HSA Tax Partner Abhishek Dutta resigns; Forms ‘Aureus Law Partners’ with ex-HSA Sr Associate, Rashmi Chaudhary

Abhishek Dutta, a Partner at HSA Advocates has recently resigned from the firm to set up a full service law firm, Aureus Law Partners. Dutta set up the firm along with former HSA Senior Associate Rashmi Chaudhury, who had left the firm last month..Dutta and Chaudhury will be joined by two other HSA tax Associates, namely Chinmay Agarwal and Akkriti Bhatt along with one paralegal, Suresh Uniyal. The Delhi-based firm is already up and running. Presently, the firm consists of two Partners and eleven associates..Both Dutta and Chaudhury have built their specializations in taxation laws. Dutta, a graduate of National Law School of India University, Bangalore had joined HSA in May 2011 along with Nand Kishore, both of whom moved from BMR Advisors to set up the firm’s tax practice..Chaudhury is a graduate of NALSAR, Hyderabad. She started her career with Ernst & Young before moving on to BMR Advisors, thereafter Indus Towers and later joining HSA Advocates..Speaking to Bar & Bench, Dutta, said, “The idea is to have a very professional outfit, which will deliver implementable and business oriented results to the clients.”.“There is an ambition for growth. If we can get it right, we will probably grow very well and fast in the coming year itself”, added Dutta..Talking about the name of the firm, Dutta explained, “Aureus Law Partners derives its name from an ancient Roman gold coin, which signifies purity, trust, commerce and honesty. That is why we chose this name.”.On the firm’s expansion plans, Dutta said that there is a possibility that two litigation lawyers and one IP lawyer, each having about 10 years PQE will be joining the firm as Partners. He refused to provide further details on these new additions although he did disclose that he is looking for a Partner in Mumbai to expand the practice there as well..Speaking about his exit from HSA, Abhishek said, “My stint with HSA was enjoyable and gave me the opportunity to widen my area of practice beyond tax, for which I sincerely thank the HSA team and particularly, Hemant.”.On Dutta’s departure, HSA Managing Partner Hemant Sahai said, “I sincerely wish Abhishek all the best for his new venture. Abhishek’s departure from the firm has been amicable and I am sure Aureus will do well.”.Dismissing rumors of clients following in Dutta’s footsteps Sahai said that, “Our tax team and tax practice is intact and our Partner Jagvir Singh, who has more than 13 years of experience of having worked as a Customs and Excise Officer with the Government of India, prior to joining the legal profession, has immediately stepped into the position. Nand Kishore, our existing Tax Partner, and his team continue to manage the firm’s tax practice. Abhishek’s departure has made no impact on our practice and all our on going matters continue with the firm. Not a single client has left with Abhishek and most of the tax portfolio [consists of] HSA legacy clients who have a long standing relationship with the firm”, said Sahai.