Indira K. Sharma

Partner

202.220.6920

More ways to contact Indira K. Sharma

Indira is a seasoned trial attorney who concentrates on complex contract and business litigation, particularly disputes arising from commercial agreements and real estate transactions. She partners closely with clients to understand their business and personal goals, delivering clear, practical guidance and strategic advocacy tailored to what matters most to them.

Firm News

Locke Lord Strengthens Business Litigation Capabilities With Addition of Indira Sharma in Washington, D.C., Office as Partner
Overview
Representative Matters
Insights
Awards

Indira is an experienced trial lawyer whose practice focuses on complex contract, real estate, and fiduciary disputes. She represents companies and individuals in high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration, and also handles appeals, including briefing and oral argument.

Indira has extensive experience litigating a wide range of commercial contract matters, including loan and security agreements, post-closing adjustment provisions in business sale and settlement agreements, customer and services agreements, commercial leases, development and management agreements, merger and acquisition agreements, asset purchase agreements, software contracts, distributorship agreements, and employment agreements with restrictive covenants. She has secured trial and arbitration awards in favor of her clients and has obtained summary judgment awards, fee-shifting awards, dismissals, and favorable settlements in disputes involving alleged breaches of payment obligations, improper termination, and contested interpretations of key contractual provisions.

Indira’s litigation experience spans numerous industries, such as real estate, software/technology, retail, manufacturing, consumer finance, pharmaceuticals/life sciences, and financial.

In addition to her core commercial practice, Indira handles select fiduciary and guardianship disputes, including trust‑ and estate‑related litigation for individuals, estates, and corporate entities.

Outside of her client work, Indira is deeply committed to expanding access to justice, developing the next generation of lawyers, advancing inclusion and serving her broader community. She has held numerous leadership roles in bar and professional organizations — including the Maryland State Bar Association and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Maryland — where she focuses on mentorship, leadership development, and judicial selection. Indira also invests significant time in pro bono service, and she is an alumni of the Greater Baltimore Committee Leadership Program and a fellow of the Leadership Council for Legal Diversity. Through these roles, she channels her passion for legal excellence, equity and inclusion, and community-building into concrete programs that support clients, colleagues, and communities across Maryland and beyond.

Commercial & Business Contract Disputes

  • Defended a transportation brokerage company in a case filed for breach of contract and negligence and prevailed on summary judgment on all counts including on a request for attorneys’ fees.
  • Advised a real estate company seeking to uphold its contractual interpretation of a post-closing adjustment provision in a settlement agreement directing the sale of a business. The arbitration ended in favor of the client and an award of attorneys’ fees.
  • Represented a software company seeking to uphold the provisions of a customer agreement regarding proper termination and payment obligations. The arbitration concluded with summary judgment in favor of the client.
  • Advised a manufacturer in a breach of contract case over the installation of flooring in a retail business. The case concluded with a settlement in favor of the client.
  • Represented a pharmaceutical company seeking to enforce payment obligations under a development manufacture agreement. The case ended with a settlement in favor of the client.

Real Estate, Construction Litigation

  • Advised real estate development companies defending a breach of contract action brought by a real estate agent for a brokerage commission. The case ended with the court granting the clients’ motion to dismiss.
  • Represented a real estate brokerage firm facing allegations of negligence related to a lack of disclosure about mold.
  • Advised a general contractor in a dispute with a subcontractor over failure to perform according to the terms of the contract for a portion of the construction work for a new hotel. The case was settled for the general contractor.
  • Represented one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s largest real estate brokerage companies in more than 35 real estate-related lawsuits and administrative proceedings involving allegations of professional malpractice, fraud, negligence, and/or breach of contract against the company and its real estate brokers/agents.
  • Advised a multinational real estate services firm in connection with filing lawsuits for breach of management agreements.
  • Represented commercial landlords and tenants in lawsuits involving proper lease termination and lease interpretation.
  • Advised a developer/commercial landlord in connection with filing suit for torts arising out of a gasoline spill.

