Akkila Thirukesan

Akkila Thirukesan

Associate
Baker & McKenzie LLP

Biography

Akkila is an associate in Baker McKenzie's Litigation & Government Enforcement Practice Group in Toronto. Prior to joining the Firm, Akkila acted as counsel with the Department of Justice Canada. She has appeared before all levels of Court in Ontario, the Federal Court, the Agricultural Review Tribunal, and assisted on matters before the Supreme Court of Canada. She has litigated a wide range of civil and administrative cases, including judicial review applications, negligence claims, constitutional challenges, and class actions.

During law school, Akkila interned with the Los Angeles Public Defender's Office, gaining valuable hands-on experience. She also conducted research on the intersection of gender and artificial intelligence with the University of Cape Town's Faculty of Law. Akkila excelled in the 2020 International Criminal Court Moot Competition, winning the Americas regional round and earning recognition as a top individual oralist, while her team secured third place overall in the international competition. Additionally, she emerged victorious in the 2021 Arnup Cup, hosted by the Advocate's Society, showcasing her advocacy skills in a prestigious trial advocacy competition.

Practice Focus

Akkila focuses her practice on a wide range of commercial litigation and arbitration matters, assisting clients in navigating complex commercial and contracts disputes.

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Law Society of Ontario
  • Tamil Bar Association - Board of Directors

Admissions

  • Ontario~Canada (2022)

Education

  • University of Ottawa (JD) (2021)
  • Carleton University (MA in International Affairs) (2021)
  • Carleton University (Honors BA in Law and Human Rights) (2017)