JSA SA Srishti Ojha joins Desai & Diwanji as second cap markets partner

Monday, 23 July 2012 By Legally India Law firms

Ojha: Capital cycles
Ojha: Capital cycles
Exclusive: J Sagar Associates (JSA) senior associate Srishti Ojha will join Desai & Diwanji as a partner in Mumbai, ramping up the capacity of specialist capital markets partners at the firm to two after Sumes Dewan joined in Delhi earlier this month.

Ojha, who had joined the team of JSA capital markets partner Somasekhar Sundaresan in January 2010, said: “My core specialisation is and will remain in capital markets while I will also be involved in a broader range of work.

“What is interesting about my role is that it is a solid reputed firm with a focus to expand its capital markets practice, and hence the opportunity to grow a practice area while also working across a wider range.”

Desai & Diwanji Mumbai partner Vishwang Desai said that the hires, which included corporate and capital markets partner Dewan joining in Delhi from FoxMandal, were a dual effort across the firm’s offices to push equity capital markets.

“Capital markets is famously cyclical,” noted Ojha, but added that private equity firms continued needing exits from investments and companies still needed to raise significant volumes of cash without increasing leverage. “This reality explains why capital markets is a critical practice area for full-service law firms.”

Her last day at JSA was on Friday (20 July) and she is set to join Desai & Diwanji around the middle of August.

Ojha graduated from NLSIU Bangalore in 2002, completed an LLM at New York University (NYU) in 2003 and had previously worked at firms including Amarchand Mangaldas and Luthra & Luthra.

Sundaresan commented: “I wholeheartedly wish Srishti the very best with her new role. The Diwanji brothers are excellent professionals and good friends of mine, and I am happy that is the company she will keep.”

Srishti OjhaDesai & DiwanjiJ Sagar Associates (JSA)partner movespartner hires

Comments

anon 23 Jul 2012, 09:06
+1 -0
best of luck! but these are difficult times to start a practice in as markets are bad.
MT 23 Jul 2012, 09:45
+2 -1
Srishti is a very solution oriented lawyer her inputs on deals are always very useful and practical. Wish her all the best in her new role, she will remain a key port of call for advice
Anon 2 23 Jul 2012, 10:10
+0 -0
Agree with Som. The Diwanji brothers (Apurva and Jai) are excellent lawyers.
Anon 3 23 Jul 2012, 10:53
+0 -0
[quote name="Anon 2"]Agree with Som. The Diwanji brothers (Apurva and Jai) are excellent lawyers.[/quote]
Vishwang Desai and Toral Desai are also excellent lawyers.
Alain 25 Jul 2012, 03:16
+2 -0
We highly recommend Toral Desai.
xx 23 Jul 2012, 10:27
+0 -0
There was a person at Khaitan called Srishti Jha who studied at NLSIU and NYU. Same person?
kianganz 23 Jul 2012, 10:55
+1 -0
Yes, that would probably be the same person - Jha is Ojha's maiden name before she was married.
SOWL 23 Jul 2012, 11:52
+10 -0
[quote name="kianganz"]Yes, that would probably be the same person - Jha is Ojha's maiden name before she was married.[/quote]
The above statement amounts to sexual harassment. Please apologize.
aka 23 Jul 2012, 11:43
+0 -0
Yes. her name has been spelt incorrectly here.
She earlier worked with Khaitan Kolkata and Amarchand Delhi as well.
Osho 23 Jul 2012, 11:17
+10 -0
Dear Kian,

Your are using the word 'probably" on the question of " marriage". It could be fatal sometime !
anon 23 Jul 2012, 11:17
+2 -0
Srishti does have goodwill in capital markets but developing a practice is very tough. The area is very crowded and markets are slow. These guys at Desai and Diwanji seem to have decent M&A/pe work, and aviation also. Good luck to the firm- they need to play smart!
capmkts 23 Jul 2012, 13:06
+4 -0
This seems to be a very good strategic move for Desai and Diwanji. Srishti enjoys confidence of lot of clients, especially bankers. A very solution oriented and insightful lawyer in a market where same can not be said for a lot of capital market lawyers. Watch out for Desai & Dewanji in the capital markets league tables, markets permitting ofcourse! All the best to Srishti!
Former colleague 23 Jul 2012, 13:14
+0 -0
Srishti is an extremely competent and confident lawyer. Have worked with her in the past and her solutions are always very business oriented and practical. She is also a great person to know on a personal level. The partnership comes at a good time. Wishing her all the best for the future.
well wisher 23 Jul 2012, 13:50
+0 -0
Many congratulations. May u achieve greatest heights in cap markets practice.
Vinay 23 Jul 2012, 14:08
+0 -0
Very true. She has tons of experience and sound knowledge of law. No doubt that she'd do an awesome job!! She is amiable to work with- will be a happy environment for the people working with her. Best wishes!!!!
Karl Gunnarrson 23 Jul 2012, 15:26
+0 -0
I've had the pleasure of working and knowing Shristi whilst she was at both Amarchand and Luthra. Her attention to detail in transactions and foresight in understanding implications are what i'd consider as her attributes.

