Malav Deliwala
Ahmedabad
Summary
In-house Counsel with Adani Group for more than 18 years and Corporate Counsel with over 20 years of legal experience across infrastructure, realty, energy, mining, shipping ports, and real estate sectors. Proven expertise in litigation, arbitration, corporate advisory and regulatory compliance, with a strong record of managing heavy stake disputes. Adept in aligning legal strategy with organizational goals, drafting and negotiating high-stake agreements, leading M&A transactions, and driving governance frameworks across subsidiaries. Demonstrated ability to build legal talent pipelines, manage cross-functional legal operations, and liaise with senior stakeholders including promoters and external counsel. Known for legal foresight, industry acumen, and policy advocacy aligned to regulatory trends.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Head - Corporate Legal
Adani Group
Ahmedabad, India
01.2007 - Current
- Provided end-to-end legal support to multiple group entities in energy, real estate, infrastructure including ports and airports sectors;
- Managed litigation, arbitration, and compliance, including matters before SC, HCs, tribunals, and regulators;
- Drafted/vetted major agreements – EPC, JV, PPA, mining leases, shareholder agreements, indemnities, and MoUs;
- Supported senior management with legal strategy and risk mitigation;
- Monitored and responded to changes in legal frameworks, ensuring organizational compliance;
- Spearheaded pan-India legal talent initiatives and standardized legal operations across subsidiaries.
IP & Licensing Counsel
Claris Lifesciences Ltd.
Ahmedabad, India
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Managing IPR portfolio and other legal issues;
- Drafted and negotiated licensing agreements and assignments;
- Appeared before IP Registry and provided legal opinions on international IP freedom-to-operate issues;
- Collaborated with scientific teams to build an IP-aware culture within the organization.
Litigation Associate
Chambers of Mr. Tushar Mehta (Now Solicitor General of India)
India
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Represented clients in Supreme Court, High Court and lower courts across writ, civil, consumer, and bail matters;
- Drafted litigation documents – civil suits, writs, bail applications, legal notices;
- Supported senior counsel with research, strategic briefings, and courtroom coordination.
Education
LL.M. - IPR & International Law
School of Law
06.2008
LL.B. - Special & General
I M Nanavati Law College
06.2005
Bachelor of Commerce -
Gujarat University
06.2002
Skills
- Litigation & Arbitration Strategy;
- Corporate Governance;
- Contract Drafting & Negotiation, M&A and Due Diligence, Regulatory Compliance;
- Legal Risk Management;
- Policy Advocacy;
- Stakeholder Engagement;
- Team Development & Legal Mentorship, Sector-Specific Legal Advisory (Energy, Mining, Ports, Real Estate)
Languages Known
English
Hindi
Gujarati
Awards
Top General Counsel award by Forbes India for 2022, 2023 & 2024, Recognized as World Top 100 General Counsel by BW Legal, 2023, India’s finest GC 2023 by Legal Era & many other recognitions.
Major Assignments Handled
- Delivered favorable outcomes in complex energy tariff and force majeure litigations exceeding 5 Billion USDs;
- Successfully handled major M&As and deals related to infrastructure projects;
- Handling legal issues of Dharavi (slum area re-development) and other key Realty ventures;
- Implementation of AI based legal tools at the group level to maximize the output in Contract, Litigation, Due Diligence and Drafting;
- Mentoring 100+ legal professionals and taking honorary guest lectures in various law colleges;
- Strategizing and handling IP and other litigations in USA;
- Overseas transactions;
- Invited panelist at prominent national and international legal workshops and conferences including Forbes.
Timeline
Group Head - Corporate Legal
Adani Group
01.2007 - Current
IP & Licensing Counsel
Claris Lifesciences Ltd.
01.2006 - 01.2007
Litigation Associate
Chambers of Mr. Tushar Mehta (Now Solicitor General of India)
01.2002 - 01.2006
LL.M. - IPR & International Law
School of Law
LL.B. - Special & General
I M Nanavati Law College
Bachelor of Commerce -
Gujarat University