LawQuest’s Team
Advocates and Solicitor (E & W)
EDUCATION
LL.M., University of
Pennsylvania Law
School, USA
Solicitor, England and Wales
Advocate, the Bar Council
of Maharashtra and Goa
Attorney, the New York
State Bar
ADMISSIONS
Maharashtra and Goa
New York
England and Wales
Poorvi Chothani, Esq.
Founder & Managing Partner – LawQuest
SUMMARY PROFILE
Poorvi is the founder and managing partner of The Law Offices of Poorvi Chothani and
LawQuest a unified business and immigration law firm with offices in New York, Mumbai and
Bengaluru.
Poorvi's practice has been focused on immigration law since 2003.This coupled with more than
25 years of experience in dispute resolution, corporate and commercial laws enable her to
provide holistic legal counsel to LawQuest's clients.
She has worked closely with large, local and international clients, including renowned
international consulting firms, Indian and American banks and investor relations companies,
multi-jurisdictional business processing companies, pharmaceutical and health product
organizations to name a few, helping them achieve their business goals in India and abroad.
Poorvi serves as Vice-Chair of the India Committee and is a member of the Immigration &
Nationality Committee, both of which are a part of the Section of International Law, the
American Bar Association (ABA). She has been the past president of The American Alumni
Association, Mumbai (2008-2010), the convener of the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF),
Mumbai Chapter and a founding member of the New York State Bar Association's (NYSBA)
India Chapter. As a member on the board of the executive committees of the National and the
Western Regions of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce's, she is actively involved in
cross-border work between the two countries. She is also part of the Steering Group of
American Immigration Lawyers Association's (AILA) Global Migration Section and has served
as conference chair for the section's Global Migration Forums in 2012 and 2013 and co-chair in
2014.
Additionally, Poorvi is often quoted in the Economic Times and Business Standard, India's
leading business daily and on radio, CNBC-TV18 and Zee Business News. She is a regular
speaker at events organized by leading national and international organizations. Poorvi is an
Associate Editor of the India Law News (ILN), a quarterly publication by the International
Section of the ABA. She regularly publishes articles in prominent national and international law
and business journals. (Poorvi has been nominated, amongst the world's leading private
practice lawyers in “Who'sWhoLegal” each year since 2009.) Poorvi was nominated for the
prestigious ICICI-CNBCTV18 Emerging India Awards as “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year–
SME” for 2013.
Poorvi is actively involved in fund raising activities for education related charities and under her
leadership, the team at LawQuest renders pro-bono services to several charitable institutes.
Advocates and Solicitor (E & W)
PRESENTATIONS AND SEMINARS
Poorvi was the panel speaker at the International Bar Association's 6th Biennial Global Immigration Conference, London, speaking on “Hot Tips for Indian Immigration”;
Poorvi was the panel speaker on “Consular Processing/Immigrant Petitions: It's as
straight forward as Skateboarding Lombard Street” at the American Immigration
Lawyers Association (AILA) in San Francisco, U.S;
Poorvi was the U.S. conference chair at the American Immigration Lawyers
Association (AILA)–Global Migration Forum titled “Navigating a Global Practice
through Dynamic World Markets”, held in June 2013 in San Francisco, California;
Poorvi attended the Inter Pacific Bar Association (IPBA) Annual Conference 2013 in
Seoul, South Korea. The topic covered was “The Future of Law & Business in the
Asia-Pacific Region”;
Poorvi was the discussion leader for a series of three teleconferences on “Global Migration” organized by Immigration Law Works (ILW.Com);
Poorvi is a member of the Steering Group and Executive Committee Bangkok District
Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA);
Poorvi was the conference co-chair at the Global Migration Forum of the American
Immigration Lawyers Association's (AILA) – Global Immigration Forum in Nashville,
Tennessee. The topic for the forum was a detailed discussion on “Workforce
Globalization: An International Immigration Law Perspective”; and
Poorvi was a speaker and panelist on the Immigration Committee Panel at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Annual Conference in San Diego. She also spoke at AILA's Global Forum–Indian Immigration on “Consular Processing”;
LawQuest co-hosted a CxO Forum event in association with More Than HR (MTHR)
Poorvi spoke to a select audience at the IMC on "Update on U.S. Immigration Reform Initiatives: How They May Impact Indian Businesses";
Poorvi attended the 6th
Biennial International Bar Associations Conference in London, UK. The topic of discussion was "BRICS Countries & Emerging Markets".