I'm glad read that she's now with Desai and Diwanji and proud of her stepping up to the plate in the partner's chair.

I'm sure she'd be an asset to the firm and be part of many path-breaking transactions.

All the best Mrs. Ojha; previously known to most bankers as Ms. "Jha"(Jha is a maiden name).
Mumbai Cap Market 23 Jul 2012, 16:17
+15 -0
I have worked with Srishti as a banker multiple time and it has been challenging. [...]

I wish Srishti all future success and hope she manages to finally make a mark.
Anon 24 Jul 2012, 06:50
+2 -1
@ Mumbai Cap Market: So, you are a banker who reads LI and takes time out to post a fairly long comment. Markets must be really slow - you guys are not even pretending to be busy anymore.
Mr. K 24 Jul 2012, 10:54
+1 -0
Ofcourse, capital markets is a very niche practice with very few good cap mark lawyers and Srishti being one of them will definitely get attention on such portal.

Request bankers to get there own portal to talk and not make unnecessary comments here.

Having worked with her alot i know she will go places probably wat next may be SEBI regulating Cap Marks deals.
Wish Srishti a bright future :-)
Mumbai Cap Market Lawyer 24 Jul 2012, 12:28
+0 -0
Dear Chum, you sound more like a jealous cap market lawyer (who would never wish anyone else any success) than a banker.
Dear Editor 25 Jul 2012, 06:13
+3 -0
why has this post been edited? I read it yesterday and dont think it was any different from other posts, but for lending another perspective. I think a lot of people agreed with this post and hence most 'recommended' post on this news piece.
Anon 25 Jul 2012, 06:58
+0 -0
'hence most recommended post' - Nice joke. You know all you have to do to get a 'recommended post' is collect a few jobless ones and get them to hit the 'recommend' button. Most of them wouldnt have a clue about the subject of discussion.
Big Fan 25 Jul 2012, 14:16
+1 -0
@Mumbai cap market - if you have found it to be challenging, then why did you work with her as a banker multiple times?? Maybe because you are just a flunky who cannot chose the lawyer, your higher ups do that for you. Well, then it seems that your bosses are happy with her to retain her multiple times.
Ex Amss 23 Jul 2012, 19:31
+2 -0
11, give it a rest, improve your grammar and stop pretending to be a "banker". She was internally promoted at Amss in 2010 and she moved there from Luthra. Yes, growth is an issue. Not everyone wants to opt out of the law firm life. She has got a lot of credence in the market, most of her juniors have good things to say about her. I know her personally and have only sensed smartness and drive,
Ex many firms 24 Jul 2012, 08:20
+2 -0
"improve your grammar"? how relevant a comment! must be from someone who only has grammar to think of. maybe, you just gave your identity away?!?
Anon 24 Jul 2012, 11:16
+2 -0
@ Ex many firms: If you think that grammar and language are not important, you are probably in the wrong profession(assuming you are in the legal profession and not a 'banker').
anon 24 Jul 2012, 04:18
+0 -0
Congratulations to srishti. I have worked with her and honestly speaking, it was a great experience. And she's every ready to give you the opportunity to handle critical issues, if ur capable of handling it. All the best srishti.
What next 24 Jul 2012, 04:49
+5 -0
Khaitan
AMSS
Luthra
JSA
And now Desai Diwanji....all in less than 10 years of practice (including a year or so of LLM)!!!!

