Best Women Lawyers in Mumbai Leading Corporate and Startup Law

Mumbai is the financial and commercial heart of India, and its legal landscape is steered by some of the country’s sharpest minds. Women lawyers in the city are leading major corporate deals, advising high-growth startups, and shaping the future of business law.

Here is a list of the best 15 women lawyers in Mumbai leading corporate and startup law:

1. Zia Mody – AZB & Partners

Zia Mody is a legal icon and one of India’s most trusted corporate attorneys. As the Founder and Managing Partner of AZB & Partners, she is the go-to expert for massive mergers, acquisitions, and private equity deals. Her strategic advice is sought by global giants and Indian conglomerates alike for complex business challenges.

2. Vandana Shroff – Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Vandana Shroff heads the Mumbai office of India’s largest law firm. She is a powerhouse in corporate law, specializing in private equity and mergers. With decades of experience, she guides top financial institutions and companies through intricate investments and strategic joint ventures.

3. Akila Agrawal – Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Akila Agrawal is a Senior Partner known for her sharp legal mind in mergers and acquisitions. She handles some of the biggest corporate restructuring deals in the country. Her expertise lies in helping companies navigate complex regulatory environments to close successful transactions.

4. Gunjan Shah – Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

Gunjan Shah is a key Partner specializing in general corporate law and private equity. She is highly regarded for her ability to manage high-value investments and debt restructuring. Her client list includes major global investors looking to enter or expand in the Indian market.

5. Kalpana Unadkat – Khaitan & Co

Kalpana Unadkat is a Partner who excels in corporate governance and cross-border mergers. She is known for her strategic thinking and often advises boards of large companies on ethical governance and compliance. Her work ensures that businesses grow sustainably while following all legal rules.

6. Archana Khosla Burman – Vertices Partners

Archana Khosla Burman is a Founder Partner and a leading name in the startup ecosystem. She specializes in venture capital and private equity, helping founders raise funds and structure their businesses. She is a mentor to many entrepreneurs and a strong advocate for women in business.

7. Darshika Kothari – AZB & Partners

Darshika Kothari is a Senior Partner with deep expertise in private equity and real estate transactions. She is known for her practical approach to complex deals, advising sovereign wealth funds and large investment firms. Her work often shapes major infrastructure and real estate projects in Mumbai.

8. Nivedita Rao – Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Nivedita Rao is a Senior Partner focusing on mergers and acquisitions. She has a strong track record of handling high-stakes deals for multinational corporations. Her advice is critical for foreign companies looking to invest in Indian businesses or form strategic alliances.

9. Bhakta Patnaik – Trilegal

Bhakta Patnaik is a Partner who heads the Capital Markets practice in Mumbai. She is an expert in helping companies go public (IPOs) and raise capital through various financial instruments. Her work is vital for startups and mature companies looking to list on stock exchanges.

10. Harshita Srivastava – Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

Harshita Srivastava is a Partner known for her focus on private equity and venture capital. She represents both investors and target companies, ensuring smooth investment cycles. Her expertise covers a wide range of sectors, including technology and healthcare startups.

11. Veena Sivaramakrishnan – Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

Veena Sivaramakrishnan is a leading expert in banking, finance, and insolvency. She advises banks and financial institutions on complex lending and restructuring matters. Her work is crucial for companies facing financial distress, helping them find legal paths to recovery or resolution.

12. Aastha – Argus Partners

Aastha is a Partner specializing in corporate restructuring and insolvency. She is known for her mononym and her sharp focus on distressed assets. She advises lenders and companies on how to resolve bad debts and restructure their liabilities effectively.

13. Alpana Srivastava – Desai & Diwanji

Alpana Srivastava is a Partner with extensive experience in general corporate law. She advises clients on a variety of commercial contracts and regulatory matters. Her broad expertise makes her a reliable advisor for businesses dealing with day-to-day legal complexities.

14. Kruti Desai – ALMT Legal

Kruti Desai is a Partner who blends corporate law with employment law expertise. She helps companies manage their workforce legally, handling everything from hiring contracts to complex termination issues. Her advice is essential for startups building their initial teams.

15. Pooja Terwad – The Startup Gig

Pooja Terwad is a specialized startup attorney and founder of a boutique firm. She focuses entirely on the needs of early-stage businesses, providing affordable and practical legal solutions. Her work covers everything from company registration to protecting intellectual property for new ventures.