Partners & Practice Heads
Surana & Surana International Attorneys
Dr Vinod Surana
Managing Partner & CEO
Dr. Vinod Surana is a successful lawyer and law firm Managing Partner, family business advisor, independent director, accredited mediator, voice of industry, social worker, academician and policy advisor. With a wealth of experience and expertise in various areas of law, he plays a pivotal role in overseeing the firm’s operations, strategy and overall success. His exceptional managerial skills and ability to foster a collaborative work environment have contributed to the firm’s growth and success.
Education
Dr. Vinod Surana has qualified in law, management & diplomacy from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Cornell, University of California, London School of Economics, Indian Institute of Management & Madras University. He is an Accredited Mediator (Straus Institute, USA & SAGE Institute, Singapore). He trained under the legendary Prof. Roger Fisher on Conflict Management & Resolution at Harvard Law School in 1999, a skill that has helped him resolve many family & corporate disputes.
He was co-chair of ASSOCHAM’s Southern India Council (2015-2021). He is listed among 100 Legal Luminaries of India by Lexis Nexis and recognized as leading M&A Lawyer by the prestigious Chambers & Partners of London.
He is the Honorary Legal Advisor to Taipei Economic & Cultural Center (Consulate of the Republic of China – Taiwan) in Chennai
CSR
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Vinod Surana is actively engaged in community initiatives and philanthropic endeavours. He is a firm believer in giving back to society and supports various charitable organisations. The firm’s Surana & Surana Public Charitable Trust does yeoman service to the needy.
Qualified Independent Director – Institute of Directors
Memberships:
Chairman, Advisory Board of the National Institution for Quality & Reliability (NIQR)
Member, Academic Council, MOP Vaishnav College for Women (Autonomous)
Elected to Governing Council of the International Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India
Senior Vice Chairman of All India Manufacturer’s Organisation (TNSB)
Empanelled arbitrator & Fellow of ASSOCHAM’s International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution, New Delhi.
G Kalyan Jhabakh
Senior Partner
Senior Partner, practicing Advocate, registered Patent Agent and Certified Independent Director (Institute of Directors), legal advisor and strategist for several large, International and Domestic clients. Litigator, Mediator and Negotiator representing Corporate, Commercial, Insurance, Intellectual Property and other dispute resolution matters.
Conducted landmark litigations before various courts including, (i) Supreme Court of India; (ii) High Courts of Madras, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab & Haryana and Chhattisgarh; (iii) Company Law Tribunal; (iv) National Green Tribunal; (v) Domestic Arbitral Tribunals (Institutional & Ad Hoc); (vi) Intellectual Property Appellate Board; (vii) Consumer (State & National) Forums; (viii) Debt Recovery Tribunals; (ix) Family Court; (x) Labour Courts; (xi) Magistrate Courts; (xii) Rent Control Court; (xiii) City Civil Court; (xiv) Small Causes Court.
Certified Independent Director (Institute of Directors).
An independent director in subsidiaries of foreign companies. Frequently asked to speak on legal and economic issues by chambers of commerce (domestic & bilateral), arbitral institutions etc.
Areas of expertise – Litigation
Commercial, Corporate, Property, Family disputes. Adept at drafting complex, domestic and international commercial contracts, scheme of mergers and amalgamations; dispute settlement agreements; sale/lease agreements; IPR licensing agreements etc. Sole Arbitrator in several arbitrations.
Memberships
Enrolled with Bar Council of Madras in 1990
Member in Bar Association of India
Madras High Court Advocates Association
National Council on Legal Affairs – ASSOCHAM
Life Member of Indian Council of Arbitration
Fellow of ASSOCHAM’s International Council for Alternate Dispute Resolution, New Delhi
Indian Merchants Chamber’s International ADR Centre, Mumbai
E-Mail : intellect@lawindia.com
Sanjay Mehta
Senior Partner
A Commerce and Law graduate with a Management Degree in finance and investment from New York, USA, he has worked on large Infrastructure & real property transactions, Special Economic Zones (SEZ), India entry strategy, Financial Risk Structuring & Management.
