Thara Gopalan
AAA-ICDR
Brief Introduction
Thara leads the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) in Asia. Based in the organization's Asian headquarters in Singapore, she plays a pivotal role in shaping ICDR's operations in Asia and driving the strategic growth of ICDR services across the region.
Apart from recruiting and maintaining the ICDR's International Panel of Arbitrators and Mediators, Thara also works closely with business leaders and legal practitioners to develop bespoke dispute resolution processes that prioritize efficiency and fairness. She is deeply committed to creating an inclusive ecosystem that embraces technological advancements and respects cultural differences to improve the accessibility of arbitration and mediation. Thara has also published on international arbitration and is a frequent speaker at international events.
Thara brings extensive experience in commercial disputes to the table. Prior to joining ICDR, she excelled as a commercial disputes attorney, representing clients in international arbitrations and at all levels of the Singapore courts. Her expertise spans a wide range of industries, and she has a proven track record of successfully navigating complex legal issues, including high-stakes "bet-the-company" disputes. She also regularly represented clients from disadvantaged backgrounds in criminal matters on a pro bono basis and worked with a leading charity to minimize the impact of online harms on children and young adults.
Thara read law at the University of Bristol and holds a Master of Laws from the University College London.