Trusts, Estates & Probate Litigation

  • Represented an individual in trust litigation involving allegations of breach of duty in the management of their assets by the trustee. The case — which involved a dispute between family members — was dismissed with prejudice for the individual client.
  • Advised a party petitioning the court to assume the role as successor guardian of the property of her disabled partner in the face of vigorous opposition from family members of the disabled individual. The matter ended with the court granting the petition.
  • Represented a party petitioning the court to assume the roles of guardian of property and guardian of person of her disabled mother in the face of opposition from the disability trust. The court granted the petition.
  • Advised a corporate beneficiary under a trust agreement seeking to intervene in a petition to terminate the trust to preserve its distribution as a beneficiary. The case ended with a settlement payment in favor of the client.
  • Represented an estate valued in excess of $3 million and the personal representatives of the estate in a caveat proceeding challenging the validity of a will based on competency and undue influence.
  • The Best Lawyers in America: Commercial Litigation (2023-2026)
  • Maryland Super Lawyers, Rising Star, Business Litigation (2013-2022)
  • The Daily Record, Leadership in Law Award (2023)
  • Lawyers of Color, Inaugural Wonderful Women (2023)
  • The Daily Record, One of Maryland’s Top 100 Women (2017 and 2021)
  • The Daily Record, Generation J.D. Leadership in Law Award (2019)
  • Interfaith Coalition of Baltimore County, Community Voice of Change Award, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration (2018)
  • Asian American Business Development Center, Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award (2017)
  • Maryland State Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, Best Committee Award as Education Co-Chair (2017)
  • MSBA Leadership Academy, Distinguished Alumni Award (2017)
  • The Daily Record, Very Important Professional, VIP, Successful by 40 (2016)
  • Lawyers of Color, Hot List (2014)
  • Maryland State Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award (2014)
  • Fellow, Maryland Bar Foundation (2013)
  • The Daily Record, One of Maryland’s “Leading Women,” (2011)
  • William P. Cunningham Award (2006)
  • University of Maryland Law Journal of Race, Religion, Gender and Class, The Joseph Bernstein Prize (2006)
Overview

Indira is an experienced trial lawyer whose practice focuses on complex contract, real estate, and fiduciary disputes. She represents companies and individuals in high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration, and also handles appeals, including briefing and oral argument.

Indira has extensive experience litigating a wide range of commercial contract matters, including loan and security agreements, post-closing adjustment provisions in business sale and settlement agreements, customer and services agreements, commercial leases, development and management agreements, merger and acquisition agreements, asset purchase agreements, software contracts, distributorship agreements, and employment agreements with restrictive covenants. She has secured trial and arbitration awards in favor of her clients and has obtained summary judgment awards, fee-shifting awards, dismissals, and favorable settlements in disputes involving alleged breaches of payment obligations, improper termination, and contested interpretations of key contractual provisions.

Indira’s litigation experience spans numerous industries, such as real estate, software/technology, retail, manufacturing, consumer finance, pharmaceuticals/life sciences, and financial.

In addition to her core commercial practice, Indira handles select fiduciary and guardianship disputes, including trust‑ and estate‑related litigation for individuals, estates, and corporate entities.

Outside of her client work, Indira is deeply committed to expanding access to justice, developing the next generation of lawyers, advancing inclusion and serving her broader community. She has held numerous leadership roles in bar and professional organizations — including the Maryland State Bar Association and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Maryland — where she focuses on mentorship, leadership development, and judicial selection. Indira also invests significant time in pro bono service, and she is an alumni of the Greater Baltimore Committee Leadership Program and a fellow of the Leadership Council for Legal Diversity. Through these roles, she channels her passion for legal excellence, equity and inclusion, and community-building into concrete programs that support clients, colleagues, and communities across Maryland and beyond.

Representation Matters

Commercial & Business Contract Disputes

  • Defended a transportation brokerage company in a case filed for breach of contract and negligence and prevailed on summary judgment on all counts including on a request for attorneys’ fees.
  • Advised a real estate company seeking to uphold its contractual interpretation of a post-closing adjustment provision in a settlement agreement directing the sale of a business. The arbitration ended in favor of the client and an award of attorneys’ fees.
  • Represented a software company seeking to uphold the provisions of a customer agreement regarding proper termination and payment obligations. The arbitration concluded with summary judgment in favor of the client.
  • Advised a manufacturer in a breach of contract case over the installation of flooring in a retail business. The case concluded with a settlement in favor of the client.
  • Represented a pharmaceutical company seeking to enforce payment obligations under a development manufacture agreement. The case ended with a settlement in favor of the client.

Real Estate, Construction Litigation

  • Advised real estate development companies defending a breach of contract action brought by a real estate agent for a brokerage commission. The case ended with the court granting the clients’ motion to dismiss.
  • Represented a real estate brokerage firm facing allegations of negligence related to a lack of disclosure about mold.
  • Advised a general contractor in a dispute with a subcontractor over failure to perform according to the terms of the contract for a portion of the construction work for a new hotel. The case was settled for the general contractor.
  • Represented one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s largest real estate brokerage companies in more than 35 real estate-related lawsuits and administrative proceedings involving allegations of professional malpractice, fraud, negligence, and/or breach of contract against the company and its real estate brokers/agents.
  • Advised a multinational real estate services firm in connection with filing lawsuits for breach of management agreements.
  • Represented commercial landlords and tenants in lawsuits involving proper lease termination and lease interpretation.
  • Advised a developer/commercial landlord in connection with filing suit for torts arising out of a gasoline spill.

