lawyer” – Private Equity Funds (including Venture Capital) – Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2026
  • “Notable Practitioner” – Corporate and M&A – LegalEra Leading Lawyer Rankings 2025-26
  • “Leading Lawyer” – Corporate/M&A (Mumbai-based) and Private Equity – Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2026
  • “Highly Regarded” Lawyer – Private Equity and M&A – IFLR 1000 Asia-Pacific (2023 to 2025)
  • “Top-Tier Lawyer” – Corporate/M&A: Mumbai – Chambers and Partners Global (2022 to 2025)
  • “Leading Lawyer” – Corporate/M&A and Private Equity – Chambers and Partners (2022 to 2025)
  • “Leading Partner” – Private Equity & Investment Funds and Commercial, Corporate & M&A – The Legal 500 2025
  • Private Equity and Corporate and M&A – AsiaLaw Rankings (2022 to 2025)
  • Top Lawyers in India and an A-List Member by the India Business Law Journal (IBLJ) (2023 to 2025)
  • Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer of the Year in India – Corporate INTL Global Awards, 2024
  • “Recommended Lawyer” – Private Equity & Investment Funds and Commercial, Corporate & M&A – The Legal 500, 2023
  • “Notable Practitioner” – Corporate/M&A & Private Equity – Asialaw Leading Lawyer, 2022 & 2023
  • Highly Recommended for his expertise – The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2016, 2017 & 2020
  • Recognized as “Highly Regarded” – IFLR1000 Financial & Corporate 2017, 2018 & 2019
  • Recognized as “Up and Coming lawyer” – Private Equity by Chambers Asia-Pacific 2017-2019

Spoken Languages

English, Hindi, Gujarati

bhavingada@stratage.in +91 98200 73313 LinkedIn
Fund Formation and InvestmentsMergers & AcquisitionsDisputesReal Estate

Bhavin Gada is a Founding and Senior Partner at Stratage Law Partners, with over 20 years of experience advising clients on investment transactions, M&A, dispute management, and corporate dispute resolution.

A significant part of Bhavin's practice is devoted to complex commercial and corporate disputes, particularly those arising alongside ongoing business relationships, regulatory oversight, or transactional activity. He is often engaged at an early stage, helping clients assess exposure, preserve leverage, and choose between litigation, arbitration, negotiation, or a carefully structured settlement. Bhavin regularly advises on shareholder and promoter disputes, regulatory and enforcement actions, and complex contractual and investment-related conflicts, including matters stemming from stressed or failed transactions. He appears before various judicial and quasi-judicial forums and works closely with senior counsel on high-value matters. Clients value his ability to cut through legal complexity, identify the real commercial pressure points, and steer disputes toward outcomes that protect both business value and reputation.

Bhavin holds a B.Com and LL.B from the University of Mumbai, an MBL from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, and is a qualified Solicitor of the Bombay Incorporated Law Society. He is an Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India and a member of the Bombay Incorporated Law Society and the Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa.

He is an Expert Member of the Thesis Advisory Committee at SVKM's NMIMS, mentors start-ups at T-Hub and AIC–Nalanda Institute of Technology Foundation, and supports an NGO that trains young adults with disabilities for employment.

Work Highlights

  • Represented JCI Inc. on its global joint venture with Hitachi Appliances Limited resulting in triggering indirect open offer in India and consequent negotiations, regulatory disclosures and compliances. The joint venture is said to be world's largest commercial air conditioner provider. The deal was recognised as one of the Deals of the Year by Inhouse Community's Asian Mena Counsel in its Deals of the Year award.
  • Advised New Vernon Private Equity Limited and Hilson Estates Limited on sale of their entire shareholding held in Carwel Estates Limited and Faery Estates Limited respectively to Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and Shapoorji Pallonji Group's joint venture company SPREP Pte. Ltd. for the acquisition of SP Infocity IT Park in Chennai. This deal has been recognized as the Real Estate Deal of the Year by India Business Law Journal in the Deal of the Year Awards.
  • Advised Radius Group on sale of substantial interest to Blackstone in “One BKC” project. This was one of the most significant equity investment transactions in real estate project of the year.
  • Advised promoters of Bharat Insecticides Limited, leading manufacturer of insecticides, for sale of controlling stake to an entity controlled by Mitsui & Co., Limited.
  • Advised Bharat Rasayan Limited in its joint venture with Nissan Chemical Corporation which would be engaged in manufacturing and distribution of agrochemicals.
  • Advised Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited on acquisition of shares of the target company and negotiating the terms on which the company would be managed and operated. This involved dispute resolution at multiple forums resulting in joint venture.
  • Advised and successfully represented a listed company before the Securities Appellate Tribunal, National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange pursuant to certain embargos on the tradability of its securities.
  • * Also includes experience prior to establishing Stratage Law Partners.

