TRAINERS

Huzefa Tavawalla (Lead, Technology Practice)

Nishith Desai Associates

Huzefa heads the Technology Practice and the Bangalore office of the firm. He is also an avid techno enthusiast. He has worked on several matters relating Gen AI, VDAs, Drones, Space Imagery, Geospatial Data, Driverless Cars, AR/VR etc. With a strong IP, data and regulatory background he has been able to successfully provide solutions and risk assessments on several cutting edge and cross-border horizon technologies and TMT matters.

Huzefa is also involved in structuring and advising on complex models associated with fintech including cross border tokens, payment systems, e-lending, wallets, RFIDs, fintech outsourcing. He was also appointed as a task force member by the Indian Government to the elite drone committee which established the legislative drone road map for India.

Huzefa has also been at the forefront of global M&A’s and investments in the technology space. This includes deal making, structuring, documentation and advisory.

Huzefa has undertaken extensive research in matters relating to emerging technologies and has published several though leadership articles including Generative AI: Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, “Avatar Assault in the Metaverse, Are we prepared for the Driverless Future, E-Mobility and its Plug in Play etc.
He spent close to a year (2012) in Tokyo, with the largest Japanese law firm understanding the India – Japan corridor.

Huzefa continues to be closely associated with academics and is a regular guest lecturer at education institutions and industry associations. He has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the India Law Society’s, Law College, Pune and is also admitted to the Bombay Bar Association and the Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa. He holds various diplomas in subjects such as Corporate Laws, European Union Public Law, Cyber Laws and Humanitarian Laws.

Tanisha Khanna (Co-head, Gaming Practice Group, Senior Member, Technology, Media & Entertainment & Telecommunications)

Nishith Desai Associates

Tanisha is a senior member of the TMT practice, and co-head of the Gaming Law Practice Group at the multi-skilled, research based international law firm Nishith Desai Associates. She has advised clients on regulatory compliances, IP protections, data privacy issues, and structured transactions and investments in the TMT industry. Apart from transactional and advisory work, she has also been integrally involved in a number of litigations and arbitrations in the TMT industry. She was recognized by Whose Who Legal as a recommended lawyer for Gaming in the India jurisdiction (2023, 2022, 2021).

Tanisha has played a key role in the firm’s policy initiatives and representations to the Government. She regularly writes thought leadership and research articles and papers for internationally acclaimed publications in these industries. She has been a featured speaker at numerous legal conferences and industry events. Tanisha has completed her LLB in the UK as well as in India. 

Varsha Rajesh (Member, Technology, Media & Entertainment & Telecommunications)

Nishith Desai Associates

Varsha is a member of the TMT Team at NDA. Her expertise lies in technology laws, data privacy, intellectual property, fintech and pharmaceutical and life sciences industry specific regulations. Over her years of practice, Varsha has developed an in-depth understanding of the industry and advised numerous national and multinational companies on regulatory compliances and commercial aspects providing essential inputs unique to the industry. She has demonstrated expertise in advising clients in legal and regulatory issues relating to cross-border data transfers, sectoral non-personal data compliances, fintech, outsourcing, e-commerce, digital advertising, telecom laws and import-export. She also routinely handles regulatory matters pertaining to pharmaceutical and food manufacturing and import.

In addition to advisory, Varsha also has significant experience in advising and representing technology and pharmaceutical clients in corporate transactions, commercial documentation and litigation matters.

Varsha has been invited to speak at various webinars and events including events hosted by industry associations such as OPPI, USISPF, USIBC and Indian Society for Clinical Research discussing contemporary issues in pharma, med-tech industry. Varsha has also been recognised in the life sciences and healthcare Legal500 India rankings in 2024.