Nayara Energy’s former assistant general counsel Aayush Kumar is moving back to private practice, joining Argus Partners as a partner in its Mumbai-based corporate practice, as law firms continue to hire in-house lawyers to bolster their capabilities.

Kumar specializes in both domestic and cross-border transactions, advising a diverse range of clients, including private equity funds, multi-national corporations, and promoters, particularly in the energy and infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, manufacturing, and e-commerce sectors.

Prior to moving in-house in 2022, Kumar spent two years at AZB & Partners and the majority of his decade-long career before that at erstwhile M&A boutique, Platinum Partners.

He becomes the latest in a string of in-house lawyers moving back to law firms this year. Troubled ed-tech firm BYJU’s group general counsel Roshan Thomas joined Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, Luthra and Luthra added Suprio Dasgupta, J Sagar Associates hired Zetwerk counsel Rakesh Warrier, Economic Laws Practice added Ola Electric GC Sanjit Nagarkatti, and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas brought in former Embassy Group GC Siddharth Vedula.

With Kumar’s addition, Argus has 25 partners across offices.