Diwakar, who is a pass-out of NLSIU Bangalore and a Chevening scholar, specialises in corporate law matters including private equity, M&A and projects in the Middle East and in India, according to a press statement issued by DLA Piper.

He will support DLA Piper’s Middle East-India practice that already services Indian clients across the Middle East and advises Indian companies investing in the region.

DLA Piper regional managing partner Middle East Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al-Yaqout said in the release: “We believe the number of Indian firms looking to expand and invest into the Middle East and Africa is about to dramatically increase.”

"Diwakar brings with him strong experience that will benefit the regional firm as a whole, as well as our growing specialist Indian practice.”

DLA Piper’s India group comprises over 180 lawyers based in offices worldwide and the integrated team focuses on inbound and outbound India-related business opportunities.

Reed Smith London-based India group partner Gautam Bhattacharyya said: “We were sad to see Diwaker go, but wish him every success at DLA and he remains a good friend of many of us here at Reed Smith.”