Trusts, Estates & Probate Litigation

  • Represented an individual in trust litigation involving allegations of breach of duty in the management of their assets by the trustee. The case — which involved a dispute between family members — was dismissed with prejudice for the individual client.
  • Advised a party petitioning the court to assume the role as successor guardian of the property of her disabled partner in the face of vigorous opposition from family members of the disabled individual. The matter ended with the court granting the petition.
  • Represented a party petitioning the court to assume the roles of guardian of property and guardian of person of her disabled mother in the face of opposition from the disability trust. The court granted the petition.
  • Advised a corporate beneficiary under a trust agreement seeking to intervene in a petition to terminate the trust to preserve its distribution as a beneficiary. The case ended with a settlement payment in favor of the client.
  • Represented an estate valued in excess of $3 million and the personal representatives of the estate in a caveat proceeding challenging the validity of a will based on competency and undue influence.
Insights

Firm News

Locke Lord Strengthens Business Litigation Capabilities With Addition of Indira Sharma in Washington, D.C., Office as Partner

See all insights from Indira K. Sharma

Awards
  • The Best Lawyers in America: Commercial Litigation (2023-2026)
  • Maryland Super Lawyers, Rising Star, Business Litigation (2013-2022)
  • The Daily Record, Leadership in Law Award (2023)
  • Lawyers of Color, Inaugural Wonderful Women (2023)
  • The Daily Record, One of Maryland’s Top 100 Women (2017 and 2021)
  • The Daily Record, Generation J.D. Leadership in Law Award (2019)
  • Interfaith Coalition of Baltimore County, Community Voice of Change Award, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration (2018)
  • Asian American Business Development Center, Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award (2017)
  • Maryland State Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, Best Committee Award as Education Co-Chair (2017)
  • MSBA Leadership Academy, Distinguished Alumni Award (2017)
  • The Daily Record, Very Important Professional, VIP, Successful by 40 (2016)
  • Lawyers of Color, Hot List (2014)
  • Maryland State Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award (2014)
  • Fellow, Maryland Bar Foundation (2013)
  • The Daily Record, One of Maryland’s “Leading Women,” (2011)
  • William P. Cunningham Award (2006)
  • University of Maryland Law Journal of Race, Religion, Gender and Class, The Joseph Bernstein Prize (2006)

Top areas of focus

  • The Leadership Program, Greater Baltimore Committee (2020)
  • Board of Directors, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland (2018-2019, 2020-2024)
  • Commissioner, Maryland Access to Justice Commission (2018-2019)
  • Fellow, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (2015)
  • Past chair and board of directors member, Community Law in Action (CLIA)
  • Maryland State Bar Association
    • Vice chair, Budget and Finance Committee (2021-present)
    • Board of Governors (2018-2020)
    • Chair, Young Lawyers Section Council (2018-2019)
    • Executive Committee (2018-2019)
    • Leadership Academy Committee (2013-2018, 2023-present)
    • Program Committee (2013-2018)
    • Planning Committee (2014-2018)
    • Fellow, MSBA Leadership Academy (2012-2013)
    • American Bar Association
      • Fellow, Business Law Fellows Program (2017-2019)
      • Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Maryland
        • Executive Committee, secretary (2022-2023)
        • Executive Committee, programming chair (2021-2022)
        • Judicial Selections Committee (2022-present)
        • Mentoring Committee (2025-present)
        • Member, South Asian Bar Association of Washington, D.C.
        • Member, The Riveters Law Club
        • Fellow, Baltimore Bar Foundation
        • Board of Directors, University of Maryland School of Law Alumni Association (2010-2016)
        • Treasurer, Maryland Hindu Milan Mandir
        • Board member, 4M Swim School

Education

  • University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, J.D., 2006, articles editor, University of Maryland Law Journal of Race, Religion, Gender & Class; vice president, Moot Court Board; president, Business Law Society; member, Phi Delta Phi-International Legal
  • University of Maryland, B.S., 2003, Maryland State Hope Scholarship Recipient; Smith School of Business Dean’s List

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • Panelist, “Tips and Tactics for Avoiding Litigation: Managing Legal Disputes in a Pre-Litigation Environment,” 2023 Maryland State Bar Association Legal Summit and Annual Meeting, June 2023.
  • Panelist, “The Journey of Success Paved by Trailblazers III,” The South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey, March 2023.
  • Speaker, “What Corporate Counsel Need to Know in 2023,” Ad Idem Corporate Counsel Network, February 2023.
  • Speaker, “Tips and Tactics for Avoiding Litigation,” Association of Corporate Counsel, November 2022.
  • Panelist, “It’s a Privilege to Speak with You: Attorney-Client Privilege in a Corporate Environment,” Association of Corporate Counsel Annual Meeting, October 2022.
  • Panelist, “Managing Litigation Like a Pro,” Association of Corporate Counsel Annual Meeting, September 2020