ELP Managing Partner Rohan Shah leaves firm to start counsel practice

MUMBAI: Rohan Shah (53), managing partner of boutique tax and dispute firm Economic Law Practice or ELP has announced to move out from the firm to start independent counsel practice. The move, which may surprise many, is also part of growing trend among rainmakers and managing partner of the various firm going back to counsel practice to argue the matter.

Recently, in March, J Sagar Associates’ partner Somasekhar Sundaresan had also decided to move out from the firm to start his counsel practice. While, in February co-founder of Trilegal Anand Prasad had also put in his papers to become an independent counsel and also to join a politics.

"Rohan Shah will start his own chamber practice in Mumbai and in New Delhi," said a person familiar with the development.

An alumnus of Government Law Collage (GLC) Mumbai, Rohan had over a decade counsel practice before he co-founded ELP along with four other partners. One of the co-founder Vikram Nankani had also left the firm in 2013 to pursue counsel practice.

"With effect from September 30, 2016, I will exit the firm and retire as Managing Partner of ELP and will transition the role of Managing Partner to one of the co-founders, Suhail Nathani," said Rohan Shah. "Personally, the transition gives me the opportunity to build another innings as a legal counsel, pursuing my passion to renew my career as a litigating Counsel."

Nathani said, "Rohan has taken a decision to pursue his career at the bar and play a role in the policy of our country – both of which will benefit immensely from his ability and skills."

According to RSG Consulting, a London based research firm, Mumbai headquartered ELP has six offices including in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmadabad and Pune with around 127 lawyers. ELP was set by Rohan Shah along with Suhail Nathani, Sujjain Talwar and Vikram Nankani.