Education & Bar Admissions

  • B.Com and LL.B. from University of Mumbai.
  • Master of Business Law from the National Law School of India University (Bangalore).
  • A qualified Solicitor from Bombay Incorporated Law Society.
  • Member of Bar Council for Maharashtra & Goa.

Honors & Distinction

  • “Leading Partner” – Dispute Resolution (Mumbai) and Commercial, Corporate and M&A (Mumbai), and “Recommended Lawyer” for Corporate and M&A and Private Equity Funds (including Venture Capital) – The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Rankings 2026
  • “Notable Practitioner” – M&A – IFLR1000 Asia Pacific Rankings (2018 to 2025)
  • “Notable Practitioner” – Investment Funds – Asialaw Asia Pacific Rankings (2023 to 2025)
  • “Litigation Star” – Commercial & Transaction – Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Rankings 2025
  • “Leading Lawyer” – Commercial, Corporate and M&A Mumbai and Recommended Lawyer for Private Equity & Investments India, Dispute Resolution Mumbai, Commercial, Corporate and M&A NCR, Real Estate & Construction (Mumbai) – The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific (2023 to 2025)
  • “Top Dispute Lawyers” in India – Asian Legal Business (2022, 2023)
  • “India Super 50 Lawyers” – Asian Legal Business (2020, 2021, 2023)
  • India's Rising Star 2021 by ALB India
  • RSG India Report recognises him for being ‘practical’, having an ‘innovative approach’, and being ‘deal closure oriented’.

Spoken Languages

English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati

shyampandya@stratage.in +91 98330 77656 LinkedIn
Private Equity & Venture CapitalMergers & AcquisitionsAnti-trustInsolvency & BankruptcyPre-dispute Advisory

Shyam is a Founding and Senior Partner at Stratage Law Partners with over two decades of experience advising on private equity and venture capital investments, mergers and acquisitions, general corporate advisory, fund formation, structured transactions, and family office set-ups.

He also assists clients on pre-litigation and conflict management strategies. He regularly advises leading Indian conglomerates, multinational companies, and unicorns, and several of the transactions he has led have been recognised in leading industry accolades.

A key focus of his practice is advising technology-led businesses, particularly in the AI, fintech, digital payments, financial services, and healthcare/lifesciences sectors. He works closely with founders, promoters, and management teams across the business lifecycle, from structuring and regulatory strategy to growth investments, complex M&A, and exits.

Shyam is known for his commercial approach and hands-on involvement, and is widely regarded as “a lawyer to have on your side.” Before Stratage, he was a partner at leading Indian law firms. His sector experience also includes manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and diagnostics, IT and ITES, and defence.

He holds a degree in Legal Science and a law degree from the University of Mumbai. He is regularly invited by law colleges to conduct industry-curated courses for final-year students.

Work Highlights

  • Advised Thomas Lloyd, a London based private equity group, in relation to its INR 250 crore maiden India investment in an Indian solar company.
  • Advised Seven Island Shipping and its promoters in relation to a primary and secondary fund raise from Fairfax.
  • Advised IvyCap Ventures for its investment in eShakti.com.
  • Advised the Neev Fund in relation to its investment in a Noida based Solar Developer and a Multi-jurisdictional Waste Disposal Company.
  • Advised IvyCap Ventures, Mayfield Ventures and Orios Ventures for its investment in Taskbob – a home services B2C platform company.
  • Advised a leading private equity investor in its pre-IPO investment in a Future Group entity.
  • Advised a group of promoters in relation to their stake sale in a pharmaceutical company to Adcock Africa.
  • Advised on multiple private equity transactions including QSR chain BiryaniByKilo, peer-to-peer lending platform Lendbox, a bakery company, a SAAS company, a B2B pharma platform and related investments.
  • * Also includes experience prior to establishing Stratage Law Partners.

