Elite independent German law firm Hengeler Mueller India desk lawyer Abhijit Narayan (who had joined from J Sagar Associates (JSA) in 2012), has moved to Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe as the head of its India desk and Middle East Desk in Germany.

The 2007 Delhi University graduate has joined Orrick in March 2019 and is based in the firm’s Düsseldorf office as a foreign counsel (Germany being (not) nearly as strict as India on what those without local law qualifications can do in the jurisdiction).

Narayan commented: “I am extremely happy to join Orrick, a truly global law firm.

“In addition to working on cross border M&A deals, I look forward to serving India and Middle East-based clients along with my colleagues in Germany and other jurisdictions.”

Orrick’s Germany co-managing partner Dr Oliver Duys commented: “He has over 10 years of experience of advising on India-related matters. We are confident that his arrival will not only strengthen the firm’s India Practice but also help us in advising Middle East-based clients investing in Europe and USA.”

Hengeler Mueller’s India Desk continues to be led by Frankfurt-based partners Dr Daniela Favoccia (who does corporate M&A) and Dr Carsten van de Sande (who specialises in dispute resolution).

Its India desk is also supported by IP and dispute resolution associate Dr Amit Datta, as well as lawyers from other practice areas, the firm noted when contacted for comment.

Favoccia and van der Sande said: “We are grateful to Abhijit for the energy and dedication with which he has supported Hengeler Mueller’s India Desk. His efforts have contributed to the success of our India practice over the past years. We wish Abhijit all the best for his future endeavours.

“We are very pleased that our associate Amit Datta has assumed Abhijit’s responsibilities as a member of Hengeler Mueller’s India Desk ensuring seamless support for our Indian clients.”

Hengeler had advised “many leading Indian companies on complex transactions and disputes in Germany and throughout Europe”, they added.