Chetan Thakkar
Chetan Thakkar, Senior Partner at Kanga & Co., has built an impressive legal career spanning capital markets, initial public offerings (IPOs), regulatory compliance, due diligence and corporate transactions. With a journey that began in Sangli, Maharashtra, and evolved into advising companies on complex capital market transactions, Chetan’s professional story reflects the value of perseverance, continuous […]

Chetan Thakkar, Senior Partner at Kanga & Co., has built an impressive legal career spanning capital markets, initial public offerings (IPOs), regulatory compliance, due diligence and corporate transactions. With a journey that began in Sangli, Maharashtra, and evolved into advising companies on complex capital market transactions, Chetan’s professional story reflects the value of perseverance, continuous learning, commercial understanding and long-term relationships. In this special Diwali episode of The Koffee Conversation Show – The Emerging Lawyer, he shares valuable insights into the business of law, the responsibilities of transactional lawyers and the importance of building trust with clients.

Chetan’s journey began with a strong belief that education was the most important asset his family could offer him. After completing his schooling in Gujarati medium and graduating in law, a professor encouraged him to move to Mumbai to explore greater opportunities. Despite facing several rejections while seeking articleship, he found an opportunity with L. D. Shah & Company, where he began learning the nuances of practising law in Mumbai. He subsequently cleared his solicitor examination and joined Kanga & Co., where the mentorship of senior partner Preeti Mehta and exposure to larger transactions became defining influences. His entry into capital markets came through a maiden IPO assignment in 2008, followed by significant transactions including a qualified institutional placement and rights issues involving United Spirits and United Breweries. These experiences inspired him to build a dedicated capital markets practice. Over the years, he has advised approximately 60–70 SME companies on capital market offerings and more than 40 main-board IPOs.

One of Chetan’s strongest messages is that a successful transaction requires much more than technically correct legal documentation. It begins with thorough preparation, understanding the company’s history, reviewing its business and capital structure, identifying compliance gaps and coordinating effectively with merchant bankers, auditors, tax advisers and other stakeholders. He emphasises the importance of realistic timelines, transparent communication and addressing regulatory issues before filing documents with SEBI. Sometimes, lawyers must take difficult calls and have uncomfortable conversations with promoters, but protecting the client’s long-term interests must take priority. For Chetan, client trust develops over time when advice is practical, tested and aligned with business objectives. He also believes that leadership is built through strong teams, meaningful mentoring and giving young professionals opportunities to take ownership of actual work rather than limiting them to research assignments.

Beyond transactions and professional responsibilities, Chetan reveals a grounded and personal side shaped by his upbringing in a joint family in Sangli, his love for Gujarati culture and his passion for cooking. His interest in the teachings of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo provides him with perspective during demanding professional days. He believes that a leader’s success is reflected in the growth of the people they mentor, and hopes to pass on the professional and spiritual lessons he has learned to the next generation. His Diwali message is equally meaningful: to bring more light, love, laughter and equality into the world. His journey reminds us that professional excellence is not built overnight; it grows through knowledge, resilience, integrity, teamwork and the relationships we nurture along the way.

Key Highlights of the Koffee Conversation with Chetan Thakkar

  • From Sangli to Mumbai: A journey shaped by humble beginnings, academic commitment and the courage to pursue bigger opportunities.
  • The Power of Mentorship: How his professors and senior partner Preeti Mehta influenced his professional development.
  • Finding His Niche in Capital Markets: Discovering his interest in IPOs through a maiden transaction in 2008.
  • A Growing Capital Markets Practice: Experience advising around 60–70 SME companies and more than 40 main-board IPOs.
  • SME IPOs vs. Main-Board IPOs: Understanding the differences in listing platforms, issue sizes and regulatory processes.
  • Preparation Before Execution: Why company records, capital history, business operations and compliance must be thoroughly reviewed before an IPO.
  • The Importance of Stakeholder Coordination: Working closely with merchant bankers, auditors, tax advisers and legal teams to keep transactions on track.
  • The Courage to Give Difficult Advice: Addressing non-compliances and regulatory risks even when conversations with promoters become uncomfortable.
  • Building Long-Term Client Trust: Aligning legal advice with commercial objectives, practical timelines and the client’s intended use of funds.
  • AI and Legal Technology: Using technology to improve efficiency while maintaining confidentiality, professional judgement and human validation.
  • The Value of Document Comparison Technology: How Workshare Delta helped the team compare extensive documents, identify changes and save time.
  • Mentoring the Next Generation: Giving interns and associates meaningful assignments, practical exposure and ownership of their work.
  • Leadership Through Teamwork: Why a strong team makes a strong leader and contributes to successful transactions.
  • Spirituality and Staying Grounded: Drawing strength from the teachings of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo during demanding professional days.
  • A Legacy Beyond Personal Success: Finding fulfilment in nurturing juniors and helping them grow into successful professionals.

▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube on The Koffee Conversation Show – The Emerging Lawyer and discover Chetan Thakkar’s journey from Sangli to the world of capital markets, along with his insights on IPOs, regulatory compliance, client trust, leadership and mentoring the next generation of lawyers.

🎧 Listen to the complete podcast on Spotify: The Koffee Conversation Show – The Emerging Lawyer and explore an enriching conversation on building a capital markets practice, navigating complex transactions, balancing legal and commercial priorities, embracing technology, developing future leaders and finding purpose beyond professional success.

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