Civil Litigation
Rakesh handles a full range of civil disputes, from contractual fall-outs (supply, services, shareholder and partnership issues), negligence claims (including professional negligence), debt and enforcement, property and boundary disputes, and reputational matters. His approach is simple: early case assessment, evidence first, settlement if it’s sensible, trial if it isn’t.
Before court is even considered, he follows the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Pre-Action Protocols and formal steps that require clear letters of claim, reasonable time to respond, and exchange of key documents. Courts expect parties to do this, and judges can penalise non-compliance on costs.
The CPR now puts alternative dispute resolution (ADR) – mediation, early neutral evaluation, etc. front and centre. Judges actively promote ADR and can order it where proportionate. Refusing ADR unreasonably risks cost consequences even if you “win” the case. Bottom line: Rakesh will push to settle on good terms when it’s smart and push to trial when it’s not.
Family Law
Rakesh’s family practice is practical and steady-handed. He deals with divorce (including no-fault divorce), financial remedies, child arrangements, protective injunctions, and cohabitation issues. Since 6 April 2022, divorce in England and Wales is “no-fault”: you (or jointly, both of you) state the marriage has irretrievably broken down and no blame needed. This has reduced heat in the process and allows focus on the children and finances.
On children, the aim is agreement. If you can’t reach one, the Family Court can make Child Arrangements Orders (where the child lives, with whom they spend time, and when). There’s a standard pre-court step called a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). It’s a legal requirement in most cases before issuing an application; exemptions apply (for example, where there is domestic abuse).
On finances, Rakesh gives a structured plan: full and frank disclosure, realistic settlement ranges, and tactical use of FDR (Financial Dispute Resolution) hearings. He will tell you what a judge is likely to do and cut out the fantasy numbers. If court is unavoidable, he keeps filings tight and deadlines met so momentum stays with you.
Personal and Business Immigration
Rakesh covers both individual and corporate immigration, and he stays on the right side of fast-moving Home Office rules.
For individuals: partner and family routes (Appendix FM), long residence, skilled and graduate switching, administrative review and appeals, indefinite leave to remain, and British citizenship (including “good character” and Life in the UK Test requirements). Immigration guidance updates frequently; he uses the latest UKVI policy so your evidence hits the mark the first time.
For businesses: sponsor licences (apply, maintain, renew), Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), Skilled Worker route planning, and compliance reviews (mock audits, record-keeping, reporting via SMS). UKVI is strict: right-to-work checks must be done properly to avoid heavy civil penalties, and sponsor duties are policed. Rakesh sets up repeatable processes and trains your HR to reduce risk.
Client-Centred Approach
Rakesh treats every matter as its own project with clear scope, milestones, and reporting. Expect:
- Upfront strategy letter with objectives, risks, budget and decision points.
- Transparent fees (fixed where possible, otherwise staged estimates with triggers for review).
- Communication you can rely on: same-day acknowledgement, agreed update rhythm, and immediate escalation on critical developments.
- Regulatory hygiene: conflicts checks, confidentiality, complaints information and redress routes (including the Legal Ombudsman timelines) are all set out in writing, as required.
If your position is weak, he’ll say so early. If it’s strong, he’ll press the advantage. Either way, you’ll know where you stand and what it will cost to move the needle.
About Rakesh
Outside practice, Rakesh contributes pro bono time to community matters and legal clinics. He’s active, plays volleyball, badminton, table tennis and cricket, and enjoys running, music and travel. He’s also a member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple – one of the four Inns of Court that promote legal education and professional standards in England and Wales. Membership reflects a commitment to advocacy, ethics and service to the legal community.