‘Huge opportunity’: SN Gupta opens in Doha with 3-lawyer office, one year after Singapore expansion [UPDATE-1]

Doha calling
Doha calling

Mumbai and Delhi-based firm SNG & Partners, which opened an office in Singapore one year ago and specialises in advising financial services sector clients, has opened a second overseas office in Qatar.

SNG incorporated an entity with the name of International Law Chambers (ILC) in Doha, renting offices at the Qatar Financial Centre.

Managing partner Rajesh Narain Gupta said in a press release: “We already had started practice in financial services in the Middle East and have been advising some banks and business houses in Qatar. We see a huge opportunity in the country which has one of the best promising economy in the world.”

“There is also a growing India interest in Qatar. Recent visit by Qatar ruler to India signals enhancing bilateral business ties between the two countries. The robust economy, inflow of funds and investment in infrastructure owed to overall development, coupled with participation of India’s leading corporate houses has thrown up greater opportunity for Indian law firms.”

He was not reachable for further comment.

Update: Delhi-based partner Amit Aggarwal commented: “As of the moment, we have two persons on ground Rahul Kumar and Aditya Vikram Dua. Presently I am partner in-charge and responsible for delivery of work from Doha office.

“I am spending time between Delhi, Singapore and Doha. We are in process of identifying a person who shall take over this responsibility from me to be partner in charge for Doha Office. Such person could be shortlisted within the firm or may be taken on board from outside.”

According to the release:

SNG has launched operations in Doha with a three-member team of lawyers and have set up infrastructure to handle work related to Indian laws, Sharia laws and local rules and regulations.

Two lawyers from Delhi office have already moved to Qatar. The company is also in the process of appointing a lawyer qualified to opine on English laws. In addition to the lawyers, as per local requirements, an Anti-Money Laundering Officer has also been appointed to be part of the firm.

Photo by Darwinek

Comments

Avent 22 Jun 2015, 11:51
+1 -1
Tier II firm?
Guest 22 Jun 2015, 12:22
+2 -0
The heading should refer to SNG & Partners, and not SN Gupta
Eyeopener 23 Jun 2015, 06:59
+2 -1
How come Indian law firms are Allowed to open offices abroad but foreign law firms Restricted to open offices in India?? Bar Council-why this Double Standard???
Vakil 23 Jun 2015, 10:13
+1 -7
There is a difference between opening an office and really opening an office.

The news does not name who is moving and at what position. So if one Mr. X is moving there, and he is an associate, then well, who will he report to ? And what business development is being done by a associate non partner in another country ?

If a partner is the one who is relocating then, well, surprising for them not to name the partner in the release.

Not sure, if calling Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (or a shorter version) "Qatar Ruler" was the best option.

My guess: someone got an assignment in Qatar. that person's spouse decided to relocate to Qatar and that spouse happens to be a lawyer and voila, SNG & Partner opens an office in Qatar !

Would be glad to be wrong. but specific and relevant details missing, that would be what many would think.
Eye Opener 23 Jun 2015, 11:05
+6 -1
Please be glad, as you are wrong. The two guys in Doha are at associate and senior associate level, who shall report to Mr. Amit Aggarwal, who is the head partner of corporate practice. Bar and Bench has given the complete story. Read it
alias 25 Jun 2015, 12:39
+4 -2
watch out for Aditya, he's one of the smartest around but has been extremely loyal to SNG & Partners, so you don't hear much about him. Take note recruiters.