From Humble Beginning to a Legal Powerhouse: The Impactful Journey of Circle of Counsels – Vikram Singh Senior Partner & Head of Litigatio
In the intricate landscape of Indian law, where complexity and nuance intertwined, Circle of Counsels has emerged as a beacon of excellence, precision and ethics. Founded in 2022, the firm aims to establish a client-first litigation practice that seamlessly combines deep legal expertise with agile responsiveness. As a boutique litigation and dispute resolution firm, Circle of Counsels has established itself as a trusted advisor to businesses and individuals navigating the complexities of Indian law.
The firm’s dedication to delivering innovative solutions and unwavering support has made it a go-to firm for complex litigation and dispute resolution. Starting from a single-chamber setup, Circle of Counsels has evolved into a high-performing legal think tank with multidisciplinary capability—while remaining firmly anchored in the traditions of courtroom advocacy and litigation excellence. Under the guidance of Mr. Karnal Singh, the firm has built a formidable reputation for handling highstakes, complex legal matters, particularly in the areas of white-collar crime and economic offences.
The firm’s core strengths lie in its expertise under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Prevention of Corruption Act, Companies Act, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Beyond this, the firm is actively engaged in cross-border criminal investigations, corporate and commercial arbitrations, and high-value dispute resolution spanning civil, regulatory, and criminal forums.
At the forefront of Circle of Counsels is Mr. Karnal Singh, the former Director of Enforcement Directorate and ex-Chief of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), whose unparalleled expertise in financial crime, regulatory enforcement, and intelligence-led investigations defines the firm’s core strength. Under his visionary leadership, Circle of Counsels has emerged as one of the most trusted and specialised law firms in matters involving white-collar crime, FEMA, PMLA, and cross-border enforcement.
I have had the privilege of working directly under Mr. Singh’s guidance, handling high-stakes litigation and advisory work with a strong emphasis on strategic clarity and legal precision. His mentorship continues to anchor our practice, enabling us to deliver deeply informed, ethical, and effective solutions to our clients. TheCircle of Counsels represent clients before the Supreme Court of India, various High Courts, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and regulatory tribunals, including PMLA and FEMA adjudicating authorities.
The team is particularly well-regarded for handling cases involving financial fraud, asset tracing, forensic defence, foreign exchange violations, and international cooperation under MLATs and extradition law. Circle of Counsels works extensively with Real Estate and Infrastructure FinTech and NBFCs Foreign investors, including DIFC, UAE, UK-based fund houses Export-import houses Telecom, EPC, and Technology PSU Defence Telecom Information Technology Payment Gateways and Aggregators Retail And increasingly,
emerging sectors facing regulatory scrutiny, such as crypto-asset platforms and digital lending startups. Its clientele ranges from established conglomerates to high-stakes individuals, including promoters, CFOs, and institutional directors.
An Edge Over the Peers
What sets Circle of Counsels apart is the team’s ability to navigate both legal intricacies and their consequences. The team consists of not just litigators but solution architects. They combine deep expertise in litigation with a strong understanding of various sectors and a forensic approach to uncover legal complexities that many might overlook. At Circle of Counsels, the team takes a strategic and forensic approach to investigations, blending legal knowledge, regulatory expertise, and operational insight.
They excel in providing proactive advisory services, crafting comprehensive narratives that are legally sound and supported by strong documentation and exculpatory evidence. Whether dealing with the ED, CBI, SFIO, or international cooperation authorities, they lead effectively to protect client interests while maintaining the integrity of the process. “We are known for tackling challenging cases while being practical enough to determine the resolution that will truly benefit the client.
The firm’s structure ensures direct involvement from partners during all critical phases, providing clients with the reassurance of hands-on senior attention— something that has become increasingly rare in this field”, adds Mr Singh.
