In the early days, it was a modest practice, sustained largely by litigation work, with a small team navigating the familiar rhythms of courtrooms and legal filings. Back then, the focus was clear-cut—handling disputes and offering essential legal support to clients. However, as the region’s economy evolved and new business opportunities began to emerge, so did the need for a different kind of legal expertise. That’s when Romaan Muneeb, a young corporate lawyer trained under senior partner Mr Iqbal Butt in Gurgaon, made the bold decision to return to Kashmir—a place where corporate law was still a foreign concept.
What began as a traditional practice transformed into Malik and Romaan Law Offices, an innovative firm that now serves as both a legal advisor and strategic partner for clients navigating the region’s complex business landscape. The shift was gradual but purposeful: while litigation remained the backbone, the firm pivoted to educate local businesses on the value of corporate legal services. Today, Malik and Romaan Law Offices offer comprehensive legal solutions that address everything from disputes to investment strategy, helping clients tackle unpredictable challenges with confidence. Many young lawyers who started here have gone on to prestigious law firms across India, a testament to the firm’s growth from a local practice into a hub of legal excellence and a catalyst for corporate law in Kashmir.
Transforming Legal Landscapes
Advocate Viqas Malik and Corporate Lawyer Romaan Muneeb both practised in New Delhi before deciding to relocate to Kashmir, where they serendipitously met permanently. Viqas had established his law firm, while Romaan worked with various firms and served as in-house counsel. Quitting their stable jobs was a significant leap, especially for Romaan, who was accustomed to a structured corporate law environment.
Despite their experience, they faced challenges establishing themselves in Kashmir, where corporate law was largely unfamiliar. With Viqas focusing on litigation, their primary source of income, Romaan dedicated himself to developing corporate legal work and educating local businesses about the value of professional legal services. Their shared vision was to introduce comprehensive legal solutions while contributing positively to the local economy.
Upon arrival, they confronted a struggling economy exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the abrogation of Article 370. Recognizing the opportunity, they founded their firm in July 2020, determined to bring innovative legal services to the region. They aimed to change the perception of lawyers in Kashmir by embodying professionalism and honesty.
As the legal landscape evolved, new opportunities for businesses emerged, but there was still a lack of awareness about corporate law. Viqas and Romaan sought to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern corporate law, positioning themselves as thought leaders in the region’s legal and economic development.
Building Trust and Transforming Legal Practice
The foundation of Viqas and Romaan’s growth lies in their resilience and adaptability. Practising in the volatile region of Kashmir requires not only legal expertise but also a deep understanding of the socio-political landscape and a proactive grassroots networking strategy. Their core philosophy is simple: they build trust through consistent, high-quality service while maintaining a forward-thinking approach to legal practice. They strive to anticipate changes rather than just respond, establishing themselves as thought leaders and educators in the region.
This proactive stance has allowed them to foster long-term client relationships and achieve steady growth, even in challenging times. They have cultivated strong connections with law firms both within India and internationally, bridging gaps and developing trust among legal professionals nationwide. As the only full-service law firm in Kashmir, they offer premier corporate law services backed by a team with over three decades of experience managing corporate clients globally.
Their leadership style emphasizes collaboration and empowerment, creating a team-oriented environment where every member feels ownership over their work and the firm’s success. Open communication, professional growth, and a supportive atmosphere are integral to their culture, promoting continuous learning and the sharing of innovative ideas.
Recognizing the need for extensive training and support for fresh graduates and mid-level professionals from Kashmir, they have inspired many young lawyers who started their careers with them to advance to prominent law firms across India. Previously, opportunities for corporate professionals in Kashmir were limited due to a lack of understanding of corporate law. They have dedicated themselves to educating the local market on how corporate lawyers can address their needs, successfully carving out a niche for themselves.
Client satisfaction is paramount, and they strive to thoroughly understand clients’ needs to tailor their legal solutions accordingly. In Kashmir’s unpredictable environment, this often means extending their services beyond traditional legal frameworks to become trusted advisors. Historically, major corporate entities in Jammu and Kashmir preferred engaging firms from Mumbai or Delhi or relied on local litigators for corporate legal requirements. However, they are witnessing a transformative shift as clients increasingly seek professionals with specialized expertise in corporate law. Their commitment to educating clients about corporate law nuances has improved understanding and fostered trust in their services. As they continue to build strong client relationships, they are dedicated to positioning themselves as the go-to firm for top-level litigation and corporate law services in Kashmir and across India, paving the way for future growth and success in this dynamic environment.
