LawStrings Launches India’s First Franchise-Based Pickleball League For Lawyers
In a creative twist on networking for legal professionals, Shubham Malhotra, a Delhi-based legal consultant and founder of LawStrings Management, has launched the LawStrings Pickleball Premier League – Lawyer’s Edition, India’s first franchise-based pickleball league tailored exclusively for lawyers.
Malhotra, who previously participated in local pickleball competitions, conceived the league as a way to merge his passion for the sport with his extensive legal network. The result is a unique platform where lawyers can connect, compete, and unwind in a setting far removed from traditional conference rooms and legal briefings.
“I was introduced to pickleball last year, and I’ve been playing ever since,” Malhotra said. “I felt that sports could be a powerful way for lawyers to network, especially in a sport like pickleball that is accessible to all ages. This league offers lawyers a chance to connect beyond their usual circles while also staying active.”
A Legal Lineup: Teams And Players
The inaugural edition of the league will see eight franchise teams, each comprising a mix of seasoned attorneys and emerging legal talent. Among the creatively named squads are:
Amicus Aces
Pickle Pleaders
Supreme Strikers
Legal Pickle
According to Malhotra, the league’s franchise owners are well-established legal professionals, including a retired justice and senior advocates. The initiative has also garnered the support of Sacchin Puri, Senior Advocate and Vice President of the Delhi High Court Bar Association, further cementing its credibility and potential for impact.
“All the franchise owners are reputable figures in the legal industry,” Malhotra confirmed. “Their enthusiasm for the concept has been tremendous and has given us the confidence to move forward.”
The Inaugural Event: A Weekend Of Pickleball And Networking
The first tournament is scheduled for May 24-25 at the Rackonnect Exclusive Padel Pickle Park (REPPP) in South Delhi. The event will feature matches across all disciplines, with participants ranging from corporate lawyers to litigators and in-house counsel.
Malhotra envisions the league as more than just a sporting event.
“My hope is to introduce as many lawyers as possible to this game,” he said. “It’s a platform where litigators can connect with corporate lawyers, or in-house counsel can meet criminal defense attorneys. It’s about building connections that extend beyond the courtroom or conference room.”
In addition to fostering connections within the legal community, the league aims to promote physical health and wellness—a key concern for legal professionals who often lead sedentary lifestyles.
“Lawyers have demanding schedules, and they rarely have time for physical activities,” Malhotra added. “Pickleball is perfect because it’s quick, easy to learn, and doesn’t require large teams or extensive playtime. It’s something you can pick up and play within an hour.”
Looking Ahead: Expansion Plans And Broader Goals
While the inaugural tournament is focused on Delhi, Malhotra has far-reaching plans for the league.
“This is just the first step,” he said. “We want to grow the league across India and even to a few other countries. The idea is to establish a niche network within the legal community through pickleball—a sport that’s not only fun but also incredibly effective for networking.”
Beyond expanding geographically, Malhotra is also exploring the idea of creating a Pan-India league structure, complete with official team rosters, player rankings, and season-long competitions.
For now, all eyes are on the opening weekend, where the legal fraternity in Delhi will step onto the pickleball court to serve, rally, and connect in a way they never have before.
Stay tuned for more updates on the LawStrings Pickleball Premier League – Lawyer’s Edition and its impact on India’s growing pickleball scene, right here on IPS.
