DMD Advocates Win LawStrings Pickleball Cup Season 2 | AZB, Aekom Legal Runners-Up

The second edition of the LawStrings Pickleball Cup concluded in Delhi with a resounding victory for DMD Advocates, who clinched the Gold Cup after two days of intense competition. The tournament, which brought together leading law firms and in-house legal teams from across India, saw AZB & Partners and Aekom Legal finish as runners-up, underscoring the growing enthusiasm for sport as a vehicle for professional networking and wellness within the legal community.

Organised by LawStrings Management and sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) — recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India — the event was designed to offer lawyers a refreshing break from the courtroom and boardroom. The championship-winning DMD Advocates team included Kunal Dutt, Chaitanya Kaushik, Haaris Faazili, Suman Yadav, Veni Tandon, Raghav Dutt, Sanya Dhir, and Saurabh Singh Ahluwalia. Their consistent performance throughout the tournament earned them the top spot, while AZB & Partners and Aekom Legal delivered commendable displays to secure the runner-up positions.

A Gathering of Legal Eagles

Participation in the LawStrings Pickleball Cup Season 2 was robust, featuring prominent organisations such as Cyril Amarchand & Mangaldas, Bharti Airtel Group, Luthra & Luthra, Talwar Thakore & Associates, JSA Advocates & Solicitors, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, DSK Legal, Fox & Mandal, Obhan & Mason, SKV Legal, Foresight Legal, and Law Offices of Gaurav H Sethi Advocates and SolicitorsIndia, among others. The diverse representation from both law firms and corporate legal departments highlighted the widespread appeal of pickleball as a sport that fosters camaraderie and informal interaction.

The concluding award distribution ceremony was graced by distinguished members of the legal and sporting ecosystem. Hon’ble Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal (Retd.), Former Judge of the Delhi High Court and President of the State Commission of India, presided over the event alongside Dr. Lalit Bhasin, President of the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), and Mr. Dilip Mohanty, Director of Competition & Development at the Indian Pickleball Association. Their presence lent significant gravitas to the occasion and underscored the recognition of sport as a catalyst for community building within the legal profession.

Beyond the Courtroom: Building Connections

Speaking on the successful conclusion of Season 2, Shubham Malhotra, Founder of LawStrings Management, remarked: “When we started this initiative, our vision was simple, to create a platform where lawyers could step away from the confines of the courtroom and boardroom, come together through sport, and build genuine connections in a more informal environment. The response to Season 2 has been incredibly encouraging and is a strong validation of that vision. Seeing leading law firms and in-house legal teams compete, support one another and enjoy the spirit of the game has been immensely rewarding. We are already looking forward to making Season 3 bigger, stronger and even more engaging for the legal community.”

This vision resonates deeply with the legal profession’s increasing focus on wellness and work-life balance. The tournament served as a practical demonstration of how sport can break down hierarchical barriers and facilitate genuine relationships among legal professionals who might otherwise interact only in adversarial settings. The pickleball format, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, proved accessible to players of all skill levels, ensuring broad participation and engagement.

Wellness and Camaraderie at the Forefront

The LawStrings Pickleball Cup was more than just a competition; it was a holistic experience curated with support from a diverse group of partners. CADRE ODR served as the Dispute Resolution Partner, EZ Notary as the Document Execution Partner, while ROFF and Fitbox acted as Nutrition Partners. GETAWAY Ice Creams & Desserts provided the dessert partnership, Solh Wellness contributed as the Wellness Partner, and CLAW Legaltech supported as the LegalTech Partner. Manav Rachna University partnered as the Education Partner, D'YOU as the Skincare Partner, and Fast &Up as the Hydration Partner. This array of collaborations reflects the tournament’s broader positioning as an experience that extends beyond sport, addressing multiple dimensions of professional well-being.

The inclusion of wellness, nutrition, and hydration partners is particularly noteworthy, as it signals a shift towards holistic health within the legal community. Law firms and legal departments are increasingly recognising the importance of mental and physical wellness for sustained professional performance. Events like the LawStrings Pickleball Cup provide a tangible platform to promote these values, offering lawyers an opportunity to recharge while strengthening professional bonds.

Legal Implications and Community Impact

From a broader perspective, the success of Season 2 of the LawStrings Pickleball Cup highlights a growing trend of structured sporting events tailored specifically for the legal fraternity. Such initiatives not only enhance networking but also contribute to the overall well-being of legal professionals, which is essential in a high-stress profession. The participation of senior figures like Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal and Dr. Lalit Bhasin further legitimises these efforts, encouraging wider adoption across the industry.

The tournament also serves as a reminder of the importance of alternative dispute resolution and collaborative skills, which are cultivated in a sports environment. The spirit of fair play, teamwork, and resilience observed on the pickleball court mirrors the qualities essential for effective legal practice. For in-house legal teams, events like these offer a unique opportunity to interact with external counsel in a non-transactional setting, fostering trust and understanding that can translate into more productive professional relationships.

Looking Ahead to Season 3

With Season 2 now concluded, organisers have indicated that preparations for the next edition of the tournament are already underway. The positive response from the legal community, combined with the support of partners across multiple sectors, sets a strong foundation for the continued growth of the LawStrings Pickleball Cup. As the legal profession evolves to embrace wellness and community engagement, such events are poised to become a staple in the calendar of law firms and corporate legal departments.

In conclusion, the LawStrings Pickleball Cup Season 2 was a resounding success, blending competitive sport with meaningful networking and holistic wellness. DMD Advocates’ victory, alongside the strong performances of AZB & Partners and Aekom Legal, exemplifies the high level of participation and enthusiasm. The event not only provided a welcome respite from the demands of legal practice but also reinforced the importance of community, health, and connection in the legal profession. As Season 3 approaches, the legal community can look forward to an even more engaging and inclusive experience.