SJ Law Integrates With Solicis Lex Advisory

On 13 May 2025, the Bar Council of India amended its rules for the registration and regulation of foreign lawyers and foreign law firms, allowing them to practice foreign law, international law and international arbitration in India on the principle of reciprocity. This move, applicable strictly to the non-litigation domain, marks a significant shift in India's legal framework. As a result, many Indian lawyers and law firms are now undergoing realignments within their practice areas, particularly in the non-litigation space.

Amid this evolving legal environment, SJ Law, a Mumbai- and Delhi-based law firm headed by Senior Solicitor Samir Jagad, has officially merged its entire practice with Solicis Lex Advisory. SJ Law had been operating from Bandra, a location connecting South and North Mumbai and recently expanded one of its verticals to Nariman Point. This alliance was facilitated by one of Mumbai's industrialists, who played a mediating role in bringing the two firms together.

Led by Mr. Samir Jagad, SJ Law has been recognised as one of India's foremost non-litigation firms in the Banking and Finance sector, boasting a client base comprising banks, NBFCs and large-scale financial institutions. On the other hand, Solicis Lex Advisory, after its successful acquisitions of law firms in Juhu and Delhi, has established a presence in litigation before the Supreme Court and High Courts, as well as in real estate, M&A and NCLT-related matters.

On Saturday, 2^ND August, Solicis Lex welcomed Mr. Samir Jagad as a Partner to lead its Banking & Finance Practice. Along with him, his entire team has joined Solicis and has now been inducted into the firm's structure on payroll.

Adv. Ameet Mehta, Managing Partner of Solicis Lex Advisory, announced:

“We are pleased to have acquired SJ Law through its Sole Proprietor Mr. Samir Jagad, who joins as a Senior Partner to exclusively lead our Banking & Finance practice. SJ Law has long been a trusted advisor to leading banks and financial institutions, as well as corporate borrowers. It was ranked several times by deal volume count among the top ten law firms globally and in the Asia-Pacific region as a 'Project Finance Law Firm' by Dealogic. Notably, SJ Law was ranked first in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australasia and excluding Japan, during the first half of 2016 for project finance transactions. This acquisition brings a major shift in banking work across Mumbai and Delhi, aligning our firm with evolving client needs.”

Over the course of his career, Mr. Jagad, as team leader, has handled debt transactions exceeding ₹2 trillion (₹2 lakh crores), including ₹1.5 trillion (₹1.5 lakh crores) during his tenure at SJ Law alone, a testament to the depth, complexity and trust associated with his practice.

In his remarks to the media, Mr. Jagad reflected on his journey and the future:

“The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2017, 21st edition) noted SJ Law's role in breaking the deadlock between National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and banks. Our introduction of the 'Security Clause', after extensive persuasion with NHAI, became a precedent that is now followed across the sector. I'm excited to be part of Solicis Lex, a firm that combines legal acumen with forward-looking strategy. I look forward to building a strong and dynamic Banking & Finance practice and working with a team committed to delivering excellence – qualitative output and efficient turnaround. What truly excites me is the fact that the firm has grown threefold in the last four years, making it a market leader today. Ameet, known to me professionally for many years, has shown sharp vision in restructuring and fostering a performance-driven term culture.“

The International Comparative Legal Guide to Project Finance 2016 (5th Edition, Global Legal Group) stated:

“He [Samir Jagad] stands out in the industry for his experience and knowledge in the project finance and infrastructure sectors and is praised for his commercial awareness and innovative approach. Mr. Jagad has introduced groundbreaking solutions not only in the transactions handled by the firm but also extending to the project finance sector.”

Ms. Swetha Poojary, Senior Lawyer at Solicis Lex, who previously served at Tata's Ginger Hotels and the Aditya Birla Group, commented:

“We are delighted to announce the acquisition of SJ Law's practice and to welcome Mr. Jagad to the partnership. His extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable as we expand our capabilities in the banking and finance domain to better serve our clients across sectors.”