AZB & Partners has seen two partners and a number of associates depart from its Mumbai office in recent months, sparking fears of an exodus.  The latest partner to depart is Vaishali Sharma who joins Khaitan & Co as an equity partner.

 Sharma will join Khaitan’s corporate practice, specialising in domestic and cross-border M&A work; contract negotiations; restructuring; joint ventures and competition law. She formerly held roles at Desai & Diwanji, Majmudar & Co and Kochhar & Co.

 Sharma left AZB Mumbai following the resignation of fellow partner Gool Kotwal – this, in addition to rumours of a third partner leaving the firm, has sparked concerns as the partner count drastically falls to just 16.

Sharma’s appointment brings Khaitan & Co’s partner numbers in Mumbai up to 21, following the appointment of banking & finance partner Devidas Banerji last month.