Zia J. Mody
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
MumbaiPractice Area
The assumption is everybody’s smart, so what makes you better? It’s the depth of experience and your commitment to the matter, and the case and the client. What we value at AZB and will not compromise on in any way or form is the letterhead. We own up to the mistakes we make, and do it immediately, otherwise the trust evaporates. This kind of honesty actually earns our clients’ respect.
Zia’s passion and energy are truly extraordinary. Our similar hyper Cancerian trait leads us to think alike for the Firm with our own approach and style.
Ajay on ZiaZia J. Mody, Co–Founder and Managing Partner of AZB & Partners, is one of India’s foremost corporate attorneys. Zia is widely acknowledged for her expertise, ranking No. 1 in Fortune India’s ‘India’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business’ list in 2018 & 2019, on which she has consistently ranked since 2011. It has been said that few of Zia’s peers can match her skills when it comes to acquisitions, joint ventures, company restructuring, foreign inward investment related practice and corporate law. According to the RSG India Report, clients praise Zia as a “problem solver,” who is “meticulous,” “thorough” and “accessible,” and comes highly recommended for “any complex legal matter.” Zia is dually licensed to practice law in India and the United States, holding an LL.M. from Harvard Law School and having passed the New York State Bar.
DIRECTORSHIPS, MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
- Member, Maharashtra’s Economic Advisory Council (2023)
- Independent Director (2018 –Present), Member of Audit & Risk Committee (2018 – Present) and Member of Investment Committee (2019 – Present), Ascendas Property Fund Trustee Pte. Ltd., Singapore
- Honorary Fellow, Selwyn College, University of Cambridge (2019 – Present)
- Independent Non – Executive Director and Member of Human Resources & Remuneration Committee of the Board, China Light and Power Holdings Limited , Hong Kong (2015 – Present)
- Deputy Chairman (2013 – 2021), Non–Executive Director (2006 – 2021), Chairman’s Committee Member (2015 – 2021), Risk Committee Member (2012 – 2021) and Nomination Committee Member (2019 – 2021), The Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, Asia Pacific Board
- Non – Executive Member of the Governing Board, International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) (2017 – Present)
- Member, CII National Council (2015 – Present)
- Special Invitee, Competition Law Review Committee set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (2018)
- Member, Committee on Corporate Governance formed by SEBI, under the chairmanship of Uday Kotak (2017)
- Expert Committee Panel, Law Commission of India on ‘Amendment to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996’ (2014)
- Vice President & Member, London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) (2010 – 2013)
- Member, World Bank Administrative Tribunal, Washington D.C. (2007 – 2012)
- Member, Reserve Bank of India Committee on Comprehensive Financial Services for Small Businesses and Low–Income Households, chaired by Dr. Nachiket Mor (2013)
- Member, Godrej Committee on Corporate Governance, set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (2012)
- Member, Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector Reforms, constituted by the Government of India (2007)
Professional Qualifications
- LL.M., Harvard Law School, USA (1979)
- Bachelor of Arts (Law), Selwyn College, Cambridge University, UK (1978)
Zia has an unending stamina and exceptional work ethic. Her pursuit of success for the Firm is relentless, as is her openness to people and other points of view.
Bahram on ZiaWORK HIGHLIGHTS
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On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
-
On its majority stake acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines
-
On its largest control deal in India, where it acquired 74% in SeQuent Scientific for US$ 210 million
-
On the sale of its Indian consumer business to Axis Bank for US$ 1.6 billion
-
On its US$ 61 billion merger with HDFC Bank Limited
-
On its majority share purchase of Mindtree for US$ 1.5 billion
-
On its US$ 7.4 billion acquisition of Bhushan Steel, the first resolution of a large defaulter under the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
-
On its acquisition in and joint control of Adani Gas for US$ 850 million
RECENT RECOGNITION
2025
2024
2023
2022
Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
Asia Legal Awards
Awarded ‘Asian Law Firm Leader of the Year’ at the Asia Legal Awards
Asialaw Profiles
‘Elite Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
BW Legal World
Featured in ‘Hall of Fame: 100 Most Influential Women in Law’
Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
Chambers & Partners Global
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate / M&A
Chambers & Partners HNW Guide
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Private Wealth Law
IFLR1000
- ‘Market Leader’ for M&A and Private Equity
- Featured in the ‘IFLR1000 Women Leaders’ List for her contribution to the field of M&A and Private Equity
LawWiser
Featured in ‘Super 30 – Most Influential Law Firm Professionals’
Legal 500 Asia Pacific
- Inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ for Corporate and M&A
