Criminal defence lawyer at HJA
Camden, London
Joined July 2011
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Raj Chada retweeted
We were delighted to gather last night to conclude our celebrations for Black History Month with a powerful evening of community, reflection, and learning.
Our Black History Month event brought together powerful voices from across education, social work, law, and mentorship. We are incredibly grateful to Gavin Styles, Siobhan Ennis, Jason Lartey, Susie Labinjoh, and Anthony Egbinola for sharing their expertise and journeys with us, leaving us with much to ponder as we continue our commitment to workplace and community inclusion.
This successful evening would not have been possible without the immense effort of our team members who volunteered their time and support to bring everything together. Thank you to our speakers and colleagues for making this month so meaningful.
Raj Chada retweeted
Nelson Mandela invited the prosecutor who sent him to prison for 27 years to lunch. Then he introduced him to the cameras.
In the video below he says it himself: "In actual fact he is the fellow who sent me to jail."
His name was Percy Yutar. In 1963 he was the state prosecutor in the Rivonia Trial. He called the ANC a communist terrorist organisation and asked the judge to apply the full weight of the law. The crimes could carry the death penalty.
Mandela got life.
In 1995, now President of South Africa, he sat Yutar at his table. The lunch was kosher, for him.
A reporter says this is the man who could have had Mandela sentenced to death. Mandela answers: "That is a wrong statement, but I'll deal with that." Then: "That is now passed."
Yutar speaks: "In what other country in the world would you have the head of the government inviting someone to lunch who prosecuted him 30 years ago?"
Then he asks God to bless Mandela with good health.
Years later Yutar claimed his charges saved the defendants' lives. Mandela's own lawyer called that self-aggrandising.
Some people say this was the greatest act of forgiveness of the century. Others say it was politics, and the prosecutor was rewriting his past.
Could you sit down to lunch with the man who took 27 years of your life?
Raj Chada retweeted
‘We will not stop’ - @tamanaparyaniP who was imprisoned by the Taliban for demanding the right of women to work and learn. Yet European countries are discussing returning failed asylum seekers to Afghanistan in return for more aid and development contracts
Powerful last words from @TamanaParyaniP to the #UNSC: “We are the resistance to repression...and we will not stop until we win justice and equality for all women.”
Read her statement here: wps.ngo/tamana
Raj Chada retweeted
How can personal experience drive a passion for justice?
For Black History Month, we continue our special series profiling the voices and achievements of people across our firm. Paralegal Roberta Jose shares her inspiring journey in criminal law, witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by diverse communities sparked a deep-seated desire to pursue criminal defence.
From running anti-bullying campaigns in school to securing glowing client feedback after successful acquittals, Roberta embodies the care and determination needed in the justice system.
#BHM2026 #BlackHistoryMonth #LegalSupport
Raj Chada retweeted
For 81 years, the United Nations has worked to bring countries together to advance peace, development and human rights.
As the world faces growing challenges, global cooperation remains essential to building a better future for all.
Saturday is #UNDay.
Raj Chada retweeted
Pat Finucane and Rosemary Nelson were murdered during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. We must never forget them or the dangers faced by lawyers defending the rights of others.
In Parliament yesterday, I challenged some MPs’ use of the term “IRA lawyers”, language the Law Society has condemned as grossly irresponsible.
Those representing clients must be able to work without being vilified or put at risk.
Words can have tragic consequences. MPs have a responsibility to understand that.
Raj Chada retweeted
We are looking for a Paralegal to join our Dispute Resolution Team based in London.
The successful candidate will work closely with senior fee earners on a varied and challenging caseload spanning property litigation and general civil disputes, including landlord and tenant issues, possession proceedings, contested probate, and contract claims.
If you have at least six months of previous paralegal experience in civil or property litigation, a solid working knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules, and excellent communication skills, we would love to hear from you.
Find out more and apply now careers.hja.net/_/j/175D03C3…
Raj Chada retweeted
The International Criminal Court and its officials have been awarded the European Parliament's 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
Learn more about the laureate here ➡️ link.europa.eu/rVBvTR
ALT A group of judges in blue robes sit in session at the International Criminal Court. The text reads: “2026 Laureates of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, The International Criminal Court and its officials, Democracy in action.” The European Parliament logo is in the bottom right‑hand corner.
Raj Chada retweeted
UK crime was four times higher when Oasis first played Knebworth than at last year’s reunion gigs.
The collapse of crime and safer streets is one of the biggest stories of our time.
But one almost never told - or believed.
My take on today’s figures: comment.press/lawless
Raj Chada retweeted
⚖️ LAG CEO @sue_james1 speaks with @APPEALcharity_ co-directors @EmmaTorr5 and @MattFoot2 about the contempt proceedings against defence barrister Rajiv Menon KC, the issue of jury independence, and what action you can take.