Education & Bar Admissions

  • B.L.S and L.L.B. from University of Mumbai.
  • Member of Bar Council for Maharashtra & Goa.

Honors & Distinction

  • “Recommended Lawyer” – Corporate and M&A, Private Equity Funds (including venture capital) and Commercial, Corporate and M&A (Mumbai) – Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Rankings 2026
  • “Highly Regarded” – Private Equity and M&A – IFLR 1000 Asia-Pacific Rankings 2025
  • “Recommended Lawyer” – Commercial, Corporate and M&A (Mumbai) and Private Equity Funds (including Venture Capital) – Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Rankings 2024 & 2025
  • “Highly Regarded” – Private Equity and M&A – IFLR1000 Rankings 2023 and 2024
  • “Recommended Lawyer” – Commercial, Corporate and M&A (NCR) – Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Rankings 2024
  • Top TMT/Fintech Lawyer – Asian Legal Business, 2023
  • Recommended Lawyer – Private Equity and Investment Funds, Commercial, Corporate and M&A – The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, 2023
  • Super 50 Lawyer – Asian Legal Business, 2021

Spoken Languages

English, Hindi, Gujarati

anishashroff@stratage.in +91 80884 97507 LinkedIn
Private EquityMergers & AcquisitionsGeneral Corporate AdvisoryProjects & Infrastructure

Anisha Shroff is a Partner at Stratage Law Partners. She has over 13 years of experience and works primarily in the areas of mergers & acquisitions, private equity & venture capital transactions and general corporate and commercial matters.

She regularly represents investment funds and advises start-ups on various matters, including across various stages of investment transactions. She has also in the past handled matters relating to commercial litigation and dispute resolution.

Prior to joining Stratage, Anisha has worked with leading law firms in India. She is qualified to practice law in India and in New York, USA.

Education & Bar Admissions

  • LL.M. from Columbia Law School, New York, USA
  • BSL LL.B. from Symbiosis Law School, Pune, India
  • New York State Bar Association
  • Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa

Honors & Distinction

  • South India Top 15 Rising Lawyers – ALB 2024
  • Recommended Lawyer – Corporate and M&A – Legal 500
  • LegalOne Merits – Investment transaction – LegalOne

Spoken Languages

English and Hindi

soumyashanker@stratage.in +91 98195 94392 LinkedIn
Private EquityMergers & AcquisitionsReal Estate Funding

Soumya Shanker is a Partner of Stratage Law Partners. He has over 11 years of experience advising clients on investments and commercial transactions.

He has advised clients in investments, funds formation, shareholder disputes, family arrangements, regulatory matters and on a range of corporate laws. He has also advised several developers and investors on the funding of real estate projects and the preparation of works contracts.

Soumya has acted across a wide variety of sectors, such as renewable energy, hospitality, real estate, healthcare, food processing and financial services.

Soumya has graduated with an arts degree and a law degree from the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences. Prior to Stratage, he has worked in leading law firms in India.

Education & Bar Admissions

  • B.A. LL.B. from the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata

Honors & Distinction

  • Recommended Lawyer – Commercial, Corporate and M&A – The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, 2023
  • ALB India Rising Stars 2022 – Asian Legal Business

Spoken Languages

English, Hindi, Oriya

ameyadeosthale@stratage.in +91 91366 65986 LinkedIn
Dispute ResolutionArbitration

Ameya is a Partner at Stratage Law Partners. He has over 16 years of experience in handling civil, commercial, and criminal litigation and arbitration. He has assisted clients in pre-litigation/conflict management strategies.

Ameya has acted on behalf of clients across a wide variety of sectors, such as real estate, pharma, financial services, media & entertainment, etc. He has represented clients before various judicial forums, including the Supreme Court of India, various High Courts and Tribunals. He also works closely with lawyers in other jurisdictions in cross-border disputes.

Prior to Stratage, he was associated with leading law firms in India.

Education & Bar Admissions

  • B.L.S. LL.B. from University of Mumbai.
  • Member of Bar Council for Maharashtra & Goa.

