Leading International Arbitration Lawyer
Binu Karthikeyan always knew that he wanted to be a lawyer, even when he was a school going boy from a middle class family in Kerala, India. “My passion stemmed from the injustice prevalent in society and business in India and the thought that I can use the law as an instrument to correct the same.”
Focussed and determined, it didn’t take long for Binu to realise his childhood dream. He completed LLB from Kerala Law Academy Law College followed by LLM in International Commercial Law from University of Surrey, UK. Going to England proved life changing for Binu – He realized that the legal profession is open to indefinite opportunities and decided to become a lawyer of international stature wherein he could support clients in their business endeavours and continue to apply his aptitude, business skills and passion to practice law.
After successful stints in India and UK, Binu made his way to Dubai, UAE, where he’s now based. “It was not an easy journey from an advocate at Magistrate courts of Trivandrum… to a leading International Arbitration lawyer representing high profile clients and companies before the Tribunals of world class Arbitration Centers in UAE and elsewhere. It took years of hard work, dedication, and sleepless nights to reach this position.”
Today, Binu is a top arbitration lawyer and accomplished legal professional with 2 decades of experience. He’s presently working as a Senior Legal Consultant and Arbitration Counsel under the umbrella of ‘Al-Jazeera Advocates’, Dubai (presently Al Hajeya Al Noobi Advocates and Legal Consultants). His areas of practice encompass a broad spectrum of substantive and procedural areas with specific focus on Commercial Arbitration, Corporate/Commercial law, International Trade and Employment law. Qualified to appear before most leading Institutional Arbitration Centres such as ICC, DIAC, ADCCAC and DIFC Arbitration in UAE, he has acted as counsel for high profile cases in Dispute Resolution as in International Commercial Arbitration disputes.
Binu is also a registered legal consultant before Dubai legal affairs department, the H.H Ruler’s court. In addition, he is admitted as an advocate before the Bar council of India, and is a member of International Bar Association (IBA).
In his client’s words, “Binu’s technical brilliance and strategic moves, exceptionally creative and analytical winning arguments in Arbitration proceedings with superb brevity and timing – brings unruffled insight to difficult situations and helps him win the case.”
“My business strategy focuses on ‘distinctiveness’ rather than ‘marketing’. I’m dedicated to providing the highest level of legal services to meet my clients’ needs and ensure timely, transparent, and successful resolution. As a result, I have become clients’ call of first resort for solutions to their toughest legal challenges. What makes me stand out is my ability to deliver strategic solutions and ooze confidence and assurance, which puts clients at ease.”
Binu also scores for his quick adaptation to new changes; he considers new techniques as opportunities to reinvent himself for his clients’ benefit. Advanced technologies and online consulting/meetings have become a regular mode of communication for him.
Being this steadfast and innovative has seen Binu emerge as a global authority on Arbitration and receive some prestigious honours – He’s admitted as a Member (MCIArb) of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) UK, a professional organisation representing the interests of alternative dispute resolution practitioners. He has also been honored with the Global Lex-Falcon Award 2022 at the Lex Talk World conference, Dubai.
His perspective on the diverse legal service delivery system has increased his appetite for radical change in the legal profession. “I understand that the effective implementation of law is a vital machinery for economic development. I’m trying to systematically map the uncharted waters of the future legal realm so as to build a new future in legal business.”
Binu’s international network of friends has been a pillar to grow and develop his career in UAE and spread his name among international trade communities. He also gives regular legal guidance to high profile businessmen from India investing in the UAE, to minimize their legal risks. “All this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family, who encouraged me to pursue my dreams and helped me to achieve my goals.”
Binu may have reached the pinnacle of legal services, but his journey, like most others, wasn’t without its share of challenges. “It was challenging to practice law, particularly in a demanding jurisdiction like UAE. My strong commitment to international law and the highest possible standard of academic competence, experience, knowledge and expertise, helped me to overcome all the obstacles in advising Multinational business clients doing International Trade. Further, some drawbacks in my personal life also fueled my desire for achievements in my profession. My resolution to overcome such issues with accomplishments was more important than any other thing. As Albert Einstein said, ‘I always try not to become a man of success, rather become a man of value’.”