During his early career stint in New York, he has worked with Cunard Lines, specializing in the cruise industry. Later he moved to Mumbai to join India Securities Ltd. (part of the Essar Group) in their private equity and merchant banking activities.
Having done his LL. B from University of Bangalore, he moved to Chennai to join Surana & Surana International Attorneys where he worked extensively for various clients including Shell India, to enable them set up retail outlets on a pan-India basis.
He has extensively negotiated leave and license agreements / lease deeds with anchor tenants on behalf of 2 malls in the city of Chennai. He has worked with large industrial groups for acquisition of land for greenfield projects in the state of Tamil Nadu. He led the team from the firm in negotiations with the Government of Tamil Nadu for tax concessions and other benefits for the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant at Oragadam, Tamil Nadu.
He currently also represents the Singapore Consulate (Chennai), the Taiwan, Consulate (Chennai) and the US Consulate (Chennai).
As part of giving back to the society, he works with MUKTI, Ability Foundation and other charities on a pro-bono basis.
Practice areas
Large Real Property Transactions, Infrastructure Transactions, India Entry Strategy, Financial Risk Structuring & Management, Contract Review, Transaction Advisory.
Areas of Expertise
Strategizing, negotiating and drafting Joint Venture Agreements, Share Purchase Agreements, Shareholder Agreements, Scheme of Mergers.
Drafting of agreements for large infrastructure projects including public transport and power plants (Pre-bidding, bidding, post bidding, PPA, etc.).
Negotiations and settling complex commercial and corporate disputes.
Private Equity & Capital Market appraisal and syndication, Liaison with Fund Managers, Banks, Venture Funds.
Due diligence on companies for takeover and mergers.
Due Diligence on Real Property, Purchase, Leasing, Leave and License, Structuring of Real Property transactions.
Incorporation of legal entities in India, Corporate Compliances, ESOP Plans.
Liaison with RBI, ROC and other regulatory agencies.
Assisting the litigation team on NCLT and IBLC matters.
Memberships
Bar Association of India.
Madras High Court Advocate Association.
ASSOCHAM’s International Council for Alternate Dispute Resolution.
Vice Chair, Indo Italian Chamber of Commerce, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Representing the Firm on the Board of various Indian / Multinational companies.
E-Mail : intellect@lawindia.com
Rajiv Surana
Corporate Business Lawyer
Rajiv Surana is a seasoned legal professional specializing in corporate & business advisory services at Surana & Surana International Attorneys. With extensive experience in corporate law and a deep understanding of the business landscape, he provides invaluable guidance to clients on a wide range of complex corporate matters.
Education
Rajiv holds comprehensive educational background (a student of engineering, management & law) from renowned universities in India and Australia, where he excelled academically and demonstrated a passion for corporate & commercial law. During his education, he actively participated in various competitions and pursued leadership position at leading corporate organizations, honing his skills in negotiation and business strategy.
Professional Experience
With over two decades of experience, Rajiv has established himself as a trusted advisor in the industry. He gained exposure to diverse corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, investments, and contractual matters.
Throughout his career, Rajiv has successfully represented clients ranging from startups to multinational corporations. His comprehensive understanding of the legal and commercial aspects of corporate transactions enables him to navigate complex legal landscapes and provide pragmatic solutions that align with clients’ strategic objectives.
Expertise and Advisory Services
As a corporate advisor, Rajiv possesses a deep understanding of corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks. He advises clients on matters such as entity formation, corporate structuring, shareholder agreements, due diligence, and investment & risk assessment. He assists clients in making informed decisions by carefully analyzing legal and business implications and providing strategic recommendations.
Rajiv is known for his ability to assess the potential risks and rewards associated with various business transactions. His expertise extends to negotiating complex commercial agreements, ensuring that his clients’ interests are protected and their objectives are achieved.
