Thursday, 7 November 2013

Rohit Kochhar's Lavish Medici Palace

Rohit Kochhar is the man who doesn't easily accept 'no' for an answer when he has decided to do something. This was something Kochhar's architect found out while building the foundation of his dream house. The trouble was, he had a clear idea of every inch and space he wanted for his house and the problem was that his architect thought otherwise.
Kochhar, who formed the legal firm Kochhar & Co in 1994 and is already included in the crème of corporate lawyers in India, is an achiever. He was enjoying an enviable practice, a privileged lifestyle and now he wanted a house to match his style. He wanted a Medici palace.
If you are good in history, then you can remember that the Medicis, were Florentines who, between the 13th and 17th centuries, were among the richest families of Europe, keen interested in science, art and architecture, who later became members of French and English royalty. Some of the grandest surviving architecture of Italy dates from this period and includes the Renaissance and also included the supremely elegant Neoclassical. And it was this that Kochhar wanted in his home.
To completely understand the personality of Kochhar, you need to first understand him. The National Chairman and Managing Partner of the Rs 50 crore firm, Kochhar did not considered himself appropriate for Modern School, Delhi, where children came in luxury cars, whereas he, from the middle class family, was only permitted to have cold drink on the occasions when there were guests at home. After completing education in Mumbai, he came back soon in Delhi, employed as a criminal lawyer who would have specialisation in the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA).


Back to his house, he was always interested to have a ceremonial space and his Medicis house clearly mirages that. Instead of a swimming pool, he has a tennis court on the premises and also there is a well-built gym in the basement. Similarly, the drawing and dinning rooms are overlooking a huge lawn-this is where he might be interested to get entertained on a cool evening. The dining room has a sitting capacity for eighteen people and in the drawing room, he has had his parent's wedding picture painted by artists from Jaipur.

The one thing that is missing in his home, is the absence of books. After all, the Medics were prolific readers. “I do not read”, says the proud owner of this revivalist Medici palace. He further said that he wants to read books as this will help him in getting better understanding of the world.

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Rohit Kochhar- An Eminent Lawyer Of India

Rohit Kochhar is the Chairman & Managing Partner of Kochhar & Co. Advocates & Legal Consultants Firm and is playing a viable role in the management and operations of the company at both national and global level. In addition to management functions, Mr. Kochhar is also doing private practicing and is regularly advising numerous international clients on divergent matters relating to inbound investments. His core areas of work encompasses regulatory approvals, foreign collaborations, acquisitions, business law, exchange control, joint ventures, commercial transactions and corporate litigation. Mr. Rohit is also advising numerous Fortune 500 Companies on a host of Indian legal issues and he also sits on the board of various Indian subsidiaries of such corporations. Rohit Kochhar has also made its presence felt at various social media platforms, like LinkedIn, etc., and is regularly interacting with his clients via social platform accounts. 
Born in a middle class family, Kochhar's father worked in Telco (now Tata motors) on a modest income. After graduated in law from the University of Mumbai in 1987, Kochhar started practicing in the Delhi High Court for nearly eight years as an independent criminal lawyer. He did not follow the norm of working under an established lawyer and thus, worked independently. It was a successful step as Kochhar became a specialist in Conservation of Foreign Exchanges and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA) matters. In the year 1994, he formed Kochhar & Co in Delhi with two other lawyers.
Areas of practice
  • Company Formation
  • Corporate and Business
  • Joint ventures
  • Formation of Indian subsidiaries for foreign corporations
  • Foreign investment
  • Taxation
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Regulatory & Compliance Law
  • Joint Ventures & Collaborations
Professional Career
Significant Accomplishments
  • In Jan. 2010, Mr. Rohit Kochhar has been conferred the prestigious Rashtriya Gaurav Award (Pride of India) for his remarkable achievements in the legal field.
  • On August 19, 2009, Rohit Kochhar has been presented the Rajiv Gandhi Award for being the 'Young Achiever & Entrepreneur” by the popular Hindi movies Actress, Katrina Kaif and Congress MP, Rajiv Shukla.
  • Mr. Kochhar is the recipient of the 'National Law Award' for Excellence in Corporate Law in 1999.
  • In 2008, Mr. Rohit Kochhar was awarded the International Council of Jurists Award.
Member
  • Supreme Court Bar Association
  • Delhi High Court Bar Association
  • International Bar Association
  • Inter Pacific Bar Association
Publications
  • Co-written a book, 'Doing Business in India'.
  • He has written an article on 'Exit from a Joint Venture in India' in the journal of the Japanese Institute of International Business Law.
Educational Qualifications

Rohit Kochhar is holding an Honours Degree in Commerce from the University of Delhi after which he got the Bachelors Degree in Law (LL.B.) from the University of Mumbai. 