- A ‘Leading Individual’ for Private Equity & Investment Funds
- Recommended for Private Client
Legal 500 India Awards
Named as a ‘Corporate / M&A’ Lawyer of the Year
Who’s Who Legal
- ‘Thought Leaders – India’ for Commercial Litigation, Corporate Governance, M&A and Project Finance
‘Global Elite Thought Leader’ – Corporate Governance
Asialaw Profiles
‘Elite Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
Chambers & Partners Global
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate / M&A
Chambers & Partners HNW Guide
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Private Wealth Law
IFLR1000
- ‘Market Leader’ for M&A
- Featured in the ‘IFLR1000 Women Leaders’ List for her contribution to the field of M&A
India Business Law Journal
Featured in ‘A–List of India’s Top 100 Lawyers’
Legal 500 Asia Pacific
- Inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ for Corporate and M&A
- A ‘Leading Individual’ for Private Equity & Investment Funds
- Recommended Lawyer for Private Client Practice and White-Collar Crime
Legal Era
Named a Leading Lawyer Legend for Corporate / M&A and Private Equity
Who’s Who Legal
‘Thought Leaders – India’ for Commercial Litigation, Corporate Governance, M&A and Project Finance
Asialaw Profiles
‘Elite Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific
- A ‘Star Individual’ for Corporate/ M&A
- ‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Private Equity
Chambers & Partners Global
A ‘Star Individual’ for Corporate/ M&A
Chambers & Partners HNW Guide
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Private Wealth Law
IFLR1000
- ‘Market Leader’ for M&A
- Featured in the ‘IFLR1000 Women Leaders’ List for her contribution to the field of M&A
India Business Law Journal
Featured in ‘A–List of India’s Top 100 Lawyers’
Legal 500 Asia Pacific
- Inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ for Corporate and M&A
- A ‘Leading Individual’ for Private Equity & Investment Funds
- Recommended Lawyer for Private Client Practice and White-Collar Crime
Legal Era
Named a Leading Lawyer Legend for Corporate / M&A and Private Equity
Who’s Who Legal
- ‘Leading Professional’ for M&A and Governance
- Corporate Governance Lawyer of the Year
RECENT RECOGNITION
Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
Asia Legal Awards
Awarded ‘Asian Law Firm Leader of the Year’ at the Asia Legal Awards
Asialaw Profiles
‘Elite Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
BW Legal World
Featured in ‘Hall of Fame: 100 Most Influential Women in Law’
Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
Chambers & Partners Global
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate / M&A
Chambers & Partners HNW Guide
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Private Wealth Law
IFLR1000
- ‘Market Leader’ for M&A and Private Equity
- Featured in the ‘IFLR1000 Women Leaders’ List for her contribution to the field of M&A and Private Equity
LawWiser
Featured in ‘Super 30 – Most Influential Law Firm Professionals’
Legal 500 Asia Pacific
- Inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ for Corporate and M&A
- A ‘Leading Individual’ for Private Equity & Investment Funds
- Recommended for Private Client
Legal 500 India Awards
Named as a ‘Corporate / M&A’ Lawyer of the Year
Who’s Who Legal
- ‘Thought Leaders – India’ for Commercial Litigation, Corporate Governance, M&A and Project Finance
‘Global Elite Thought Leader’ – Corporate Governance
Asialaw Profiles
‘Elite Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
Chambers & Partners Global
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Corporate / M&A
Chambers & Partners HNW Guide
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Private Wealth Law
IFLR1000
- ‘Market Leader’ for M&A
- Featured in the ‘IFLR1000 Women Leaders’ List for her contribution to the field of M&A
India Business Law Journal
Featured in ‘A–List of India’s Top 100 Lawyers’
Legal 500 Asia Pacific
- Inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ for Corporate and M&A
- A ‘Leading Individual’ for Private Equity & Investment Funds
- Recommended Lawyer for Private Client Practice and White-Collar Crime
Legal Era
Named a Leading Lawyer Legend for Corporate / M&A and Private Equity
Who’s Who Legal
‘Thought Leaders – India’ for Commercial Litigation, Corporate Governance, M&A and Project Finance
Asialaw Profiles
‘Elite Practitioner’ for Corporate/ M&A and Private Equity
Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific
- A ‘Star Individual’ for Corporate/ M&A
- ‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Private Equity
Chambers & Partners Global
A ‘Star Individual’ for Corporate/ M&A
Chambers & Partners HNW Guide
‘Eminent Practitioner’ for Private Wealth Law
IFLR1000
- ‘Market Leader’ for M&A
- Featured in the ‘IFLR1000 Women Leaders’ List for her contribution to the field of M&A
India Business Law Journal
Featured in ‘A–List of India’s Top 100 Lawyers’
Legal 500 Asia Pacific
- Inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ for Corporate and M&A
- A ‘Leading Individual’ for Private Equity & Investment Funds
- Recommended Lawyer for Private Client Practice and White-Collar Crime
Legal Era
Named a Leading Lawyer Legend for Corporate / M&A and Private Equity
Who’s Who Legal
- ‘Leading Professional’ for M&A and Governance
- Corporate Governance Lawyer of the Year