Empowering the Next Generation
Malik and Romaan Law Offices specialize in a diverse range of practice areas, including civil and criminal litigation, arbitration (alternative dispute resolution), corporate and commercial law, corporate mergers, private equity and investment, intellectual property rights and brand protection, real estate, infrastructure projects, import-export, hospitality, tourism, healthcare, industrial subsidies and licensing, labour and employment laws, and white-collar crime.
What sets the firm apart is its deep understanding of the local landscape combined with the ability to cater to national and international clients. They have carved out a niche in advising on intricate business transactions, particularly in the unique market of Kashmir, where legal risks are heightened by political volatility. Their approach goes beyond merely providing legal advice; they assist clients throughout the entire process—from due diligence to execution—ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate any challenges that may arise.
The firm has benefited from mentorship provided by some of the top professionals and businesspeople in the country. They recognize the essential role mentorship plays in the legal profession and life, helping them navigate complexities with patience and resilience while understanding the importance of vision and timely advice. Romaan, a corporate lawyer and partner, began his career as a trainee in Gurgaon under senior partner Mr Iqbal Butt, who later joined their firm as a partner. This collaboration reflects the full-circle nature of their journey and underscores how mentors shape careers.
Now, they see it as their responsibility to mentor young lawyers entering the field. They offer structured programs that encourage new lawyers to take on responsibilities, learn from real-world cases, and understand the broader impact of their work on the community and the legal profession.
Some of the best advice they received came in informal settings—during evening walks, over lunch, or while travelling—highlighting the value of mentorship beyond traditional environments. These unforgettable moments have greatly contributed to their success and shaped their journey, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of legal professionals in Kashmir.
Holistic Legal Solutions
At Malik and Romaan Law Offices, the approach to new cases or unfamiliar areas of law begins with a thorough grounding in the statutory framework and relevant case law. However, research goes beyond the textbook. In a complex market like Kashmir, it’s essential to understand not only the laws themselves but also the local application of these laws and the socio-political context in which they are enforced. To ensure holistic and practical legal advice, extensive networks of local experts and professionals are leveraged for insights that may not be immediately apparent through traditional research methods.
The team comprises professionals with diverse expertise across various legal domains. Beyond core competencies in litigation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and corporate law, there are specialists in niche fields such as intellectual property rights, mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment (FDI), infrastructure, and hospitality law. Contract specialists focus on meticulous drafting and negotiation, while real estate experts handle complex transactions with precision. Additionally, taxation experts provide strategic advice to optimize compliance and financial outcomes for clients. This blend of specialities allows for a comprehensive approach to legal challenges, ensuring that all aspects of the clients’ needs are addressed with professionalism and accuracy.
In a region like Kashmir, where external factors can significantly influence each case, an advocacy approach that emphasizes flexibility, creativity, and a deep commitment to protecting clients’ interests is adopted. The extensive network includes professionals from various legal domains and regions across India and the world, enabling the firm to cater to a wide range of client needs. There is a dedication to delivering services efficiently and professionally, and the broad spectrum of expertise allows for effective handling of any legal task, ensuring that clients receive top-tier advice and representation from professionals with profound knowledge in their respective areas of law.
Nurturing Future Leaders
At Malik and Romaan Law Offices, there is a strong commitment to fostering diversity across all facets of the practice. The belief is that diverse teams contribute broader perspectives and innovative solutions. To support this vision, efforts are actively made to promote gender diversity within the firm and ensure that the team reflects a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Additionally, a focus is placed on mentoring young lawyers from underrepresented groups, providing them with opportunities to advance into leadership roles. It is recognized that diversity is not merely a moral imperative but also a business necessity, as it enhances the ability to serve a diverse clientele effectively.
Viqas and Romaan’s advice for aspiring young lawyers emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. They say that the legal profession is dynamic, especially in regions like Kashmir, where socio-political changes can significantly influence legal practice. “Challenges should be viewed as opportunities for growth,” they add. Building strong relationships within the legal community and with clients is essential for success. Most importantly, it is encouraged to stay curious—never stop learning and always seek to understand not only the law itself but also the context in which it operates.
