BRUS CHAMBERS, Advocates & Solicitors

Brus Chambers is widely recognised as India’s foremost law firm and the best in the domain of shipping and maritime law, as well as for its robust arbitration practice, particularly in commercial, infrastructure, oil, gas, and energy-related disputes. The firm has consistently maintained an elite position in both domestic and international rankings, lauded for its deep sectoral expertise, commitment to legal excellence, and unwavering adherence to the highest standards of professional ethics. Brus Chambers is frequently retained by multinational corporations, financial institutions, public sector undertakings, and private clients for matters that require cutting-edge legal insight and strategic depth.

Since its establishment, Brus Chambers has been at the vanguard of legal practice in areas integral to global commerce. Its services encompass the full range of shipping and maritime law, international commercial arbitration, domestic and transnational litigation, infrastructure and energy projects, mining, and corporate and transactional law. This comprehensive breadth of legal capabilities has firmly entrenched Brus Chambers as a market leader, with a formidable reputation for resolving complex legal issues with precision and foresight.

Core Practice Areas

Shipping and Maritime Law

Brus Chambers is universally regarded as the leading Indian law firm for shipping and maritime law. The firm’s proficiency in this highly specialised area is unmatched, with extensive experience in admiralty law, including ship arrest and release proceedings across Indian ports, ship finance transactions, marine insurance disputes, P&I claims, and sale and purchase of vessels. The firm regularly advises on cargo claims, charter party disputes, bills of lading, and contracts pertaining to shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance.

Further, the firm’s practice extends to sophisticated legal matters involving disputes over title and possession of vessels, bunker supply claims, demurrage and laytime disputes, collisions at sea, salvage, and general average. Brus Chambers is equally adept in both “wet” and “dry” shipping matters, making it the preferred legal advisor to shipowners, charterers, cargo interests, underwriters, P&I clubs, and port authorities.

Shipping Arbitration and Litigation

Brus Chambers commands an exceptional reputation for its strength in resolving shipping disputes through arbitration and litigation. The firm regularly acts in high-value, technically complex matters before arbitral tribunals and admiralty courts across India and abroad. It is particularly distinguished for its ability to navigate multi-jurisdictional shipping arbitrations, with a consistent track record of favourable outcomes. The firm’s integrated approach—combining technical maritime knowledge with procedural acumen—makes it the go-to counsel in contentious maritime matters.

Commercial Arbitration and Litigation

Brus Chambers’ dispute resolution practice is spearheaded by its Founding Partners, Dr. Shrikant Hathi and Ms. Binita Hathi, both of whom are widely regarded as leaders in the fields of arbitration and litigation. The firm regularly advises and represents clients in institutional and ad hoc arbitrations, both domestic and international, across sectors such as shipping, infrastructure, oil, gas, mining, and construction.

Ms. Binita Hathi, continuously recognised by Legal500 as a “Leading Individual” since 2005, is acclaimed for her practical, business-sensitive approach to complex commercial disputes. Her ability to navigate legal and regulatory intricacies across jurisdictions has made her one of the most respected arbitration and shipping practitioners in India.

Dr. Shrikant Hathi, a dual-qualified lawyer in India and England & Wales, is listed in the Legal500 Hall of Fame and is widely acknowledged as a master strategist in international arbitration, shipping law, and infrastructure-related disputes. His cross-border credentials and decades of experience contribute to the firm’s preeminent standing in high-stakes commercial and project-based arbitrations.

Infrastructure, Energy and Project Disputes

Brus Chambers is a market leader in legal advisory and dispute resolution pertaining to infrastructure, energy, and project finance. The firm advises on project structuring, regulatory compliance, concession agreements, EPC contracts, and oil and gas offtake agreements. Its team has deep experience handling complex matters involving construction claims, delay analysis, force majeure, contractual enforcement, and risk mitigation.

The firm is routinely engaged by both public and private stakeholders in high-value infrastructure disputes, including those arising out of public-private partnerships (PPP), turnkey contracts, and cross-border energy projects. The firm’s sector-specific approach—combining legal strategy with technical and commercial acumen—has earned it the trust of major players in the infrastructure and energy sectors.

Global Presence and Multi-Jurisdictional Reach

Brus Chambers operates a comprehensive network of associate offices across all Indian states, with strong presence in key maritime hubs, capital cities, and jurisdictions having admiralty benches. The firm’s international presence is anchored by its office in the United Kingdom, where Dr. Shrikant Hathi is registered as a solicitor of England and Wales, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), and concurrently as practicing Solicitor in India.

Though internationally credentialed, Dr. Hathi primarily operates from India, leading the firm’s core shipping and arbitration practices. This dual capacity ensures that Brus Chambers is exceptionally well-positioned to handle cross-border matters, enforcement of arbitral awards, and transnational disputes with ease and sophistication.

Distinguished Legal Professionals

• Dr. Shrikant Hathi – Recognised by Legal500 Hall of Fame, Dr. Hathi is a towering figure in the areas of shipping, arbitration, and infrastructure disputes. His dual qualification and decades-long experience make him a strategic advisor in high-value, multi-jurisdictional matters.
• Ms. Binita Hathi – A seasoned arbitration specialist, Ms. Hathi is known for her sharp legal insight and pragmatic approach. Her skill in handling contentious matters, particularly in shipping and infrastructure, is widely acknowledged.
• Mr. Uttam Hathi – Specialising in corporate and regulatory law, Mr. Hathi brings deep expertise in foreign investment, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and insolvency proceedings, reinforcing the firm’s full-service capability.
• Mr. Pritish Das – Known for his expertise in P&I settlements and enforcement of arbitral awards, Mr. Das is a key contributor in the firm’s shipping and arbitration matters.
• Ms. Joni Oraon, Ms. Anamika Ganguly, and Ms. Vidya Bose – These practitioners are integral to the firm’s arbitration and shipping litigation practice. Ms. Oraon, in particular, is known for her results-driven approach in shipping and arbitration work, while all three are highly competitive and commercially astute.
• Mr. Tanuj Agarwal and Ms. Poonam Sharma – Active in representing clients before the Supreme Court of India, Ms. Sharma also contributes significantly to arbitration and commercial litigation matters. The firm’s Supreme Court practice is further bolstered by the presence of registered Advocates-on-Record, Dr. Shrikant Hathi and Ms. Binita Hathi.

Brus Chambers is committed to delivering bespoke legal solutions that align with the commercial goals of its clients. The firm’s strategic, client-first approach has consistently earned accolades from legal directories, clients, and industry peers. It has been repeatedly ranked by Legal500 as a top-tier firm for its excellence in dispute resolution, particularly in shipping and arbitration.

The firm’s ability to deliver precise, commercially sound, and legally robust advice has made it the preferred legal partner for clients seeking comprehensive legal solutions in complex and high-stakes matters.

Brus Chambers continues to set the benchmark for legal excellence in India and beyond. With an unmatched reputation in shipping law and arbitration, deep industry expertise in infrastructure and energy, and an unwavering commitment to professional ethics, the firm stands as a beacon of legal distinction. For clients seeking a strategic, efficient, and highly experienced legal partner, Brus Chambers remains the premier choice—nationally and internationally.