Business · Companies · 29 mins ago
Major Indian law firms increase partner numbers amid demand for expertise
Major Indian law firms expanded their partner ranks in FY27 through promotions and hires.
Khaitan & Co.
and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas each grew their partner count by about 6%, while Trilegal grew by 11.26% and JSA by 18%.
JSA added 27 partners, bringing its total to 183, with promotions across offices in Bengaluru, New Delhi, Gurugram and Mumbai.
Equity partners share ownership and profits, unlike retained or salaried partners.
Firms say clients increasingly need specialized legal skills, and competition from niche firms is adding to the demand for experienced lawyers.
The sector’s partner ranks may grow about 12% in FY27, according to a legal consultant; Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas also expects six lateral hires to join.
Major Indian law firms increased their partner numbers in FY27 through promotions and lateral hires, with reported year-on-year growth of 6% to 20% at several firms.
The firms cited include Khaitan & Co., Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Trilegal and JSA Advocates and Solicitors.
The additions cover areas including taxation, real estate, disputes, financing and capital markets.
Legal consultant Ankita Malik said rising demand for specialist expertise and competition for talent were contributing to the expansion.
- Who
- Major Indian law firms, including Khaitan & Co., Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Trilegal and JSA Advocates and Solicitors.
- What
- They expanded their partner ranks through promotions and external hires.
- When
- In FY27.
- Where
- India, across firms’ practices and offices including Bengaluru, New Delhi, Gurugram and Mumbai.
- Why
- Client requirements are becoming more specialized, and firms are competing for experienced legal talent.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The overall partner count across the sector rose 14%, according to Vahura senior consultant Ankita Malik.
The sector’s partner-count growth eased to 10%, Malik said.
Several leading firms reported partner-count increases of 6% to 20% year on year.
- JSA
- 183 partners in FY27, up from 154 in FY26
- Khaitan & Co.
- 265 partners in FY27, up from 250 in FY26
- Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
- 250 partners after promoting 23 lawyers and hiring six laterally
- Trilegal
- 168 partners in FY27, up 11.26% year on year
- Sector forecast
- About 12% partner-level hiring and promotion growth in FY27, according to Ankita Malik
What people are saying
The expansion of our equity partnership underscores our strategy of growing organically by recognizing outstanding internal talent, while continuing to selectively onboard exceptional lateral talent when aligned with the firm's needs
The Indian legal market is becoming more specialized and competitive. As client needs evolve and new areas of work emerge, firms need deeper expertise and stronger leadership across practices