What next ???
Correction, sir! 24 Jul 2012, 06:00
+2 -0
AMSS Delhi and Mumbai were two separate jobs. So this will be the 6th job.
PXV Rules 24 Jul 2012, 10:23
+8 -0
[quote name="What next"]Khaitan
AMSS
Luthra
JSA
And now Desai Diwanji....all in less than 10 years of practice (including a year or so of LLM)!!!!

What next ???[/quote]
Next PXV \m/
Next is 24 Jul 2012, 10:27
+4 -0
Trilegal, AZB or even Disney.
Roaming 25 Jul 2012, 10:10
+3 -0
[quote name="Next is"]Trilegal, AZB or even Disney.[/quote]

She has spent about three months in Trilegal Delhi...
Alum 24 Jul 2012, 05:01
+0 -0
It is indeed a great move for Srishti. A great leader that she is, we are all sure that she would go ahead and develop the capital markets practice at Desai Dewanji to its fullest potential. All the best to her.
JS 24 Jul 2012, 05:26
+0 -0
Congratualtions Srishti! :)
hahahaha 24 Jul 2012, 06:05
+3 -0
@14 and 11: While it may seem harsh - this is actually true.. and may i point out amss del then luthra then amss mum
? 24 Jul 2012, 06:11
+2 -0
14, I agree on the eccentric growth path but for the short-term atleast if not more, it's Desai Diwani's gain. Not sure why they waited so long to develop capital markets as they have a strong set of clients, corporate and pe too.
JAL 24 Jul 2012, 07:08
+3 -0
No mention that she is the author of the now defunct http://happyassociate.blogspot.in/ ? Used to be quite hilarious (and bitchy) at the time.
Raw Junior 24 Jul 2012, 07:27
+4 -0
Happy associate to Happy Partner....;) Well done Ojha..
yaya 24 Jul 2012, 07:35
+2 -0
She was one of the few people to leave AMSS Delhi as associate, and then, from the platform of Luthra where she was senior associate (probably the only SA in the team then?), she gets absorbed in AMSS Mumabi as PA-Designate, get promtoed to Principal Associate.
Good show on dyanmism and spirit- something all firms who take her obviously are in tunr with- but no comments on patience and loyalty. Whatever works!!
loyal like a dog 24 Jul 2012, 07:43
+15 -1
Why should loyalty be so prized?

Most firms have little sense of loyalty towards their retainers, why should retainers slavishly follow the law firms and stick around year after year like an obedient little doggy?

If you can, explore the market and opportunities and take the best you can from each place.
Anon 24 Jul 2012, 09:41
+2 -0
Couldnt agree more! 'loyalty' (in this market atleast) is just a lack of opportunity.
Deal 24 Jul 2012, 08:42
+2 -0
Wonder what her deal list must look like??!!

While working for AMSS represented the Issuer, two weeks later while at Luthra represented the underwriters. As the deal did not close for a year, I moved to Khaitan & Co. and the Issuer had engaged so was back representing the issuer!
Anon 24 Jul 2012, 10:52
+1 -0
Dont worry about her deal list. From the looks of it, she is doing just fine. Better than many other we know.
Grammar teacher 24 Jul 2012, 10:57
+0 -0
improve your grammar!
Anon 24 Jul 2012, 11:19
+0 -0
[quote name="Grammar teacher"]improve your grammar![/quote]
Haha! Funny teacher.
Harsha 24 Jul 2012, 09:14
+1 -0
Apart from having 9 years of solid work experience and good knowledge of law, Srishti is a very nice person. I have no doubt that she'd do very well in future. Wishing her all the best.
on loyalty 24 Jul 2012, 09:37
+0 -0
Now that we are at this...

What is more advisable? Changing and shifting from jobs often or sticking as a retainer to your firm??
here it is.... 24 Jul 2012, 10:29
+4 -0
Excerpt from The 8th Habit by Stephen R. Covey:

We live in a knowledge worker age but operate our organizations in a controlling Industrial Age model that absolutely suppresses the release of human potential. The mindset of the Industrial Age that still dominates today's workplace will simply not work in the Knowledge Worker Age and new economy.

The problem is, managers today are still applying the Industrial Age control model to knowledge workers. Because many in positions of authority do not see the true worth and potential of their people and do not possess a complete, accurate understanding of human nature, they manage people as they do things. This lack of
understanding prevents them from tapping into the highest motivations, talents, and genius of people.

