Why Little & Co is betting that longevity beats disruption in India’s legal market

Synopsis Little & Co., India's oldest law firm, is strategically balancing its 165-year legacy with modern market demands. The firm is modernizing systems and client engagement while preserving core values. Key growth areas include Real Estate & Project Finance, Dispute Resolution, Private Client Practice, and General Corporate, reflecting the evolving Indian economy and client needs. Founded in 1856, Little & Co. is among India’s oldest law firms, with a history spanning more than 165 years and predating many of the institutions that shaped the country’s commercial and legal landscape. But even for an institution that predates the Suez Canal, the pressures of a hyper-competitive, digitally driven market are impossible to ignore. In an interview, Ruchi Khatlawala, a partner at the law firm Little & Co., discusses how the firm is balancing the weight of its legacy with the demands of a modern legal industry, as it seeks to preserve its institutional identity while adapting to a new generation of clients and market expectations. Edited excerpts: As one of India’s oldest law firms, how do you balance the weight of your heritage with modern branding strategies? We view our history not as a limitation, but as a primary asset. It provides us with a century and a half of institutional memory and professional credibility. Our core values of integrity, professionalism, and client trust are non-negotiable and remain unchanged. At the same time, relevance in a modern legal market demands adaptability. The firm has therefore moved to modernise its systems, communication and client engagement while preserving the ethos that defines it. The firm does not alter its foundation to suit prevailing trends; rather, it aligns contemporary practices with enduring principles. That equilibrium allows it to remain both historic and current. Live Events Which specific practice areas have you identified as the primary drivers for your next phase of institutional expansion, and what is the strategic rationale behind these choices? While our legacy provides the foundation, our growth strategy is clinical. We have identified four interconnected pillars, Real Estate & Project Finance, Dispute Resolution, Private Client Practice and General Corporate, designed to capture the complexities of the modern Indian economy. In the current macroeconomic climate, real estate has moved far beyond simple conveyancing. We see a massive growth engine at the intersection of real estate and project finance. By merging our deep-rooted land expertise with modern financial engineering, we provide the ‘Magic Circle’ level of diligence required for high-stakes urban transformation. In an increasingly litigious global environment, dispute resolution, encompassing litigation, domestic and international arbitration, and conciliation, remains a cornerstone of our growth. As Indian wealth matures, there is a burgeoning demand for a sophisticated private client practice. This goes beyond basic estate planning; we are seeing a significant uptick in the need for formal family settlements and the institutionalisation of wealth through the setting up of family offices. Given our longevity, we are uniquely positioned to handle the delicate balance of generational transition. Finally, our general corporate practice continues to serve as the firm’s steady pulse. In an era of shifting FDI norms and tightening governance standards, corporate houses require counsel that is both agile and grounded in experience. In an era of digital marketing and brand positioning, how has Little & Co. evolved its branding approach while staying true to its legacy? The firm’s reputation was historically built on trust, relationships and the quality of legal work. In today’s environment, however, visibility and communication also shape how institutions are perceived. Its evolution has therefore centred on what it describes as responsible modernisation: embracing digitisation, strengthening its digital presence and using appropriate professional platforms to communicate expertise, while remaining fully compliant with the legal and ethical standards governing the profession. Critically, the firm's branding is not about aggressive promotion. It is about clarity of identity, ensuring that the market understands who the firm is, what it stands for, and the depth of experience it brings to complex legal matters. You recently updated your visual identity. When was the last time the logo was changed? Our new logo was introduced in December 2024. Remarkably, the firm had never changed its logo in its entire history. This speaks to our commitment to stability. The update wasn’t a reinvention; it was a carefully considered evolution designed to modernise our visual identity while retaining the dignity associated with the firm’s name. How do you differentiate yourself from younger, more aggressive legal brands while maintaining your established reputation? The firm’s differentiation lies in institutional continuity and reliability. Over decades, it has built enduring client relationships, maintained a strong ethical record and sustained a stable partnership structure. These factors, the firm argues, signal something of considerable value in legal practice: dependability. While newer firms may compete on visibility or rapid expansion, Little & Co.'s focus has remained on depth of expertise, long-term relationships and thoughtful counsel. The firm also points to a generational advantage, with experienced senior partners working alongside a strong cohort of next-generation lawyers, ensuring both continuity and fresh perspectives. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Why cement stocks languish despite infra boom Prashant Jain’s contrarian masterstroke: From IT exit to SBI super bet Soft drink’s Jio moment? RIL’s Campa tests Coke-Pepsi duopoly of 30 years. Looking for a job? This city has plenty, few takers AI puts India’s USD190-billion services trade surplus at a crossroads 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and upside potential of more than 34% in 1 year, according to analysts 1 2 3