Khaitan & Co Singapore: Abhisaar Bairagi Strengthens Disputes Practice

• Abhisaar Bairagi, a Partner in Khaitan & Co's Dispute Resolution Practice Group, is relocating to the firm's Singapore office.
• She specializes in corporate and commercial litigation and arbitration across various sectors, representing Indian and international clients.
• Her expertise includes handling disputes before Indian courts, tribunals, and international arbitration bodies like ICC, SIAC, and HKIAC.
• This move follows Kartikey Mahajan's relocation from Singapore to Dubai, UAE, who was previously the firm's first Disputes Partner in Singapore.
• Khaitan & Co views this as a strategic step to strengthen its international disputes practice and global footprint, with Ms. Bairagi continuing to manage India-based matters.

This strategic relocation underscores Khaitan & Co's commitment to enhancing its global reach and strengthening its international disputes practice, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Abhisaar Bairagi, a seasoned Partner within Khaitan & Co's Dispute Resolution Practice Group, is set to relocate to the firm's Singapore office. This strategic move positions Ms. Bairagi as a pivotal figure in strengthening the firm's international disputes capabilities in Southeast Asia, offering a new point of contact for clients seeking counsel on complex cross-border commercial litigation and arbitration, particularly those with an India nexus. Her association with Khaitan & Co dates back to 2011, bringing over a decade of experience to her new international role.

This relocation follows a previous significant change in the firm's international staffing. Kartikey Mahajan, who had served as Khaitan & Co's first Disputes Partner in Singapore since joining the firm in 2022, has transitioned to Dubai, UAE. Ms. Bairagi's arrival in Singapore ensures continuity and further deepens the firm's expertise in a key global financial hub, reinforcing its commitment to a robust international presence.

Ms. Bairagi's practice is primarily focused on corporate and commercial litigation and arbitration, encompassing a broad spectrum of industries. Her specialized sectors include Infrastructure, Construction, Logistics, Mining, Energy, Transportation, and E-commerce. This diverse sectoral experience equips her to handle intricate legal challenges across various business landscapes.

Her extensive experience involves representing both Indian and international clients in complex domestic and cross-border disputes. She regularly appears before the Indian Supreme Court, various High Courts, and specialized tribunals. Furthermore, her arbitration practice is comprehensive, covering proceedings administered under the rules of prominent international institutions such as the ICC, SIAC, DIAC, HKIAC, and MCIA, underscoring her proficiency in diverse arbitral frameworks.

Amar Sinhji, Executive Director at Khaitan & Co, highlighted the significance of Ms. Bairagi's relocation, emphasizing its role in the growth of the firm's International Disputes practice. He conveyed that this development marks an exciting new chapter for both Ms. Bairagi personally and for Khaitan & Co as it continues to expand its global footprint and enhance its capabilities on an international scale.

Crucially, while taking on her new international responsibilities, Ms. Bairagi will also continue to manage her existing India-based matters. This dual focus ensures seamless service for her established clientele while simultaneously contributing to the firm's strategic objective of strengthening its cross-border legal offerings and maintaining strong ties to its Indian origins.

The firm's dynamic approach to its international presence is further illustrated by the movements of its key personnel. The transition of Kartikey Mahajan, who initially established the disputes partner role in Singapore, to Dubai, UAE, indicates a broader strategy for global coverage. Mr. Mahajan's move to Dubai, following his tenure in Singapore since 2022, suggests an ongoing recalibration of resources to meet evolving client needs across different international jurisdictions.

This series of strategic relocations underscores Khaitan & Co's commitment to enhancing its global reach and strengthening its international disputes practice, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. By strategically deploying experienced partners like Abhisaar Bairagi, the firm aims to provide comprehensive legal solutions for complex cross-border commercial litigation and arbitration, solidifying its position as a leading legal service provider with an India nexus.

This relocation signifies Khaitan & Co's strategic strengthening of its international disputes practice in Southeast Asia, offering a new point of contact for clients seeking counsel on complex cross-border commercial litigation and arbitration, particularly those with an India nexus.

Source: Original reporting via legal industry publication