Monday, 21 October 2013

The House Of Rohit Kochhar- A Perfect Blend Of Luxury and Comfort

The eminent lawyer Rohit Kochhar has perfectly blended Roman and Greek architecture and filled his 'dream home' with beautiful artefacts from all over Europe. This is acknowledged as one of the most spectacular homes in Delhi's posh Chattarpur Farms area. Reclusive yet highly distinguishable lawyer, Rohit Kochhar’s three-acre home presents a unique medley of sweeping staircases, marble columns and pillars, exquisite Italian art and well-manicured lawns.

This is the place where Kochhar resides with his wife Sonali and two daughters. The Kochhars have been staying in the house for more than five years. Kochhar said that building his dream house was more tougher than running a law firm. And the main thing is that the house also 'had' to be spacious. Kochhar himself confessed to being obsessed with space. Therefore, whenever he travels, he only checks into a suite with rooms of a particular size. And he prefers to travel in a customized stretch Mercedes. Moreover, it's no surprise that the rooms in his home are so spacious that they look like mini-halls. For instance, the dining space is probably large enough to easily hold an official state banquet. Similarly, the basement of the house has an indoor swimming pool, a play station and a gym. Whenever Mr. Rohit is at home, he loves to spend his time in the gym. The ground floor of the house has four bedrooms, a drawing hall, a huge atrium and a dining area. The first floor of the house encompasses the puja room, study area and Kochhar’s office.

The entire designing of the house was done by Kochhar himself. He has beautifully decorated his house with artefacts from Italy and Spain. When the house was ready, he made a special trip to Prague to choose some amazing chandeliers. The house is situated in the amidst of manicured lawns and an aged bonsai tree welcomes you at the main gate and a giant bronze Ganesha blesses you under the porch.
The entire flooring is done in flawless Italian marble that's beautifully trimmed with black edging. A vivacious crystal chandelier drops from the ceiling, while paintings & sculptures by Italian artists and gilded mirrors add to the grace of the room. Kochhar is a great art lover. Except one portait of his parents, all paintings were painted by Italian artists. The centre of attraction is a big 22-ft tall painting that is gorgeously decorating the wall of the atrium.


Kochhar's favourite painting is the replica of the famous 'Dancer'- a sculpture of three semi-nude dancers, by Antonio Canova. There is another great sculpture, 'The Three Cupids', weighing nearly 400 kg, which is placed in the passage, between the living and dining area. But Kochhar grieves the fact that since he is engrossed in his work schedules, he finds less time to relax at home.  

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Burj Khalifa : The Coveted Address Of Indian Personalities, Like Rohit Kochhar & Shilpa Shetty

Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower and undeniably the poshest address in the Gulf region, is fast gaining a distinct Indian identity. In the current scenario, Indians are owning more than a hundred of 900 apartments in Dubai's 828-metre skyscraper, a positive sign of the increasing financial power of the Indian community in the West Asia. Some of the prominent Indians who have bought an address in Burj Khalifa, include renowned lawyer Rohit Kochhar, actors Mohanlal and Shilpa Shetty and her entrepreneur husband Raj Kundra. As per an estimation, Indians have purchased nearly 100-150 apartments since the completion of the project in 2010. This figure mirages a rising trend among well-heeled Indians to invest in properties which are nestled in the West Asia. Indians are showing keen interest towards the real estate market of Dubai. They are frequently buying, selling, flipping regularly and are playing an active role in Dubai's realty sector.
BR Shetty, owner of the UAE Exchange and the NMC Hospital, has purchased the entire 100th floor, while NV George, who is holding 14% stake in the Kochi International Airport, has also included its name in the list by buying seven apartments in this classic building. Delhi based eminent lawyer, Rohit Kochhar, said, “It's a big status symbol to buy an apartment in this world-famous building." Mr. Kochhar has strengthened his relations with Dubai by opening an office in the city.
Purchasing the property in Burj Khalifa, however, offers more than just a fancy address. There is a great surge for rental in this building. Property dealers also confirm that the real estate prices are skyrocketed in Dubai, West Asia's leading trading hub. Due to the upswing in property rates, investors are seeing a good opportunity for price appreciation in the market. Property prices in the UAE had descended during the international financial crisis, with various project developers had halted their sales. But now the prices have started to stabilise, following a rise in the economic growth.
The Burj Khalifa tower has also achieved the world record for the highest installation of an aluminium and glass facade, at a height of 1,679.8 ft. The total weight of aluminium used on this tower is equivalent to that of five A380 aircrafts. The exterior-cladding system of Burj Khalifa is vivaciously designed to withstand the summer weather of UAE. In all, the 24,348 cladding panels are covering a curtain wall area of around 132,190 sq m, and its marvellous exterior is minimising heat transmission and thus, helps in saving energy. However, the most distinguishable feature of Burj Khalifa is its 'telescopic' spire, which comprises of more than 4,000 tonnes of structural steel. It can be easily seen from even 95 km away.

