Founded in the City of London in 1982, built on international disputes
Zaiwalla & Co was founded by Sarosh Zaiwalla in 1982 as one of the first minority-led practices in the City of London. What began as a niche shipping practice quickly developed into a disputes boutique acting in matters of national and international consequence.
From its earliest days, the firm acted for overseas governments and institutions in landmark cases under English law. Today, the practice continues to represent governments, financial institutions and international businesses in high-level litigation, arbitration and sanctions matters. The firm’s reputation has been shaped by independence of thought, resilience in difficult proceedings and a willingness to advance arguments others may not pursue.
A firm built on international perspective
The firm’s outlook has always been outward-facing. A substantial proportion of our clients are based outside the UK, particularly across Russia and the CIS, India, China, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Many of our matters engage geopolitical considerations, sanctions regimes and cross-border finance. Our team operates as a unified practice, with leadership oversight in the most demanding instructions.
Our Values
The principles that guide us
Success
Our work is measured by impact. More than 125 reported cases reflect the significance of the disputes we undertake.
Heritage
Established in 1982, our history is rooted in shipping arbitration and has expanded into high-level litigation and sanctions matters.
Novel thinking
We are frequently instructed in novel or untested areas of law, advancing arguments others may not pursue.
Diversity
Diversity is embedded in the firm’s origins and remains central to its identity and international reach.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Our commitment beyond legal practice
The firm established the Zaiwalla Scholarship at Somerville College, Oxford, to support Indian students pursuing postgraduate legal study in the UK. To date, significant funding has been committed to this initiative, reflecting a long-term investment in legal education and international opportunity.
Zaiwalla & Co also participates in diversity initiatives within the legal profession and contributes to charitable and community programmes, including the London Legal Walk.
“A multi-cultural firm with a multi-cultural client base in the legal capital of the world.”