Client Relations and Collaboration
Rajiv’s dedication to client service is evident in his strong client relationships. He takes the time to understand each client’s unique needs and industry-specific challenges, allowing him to provide tailored advice and solutions. He collaborates closely with clients, acting as a trusted partner throughout the decision-making process.
Rajiv’s exceptional business skills and contributions to the corporate law field have earned him recognition and respect within the business community. He actively engages in professional development activities and stays updated on the latest legal developments and regulatory changes that impact corporate clients.
With his comprehensive knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to excellence, Rajiv is a sought-after corporate advisor who helps clients navigate the complexities of the corporate world and achieve their business objectives with confidence.
Memberships:
Secretary, Tamil Nadu Chapter, ASSOCHAM
Executive Committee Member, Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Executive Committee Member, Indo-ASEAN-Srilanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Executive Committee Member, Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce
Member, Tamil Nadu State Board (TNSB) of All India Manufacturers’ Organization (AIMO)
E-Mail : rajiv@ssinternational.in
Preetam Surana
Partner - Dispute Resolution & Head - Academic Initiatives
A Commerce (Honors) graduate from Delhi University, with a Diploma in Computer Science from NIIT, he went on to do his LL. B from KSLU, Bangalore.
He brings with him an experience of more than 22 years in leadership roles in various industries, before he started his stint in the law firm.
His varied industry experiences saw him as an entrepreneur in chemical manufacturing for 4 years. Thereafter, he was a COO for a Garment Export House for 6 years where he led a cross-functional team both in-house & outsourced orders and working with designers & buyers with top labels across continents. He was involved in setting up an Indo-Korean Joint Venture as its COO for 4 years. Subsequently he was in commodity trading for 8 years both domestic & overseas.
Practice areas
Strategy, Negotiation, Mediation, Project management, Ideation, Technology implementation, Project studies*, Infrastructure financing, Financial advisory, Investment and Estate plan, Project Risk mitigation & Crisis management, Performance & Quality management, Global sourcing, leading cross functional teams, Liaison, Operations Audit.
*He did an elaborate project study & presented a comprehensive paper on Solar Project Financing for CII.
In the law firm his expertise spans practice areas such as Dispute Resolution, Corporate Advisory Services, Technology (developed a MIS ) & Academic Initiatives at the firm. Has been part of an ASSOCHAM delegation overseas.
Academic Initiatives
As Head of the firm’s Academic Initiatives which conducts the world’s largest Moot Court Competition, he has conceptualized and developed the world’s first proprietary Moot administrative software in 2013 for moot court administration. He introduced the country’s first ever Moot in the North-east sector. He has given lectures in academic institutions and successfully administered the world’s most prestigious Jessup International Law Moot & the India Rounds of the world’s largest moot on International Environmental law – Stetson India rounds. Proposes to administer the Stetson SAARC rounds during the academic year 2023-24
Membership
Member- Bar Council of Rajasthan
Has been part of the following Committees/Sub Committees with trade & industry bodies like Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Madras Chamber of Commerce & Industry- (MCCI).
CII (SR) – Heads of Finance Forum
CII (SR) – Working Group on Infrastructure Finance
CII (SR) – Member of Task Force on International linkages
MCCI – Member of MCCI – MSME Committee
CII (SR) – Family Business Sub Committee
CII (SR) – MSME Sub Committee
E-Mail : intellect@lawindia.com
Sandeep Surana
Partner, Regulatory Investigation Advisory
A Law Graduate with a Management Degree (Singapore) in finance. He heads the Delhi Office and co-chairs the Corporate and Regulatory Advisory Practice in Chennai
Legal advisor and consultant to the Ministry of Defence and other defense related product manufacturers.
An innovative, adaptable, performance-driven professional with dynamic experience in execution of domestic & international projects in renewable energy, banking and finance and technology sectors.
