In what seems to be a first, sources at Trilegal have confirmed that Allen & Overy's Capital Markets Partner, Srinivas Parthasarathy has decided to relocate to Mumbai to head Trilegal's Capital Markets practice.

Jonathon Brayne, chairman of the India Group stated in a release, "This is a positive move for the Allen & Overy/Trilegal relationship. Partha has been a key member of our India Group and his move will substantially enhance the collaboration between Allen & Overy and Trilegal." 

Mr. Parthasarathy's practice at Allen & Overy primarily focused on transactional assignments in India in banking, structured finance, M&A, capital markets, private equity and securities law. Sources indicate that the move to was suggested by Allen & Overy to strengthen Trilegal's capital markets and private equity practice.

However, Mr. Anand Prasad of Trilegal, Delhi told Bar & Bench, "In fact the process was initiated by Trilegal. We were looking to strengthen the dispute resolution and the capital markets team in Mumbai. We discussed the move with Partha and A&O, and Partha joining us at Mumbai is a joint decision". He added, "We are now looking to build our capital markets team. We are looking to hire atleast 4 robust candidates to further strengthen our practice"

Mr. Parthasarathy declined to comment on the reasons for his move. However, in conversation with Bar & Bench he revealed, "Moving back to India presents an exciting opportunity - I love working here. Allen & Overy and Trilegal have an existing and burgeoning relationship, and my presence will only add to the cooperation and integration between the two firms. All factors seem to be positive and beneficial for both Allen & Overy and Trilegal."

Sajan Poovayya, founding partner of Poovayya & Co. says, "The most important thing for a law firm is achieving greater bandwidth at a senior level." He adds, "Two firms working together, with better interoperability, exploring synergies at various levels will always remain good thing. Partha is an exceptionally good and credible lawyer, and I'm sure Trilegal will be very happy to have him on board".