As Partner Saipillai, litigator Joseph start Calibre Legal, Phoenix closes Chennai office

Chennai head and partner of Phoenix Legal Shadaan Mohammed Saipillai and tax litigator Arun Kurian Joseph have together set up local law firm Calibre Legal; Phoenix will shut shop in the city.

Calibre Legal is opening with a total five fee-earners, including two partners. He would primarily focus on VC, corporate, commercial and real estate work, said Saipillai while Joseph was a tax specialist who would also handle litigation.

Saipillai said, “Yes, there are a lot of large firms already, but the Chennai market is very unique. You have to be very innovative with the pricing and the fee structure generally. Typically, the larger firms struggle a little bit to get it right.”

Meanwhile, Phoenix Legal, will be closing its Chennai outpost. The firm commented: “We have decided to re-think our Chennai plans and to close our Chennai office for the time being. We will continue to service our clients from our existing offices in New Delhi and Mumbai.”