Consulate General of India New York in collaboration with India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) cordially invites you to the conference on
The Indo-US Legal Sector Conference aims not only to deepen legal cooperation but also to serve as a catalyst for strengthening broader economic and strategic ties between the United States and India. As one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, India presents a dynamic and increasingly attractive destination for global investments.
India's legal and regulatory frameworks are evolving rapidly to facilitate international engagement. Challenges historically associated with establishing new industries, acquiring companies, or entering into partnerships—such as joint ventures with Indian entities—are now being systematically addressed through a more streamlined and transparent legal infrastructure.
The conference will highlight how recent legal reforms have made cross-border transactions and technology transfers between India and the United States significantly more seamless. A key development has been India’s decision to open its legal sector to foreign law firms on a reciprocal basis—further enhancing opportunities for collaboration and alignment between legal professionals in both countries.
Another focus of the conference will be on the mechanisms that support compliance and dispute resolution across borders. The introduction and growing success of Commercial Courts in India have markedly reduced litigation timelines and costs, with the average case resolution now occurring within 1.5 to 2 years—a significant improvement in legal efficiency.
India has also been at the forefront of promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, including arbitration, as effective tools for resolving commercial disputes. The establishment of the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) — which became fully operational following the appointment of its Chairperson in December 2022 — represents a major milestone. The IIAC is now actively engaging in international arbitrations involving multiple foreign jurisdictions, positioning India as an emerging hub for global dispute resolution.
Further, technological advancements and outsourcing of paralegal services between India and the United States continue to strengthen cross-border collaboration and operational efficiency. As these capabilities evolve, they are reinforcing a seamless legal interface between the two nations. Underpinning this progress is a shared commitment to ethics and professional standards, ensuring trust and accountability in cross-jurisdictional practice.
This conference will bring together stakeholders from across the legal and business communities—including leading Indian and U.S. law firms—to explore these transformative developments, foster dialogue, and build enduring professional bridges between the two nations.
| 9:00 am – 9:30 am | Registration & Coffee |
| 9:30 am – 9:40 am | Welcome Note - By Amb. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, CGI, New York & Lighting of the Lamp |
| 9:40 am – 10:00 am |
Virtual Keynote Session India transcends: International Arbitration Hub - By Hon’ble Justice Hemant Gupta, Chairman IIAC, Former Supreme Court Judge |
| 10:00 am – 10:45 am |
Panel Discussion I Cross Border Transactions & Disputes: India & US Understanding Regulatory Risks Managing Jurisdictional Challenges Litigation vs. Arbitration & Mediation Navigating Contracts in Complex Regulatory Environments Panelist - Dr. Rakesh K. Sharma, Senior Attorney & Founder at Draft n Craft (Moderator) - Mr. Jay Safer, Partner at Dunnington Batholow & Miller LLP - Mr. Atul Sharma, Managing Partner at Dentons Link Legal - Ms. Eileen Breslin, Partner, The Gunnercooke US LLP |
| 10:45 am – 11:00 am | Coffee & Networking Break |
| 11:00 am – 11:45 am |
IP Protection in Cross Border Investments - Ms. Padmaja Chinta, Partner at Dunnington Batholow & Miller LLP |
| 11:45 am – 12:30 pm |
Panel Discussion III Bilateral Investments Strategies: India and US Growing trends and opportunities Setting up subsidiaries in India and US Navigating the legal framework IP Protection in cross border investments Impact of policy changes and trade agreements Panelist - Hon. Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves, United States Court of International Trade, New York (Moderator) - Mr. Vikas Varma, Partner at Crush & Varma Law Group - Mr. Rudyard Ceres, Partner at Ceres Law Firm - Ms. Meaghan Doyle, Of-Counsel at Crush & Varma Group |
| 12:30 pm – 12.45 pm | Honor & Recognition |
| 12:45 pm – 12:55 pm |
Closing Remarks - By Dr. Rakesh K Sharma, Senior Attorney & Founder, Draft n Craft |
| 12:55 pm – 1:00 pm |
Vote of Thanks - By Mr. Manish Kulhary, Consul (Trade), New York |
| 1:00 pm onwards | Lunch & Networking |
Consulate General of India, NY
Former Supreme Court Judge
Senior Attorney & Founder, Draft n Craft
Partner at Dunnington Miller LLP
Executive Chairman and Chairman Unit-I (JAR)
Partner, Dunnington US LLP
Partner at Dunnington Miller LLP
United States Court of International Trade, New York
Partner at Cravath & Verma Law Group
Rooney Law
Chief Counsel at Cravath & Varma Group
Consul (Trade), New York