Honors & Distinction

  • “Next Generation Partner” – Dispute Resolution (Mumbai) – Legal 500 Asia-Pacific Rankings 2026
  • “Future Star” – Commercial and Transactions – Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Rankings 2025

Spoken Languages

English, Hindi, Marathi

mehakgupta@stratage.in +91 90300 25002 LinkedIn
Corporate M&APrivate EquityPrivate Client PracticeDispute Resolution

Mehak is a Partner of Stratage Law Partners. She has “exceptional” knowledge of law and is well-versed in the industry requirements. She has extensively assisted clients in General Corporate and Commercial Matters, Mergers & Acquisitions, SEBI and RBI Advisory, Private Client Practices, and highly contentious litigation matters.

Mehak leads the firm's knowledge management team and actively writes articles and updates on key legal developments.

Mehak's approach has always been regarded as an “asset in any deal”, making her known as a “solution-oriented” lawyer. She is a qualified Solicitor from the Bombay Incorporated Law Society.

Education & Bar Admissions

  • Master of Business Laws (MBL) from National Law School of India University, NLSIU, Bangalore (Gold Medalist)
  • B.A. LL.B (Hons) from National Law University, Lucknow
  • A qualified Solicitor from Bombay Incorporated Law Society.

Honors & Distinction

  • Recommended Lawyer – Corporate and M&A – Legal 500
  • Top 100 Inspiring Women in India – Fox Story India
  • 30 under 30 Elite Club of Lawyers and Legal Influencers – BW Legal World

Spoken Languages

English, Hindi

veeralvakharia@stratage.in +91 98194 38899 LinkedIn
Real EstateTransactionsCorporate AdvisoryDispute Resolution

Veeral Vakharia is a Partner in the Real Estate practice at Stratage Law Partners, with over a decade of experience advising on high-value real estate transactions, corporate matters, and complex commercial arrangements. He regularly advises investors, developers, landowners, multinational corporations and institutions on transactions across the residential, commercial, hospitality, warehousing and data centre sectors.

His practice spans the full lifecycle of real estate transactions, including title due diligence, acquisition structuring, development and redevelopment arrangements, commercial leasing and strategic transaction advisory. He is particularly known for his execution-focused approach to title due diligence and investment structuring, and has advised on large-scale acquisitions and complex long-term commercial leasing arrangements, while helping clients navigate legal and regulatory risks.

Prior to joining Stratage Law Partners, Veeral was associated with leading law firms, including AZB & Partners and Solomon & Co., as well as reputed developers such as Kalpataru Limited and The Wadhwa Group and others. Veeral holds a B.B.A. LL.B. degree from Symbiosis Law School, Pune and is enrolled with the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa.

Work Highlights

  • Advised an investor on acquisition of 150 acres of land for warehousing development, including title due diligence, transaction structuring, and documentation for acquisition and construction.
  • Advised an automotive company on acquisition of 450 acres of land and factory structures for expansion of manufacturing operations, including transaction structuring, due diligence and commercial arrangements.
  • Advised a fund house on acquisition of a 500-bed hospital situated on 4.5 acres of land, along with movable and immovable assets.
  • Advised on data centre projects involving acquisition of 60–65 acres of land for development of a data centre facility, and leasehold acquisition for a term of 30 years of built-to-suit buildings collectively admeasuring 80,000 square metres for development and operation of data centre facility.
  • Advised on sale of 18,000 square metres of pre-leased commercial space at Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, to an investor.
  • Advised developers and landowners on redevelopment and joint development projects across Mumbai, Alibaug, Pune and Goa.
  • Advised multinational corporations on leasehold acquisition of commercial premises under varied commercial structures and tenures.
  • Advised an international coffee brand on procurement of commercial premises across Mumbai on lease and licence basis under varied commercial arrangements.
  • Advised a company on restructuring of 300 acres of land through a merger process.

Education & Bar Admissions

  • B.B.A. LL.B. from Symbiosis Law School, Pune
  • Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa

Spoken Languages

English, Hindi, Marathi

What clients & rankings say

“Highly knowledgeable and approachable. Their proactive engagement and ability to navigate complex issues effectively make them stand out from competitors.”
— Legal 500
“Stands out for its deep expertise, attention to detail, and practical approach. The team consistently delivers high-quality advice, with a strong focus on client needs and timely execution.”
— Legal 500
“They are very responsive and their work is error-free. All team members are highly competent.”
— Chambers & Partners (Global)
“Very approachable and problem-solvers.”
— Asialaw