A Visionary for Drew & Napier
Since assuming the role of CEO at Drew & Napier in 2017, Cavinder Bull has strategically expanded the firm’s capabilities. Under his leadership, the firm has doubled in size and partnerships, while also strengthening its corporate practice to rival its well-established disputes and intellectual property sectors. Bull, who serves on the ICCA Advisory Board and has represented sovereign clients like the Government of India in arbitration, shares his thoughts on India’s importance to Drew & Napier and the potential for India to become a hub for international arbitration.
Balancing Tradition with Growth
Cavinder Bull inherited a robust and stable firm. Despite the departure of Davinder Singh, Drew & Napier has flourished, growing significantly in headcount and partnerships. The firm now boasts 48 partners, more than double the number when Bull took over. Bull emphasizes maintaining the firm’s character while opening up more opportunities for talent acquisition.
One of Bull’s key objectives has been to build a corporate practice that matches the firm’s reputation in disputes and intellectual property. The corporate department has been the fastest-growing segment in recent years, although the firm is often perceived as primarily a disputes firm. Bull’s vision includes establishing a genuine regional footprint through Drew Network Asia (DNA), collaborating with top firms in ASEAN to tackle multi-jurisdictional work.
Leadership Dynamics
Under Drew & Napier’s Chairman-CEO structure, Bull describes a cooperative relationship with Chairman Jimmy Yim. Bull handles day-to-day operations, while Yim offers strategic guidance based on his extensive experience. This leadership dynamic provides Bull with autonomy and support.
The Path to Senior Counsel
At 39, Bull was appointed Senior Counsel, one of Singapore’s youngest. Reflecting on this milestone, he acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to this advanced role. Bull emphasizes the importance of maintaining the exclusivity and prestige of the Senior Counsel title in Singapore to ensure it remains a mark of quality.
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Representing Sovereigns in Arbitration
Representing sovereign clients, including the Government of India, presents unique challenges. Bull highlights the importance of understanding the political sensitivities and long-term objectives that differentiate state cases from commercial ones. Effective representation requires deep engagement with government perspectives.
Growth in Arbitration Disputes
Bull foresees continued growth in arbitration caseloads from Asia, driven by regional development and investment. Singapore remains a favored venue for Indian parties, with India consistently among the top contributors to the Singapore International Arbitration Centre’s caseload. Industries such as construction, infrastructure, data centers, and cryptocurrency are expected to generate disputes.
Sanctions and Geopolitical Shifts
Bull notes an increase in arbitration disputes involving sanctions and export control dimensions, reflecting broader geopolitical shifts. Sanctions are seen as expressions of new geopolitical norms amid changing global power dynamics.
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Engagement with ICSID
Since joining the ICSID panel in 2016, Bull has participated in numerous investor-state cases, gaining insights from working alongside top arbitrators and counsel. He values the exposure to new legal challenges and perspectives offered by these experiences.
India’s Role in Drew & Napier’s Future
India holds significant importance for Drew & Napier. While respecting local regulations, the firm is open to establishing an office in India if conditions align. Bull acknowledges India’s potential to develop a world-class arbitration institution, contingent on mastering domestic arbitration first.
AI in Legal Practice
Under the guidance of CTO Rakesh Kirpalani, Drew & Napier has embraced AI technologies. The firm is cautious about AI’s potential, especially given the risks of ‘hallucinations’ in AI outputs. This cautious approach has allowed the firm to strategically integrate AI into its operations while maintaining quality and reliability.
