The Legal500, the world’s largest directory for law firms and lawyers, has (once again) ranked Spice Route Legal as amongst the best across 10 categories in their 2025 guide for the India region

Our Data Protection, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) practices have achieved Tier 1 rankings, reflecting our expertise and market feedback. Additionally, our Financial Services Regulatory & Fintech and Projects & Energy practices received high accolades with Tier 2 rankings, alongside notable recommendations for Corporate and M&A, Private Equity and Investment Funds, Intellectual Property, and Dispute Resolution: Litigation.

Our Dispute Resolution: Litigation practice, which was ranked for the first time, was described as “equipped to deal with any kind of contentious issues, with expertise derived from handling a wide range of matters across various forums,” the team’s capabilities have been widely appreciated. Partner Karthik Somasundram was singled out for praise, with clients noting he is “always reachable, approachable, and providing clear, actionable advice.”

Our Data Protection practice, ranked top tier for the fifth consecutive year, continues to set benchmarks in the industry. Legal 500 highlighted the team’s ability to “advise a diverse range of clients on contentious and non-contentious data and cyber governance matters,” with clients stating that “the firm is strong in its data protection advice, has a good commercial understanding, and provides risk-based analysis.” Partner Mathew Chacko, ranked as a Leading Lawyer, was described as “a real star and ahead of the pack,” while Counsel Aadya Misra, recognised as a Next Generation Partner, was praised as “a rising star who provides sound and commercial advice.” Senior Associate Ada Shahabanu were also commended for being “reliable, clear in explaining technical details, and easy to work with.”

Our Life Sciences & Healthcare practice, led by Partner Praveen Raju, has once again earned a Tier 1 ranking. Legal500 notes that “the breadth of its know-how and depth of team renders Spice Route Legal a go-to firm.” Mathew Chacko was recognised as a “standout legal professional”, described as “embodying the finest qualities of a lawyer.” Counsel Aadya Misra and Senior Associate Renuka Abraham have been recognised as Leading Associates in this space. Associate Ajeeth Srinivas has been lauded for his “responsiveness and deep knowledge.”

The Tier 1 TMT practice has also received accolades for its ability to handle “complex tech disputes and innovative regulatory structuring”. Legal500 emphasised the team’s dynamism, observing that, the team is well-versed in managing tech transactions. Partner Mathew Chacko, recognised as a Leading Lawyer for TMT, has been described as “dependable, practical, and highly recommended for tech advisory matters”. Our focus on aviation engineering and technology matters has landed in the list of India’s leading aviation practices.

Our Fintech and Financial Services Regulatory practice has been described as “well-versed with new regulations and quick to provide practical advice,” highlighting its ability to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape with agility. Recognised as a Next Gen Partner, Ankita Hariramani received particular praise for her meticulous approach, with clients noting she is “very in the detail, looks at all aspects of the regulation, and is able to provide very sharp views on the subject of fintech, technology and what are the best ways to build a commercial fintech application around this.” Additionally, Mathew Chacko and Aadya Misra were also recognised for their expertise, further underscoring the practice’s depth and leadership in this dynamic space.

In the Projects & Energy, Spice Route Legal has been highly recommended for its focus on green hydrogen, solar, and smart meter projects. Partner Praveen Raju and Senior Associate Janhavi Joshi were praised for their commercially viable, contextually relevant advice and consistent turnaround times.

Our Corporate and M&A and Private Equity practices continue to shine, with clients lauding the firm’s “client-centric approach that ensures legal advice is not only sound but also practical and actionable.”

Finally, our Intellectual Property practice, co-led by Mathew Chacko and Praveen Raju, has been highly recommended for its expertise in trademark, copyright, patent, and design work. Clients have acknowledged the team’s skill in navigating both commercial negotiations and IP litigation.