JSA Advocates & Solicitors (JSA), one of India’s leading full-service law firms, has expanded its corporate bench strength with the appointment of Kanchan Sinha as a Retained Partner in its Gurugram office. This appointment underlines JSA’s strategy of reinforcing its corporate practice with senior talent having both law firm and in-house experience.
Background of the Appointment
The appointment of Kanchan Sinha reflects a continuing trend of Indian law firms bringing in senior professionals with deep sectoral expertise. JSA, known for its significant presence in the corporate and commercial space, has in recent years added partners across practice areas to meet growing client demand for complex, multi-jurisdictional legal advice.
Kanchan joins JSA after a career spanning over 21 years, during which she has worked across private practice and senior in-house roles. Most recently, she was Vice President – Legal (Hydrogen and M&A Projects) at Sembcorp Industries Ltd, where she advised on energy sector projects and strategic cross-border transactions. Before that, she worked with Sembcorp Green Infra Pvt Ltd and Acme Solar, two of India’s leading players in the renewable energy sector. Her early career included stints at prominent Indian law firms, which gave her a strong foundation in transactional practice.
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Areas of Expertise
Kanchan’s experience spans a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, including:
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Advising on domestic and cross-border acquisitions, business transfers, and strategic partnerships.
Joint Ventures: Structuring and negotiating joint ventures for both Indian and international clients across sectors.
Private Equity Investments: Experience in early-stage and growth equity investments, including structuring, regulatory compliance, and exit strategies.
Foreign Investments: Advising on inbound and outbound investments, with a focus on regulatory approvals and structuring.
Cross-Border Transactions: Handling multi-jurisdictional mandates, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Corporate & Commercial Advisory: Day-to-day advisory for corporates, including governance, compliance, and commercial contracting.
Her dual background—first in leading law firms and later in senior in-house roles—enables her to bring a holistic perspective to clients. Having navigated transactions from both sides, she is positioned to understand the legal, business, and operational priorities of corporates.
Recognition and Credentials
An alumna of the National Law Institute University, Bhopal (NLIU), Kanchan has been recognised multiple times by IFLR1000 as a Notable Practitioner for her work in corporate and financial law. This recognition underscores her standing in the industry and the depth of her expertise.
Her industry experience has been particularly significant in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, both of which continue to be growth areas in India. Her work in hydrogen projects, a sector currently gaining traction in India’s clean-energy roadmap, adds a forward-looking dimension to her expertise.
Leadership Comments
Welcoming Kanchan, Vivek Chandy and Amar Gupta, Joint Managing Partners of JSA, said:
“We welcome Kanchan to JSA. Kanchan’s extensive experience with large conglomerates and her cross-sectoral expertise will help us further strengthen our Corporate practice.”
Her mentoring partner, Rupinder Malik, added:
“Kanchan brings to the table over two decades of multi-sectoral and wide-ranging experience with leading law firms and corporates. I am delighted to welcome her and am confident that she will add significant value to our practice and clients.”
Perspective from Kanchan Sinha
On her appointment, Kanchan Sinha, Retained Partner, JSA, said:
“I look forward to a new career inning, having spent over two decades with large law firms and corporates. Being a law firm regarded highly for its deep sectoral knowledge, JSA provides me the perfect platform to provide cutting-edge advice to leading Indian & International clients.”
Her statement reflects both the continuity of her professional journey and the new opportunities offered by joining one of India’s largest law firms.
Strategic Significance for JSA
The appointment of Kanchan Sinha is strategically important for JSA in several respects:
Strengthening Corporate Practice in Gurugram: Gurugram is a hub for multinational corporations, private equity funds, and fast-growing companies in sectors such as technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, and financial services. With Kanchan based in Gurugram, JSA enhances its ability to service this growing client base.
Sectoral Expertise: Kanchan’s background in energy and infrastructure aligns with the increasing demand for legal expertise in India’s energy transition, renewable projects, and cross-border investments in clean energy.
Hybrid Perspective: Having worked both as external counsel and as in-house counsel, Kanchan brings a client-centric approach that resonates with the evolving expectations of corporates. Law firms today are increasingly expected to offer commercially relevant, practical advice in addition to legal solutions.
Talent Development and Mentoring: With her two-decade-long career, Kanchan is also expected to contribute to the mentoring of younger lawyers within JSA, adding depth to the firm’s talent pipeline.
The Broader Market Context
The Indian legal market continues to see movement of senior lawyers between firms and corporates, reflecting the fluidity of opportunities across the two spheres. The renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, in particular, have been among the most dynamic in recent years, with growing foreign investment and policy support.
Law firms with a strong presence in these sectors are expanding their partner base to meet demand. JSA, with a well-established corporate and projects practice, has been active in lateral hires to expand its offerings.
Appointments such as Kanchan’s also highlight the importance of cross-sectoral and cross-functional expertise—skills that are essential for advising clients navigating regulatory complexity, financing challenges, and multi-jurisdictional requirements.
About JSA
JSA Advocates & Solicitors is one of India’s leading full-service law firms, with offices across major cities including New Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The firm is recognised for its strength in corporate, finance, disputes, and regulatory practices, and regularly advises on some of the most high-profile transactions and disputes in the Indian market.
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should consult professionals before making decisions.
