Supreme Court Senior Advocate and Twenty Essex Barrister Nakul Dewan and National Law School of India University (NLSIU) alumnus and One Essex Court Barrister Niranjan Venkatesan have been appointed King’s Counsel in England..Both have been conferred the designation in the 'civil only' category and they will be formally be designated in March..King’s Counsel (KC), which is known as Queen's Counsel when the reigning monarch of England is a woman, is a prestigious designation granted to barristers and advocates who demonstrate excellence in advocacy and legal expertise. The process of becoming KC is highly competitive and overseen by the King’s Counsel Appointments (KCA) panel, an independent body comprising senior judges, legal professionals, and lay members.Applicants are assessed against a set of rigorous competency criteria, including excellence in advocacy in the higher courts, a deep understanding of the law, strong ethical standards, and contributions to the administration of justice. Candidates submit detailed applications supported by extensive references, including evaluations from judges, fellow advocates, and clients who have directly witnessed their performance in complex cases.The selection process also includes interviews, where applicants present their experience and demonstrate their ability to handle significant legal challenges. The panel’s recommendations are submitted to the Lord Chancellor, who formally confirms the appointments..Nakul Dewan is a Senior Advocate renowned for his commercial litigation practice. He also practices in Singapore and London. Dewan has extensive experience in international arbitration, banking and finance, construction, and corporate disputes. He has appeared in numerous cases before trial and appellate courts in all three jurisdictions and in international arbitrations. Dewan completed his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Sri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, and his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. He furthered his legal education with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from New York University and the National University of Singapore. Dewan has appeared in numerous landmark cases that have shaped arbitration and commercial law. Notable among these is his successful argument in Internet and Mobile Association of India v. Reserve Bank of India, where the Supreme Court overturned a ban on cryptocurrency trading. He has also represented clients in complex matters such as the GMR Energy Limited v. Doosan Power Systems India Pvt. Ltd arbitration dispute and a US$500 million breach of trust claim involving trust asset structuring. Dewan has argued pivotal cases addressing the group of companies doctrine and the joinder of non-signatories in arbitration, as well as matters concerning the jurisdiction of arbitral tribunals.Niranjan Venkatesan is a barrister at One Essex Court, specialising in commercial litigation and arbitration. He is ranked in the top tier by Chambers and the Legal 500. He has extensive experience in complex commercial litigation and international arbitration, including in the energy and natural resources sectors. He has appeared in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal numerous times. He is also a lecturer in law at the University of Oxford. He graduated from the National Law School of India University with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 2010. He then went on to study at the University of Oxford, where he earned a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) degree in 2011. He was awarded the Vinerian Scholarship for his outstanding academic performance in the BCL program. He has appeared as counsel in several high-profile cases..Senior Advocate Harish Salve and White & Case Partner and NLSIU alumnus Dipen Sabharwal are other notable Queen's/ King's Counsel from India..[Read List]
