Former O’Melveny & Myers’ counsel Aditya Kurian has launched independent practice, Accord Partners, to focus on international disputes and arbitration.
Kurian told India Business Law Journal that his move was inspired by “a compelling business case. In Big Law, significant work is often referred out due to conflicts or hourly rates that clients increasingly see as disproportionate to value.
“The referral market presents strong potential and there is growing demand for premium international dispute specialists who can deliver sophisticated expertise at competitive value. With over 15 years of experience from elite global law firms and international arbitral institutions, this felt like the ideal time to launch this venture.”
Kurian added, “My positioning is that of an international commercial disputes specialist with broad exposure to complex matters across diverse industries. That aligns with my experience at Big Law.
“My experience and deep institutional expertise at leading international arbitral institutions enable me to deliver superior international arbitration capabilities with a strong value proposition.
“At Accord Partners, the focus is on co-counselling with firms across jurisdictions, acting for commercial entities in international arbitrations, and accepting arbitrator appointments.”
Following the launch, Kurian said, “My clients, including law firms and commercial entities, have responded very positively. For instance, I am currently co-counselling with the Indian law firm Jerome Merchant + Partners (JM+P) on several SIAC arbitrations (governed by Singapore law and seated in Singapore) that were recently consolidated. I am also acting for a UAE-headquartered cryptocurrency exchange in an international dispute. It’s been an encouraging launch with significant growth potential ahead.”