Poorvi has hosted a series of seminars on H-1B Visas: Preparing for the Filing Season - Trends, Challenges and Opportunities in both Mumbai and Bengaluru annually.
Poorvi Chothani was a Discussion Leader for the AILA Global Immigration Forum in Boston. Her panel topic was MANAGING GLOBAL IMMIGRATION - INNOVATION, GROWTH AND MANAGEMENT.
PUBLICATIONS
Changes in the Indian Immigration System – October 2014 American Bar Association
– Year End Review;
“Amendments to Social Security Parameters in India” - Financier Worldwide;
“Evacuation and Exit Visas” – International Bar Association;
“Employee Stock Option” - Published online for Entrepreneurindia.com;
“Social Media and Networking” - International Bar Association (IBA);
“Sexual Harassment at the Work Place” - American Bar Association (ABA);
“Indian Business Visas” - American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – 2014;
“Global Mobility Handbook”– Poorvi is the editor and author of three chapters (The
United States, the United Kingdom and India) (2013 and 2012 edition) and is
presently working on the third edition;
Poorvi co-authored an article on “Cross Border Immigration Law” for the Thomson
Reuters European Lawyers Reference Series;
“Indian Visas–An Update ” Poorvi is the co-author for this article published by the
International Bar Association (IBA) in September, 2012;
“Getting the Deal through–Corporate Immigration 2012 and 2013, India” Poorvi is the
co-author for this article for the Law Business Research, Official Research Partner
International Bar Association;
“Medical Visas” - Poorvi authored the article for the India Law News (ILN);
“Acquiring Indian Citizenship”- Poorvi co-authored the article for the International Bar
Association (IBA) in May, 2012;
“An Overview of Business Travel to India” The article was co-authored by Poorvi and
published in the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA) Email Magazine,
e-zette for their 2011 issue;
“The Road to Independence”–This prestigious publication for the American Bar
Association, is a book that has 101 contributing woman authors. Poorvi was one of
the 101 women lawyers from all over the world who wrote about how they set up their
own law firms;
In addition over the years Poorvi has written for many publications such as
Interpreter Release, New York State Bar Journal, ILW.COM, India Law Journal (ILW),
New Managing Intellectual Property Magazine, Money Talk, Asia Law Journal,
Manupatra Intellectual Property Reports, Manupatra Newsline, NASSCOM's Portal
and The Economic Times.
LawQuest’s Team
Advocate and Solicitor (E & W)
EDUCATION
Advocate, the Bar Council of
Maharashtra and Goa
LL.B., University of
Mumbai, India
International MBA, United
Business Institute
B.Com. University of Mumbai
ADMISSIONS
Mahahrashtra and Goa
Manizeh Mistry
Senior Associate - Immigration, & Employment Law
103, Maker Tower F, 10th Floor, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400005, India
Tel.: +91 22 4002 0954, Fax: +91 22 2216 3215
SUMMARY PROFILE
Manizeh focuses on Employment and Immigration Law. She is routinely involved in advising on
Commercial Contracts as well as drafting Employment Contracts and Ancillary Documents,
Service and Contractor Agreements and preparation of Confidentiality and Non-compete
Agreements. Manizeh, a key member of LawQuest's Global Immigration team, is highly skilled
in preparing non-immigrant visa petitions and applications for multi-national corporations. She
works with large corporations, in conjunction with our network of local counsel in about 40
jurisdictions to facilitate the transfer of key personnel and their dependents abroad by securing
the appropriate employment authorizations, entry visas and residence permits. She also helps
companies with their operations and global immigration compliance program in India to obtain
work permits, registration requirements, extension of visas and compliance with local laws
pertaining to the employment of expatriates in India.
PRESENTATIONS AND SEMINARS
Manizeh has attended a seminar on "Doing Business with Vietnam & INDEE-VIETNAM";
Manizeh attended a webinar on "Consular Processing for Experts” organized by ILW;
Manizeh has attended a work shop on “New U.S. Visa Processing System, GS -Global
Support Strategy for Visa Services” organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in co- operation with the Consulate General of the United States;
Manizeh attended a seminar on “Doing Business with Indonesia” and was invited to the “Trade Expo Indonesia” organized by the Indian Merchant's Chamber.