Strengths
He has assisted several clients in relation to corporate fraud issues/white collar crimes issues from a preventive and compliance perspective.
Has launched an SEZ efficiently and effectively; strategically negotiated and restructured banking limits of an USD 250 million company; executed SAP in a diversified (bullion to steel to power) conglomerate etc.
He understands the pulse of complex business transactions and steers complicated Regulatory issues applying his expertise in Corporate Laws. He has significant experience in the energy sector, especially renewable and technology related.
A leader with strong interpersonal skills, quick decision making and provides practical solutions.
Areas of expertise
Strategizing, negotiating and drafting Share Purchase Agreements, Shareholder Agreements, Scheme of Mergers.
Negotiations and Settling complex Commercial and Corporate disputes.
Private Equity & Capital Market appraisal and syndication, Liaison with Fund Managers, Banks, Venture Funds.
Due diligence on domestic and international companies for takeover and merger transactions.
Incorporation of legal entities in India, Corporate Compliances, ESOP Plans.
Liaison with RBI, ROC and other Regulatory Agencies.
Memberships
Member of Bar Council of Telengana
Member of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers
Member of All India Manufacturers Organisation
Member of ASSOCHAM
Member of Confederation of Indian Industry
E-Mail : intellect@lawindia.com
Rashmi Surana
Partner
Empanelled Arbitrator cum Fellow at ASSOCHAM’s International Council of Alternate Dispute Resolution (AICADR), New Delhi. Advisor on family businesses, including mediation of family disputes, setting up family constitutions and drafting cum negotiation of contracts.
Advising clients and family business leaders worldwide. Heads the community development work at Surana & Surana (as a family and as a Corporate).
Supporting rural literacy; running a home and a school for visually challenged orphan children, a home for destitute animals, food & drinking water facilities for the under privileged; conducting environment protection programs, providing / facilitating education scholarships for under privileged children, etc.
Lakshmidevi Somanath
Partner, Intellectual Property
An alumnus of the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, she served as a Judge (Member) in the Intellectual Property Appellate Board, Government of India and adjudicated in numerous cases on several key intellectual property law issues. Her orders ranged from declaring GOODDAY to be a well-known trademark, to deciding in favor of RPG, HP, REDBULL and several famous trademarks. Following her tenure, she is now Partner, Surana & Surana International Attorneys and heads the Intellectual Property practice of the firm.
Practice Areas
She has practiced intellectual property laws for 22 years, mainly before the High Courts of Delhi and Madras, various other courts & tribunals. She is arguing counsel in various cases concerning significant jurisprudential questions in intellectual property law and constitutional law, with over 200 reported cases to her name. She carves IP legal advisory strategy for her clients, performs IP audits, coordinated IP valuations, and has filed, pro
She is known for her astute and fluid handling of complex IP legal challenges.
Awards and Rankings
Woman Lawyer of the Year, 2022–Legal Era 4th Annual Women in Law Excellence Awards
Infosys M.K. Gandhi National Law Fellow of 2002
Leading Individuals in IP in India by the Asia Pacific Legal 500
Leading Individuals in IP in India by the World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000
Leading Individuals in IP in India by IAM Patent 1000
Shortlisted for Copyright Lawyer of the Year, Women in Business Law Awards, 2023 (APAC)
Shortlisted for Patent Lawyer of the Year, Women in Business Law Awards, 2023 (APAC)
Shortlisted for IP Lawyer of the Year, Legal Insider Awards, 2023 (APAC)
Shortlisted for 2023 Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards
IP Star for India, 2023, ManagingIP
Memberships
International Trademark Association
Indian National Bar Association
FICCI – IP Council
Member – Governing Council, AIMO-TNSB
Co-Chair – Arbitration Council, AIMO-TNSB
Co-Chair and Facilitator, CII – IP Leader’s Forum
Mentor and Expert Speaker
Founder Institute
MOP Vaishnav College for Women, Mentor, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Boot Camp
Registered Independent Director – IICA
Opinion Leadership
Books -‘MANUAL OF CYBER LAWS’, by Aditya Book Company (ABC), July 2010
Articles – a regular contributor to various legal publications and journals
Interviews – SCC Online (21/03/2023) and WomenWhoWin (27/06/2023)
Conferences – A panelist in various national and international conferences
Editorship – Associate Editor, Chennai Law Times, 2007-2012
Education
A Gold Medalist in her LLM from NLSIU, in her student days she was a prolific mooter, and represented India in the international Afro Asian and Phillip C. Jessup Moot Court Competitions, 1999 and 2000 with high individual international ranki
Interviews
Interviewed by SCC Online – https://www.scconline.com/
Interviewed by WomeWhoWin100 – Changemakers: Leading Intellectual Property Lawyer Lakshmidevi Somanath Shares Passion for Creating a More Equitable Society in the Digital Era — Women Who Win (womenwhowin100.com)
Email: lds@lawindia.com
LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.
