Madhup Singhal : A Strategic Legal Mind Shaping Business Outcomes
Madhup Singhal
Founder & Managing Partner
It requires a fine balance of legal acumen, business insight, people management, and client-centric thinking. At MSA Legal, this role is embodied by Madhup Singhal, Founder & Managing Partner, whose professional journey stands as a testament to perseverance, continuous learning, and versatility.
With a foundational background in science and an early start in Chartered Accountancy, Madhup faced a major setback when diagnosed with Writer’s Cramp, which ended his CA journey. Refusing to be deterred, he pivoted to law, while also pursuing an MDBA and later a Master's in Law and Economics, building a multi-disciplinary skillset that now serves as his greatest strength.
Madhup began his legal career with Gagrat & Co. and later Atul Chitale & Co., gaining extensive experience in Supreme Court litigation, arbitration, and complex commercial transactions. His in-house counsel roles with major corporations like Vedanta Exim, GMR Energy, JSW and Jubilant Energy offered him a rare, inside perspective on business operations and legal strategy. This hands-on exposure, particularly in sectors like Oil & Gas, Power, Infrastructure, and Real Estate, equips him to deliver solutions that are legally robust yet commercially viable.
Today, as the driving force behind MSA Legal, Madhup Singhal brings not only legal expertise but a deep business sensibility, making him a rare leader who truly understands the crossroads of law and enterprise. Let’s hear more from him.
How do you reconcile the necessity of adhering to legal requirements with the client's business goals in the sector?
Reconciling legal compliance with business goals requires more than textbook advice, it demands real world understanding. Having worked closely with top management at companies like Vedanta, GMR, Monnet Group, and Jubilant, I’ve learned that clients want practical, actionable legal solutions that don’t hinder their business momentum. The key is not to be the typical ‘no-man’
lawyer. I aim to act as a legal strategist who speaks the language of both law and business.
My role is to identify risks, but also chart safe and efficient paths forward. We focus on how to say ’yes’ in a legally sound manner, rather than simply rejecting ideas. For every matter, I carefully build a team suited to the specific business and regulatory nuances involved.
Ultimately, it’s about aligning compliance with commercial outcomes, helping clients meet their objectives without compromising integrity or inviting avoidable legal exposure.
Could you tell us about the risk mitigation strategies you have implemented to ensure business continuity and protect critical assets?
In my view, risk mitigation is less about reacting to crises and more about preparing for inevitabilities. Having served as in-house counsel across sectors like oil & gas, energy and infrastructure, I’ve seen firsthand that legal strategy must be integrated with business continuity planning.
My approach begins with proactive legal audits, digging into contracts like EPC Contracts, PPAs, JV Agreements, SHAs, PSC & JOA to identify and plug gaps early. We focus on strengthening clauses related to force majeure, indemnity, and dispute resolution before they’re tested under pressure.
Risk diversification is another key pillar. We ensure clients aren’t dependent on a single supplier or asset route building contingencies directly into contracts. Clear accountability in JVs and operations prevents delays during crises.
I also prioritize dispute resolution that supports continuity, structured arbitration, mediation, or expert determination to avoid the costly disruption of litigation. Finally, it’s about staying engaged. Laws change, risks evolve, and we continuously monitor and adapt frameworks to stay ahead. In short, we don't just protect assets, we build resilience into the business itself.
Describe your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My leadership approach is rooted in pragmatism, collaboration, and a strong sense of accountability. Having worked both in private practice and as in-house counsel for large corporations, I’ve learned that effective leadership comes from being hands-on.
I lead by example, whether it’s a complex legal issue, a challenging negotiation, or an urgent client requirement, I’m right there with my team, actively involved. I expect high standards, but never delegate what I wouldn’t do myself.
My role is to identify risks, but also chart safe and efficient paths forward. We focus on how to say ’yes’ in a legally sound manner, rather than simply rejecting ideas. For every matter, I carefully build a team suited to the specific business and regulatory nuances involved.
Ultimately, it’s about aligning compliance with commercial outcomes, helping clients meet their objectives without compromising integrity or inviting avoidable legal exposure.
My leadership approach is rooted in pragmatism, collaboration, and a strong sense of accountability
Could you tell us about the risk mitigation strategies you have implemented to ensure business continuity and protect critical assets?
In my view, risk mitigation is less about reacting to crises and more about preparing for inevitabilities. Having served as in-house counsel across sectors like oil & gas, energy and infrastructure, I’ve seen firsthand that legal strategy must be integrated with business continuity planning.
My approach begins with proactive legal audits, digging into contracts like EPC Contracts, PPAs, JV Agreements, SHAs, PSC & JOA to identify and plug gaps early. We focus on strengthening clauses related to force majeure, indemnity, and dispute resolution before they’re tested under pressure.
Risk diversification is another key pillar. We ensure clients aren’t dependent on a single supplier or asset route building contingencies directly into contracts. Clear accountability in JVs and operations prevents delays during crises.
