A Melbourne-based law firm, Erudite Legal, has been fined over $51,000 for violating workplace laws under the Fair Work Act by forcing a junior lawyer to work extreme hours, including multiple 24-hour shifts and 79-hour weeks.

The lawyer, who was underpaid and denied personal time during family and medical emergencies, was also compelled to watch a film at 1 am to understand her boss’s “philosophical stance.” 

The Court found the firm’s actions constituted a repudiatory breach of contract and highlighted systemic issues of exploitation in the legal profession.

Despite orders, Erudite did not rectify payments and was eventually deregistered.

Jindal Global Law School has launched India’s first dedicated Centre for AI Law and Regulation with a ₹15 crore endowment from Cyril Shroff and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. 

The centre will focus on research, policy advisory, curriculum development, and collaborations with government and international bodies to address ethical, legal, and policy challenges posed by AI.

It aims to support courts and regulators in shaping responsible AI governance and improving access to justice.

Its five-year plan includes AI-integrated legal education, global partnerships, and policy development in areas like finance, human rights, liability, and AI ethics.

Trilegal has appointed Giya Diwaan as its new Chief Financial Officer. She brings over two decades of experience across finance, strategy, and business transformation.

A Chartered Accountant and IIM Lucknow alumna, Giya has previously held leadership roles at DreamFolks, EbixCash, Times Internet, and PwC, among others.

At Trilegal, she will oversee financial strategy, operational efficiency, and long-term fiscal planning to support the firm's continued growth and innovation.

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas acted as legal advisor to investors for the first-time issue of secured, listed, and rated non-convertible debentures by Sustainable Energy Infra Trust, worth up to ₹750 crore.

The funds were raised through a private placement to select investors, including Kotak Mahindra Bank and India Infrastructure Finance Company.

The money will be used to repay existing loans and cover issue-related costs.

Scapia Technology Private Limited has raised $40 million in its Series B funding round led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Elevation Capital, Z47, 3STATE Capital, and Tanglin Venture Partners.

IndusLaw advised Scapia, while River Law, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, and Bombay Law advised the investors involved in the transaction.

The funds will be used to expand Scapia’s team, strengthen its product offerings, and integrate AI-driven solutions for a better customer experience.

Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas advised ITC on its proposed acquisition of the pulp and paper business of Aditya Birla Real Estate, operated as Century Pulp & Paper (CPP), through a slump sale.

The deal is structured under a Business Transfer Agreement for a lump sum consideration of up to ₹3,500 crore on a cash-free, debt-free basis.

The acquisition is contingent upon obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). 

The transaction marks a significant move in ITC’s strategic expansion in the paper and packaging segment.

Begur & Partners acted as legal counsel to Hatti Foods and Beverages Pvt. Ltd. and its promoters in a Series A equity investment by Claypond Capital Partners and Crest Opportunities Pvt. Ltd.

The transaction was led by Managing Partner Rajesh Begur, involved negotiation, legal due diligence, and execution of definitive agreements.

The investment facilitates corporate expansion and operational scalability, positioning Hatti Kaapi for further domestic and cross-border growth.

Khaitan & Co. advised Haldiram Foods International Pvt. Ltd., Haldiram Snacks Pvt. Ltd., and the Agarwal family in the divestment of a 9% equity stake in Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt. Ltd. to Jongsong Investments Pte. Ltd., a special purpose vehicle of Temasek Holdings.

JSA represented Alpha Wave Ventures II LP and International Holding Company P.J.S.C. in acquiring an additional 6% stake through a secondary transaction.

The transaction reflects a $10 billion enterprise valuation and involved intricate legal structuring and cross-border regulatory compliance.