Read in full ➡️ hi.switchy.io/10qy6
Raj Chada retweeted
As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth we are proud to spotlight the extraordinary legal professionals within our firm. This year’s theme, Honouring Our Communities, gives us the perfect opportunity to recognise those who fight tirelessly for accountability and fairness.
This week we are profiling Susie Labinjoh, Head of our Civil Liberties & Human Rights team. Renowned for her landmark work in miscarriage of justice compensation claims, including high-profile cases like the M25 Three and the Bridgewater Four, Susie has spent decades holding public authorities to account.
Susie's career reminds us why Black History Month remains a crucial space for public discourse, education, and celebrating progress within the legal profession.
#BHM2026 #CivilLiberties #LegalSupport
Raj Chada retweeted
Hossein Zahir KC now speaking:
"Our job is to advocate for a defendant. In advancing that, in speaking for his client, Rajiv is confronted not with a complaint, or the panoply of powers that judges have to deal with barristers. If you say something the judge said you couldn’t say, there are a raft of steps the judge can take - all the way to complaining to the professional body, and telling the jury to ignore what you have said.
But prison?
Prison?
It is absurd"
Raj Chada retweeted
‘Defending Dissent’ - public meeting for Rajiv Menon KC tonight at Unison Centre, London.
The meeting has begun. Baroness Helena Kennedy KC is speaking - some key quotes:
"I feel a sense of outrage - the idea that someone should be done for contempt of court, for acting as an independent lawyer is just disgraceful"
"The rule of law depends on lawyers - lawyers who are not in fear"
"What saddens me, is that this is part and parcel of a bigger thing. It relates to the whole business of what is happening in the Middle East"
Raj Chada retweeted
Local media world is shittier for the existence of these new sites like the 'Capital Post', which changes the headline but then wholesale rips our stories, sometimes word for word (and pinching pictures too). Unsurprisingly, there are no bylines, despite the earnest 'About Us' page about journalism you can trust. Watch out: opening one of its pages will pop ads up in your face.
Raj Chada retweeted
Over 2.8 billion people face housing inadequacy. Unsafe, unaffordable or overcrowded housing deepens poverty, exclusion and undermines other human rights.
Today's #EndPovertyDay calls for action to make safe housing a human-rights priority for all.
buff.ly/DE6ylGv
Raj Chada retweeted
“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.
It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life." — Nelson Mandela #EndPoverty
Raj Chada retweeted
Today, the vast majority of countries worldwide have either abolished the death penalty or introduced a moratorium on its use.
The death penalty does little to deter crime or deliver justice for victims. It has no place in the 21st century.
#EndDeathPenalty
Raj Chada retweeted
Our #Spotlight this week shines on Claire Brigham, Partner in our Civil Liberties team.
A fierce advocate for individuals facing discrimination, misconduct, and human rights breaches. From securing high-profile human rights victories to acting in large-scale group litigation like the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry, Claire combines deep legal expertise with profound compassion.
Her clients frequently note her exceptional professionalism during their most challenging moments, describing her as a legal ally who stands firmly on their side to deliver outstanding results and true accountability.
Learn more about Claire hja.net/legal-team/claire-br…
Raj Chada retweeted
Proud to be ranked in the Legal 500 United Kingdom - Solicitors 2027 rankings for Crime: General. A huge thank you to our clients and colleagues for their feedback and support, this recognition belongs to our team. We're delighted to see the hard work of our team recognised.
Our Tier 1 recognition this year for Crime: General is particularly notable as Ruth Harris has improved her individual ranking within Fraud - white-collar crime from 'Recommended Lawyer' to 'Leading Partner '.
An outstanding achievement.
Raj Chada continues to be ranked as a 'Leading Partner ' in Crime: General, with Laura O'Brien being recognised as a 'Next Generation Partner'.
Hall of Famer within the same category, Steven Bird, has also achieved the new individual ranking of 'Recommended Lawyer'. In addition, Caroline Liggins and Francesca Cociani have been ranked as Recommended Lawyer in Crime: General, James Nicholls has been ranked as Recommended Lawyer in Fraud: White-Collar Crime, Katie McFadden has been newly ranked as Recommended Lawyer in Crime: General.
Congratulations to you all. 🥳
#Legal500 #LegalGuide #Legal5002027
Raj Chada retweeted
Exceptional results for our Criminal Defence Team in the Chambers 2027 guide.
We are proud to maintain our top rankings in Protest Law, and our ongoing recognition in Financial Crime, Extradition & Crime, cementing our reputation for defending protest rights and handling complex criminal defence cases.
A massive thank you to our clients and peers for this recognition and their continued trust.
#LegalExcellence #CriminalDefence #Chambers2027
