- One client comments: “He [Dharmendra Rautray] has a vast knowledge of Indian law, studies the documentation in detail and is well placed to give sound advice. His strategy in approaching a dispute is one of his strengths.” (Chambers Asia 2018 – Dispute Resolution Section)
- Ranked in Chambers Asia – Pacific (2022) for Dispute Resolution.
- “The ‘organised and very responsive’ Dharmendra Rautray has ‘extensive experience in handling international commercial arbitrations’.” (Asia Pacific Legal 500)
- “Dharmendra Rautray wins plaudits for his ‘thorough knowledge of contractual disputes’.” Chambers Asia-Pacific (2017) – Dispute Resolution Section
- “The ‘organised and very responsive’ Dharmendra Rautray has ‘extensive experience in handling international commercial arbitrations’.” Asia Pacific Legal 500 (2013)
- “Recommended for Construction arbitration work.” Asia Pacific Legal 500
- “….and Dharmendra Rautray have ‘vast experience and commercial acumen’ …..” Asia Pacific Legal 500 (2016)
- “….and Dharmendra Rautray are ‘both dependable and thorough professionals’…” Asia Pacific Legal 500 (2017)
- “….and Dharmendra Rautray listed as “Experts” by Expert Guides in the category of Commercial Arbitration (2016). Guide to the World Leading Experts in Commercial Arbitration 2016
- “….and Dharmendra Rautray are ‘very experienced, bright and commercial,’ in addition to being ‘great fun to work with.’….” Asia Pacific Legal 500 (2015)
- Asia Pacific Legal 500: “Mr Rautray argued before the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court in Bharat Aluminium Co. Ltd. v Kaiser Aluminium Technical Services Inc. [arbitration law]. He was the only law firm partner to make oral submissions before the Constitution Bench.”
Mr. Rautray has won three arbitration awards for leading road construction companies against NHAI in a short span of one year (2021 – 2022)
The disputes arose out of contracts for Four Laning in the State of Gujarat on DBFOT basis under a Concession Agreement and construction of Chambal Bridge in the State of Rajasthan / Madhya Pradesh on EPC basis.
The awards are upwards of Rs. 1013 crores plus interest in favour of a Malaysian company that undertook the road project in Gujarat and Rs. 340 crores plus interest in favour of the other contractor. Senior Partner, Mr. Dharmendra Rautray, successfully argued the matters. Mr. Rautray handled the DBFOT matter right from the initial stages of disputes which arose during the tolling operations till termination of the contract. Having advised the clients at a very early stage including vetting / drafting of correspondence, Mr. Rautray was able to accordingly strategize and argue the matter more effectively.
Mr. Rautray enrolled as a lawyer in 1995. In July 2001 he was called to the Bar of England and Wales. He secured the highest grade and topped the Bar Vocational Course in International Trade Law.
Mr. Rautray has authored two full length books titled "Master Guide to Arbitration In India" published by Wolters Kluwer (2008) and “Principles of Law of Arbitration in India” and published by Walters Kluwer (2018). The second book was released by the then Chief Justice of India Justice Mr. Dipak Misra.
He also features as a “Leading Individual” in Dispute Resolution (Asia Pacific Legal 500 - 2022) and is the former General Counsel, Core Committee, Delhi High Court International Arbitration Centre (leading arbitral institution in India which conducts more than 200 arbitrations a year) and was involved in the drafting of the arbitration Rules. Mr. Rautray has also conducted several certificate courses on Arbitration and Mediations and on Dispute Resolution in India including at New York City Bar (2013 and 2014) and participated as speaker on various topics on dispute resolution.
Education:
Barrister-at-Law, Lincoln’s Inn (London) – called to the Bar in July 2001
LL.M. (Commercial and Corporate Laws), London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London; 1996
Common Professional Examination, University of Westminster (London)
LL.B University of Delhi; 1995
Diploma in International Law and Diplomacy, Indian Academy of International Law and Diplomacy
Year of Enrolment: 1995
Professional Affiliations:
- Member of Lincoln’s Inn
- Member of Supreme Court Bar Association
- Member of LCIA
- Member of International Bar Association
- Member of Swiss Arbitration Association
Achievements:
- Topped the Bar Vocational Course in International Trade Law (London).
- Secured Very Competent (VC) grade (London Bar).
- Stood amongst the top students in Law Faculty, University of Delhi.
Positions / Testimonials:
- Former General Counsel, Core Committee, Delhi High Court Arbitration Centre (DIAC).
- “The ‘organised and very responsive’ Dharmendra Rautray has ‘extensive experience in handling international commercial arbitrations’.” (Asia Pacific Legal 500).
- “Recommended for Construction arbitration work” by Asia Pacific Legal 500.
