Selendy Taps New Partner as ‘Ambassador’ to International Market

Selendy Gay Elsberg taps new partner Rajat Rana as the Manhattan firm looks to expand its presence in international markets.

“We believe he will serve as a tremendous ambassador for our firm as we serve new clients around the world in their most complex disputes,” Maria Ginzburg, the firm’s managing partner, said in a statement. “Rajat’s addition to our partnership expands our presence on the international stage and, in particular, to emerging legal markets like India.”

Rana, a first-generation Indian American, says he is excited to boost the firm’s work with Indian entities facing litigation and arbitration in U.S. courts.

“For me, it was a really exciting opportunity to not just work with friends, but also work with people who are the best in what they do and learn from them,” said Rana, who has worked with some of Selendy’s name partners at other firms.

Rana has represented Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and Koch Minerals, according to court dockets. The attorney has also represented Middle Eastern investors, the Republic of Malta, and a Brazilian company in international disputes, the firm said.

Before joining Selendy, Rana was partner at Alston & Bird, a firm known for its strong international arbitration and litigation practice. He’s had other stints at Quinn Emanuel, Baker Botts and Dechert, according to his LinkedIn profile.

“What happens at a firm like Selendy where we are small, you can really focus on offering top quality talent to your clients and there is a consistency and quality,” Rana said.

Rana is not the only high-profile hire at the firm, which snagged Temidayo Aganga-Williams in February. Aganga-Williams was senior investigative counsel for the House Select Committee on the January 6th insurrection.

Selendy went on a junior hiring spree in February that increased the firm’s headcount by 25% this year.

Firms such as Dentons and Kirkland & Ellis started flocking to international markets this year. India, looking for more foreign investment, loosened its laws to allow overseas lawyers to practice foreign law in the country.