By Rootsalert News Desk
New Delhi / January 30, 2026 — Indian billionaire and industrialist Gautam Adani has taken a significant step in his ongoing legal battle in the United States by hiring one of Wall Street’s most prominent lawyers, who is also known for representing former U.S. President Donald Trump in his legal fights.
According to recent court filings and reports from international news agencies, Mr. Adani has appointed Robert Giuffra Jr., a senior partner at the prestigious law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, to represent him in a civil lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Giuffra’s role in the case has drawn widespread attention because he is also part of the legal team defending Donald Trump in several ongoing matters in the United States.
What the Case Is About
The lawsuit from the SEC accuses Mr. Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani of violating U.S. securities laws. The regulator claims the pair made false or misleading statements about Adani Green Energy Ltd. when seeking investments from foreign and U.S. investors.
Separately, U.S. federal prosecutors brought criminal charges alleging a bribery scheme worth over $250 million to influence Indian government officials in awarding solar power contracts. While the criminal case has seen limited public movement, it remains connected to the broader legal scrutiny facing the Adani Group.
Both Gautam Adani and his nephew have been in India throughout the proceedings, which has complicated the process of serving legal notices. The SEC has asked a U.S. court to allow it to serve the lawsuit through email and via the Adanis’ U.S.–based lawyers, after attempts through official channels proved difficult.
Who Is Robert Giuffra Jr.?
Robert Giuffra Jr. is widely regarded as one of the leading lawyers in the U.S. for complex financial and regulatory cases. He has more than 25 years of experience representing major corporations and individuals in high-stakes litigation.
His work covers disputes involving securities law, regulatory investigations, and federal enforcement actions. In addition to representing Mr. Adani, Giuffra is also part of the legal team for Donald Trump, particularly in efforts to challenge or appeal criminal convictions in the United States.
Market and Legal Fallout
The news of the SEC seeking alternative ways to serve legal papers to the Adanis has already impacted markets. Shares of companies within the Adani Group saw a notable drop in value in recent trading after news of the regulator’s renewed push.
While the SEC’s civil case can now move forward after overcoming procedural delays, the Adanis have a period in which to formally respond. Legal experts say the appointment of a lawyer like Giuffra signals that Mr. Adani’s team is preparing for a robust defense.
What Comes Next
As the lawsuit advances, attention will be on how U.S. courts handle the case and whether the Adanis choose to contest the charges or seek negotiations. In India, the Adani Group has not issued detailed comments on the latest developments, and spokespeople for the company declined to comment outside regular hours.
This case continues to draw global interest, not just because of the legal issues themselves, but also due to the crossover of legal teams and political figures involved. For now, Mr. Adani’s decision to hire a high-profile lawyer underscores how seriously he is approaching this fight.