Read the following link and you will find the answers -http://www.areteadventures.com/articles/excerpt_from_the_8th_habit_by_stephen_covey.pdf

Law firms should perhaps learn from this.
on a seperate note 25 Jul 2012, 05:13
+0 -0
[quote name="here it is...."]Excerpt from The 8th Habit by Stephen R. Covey:

We live in a knowledge worker age but operate our organizations in a controlling Industrial Age model that absolutely suppresses the release of human potential. The mindset of the Industrial Age that still dominates today's workplace will simply not work in the Knowledge Worker Age and new economy.

The problem is, managers today are still applying the Industrial Age control model to knowledge workers. Because many in positions of authority do not see the true worth and potential of their people and do not possess a complete, accurate understanding of human nature, they manage people as they do things. This lack of
understanding prevents them from tapping into the highest motivations, talents, and genius of people.

Read the following link and you will find the answers -http://www.areteadventures.com/articles/excerpt_from_the_8th_habit_by_stephen_covey.pdf

Law firms should perhaps learn from this.[/quote]

Your link is not working #25.1
kianganz 25 Jul 2012, 13:12
+0 -0
Link works for me - here it is again:
http://www.areteadventures.com/articles/excerpt_from_the_8th_habit_by_stephen_covey.pdf
on a seperate note 24 Jul 2012, 09:38
+2 -0
Kian, what happened to the results of that poll you took about law firm salaries? Down in the dump?

another run- away with info?!
kianganz 24 Jul 2012, 10:02
+0 -0
Salary survey been cause for sleepless nights and long days for the last weeks and weekend - we're working hard at it, hope to finish and publish the second part of it soon.

Thanks for your patience,
Kian
news 24 Jul 2012, 10:17
+1 -0
why does capital markets make news even when it is low, sorry dead? add capital markets, add a bit of amarchand, some nls, and that's fodder for so much. wtf. what about partner moves in other areas- is there interest for litigation moves for example and why not?
go some where else 24 Jul 2012, 11:28
+1 -0
Awhhh! boring
selling shareholder 24 Jul 2012, 12:07
+2 -0
I think its a smart move....joining a predominantly PE/M&A firm will give her a very good opportunity to represent selling shareholders in cap mkt deals, who till date are struggling to find adequate representation....!!
correct 24 Jul 2012, 14:01
+0 -0
but, where are the buyers?
SK 24 Jul 2012, 12:31
+2 -0
My experience working with Srishti has been, and this is not exaggerated, exemplary. Her deal list is proof enough of her vast experience in the field, and I believe I have been very fortunate to have learnt from her- having seen her in action dealing with clients and bankers.
All the very best to her, and hope she proves the sceptics wrong!
Ashish 24 Jul 2012, 13:15
+1 -0
Congratulations, Srishti and D&D. Srishti is a very focused individual and an intelligent lawyer. Wish you a successful innings at D&D.
Vinod Joseph 24 Jul 2012, 16:20
+0 -0
All the best Srishti. You're bound to do well.
SAS 24 Jul 2012, 16:55
+0 -0
Srishti Ojha is one of the sharpest lawyers that I've come across. She's focussed and has excellent client skills. And above all she's a pleasure to work with. Well done and many congratulations.
Impressed 24 Jul 2012, 18:20
+4 -0
53 comments. consistent praise. wow! kian hope you are tracking who is sending these. she must have been very popular in the 7 organisations she has worked with before and her NLS friends, ex colleagues, ex bosses and ex juniors. A banker too! Impressive. Maybe as a follow up story you should interview some of them. That would be an interesting read.
kianganz 24 Jul 2012, 18:46
+0 -0
We don't normally delve into IP addresses, but in this case all comments as far as I can tell (apart from where indicated as coming from the same person), are actually from unique IP addresses and from different locations in India and elsewhere.
Ex young colleague 24 Jul 2012, 20:20
+2 -0
Srishti is super fun to work with and has a exceptional presence of mind.. Very solution oriented.. Know of quite a few clients being impressed with her practical approach and commitment.. High incidence of repeat clients.. Best of luck srishti. Very few lawyers would have dared to take a plunge.. Starting it afresh has itsown challenges especially in this market.. As always I think she has a plan ready and is rearing to go.. Cheers..
Anon 2 25 Jul 2012, 05:09
+0 -0
Finally Desai & Diwanji gets a superstar and a lawyer with a crazy fan following.
ex lawyer 25 Jul 2012, 05:37
+0 -0
Congratulations Srishti..have worked with Srishti few times before and found her, understanding of regulatory issues and attention to details, amazing. Think this is a good fit for her and DnD (read no other partner claiming to have cap mark exp and creating a glass ceiling)..As an afterthough am sure JSA would be flooded by job applications from Cap Marks lawyers considering the excellent securities practise there.
Big Fan 25 Jul 2012, 09:29
+3 -0
wow, going by the amazing "rock star" comments above, where was she hiding all these years? kian, are there any deal closure reports that you have published in the past which mentions her? the way the comments appear, she is sandeep bhagat, soma, madhurima and yash asher rolled into one. bankers, lawyers, companies, they all are going gaga about her. suddenly after her move to desai diwanji. D&D has a great PR machinery at play.

