Khaled Al-Marri & Partners has officially announced the promotion of Soham Kumar to the esteemed position of Junior Partner. Kumar has been a valuable asset to the firm for over two years, during which he has collaborated extensively with partners on various dispute resolutions and advisory mandates. His work spans both regional and international clients, encompassing areas such as commercial litigation, arbitration, regulatory disputes, and cross-border issues. His expertise is particularly pronounced in sectors like real estate, infrastructure, financial services, and commercial contracts.
An alumnus of Amity University, Kumar further honed his legal acumen by obtaining an LLM from Columbia University in New York. He is qualified to practice law in both India and the UAE. His robust academic credentials, coupled with practical experience in complex disputes, have equipped him to effectively engage with international clients and advisors across multiple jurisdictions.
In his new role as Junior Partner, Kumar will continue to work alongside the firm’s partners on dispute and advisory matters. He will also assume increased responsibilities in managing client relationships and leading internal teams. Abdul Sattar Pirzada, Co-Founding Partner and Head of Arbitration and International Disputes Practice, remarked, “Soham brings a structured and calm approach to challenging matters. We have collaborated on numerous high-stakes cases, and he has consistently demonstrated outstanding legal skills and the ability to manage client expectations effectively. His promotion is a recognition of the integral role he plays in the firm’s daily operations.”
From an institutional perspective, Justice Talwant Singh, Chair of the Advisory Board, emphasized that Kumar’s advancement aligns with the firm’s overarching philosophy. “Soham has exhibited a keen understanding of dispute strategy and the practical challenges faced by clients, especially in cross-border contexts. His steady and substantive growth within the firm is in harmony with our focus on nurturing leadership from within,” Singh stated.
Founder Kushagra Ashok Arora shared insights on the firm’s commitment to developing internal leadership. “Titles and promotions hold genuine value when they are earned through resilience, professional and ethical excellence, and the confidence of clients and peers—not merely through social connections or visibility in conventional spaces. Soham’s elevation to Junior Partner epitomizes this ethos. His contributions and steadfast dedication to the firm’s success warranted this recognition. Meaningful progress in any firm is rarely the result of individual efforts alone,” Arora noted, expressing confidence in Kumar’s ongoing success.
Reflecting on his promotion, Kumar expressed, “The past two years at Khaled Al-Marri & Partners have provided me with early responsibility, exposure to international clients, and the opportunity to learn closely from the partners. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to contributing more actively to the firm’s work and growth as a Junior Partner—building on this foundation with greater responsibility, stronger client relationships, and a continued commitment to excellence.”
In addition to Kumar’s promotion, the firm also announced the advancement of Simran Sharma to Senior Associate. Sharma specializes in cross-border transactions and regulatory compliance, with over five years of experience advising global clients on M&A, PE/VC, and foreign direct investment mandates across sectors such as Energy, Healthcare, and Technology. She holds a BA-LLB from Lloyd Law College and an LLM from O.P. Jindal Global Law School, and is a qualified lawyer in India.
