Nicholas Peacock, partner and head of the international arbitration practice at Bird & Bird, who has been extensively involved in India-related commercial disputes for the past 15 years, has left to set up an independent practice under the name Peacock Arbitration.
Peacock who finally feels “independent and conflict free”, told India Business Law Journal, “The change is to focus on my own advocacy and arbitrator work in a way that is not possible within a law firm framework.
“After 17 years as a law firm partner where the day job was supervising teams, I can now get back to hands-on lawyering whether that is analysing arguments and drafting an award as an arbitrator, or drafting submissions or cross-examination as an advocate.”
Peacock’s earlier roles included leading the commercial dispute resolution practice at Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) in London and Singapore. At HSF, he was head of the Singapore arbitration practice (2009-2012) and later head of the India disputes practice in London.
Peacock has previously represented Tata Sons, Bharti Airtel, Vedanta and Reliance Group. He is a founding council member at the Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration.
Peacock knows that he has an edge on Indian matters. “India-related disputes (both inbound and outbound) have been a large part of my caseload within my law firm practice. India is a legal market I know well and a country I enjoy visiting,” said the arbitrator, who has acted for institutional arbitrations involving Indian parties.
“I hope that my independent advocate’s practice will allow me the flexibility to take up roles working alongside the case teams where I can bring my experiences to bear, whether that is on English law or strategic advisory. As an arbitrator, I have already been fortunate to sit on India-seated matters, including under contracts governed by Indian law, and I look forward to doing more of that,” Peacock added.
Peacock has served as an advocate and arbitrator in various subject matters and sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, media, and financial services.
Speaking of his extensive experience and the insights he has gained over time, Peacock said, “I have a privileged position given the sheer volume of commercial disputes I have acted on during my law firm career. I hope that the range of scenarios I have seen, and the breadth of industry sectors I have worked in, will enable me to bring commercial familiarity as well as legal rigour in deciding the cases on which I am lucky enough to be appointed.”
Peacock believes that, “you learn from every case and you can take something from every team member, including the opponents and the tribunal”.
“We are fortunate as lawyers to be in a role where the subject matter and the dynamics of a dispute are always changing – this is what makes the role so challenging and enjoyable,” he added.
Peacock was recently listed in India Business Law Journal’s A-List of the Top 100 international lawyers for India-related matters.
Top International Lawyers 2023
Based on the collective views of in-house counsel and private practice lawyers in India. The following are the top India-focused lawyers at international law firms.
