DMD Advocates expands its corporate practice in Mumbai and Delhi with the addition of three partners – Vihang Virkar, Monika Deshmukh, Ayesha Rai and principal, senior and junior associates

We are pleased to announce a momentous expansion of our corporate practice with the induction of Vihang Virkar, Monika Deshmukh, and Ayesha Rai as Partners along with their team from Lumiere Law Partners. A testament to DMD’s exponential growth over the last decade, this is a noteworthy expansion for us which will further cement our position as a leading full-service law firm in India committed to providing cutting-edge legal solutions to our clients. With this addition, DMD has over 100 lawyers, including, 27 partners/directors servicing clients across India.

Vihang will be the lead partner for our corporate practice in Mumbai. He is a seasoned corporate lawyer with over 21 years of experience advising Indian and multinational clients on M&A, corporate financing (structured/asset financing), corporate restructuring and issues pertaining to governance, FDI and SEBI laws. Besides a strong corporate and commercial laws acumen, he is also a notable aviation law practitioner. He has been recognized by reputed forums, such as, Asia Law, Chambers & Partners, Legal500 and Who’s Who Legal to name a few.

Monika too has over 21 years of experience and specializes in M&A, private equity, venture capital, joint ventures, securities law and general corporate advisory. She has led and advised on a variety of transactions across a range of sectors, including infrastructure, pharma, technology, hospitality, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, telecommunication, and logistics.

Ayesha is a corporate finance lawyer with more than 15 years of experience. She also specialises in aviation law and has extensive experience in aircraft & engine financing, sale–purchase transactions, aircraft/helicopter/engine leasing, and technical and commercial contracts for scheduled and non-scheduled operators. She has been recognized by the likes of Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 for her expertise in aviation law.

Commenting on this development, Fereshte Sethna, Founder and Managing Partner of DMD’s Mumbai office, said: “I am pleased to welcome Vihang, Monika, Ayesha, and their team to DMD. Their rich experience and expertise in corporate laws and stellar reputation in aviation law complement our practice and will bring enormous value to our clients.”

Rashi Dhir, Senior Partner and Head of Firm’s Corporate Practice, said: “This is a hallmark moment for us. Vihang, Monika and Ayesha joining us reflects DMD’s focus on delivering strategic, client-centric solutions that align with DMD’s unwavering commitment to excellence. This expansion brings together seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience in providing our clients with comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of clients in India and globally. Vihang, Moika and Ayesha will not only expand our presence in Mumbai but will also contribute to DMD’s continued overall growth and success.”

Vihang said: “Monika, Ayesha and I have been working together for over 12 years now and we have developed a notable practice in corporate, commercial and aviation laws. After a remarkable 9 years with Lumiere Law Partners, we are looking forward to integrating our practices with DMD Advocates. DMD has a formidable reputation and, over the years, has built immense trust and confidence amongst its clients in India and globally. We are convinced that, together with Fereshte’s and Rashi’s leadership and other Partners and lawyers at DMD, the firm will scale greater heights.”