Three generations of advocacy
From the bench, to the Assembly, to an international practice — the lineage behind the firm.
“A product made in a factory is built by machines. A product of legal service is built with hard work, knowledge, books, dedication, and perseverance. At WAY Legal International, every effort is directed towards the Law, Justice, and the Client.”
— Adv Arbaaz Waris Pathan, Founder & Principal Advocate
Late Justice Yusuf U Pathan
The legal tradition behind WAY Legal International began with Late Justice Yusuf U Pathan, who served as an advocate, public prosecutor, and later a judge — notably the very first NDPS judge of the District and Sessions Court, Mumbai — before devoting his later years to independent, pro bono legal practice. His decades of service laid the foundation for three generations of legal practice that continue today.
Adv. Waris Y Pathan
Adv. Waris Y Pathan is one of Mumbai's most recognized criminal lawyers, with a legal career spanning over three decades. He has secured interim bail for multiple TADA-accused clients, including a judgment later upheld by the Supreme Court of India, and has represented high-profile clients in some of the country's most closely watched criminal trials, including actor Salman Khan's hit-and-run case.
Beyond the courtroom, he is a prominent political figure — currently the National Spokesperson of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and formerly a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly — giving the firm a rare vantage point at the intersection of law and public life.
Adv Arbaaz Waris Pathan
Adv Arbaaz Waris Pathan is the Founder and Principal Advocate of WAY Legal International, with offices spanning Mumbai and Dubai. His practice centers on Criminal Law and White-Collar Crime, Arbitration and Negotiation, Contracts and Corporate Litigation, Company Formation, Corporate Governance, and Mergers & Acquisitions.
Over the course of his career, he has handled several hundred matters across trial courts, tribunals, and arbitral forums, maintaining one of the highest success rates in the firm's history. He is particularly regarded for his skill in arbitration and negotiation, frequently resolving high-stakes commercial disputes outside of court through carefully structured settlements that protect his clients' interests without the delay and cost of prolonged litigation. His approach combines rigorous legal strategy with a pragmatic, results-driven style, making him the first point of contact for clients seeking decisive representation across the firm's practice areas.
Beyond his practice, Adv Pathan is an active philanthropist. He provides free legal aid to underprivileged individuals and is a committed advocate for animal welfare, personally taking on pro bono matters relating to the protection and rights of animals.
Adv Pawan Ghatkar
Adv Pawan Ghatkar heads our Criminal Litigation, Tribunal, and Trial Court practice at WAY Legal International, working closely with our Founder & Principal Advocate on criminal matters, tribunal proceedings, and trial court litigation. He brings sharp courtroom instincts and meticulous case preparation to every brief, ensuring clients receive dedicated, hands-on representation at every stage of litigation.
Adv Delferuz Irani
Adv Delferuz Irani heads our practice in Immigration Law, Intellectual Property, and Business & Corporate matters within India, including Mergers & Acquisitions. With a keen eye for regulatory detail and commercial pragmatism, Delferuz assists individuals and businesses in navigating cross-border compliance, brand protection, and corporate structuring with clarity and precision.
She also extends her practice to pro bono animal welfare matters, supporting the firm's broader commitment to legal advocacy for animal protection.
Adv Neha M Pawar
Adv Neha M Pawar heads our Domestic Violence and Family Law practice, alongside Criminal Trial litigation. Known for her sensitivity in handling personal and often difficult family disputes, she combines empathy with strong advocacy to protect her clients' interests both inside and outside the courtroom.
Mr Mangesh Gaikwad
A trusted presence at WAY Legal International since 1999, Mr Mangesh Gaikwad has worked alongside three generations of our legal practice. He manages the day-to-day operations of the office and brings decades of practical, ground-level knowledge of litigation processes — ensuring the firm runs smoothly and clients are looked after from the moment they walk in.