Indian Law Partners (ILP) co-founding partner Piyoosh Gupta has started his own law firm PSG Legal, aiming to expand rapidly.

“I want to try out a different operational strategy,” commented Gupta. “In one year’s time we expect to be 10 lawyers, with a strong book. Depending on how we turn out, we’ll take it from there in terms of expansion.”

The firm, started in February of this year after Gupta had left late last year, is currently five lawyers strong, having also hired Harsh Singhal - who had formerly worked with ILP several years ago, as an of counsel in its corporate practice, he said.

The firm would initially only specialise on corporate transactional work, Gupta added. “Our corporate law practice has no litigation at this point in time, but we’re in talks with some litigation lawyers who have expressed keenness to join us some time in the future.”

ILP co-founding partner Gopika Pant, with whom Gupta had set up ILP in 2011 as London-headquartered Ashurst’s best friend firm, commented on Gupta’s leaving: “I am delighted Piyoosh has started his own law firm, PSG Legal, and wish him all the best to make his firm a great success.”

Gupta added: “We were together for 17 years: she was a great partner and a mentor to be with. I have only the best wishes for her and Indian Law Partners.”

The Ashurst best-friend relationship will remain with ILP and Pant.