Q&A with Krishan Thakker (LLB, 2009)

Tell us about your career journey from graduating King’s to where you are today?

After graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons.) and Juris Doctorate (JD) double-degree from both King's College London and Columbia Law School (New York), my career began in private practice.

I started as a Junior Associate at Gilbert LLP in Washington, DC, handling high-value insurance coverage disputes.I subsequently moved to the British law firm of Mishcon de Reya LLP in their New York office, to manage complex transnational contract disputes and patent infringement matters. Following that, I spent several years as a Senior Associate at Sterne Kessler, Goldstein & Fox PLLC, (back in DC) focusing on intellectual property litigation, Hatch Waxman Para (IV) ANDA patent disputes, technology transactions, and IoT licensing.

Transitioning to in-house roles, I joined Lutron Electronics as Global Regulatory & Compliance Counsel in Pennsylvania. There, I led global regulatory compliance programs, oversaw product safety across international markets, and managed corporate due diligence for major acquisitions. I then served as Senior Counsel of Regulatory & Compliance at Wish.com, advising executive leadership on global trade, building the platform's trust and safety function, and navigating emerging e-commerce and digital services regulations.

Since early 2023, operating out of Miami, I have functioned as an executive legal partner and fractional product and platform counsel for leading technology and software companies and hi-tech manufacturers, including Pinterest, Meta, Instagram, ISOS/Aspire Lifestyles, Sony Electronics, Welocalize, Harvey AI, R-Zero, Match.com, & Google/YouTube Shopping.

Through strategic contract projects and a series of secondments via ALSPs such as Axiom Law/Elevate Law/Legal People etc, I have integrated my direct experience with cloud-based content management platforms to streamline operations across several major engagements: At Google and YouTube Shopping, I architect compliance frameworks for transitionary e-commerce models and embed privacy-by-design into predictive recommendation systems. During my time with Meta, I acted as Digital Content Safety Counsel, spearheading risk assessment workflows for systemic harm and global platform regulations, including the EU DSA and DMA. I have also driven regulatory compliance, ESG initiatives, and global privacy strategies for Pinterest, Sony Electronics, Match Group, and R-Zero Systems. Presently, my practice is deeply integrated with artificial intelligence governance. 

What motivated you to study law at King’s?

I was drawn to King's for its strong international reputation and its location right in the legal center of London. I wanted a legal education that offered a global perspective, knowing it would be the best foundation for building a cross-border career. The dynamic environment in London was exactly what I needed to kickstart my professional journey in the law.

What prepared you most for the working world during your time at King’s?

The necessity of balancing intense academic rigor with active leadership roles, as well as part-time jobs like operating as a retail advisor as well as an estate agent on the weekends. Working toward my LLB while managing advocacy initiatives—efforts that contributed to receiving the Half Laurels Award—forced me to develop sharp time management, strategic thinking, and resilience. Those are the exact skills I rely on today when advising global technology companies on complex legal architecture. That experience also instilled a lasting connection to the university community, which I still proudly maintain today as Corporate Secretary for the Friends of King's College London Association.

What aspects of the Law School environment (professors, modules, mooting, clinics, or internships) helped you feel ready for the workplace?

Mooting and clinical work were absolutely critical. During my time there, I founded the London Universities' Moot Shield (LUMS) Court Competition, which taught me how to build, manage, and scale a complex initiative from the ground up. Combining that with my hands-on clinical experience as Public Interest Counsel for Jamaicans for Justice taught me how to apply legal theory to real-world advocacy, directly preparing me for high-stakes corporate and regulatory environments.

What unique value does a King’s legal education bring in the US job market?

A King's education provides a massive structural advantage when dealing with cross-border regulations. In my practice advising global tech companies on product and privacy compliance, having a foundation in the UK legal system makes navigating international frameworks like the EU Digital Services Act and the UK Online Safety Act much more intuitive. It trains you to think beyond a single jurisdiction, which is exactly what US tech employers and corporate clients need as they scale globally.

What were the biggest challenges you faced entering the legal job market, and how did you overcome them?

Transitioning from the UK to the US legal market required adapting to a different procedural system--and cultural nuances. I overcame this by immersing myself into my JD at Columbia Law School during the LLB/JD joint program (highly competitive) and taking part in practical workshops and seminars as well as externships for academic credit, clerking in the Eastern District of New York, which quickly grounded me in US federal practice and litigation.

How did your King’s education enhance your understanding of comparative or international law in a US context?

Studying in London provided a deep understanding of common law roots and international frameworks. This comparative lens is essential now when I architect cross-border privacy and AI governance strategies for companies navigating both US and European regulatory requirements.

How has studying at King’s expanded your professional network or opened international opportunities beyond the U.S.?

The King's network is highly international. Maintaining ties as Corporate Secretary for the Friends of King's College London Association keeps me connected worldwide. This global network has been a direct asset when taking on global counsel roles overseeing issues across dozens of countries.

How do employers or clients in the US view graduates from global law schools like King’s?

US employers and clients strongly value the global perspective. When consulting for multinational tech firms or handling transnational disputes, clients appreciate the ability to spot international regulatory risks before they escalate into localized compliance issues.

How has studying in London influenced your US legal or professional career?

It permanently shaped my approach to regulatory problem-solving. Early exposure to international law in London gave me the foundation to comfortably lead global initiatives, such as scaling privacy and platform safety programs for tech companies like Meta and Google.

What would you say are the key skills needed for success in the international legal market today?

Adaptability and a deep understanding of technology are essential. The regulatory landscape is moving incredibly fast, especially concerning artificial intelligence, data privacy, and digital trust and safety. To succeed globally, you have to be comfortable navigating gray areas, quickly getting up to speed on new international frameworks, and translating those complex laws into practical, actionable guardrails for engineering and product teams.

What advice would you give U.S. students considering a UK legal education and an international career?

Take the leap, but be strategic. Use the opportunity to build a global network and understand the mechanics of international law. That cross-border fluency will make you a much stronger and more adaptable asset when you practice in the US.

What brings you joy outside of work?

I love spending time with my Siberian Husky, Rex. As a master scuba diver, I try to get out on the water for social dives as often as I can. I also enjoy spending quality time with my girlfriend, Ambar, and her daughter, Ella. Beyond that, I enjoy the energy of live music festivals and closely following Formula 1, especially watching Fernando Alonso race. Another thing that brings me joy is riding my Harley around Miami.

Describe King's in 3 words

Global, accelerated, transformative.