Just one question, if she is so great (she appears to be one in this comment section), how come so many law firms (and different offices) let her go? in the past.

just curious
LI please 25 Jul 2012, 13:04
+0 -0
Just one thing, bankers are not going gaga about her instead opposite but Kian chose to edit that comment. I don't know if this is good for LI's image and whether its unbiased or not.
kianganz 25 Jul 2012, 13:10
+0 -0
Some of the comments were quite vicious and personal.

(please remember our request when commenting: "be nice to other readers and live people who likely have feelings too").

We don't want to stop anyone from publishing facts or reasonable opinions, but when it's just turning into a mudfight coming from self-styled 'bankers'-cum-critics, we usually intercede, not just in this story but also in others.
Big Fan 25 Jul 2012, 09:34
+1 -0
and just one more thing - commentators are raving about her deal list - Kian, simple facts, how many deal lists have been published by you. That would be a very objective test, wouldn't that, considering that LI regularly publishes IPO news and deal closures.
The Riddler 25 Jul 2012, 11:52
+0 -0
Riddle me This Riddle me That So many lovely praises but who will bell the cat
small fan 25 Jul 2012, 12:35
+2 -0
38- you have not worked with her on a single deal, so why are you even commenting? how are deals reported on LI here an index of anyone? by that logic- if you have not been written about here, you do not exist at all, my friend. i am assuming you are either very young or very raw about the legal market, so- peace.
Big Fan 25 Jul 2012, 13:08
+0 -0
Dude, i may be very young and very raw...but its not about me, its about a deal list. All I wanted to know about was her deal list, since there have been a few comments above regarding a great deal list. So I am naturally curious.

And yes, my grammar, spelling, education, all are weak. But, again, its not aboout me, honey
kianganz 25 Jul 2012, 13:17
+1 -0
I don't think we have reported any deal of hers, but then again, I don't think we have reported any/many JSA capital markets deals either, and if we did, we may not have been given the senior associate on the deal.
Big Fan 25 Jul 2012, 13:20
+3 -0
To quote #6 above: Srishti does have goodwill in capital markets
To quote #7 above: Srishti enjoys confidence of lot of clients, especially bankers
To quote #9.1 above: Very true. She has tons of experience and sound knowledge of law
To quote #11 above: I have worked with Srishti as a banker multiple time and it has been challenging. [...]
To quote #12 above: She has got a lot of credence in the market,
To quote #29: Her deal list is proof enough of her vast experience in the field
To quote #34: Know of quite a few clients being impressed with her practical approach and commitment.. High incidence of repeat clients..

Given the comments above, I am naturally curious to know about some of the big ticket IPOs that she has led
Small Fan 25 Jul 2012, 13:52
+8 -0
Given your attention to detail and energy in this forum, I am hoping the next news piece we read here is about you and your partnership! And if you are a partner, then I am worried about you.
Kalrav 26 Jul 2012, 06:43
+0 -0
Many congratulations Srishti. I wish you well and hope you find your new position as enriching as the ones before. Working with you at JSA was a pleasure and I am certain your new colleagues shall benefit from your experience and work ethic.
Anon 26 Jul 2012, 15:39
+0 -0
I knew Srishti at NLS, have worked with her and have had the pleasure of knowing her personally. A wonderful person and a very smart attorney, I can only imagine that D&D is better off with her association. All the best Srishti!
Commenting is closed for this article.