Economic Laws Practice (ELP) managing partner Rohan Shah will retire from the firm to become an independent counsel.

Shah commented in a press release: “When ELP was set up in 2001 we strongly committed to creating a law firm with a legacy & future beyond the personalities and participation of its founders. After a 15 year journey, in which ELP has gone being a start up to being a “Top Ten” law firm in India, it is time to reinforce our original commitment by transitioning the leadership of the firm from me to the next generation of leadership within the firm.”

Partner Suhail Nathani will take over as managing partner from 30 September 2016, when Shah retires.

Nathani said in a press release: “As I step in to lead this firm, I know it is a role I hold in trust for the next generation. Let ELP set the standards for the new generation of law firms in this country. When the history of professional service firms is finally written for India, Rohan and ELP must have a prominent place.”

Shah co-founded ELP in 2001 with Nathani, Sujjain Talwar and Vikram Nankani, who became a senior counsel in 2014.

He is an expert in tax, corporate and real estate laws.

Shah said: “Personally, the transition gives me the opportunity to build another innings as a legal counsel, pursuing my passion to renew my career as a litigating Counsel. This has always been my first love in the law and I am lucky that I will have another opportunity to pursue my Counsel practice, by leveraging on the diverse skills and experiences I have gained at ELP. There are also certain social and public initiatives that I have been working on to which I will now be able to give the time and attention that they deserve.

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Press release statements

Statement from Rohan Shah

When ELP was set up in 2001 we strongly committed to creating a law firm with a legacy & future beyond the personalities and participation of its founders. After a 15 year journey, in which ELP has gone being a start up to being a “Top Ten” law firm in India, it is time to reinforce our original commitment by transitioning the leadership of the firm from me to the next generation of leadership within the firm. With effect from 30^th September 2016, I will exit the firm and retire as Managing Partner of ELP and will transition the role of Managing Partner to one of the co-founders, Suhail Nathani.

The last 15 years have been exciting and challenging, they have seen ELP grow to a team of 130 lawyers, with 27 partners and six offices. ELP has been widely lauded and awarded for its various top tier practices by Chambers & Partners, Asia Legal 500, Asia Law Profiles and IBLJ awards. In the last RSG Review of Indian Law firms, ELP was placed eight amongst the leading law firms in India, with highest client satisfaction rating (9.1) amongst the “Top Ten” Indian Law Firms.

It is also a matter of great pride for us that several of our lawyers are acknowledged in the leaders of their expertise. I look forward to our partners and colleagues, building on this legacy and taking ELP through the next phase of growth in our journey. While the future will see enhanced competition and next challenges, I am confident that ELP has the skill, resilience, and leaders to best look after the needs of our clients and personnel.

Personally, the transition gives me the opportunity to build another innings as a legal counsel, pursuing my passion to renew my career as a litigating Counsel. This has always been my first love in the law and I am lucky that I will have another opportunity to pursue my Counsel practice, by leveraging on the diverse skills and experiences I have gained at ELP. There are also certain social and public initiatives that I have been working on to which I will now be able to give the time and attention that they deserve.

I take this opportunity to thank our clients and my colleagues for their continuing support and encouragement of ELP. I look forward to support ELP in its onward journey.

Statement from Suhail Nathani

I have known Rohan since we were in school. The journey of ELP has been that of a family and not of a partnership. As managing partner of this firm he has led by consensus and never by his position. The ELP that we are so proud of today is a shining legacy of Rohan’s leadership at ELP. But all good leaders have one more trait – that is the ability to let go. Rohan has taken a decision to pursue his career at the bar and play a role in the policy of our country – both of which will benefit immensely from his ability and skills.

As Rohan transitions, I have no doubt that he will continue to remain both a proud parent and great supporter of ELP. As for ELP, we will always see Rohan as our founder and mentor. He will always have our full support and we have no doubt that he will excel in his new roles.

We have immense talent, wonderful clients and a group of people who are selfless beyond belief. With this combination, our future cannot but be immensely bright.

As I step in to lead this firm, I know it is a role I hold in trust for the next generation. Let ELP set the standards for the new generation of law firms in this country. When the history of professional service firms is finally written for India, Rohan and ELP must have a prominent place.

Thank you.

Statement from Sujjain Talwar

I believe ELP “borrowed” Rohan from the Bar – it is time the Bar gets enriched with yet another brilliant commercial mind and orator. We wish him the best in his new chapter and will hopefully continue to make him proud of ELP.