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

Rohit Kochhar- The Winner Of the Legal Era Premier League Awards (2012-13)

LegalEra, India’s renowned Legal & Corporate Awareness Magazine published by Legal Media Group, admired the distinguished services imparted by the corporate law firms & companies in the legal arena in India and worldwide and bestowed them with awards for their achievements. The Indian Legal Awards 2012-13 function was not like the regular event filled with dancing divas or jumping jacks. Rather it was a prestigious platform where luminaries from the legal world gathered under one head with a vision to felicitate firms, people within the legal area.

The presence of eminent Soli Sorabjee was marked with great respect when the congregation of nearly 560 lawyers, law firms and in-house counsel from both India and worldwide stood up in admiration. The same mark of respect was showed for Justice Deepak Kumar Verma Former Judge Supreme Court of India who came along with Justice S.S. Parker, ex Judge, Bombay High Court.

The evening took-off with Aakriti Raizada, Founding Editor & MD, LegalEra, Legal Media Group, welcomed the audience and also showed them a good audio visual presentation about the magazine’s success and objectives. She emphasized on building a strong judiciary system in the country because without a viable judicial system, the society will neither be able to grow nor proceed towards establishment of new milestones. The legal fraternity plays an imperative role in the development of a nation.

The LegalEra Awards ceremony is one step towards the evolution of the Indian Legal system – Vision 2020. Mr. Lalit Bhasin, President- Inter-Pacific Bar Association, said, “We have seen awards given to film stars, sports persons, literary figures, but no one has thought of the legal profession. I compliment LegalEra for introducing these much needed Awards.” He further asserted, “LegalEra Awards are a “befitting recognition for the legal professional. This recognition for our profession of the administration of justice demands that we honour those who deserve to be honoured!”

Former Justice Deepak Kumar Verma also congratulated Aakriti Raizada for organizing such an event.
However, he regretted on the current state of the legal system, saying, “I am little disappointed in the gradual degradation in the judicial system.” He also said that there are several arbitrary cases pending, stressing the backlog is one of the biggest challenges which a system is facing.

Awards were given in five different categories- Firm, In-House teams, Individuals, Best of the Year and LegalEra Premier League Awards for Business Excellence.


The first award of the evening was won by Bhasin & Co., Advocates for the 'Best Aviation Law Firm'. Kochhar and Co. bagged the Best Real Estate and Construction Law firm of the Year. DLA Piper got the International Capital Market Award and Norton Rose LLP received the 'International Corporate Law Firm of the Year' Award. Naina Lal Kidwai, Group General Manager and Country Head, HSBC India was given 'Corporate Personality of the Year Award' for making outstanding contribution.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to the esteemed Soli Sorabjee, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India. Kelley Drye & Warren LLP was adjudged the 'Best International Law Firm of the Year' & Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co. bagged the award of 'best Indian Law firm of the year'.

Different awards were given to deserving individuals, corporates and firms. Both winning teams and individuals thanked their team, family and friends. There was a sense of pride and excitement in the air as each person was excited at the prospect of being awarded, felicitated and recognised for being the part of the Indian legal system. Rohit Kochhar, Managing Partner, Kochhar & Co and the winner of Legal Era Premier League Awards(2012-2013) said, “I found it really heartening that many young legal entrepreneurs got recognition today.”


The third edition of the event will be held in 2014.

Monday, 23 September 2013

Rohit Kochhar-An Esteemed Recipient of The Rajiv Gandhi Award

Kochhar Business Services (KBS) is a dynamic full service consulting law firm, offering diversified services to foreign companies wishing to engage in a business activity in India and/or interested in establishing the business presence in the country. KBS also has the experience and expertise to handle varied business expansion plans of foreign companies in India.

KBS is the consulting arm of the Kochhar Group. The Kochhar Group is a renowned Indian group and is imparting multi-disciplinary services under one roof. Acting as 'the business gateway' to India for varied foreign companies and individuals, the other group entities are closely working with foreign companies wishing to involve in any business activity in India; providing them amongst others, business consulting, legal advisory and corporate investigation services of high standards.