At the Leading Edge of Laws and Regulations
Circle of Counsel operates on a daily monitoring model. Partners and associates are trained to track real-time updates from SEBI, RBI, ED, Law Journals and courts, and internal circulars are distributed every morning to keep everyone informed. The team maps legislative changes, tribunal rulings, and regulatory trends into practice notes and client alerts to keep the internal and external stakeholders updated. Additionally, the firm maintains a research cell that collaborates with litigation teams to ensure they stay ahead of changes rather than simply reaching out to them.
Communication Structure at Circle of Counsels
Mr Singh believes clarity breeds trust. He adheres to a structured communication protocol that includes a dedicated relationship lead for each client, weekly written updates, immediate alerts on critical events, and scheduled monthly briefings with stakeholders. Every communication is solution-oriented, avoids jargon, and focuses on what it means for the client rather than just stating what the law says.
Leveraging Technology and Legal Research Tools
The firm uses AI-backed legal research engines, forensic accounting software, and secure digital workspaces to enhance case collaboration. The firm prioritises data security and legal analytics, and it is transitioning to digitised litigation briefs to reduce reliance on physical files.
Managing Client Confidentiality and Security
Circle of Counsels adheres to a strict zero-leak policy. All files are stored on private, secure cloud infrastructure with restricted access (NAS), and NDAs are implemented internally to limit team access. The firm’s IT protocols align with global standards, and it prohibits any sensitive client communication over unencrypted channels. In cases involving high-profile clients or cross-border issues, the firm often deploys air-gapped communication and assigns restricted-access teams to provide additional safeguards.
Nurturing an Ideal Culture and Core Values
The work culture at Circle of Counsels is driven by three unwavering principles: integrity over expediency, courage in advocacy, and a timely dispute-resolution process. The firm emphasises mentorship, merit, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Every associate is trained not just in blackletter law, but also in client ethics, professional humility, and the art of constructive listening.
Innovation and Market Evolution
At Circle of Counsels, innovation means anticipating challenges before they escalate into legal disputes. The firm conducts scenario-based workshops, simulates regulatory risk profiles, and adopts a multidisciplinary approach by collaborating with auditors, investigators, and tech consultants when necessary. The firm has handled cross-border seizures, crypto compliance queries, and MLAT coordination long before such concepts became common in Indian legal parlance.
Remarkable Achievements and Milestones
Circle of Counsels takes pride in its notable achievements, including:
- Successfully quashing numerous petitions where FIRs were dismissed due to the lack of evidence for an offence and clear abuse of process.
- Obtaining the quashing of PMLA Summons for many clients where Section 3 of PMLA was not applicable.
- Securing bail for clients in PMLA Matters.
- Providing representation for clients in complex arbitrations related to EPC and infrastructure contracts.
- Acting as a lead counsel in ongoing billion-rupee ED and PMLA matters.
- Gaining the trust of foreign sovereign-backed funds and global HNIs for regulatory litigation strategy.
Giving Back to the Community
Circle of Counsel provides pro bono legal support to victims of fraud and individuals facing financial distress. Mr Singh and his team believe that access to justice is a right, not a luxury. They are also committed to paperless litigation filing wherever possible and actively mentor first-generation law students and young lawyers through internship and fellowship programs.
The Future Outlook
Circle of Counsels aims to become a go-to litigation partner for high-stakes regulatory and criminal matters in India. Shortly, the firm plans to serve as an advisory bridge between Indian litigation and international defence strategies. Furthermore, the firm aspires to be a niche leader, focusing on precision-driven legal services rather than merely increasing numbers, where the stakes are high and the outcomes are transformative.
Words of Wisdom
“In law, as in life, the hardest thing is not just doing the right thing but doing it consistently. Build your reputation before you build your firm. Let integrity—not visibility—be your hallmark”, Mr Singh shares. “Clients remember the lawyer who stands firm when everyone else falters. That’s who we strive to be every single time. We must approach all matters with determination and absolute sincerity”, he concludes.
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