From Code to Courtroom
In every generation, there are professionals who redefine the standards of their field, setting benchmarks that others aspire to follow. Mr. Arjun Asthana, Advocate, Partner at Sharma & Sharma, Advocates & Legal Consultants LLP. and Head of the firm’s New Delhi office, is one such name in the legal fraternity today.
A lawyer of exceptional calibre and a thought leader with a global outlook, Mr. Asthana has carved an indelible niche in the practice of commercial disputes, arbitration, and insolvency law. His story is not just of professional accomplishment, but of vision, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, making him an outstanding personality worthy of being featured in this magazine.
The Making of a Legal Visionary
Mr. Asthana’s journey to law is as unique as it is inspiring. Having first graduated as an engineer with a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science & Engineering, he transitioned into law at the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, bringing with him the sharp analytical mind of an engineer and the advocacy skills of a lawyer. To further enrich his knowledge, he completed advanced courses at Stanford University, University of London (OSE), University of Virginia, George Washington University, and WIPO Academy.
This blend of technical grounding and global exposure has given him a distinctive advantage in addressing modern legal challenges. His academic brilliance was recognized early when, in 2016, he was appointed as a Member of the Editorial Board of the International Organization of Scientific Research and Development (IOSRD).
Arbitration & Beyond
In practice, Mr. Asthana’s versatility is remarkable. His expertise spans arbitration, company law, insolvency and bankruptcy matters, environmental and energy law, mining disputes, constitutional law, and white-collar criminal litigation.
Over the years, he has represented leading corporations, including Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, Vedanta Limited, Tata Power Limited, and Tata Power Trading Company Limited—before arbitral tribunals, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, multiple High Courts, and benches of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) across the country. Few lawyers of his generation have commanded such breadth and depth across commercial law and dispute resolution.
Insolvency Trailblazer
Mr. Asthana’s engagement with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 has been particularly pioneering. Having been involved since the Code’s inception, he has represented in insolvency and liquidation proceedings for high-profile corporate debtors such as Bhushan Steel Limited, Bhushan Power & Steel Limited, Adhunik Metaliks Private Limited, Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited, Zion Steel Limited, and Gujarat NRE Coke Limited, among others.
His consistent appearances before NCLT and NCLAT benches across India have made him a familiar and respected name in insolvency jurisprudence. His membership at the Nani Palkhivala Arbitration Centre further affirms his standing as a specialist in arbitration and dispute resolution.
Young Achiever, Global Voice
Beyond his courtroom achievements, Mr. Asthana has also emerged as a thought leader and influential voice in shaping discussions on law and policy. He has been invited as a speaker and panelist at several prestigious platforms, including the Global Legal Association Litigation Conference 2025 in Dubai, where he addressed complexities in construction disputes across the EMEA region.
He has shared his insights at the Legal Services Conclave organized by CII, deliberating on institutionalizing business and commercial dispute resolution in India’s growth story, as well as at national conferences organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, where he has spoken on the role of investigative authorities in insolvency proceedings and the future of the IBC. These engagements reflect his ability not only to practice law but also to shape the narrative of how law should evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly globalizing economy.
Recognition of Excellence
Recognition of his contributions has followed naturally. In 2024, he was conferred with the prestigious “Young Achiever of the Year – Male” Award by The Legal Era – Legal Media Group Awards, cementing his place among the most promising legal minds of his generation. His reputation as a dynamic leader is complemented by his role in steering Sharma & Sharma, Advocates & Legal Consultants—a boutique law firm with offices in Kolkata, New Delhi, and Mumbai into a trusted, multidisciplinary practice that serves clients nationwide with integrity, precision, and foresight.
Leadership with Purpose
What sets Mr. Asthana apart is not just his legal acumen, but his vision for the profession. He embodies the fusion of traditional legal practice with modern demands for innovation, global alignment, and institutional strengthening. In his leadership, one sees both a deep respect for the traditions of the bar and an unrelenting drive to position Indian legal practice on the global stage. His journey from engineering to law, his multidisciplinary expertise, his recognition as a young achiever, and his contributions to the discourse on arbitration and insolvency law make him an exceptional figure to be profiled.
Inspiring the Next Generation
A feature on Mr. Arjun Asthana is more than an account of his career; it is a narrative of how India’s new generation of legal professionals are rising to the challenge of globalization, bridging technical knowledge with legal sophistication, and shaping institutions that will define the future. His story will not only resonate with legal professionals but also inspire readers across industries who seek to understand the qualities of leadership, adaptability, and intellectual rigor that drive success in today’s complex professional landscape.
Redefining Legal Excellence
For a magazine committed to spotlighting excellence and thought leadership, Mr. Arjun Asthana represents the very spirit of achievement and aspiration. His career trajectory, accolades, and vision offer not just an inspiring read but also a benchmark for what young professionals can accomplish through dedication, skill, and purpose.
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