IndusLaw Bangalore disputes partner Nikhilesh Rao will join Khaitan & Co’s litigation team, as first reported by Bar & Bench.

Rao had been promoted to partner in 2016 at IndusLaw, after having joined it straight after graduating in 2005 from University College of Law Dharwad.

His joining Khaitan follows the firm’s hire of Wadia Ghandy disputes partner Kingshuk Banerjee in Mumbai last month.

Indus senior partner Suneeth Katarki commented: “Happy to wish him all the very best. He has spent a long time with our firm and we have fond memories of his time here as I am sure he does too!”

His departure follows Indus Bangalore-based litigation head V Srinivasa Raghavan becoming senior counsel of the Karnataka high court last month.

Indus had then promptly announced the promotion of disputes lawyer Palecanda M Chinnappa to partnership in the city.

IndusLaw’s number of litigation partners is now down to a total of 4 nationally, and 2 in Bangalore.