Mobile: 9962040000
N Surya Senthil
Partner, Dispute Resolution
Education
He is an alumnus of National Law School of India, where he completed his LL.M. in the year 2000.
Practice Areas
He has successfully practiced as an advocate for about 20 years and was arguing counsel in many significant cases concerning entertainment, IP, service and cyber law issues and has several reported cases to his name. He specialises in Intellectual Property, Civil and Commercial Litigation, Writs, Public Interest Litigations and Constitutional matters
Achievements
A former Technical Member (Copyrights) of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board of India (IPAB) and was part of the bench that pronounced the landmark Common Order involving issues relating to fixation of royalty rates to be paid to the respective owners of the sound recordings, under the Copyright Act, 1957. As part of the IPAB bench, he also adjudicated on various other copyright legal issues, including expanding the jurisprudence relating to the copyright infringement, the cancellation of an infringing copyright on the PETER ENGLAND logo, among others.
Resource Person & Mentor
He authored the book ‘MANUAL OF CYBER LAWS’, 2010, was Associate Editor of the Chennai Law Times (2007 to 2019) and is a sought-after speaker at various conferences on technology & IP laws. He has delivered dozens of lectures at prestigious forums like the National Judicial Academy Bhopal, Tamil Nadu Judicial Academy, National Institute of Intellectual Property Management (NIIPM) Nagpur, Entrepreneurship Development Institute Ahmedabad, Academy of Customs Excise and Narcotics (NACEN) Chennai, IIT Madras, IIT Mumbai, various National Law Schools, among others.
Memberships
Member INBA
Registered Patent Agent IN/PA- 736
Member, Madras High Court Advocates Association since 1997
Secretary, Information Technology Bar of India
Member, Governing Council, AIMO-TNSB
Co-chair, Arbitration Council, AIMO-TNSB
Email: intellect@lawindia.com
Niranjan Surana
Director, Tax & Finance
ADVISORS
Mr. B Kannan
Vice Admiral (Retd.), Advisor
Mr. B Kannan
Vice Admiral (Retd.)
He was Chief of Material, the highest post in Naval Service & Retired on 31st October 2012 after over 40 years of Naval Service. And CEO & MD, L&T Shipbuilding, Chennai from 2015 to 2020.
Mr. Ashok Kumar
IPS (Retd), Advisor
Mr. Ashok Kumar
IPS (Retd)
A former Director General of Police, TN and a former Joint Director of CBI, New Delhi, he is Advisor to Corporates & Business Heads on implementation of systems for ethical practices and prevention of corrupt practices.
Ms. Rita Kumar
IAS (Retd.)
Ms. Rita Kumar
IAS (Retd.), Principal Advisor – Northern India Region
Ms. Rita Kumar is a retired Indian Administrative Service officer, who has played a prominent role in implementing the legal framework for various legislations and matters pertaining to public policy.