Supreme Court Senior Advocate and Twenty Essex Barrister Nakul Dewan, along with National Law School of India University (NLSIU) alumnus and One Essex Court Barrister Niranjan Venkatesan, have been appointed as King's Counsel in England. Both have received the designation in the 'civil only' category and will be formally conferred 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 involves interviews, where candidates showcase their experience and ability to manage major legal challenges. The panel then submits its recommendations to the Lord Chancellor, who officially 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 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 represented clients in several landmark cases that have significantly influenced arbitration and commercial law. A key highlight is his successful argument in Internet and Mobile Association of India v. Reserve Bank of India, where the Supreme Court lifted the ban on cryptocurrency trading. He has also been involved in complex cases such as the arbitration dispute between GMR Energy Limited and Doosan Power Systems India Pvt. Ltd, and a US$500 million breach of trust claim related to trust asset structuring. Dewan has argued crucial cases concerning the group of companies doctrine, the joinder of non-signatories in arbitration, and 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 earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the National Law School of India University in 2010. He then went on to study at the University of Oxford, where he obtained a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) degree in 2011, receiving the esteemed Vinerian Scholarship for his outstanding academic achievements. He has acted as counsel in several high-profile cases.