Vellakkat graduated from University of Calicut in 1994, followed by MBL from NLSIU Bangalore in 1998 and a stint at Singhania & Co before co-founding Lex Orbis.
In 2002 he had set up White Forest as a technology boutique law firm, which had grown to a total size of four lawyers, who will now all join Fox Mandal South India partnership, with Vellakkat as a partner and head of the IT practice.
He told Legally India that he handled a wide range of technology related work from commercial technology contracts, transactional matters, IP licences and more.
Fox Mandal Bangalore and South India region managing partner Shuva Mandal said in a statement: “This acquisition further strengthens our firm’s capabilities in the areas of technology, data privacy & protection, IPR, IT outsourcing and e-commerce.”
“These areas will become even more important in the evolving digital economy,” he said, adding that Vellakkat and his team would be “harnessing the synergies for the benefit of our clients”.
He told Legally India that Fox already had a technology practice and several lawyers doing technology work, which would now grow to around eight fee-earners.
Fox Mandal South India will have 11 partners with Vellakkat and includes Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad and has a total of 100 fee-earners, of whom 65 will be in Bangalore with the latest expansion.
Vellakkat commented in a statement: “The firm has a great work culture. I look forward to working with Shuva Mandal and the entire Fox Mandal team to enhance the service delivery capabilities of the firm’s technology practice.”
Comments
So any past issues with salary and the like have never affected the Bangalore / South India partnership (or the other partnership in Kolkata, for instance).
So any past issues with salary and the like have never affected the Bangalore / South India partnership (or the other partnership in Kolkata, for instance).[/quote]
I dont know about lawyers...any brand manager would suggest to South Fox to change its name.. :p
I agree with the comment above - given the public perception and near bankruptcy of FM, Fox Mandal South should change its name.
The Mandals have successfully ruined a great old law firm, which, in the late 90s was a leading law firm in the country.
Other firms should learn from FM and the likes (remember Dua, ARA, Titus, Kochhar, Pathak - once a force to reckon a decade ago) - they all disappeared into oblivion
FM only has family partners left now
Lets hammer the last nail in the coffin.
Either Vellakat has not done his due diligence properly or he is really desperate.
Fox Mandal has no idea how to run, operate or grow a law firm. The partners there have no abilities, just enjoying the fruits of being born in the FM family. Name me one partner in FM who is listed as a leading Tier I lawyer in Chambers, Legal 500 or any other publication.
In these times, I find it really funny that Vellakkat had to merge with Fox Mandal. This is not even news. The paan shop outside my office has just recently tied up with the chai-dukaan opposite. Please report this
Sumes partner at Desai. Harvinder now at Hemant Sahai. Vineet Aneja... Clasis... Moushumi... now at Starwood...all of them were highly competent and promising always delivering to the clients. Dealt with all of them.
Now whats the caliber of people remaining. Cant help but wonder.
Of the family run firms in India I have dealt with... the bottom of the list.
I have always wondered about this statement which is often quoted by any new joinee - "the Firm has a great work culture".
What is this great "work culture"?
Next time, you should ask him/her to explain and elaborate.
I think this is a "by default" statement - say this when you have nothing good to say about the Firm you are joining
Lol, not much difference between AZB and Fox Mandal these days. Both have psycho promoters
Best Regards,
DD