I also prioritize dispute resolution that supports continuity, structured arbitration, mediation, or expert determination to avoid the costly disruption of litigation. Finally, it’s about staying engaged. Laws change, risks evolve, and we continuously monitor and adapt frameworks to stay ahead. In short, we don't just protect assets, we build resilience into the business itself.
Describe your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My leadership approach is rooted in pragmatism, collaboration, and a strong sense of accountability. Having worked both in private practice and as in-house counsel for large corporations, I’ve learned that effective leadership comes from being hands-on.
I lead by example, whether it’s a complex legal issue, a challenging negotiation, or an urgent client requirement, I’m right there with my team, actively involved. I expect high standards, but never delegate what I wouldn’t do myself.
I emphasize continuous learning and critical thinking. The legal field, especially in sectors like Oil & Gas, Power, Infrastructure, IT, and Fintech, evolves rapidly. I encourage my team to constantly read, research, and deepen their understanding beyond black-letter law, always linking it back to real business impact.
Empowerment is another key principle. I entrust team members with significant responsibility, but expect them to be precise, diligent, and solution-focused. I mentor them to think strategically, aligning their work with client objectives. For me, leadership is about building a client-centric, business-savvy legal team that consistently delivers value, not just legal advice.
What is the motivation that keeps you going forward?
My motivation lies in the satisfaction of helping clients navigate complex legal challenges and delivering practical, outcome-driven solutions. High-stakes matters, like the Bofors case and disputes under the Securitisation Act, remind me of the impact legal strategy can have. I’m driven by a commitment to continuous learning, as I often say, “Reading, reading, and reading is the only mantra to success”. At MSA Legal, we focus on offering top-tier counsel at accessible costs. True to the Marwadi/Baniya ethos, we invest in knowledge over luxury, ensuring quality legal services without unnecessary extra vagance. Building such a firm keeps me constantly inspired.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
The future for MSA Legal is anchored in becoming a leading global legal and advisory firm. As a first generation lawyer from a modest background, my goal is not just expansion, but building a deeply integrated platform. We're evolving beyond traditional legal services to offer holistic, multi-disciplinary solutions by blending legal, financial, secretarial, and strategic expertise.
Our aim is to be the trusted partner for clients in complex, high-stakes sectors like energy, infrastructure, IT, and fintech. From handling precedent-setting Supreme Court cases to crafting commercially sound agreements, we strive for excellence at every level. Ultimately, we’re focused on delivering seamless, business-focused counsel under one roof, shaping a firm that’s built for the future with unwavering commitment today.
Madhup Singhal, Founder & Managing Partner, MSA Legal
Madhup Singhal is the Founder & Managing Partner at MSA Legal, a seasoned advocate with over two decades of experience in corporate, infrastructure, energy, and regulatory law. With a background spanning science, law, and business, he offers practical, strategic legal solutions rooted in deep industry insight and a commitment to client success. He believes in excellence without extravagance.
Empowerment is another key principle. I entrust team members with significant responsibility, but expect them to be precise, diligent, and solution-focused. I mentor them to think strategically, aligning their work with client objectives. For me, leadership is about building a client-centric, business-savvy legal team that consistently delivers value, not just legal advice.
What is the motivation that keeps you going forward?
My motivation lies in the satisfaction of helping clients navigate complex legal challenges and delivering practical, outcome-driven solutions. High-stakes matters, like the Bofors case and disputes under the Securitisation Act, remind me of the impact legal strategy can have. I’m driven by a commitment to continuous learning, as I often say, “Reading, reading, and reading is the only mantra to success”. At MSA Legal, we focus on offering top-tier counsel at accessible costs. True to the Marwadi/Baniya ethos, we invest in knowledge over luxury, ensuring quality legal services without unnecessary extra vagance. Building such a firm keeps me constantly inspired.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
The future for MSA Legal is anchored in becoming a leading global legal and advisory firm. As a first generation lawyer from a modest background, my goal is not just expansion, but building a deeply integrated platform. We're evolving beyond traditional legal services to offer holistic, multi-disciplinary solutions by blending legal, financial, secretarial, and strategic expertise.
Our aim is to be the trusted partner for clients in complex, high-stakes sectors like energy, infrastructure, IT, and fintech. From handling precedent-setting Supreme Court cases to crafting commercially sound agreements, we strive for excellence at every level. Ultimately, we’re focused on delivering seamless, business-focused counsel under one roof, shaping a firm that’s built for the future with unwavering commitment today.
Madhup Singhal, Founder & Managing Partner, MSA Legal
Madhup Singhal is the Founder & Managing Partner at MSA Legal, a seasoned advocate with over two decades of experience in corporate, infrastructure, energy, and regulatory law. With a background spanning science, law, and business, he offers practical, strategic legal solutions rooted in deep industry insight and a commitment to client success. He believes in excellence without extravagance.