Today we’d like to introduce you to Navneet Chugh.
Hi Navneet, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in 1961 in Nagpur, India, into a family grounded in service and humility. My father, Mohinder Singh, served in Rashtrapati Bhavan under President Giani Zail Singh, and my mother was a dedicated homemaker. From my earliest years, I was drawn to learning and leadership, graduating from Nagpur University as a topper in Business.
In 1981, a family medical trip brought me to the United States — a moment that changed the course of my life. I settled in Los Angeles and continued my education, earning a B.S. in Business from West Coast University in 1983 and an MBA from the University of Southern California in 1985. During that time, I passed the CPA exams and worked multiple jobs — at an IT business, a medical clinic, and an Indian restaurant — experiences that taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of hard work.
In 1986, I founded my own accounting practice — the seed that grew into The Chugh Firm, a global legal and accounting organization. Seeking to expand the firm’s capabilities, I pursued a law degree at Western States University College of Law, where I was awarded a full Presidential Scholarship. After graduating in 1992, I combined law and accounting under one roof to create a truly multidisciplinary firm.
Today, The Chugh Firm serves over 1,500 clients across corporate law, taxation, immigration, litigation, and more — including some of the most respected names in global business. Our culture is built on learning, wellness, and giving back, with one percent of firm revenue dedicated to charitable causes.
Beyond my firm, I’ve been privileged to help build institutions that bring people together — from founding the South Asian Bar Association of Southern California and the North American South Asian Bar Association, to supporting education and empowerment through organizations like the American India Foundation and Foster India Foundation.
My journey from Nagpur to Los Angeles has been guided by a simple belief: success means little unless it lifts others. As I often say,
“The four things we most want in life – happiness, freedom, peace of mind, and wealth – are always attained by giving them to someone else.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been meaningful, but not without its share of challenges.
Adjusting to a new country in the early 1980s came with uncertainty — cultural differences, financial limitations, and the constant pressure to prove myself in a new environment. I had to adapt quickly, learn on the go, and stay grounded in discipline and optimism.
Building The Chugh Firm from the ground up was another defining challenge. Starting as a solo accounting practice and later expanding into law, tax, and immigration services required constant learning, long hours, and an unwavering belief in the vision. There were times when managing growth across multiple cities — and eventually across two countries — felt overwhelming. But each obstacle was an opportunity to build stronger systems and more resilient teams.
Perhaps the most complex challenge has been maintaining balance — between growth and purpose, ambition and compassion. As the firm expanded, I made it a priority to preserve a culture rooted in wellness, learning, and giving back. It’s not always easy to keep that balance, but it’s what defines our success today.
I’ve learned that smooth roads rarely lead to meaningful destinations. Every struggle shaped the leader, the firm, and the person I’ve become.
We’ve been impressed with Chugh, LLP, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About My Business
I founded The Chugh Firm in 1986 as a small accounting practice — and over the years, it has evolved into a global legal and accounting organization that serves as a trusted bridge between India and the United States.
Today, our firm specializes in corporate law, taxation, immigration, litigation, employment law, mergers and acquisitions, and India–U.S. cross-border practice. Headquartered in Los Angeles, we have offices in New York, Santa Clara, and Bangalore, with more than 90 professionals serving over 1,500 clients worldwide. Our clients include leading corporations such as Wipro, Satyam, HCL, ITC, and Keane, as well as countless entrepreneurs and emerging businesses pursuing their global ambitions.
What sets us apart is our multidisciplinary model — a seamless integration of legal, tax, and business expertise under one roof. This allows us to approach every challenge holistically, helping clients navigate complex regulatory and commercial landscapes with clarity and confidence.
Equally important to me is our firm culture. At Chugh, we believe professional excellence must be matched with personal well-being and social responsibility. Every Friday, our teams come together for healthy lunches, continuing education sessions, and connection. One percent of our firm’s revenue is dedicated to charitable causes — a commitment that reflects our belief that giving back is not an afterthought, but part of who we are.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that The Chugh Firm stands for more than success — it stands for service, integrity, and community. We’ve built not just a business, but a platform that helps others grow, connect, and make a difference.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
As both a lawyer and CPA, my work centers on helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal, tax, and immigration matters with clarity and confidence. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at The Chugh Firm — we partner with clients, professionals, and organizations that share our commitment to excellence, integrity, and impact.
Beyond our legal and accounting services, I welcome opportunities to work together on initiatives that strengthen U.S.–India business ties, advance education, or give back to our communities.
If you’d like to collaborate, seek guidance, or learn more about our work, please reach out to me or connect with us through The Chugh Firm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chugh.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneetchugh
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chugh/posts/?feedView=all
