Singapore-based Duane Morris law firm appoints ex-Birds partner to lead India dispute resolution department.
In a strategic move responding to India's opening up of its legal sector, foreign law firms are strengthening their presence in the country. One such firm, Duane Morris & Selvam, has appointed Akshay Kishore as director and head of their India dispute resolution practice.
Kishore, who brings extensive expertise in cross-border commercial disputes across various sectors, is expected to contribute significantly to Duane Morris & Selvam's growth. His sector expertise spans infrastructure, construction, energy and mining, pharmaceuticals, shipping, telecoms, and cross-border investments.
Previously, Kishore was a partner at Bird & Bird, where he joined in 2019 and became a partner in 2021. Prior to that, he was a partner at Economic Laws Practice (ELP) in Mumbai. Kishore's international experience in cross-border commercial disputes is highly valued, and his arrival is anticipated to create strong synergies with Duane Morris & Selvam's India Practice Group.
Ramiro Rodriguez, head of international arbitration at Duane Morris & Selvam, believes Kishore's strong arbitration credentials will enhance their team. Kishore has advised clients in high-stakes arbitrations, mediations, adjudications, and regulatory investigations, demonstrating his proficiency in complex cross-border disputes.
The strategic expansion of foreign law firms in India is not limited to Duane Morris & Selvam. Increasing cross-border M&A and transactional work, coupled with a focus on dispute resolution and regulatory compliance, is driving the growth of foreign firms in India. Foreign firms are keen to advise on high-value mergers, acquisitions, and private equity deals, especially in sectors like technology, financial services, renewable energy, infrastructure, and healthcare.
The Bar Council of India has reaffirmed its commitment to reforms enabling foreign law firms' entry under globally accepted models, signifying a pivot towards inclusive, democratic reforms that integrate international law firms into India's legal landscape. This represents a significant shift in the Indian legal sector, as foreign corporations, including law firms, show interest in India’s rapidly expanding market tied to government initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and bilateral investment treaties enhancing investment protection.
With the addition of Akshay Kishore, Duane Morris & Selvam is building a truly integrated, market-leading team, positioning itself to capitalise on the opportunities presented by India's evolving investment climate and legal reforms. As foreign law firms continue to expand their India practices, it is clear that the Indian legal sector is set for a period of significant growth and transformation.
[1] Source: Livemint, The Economic Times, Bar Council of India [2] Source: Invest India, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) [3] Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India
The appointment of Akshay Kishore as the head of Duane Morris & Selvam's India dispute resolution practice underscores the firm's focus on strengthening their presence in India, a move that aligns with the increasing interest of foreign law firms in the country. Kishore's extensive experience in cross-border commercial disputes will contribute to the firm's growth, as well as enhance their team's proficiency in complex, cross-border disputes. His expertise spans various sectors, including finance, telecoms, and infrastructure, which are key areas targeted by foreign law firms seeking to advise on high-value transactions in India.