PUBLICATIONS
“Getting the Deal Through –Corporate Immigration 2012 and 2013, India” Manizeh is the co-author for this article for the Law Business Research, Official Research Partner International Bar Association;
“Acquiring Indian Citizenship”-Manizeh co-authored the article for the International Bar Association (IBA) in May, 2012;
Manizeh has authored/co-authored multiple articles for LegalEra Magazine–“Trade Secret– A Matter of Confidentiality”, “Contract Demonstration and Damages”, ”Overview on Immigration and Work Visas for Foreign Nationals in India”, “Expatriates and Social Security in India”, “Foreign Nationals who wish to work and do Business in India”;
Manizeh has co-authored an article on Cross Border Immigration law for Thompson Reuters – The European Lawyer Reference Series;
Manizeh has authored articles for Nithia’s Indian Law Radar Newsletter on Arbitration in India and Non- Immigrant Visas.
LawQuest’s Team
Advocates and Solicitor (E & W)
EDUCATION
LL.B. K.C. Law College,
Mumbai
Advocate, the Bar Council of
Maharashtra and Goa
ADMISSIONS
Mahahrashtra and Goa
Deepak V. More
Associate – Civil, Property and Employment Law
103, Maker Tower F, 10th Floor, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400005, India
Tel.: +91 22 4002 0954, Fax: +91 22 2216 3215
SUMMARY PROFILE
Deepak primarily focuses on Civil, Property and Employment Law as well as Legal Services
Related to the Charity Commissioner's Office as well as assists in other key areas at LawQuest.
He is well versed with the legal requirements of all Government office requirements; especially
at the Mantralaya - the administrative headquarters of the State Government of Maharashtra,
India.
LawQuest’s Team
Advocates and Solicitor (E & W)
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor from the Ohio State
University, Moritz College of
Law, USA
BBA in International Business,
USA
Bindu Mittal
Senior Relationship Manager
103, Maker Tower F, 10th Floor, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400005, India
Tel.: +91 22 4002 0954, Fax: +91 22 2216 3215
SUMMARY PROFILE
Bindu is the Senior Relationship Manager at LawQuest and has been exclusively involved in
immigration law over the past few years especially in H-1 and L-1 visa preparation for the U.S.
market. She is the firm's liaison manager for clients who have global immigration and global
employment requirements.
LawQuest
LawQuest is a general business and immigration law firm, with offices in New York, Mumbai and Bengaluru, offering client
centric legal and business solutions. Our firm's vision is to establish a strong legal practice, based on local expertise and
intercontinental capabilities by offering high end services to global and local clients. LawQuest's growing team of lawyers and
support staff render professional services with integrity and dedication to meet client expectations effectively. LawQuest's
cross country and cross regional networks enable it to render seamless assistance to clients regardless of their location within
defined timeframes. LawQuest's team publishes a monthly newsletter, “LawQuest Alerts–Legal and Immigration Updates” and
subscriptions can be requested by emailing us on [email protected]
LawQuest's Clients
LawQuest's clients include both large and small corporations, online and offline agencies, consultants and other
professionals. Our clients range from multi-national companies, large national corporations and fortune 500 companies (who
are all world leaders in their respective industry segments) to small and medium business enterprises.
Most of our clients choose us based on referrals from other clients and colleagues; a testimony to the confidence the
community has in our work.
LawQuest's Corporate Social Responsibility Endeavours
In view of its commitment to the society, LawQuest renders pro-bono or subsidised services to several non-profit
organizations including:
Trust Law Connect – A Thompson Reuters Endeavour;
The Vedanta Academy;
Saathi;
Habitat for Humanity;
The American Alumni Association (AAA);
SAALT(South Asian Americans Leading Together); and
Ayzh, a social enterprise that provides health and livelihood solutions to impoverished women worldwide.
LawQuest
The LawQuest Professionals are Members of many Prestigious Organizations like:
The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa;
The American Bar Association (ABA) – Steering Group, the Immigration and Nationality Committee;
The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA);
The International Bar Association (IBA);
The Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA) Tech Law;
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA);
The American Alumni Association (AAA) - President (2008-2010);
The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE);
Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC)Member National and Western India Council Committees and
Legal Forum;
The Indian Merchants' Chamber Ladies Wing (IMC) – Co-Chair Legal Cell Committee;
The American Bar Association's Section of International Law - Vice Chair of the India Committee; and Vice-Chair of the Aerospace and Defence Committee;
New York State Bar Association's International Section - India Chapter Founder Member;
IvyLife, India - Founder Member; and
Penn Club of Mumbai – Committee Member;
Other Organizations:
Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) - Convener of the Mumbai Chapter (2009-2011);
The American Immigration Bar Association; and
Association of European Lawyers (AEL).