Core services of KBS
  • Management Consulting
  • Identification of Business Partners & Business Matchmaking
  • India Entry Strategy
  • Conducting Feasibility & Site Location Studies
  • Business Strategy
  • Financial, Business & Technical Due-Diligence
  • Government Liaison & Lobbying Work
  • Transaction Advisory Services
Business Support Services
  • Real Estate Services
  • Business Center and Logistics support for New Entrants
  • Assisting Overseas Business Delegations

Mr. Rohit Kochhar is the Managing Partner & National Chairman of Kochhar & Co. He is actively advising different multinational clients on various investment aspects. In the past, Rohit Kochhar has been conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Award in 2009 for the excellence in corporate law. Rohit Kochhar is the first practicing lawyer in India to have been given the Rajiv Gandhi Award since its formation.

Other Awards & Accolades

  • Mr. Rohit Kochhar has been conferred the prestigious LegalEra Premier League Awards (2012-13 ) for his outstanding achievements
  • Mr. Kochhar is the recipient of the Rashtriya Gaurav Award (Pride of India) in Jan 2010 for his exceptional achievements in the legal field
  • Mr. Rohit Kochhar has been awarded the National Citizens Award for his unique contribution in the field of “Youth Affairs” in 2001
Rohit Kochhar enjoys the distinction of being the first practicing lawyer in India credited with the formation of as many as five different business entities each working in a separate service segment. Apart from KBS, Rohit Kochhar is the founding member and promoter of the following companies-

  • Pinkerton India
  • Kochhar LexServe (“KLexServe”)
  • Confiar

KBS possesses the essential qualifications, skill sets & expertise and is closely working with clients to create their future strategies. As a trusted business and strategy advisor, KBS is transforming and creating new sources of economic value by identifying the most viable business model. The business strategy services of KBS include amongst others-


  • Creating a strong customized business plan to suit the divergent needs of each client in order to excel in the competitive Indian marketplace
  • Advising clients on varied legal and business issues by keeping in mind the current strength of the competitors

Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Rohit Kochhar: Renowned Corporate Lawyer and the Winner of Rashtriya Gaurav Award 2010

Kochhar & Co. is the Indian law firm that possess international level skills, scope, abilities and experience. The hallmarks of the law firm include determination, vast legal expertises, efficiency and customer care, all of which guide partners and associates in their daily business dealings.

Rohit Kochhar is the Chairman & Managing Partner of the Kochhar & Co. and is playing an imperative role in the management and operations of the firm at the national level. Apart from handling the domestic clientele, Mr. Kochhar is also continuously advising varied foreign clients on diversified matters, including inbound investments. As a corporate lawyer, Rohit Kochhar is regularly giving legal assistance to various Fortune 500 companies (including major US and Japanese corporations) on a host of issues and sits in the management board of Indian subsidiaries of these corporations. Rohit Kochhar, an eminent corporate lawyer, speaks regularly at varied international seminars and has made viable presentations at distinctive forums in North America, Europe and Japan. Presently, he is holding the position of Honorary Secretary of the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF). Mr Rohit Kochhar has received several awards & recognitions such as Rashtriya Gaurav Award, Rajiv Gandhi Award, International Council of Jurists Award and National Citizens Award for his dynamic and progressive accomplishment in corporate law and legal entrepreneurship.

Kochhar & Co. is one of the largest corporate law firms in India, enjoying the distinction of being the most trusted law firm, with a presence in more than five prominent cities, including New Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chennai & Hyderabad, and five overseas offices- Singapore, Tokyo and Dubai etc. With its unique 'client-oriented' approach, the firm is successfully imparting diversified legal services in different areas, including foreign direct investment, mergers, joint ventures, privatization, project finance, capital market, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, litigation and arbitration. Rohit Kochhar, a leading corporate lawyer, is acknowledged by industry peers for his in-depth knowledge and expertise.

Rohit Kochhar provides his clients a constructive approach to fulfil their strategic business objectives. Working closely with each client to get an in-depth understanding of their business, Kochhar & Co. offers bulge-bracket services to suit the needs of those clients who want fast and professional services.

Education
  • LL.B., University of Mumbai - merit scholar (ranked 3rd out of 3000 students).
  • B.Com., (Honours), University of Delhi - merit scholar.

Member
  • Delhi High Court Bar Association
  • Supreme Court Bar Association
  • International Bar Association (IBA)
  • Inter Pacific Bar Association (IPBA); Past Chair of the Cross Border Investment Committee (1997-1998) and the Membership Committee (1998-2000)

Publications

  • Co-authored a book titled “Doing Business in India” published by Business Laws, Inc
  • Article on 'Exit from a Joint Venture in India' in IBL (Journal of the Japanese Institute of International Business Law).