BRUS CHAMBERS, Advocates & Solicitors

Shipping and Arbitration

Nidhi Potla is a dual-qualified legal professional, admitted as an Advocate in India and currently a practising Solicitor in the United Kingdom. She is a pivotal member of Brus Chambers, a premier Indian law firm recognised internationally for its maritime and commercial dispute resolution practice. Ms. Potla works closely with the firm’s Managing Partner, Dr. Shrikant Pareshnath Hathi, and brings to the table extensive expertise in shipping law, international arbitration, and contractual advisory. Her professional excellence spans the domains of admiralty disputes, charter party claims, maritime recoveries, port and infrastructure advisory, and complex commercial arbitrations.

Her practice is marked by precision, a nuanced understanding of commercial operations, and a strategic mindset that consistently delivers value-driven legal solutions to clients across shipping, logistics, ports, dredging, construction, energy, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors. She is distinguished by her ability to blend deep legal acumen with practical business insight.

Nidhi Potla is an authority on admiralty and maritime law. She has successfully acted in numerous ship arrest and release matters before Indian High Courts, deploying tactful procedural strategies to secure client interests. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of disputes, including:

• Charter party breaches
• Salvage and general average claims
• Demurrage and laytime disputes
• Cargo damage and bill of lading issues
• Marine collisions and unseaworthiness

In addition, she regularly advises on marine insurance disputes, including hull and machinery claims, protection and indemnity matters, and subrogation and recovery actions. Her clients include P&I Clubs, shipowners, operators, charterers, logistics companies, port authorities, and insurers. With an incisive understanding of admiralty jurisdiction and procedural law, she ensures swift and effective remedies through Indian courts and arbitration mechanisms.

Arbitration, both domestic and international, is a cornerstone of Ms. Potla’s legal practice. She has represented clients in arbitrations governed by institutional rules (LCIA, ICC, SIAC, LMAA) as well as ad hoc proceedings under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Her command over arbitral procedure, from notice of arbitration through to enforcement of awards, has led to consistently favorable outcomes for clients in complex, multi-jurisdictional matters.

Her arbitration practice covers a wide spectrum of commercial disputes, with emphasis on:

• Charter party and shipbuilding disputes
• Infrastructure project arbitrations
• Supply chain and cargo logistics disagreements
• Energy and construction contracts

Ms. Potla’s approach is marked by detailed case strategy, effective written submissions, and commercial awareness. Her ability to dissect intricate facts and apply arbitration rules pragmatically distinguishes her in this field.

Nidhi Potla is frequently engaged for advisory work involving high-value commercial contracts, particularly those with maritime and infrastructure implications. Her contractual services include:

• Drafting and vetting of charter party agreements, freight contracts, marine construction contracts, and international sale agreements (FOB/CIF).
• Advising on payment terms, performance guarantees, liquidated damages, and dispute resolution clauses.
• Risk mitigation strategies in project documentation to pre-empt disputes.

She demonstrates high proficiency in identifying contractual risks, interpreting obligations, and providing structured legal input during negotiations. Her advisory strength lies in ensuring contractual clarity, enforceability, and commercial viability for both domestic and international clients.

With academic credentials that include a Post Graduate Diploma in Shipping and Logistics from the prestigious Narottam Morarjee Institute of Shipping and ongoing pursuit of an LL.M. in Commercial and International Maritime Law, Ms. Potla brings a refined understanding of global trade and shipping regulation. She advises clients on port infrastructure projects, dredging operations, offshore service agreements, and international transport regulations.

Her cross-border expertise also includes:

• Navigating foreign investment regulations applicable to port and shipping projects
• Advising on dispute resolution clauses in international tenders and EPC contracts
• Enforcement of foreign arbitration awards and court judgments in India

Nidhi Potla is known for her solution-oriented and client-first approach. She consistently adopts a commercial perspective, ensuring that legal strategies align with broader business goals. Her counsel is pragmatic, timely, and focused on delivering outcomes that withstand legal scrutiny while promoting business continuity.

Her clientele includes multinational corporations, public and private banks, financial institutions, NBFCs, oil companies, logistics operators, and shipowners. Whether structuring a complex transaction or resolving a contentious claim, Ms. Potla’s engagement is defined by diligence, integrity, and legal sophistication.

Recognitions and Strengths

• Admiralty Expertise: Proven capability in ship arrest, release procedures, collision liability, marine salvage, and insurance recoveries.
• Charter Party Litigation: Thorough understanding of rights and liabilities under time and voyage charters.
• International Arbitration: Robust experience in handling cross-border commercial arbitrations and enforcement of awards.
• Contract Analysis: Skilled in identifying contractual vulnerabilities and designing watertight documentation.
• Sectoral Focus: Specialized legal services for shipping, logistics, dredging, energy, port development, and infrastructure sectors.
• Dual Jurisdiction Practice: Admitted as a Solicitor in the United Kingdom and Advocate in India, providing comprehensive legal support in transnational matters.

Nidhi Potla embodies legal excellence and commercial acuity. Her practice bridges multiple legal jurisdictions and industry sectors, offering seamless legal solutions in shipping, arbitration, and infrastructure advisory. With a sharp legal intellect, dedication to client interests, and a global perspective, she continues to play a vital role in complex dispute resolution and strategic legal advisory. Her growing reputation as a trusted legal advisor and formidable advocate ensures her continued success and recognition in both Indian and international legal arenas.

English, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu

Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa as an Advocate

SRA as Practicing Solicitor