Indian law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas has become the latest to grow its Chennai presence with the additions of M&A partner Sarika Raichur (L) and disputes partner Shruti Khanijow. The hires bring its partner strength in the southern city to four.

Raichur, who relocates from Luthra and Luthra Law Offices in Delhi, specialises in cross-border and domestic M&A and corporate advisory. She also has experience in white-collar disputes and employment matters.

Khanijow was previously a partner at UAE-based construction arbitration-focused legal consultancy MRP Advisors. She is a commercial disputes attorney specialising in international and domestic arbitration in the energy and construction sector and advises third-party funders.

Khanijow is also a senior project fellow at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, where she advises the Government of India on formulation of policy and laws on the proposed out-of-court insolvency process and introduction of alternate dispute resolution mechanisms, especially mediation in the insolvency and bankruptcy regime.

SAM lost Chennai partner Promode Murugavelu in April to Khaitan & Co, leaving the firm with two partners in the city. It then hired dispute resolution pro Arun Mohan in June as of counsel.

AZB & Partners established a presence in the city a few months ago with hires from J Sagar Associates, with JSA, in turn, absorbing local firm Commercial Law Advisors to replenish its ranks.