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 in Legal 500 2019 as ‘highly intelligent, quick, and committed; he is unstinting in the care and time he devotes to his clients’. I am also ranked in Chambers & Partners – “Clients adore Raj, and he has a great way about him in court.” and recognised as “an expert on cases with a political dimension.”
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
- “Raj Chada acted as both my solicitor and barrister. Raj was excellent in both roles, understanding almost immediately that my case was all about the weaknesses of my interview. He was always very approachable and warm and we worked well together. He won the case for me with a unshowy style in the courtroom and a keen attention to detail.”
- “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
- Criminal Law Reform Now Network (CLRN Network) – Committee Member
- 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
