I was admitted as a solicitor in 1998, joining Hodge Jones & Allen shortly after qualification. I became a partner in 2002.
I specialise in criminal law and my practice covers niche areas in relation to public order, serious crime, terrorism, fraud, regulatory, money laundering and bribery.
I am regarded as having particular expertise in cases with human rights issues. I am a Higher Rights Advocate and conduct much of my own advocacy. This allows me to direct the litigation at an early stage to ensure the best service for my clients.
I have been instructed in virtually every major public order case in the last 4 years. I have also represented clients in some of the largest cases ever brought by Customs, BIS (Business Innovation Skills), and the largest ever bribery investigation by the SFO.
I have previously worked for Amnesty International. I was also Leader of Camden Council and a Non Executive Director of Royal Free Hospital.
I am a regular commentator for BBC, Channel 4, Sky News, the Guardian and the Times newspapers.
I was awarded Criminal Legal Aid Solicitor of the Year in 2012 and was shortlisted for Advocate of the Year in the Law Society Excellence Awards 2013 and 2017.
I am a Recommended Lawyer by the Legal 500 and have been described as as “key figure” who is “at the forefront of representing defendants in protest cases” and also in Chambers – “Clients adore Raj, and he has a great way about him in court.”
Education
- Training – David Gray and Co 1996-1998
- College of Law – CPE/Law Society Finals 1995
- University of Cambridge – BA Hons (Cantab) 1991-1994
Career
- Member, Hodge Jones & Allen – Sep 2010 to date
- Salaried Partner, Hodge Jones & Allen – 2002
- Joined Hodge Jones & Allen October 1999 as Assistant Solicitor
- Assistant Solicitor, Gordon Doctors Walton 1998-1999
- Admitted as Solicitor – September 1998
Client Comments
- “Never let me down . Always do there best whatever the situation.”
- “I just wanted to say thank you so very much for all you did for my daughter. I was extremely pleased, and hugely relieved, that you were acting for her, knowing your reputation … many many thanks.”
- “The help I received from Raj has been exceptional”
- “Raj’s work [on my case] was outstanding – thorough and professional”
Notable Cases Public Order
- R v F145 – acted for a number of clients accused of aggravated trespass during sit in at Fortnum and Mason Department store. All apart from one acquitted.
- R v JM – acted for protestor who “foam-pied” Rupert Murdoch during the Parliamentary Select Committee.
- R v Critical Mass – acted for a number of clients arrested on opening day of Olympics. All clients acquitted after trial and currently pursuing action against the police.
- R v S – acted for “Space Hijackers” who were arrested during G8 protests in London. All cases dropped after representations and clients pursuing actions against police.
- R v Dale farm – acted for a number of protestors arrested during the Dale Farm eviction. All cases dropped after representations and clients pursuing actions against police.
- R V DESi (2009) – acted for protestors arrested during the DSEI protest in 2009 – All acquitted after trial and received compensation from police.
- R v B – acted for a number of protestors who allegedly blockaded Harmondsworth Detention Centre; all cases dropped after legal arguments – Clients pursing actions against the police.
- R v Occupy London – acted for a number of protestors during the Occupy evictions at St Pauls; 4 day trial and all given conditional discharge.
- R v Occupy London (Panton House) – acted for a number of protestors, all acquitted after trial.
- R v AF – acted for two protestors accused of conspiracy to cause violent disorder against neo Nazis – both acquitted.
- R v LR – acted in a number of cases from the London riots.
- R v AJ – currently representing an individual accused of an offence contray to s145 of SOCA (interfering with trade of animal rights organisation).
- R v Anti EDL – currently representing large number of individuals arrested during anti racism/anti facist marches on 1/6 and 7/9 2013.
Fraud/Bribery/Money Laundering
- R v H – representing Director in company accused of fraudulent trading, in largest case ever brought by BIS.
- R v JM – bank employee accused of assisting others in breaking into bank’s computer system to facilitate large scale theft.
- R v DM – representing two clients in further fraudulent trading case involving sale and development of land deals R v M.
- R v OM/RB – representing directors in companies accused of bypassing immigration rules for their employees.
- R v S – largest money laundering investigation by Revenue and Customs – involved the use of exchange bureaus in the UK to transfer money back to Colombia.
- R v B – represented senior executive during the BAE bribery investigation.
- R v TC – represented senior employee who allegedly received bribes whilst he worked at a major FTSE company.
- R v J – representing director of IT company that has allegedly used bribes to secure major contracts.
- R v PC – representing former senior executive in the Securency bribery investigation which spans across a number of jurisdictions.
Serious Crime
- R v A – represented defendant in alleged gang murder.
- R v T – represented defendant in further alleged gang murder ; client acquitted.
- R v FL – represented client arrested for attempted murder – case eventually dropped to section s20 GBH.
- R v C – large scale conspiracy to import cannabis in UK.
- R v I – large scale conspiracy to supply cocaine in street deals in the UK.
Terrorism
- R v NS – client investigated for assisting “Pakistan Taliban” with funding.
Articles and Publications
Membership & Appointments
- London Criminal Court Solicitors Association (LCCSA)
- Society Association Higher Courts Advocactes (SAHCA –Committee Member)
- Amnesty International
- Liberty
- Councillor – London Borough of Camden (2002 -2006)
- Leader of Camden Council (2005 -2006)
- Non Executive Board Member of Royal Free Hospital) (2007-2011)
- London Courts Board Member (2007-2010)
- Governor Haverstock school (2007 – present)
- Queens Crescent Community Centre (2007 – present)
Personal Interests
Follow me on Twitter: @Raj_Chada
