Team
When you work with GLA, you work with us.
Every engagement is led personally by one of our founding partners. No handoffs. No second-tier relationships. This is partner-led practice in the truest sense.
Our partners are personally involved in every matter we take on — from the first conversation to the final closing. Our clients come to us precisely because they want direct, unmediated access to lawyers with deep expertise and real accountability.
Amrut Joshi
Founder & Managing Partner
Amrut Joshi founded GameChanger Law Advisors in 2011. He has been recognized as an expert corporate and commercial lawyer, sought after by leading startups, venture capital firms, consulting firms, impact investors, angel investors, and sportspersons across the world.
Over a period of 23 years, Amrut has built deep expertise in advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, venture financings and impact investments, while also building sector-specific expertise in the deeptech, healthcare, sports and social enterprises sectors. Amrut’s articles on various legal issues have been published both nationally and internationally. He has also been invited to share his insights on reputed television channels and digital platforms. In addition, he regularly conducts workshops, aimed at educating and nurturing the Indian startup ecosystem.
Amrut has been a consultant for the Stanford Seed Transformation Program since 2020, a mentor at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) since 2018, and at NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore’s incubator (since 2022). He completed an Impact Investment Fellowship with AVPN in 2021. Since January 2023, he has also served as a Member of the Steering Committee of the South Asia Chapter of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE).
Amrut read law at the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, from where he graduated with a B.A. LLB (Hons.) degree in 2003.
Experience
23 Years
Qualified
NLSIU Bengaluru, 2003
Expertise
Venture Capital, Mergers & Acquisitions, Deeptech, Sports & Gaming, Impact Investments
Affiliations
Stanford Seed Consultant (2020-present)
AVPN Impact Investment Fellowship (2021) Mentor, C-CAMP (Since 2018)
Samheeta Rao
Senior Partner
Samheeta Rao is a Senior Partner at GameChanger Law Advisors (GLA). At GLA, she has been instrumental in honing the firm’s practices in the spheres of General Corporate Advisory, Employment, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Social Enterprises. Samheeta’s international acumen shines through her active involvement with clients and deals in the Indo-US business corridor, advising on the India leg of global acquisition transactions and pioneering efforts in cross-border impact investing and social enterprise transactions. Renowned for her problem-solving skills and legal expertise, Samheeta is also the go-to expert for enterprise risk assessments, sensitive investigations, and regulatory inquiries.
Samheeta has spearheaded several sensitive projects for marquee clients such as Sattva Consulting, Catalyst Group, iManage, and PropShare. Her journey in the legal profession has also been marked by publications and contributions to the fields of employment law and social enterprise law.
Before her tenure at GLA, Samheeta co-led the legal department at Goldman Sachs’ Bengaluru office, uniquely positioned as the sole employment counsel across its India offices. This role underscored her capacity to navigate complex employment laws and business strategies, and cementing her reputation as a trusted advisor. She started her career at erstwhile Amarchand Mangaldas, where she advised clients on mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and initial public offerings.
Samheeta read law at the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, from where she graduated with a B.A. LLB (Hons.) degree in 2006.
Experience
20 Years
Qualified
NLSIU Bengaluru, 2006
Expertise
Corporate Governance, Employment, Mergers & Acquisitions, Social Enterprise Law, Venture Capital
Current and Past Affiliations
Member, Institutional Ethics Committee, The Catalyst Foundation
Co-Head Legal (Bengaluru) at Goldman Sachs (2012-2018)
Senior Associate, Amarchand Mangaldas, Bangalore (2006-2012)