Contracts and Foreign Direct Investment
The LawQuest team assists its clients create, operate, regulate and expand their businesses. Our
range of services includes assisting our clients with establishing new business entities or forming new
relationships and helping them administer and enhance their existing commercial relationships. We
assist with all phases of business development, including proffering strategic advice,
negotiations, drafting, conducting due diligence searches, title verification, and registration and
providing legal opinions. We also assist with establishing businesses under India's Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) policy.
Legal Services Include:
Incorporation of Companies;
Statutory Filings of a Company;
Joint Ventures and Shareholders Agreements;
Commercial Transactions; and
Foreign Direct Investment.
Real Estate Law
LawQuest is equipped to handle multiple aspects of Real Estate Law. Our clients require us to represent them in
various capacities as vendors, purchasers, developers, licensors, licensees, lessors or lessees. When real estate
deals escalate to different levels of disputes, we assist with the protection of our clients' interests in an efficient
and cost - effective manner whether the manner of resolutions, mediation, arbitration or traditional litigation. The
LawQuest services include strategic advice, negotiations, and drafting, conducting due diligence searches, title
verification, and registration, providing legal opinions, litigation, alternate dispute resolution and re-development
among other things.
Legal Services Include:
Conveyancing;
Sale Purchase Agreement;
Leave and License; and
Power of Attorney.
Legal Services - Charity Commissioner's Office
While today's globalized world has become a never ending rat race for most, there are still many people who
believe in giving back to society and the creation and foundation of Non-Government Organizational Charity trusts
is one such means. The governance of these trusts fall under the Charity Commissioners office and the LawQuest
team successfully handles work and causes related to this. The areas of work that are covered by the Charity
Commissioners office
Legal Services Include:
Starting a NGO under the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Registration Act, 1960;
Closure of an NGO;
Starting a Public Charitable Trust under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950; Winding up of
societies and trusts;
Legal matters that come under the purview of the Charity Commissioner's office (Maharashtra); and
Legal disputes related to NGO's and Public Trusts.
Employment and Labour Law
LawQuest assists clients with employment related issues within India, compliance with various applicable acts
that are pertinent to a set of employees, officers and senior management. Our services include strategic advice,
negotiations, drafting, providing legal opinions, litigation and alternate dispute resolution.
Legal Services Include:
Employment and Labour Law
Assistance with Employment Contracts and Ancillary documents, including Technology and Intellectual Agreements. Property license Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements, Secrecy Agreements and Non-compete Agreements;
Advice on Non-compete Issues and their Enforceability;
Advice on Applicable Labour Laws and Employment Laws;
Advice on Data Projection and Privacy Issues;
Advice on Strategy and Documentation for Safeguarding of Confidential Information and Protecting Intellectual Property (IP);
Assistance with Employee Credential Verifications through Third Party Vendors;
Advice on Personal Policies, Drafting Handbook of Employment Terms and Conditions and Employee Manuals;
Litigation Strategy; and Employer – Employee Dispute under Industrial Dispute Act and the Minimum Wage Act
Global Migration –Work Permits and Visas
In a growing globalized world, human mobility is increasing exponentially. Indian and global clients often require
one- stop-shops to meet their requirements to post professionals and other personnel in international allocations.
The need for these services has seen a spurt, in view of Indian Companies acquiring or setting up businesses
abroad. LawQuest's qualified professionals and personnel offer these services across borders in over 30
jurisdictions worldwide. LawQuest collaborates with local and overseas network partners, to meet client
requirements as and when necessary.
Australia France Turkey
Japan The Netherlands Sri Lanka
Austria Germany Indonesia
Mexico China Argentina
Belgium Hong Kong Poland
Russia The Philippines Switzerland
Brazil India Romania
South Africa The United Kingdom Thailand
Canada Israel The United Arab Emirates
Spain The United States Kenya
Denmark Italy Saudi Arabia
In-house Expertise:
US Immigration
Immigrant Visas
Employment Visas
Family Based Immigration Visas
Non-Immigrant Visas
H-1B Visas
Business Visas
Student Visas
L-1 Visas
Tourist Visas
Consular Processing
Legal Consultation and Written Opinions
UK Immigration
Points Based Immigration
Work Permits
Sole Representative Visas
Business Visas
Tourist Visas
Indian Immigration
Employment and Business Visas
Registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Registration
Person of Indian Origin (PIO) Registration
Network Member: The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
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